Misc New Tool Deals – Holiday 2021

82 Comments

1. fred

   Oct 31, 2021

   I think that the approach is worth a try and may serve your readers well. This time of year I get bombarded by emails from tool-purveyors and other touting their “deals” – a few of which may actually be good. For what they are worth – I try to pass many of these on for consideration. So this would be an easier way to do it – rather than randomly appending them as a off-topic item to some other post.

   As examples – It seems hat some vendors have added Halloween (after Columbus Day and before Veteran’s Day) as an occasion to promote sales:

   Here are some I got today:

   https://www.toolstoday.com/
   From $10 off $150 to $40 off $350

   Eagle America and MLCS – 3 Magnetic Tool covers for $75

   https://www.rockler.com/
   Say that Black Friday and Power Carving deals are going on now

   https://www.woodcraft.com/
   Say their October Sales end today

   https://www.gardeners.com/
   Use code PUMPKIN21 for 15% off on $75 or more (10% off on $50 to $75)

   https://www.dkhardware.com/
   7%off – use code Halloween

   https://dfmtoolworks.com/collections/bit-holders
   15% off preorders on magnetic bit holders

   https://dfmtoolworks.com/
   Scratch and dent sale

   Reply

   • Koko The Talking Ape

     Oct 31, 2021

     Thanks fred! I hadn’t heard of DFM Toolworks, but they look cool. I got a scratch-and-dent mini square just to try out.

     Reply

     • fred

       Oct 31, 2021

       I’ve never bought anything from them – so I’d be curious about what you think. They always seemed a bit like a Woodpecker’s wannabe – but maybe that’s doing them a disservice.

       Reply

       • Munklepunk

         Nov 7, 2021

         Not a wannabe, their quality is very nice, fit and finish is excellent. Even the scratch and dent I got is perfect except for an off center logo. They do an amazing middle ground between the empire, Swanson and Sterrett, Woodpecker. They also have great customer service and interact with people on Instagram.

         Reply

         • fred

           Nov 7, 2021

           Good to know

           Thanks

       • Koko The Talking Ape

         Nov 9, 2021

         My small blue centering square arrived the other day. It’s a second, but I can’t really tell why. One of the centering pins has a SLIGHTLY tighter fit through one of the holes, but that’s all. The machining and finishing are first-rate.

         If I had any druthers, I’d wish for some way to store the pins in the square itself, because as it is, they sort of rattle around in the little ziplock bag the tool was shipped in. But at least they’re easy to replace if I loose them (they’re just 1/4″ flat-headed dowel pins, like clevis pins without the hole bored through.)

         But otherwise, a very nice tool, from an American manufacturer, at a good price, much cheaper than Woodpeckers (but maybe less sophisticated.) I’m a fan!

         Reply

         • Matt

           Nov 13, 2021

           I have one of their small blue centering squares and I love it. To store it I drilled appropriately spaced holes in a horizontal board (the bottom of the inside of the wooden cabinet in my garage) for the metal pegs to nestle into. That way the centering square lays flat but can’t slide around.

2. Matt the Hoople

   Oct 31, 2021

   Just FYI on that Harbor parts tray… They also have the large on sale for $5 off as well. Note that, I bought the set below from Amazon which seems to be almost identical to the three separate Harbor freight pieces (small, medium, large). The Amazon 3 piece set is less than the cost of two harbor freight pieces. I played with the harbor freight ones at the store and the material and quality seems identical.

   One hint to using….these are sticky which is the point. They grab onto the top of a car engine or fender and don’t slip. This makes them a pain to use under a car on concrete where you may want to slide it around. For under car work, I cut a piece of cardboard just a little larger than the large tray to set on. This allows me to slide it to where I need it when laying under the car.

