10 Tools I Always Keep Handy During Summer Projects
Summer is the season for projects that can’t wait—fixing fences, freshening up paint, tightening up the garden, or finally checking off those little things you swore you’d get around to last year.
The right tools make a big difference when you’re working in the heat, racing daylight, or juggling kids between tasks. These are the ones I keep close all summer long because I end up using them more than I think I will.
Cordless Drill
You’ll use this more often than you expect. From tightening loose boards to hanging planters or putting together outdoor furniture, a good cordless drill saves time and doesn’t need an outlet.
Make sure it’s charged before you start a project, and keep a backup battery if possible. The versatility alone makes it worth grabbing before you even know what the job is.
Utility Knife
A sharp utility knife handles way more than box cutting. You’ll want it for trimming weed barrier, opening mulch bags, or scoring damaged caulk before scraping.
It’s one of those tools that disappears the second you need it, so I always keep mine clipped inside a tool bag or in my back pocket. Fresh blades matter more than you’d think.
Extension Cord
Even with all the cordless tools out there, you’ll run into something that needs a plug—hedge trimmers, shop vacs, pressure washers, you name it.
A heavy-duty outdoor extension cord gives you that flexibility without dragging tools to weird spots. I keep mine coiled on a hook inside the garage so it’s easy to grab and put away.
Hose Nozzle with Pressure Settings
Not all outdoor messes call for a power washer. A hose nozzle that switches between spray types can handle everything from rinsing off patio furniture to blasting grime off a mower deck.
It saves time and water, and you’re more likely to use it if it’s already attached and working right. Skip the cheap ones that crack after a season.
Staple Gun
This one comes in handy for things like reattaching screen, pinning garden netting, or securing outdoor fabric. It’s faster than nails or screws and easy to reload.
Manual versions are fine for quick fixes, but an electric one gives you cleaner results without as much hand fatigue—especially if you’re covering a bigger area.
Work Gloves
A good pair of gloves saves you from blisters, splinters, and whatever mystery gunk ends up on your hands mid-project. I use mine daily in summer, whether I’m pulling weeds or unloading supplies.
Get something breathable with a snug fit and strong grip. If they’re uncomfortable, you won’t wear them—and that defeats the purpose.
Folding Saw
Perfect for trimming limbs, cutting scrap wood to size, or clearing out overgrown brush without dragging out a chainsaw. It folds up safely and stashes easy in a tool bag.
It’s lighter than a full saw but still strong enough to get through thick branches or PVC. Ideal when you need a clean cut but don’t want to overdo it.
Level
If you’re hanging anything, building a small frame, or even installing new garden beds, a level keeps everything square and upright.
I keep a small one in my tool pouch because it works for most quick jobs. You’ll use it more often than you’d expect—especially if you care how things look when they’re done.
Bucket
Not fancy, but practical. I use mine to carry tools, haul weeds, mix small batches of concrete, or soak paint brushes. A 5-gallon bucket earns its spot fast.
You can sit on it, rinse off with it, or toss in anything you don’t want rolling around your yard. Honestly, it might be the most underrated tool of the bunch.
Tape Measure
Nothing slows you down like guessing wrong on a cut or placement. Whether you’re building something or double-checking patio furniture spacing, this tool stays on me all summer.
Look for one with a strong standout that doesn’t flop over the second you extend it. Bonus points if you can read the numbers in full sun without squinting.
*This article was developed with AI-powered tools and has been carefully reviewed by our editors.
