I Asked a DIY Pro What Tools I Need to Get My Backyard Up and Running—He Had Genius Picks

Who is the one who slowly digs the earth with a trowel? You don’t! This shovel works like an electric drill, allowing you to dig deep into the ground with minimal effort. Chip loves how lightweight it is and comes with a guard and a motor powerful enough to chisel through clay and rock. “It’s also a great tool for growing raised planters and loosening the soil before planting larger areas like vegetable gardens,” he says.

Instead of relying on metal bristles, which can break and get into your food, this grill brush (dishwasher safe!) harnesses the power of steam to get your grill grates sparkling. To use it, simply dip it in water and place it on a preheated grill. “It’s very clean and easy,” says Chip.

You may not think of sandpaper when you think of backyard projects, but it comes in handy whenever you want to remove splinters or refinish any wood that’s exposed to the elements. Chip also uses sandpaper to clean and polish metal tools. “You get what you pay for with sandpaper, and let’s be honest, we don’t want to have to work that hard,” says Chip. “This product uses advanced engineering in the material and flexibility of the sheets to make sanding less effortful and with great results.” It comes in many different grains so you can find the right one for your job.

This little gray dustpan-style accessory takes any five-gallon bucket from Clark Kent to Superman. “It makes the bucket super versatile and is great for cleaning, painting and easy storage,” says Chip. All you have to do is attach it to the edge of the bucket, and the scooped design makes it easy to collect yard waste and pour water without splashing.

Shabby looking bushes? “This is a small but powerful tool that is very comfortable to use even if you have small hands,” says Chip. Weighing less than two pounds, it’s light enough that you won’t get tired holding this tool “like you do with larger trimmers,” he adds. He uses the longer blade on large or medium-sized shrubs and fruit trees; the shorter one is useful for trimming grass and plants around flower beds and trees.

Blasting away dirt with a pressure washer is one of the most satisfying ways to clean outdoor surfaces, but these tools are often big and bulky and may have more power than you really need. This battery-powered pick provides 320 PSI of pressure and connects to any water source, including your everyday garden hose. “I keep one of these on the hose at all times for extra punch when I’m washing cars or rinsing things,” says Chip. “It’s also great for cleaning boats because it’s not very strong and you can throw the hose in the lake and it will pull up water.”

Chip is all about protective gear, but no one wants to sweat under bulky padding on a summer day. “It’s always hot when you’re getting your hair trimmed, so I love wearing shorts, but usually the haircut rips up your legs. These protections are so light that you can barely tell you’re wearing them,” he says. “They’re good for anything where material is being thrown around.” The coated vinyl mesh means they’re durable, and a velcro strap makes it easy to adjust.

This tire inflator isn’t just for car tires – Chip uses it for all types of outdoor gear, including bikes and balls. “Just adjust the air pressure and that’s it. There’s nothing simpler,” he says. “Plus, it’s super compact and economical enough that you can keep one in every vehicle.”

When it’s hot, fans are DIYers’ best friends. While many tool brands make versions, Chip prefers this roof-mount model from Mule because while it’s a luxury, it’s high quality and versatile. “I love that it’s multi-speed and has the option to add work lights,” he says. “It’s also quick and easy to install, perfect for a garage or shop.”

This rechargeable jump starter packs a serious punch, with 500 watts of household power, a 120 PSI air compressor for inflating tires, and a USB charger to boot. “I keep one of these in all my vehicles, but it’s also a great portable power source for other items around the house, like the lawn mower.”