Here’s a look at all of the hand tool deals that you can find at Home Depot this holiday season. You should be seeing the deals at your local HD, but many might not go live online until around Black Friday.
I briefly showed you some of the hand tools I bought as part of my Home Depot Holiday 2016 gift center raid. I LOVE this time of year! It’s a good time to save money on essentials, extras, and in my case, review samples.
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Which of these hand tools or sets are you going to buy?
I’ll provide links where I can. You could also check out Home Depot’s gift ideas deal center, linked just below. Some of the sale prices are not yet available online.
Quick Holiday Deal Links
Table of Contents
Dewalt Hand Tool Deals
Milwaukee Hand Tool Deals
Empire Level Tool Deals
Husky Hand Tool Deals
- Klein Electrical Tool Set
- Wiss Aviation Snips
- Crescent Adjustable Wrenches
- Bosch Laser Distance Measuring Tool
- Zircon Stud Finder Bonus
- Leatherman Sidekick Multi-Tool
- Kreg Pocket Hole Jig System
- Gerber Machete Jr.
- Coast Knife Set
- HDX Utility Knife
- 3M Worktunes Hearing Protector
Dewalt Hand Tool Deals
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Dewalt 2-pack of 25-foot tape measures for $15
While these aren’t premium models, they seem pretty decent, and certainly decent enough for me to pick up a pair for ToolGuyd use.
If you can, test them out quickly. Last year I bought a Stanley FatMax tape measure 2 pack, and the one I couldn’t easily test in the packaging has a defective lock.
Compare(1-Pack via HD)
Dewalt pocket knife and auto-loading utility knife, for $15
I more fully discussed this deal recently here. While I’m not too crazy about the Tanto-style knife, I figured that the 2-knife pack is still worth the price.
I ended up buying a pack, and for the money I’m happy.
Buy Now(Dewalt Knife 2-pack via HD)
Compare(Just the Pocket Knife via Amazon)
Dewalt retractable utility knife 2-pack for $13
I bought this 2-pack of Dewalt utility knives without batting an eye. It’s a great knife and great pricing.
Buy Now(via HD, if/when it’s shown in stock)
Compare (via Amazon)
Ooh, made in USA with global materials – definitely a plus.
If your HD sells out, check the aisle-end displays – there might be a bunch more as at my HD.
Dewalt 4pc screwdriver set for $10
I need more screwdrivers like I need more hobbies, but I couldn’t pass this one up. Maybe it’ll drop in price a little more after Black Friday?
They’re basic drivers with magnetic tips, but should be good for an auxiliary or portable tool set.
Buy Now(via HD)
Compare(via Amazon)
Yep, 2 Phillips and 2 slotted.
Magnetic tips? We’ll see how that goes.
Dewalt 4pc trigger clamp variety set, for $30
You get 2 12″ clamps and 2 6″ clamps, for $30.
I don’t know how good these are, but I trust Dewalt enough to have bought a set.
Buy Now(via HD)
Buy Now(via Amazon)
Dewalt staple gun or hot glue gun special bundles: $20
These special staple gun and hot glue gun packages include a bunch of staples and glue guns, respectively.
The glue gun seems to be well-regarded by users. The staple gun – not so much.
Compare(Staple Gun via Amazon)
Compare(Hot Glue Gun via Amazon)
Dewalt 75 count utility knife dispensers, 2-pack, for $15
Need a LOT of blades? You can get 2 packs of 75, dispensers included, for $15. 150 blades for $15 comes out to 10 cents apiece.
Compare(via Amazon)
Compare(via HD)
Milwaukee Hand Tool Deals
I always look forward to these Milwaukee holiday hand tool bundle deals!! It seems silly, because your not saving a whole lot – except on the tape measure, but the bargains still make me smile.
Milwaukee premium magnetic 25-foot tape measure 2-pack, for $25
A 2-pack of Milwaukee premium 25′ tape measures for the price of 1? Yes, please!
