Home Depot stores appear to be dumping Klein Tools, and have put nearly all of their Klein electrical tools and accessories on clearance.
There are some great deals to be found, and some of the pegs at my local Home Depot have already been sold-through.
The discounts have only appeared at my local stores. Business is usual on Home Depot’s website, with no Klein tools or products clearanced-priced there yet.
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My local Home Depot store has discounted most but not all of their Klein tools yet.
Select hand tools and multimeters have not yet been given sale prices or clearance tags.
All kinds of Klein tools are included in the clear-out, such as screwdrivers, pliers, insulated hand tools, wire strippers, general purpose tools – such a combination square – and specialty electrical tools.
It’s uncertain if any Klein Tools will remain in Home Depot stores, or which brands’ tools will replace them.
We knew that this might be coming.
Lowe’s and Klein Tools announced a new partnership earlier this year, and said that Klein products will be sold at Lowe’s stores and online starting in the second half of 2023, which we’re now in.
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This effectively marked the end of Klein’s exclusivity arrangement with Home Depot, which was announced 14 years ago.
Home Depot has not made any announcements about Klein Tool’s exit, but yellow clearance stickers and empty tool pegs speak volumes.
JoeR
HD online doesn’t seem to have caught up to the in-store inventory liquidation. At least not as of 5 minutes ago. I’ll have to stop by a store and see if I can get anyone to open the cage to get at a tool. Thanks for the heads up Stuart.
My man
They will sell it all via store and not bother online. No reason to advertise a sale when you don’t have to
Stuart
The point of a clearance is to move inventory quickly – to get rid of things to clear space for something else. Maybe they’ll send whatever is left in their online warehouses back to Klein.
krashtd
That inventory is usually already paid for, and while product buybacks do happen, they are generally reserved for product issues more than inventory issues. In the past the warehouses continue to send us a good amount of already clearanced merchandise, as that is how they purge. It’s a lot of fun…
Stuart
Thank you for the insights!
I guess it’ll be interesting to see what happens then.
I’d expect to see a full purge, similar to what Home Depot did when EGO moved to Lowe’s.
krashtd
Yeah… *looks at all my EGO tools and batteries* Still salty about that one. Loved EGO.
Aaron SD
I thought Home Depot business model is that they don’t own the inventory. Maybe they can’t send it back. You
Rube
Stuart, ego tools can be found in most ACE hardware stores, just in case u run into any issues
Noah
It’s going to be Milwaukee
Anthony
Thieves will now have to go to Lowes to steal Klein Tools 🙂
Exclusively…..
Anthony
Klein is dropping their contract with Lowe’s. They trying to sell but no rush. If people will pay more online they will let them all day
Al
I work at Lowes ,and we just started getting Klein tools this week.so not sure why would get Klein tools in without a contract. Haven’t even put them on the shelf yet.
A Man
Highly unlikely.
LARz
I see that the sticker prices in the pic above are inflated and are actually regular price. Take for instance the quality wire strippers top of the pic. $28 is the usual price for this kind of tool not $39.
It’s the same game your local Safeway store plays on its customers.
Billie Taylor
Check that pic again. The wire strippers are orig 29 and sale priced for 21. Under it is a 5 piece screwdriver set not on sale for 39.97.
But ya Safeway does that and it really sucks. You think you’re saving 5 bucks but actually paying $1 more than the everyday price.
BimmerDude
Macy’s had been doing this for years, one reason why I stopped walking in to their stores.
Douglas Kenolio
Or maybe they’re just mad that Klein tools took a contract up with Lowe’s and so despising Lowe’s home Depot wants to just get rid of all klein stuff…lol
Steve G
Home Depot will be replacing Klein Tools with Mikwaukee
krashtd
Expect an influx of Milwaukee to replace the hand tools, we already have the fish tapes and several types of electrician-focused pliers and screwdrivers, and just got a bunch more new SKUs in today. Don’t know if we will see Milwaukee branded multimeters or testers, but they do already make a pocket pen current tester.