   Aocoom 3pcs Large Non-Slip Flexible Tool Tray, Tool Mat, Tool Organizer, Tool Storage, Tool Holder, Grip Mats, No Magnets (Blue) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08JSHYZS4/

   Reply

   • 928'er

     Nov 7, 2021

     Thanks Matt. Just ordered a set – orange ones are $2 cheaper than the blue…

     Reply

3. Amish Mike

   Oct 31, 2021

   Lowes has the werner work platform on sale as well
   https://www.lowes.com/pd/Werner-Aluminum-Work-Platform-250-Lb/5000905497

   Reply

   • Jim

     Oct 31, 2021

     Thanks Mike!
     Just grabbed one to work on my truck.

     Truck not lifted, stock 4WD, and I’m almost 6’3” WTH!

     Reply

     • Amish Mike

       Oct 31, 2021

       You’re welcome Jim. I’m going to get one for the same purpose, except my truck has 4 inches of lift and I’m 5’10”, haha

       Reply

4. Joellikestools

   Oct 31, 2021

   Oh man that surge deal is tempting. If it was the M12 it would be in my cart. I can’t justify getting into a 5th battery platform though.

   Reply

   • Stuart

     Oct 31, 2021

     Reminder: The M18 kit comes with an M12/M18 multi-voltage charger… =)

     Reply

5. Matt the Hoople

   Oct 31, 2021

   Harbor freight has an additional 30% off on items $20 and less for today only. Fine print says cannot be used on Black Friday deals but nothing about other sales.

   Code is 44177339

   Reply

   • Matt the Hoople

     Oct 31, 2021

     My bad. That was for “inside track” members only. It says for non-inside track members it’s 30% off items $10 and less.

     Reply

6. Bill W

   Oct 31, 2021

   Stuart, just under the header where you list, “Live Black Friday Deals: Home Depot, Amazon, Milwaukee, Dewalt”, the Milwaukee button only returns deals from last year, 2020.

   Reply

   • Stuart

     Oct 31, 2021

     Thank you very much! *fixed*

     I changed it to the current link when it went live, but forgot to hit save. =(

     Reply

7. Jp

   Oct 31, 2021

   I like the approach, thanks for the change. Can you somehow keep the post near the top of the page or will we need to scroll way down after a few weeks to find it?

   Reply

   • Stuart

     Oct 31, 2021

     I’m still finalizing details. I’ll republish it “to the top” after major updates, and I’m also working to organize the site-wide top-of-page Black Friday links. If this post is updated at least a couple of times each week, and readers find it helpful, I’ll add a link up top as well, so that it’s easier to click to from anywhere on the site.

     I think that updating the post title with the most recent update time/date and republishing as needed could be more helpful, as readers will be able to judge whether to check it from just the title and its position on the homepage or deals page.

     This post won’t include everything, although I suppose it can, and so I’m reluctant to “sticky” it. I will also have a Black Friday table of contents master post (here is last year’s: https://14cyiuhvcgv.com/black-friday-tool-deals/%3C/a%3E%29 and that will be stickied as soon as it’s needed. This post, if users find it helpful, will be included there, and so there will be multiple methods of quick access.

     Reply

8. Plain grainy

   Nov 1, 2021

   I’m guilty of the “Off Topic” posts, so I welcome this format. I noticed a gadget tool(Kelvin17). Sort of a multi tool gadget. Looks like something a college student might use in their dorm room. Unique thing I noticed was it was lighted. Then I noticed that Craftsman now has a led ratcheting screwdriver. Seems only logical since most cordless drills/ drivers have Led lighting.

   Reply

   • Plain grainy

     Nov 1, 2021

     The Craftsman Led screwdriver isn’t new. It came out around 2012.

     Reply

9. Koko The Talking Ape

   Nov 1, 2021

   As of 1 AM 11/1, the DeWalt bit set is back to regular price ($50).

   Reply

   • Stuart

     Nov 1, 2021

     I think that’s just Lowe’s playing with the pricing. My store is reporting more than 150 sets in stock – this is definitely going back on sale soon.

     Reply

   • Benjamen

     Nov 1, 2021

     Interesting, I just visited the site and I’m still seeing the $25 ($24.98) price.

