Weekend DIYer kit
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Quick answer
A weekend DIYer ready for real projects wants a circular saw, a speed square, a laser distance meter, a quality drill bit set, a pry bar and a heavy-duty staple gun. Those six cover cutting, marking, measuring, drilling, demolition and fastening.
Once you have the basics, the next set of tools is about doing real work: cutting lumber to length, laying out square lines and pulling things apart without wrecking everything around them. This is the kit I would hand a friend who just said, 'I think I want to build a deck.'
Circular saw Mid ($$)
The workhorse for cutting plywood, framing lumber and decking to length.
Speed square Budget ($)
Marks square cuts and angles fast and guides your saw.
Laser distance meter Mid ($$)
Takes accurate room and span measurements alone, even across big spaces.
Drill bit set Mid ($$)
The right bit makes clean holes, and a good set lasts for years.
Flat pry bar Budget ($)
Pulls trim, nails and boards apart without destroying what you want to keep.
Heavy-duty staple gun Budget ($)
Fastens house wrap, screening, upholstery and insulation fast.