Cyber Monday Tool Deals (2020)

43 Comments

1. King duck

   Nov 30, 2020

   Zoro was so disappointing even their sale prices are way above regular prices on just about everything I was interested in maybe other brands are on sale but nothing Klein or Milwaukee

   Reply

   • Tom D

     Nov 30, 2020

     I’ve never had great luck with Zoro beyond the initial signup coupon and random clearance items (as with many overpriced retailers when they clearance they really clearance!)

     Reply

   • fred

     Nov 30, 2020

     You might try Acme or HNS Tools for Klein – both offering 10% off – both use code CYBER10

     Reply

   • fred

     Nov 30, 2020

     You might also compare Klein prices at ToolFetch – for 15% off use code BF15OFF

     https://www.toolfetch.com/search?brand=Klein-Tools

     Reply

2. Jim Felt

   Nov 30, 2020

   I’ve used Zoro (and WW Grainger) for decades. Until the past year or so it seemed Zoro’s once common 20% and even 25% discount coupons were pretty legit. Especially on less retail-common items. But now…

   Reply

   • fred

     Nov 30, 2020

     Zoro sent me an email overnight promoting “up to 35%” off hand tools and a 20% off discount code that is account-specific (otherwise I’d share it)
     Like you – I’ve noted less deals from them as late – and the once 30% off discount codes – disappeared long ago – with 25% off also now few and far between

     Reply

3. Wanax

   Nov 30, 2020

   For those looking for the Milwaukee M12 Right Angle Die Grinder, ACME code works on it and is already $10 off.

   Reply

   • Greg

     Nov 30, 2020

     Thanks for pointing this out. The straight M12 grinder as well. I went for it 🤷‍♂️

     Reply

     • Greg

       Nov 30, 2020

       Not that I really *needed* it … 😆

       Reply

       • Wanax

         Nov 30, 2020

         Yeah. This is a “WANT” and not a need for me right now so I’m desperately trying to not buy it.

         Reply

         • Greg

           Nov 30, 2020

           Good luck ! clearly I’m weak as it took me about 30s of trying not to buy it haha

4. Mike

   Nov 30, 2020

   In addition to the 735x. It appears to apply to the stand combo as well. Both backordered but still. Funny thing HD had the stand combo for 549.99 for one day. I actually just bought this unit earlier when it was in stock lol. I paid 599.99. They won’t price adjust unless its in stock. When they lowered it to 549 it was already out of stock when it was priced 599. So however that works. I ended up liking the stand. Good foot print and a small shelf underside for blades.

   Reply

   • Stuart

     Nov 30, 2020

     Reference link: Planer and stand combo bundle via Acme Tools

     You’re right! Would come out to ~$539, which is the best price yet if you want that mobile stand with the planer. (It’s a great stand!)

     Reply

     • JamesR

       Nov 30, 2020

       I was looking at this too. I placed an order with Acme using the $50 off $200, which brought the planer/stand combo down to $550. This is $10 cheaper and has me kicking myself. Ok, not really, but the $540 is an excellent price. I might try to email or chat Acme to see if they will give me a credit, since the order hasn’t shipped yet.

       Reply

       • Stuart

         Nov 30, 2020

         It cannot hurt to ask for an adjustment – please let me know what they say!

         A lot of Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals usually don’t apply to past orders.

         Honestly, you made the right call.

         If you passed on the $50 off promo, there was a chance that 1) Acme Tools sold out of their promo quantities before this coupon offer, 2) Acme Tools marked this SKU as excluded from this coupon offer.

         An alternative would be to place a replacement order and cancel the first, but there are risks with that.

         Reply

         • JamesR

           Dec 1, 2020

           I emailed Acme customer service on Monday asking about a price match. They didn’t respond until today (Tues) saying they do not price match promotions…which I find alittle curious. Of course, the sale is over and there is nothing I can do now. In the big scheme of things its $10 and I’m still very happy with my purchase. However, I can image if it was a bigger difference in the two prices someone could be a little perturbed about not getting any traction with Acme.

5. Ken

   Nov 30, 2020

   I think Zoro accidentally mixed up Cyber Monday with April Fools’ Day. What a joke!

   Reply

   • Stuart

     Nov 30, 2020

     Ha! I liked that.