Jeff
You know that Milwaukee has been making those for years now?
krashtd
Yes, I bought mine several years ago.
But the other sparky-centric items haven’t been available in-store at Home Depot until recently, likely with more to follow, which is the point of the conversation.
Diego Chingon
Was just at home depot today didn’t see any sales
John
Milwaukee is so over priced, what is HD thinking.
PRODUCER
If you want to get Milwaukee tools at a good price, then shop on eBay or similar sites. I just got the M12 6″ Hachet 2527-21 kit, new – for less than half of either Home Depot or even Amazon. I’ve bought almost all my Milwaukee power tools online – some new, some used. Only had to return one because it was misrepresented.
Milwaukee has a 5-year warranty based on either purchase date or manufacture date – which you can determine from the serial number.
HD occasionally has good deals on accessories like bit sets, etc.
I haven’t seen any evidence of HD dropping Klein but they really increased Ryobi in the last year or so.
itsgalf
Yes, noticed the sales at my nearby store and then also here in the store near my brother, whom I’m visiting. Unfortunately, they didn’t have the 11-in-1 impact rated screwdriver on sale which I just recently lost.
Dan
If you want the 11 in 1 go ahead and get the Heavy Duty. Same but better 🙂
Derek
Picked up the lineman pliers there this weekend for $29 instead of $35 or $40.
TMedina
Oh hell, there goes my paycheck.
Jeff
It is possible that some stores will be getting new lines, while others will be sticking with Klein. They have done it in the past with other brands like Hilti. I was at a store in Knoxville last week that had brand new Klein products going up in a new display.
Personally, I think they’d really be shooting themselves in the foot if they got rid of Klein all together. The vast majority of screwdrivers I see daily on job sites are Kleins. On a large project I’ve been working on, about 95% of the power tools on site are either Milwaukee or Hilti, but almost everyone has Klein hand tools.
krashtd
It may not be a complete exodus from Klein’s offerings. However, given the Klein/Lowe’s partnership announced in February and the fruits of that beginning to show up in stores, I fully expect this to be on par with the EGO switch: let the top brand go elsewhere and replace with a wider selection of other premium offerings while losing no $leep over it.
Pete M
My local HD has yellow sticker on a lot of Klein tools but not on every item as Stuart mentioned.
As of a few days ago stopped at lowes and saw clearance on most Greenlee and Ideal items but most importantly the first Klein items were hanging there.
Robert
My Home Depot has very few Klein on sale. But they didn’t have much Klein at all. What I noticed while in electrical was all the circuit breakers and wire in rolls (Romex) was locked up. I paced it off, 19 paces, so 50 to 60 feet straight of shelves behind thick grid mesh. Sad.
BMak
I saw the same thing in my Lowe’s location. It’s a major pain having to find a Lowe’s associate to get into the wire now.
Michael J Fischer
I quit buying Milwaukee since I found out that they are owned by a Hong Kong company and some of their tools are made by prisoners in China. No Thanks
Stuart
1) TTI is a publicly traded company based in HK.
Horst Pudwill is the largest shareholder.
From what I’ve read, the next largest shareholder is an American financial services company, then another cofounder, then another American investment company.
Spend your money how you wish, but be sure you research any claims you see parroted on the internet.
2) No they’re not. THD and Milwaukee investigated the matter and issued statements that they found no evidence of the claims. *After* those statements were made to a human rights organization, a small paper picked up the story to look into it. I can tell you they didn’t follow NYT or WSJ level investigating practices.
After I forgave the journalist for interviewing me under false pretenses, I asked if they had evidence. They said there was no evidence other than word of mouth from people who said they made the gloves. Could they have been making counterfeits or unsanctioned products for other regions? They couldn’t answer this.
I spoke with Milwaukee as well, and people who I trust 100% said the allegations were unfounded. That doesn’t mean that it’s not possible. But if Milwaukee found no evidence gloves made for them were produced using prison labor, and no direct evidence is presented in a news story other than comments from workers who recognized the brand name and logo, more investigative work needs to be done before anything is declared as fact.