Buy Now(via HD)
Compare(Single Pack)
Milwaukee 11-in-1 multi-bit screwdriver 2-pack for $15
Of course I bought a set. Looking online, there’s an in-store pickup set, and an online-only 2-for-1 bundle. The image for the 2-for-1 shows 2 individually packaged screwdrivers, which would work better if you’re gifting a driver to someone.
Buy Now(In-store Pickup via HD)
Buy Now(Online Only via HD)
Compare(Single via HD)
Milwaukee Fastback folding knife and utility knife bundle for $15
As mentioned in our recent deal post, this is a camo-handled version of their Fastback flip knife, and original Fastabck folding utility knife design.
Yes, I bought one of these too. One can never have too many utility knives, although I’ve been pushing that claim.
Buy Now(via HD)
Empire Layout Tool Deals
Empire 9″ torpedo level 2-pack for $10
2x torpedo levels? I’m listening…
Made in the USA and with Empire’s TrueBlue bubble level vials?
Sold! I bought a 2-pack.
One will replace a Craftsman level that lost its magnetic strip, the other… maybe it’ll be a backup for when my son raids my toolbox again.
Buy Now(via HD)
Compare(via Amazon – not in stock directly, but plenty of user reviews)
Empire 7″ rafter square 2-pack for $8
I don’t need a new rafter square.
But… why not. Made in the USA too.
These are also right-sized for when kids start helping out with woodworking projects.
Compare(Single via HD)
Compare(Single via Amazon)
Husky Hand Tool Deals
Husky 15oz steel and 20″ fiberglass hammers, for $15
This is a bit different from last year’s fiberglass handled hammer 2-pack. They’re both rip-claw hammers, and while I’d rather one of them be a curved claw hammer, better for pulling nails, I couldn’t resist taking home a set. It’ll be interesting to see how well the steel-handled hammer holds up.
Compare(Husky Fiberglass Hammer Duo)
Husky 3pc insulated screwdriver set, 2pc pliers set, 2pc scissors set, $10 each
I bought the insulated screwdrivers and scissors. The scissors will for general household use so I can reclaim my Milwaukee scissors, and the insulated screwdrivers seemed to be of strong review interest.
I don’t think I’ve seem name-brand insulated screwdrivers for this low before, which is why I picked ’em up.
Buy Now(Insulated Screwdriver Set)
Husky 14pc screwdriver set with glow in the dark bottle opener for $15
Yep, I bought a set of these screwdrivers too. Too bad only the bottle opener has a glow in the dark handle.
Buy Now(via HD)
Husky knife sets, wrench sets, locking pliers sets, $10 each
These knives looked okay, but not enough for me to bite. If you’re looking for a lockback-style utility knife, 2 for $10 seems like a good price. Most lockback folding utility knives I’ve tried are kind of bulky, these look more pocketable.
I’ve got nothing interesting to say about the Husky knife and bonus blade pack bundle.
Husky locking pliers for $10? Seems like a good start for one’s first locking pliers.
I reviewed the Husky Double Speed adjustable wrench a few years ago, so they’re nothing new. I like the faster adjustment, but I still prefer my Channellock adjustables. On the other hand, one Channellock costs more than this 3-wrench set.
Buy Now(via HD)
Husky work gloves, $15 to $25
Oh wait, these are 3-packs? I’ll have to pick up a pack my next time at Home Depot.
Husky 63pc homeowners tool set, $50
Do you just need some tools without having to think about them? Or want to give someone an all-in-one set without having to piece it together? This set looks to be a one-stop option.
Buy Now(via HD)
Husky ratcheting precision or general purpose screwdriver set, $7 each
The precision set looks to be worth it for the bit and extension, even if the ratcheting driver handle itself sucks.
The general purpose set might be a good toss-in-the-car set, but in general I steer away from cheaper ratcheting tools.