     Reply

   • fred

     Nov 30, 2020

     I’ve never quite figured Zoro out. Early on they used to send emails out to their customers offering sometimes 30% discounts – with various spending thresholds set as the trigger point (sometimes as low as $100 – sometimes $500) – and sometimes without many brand restrictions or price caps. We had bought a lot from Grainger (Zoro’s parent) and I initially thought that Zoro might end up being an outlet for overstock or low volume sales items compared to Grainger. But that doesn’t seem to be what’s happened. Zoro also doesn’t do what Grainger used to do – giving you a sort of kickback based on your annual spend. While Grainger was one of our principal suppliers of MRO items that we used on an almost consumable basis – our toolroom guys and the fellows who managed our workout centers would keep a shopping list of items as they were running low or wearing out waiting on a potential coupon code offering from Zoro or other sales. Back then, we found that their coupons were often good when applied to certain brands like Ampco, Mitutoyo, Proto, Williams and Starrett – but not good at all on many other brands. Buying for small businesses – we were conscious of price – but did not get into BlackFriday feeding frenzies.

     I think that the Grainger/Zoro management may now feel that their early-day promotions helped to establish the brand – an that they need less of that now. I recall that we bought a Miller engine-driven welder using a 30% off coupon – at a price I suspect was at or near their cost – and certainly far below what their competition wanted. Today – I buy for my home shop – and notice that brand restrictions (like items for my Bailegh equipment) are excluded from their coupons. What I do think I see is that their algorithms for emailing you a coupon may be based on your recent purchases (or lack thereof) and what items you might have languishing un-bought in your shopping cart.

     Reply

     • Tom D

       Nov 30, 2020

       I understand Grainger very well – you pay them lots of money and they provide businesses exactly what they need and really quickly (and you get discounts on volume to get the prices normal).

       I’ve used them very rarely to get specialty tools that would take days to arrive otherwise.

       I don’t understand Zoro at all; it’s like Grainger wants to compete with the retailers but still use “over retail” price – if your default price is higher than HD off-sale, you’re too high.

       Reply

6. Shane

   Nov 30, 2020

   Direct Tools-30% site wide. There are some really good rigid and Ryobi 18 V deals

   Reply

   • fred

     Nov 30, 2020

     I visited their store – out of curiosity – when we stopped nearby for lunch. Back then – most of the power tools that they were selling seemed to be either seconds or refurbished. But boy did they have lots of Ryobi tools and accessories. Interesting store to visit if your in the PA Dutch area.

     Reply

   • A W

     Nov 30, 2020

     Thanks Shane.

     Just picked up a biscuit joiner for $50.

     Reply

7. Tom D

   Nov 30, 2020

   Ohio Power Tool – $25 off $100 in Milwaukee non-power tool things (safety, handtools, accessories).

   Reply

   • Tom D

     Nov 30, 2020

     You can get free shipping too if you calculate it just right. Keep an eye on the “free shipping” things.

     Reply

8. JamesR

   Nov 30, 2020

   One deal that caught my eye I is over at Toolnut they have the Isotunes Pro 2.0 for $90 with a 15% off coupon bring the total to $76.50. Pretty good price. I have the Pro 1.0 version and use them almost every day.

   Reply

   • Stuart

     Nov 30, 2020

     Thanks for the tip!

     Quick Link: Tool Nut IsoTunes Pro Search

     Reply

9. fred

   Nov 30, 2020

   Chads Tool Box – an extra 9% off on Cyber Monday Deals – use code CM20

   The Hazet Advent Calendar is $172.86 with this deal – but its regular price is $169.15 at KCTool – so this part of Chads deal doesn’t look too good.

   https://chadstoolbox.com/black-friday-cyber-monday/

   Reply

10. A W

    Nov 30, 2020

    Acme has the Victorinox Swiss Army climber for only $24.99 plus it’s eligible for 10% off. That’s a really nice gift for the price.

    Reply

    • Stuart

      Nov 30, 2020

      Quick Link: Victorinox Swiss Army Climber Tool: $22.50 after coupon

      That does look to be a good price.

      Amazon has the Evolution for $23.91, and it’s missing some of the Climber’s tools. https://www.amazon.com/Victorinox-Swiss-Army-Evolution-85mm/dp/B00KNO2JF2/?tag=toolguyd-20

      Reply

      • fred

        Nov 30, 2020

        The Acme deal is showing “out of stock”

        Reply

        • Stuart

          Nov 30, 2020

          Yes, but still orderable. I tested it and it adds to the shopping cart without issue.

          Reply

          • Tom D

            Nov 30, 2020

            I’ve noticed that the smaller companies (OPT, Acme, GLPT, etc) often let you backorder things without complaint; the big boys like HD shut you down the moment their computer reports stock being gone.

        • A W

          Nov 30, 2020

          It was out of stock for me too, but let me order a half dozen.

          It says 3-5 week delivery, so if you want it as a Christmas gift, it might not work.

          The Evolution 11 is also a great deal if you want something sooner.

