Building a Deck - Need Wrench Advice for Lag Bolts and More

Hey folks, I'm about to build a 12x16 deck in my backyard. I've got a drill/driver and a circular saw, but I need to get some wrenches for tightening lag bolts and other hardware. What size sockets or wrenches should I get? I want to be prepared for anything.

If you're on a budget, just get a decent set of combination wrenches in SAE and metric, up to maybe 1 inch or 24mm. That'll cover most lag bolt sizes. Also, a good adjustable wrench comes in handy for oddball stuff. Don't overpay for brands – the cheap sets from Harbor Freight have worked fine for me.

Sorry, but I disagree with the cheap set advice. I've had cheap wrenches round off bolts and cause more headaches. Invest in a good brand like Craftsman or DeWalt – they'll last you a lifetime, and you can get a warranty if they break. For lag bolts, I'd get a socket set with a ratchet, that makes it easier. And get a torque wrench if you want to prevent over-tightening.

For lag bolts, you'll often use a socket with a ratchet and an extension. Make sure you have both SAE and metric since some hardware is metric even if you think it's not. Also, consider getting a set of impact sockets if you're using an impact driver – they're tougher. And a good tip: always pre-drill pilot holes for lag bolts to avoid stripping.

As a contractor, my go-to is a combo of a ratcheting wrench set and a small socket set. Ratcheting wrenches save time when you're doing repetitive tightening. For lag bolts, I'd get at least a 1/2-inch drive socket set that goes up to 3/4 inch or 19mm – that covers most. And don't forget a breaker bar for stubborn bolts. Also, check your local hardware store for used sets – sometimes you can get a great deal on a whole box of sockets.