     This is one of those weird products that Lowe’s seem to just hang onto 150 units over the year rather than price them any lower to get rid of them. I think my local Lowe’s has had the same 100+ units for at least 2 years (okay maybe I’m exaggerating, but it really doesn’t seem like they move). They sit on the shelf at $50 for most of the year and occasionally they’ll drop the price to $40 or maybe even lower on big holidays. Then they’ll jack the price right back when the holiday is over.

     The biggest reason I posted this is because I get asked where I buy empty ToughCase+ boxes because I create different 3D printed inserts for them, and other than clearance, this is one of the the best deals I’ve seen.

     Reply

     • Koko The Talking Ape

       Nov 1, 2021

       Yep, I just checked again. $50, at least for me, or at least in Denver.

       Good to know the the price will go down again. Thanks Stuart and Benjamen!

       Reply

       • Stuart

         Nov 1, 2021

         I *believe* it will at least.

         I saw piles of these at my local Lowe’s, and other tools and accessories I know will be discounted. I always figure it’s done for the “new lower price” signage.

         Reply

   • Koko The Talking Ape

     Nov 7, 2021

     Now it’s 11/7, and the price is still $50. Just as an experiment, I turned off all my privacy apps, and the price didn’t change. Oh well!

     Reply

     • MM

       Nov 7, 2021

       This is very odd. I just checked myself (Texas), and it’s showing as $25.00 for me, it says my local store has 98 of them in stock and I can pick up in-store or order online.
       FWIW I don’t have a Lowe’s account and I never visited the link before.

       Reply

     • Stuart

       Nov 7, 2021

       Try selecting a different store. If that doesn’t work, try changing your zip code.

       Reply

       • Koko The Talking Ape

         Nov 8, 2021

         I will. Thanks, gentlemen!

         Reply

   • Koko The Talking Ape

     Nov 11, 2021

     Well I took people’s advice and changed the store on the website. For whatever, the particular store it had steered me to wasn’t offering the deal. Other stores were.

     But I stopped by one of those stores today, because they showed something like 80 sets available.

     Almost immediately, a store employee asked me if I needed help, and started looking for it. No sets were on display, so we looked for them in the storage high up in the shipping boxes. None there either.

     I went down an aisle and when I came back, another guy, maybe a manager, was there. He told me something about how the issue might be some kind of store display that might be coming.

     But in effect, the store that claimed to have 80 sets had none available for sale. They couldn’t be located, and they had no idea how to find them, or when they might be able to find them. (For the record, it was the Lowe’s in Aurora, Colorado, a suburb of Denver.) I won’t be going back.

     I’ve encountered a similar issue at a Home Depot (the one on Santa Fe Boulevard in Denver), where the website said they had dozens of hand trucks, but nobody could find them in the store. I don’t shop there any more either.

     Reply

     • Stuart

       Nov 11, 2021

       My local Home Depot store is phenomenal, and even they have lost promo displays in the past.

       Another store put out two new displays today or tomorrow. I asked the Dewalt rep, and he says that it just arrived at the store after being stuck in transit.

       Some Lowe’s stores near me still don’t have promo displays out yet, and I’m not sure why.

       Reply

       • Koko The Talking Ape

         Nov 12, 2021

         Sure. But that’s not the only issue I’ve had with that particular HD on Santa Fe. I’ve seen pallets half-opened and abandoned in the aisles, with packing material strewn around for customers and staff to slip and fall on. Once I asked for somebody to be paged to cut some lumber for me, and twenty minutes went by, and nobody came. Apparently only one employee on that shift could use the radial arm saw, and that one employee was MIA. So I left.

         Re that hand truck issue, I actually had to make three separate trips to the store for it. The first time they couldn’t find any, despite what the website said. The second time I actually purchased one for pickup, and I got an email saying one was being held for me, but when I arrived, nobody could find my order. No item actually had been picked, probably because nobody could find them, but it was marked as completed anyway, and the confirmation email went out. The next day I got another email saying it was ready, so I went out a third time, but it wasn’t there again. Some employee had failed to mark the order as uncompleted, so what I got was a second, false notification.