          Reply

11. Joatman

    Nov 30, 2020

    I’ve been searching high and low for a good deal on a Benchmade Mini Grip. I decided to check out the link that you posted above……and pulled the trigger. It really wasn’t a great deal……but didn’t see much difference in price anywhere else. BUT, you get free Mora…..hopefully,! Same with Spyderco. Not much savings on anything that caught my eye this year. I opted for the Benchmade because of the steel that’s on the mini-grip. Thanks Stuart. That was some good timing.

    Reply

    • Stuart

      Nov 30, 2020

      You’re welcome, and thank you!

      Benchmade knives don’t go on sale often.

      Knives Ship Free had the free Benchmade bit set, and when they sold out of that they had a free bottle of BlueLube offer, and then a flat bottle opener.

      I wish I held out for the free knife lube, but didn’t know.

      I ordered a mini Bugout. I really like the mini Grip. Everyone is gushing over the Bugout, and I bought one for review but aren’t “getting” it yet. So I figured the mini Bugout would be more my speed.

      Ordered a Hogue X1 in different blade style and with updated safety lock via BladeHQ.

      Freebie promos help to make me feel better about paying full price for new knives.

      The only Benchmade knives being discounted now are apparently closeouts. The Proper with carbon fiber handles sold out fast.

      Reply

      • Joatman

        Dec 1, 2020

        I was considering the bug out, but just not crazy about the handle shape. Also considered the mini barrage. I’ll break down one day and get a Chaparral. You’re right when you say they don’t go on sale too often….. and when they do, it’s not a huge savings. Yes, those little freebies do help justify the cost. Thanks again.

        Reply

12. John804

    Nov 30, 2020

    All of these posts had to have been a ton of work over a long holiday weekend. Thank you very much for all of the information!

    Reply

    • Stuart

      Nov 30, 2020

      You’re very welcome, and thank you very much!

      Tuesday starts the shift back to normalcy (thank goodness!). I’ll keep reporting on the tool deals, as there are usually very good deals throughout December, but there will be more regular content mixed in.

      Reply

13. Doresoom

    Dec 1, 2020

    Thanks for all the hard work the past few weeks, Stuart!

    Reply

    • Stuart

      Dec 1, 2020

      You’re very welcome, and thank you very much!!

      Reply

14. fred

    Dec 1, 2020

    Black Friday (a one day event) has obviously morphed into an expanded shopping frenzy. This year – with COVID raging – the emphasis on online shopping was greatly expanded – as confirmed by the news media. Some have started calling this period Cyber Week. And – because its a cyber – rather than physical event there are orders of magnitude more choices for shopping – way beyond where where we might have been able to reach by getting in our cars and driving about. We should all recognize Stuart’s efforts to help us in navigating this seasonal event. Americans seem to love a bargain – and this year some American’s circumstances have deteriorated – so bargains are even more appreciated. Now that Cyber Monday has passed – and “Giving Tuesday” is upon us – we might all think about how to help those in need who are not as blessed as we.

    Meanwhile, I’m sure for Stuart that this is a bittersweet day of well-earned rest. Sweet in that its over – and that his hard work may have helped bring shopping-entertainment (retail therapy) to many readers and with the continued success of his ToolGuyd enterprise. Perhaps a modicum of tartness (the bitter part) too in that there is sometimes a letdown after all the planning and hard work when the denouement arrives.

    So – let me add my Three Cheers for Stuart!

    Reply

    • Stuart

      Dec 1, 2020

      Thank you very much Fred, much appreciated!!

      To my surprise, there weren’t any groans about “too many deal posts”. But, today is still a point of inflection where I start shifting back to regular content.

      To be fair, researching and posting about holiday season deals provides benefits for readers, ToolGuyd, and myself as well. I have come to treat the endeavor almost as if it were a massive data analysis challenge, where I take in all the deal notices, special buys, and hidden bargains, and report on what I think will be of most interest and impact. The years of practice has made it easier, although unfortunately not any less time consuming. No matter how much I try to learn ahead of time, events like Amazon and Home Depot Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals of the day are kept secret until they go live.

      The process creates so many byproducts, such as insights into new industry trends and movements. And, at the risk of sounding unprepared, things like the top-of-page reminder links and the semi-structured layout of this post were unplanned and adapted as I observed changes in how they were being used. Lessons learned will potentially help shape upcoming design changes to ToolGuyd’s mobile view, and will definitely influence next year’s coverage and top-of-page links.

      Cyber week does provide some relief from the hectic and heavy workload of Black Friday week, and the month-long preparations that go into it, but I’m not quite done yet.

      All of you make the work – not just now but throughout the year – enjoyable and worthwhile. December is ToolGuyd’s anniversary month, and although I sometimes wonder about what might have been if I had never started ToolGuyd, I wouldn’t have things any other way.

      Reply