Matt
Nearly every single mylar balloon is made by prisoners … In america!
Ernest
I checked several HD in Orange County, CA. None had Klein tools on sale and HD workers knew nothing about the clearance sale.
ball_bearing
Last week I went to HD, and was confused because I couldn’t find the usual Klein Tools EndCap display, and they were reduced to two bays in one of the electrical aisles. Now I know why. That’s bad, because the only other option around is an ACE hardware franchise, that is part of a local furniture store, and they stock mostly Irwin and Craftsman stuff.
Hardware Guy
The transition is in progress àt select Lowe’s retail locations. Klein tools are coming in by the truckload!
ball_bearing
Sadly there’s no Lowes here. The closest is 1038 miles away. 😂
Tmq
Where could you possibly live where the nearest Lowe’s is over 1,000 miles away? Guessing Alaska
Jeremiah James McKenna
There are still plenty of other electrical specific tools being sold at HD
Jay
Just remember without your receipt doesn’t matter if you bought it at Home Depot 2 years ago and has lifetime warranty. Go get your receipt . Great customer service!
Metric wrench 17
Sorry Jay, I have to disagree. I was declined by Klein on replacing a pair of linesmen pliers that the handles were worn and separating. They declined the claim.
Jim Felt
I’ve always liked Klein and have a pretty fair amount of their mostly Made in the US tools. Even some they made for Craftsman.
In recent years I’ve added way more Wera, Knipex and even Engineer. Played with a few new US made Milwaukee hand tools but haven’t loved them enough to spring for yet another different brand’s look and feel. So far.
As for HD itself it’s all “just business” to them. And there I seldom buy more then online Milwaukee power tool sales event items. HD represents zero “specialness” to my mind. Maybe even a negative value?
Plus we’re truly blessed with a number of independent tool outlet nearby.
George
Of course, get rid of the better tool companies and bring in the cheap garbage stuff. Klein tools are good quality..another big mistake. Guess they need to make more room for mini blinds
Thedge
I heard that!
Jeremiah James McKenna
You can’t really blame HD for this. According to the Store Manager at my local HD, he told me that since the exclusive contract with HD and Klein was ending, Lowe’s reached out and under cut HD. Seeing as how Lowe’s has been hurting for sales and their own forecast is weakening, they did what they had to do. Seeing as how HD is in a decent financial state, thry did not see any reason to undercut even more. So, Klein went with someone that is giving them better margin.
HD still has Milwaukee, Ideal, Wiha, Commercial Electric, and other tool brands to sell.
I’m sure they’ll step up their selection with another great brand.
Not to mention that thry have Crescent tool group/company, and they have a nice selection of brands.
Toonraver80
HD is not in a good financial position…they had their largest miss to sales in over 20 years. They are walking away from lots of business left and right and going to opening price point private label Husky and Anvil products all over the store. They also laid off over 500 corporate employees across their business without the usual corporate severance…this is a huge red flag that they are struggling financially. Lowes reported exactly what they said they would from a financial standpoint and that was flat sales. Not a great outlook but they hit their numbers. My assumption is Home Depot cannot afford the big spend of all the name brands they have been buying with demands of exclusivity over the years.