         I did complain to a floor manager, and explained each of their separate, independent screwups in detail. Then I got an email from the store manager, saying he’d been hired specifically to clean up that particular store (on Santa Fe Drive, in Denver.) He swore he would get me that hand truck one way or another. And then I never heard back from him. I guess the extra-talented turnaround manager gave up too. Mind you, all of this was well before the pandemic craziness.

         For the store, this is a serious issue, because it means none of the item design, sourcing, manufacturing, shipping, inventorying, merchandising, advertising, or salespeople got me the thing I wanted. It’s as if none of it happened. There’s no point in doing any of it doesn’t cross that last dozen yards into a customer’s hands.

         I use two other HD stores regularly, and neither of them have given me any problem. Neither, for that matter, has Amazon, even though they must stock 100 times the items that HD does.

         Reply

     • MM

       Nov 12, 2021

       I had this issue with Home Depot last month when I was trying to buy the Dewalt 3/8 compact impact wrench. Most of the employees tried to look but couldn’t find anything around the Dewalt display. Finally I found an employee who did find them: they were not kept with the normal tool backstock, they were in an entirely different part of the store set aside with the black friday & holiday inventory. It took four tries before someone finally found them.

       I’m of the opinion that computerized inventory and ordering can be helpful in some cases, but it also comes with the HUGE negative in that now the human beings in the store don’t know what is located where. And if you ask me that’s huge issue.

       Reply

       • Koko The Talking Ape

         Nov 12, 2021

         I will disagree on one point. I think the system needs MORE computerization. The computerized inventory allows many good things, like automatic fulfillment from warehouses, and is a huge convenience to customers. The problem is that there are too many people in the chain. People leave pallets in loading bays without recording their location, or enter items into inventory improperly (that apparently was the issue with my missing dollys.)

         So we need MORE automation and electronic record-keeping. Especially, every location of every item should be recorded electronically, even if it’s in a hallway or closet. That could be done by barcoding individual racks or shelves, or by RFID tags.

         Reply

10. Matt S

    Nov 1, 2021

    FYI: To expand on that Milwaukee deal, HD has the 2x 5.0 battery, charger, bag combo marked down to 199, with a free tool selection. blower, speaker, light, hackzall, router, impact driver, jigsaw, RO palm sander, OMT, or drywall gun.

    https://www.homedepot.com/p/Milwaukee-M18-18-Volt-Lithium-Ion-XC-Starter-Kit-with-2-5-0Ah-Batteries-Charger-Contractor-Bag-48-59-1852P/304743962

    Reply

11. Julian Tracy

    Nov 1, 2021

    The Xmas time work platform deals are an excellent time to buy a second and cut the legs down to make it a 10-12” platform. Rivet gun and drill are all that’s needed and no decrease in safety rating. I’m 6’ 4” and the cut down platforms make for the perfect ceiling cutting in work platforms.

    Reply

    • Plain grainy

      Nov 1, 2021

      Be careful of those rivets. I’ve had some fail on me. And it was rivets that contributed to the Titanic sinking!

      Reply

12. fred

    Nov 1, 2021

    https://www.all-wall.com/
    15% off on all abrasives – use code SAND15

    Woodpeckers:
    All edge rules on sale

    Toolnut – new sales:
    https://www.toolnut.com/on-sale.html

    ToolTopia:
    Milwaukee Shockwave Sets – tiered discount (Supposedly 10 TO 30% OFF depending on set) sale with codes:
    SHOCKWAVE10, SHOCKWAVE15, SHOCKWAVE20 AND SHOCKWAVE30

    Woodcraft – just released November sales flyer

    Reply

13. Nathan

    Nov 1, 2021

    thanks for the heads up

    Reply

14. Joatman

    Nov 7, 2021

    For anyone who does wood work, the Woodpecker Edge rules are a must-have.
    The pricing is a bit wacky….makes you want to buy the 36” and chop it into various sizes. You’d end up with an oddball piece since you’re removing material….but if you cut precisely to the inch, who cares.