Husky folding hex key set or long-arm hex key set, for $10
I’d consider these suitable for homeowners and beginner DIYers. For regular use, consider Bondhus, Wiha, Wera, or PB Swiss (if you’ve got deeper pockets or demanding needs).
Did you happen to see our 16 offbeat hex key and driver options review?
Husky 28pc pass through universal socket set, for $20
We like pass through sockets, but universal sockets can be a turn-off.
Husky 6pc ratcheting combination wrench set, $30 each
Not a bad price for what look to be Gearwrench combo wrenches. Wait – these are double-ratcheting universal wrenches? I wouldn’t buy these now, but 10-15 years ago when my toolbox was a lot smaller? Maybe.
Also, 6 inch or metric wrenches might not get you very far unless you’re working on something extremely common.
Husky 28pc combination wrench set, $20
I’ve got pickier tastes, but these look good for anyone needing a lot of bang for the buck.
I’d rather have good combo wrenches than universal ratcheting wrenches.
Husky 7pc ratcheting wrench sets, $20 each
These also look to be made by Gearwrench. 7 sizes inch or metric should be fine for beginners, but those with greater needs might be disappointed.
These look to be non-reversible.
Husky 20pc ratcheting wrench set, for $50
This looks identical to Gearwrench’s typical holiday offering, but with the advantage that you can do a warranty swap at Home Depot if it’s ever needed. Right?
Yup, they’re “guaranteed forever.”
I’d consider this a hot buy.
Buy Now(via HD)
Compare(Gearwrench Set via Amazon)
Husky 100pc mechanics tool set for $50
You get 70 sockets, making the price-per-socket pretty decent. When looking at sets like this, that’s always a good value check.
Husky 60pc universal mechanics tool set, for $60
You know how I feel about universal sockets.
Husky 185pc mechanics tool set, for $100
You get 119 sockets, 3 ratchets, and a bunch of other tools. This might be a good set if you’re starting out with nothing and don’t expect to buy much more.
More Brands’ Hand Tool Deals
Klein Tools electrical tool assortment for $50
As mentioned in our deal post about this Klein Tools electrical tool set, this is a fantastic bargain if you’re interested in the pliers or the 2 other tools at the least.
It’s not available online yet, but maybe it’ll appear around Black Friday.
Compare(Pliers via Amazon)
Compare(Wire Strippers via Amazon)
Compare(Nut Driver via Amazon)
Wiss aviation snips, $10 each
Even if you don’t do much sheet metal work, the straight cutters should serve well as heavy duty shears.
It’s crazy and great that these are still made in the USA.
Buy Now: Straight, Left-Cutting, Right-Cutting
Last year someone asked whether these were cheapened in any way. Doesn’t look like it to me. These have the same 18 gauge cutting capacity as the same Wiss snips you’ll find elsewhere.
Crescent 10″ and 6″ adjustable wrench set, $15
These are okay adjustable wrenches for the money.
Buy Now(via HD)
Compare(via Amazon)
Bosch GLM10 laser distance measuring tool, for $30
It looks like Bosch has come out with a new cheaper laser distance measuring tool, the GLM 10. It has a 35′ measurement range and $30 price tag.
So… Bosch saw how well the GLM15 sold at $30, and came out with a slightly lesser model for the price point.
If you need greater range, the Bosch GLM 20, with 65′ range and backlit display, is $50.
Buy Now(via Amazon)
Buy Now(via HD)
What’s the difference between the Bosch GLM10 and the Bosch GLM10 X sold at Home Depot? Probably just the packaging or display option.
Zircon HD55 StudSensor and free torpedo level, for $20
I love my Zircon stud finder. I’d give this one a try.