Jason
I’m quite certain you have some wrong information on HD. My wife is not only a long term Homedepot employee she also is a Store Manager and has also been a manager for the “MET Team” for a couple years “they are the company employees that set up all the displays and products but do not work for the particular store they work in” and as she is a current store manager who has been to HD headquarters in Atlanta a few months ago for a weeks long training/ store managers meeting I can assure you either your info is incorrect or the big wigs are keeping this info your sharing from even there store managers. I can’t say for sure which is true however I do no that HD is doing just fine and out performing Lowes in every aspect of sales, employees and customer service. I will say I do at times shop at Lowes because I personally care more about a fair price and getting the tool I’m looking for rather then which store I shop at. Klien is a great brand and I will be buying from Lowes if I need certain Klien tools in the future. I will say I do buy alot of tools from Amazon as well as small local businesses if they have what I need at a fair price. It’s difficult for companies to compete with Amazon. I counted how many tools I’ve bought from Amazon just in July 2023 and it was 36 items as they had a better price then HD or Lowes. Just for perspective I’m an Auto tech for over 20 years and I also enjoy remodeling or building projects at our house which I’ve gotten more into over the last couple years hence why I’ve been filling my workshop with alot of tools as my work tools stay at my smallish family owned used auto dealership/repair shop with 16 employees. So I do like to support small family businesses if possible. I appreciate your perspective and addition to this conversation with Stuart
Matthew Castleberry
You lost me at out performing Lowe’s at customer service. I’m a contractor, so I’ve spent untold hours & $$$ in both. Great customer service only ever happened for me at HD at Paces Ferry (about a mile from HD HQ in ATL). All other HDs pale in comparison to Lowe’s, & I’ve shopped both in Ohio, Kentucky, Georgia, Mississippi, Louisiana, etc. Lowe’s has always provided much better & more services than big orange like loading materials, coffee, bottled water, air for your truck & trailer tires. It’s a corporate culture issue with HD, they simply don’t have it. They could emulate some of the things Lowe’s does but they don’t. Speaks volumes.
STEVE S
Every company I ever worked for that were in trouble always told us publicly things we re hunky dory, never that they was going under or downsizing until we had pink slips issued. Its sad how U S companies lie to their employees. They didn’t want production to drop or see stock prices plummet.
Toonraver80
I am not sure if I can post links here but you can easily find this exact info. I have quite a few friends in Supply Chain and Merchandising that have been with THD for 20+ years that were part of this 500+ layoff. They said they were shocked to not be offered the standard severance also.
Google
“Home Depot Corporate layoff”
Google
“Home Depot Reports Biggest Quarterly Sales Miss In Over 20 Years”
ikt907
Incorrect. Look at the sales and operating margins over the past 4 years. Lowe’s continues to take market share from HD and they’ve incrementally closed the gap quarter after quarter. In Q2 ‘23 Lowe’s same store comp sales were better than HD, and they beat them in every single financial metric. That hasn’t happened since 2008. HD had lost its way.
Bobcat
I know a lot electricians and they love Klein tools big mistake by home depot if they think they’re going to buy Milwaukee or other brand they will just go to Lowe’s for Klein
Steve
Just went in my HD store 8.2.2023 and no Klein tools on sale…..
fred
At one of my local HD’s the Electrician’s hand tool rack looks like it has already been picked over. Most of the Klein items had yellow stickers applied to the hooks – and many open spaces where the tools used to be. None of the Klein electronics (voltage sensors, volt meters etc. – were marked down.
John E
Years ago a Lowes employee told me Lowe’s had dropped the ball by not carrying Klein tools. He said he’d lost count of the number of times electricians had come in and asked “Where are your Kleins?”.
When he answered they didn’t carry them they’d just turn around and head for the exit.
DocCypress
Soon to be happening at home depot as well
Koko The Talking Ape
I was just at an HD in Denver, and their Klein tools were all moved to a back corner, on an endcap. Some were discounted about 30%, but some were not. I’ll be checking back. I could use another set of precision screwdrivers. 🙂
Mark M.
Our local HD north of Austin (TX) looked about like the photos. Some were full price, but the discounted tools were 30-40% off, pretty solid deal if you ask me. A few cleaned out pegs but all in all a good selection still. I got a ratcheting stubby screwdriver and pair of cable cutters, not mad about that at all.
Steve
Thanks for the heads up. The discounts are decent on what’s marked down. I swung by one of my local HDs and snagged a handful of items. I’ll have to keep checking for more to be marked down.
Mark
It looks like Milwaukee is replacing Klein at HD. They have a side endcap featuring a bunch of different electrician’s tools.
