10 Yard Tools That Break Faster in the Summer Heat

Some tools just aren’t built for southern summers. That blazing heat doesn’t just wear you down—it’s hard on the gear, too. If something’s made with cheap plastic, weak joints, or thin rubber, it’s not going to hold up when it’s sitting in a shed that feels like an oven.

I’ve had handles warp, seals dry out, and motors overheat faster than you’d think. If you want to keep your tools alive through July and August, pay attention to these common ones that tend to quit first when the temps crank up.

Plastic-Handled Shovels

That plastic grip may feel comfortable at first, but after sitting in the heat all summer, it starts to crack and warp. I’ve had several break mid-use just from normal digging. Heat softens the plastic, and by the time you grab it for real work, it’s already brittle. If you’re doing anything more than scooping light soil, spend the extra for solid wood or metal-handled tools.

Cheap Garden Hoses

The thinner the rubber, the faster it splits. I’ve had hoses turn rock-hard in the sun, then split the second I tried to bend them around a corner. The worst part is, it usually happens when you’re halfway through watering. Heat expands any weak spots, especially around fittings, so if it’s not built for full sun, it’s not going to last past July.

Cordless Trimmers

Battery-powered trimmers already work hard, but when it’s hot, they overheat fast. You’ll get less runtime, weaker performance, and in some cases, the batteries will swell or fail altogether. If you’re using one in high temps, store it inside and give it time to cool off between charges. Leaving it in the shed will shorten its life real quick.

Plastic Rakes

Those wide plastic heads are great until they bake in the heat for a week. They get brittle and start snapping teeth off with every pull. Once that happens, you’re either scratching up your yard or wasting time picking up missed debris. Wood or metal alternatives hold up way better when the sun’s beating down.

Push Mower Wheels

If you’ve ever stored your mower in a hot shed all summer, you might’ve come back to warped wheels or busted treads. Cheap wheels made from low-grade plastic can’t take the heat buildup. They can crack, go lopsided, or even pop loose from the axle if they expand too much.

Rubber Grips

Tools with soft-grip handles may seem comfortable, but they don’t hold up well in heat. The material can melt slightly or get sticky and start sliding around. Once that grip loosens, it’s harder to control the tool and much easier to get blisters. Heat-resistant options are worth the upgrade.

Chainsaw Primer Bulbs

If you leave your saw out in the heat, those little primer bulbs can crack or leak. Once they dry out or get brittle, the saw won’t start right. It’s a cheap fix, but a frustrating one when you’re ready to work and the tool won’t cooperate.

Extension Cords

Not all outdoor cords are made the same. Regular cords left in the sun can dry out, crack, or even melt the insulation, especially if you’re running power tools through them. That’s not just annoying—it’s dangerous. Always check the rating and keep them stored out of direct sun.

Plastic Watering Cans

It sounds minor, but a cheap watering can left on the porch in August will be cracked by September. The handle’s usually the first to go, and then you’re left trying to carry a half-full can without soaking yourself. Go with metal if you plan to keep it outside.

PVC Sprinkler Parts

DIY sprinkler setups made from PVC may work great—until they bake in the sun for a few months. Those joints and elbows get brittle, and one strong bump from a mower tire or foot can shatter the whole thing. Stick with UV-rated pipe or bury it shallow if you want it to last.

*This article was developed with AI-powered tools and has been carefully reviewed by our editors.