Compare(Just the StudSensor via HD)
Compare(Just the StudSensor via Amazon)
Leatherman Sidekick multi-tool, for $30
I reviewed the Leatherman Sidekick multi-tool a few years ago, but I remain quite fond of it. Its price has gone up in recent years, and so $30 seems like a reasonable sale price. I’d like to see some other Leatherman tools go on sale for the holidays, but that doesn’t make this any less of a good deal. It’s just not a hot deal.
Buy Now(via HD)
Compare(via Amazon)
Kreg K4 pocket hole jig system, for $100
This Home Depot special Kreg K4 system gives you a couple of good-to-have accessories at no extra cost.
If I were buying a Kreg K4 system right now, I’d probably go for this bundle. I believe some other retailers have different combos, bundling the K4 with a fastener pack instead.
Buy Now(via Amazon)
Buy Now(via HD)
Gerber Gator Machete Jr for $15
I wanted one of these last year, debated about it, and decided not to buy one. I could have used one for a variety of bush-taming and weeding tasks these past few months. So when I saw the machetes on display again this year, I bought one on the spot.
Buy Now(via HD)
Compare(via Amazon)
Coast tactical folding knife 2-packs, $10 each
I’ve had a few negative experiences with Coast folding knives, but I do like some of their LED flashlights. Wish me luck, I’m giving these a try. I bought the 2-pack of full-sized knives, and there’s also one with a smaller knife.
HDX utility knife for $2
I didn’t buy this one, but I did buy one of Lowes’ store brand cheapo utility knives. We’ll see how it goes. Unless you plan on losing or tossing the knife after a job (I know, who plans on losing a knife?), why not buy even a Stanley for as low as $4.50?
3M Worktunes hearing protector, for $40
If you’ve got to wear hearing protection, why not add some music to them? I’m not really into that, but maybe you are? I forgot to check, but the “mp3” badge on the packaging suggests they must be plugged into a phone or other aux-output music player.
Buy Now(via Amazon – Lower Priced!!)
Buy Now(via HD)
What Did We Miss?
I visited 3 Home Depots on different days, but there might be a holiday season or Black Friday 2016 hand tool deal that wasn’t on display yet.
If you find a hand tool deal not mentioned here, please share it in a comment! Even if it’s not something you’d buy, maybe someone else will benefit.
What do you think of these deals?
As a reminder, this is what I bought so far. Not all of these items are holiday tool deals, such as the single Dewalt tape measure and ratcheting screwdriver, which are regularly stocked items.
What have you been buying?
Quick Holiday Deal Links
Derek
The 3M WorkTunes are great but typically you can find them for $30 at Lowes or Amazon. You do have to plug in a phone via an aux cord or listen to the built in radio.
Benjamen
I haven’t seen the Work Tunes at any of the 4 HD I’ve been to yet!
Did you miss the 3 pack of leather palm gloves for $20? I’m waiting until they go on discount before I pick them up.
Also 2 out of the 4 stores I’ve been to have the $79 M12 XC 2-pack deal and the other 2 the same batteries for $89
Stuart
The last I was there, the M12 XC battery packs were not yet priced at all. I’ll try to survey the pricing at all nearby HD locations in the next week or so.
Ryan
Any ideas if/when the m12 6.0 batt hits shelves at HD? I’d rather buy one 6ah for $89 than two 3ah for 79. Less swapping
Dacan
The M12 XC 3.0 2 pack is on sale for $79, regularly $99.
fred
I also think that the short machete looks interesting. My wife is the gardener/arborist in the family and she uses one from Ontario Knife:
https://www.amazon.com/Ontario-Knife-Company-8519-Handle/dp/B001D0NY36/
I stay out of her way when she’s got it in her hands – which is kind of infrequently. I guess a machete is more a tool for light brush clearing – useful if you have a spot on the property that has gotten a bit out of hand – but not all that useful if you keep up with the trimming and pruning
fred
I was wandering around our biggest local HD today – and saw a smattering of these items – but no Gerber machete – unless it was hidden away. What I did see in the contractor section was a few really prodigious pry bars from Mumme Tools. The one that caught my eye was about $130 and looked like it could do some damage. Made in Australia. I could not find it under its brand name on the HD website – but some searching – found it as a Klein tool.