    Reply

    • Joatman

      Nov 7, 2021

      On 2nd thought, the numbers would be off.

      Reply

15. Jorn

    Nov 7, 2021

    I picked up the work platform from Lowe’s. Used it this weekend on our wall finishing project. Thanks for the tip!

    Reply

16. Shane Hester

    Nov 7, 2021

    Is this a good deal?
    Limited-time deal: DEWALT DXCM024-0344 Double Arm Hose Reel with 1/2″ x 50′ Premium Rubber Hose https://www.amazon.com/dp/B079V7LSLB/

    Reply

    • Stuart

      Nov 7, 2021

      It’s hard to say – it looks to be a very good price for what you get and compared to other retailers’ pricing. But, price trackers also say the price is higher than in recent months.

      Prices are higher on a lot of products and equipment these days, and that could play into things.

      Reply

17. fred

    Nov 8, 2021

    Gemplers (Gardening and Outdoor) say they will give you 10% off on $100 or more using code: SAVE10NOV – good thru 11/21

    https://gemplers.com/

    Reply

18. Scott ALKB

    Nov 9, 2021

    https://www.redtoolstore.com has $60 off Milwaukee orders over $250, today only (Tuesday, November 9), some exclusions of course. Code MIL60

    Reply

19. Mc703

    Nov 11, 2021

    I checked out the Werner platform and it seems like it should always be at that price point. The real bargain is the Gorilla platform on sale down from $80 at HD. It feels much more substantial and is same price as the $35 Werner. Felt secure on it all day painting.

    https://www.homedepot.com/p/Gorilla-Ladders-47-25-in-x-12-in-x-20-in-Aluminum-Slim-Fold-Work-Platform-300-lbs-Load-Capacity-GLWP-47/305590237

    Reply

    • Clay

      Nov 12, 2021

      Thanks for this! I was tempted by the Werner and appreciate the heads-up on the Gorilla.

      Reply

      • Mc703

        Nov 12, 2021

        YW!

        Reply

    • Stuart

      Nov 12, 2021

      Thanks! I checked for the Gorilla but haven’t seen them in stores yet and the price was much higher. It looks like they’re now shipping.

      I’ll add it to the next update!

      Reply

      • Mc703

        Nov 12, 2021

        Thanks for the hat tip!

        I’ve been telling everyone I know to go buy it – it’s that great for $35.

        Reply

    • Matthew

      Nov 13, 2021

      Gorilla platform is way better than the Werner for sure. I have the previous version without the handle cutout.

      Reply

20. Frank D

    Nov 11, 2021

    Why are Milwaukee bit cases so bad in practice?
    They look good but bit tension is a nightmare and safety hazard with drill bits.
    I have picked up a couple sets of Milwaukee bits and drills, over time. Always issues getting bits out. Horribly bad tension on the hex part and needing to slide them up with a lot of force. Totally unsafe with te drills, I have cut myself. So now I’m pretty much every time using a flat screwdriver to pry them out?
    In contrast with bosch you can just tip them up and out towards you in a split sec. Easy peasy.

    Reply

21. JoeM

    Nov 12, 2021

    Okay… Semi-Off-Topic… but I’m kinda loving that modified ToolGuyd logo for this post. Hammer smashing dollar signs? It’s pretty darn perfect for a deals post!

    Serious fan of variant logos for special post types. I like the physical design changes made to give the impression of what’s inside at a glance. I prefer shape and design changes rather than colour changes. I’m colourblind, so, when you redesign a logo, I take a great deal of interest in its utility to the subject! This new one is a winner in my books!

    Sorry. Carry on with the deal talk.

    Reply

22. MM

    Nov 13, 2021

    That Maxfit 90 degree adapter kit is one hell of a deal.

