Our top tool picks for backyard DIY: chosen from specs, ratings and verified reviews.
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The loud ones. Saws, drills and sanders that do the heavy lifting.
Why we pick it: 4.7★ from 61,000+ reviews. Drill and impact driver in one kit with 2 batteries, charger and bag. It covers almost every backyard build.
Check price on AmazonCheck priceWhy we pick it: 4.6★ from 11,000+ reviews. Uses the same 20V MAX batteries as the DEWALT drill kits. Straight cuts for raised beds, fences and decking.
Check price on AmazonCheck priceWhy we pick it: 4.8★ from 5,600+ reviews. Battery and charger included. Handles flush cuts, trimming and detail sanding where bigger saws can't reach.
Check price on AmazonCheck priceWhy we pick it: 4.7★ from 2,300+ reviews. Tool-free blade changes and an affordable way to cut curves and shapes in wood.
Check price on AmazonCheck priceWhat makes a piece look finished, not just assembled.
Why we pick it: 4.8★ from 3,100+ reviews. 12,000 OPM random-orbit action for a smooth finish before stain or sealer.
Check price on AmazonCheck priceWhy we pick it: 4.5★ from 7,600+ reviews. A lower-cost random-orbit sander with a built-in dust box.
Check price on AmazonCheck priceWhy we pick it: 4.6★ from 1,000+ reviews. Mixed grits from coarse to fine, and they fit standard 5" hook-and-loop sanders.
Check price on AmazonCheck priceWhy we pick it: 4.6★ from 11,000+ reviews. A classic oil-based stain. Other colors are available on the same listing.
Check price on AmazonCheck priceMeasure twice, cut once. The basics every build starts with.
Why we pick it: 4.8★ from 17,000+ reviews. Square cuts, angles and layout in one inexpensive aluminum tool.
Check price on AmazonCheck priceWhy we pick it: 4.8★ from 2,900+ reviews. Compact body with a 30 ft length, long enough for fences, decks and garden layouts.
Check price on AmazonCheck priceWhy we pick it: 4.9★ from 6,000+ reviews. Small enough for a pocket. Use it to check posts, shelves and planter boxes.
Check price on AmazonCheck priceWhy we pick it: 4.8★ from 1,000+ reviews. A compact folding knife for landscape fabric, packaging and scoring.
Check price on AmazonCheck priceExtra hands that hold everything square while the glue and screws do their job.
Why we pick it: 4.7★ from 9,200+ reviews. Strong, hidden screw joints without complex joinery. Popular for planters and benches.
Check price on AmazonCheck priceWhy we pick it: 4.8★ from 1,300+ reviews. Six common screw sizes that match Kreg jigs.
Check price on AmazonCheck priceWhy we pick it: 4.8★ from 2,600+ reviews. A longer reach and a 400 lb load limit for larger panels and frames.
Check price on AmazonCheck priceWhy we pick it: 4.8★ from 27,000+ reviews. A waterproof wood glue suited to outdoor projects.
Check price on AmazonCheck priceEyes, ears, lungs, hands. Not optional.
Why we pick it: 4.5★ from 51,000+ reviews. Anti-fog, scratch-resistant wraparound lenses with an adjustable fit.
Check price on AmazonCheck priceWhy we pick it: 4.7★ from 5,300+ reviews. Hearing protection for saws, sanders and grinders.
Check price on AmazonCheck priceWhy we pick it: 4.6★ from 16,000+ reviews. Dust protection for sanding and cutting.
Check price on AmazonCheck priceWhy we pick it: 4.6★ from 8,200+ reviews. Durable leather gloves for lumber, stone and yard work. Machine washable.
Check price on AmazonCheck priceJust starting out? Begin here and add the rest as your projects grow.
Why we pick it: 4.6★ from 23,000+ reviews. A lightweight drill set with battery, charger and 22 bits, built for home DIY and first projects.
Check price on AmazonCheck priceWhy we pick it: 4.6★ from 15,000+ reviews. A simple, compact sander with dust bag. An easy first sander.
Check price on AmazonCheck priceWhy we pick it: 4.7★ from 600+ reviews. A lightweight claw hammer for nailing and pulling nails.
Check price on AmazonCheck priceWhy we pick it: 4.8★ from 18,000+ reviews. One-handed clamps that hold parts while you glue or screw.
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