Also found a link to the company:
http://www.mummetools.com/
fred
Here’s a link I found to the pry bar:
http://www.homedepot.com/p/Klein-Tools-71-in-x-1-3-16-in-Hexagon-Gooseneck-Bar-5GNB180030/203581308
John Blair
Having both, I would advise not to buy a K4. Its awkward. The handle is behind the wood, so you drill on one side and clamp on the other. The K5 is a little more but is so much better with both clamping and drilling on the same side. Buying the K4 over the K5 is the worst $30 you will ever save. Generally speaking I would prefer the Kreg R3 Jr. Pocket Hole Jig over the K4 if you want to save money (its $39.99).
Adam
It looks like this is advertised in store now, and only works in-store, but last week I purchased the $499 Milwaukee Fuel One-key Kit with the $249 9ah battery starter kit w/ free Fuel tool (circ saw / sawzall). It works for the $200 promotion, or the $150 if you get that kit.
So $550 for 3 Fuel tools, 2 x 5ah, 1 x 9ah, 1 rapid charger, 1 standard charger
or $500 for the same, minus the One-Key tech on the driver
Adam
The $150/$200 off promo also works with the Milwaukee Miter Saw as well. Oh-yea!
Sorry, I just realized this was “hand-tool” deals at HD, but thought I should at least post it somewhere
Roger
Flashlights?
And are the DeWalt tapes fractional? (Are any fractional?)
Tim
I bought two two packs of empire rafter squares the other day.
Will be going back for two two packs of the torpedo levels and my local store has a (I can’t remember the lengths) buy a longer level and get a shorter level too so I will be picking up possibly one but more likely two of those as well as these are tools I constantly struggle to find when I need.
Also the blue vials are great for being colorblind.
Pete
Theyre not blue
Pete
Or are they?
Lol just joking, i have a color blind coworker that i joke with all the time. Hopefully your not an electrician!
Tim
I got seriously confused and had to scroll back up this emormous thread and then back down to realise you were the same person. And you were kidding.
Pete
Dont anyone buy the husky 2x adjustable wrenches. They are 2x easier to “adjust” to the size needed, they also become OUT of adjustment 2x as quick. Which is terrible! Under heavy torque they’ll slip from having so much “slop”. I threw mine away.
Dewalt glue gun my wife likes.
I lOVE huskey sockets, theyre great sockets for a great price. Loose a common socket? Super easy to buy that ONE socket for $1-2 in store.
I’ll probably pick up another GLM 15, gave the other one away to one of my guys that does quotes.
I’ll probably buy my father in law the dewalt tape set.
I tried the ryobi brushless hammer drill today… holy cow that thing is SWEET!! BUT I’d rather own a non-hammer ryobi brushless drill(cant remember if they make one) AND the cordless ryobi rotary hammer.
Jimmie
Any deals on self-leveling lasers? Don’t really have need for a rotary level but something comparable to, say, a Bosch GLL2 or GLL3 series would be nice have from time to time.
Stuart
Not that I saw, at least not at HD.
I just looked to see if they’re included in Amazon’s Bosch promo, and the GLL2 is on sale for $61.52.
Bosch GLl2 via Amazon
It looks like they’re also trying to up-sell to the GLL30, buy advertising the GLL30 as a “new unit with improved design.”
Brian Puccio
Amazon has dropped the prices on the Wiss snips as well, or at least what I think are comparable models. The M1R, M2R and M3R combined cost $28.23. I had to pay sales tax since I’m in NY, but I would have had to at Home Depot anyhow.
The model in this blog post indicates a slightly different model (M3RS), so I’m not entirely sure what the difference is. The MxRS series don’t show up on Wiss’ website, but the MxR series does.