    And Kudos to Bosch for including a universal type clamp with their laser level. That sort of clamp attachment is incredibly handy and ought to come standard with any laser level. I know that one can buy similar mounts from the photo/video industry but I think those are so useful they ought to be a default accessory.

    Reply

    • fred

      Nov 13, 2021

      Seems like a lot of bang for the buck on this deal. I might not give up my Stabila LAX300G for this – but its 1/10 the price

      Reply

23. Matthew

    Nov 13, 2021

    Anyone check out the Ox Tools that are currently at lowes on sale? Heavy soft mallet, cats paw, and mechanical pencil?

    Really interested in all three of them but had never heard of them before.

    Reply

    • Stuart

      Nov 13, 2021

      They sent a tape measure a while ago and it was just okay. I passed one along to a contractor, and they hated it with a passion.

      I haven’t tried their tools since then, but everything I’ve seen looked either generic or an attempt to be trendy.

      Reply

      • Matthew

        Nov 17, 2021

        Ended up picking up their rubber mallet. Love the handle and love how heavy it is for a non-marring mallet. Their mechanical pencil is nice so far. We’ll see if it lasts. Takes Pica leads which is nice. Also picked up the catspaw which is really nice and sharp as well as a hammer side for easy hammer striking or even getting into tighter areas to finish hammering a nail or staple.

        Reply

24. High & Mighty

    Nov 14, 2021

    If there were no such thing as black friday and you weren’t requested to promote sales advertising and no one cared about the deals or discounts, what would you post from November through January here on toolguyd? What would the content consist of? Tool reviews? Suggestions on what to buy? Comparisons? Would there be any content at all?

    What is it about black friday that deserves the amount of attention that you give to it? What makes black friday so fkng special? It’s not a holiday. It’s not a celebration of family. The tradition of black friday died out years ago. When was the last time any of you went to HD or Lowes or wherever you wanted to buy something from on Thanksgiving Night and stood in line with everyone else and waited? Yeah, that’s what I thought. That’s what black friday was about. And it wasn’t but once a year. You either showed up or you got left out.

    Black friday means nothing in this day and age. There’s no reason to even mention it. It’s nothing more than a friday in November and that’s about it. Just like yesterday. The only possible reason for anyone to make mention of it is strictly based on incentives. You’re lying if you say otherwise.

    Reply

    • fred

      Nov 14, 2021

      During my working life, having been a partner in businesses that collectively bought millions of dollars of machine and hand tools for 50 years or so – I can say that sales (Black Friday or otherwise) meant little to us. Sure, we’d sometimes look over inventories and/or collect lists of tools that were running low, needed for upcoming jobs or new for potential try-outs. Then if those purchase lists could be coordinated with sales events or promotions – we might do some special buying. But by and large – we’d buy tools as we needed them.

      All that said, for personal use – where desire rather than need has been more of a factor in what tools I’ve purchased – sales promotions have often been waited on to pull the trigger on buying. It may be part of the human psyche to like getting a bargain (or think that you did) – and that may spur the BF/Cyber Monday phenomenon in the past number of years.

      The rapid rise of consumerism that came in with the Roaring Twenties in the USA certainly changed the world – not always for the better. But the Great Depression that followed was no picnic either. Perhaps in this age of trying to respond to global warming – mankind might be able to tone down consumerism a tad – and as you allude to – focus more on things like “celebration of familiy”.

      Meanwhile retailers – forever wanting to promote sales and profitability – will continue to hype BF and Cyber Monday as opportunities “not to be missed” by the buying public. In this era of COVID and supply disruptions – that also seems to come with them trying to stretch things out and put their best take on promotions (at least some IMO) that seem a bit Ho Hum. But from the plethora of comments that I see on ToolGuyd posts – many readers really appreciate Stuart’s considerable efforts – at this time of the year – to help them sort through the maze of hype and help them find sales that appeal to them. I’m sure that these efforts help with the popularity of his site – and hope that reader’s use of affiliated links add some income. I’m also betting that this is all a bittersweet time of the year for Stuart – hectic but nice to be responding to many readers interests – but glad when the “feeding frenzy” of promotions are over and we can all settle down to real (rather than the materialistic) value of the upcoming holidays.

