Building my first deck - what specialty tools do I really need?

Hey everyone, I'm planning to build a 12x16 foot deck in my backyard this spring. I've got the basics - circular saw, drill, hammer, level - but I keep seeing all these specialty tools at the hardware store. Hidden fasteners, deck board spacers, post hole diggers, joist hangers... my head is spinning! What specialty tools are actually worth buying vs. renting vs. skipping? Trying to do this right but don't want to waste money on gadgets I'll use once.

Oh man, deck building is where specialty tools SHINE! You absolutely need a deck board fastener system - I recommend the Camo Marksman Pro. It hides all the screws and gives you perfect spacing automatically. Also get a good post hole digger (the manual kind with the clamshell design works fine) or rent a power auger if you have more than 6 holes. Don't forget a good speed square for marking cuts and a chalk line reel. And if you're doing composite decking, you'll want a special cutting blade for your saw. Honestly, I have three different deck-specific tools in my collection and they all get used!

Pete's gonna bankrupt you lol. I built my deck last year with almost no specialty tools. Used regular screws (just sink them slightly and fill with wood putty), made my own spacers from scrap wood, and dug post holes with a shovel and a post hole digger bar ($25 at harbor freight). The ONLY specialty thing I bought was a joist hanger nail gun attachment for my hammer - was like $15 and saved hours. Unless you're building decks for a living, most of that stuff is overkill. Rent the power auger if your soil is rocky, otherwise save your cash.

If you're going to buy specialty tools, stick with DeWalt or Milwaukee. Their decking tools are built to last. I've had my DeWalt hidden fastener system for 5 years and it still works like new. Milwaukee's M18 post hole auger is a beast if you want battery-powered. And whatever you do, don't buy those cheap plastic spacers - they break immediately. Get the metal ones from a reputable brand. Quality tools make the job easier and give better results, even if they cost more upfront.

Retired carpenter here - built hundreds of decks. Listen to Hank893 on the budget stuff, he's right. But I'll add: the ONE specialty tool worth every penny is a good deck board bender. When you're working with pressure-treated wood that's not perfectly straight, that tool is a lifesaver. You can make one yourself from a 2x4 and a wedge, or buy a commercial one for $30-40. Also, don't underestimate a good set of sawhorses - not exactly 'specialty' but crucial for deck work. And wear knee pads - your 50-year-old self will thank you.