Building a Redwood Deck - What Wrench Set Should I Get?

Hey everyone! I'm planning to build a 12x16 redwood deck next month. I'm a beginner and need to buy my own tools. What wrench set do you recommend for the bolts and lag screws? I've seen some sets at the big box store, but not sure what size range or type is best. Also, should I get a torque wrench for the lag bolts?

First off, welcome to the deck-building club! For a deck, you're going to need a good set of combination wrenches from 3/8" up to 3/4" (maybe 1") to cover the bolt heads and nuts. I'd recommend a set with both SAE and metric if you have other tools, but for decking, SAE is fine. Don't skimp on quality – get a set that’s made from chrome vanadium steel with a comfortable grip. I like the GearWrench set with the 72-tooth ratcheting ends, they're a lifesaver when you're in tight spots. And YES, a torque wrench is crucial for lag bolts, especially if you're pre-drilling and want to avoid stripping or over-tightening. Get a click-type torque wrench that covers at least 20-150 ft-lb range – you'll use it for the frame and maybe the joist hangers. Remember: proper torque = structural integrity!

Gary's right about the torque wrench. If you're going for a quality set without breaking the bank, look for the Husky or Kobalt sets from Home Depot/Lowe's – they often go on sale and come in a nice case. But if you're really serious, I'd also grab a set of ratcheting box-end wrenches – those are great for speed when you're doing a ton of bolts. And don't forget a good pair of locking pliers (vise grips) for any stubborn bolts. Also, consider a socket set with a ratchet – you'll need a 1/2" drive for the bigger stuff. I've got a set from Craftsman that's 200+ piece, covers everything. But be careful with the cheap ones – the chrome peels off and they'll round off bolt heads. Invest in something decent. When I built my shed, I used a cheap set and ended up stripping a bolt – what a pain!

I'm all about saving money, but I've learned the hard way that cheap tools break. For a deck, you don't need a huge set. I'd get: a 1/2" drive socket set (metric and SAE) from Harbor Freight (Pittsburgh Pro is actually decent for DIY, and cheap), a set of combination wrenches (6-point) in the sizes you'll use most, and a torque wrench. The torque wrench from Harbor Freight is fine for occasional use, just make sure to calibrate it. But if you want to save a little, you can skip the ratcheting wrenches – use a regular wrench and a breaker bar for the initial tighten, then torque it. Also, make sure you use the right size wrench – a 6-point will grip better than a 12-point and reduce rounding. I'd also recommend getting a bolt/nut sizer at the hardware store – it's a cheap metal gauge that helps you identify the size before you reach for the wrench. Happy decking!