      Reply

      • Stuart

        Nov 14, 2021

        To be honest, I do enjoy the chaos of this time of year. There are always Q4 products that are interesting to analyze, and I continue to test tools and develop the look and layout of different parts of the website as a distraction from the deals content.

        Things get busier and busier, and peak from the Wednesday before Thanksgiving to the Tuesday after Cyber Monday. I usually start to relax the first week in December.

        There’s always a grumpy reader or two that laments the holiday and deals coverage, and it’s often a habitual complainer. New tool post? “Sucks.” “Worthless.” “Nobody needs this.” So of course they complain about deals coverage as well.

        I do get a little tired of deals coverage, which is why you’ll barely see any deals posts in the first couple months of the year.

        Things are definitely different this year than in prior holiday seasons, as retailers all started with their deals and “deals” earlier, and mass media followed along, hyping things up. Normally things ramp up slowly from the start of the month, but this year everything has been in full swing since the last week in October.

        It used to be that Thanksgiving kicked off holiday shopping, but these days it’s the peak, with less interesting and compelling promotions in December. So yes, the consumerism aspect of the season has expanded a little bit, but not as much as you’d think since December shopping interest and volume also seems to have diminished a little.

        Reply

    • Stuart

      Nov 14, 2021

      If you’ve got something against Black Friday/Black November, that’s on you.

      This is what most readers are interested in right now.

      You can argue that you don’t think that’s what anyone wants, but the comments, questions, requests, and overall interest and impact show that this is what most readers want right now.

      This is what’s popular in every single industry and product category right now. It is what it is.

      Don’t worry, there will be plenty of new tool posts and reviews for you to rant and complain about shortly.

      Reply

    • JR Ramos

      Nov 15, 2021

      That comes off as maybe an unfair dig at this site but maybe you didn’t mean it that way. I think black friday is nearly as strong as it ever was although they’ve stretched it out a bit (just as “they” have done with almost all holidays, shopping-centric or otherwise).

      There are some areas where it has disappeared (with support for that) or greatly lessened…REI being the most visible example. My semi-insider understanding is that a lot of smaller companies got on this bandwagon notsomuch from an altruistic angle as REI did, but most of them simply just cannot compete in the same arena, so it’s something of a blessing to them although it doesn’t absolve the pricing disparities (purchasing, not retail, as much as the two can be separated).

      The whole thing is just at the consumer level, though. “Pro” and industrial users and their suppliers….almost never been a thing and they don’t play the same discounting games let alone loss-leader bs and such. Where the box retailers cross over into “prosumer” and contractor-worthy stuff, then certainly deals can be had for professionals and that’s absolutely of value for them as it directly affects their bottom line if they can benefit from the sales. Joe Hobbyist…always going to drive the price as close to zero as s/he can anyway, so black friday is great for that kind of consumer.

      Reply

25. fred

    Nov 15, 2021

    Level% – Drywall tools – 20% off Auto Taping Tool Sets, 15% off Hand Tool and Skimming Blade Sets, 10% all individual tools

    https://www.level5tools.com/

    Reply

26. JR Ramos

    Nov 15, 2021

    Lowe’s has some very good deals on Bosch 18v tools where they’re adding a charger and 4Ah battery to the bare tools. I didn’t browse them all but I see various square and hex impacts, 3/4″ hammer, recip and circ saw, 4-1/2″ grinders in a couple flavors. I’m invested in Milwaukee 12 and 18 but have not been attracted to their 18v grinders for a few reasons. The Bosch checks off most of my boxes so I picked one up at $129. Found a great deal on their 8Ah battery for $75 to boot (one-off, not retail). Cordless grinders still aren’t at their electric counterparts’ level of power but gosh they’ve come a long way. I think the DeWalt 60v is the grinder to get for those who need more performance/time/load but thus far I’m reasonably impressed with this Bosch.

    https://www.lowes.com/pd/Bosch-BSH-18V-4-5-BL-Grinder-Bare-Tool/5002909761

    Reply

27. Koko The Talking Ape

    Nov 15, 2021

    I got that Gerber Suspension multi-tool last year (thanks Stuart!) and I’ve been pleased with it. All the tools lock, and the pliers are spring-loaded, which are two better than entry-level features (I think.)

