handy/convenient

[angliholic]

A good tool-box is a handy/convenient thing to have in the house.



Do both handy and convenient work with the above wording and convey the same concept? Thanks.

[Naamplao]

A good tool-box is a handy/convenient thing to have in the house.



Do both handy and convenient work with the above wording and convey the same concept? Thanks.

I think "handy" applies to a toolbox more than "convenient".

"Handy" implies usefulness.
"convenient" implies close at hand.

A tool box is not necessarily useful, just because it is close at hand. You have to know how to use the tools.

There are contexts where the two words are similar in meaning or at least the differences in meaning do not conflict.

The store is handy as it is close by and open 24 hours a day.
The store is convenient as it is close by and open 24 hours a day.

The above sentences convey the same general meaning.

However, the following do not:

He is very handy with a hammer.
He is very convenient with a hammer. ("convenient" makes little sense here)

So it depends on context.

[angliholic]

Thanks, Naamplao, for the clear reply.
By the way, what exactly do you mean by the following?

He is very handy with a hammer.

[Naamplao]

Thanks, Naamplao, for the clear reply.
By the way, what exactly do you mean by the following?

He is very handy with a hammer.

It means he can use a hammer very well. Perhaps he is a carpenter, though it is not necessary that he be one.

[angliholic]

It means he can use a hammer very well. Perhaps he is a carpenter, though it is not necessary that he be one.

Thanks, Naamplao.