Michael Bastian
I’ve been told by HD merchandisers that Klein tools and the new Milwaukee line will be sold side by side in the stores. The clearance that you’re seeing may be simply an inventory reduction tool to make room for the Milwaukee.
John
Need to Carry greenlee along with Klein, Milwaukee is ok same with ideal and g&b
Kevo
Our local in Minnesota is selling all Klein’s also. Not much left. Being replaced with Greenlee and some Milwaukee as far as I can tell.
Mike
I wish. Went to my local HD yesterday, maybe 5% of the Klein items ‘discounted’.
Jesse
My home depot does not have klein discounted at all. I’m betting they will be running tests at some stores to see how a lack of klein affects sales. Lowes does have 3/4 of ideal discounted, and Greenlee is gone.
I’d be fine with HD selling Fluke, knipex, and wera along with milwaukee. They could eliminate commercial electric with the exception of core items for the budget minded, only need it once, homeowners.
Rob
Hope they’re not getting rid of all the Klein and keep the essentials. Otherwise I’ll need to start going to Lowe’s too
John Murphy
Klein tools has been around a long time and are pretty good quality.
Steve A
Klein tools are way overpriced and way overrated I bought a combo nut driver which didn’t even last me 6 months and the handle broke and became unattached I will never buy Klein Tools ever again the only reason why they survive is because no other competitor has made enough varieties of tradesmen tools to compete with them.
BMak
I was just at my local HD and didn’t see a lot of great deals. I did pick up the Klein 8” magnetic level that had been $30 for $21, which was a good deal. Every thing else was just a small mark down.
Mathias Klein
I heard Klein left Home Depot stores for Lowe’s. I’ve heard .com is not affected. I’ve heard Milwaukee Tool is replacing Klein, go figure.
Frank D
Why are they so inconsistent, and this is why I hate our HD. Clearance looks nothing like the picture. Maybe 20% of the brand items received a yellow sticker … a few desirable hand tools or consumable fancy drill bits gone. Rest: full price.
TomD
I suspect clearancing is a local management decision – the HD near me I have NEVER seen clearance anything “in the original spot” if you know what I mean; they always seem to wait and then dump it all on that one end cap where clearance goes to die.
Frank D
Very much indeed.
Where we lived before, you could walk in on a Sat am and find fresh markdowns and tool, storage etc clearances near the pro desk. Ours also used to have a back shelf in the tool department where there were displays and open box items marked down at 2/3 or 1/2 depending. I have picked up several extra ridgid tools that way. Now it is nickel and diming on the two shelves near the window & door department on the center aisle. Stuff just sits there for weeks on end.
Ikt907
Not a local decision, but clearance is localized. They take a look at total inventory and prioritize clearance at stores with more product on hand. IE: If one store has $20K worth of a dropped product line to move through, they’ll begin the clearance cadence more quickly than a store with $5K worth.
Jay
Klein is go to for electricians. Milwaukee is no good. For power tools they’re top notch though not hand tools. Commercial electric is junk. Greenlee also, although they’re better than commercial.
Neighbor Joe
Oh my the puerile behavior from retail world. Klein expands its retail presence with Lowes and HD dumps Klein. It appears Lowes is providing Klein plenty of self and floor space above and beyond HD. Good for Lowes and Klein. Looking forward to the new displays.
Toonraver80
THD did the same with Estwing. Estwing would not go exclusive with them, so they dumped the brand in most if not all categories.
Arne
I saw the milwaukee rep and home depot employee talking about the plans for the Klein shadowbox.
Pete M
I stopped at HD today and I saw the Klein section loaded with Milwaukee tools. I was hoping those would had been made in USA as Milwaukee is supposed to be making hand tools in the USA.
Unfortunately they were all made in China. Not sure if this a short term approach and Milwaukee progressively will replace those made in China tools with USA made one. If HD sticks with the made in China tools then all my needs for electrical tools go to Lowe’s and some specialty ones will always be Knipex and NWS.