    All the tools swing out easily. Some of the tools feel a little rough when unfolding, because the locking spring presses against the tools, which are bead-blasted. If you’re bored one winter evening, I’m sure you could polish those surfaces with a dremel. All the screws are the typical Torx.

    The cutters aren’t heavy-duty, but you wouldn’t use this tool for heavy-duty jobs.

    Great stocking stuffer, glove compartment tool or part of a go bag!

    Reply

28. Matt

    Nov 15, 2021

    Looks like they didn’t exclude the Milwaukee nailers from the promo at Acme Tools for once. I’m thinking $290 shipped is probably as good as I’ll ever see for the 21 degree framing nailer bare tool? That’s $60 off what it normally goes for.

    Reply

    • Stuart

      Nov 15, 2021

      Good catch!

      A couple of people have asked about M18 framing nailer deals, but this does look to be the best one yet, as the coupon stacks on top of the $20 holiday season savings.

      Reply

29. fred

    Nov 15, 2021

    Just got an email promoting “specials” on DMT sharpening stones. The price might be worth a look as I’ve found this vendor to be competitive:

    https://www.sharpeningsupplies.com/Specials-C44.aspx

    Reply

30. fred

    Nov 16, 2021

    For readers in Canada – up to $100 off Bosch:

    https://www.mississaugahardware.com/

    Reply

31. fred

    Nov 16, 2021

    https://www.toolup.com/deal-center

    Some free Milwaukee tool or battery deals – with a purchase

    Reply

32. Mxx

    Nov 16, 2021

    https://www.homedepot.com/p/Milwaukee-SAWZALL-Demolition-Wood-Metal-Cutting-Bi-Metal-Reciprocating-Saw-Blade-Set-with-1-3-8-in-Oscillating-Set-22-Piece-49-22-1113Y-49-25-1135/318021121
    Looks like a good deal with some carbide blades and heavier torch metal blades, plus the OMT blades.

    Reply

    • Stuart

      Nov 16, 2021

      Thanks! Yes – it looks like you save $5 over buying the two special buys separately.

      Reply

33. Matt the Hoople

    Nov 16, 2021

    Just a heads up on the gorilla work platform. Looks like Home Depot removed the $45 minimum for free shipping. Just bought one with free shipping and supposedly will be at my house on Friday.

    Reply

34. Plain grainy

    Nov 17, 2021

    Where? Lowe’s, the 36v Metabo router is marked down until 11-17-21(16 hours left as of this posting). Regular kit price is $399.00, marked down to $359.00(save $40.00).

    Reply

35. fred

    Nov 18, 2021

    Toolbarn is offering $20 off on $100 on select Milwaukee items – using code MIL20

    good thru 11/19

    https://www.toolbarn.com/

    Reply

36. Ryan

    Nov 18, 2021

    Is the new Ridgid NXT line have something to do with holiday promotion? The new NXT items all seem to be less expensive than their predecessors.

    Reply

    • Stuart

      Nov 18, 2021

      I don’t have an answer to that. NXT is supposed to be Ridgid’s premium line. https://14cyiuhvcgv.com/ridgid-nxt-wet-dry-shop-vacuums-overview/%3C/a%3E%3C/p%3E

      Reply

37. fred

    Nov 18, 2021

    https://www.gardenersedge.com/

    15% OFF ANY ORDER – garden tools etc.

    Reply