Scott K
Wow- a lot of these hand tool deals are attractive. Is it worth buying them up now or should I wait a week or so. I remember some dropping last year and I don’t NEED anything right now.
Stuart
I don’t think HD deals drop in price, unless or until sales slow and stagnate in early or mid December.
Some years, tools on my watch list get cheaper, but most years I wait until they nearly sell out and pay the same price as the initially set. One time I had to drive around to find something I decided I wanted late season.
If the price drops, you can always do an adjustment in store.
Online, the promo prices haven’t fully hit yet. Once they do, the promo prices will likely last all season.
Blythe M
Thanks for letting me think about some of these ahead of time instead of wandering around the promo section like a zombie for an hour.
Only thing I’ll add is that for the last 2 years menards has had a 3 pack of Stanley Avaition snips for $10, mine have worked fine so far
David
I’ve found that I really prefer the Precision Sensors “bar” style stud sensor more than the older style Zircon units. (https://www.amazon.com/Precision-Sensors-Professional-Scanning-Profinder/dp/B00OIHLV3Q). Costco carries them for $30, and I’ve seen them at some of the big box stores now. I reach for it first every time now, and I’d recommend it over the $20 Zircon unless you’re really cash strapped.
The Sidekick is a good tool, but it was a much more impressive value in the $20-25 range in the past. Hopefully they go on clearance after the holiday again, as I like to give them as gifts.
Stuart
I’ve been considering picking up one of those stud finder types, similar to what Ben reviewed a while back:
https://14cyiuhvcgv.com/precision-sensors-profinder-5000-stud-finder-review/%3C/a%3E%3C/p%3E
taras
I would stay away from any of Gerber’s machete style knives. The Gator Jr. is not a full tang design, barely even qualifying as a rat tail tang. The tang doesn’t extend past the second bolt at the head of the handle. The other full size machetes do have a full rat tail tang, but there isn’t much tang where the bolt passes through it at the top of the handle. The blades tend to break here A LOT.
Stuart
Good point. I don’t expect much for $15.
My rationale was this: I don’t know how much use I’ll get out of it, or if it’ll be useful for the types of things I intend for it. If I use it a lot, I’ll upgrade to something better. If I don’t use it a lot, I’m not out too much money.
dave
All the tools are 11% off this week, just ask at the customer service counter for the matching Menards rebate and they will hand you a slip. The only thing is that you get a gift card that must be used at the store again.
Steve
If you are working with EMT/Rigid conduit or sheetmetal, avoid the Empire torpedo levels.
They work, but the ferrite magnet strip is so goddamn weak. The level will repeatably fall off the pipe, and over time will self destruct as it is made of plastic. Try to find something with rare earth magnets, preferably with a V channel grooved into the side with magnets.
I picked a torpedo level (BIG J torpedo level) up at RONA over a year ago after my (similar to empire) cheap torpedo level died. i think it was ~20-25 bucks CDN. I’ve abused the crap out of it and its still going strong, the magnets show no sign of coming loose/falling out.
firefly
I went by two local Home Depot in my area and I couldn’t find the Empire 7″ rafter square 2-pack for $8 (the buy one get one free deal). So anyone have a SKU on them I would greatly appreciate that. They did have the Rafter Square and bubble level bundle available on sale.
Stuart
I found it towards the end of an aisle, right next to an endcap.
SKU: 114-343
The online listing for 1 rafter square is the same, complicating things: 114343
I think this was more meant to be a regular promo, and not necessarily a gift center promo.
I’ll email you a photo of the display in case it helps.
firefly
Thanks Stuart! I will look again on Monday. Seem like an in-store thing only.
I did pick up the Atomic Beam 5000 Lux flashlight for $19 at the gift center so now I can hung my head in shame 😀 because it’s Lux not Lumen. I did have a feeling that it was too good to be true so I ring it up on a separate receipt among with a few other that I wasn’t sure about.