Green Monday Tool Deals of the Day! (12/14/2020)

19 Comments

1. Eric H

   Dec 14, 2020

   Stuart, I see the Ryobi 4V screwdriver caught your eye too. I posted about it on Instagram. I would like to see Ryobi come out with an 18V drill/driver version with a price point lower than the Bosch Flexiclick and Milwaukee’s installation driver.

   Reply

   • Stuart

     Dec 14, 2020

     This style of screwdriver isn’t unique – The Bosch (and older Skil) IXO screwdriver is very mature tech.

     Ridgid has the JobMax system, and Ryobi the JobPlus.

     It all comes down to whether Home Depot thinks a modular screwdriver set would sell well, and if it can be done at a consumer-friendly price.

     Reply

2. Dave

   Dec 14, 2020

   I really appreciate all the effort put into finding the specials of the day/of the season. Thanks,

   The only downfall (personally) is that after many decades of owning a fully-equipped working shop (auto, trucks, heavy machines for my own enterprises/not for hire but we have a TON of such vehicles and equipment ) with stuff going on/people working in it 5 or 6 days a week, is that I have about everything I want or need.

   Still fun to read, but here’s how it goes for me:
   Have that
   Have that
   Have that
   Have something very similar
   Cool but I would never use that
   Have that
   Have the earlier version of that but it still does what I need it to do
   Have that
   I would like that but I know I wouldn’t use it, so I’d better not
   Have that
   Have that

   The internet has certainly changed things and good for you for jumping in and taking a chance and making a career out of it, while helping people save money and find what they need (or sometimes don’t need but still buy…)

   Thanks again. always a fun read.

   Reply

   • James C

     Dec 14, 2020

     “I would like that but I know I wouldn’t use it, so I’d better not.” I’m still working on that one…

     Reply

     • Stacey Jones

       Dec 14, 2020

       LOL me too!

       Reply

   • Stuart

     Dec 14, 2020

     Thank you, I appreciate it!

     I found myself with less “need”-based purchases and more “wants,” but there were still opportunities to try new tools.

     Some of the emails I’ve been getting are of the usual “I’m looking for my first…” type, but there’s also “I have X, Y, Z, and need to upgrade/add batteries” types of emails.

     There are always going to be three types of deals:

     Stuff to buy for other people as gifts.
     Stuff you need/want and have been waiting for good deals to buy.
     Stuff you buy on impulse.

     Not everyone is going to fit into one or more of these categories every year.

     This time of year, deal-related content isn’t very interesting for readers that aren’t looking to buy anything, but I am also working on other types of regular content in the meantime.

     Reply

3. Clay

   Dec 14, 2020

   May have to go in for that stapler. Anyone use that one?

   Was holding back in case that stubby/packout deal comes back, but I am not holding my breath.

   Reply

   • Stuart

     Dec 14, 2020

     I’ve used it quite a bit, and like it a lot. It’s definitely a good replacement for handheld staplers. I’ve mainly used it with T50 staples up to 1/2″.

     Reply

     • Clay

       Dec 14, 2020

       Thanks! I hate hand-powered staplers.

       Reply

   • MoogleMan3

     Dec 14, 2020

     I have that stapler and love it.

     Reply

     • Clay

       Dec 14, 2020

       Thanks!

       Reply

   • Clay

     Dec 14, 2020

     Alright, I am in.

     Still hoping that Stubby deal comes back…

     Reply

   • Lyle

     Dec 15, 2020

     I’ve been looking at that Milwaukee stapler for quite a while. I don’t have any other Milwaukee tools so I’m mostly waiting to see if a Dewalt or Bosch comes out with something. I hate my Arrow staplers but don’t use them enough to justify and entirely new battery platform.

     Reply

4. Shane

   Dec 14, 2020

   I pulled the trigger on the i5T. I can’t wait to receive it! BTW, I have seen lots of mention of the Eneloop batteries. Are these the same chemistry as the standard rechargeable cells? What makes them stand out?

   Reply

   • Stuart

     Dec 14, 2020

     Here’s one of my older posts, which I should probably update/replace in 2021: https://14cyiuhvcgv.com/sanyo-eneloop-pre-charged-rechargeable-batteries/%3C/a%3E%3C/p%3E

     Eneloop is a reputable brand, and the batteries have slow self-discharge. They’re also pre-charged so they’re ready to use out of the package.

     Basically, high capacity, low self-discharge, pre-charged and ready to go.

     I believe most brands have updated their NiMH chemistries and characteristics to be pre-charged and slow self-discharge (meaning they still have charge x-number of weeks/months/even years after being charged).

     I’ve had great experiences and so I stick with Eneloop, or the made-in-Japan cells at Ikea which are widely believed to be relabeled Eneloop batteries.

     Reply

     • Shane

       Dec 14, 2020

       I guess the Eneloops will be added to my list of (needs/wants). I bought some Energizer rechargeables(800mAh) when I bought my Hakko FX-901 as instructed by the manual. In a pinch, I put alkalines in there to see if they would work but the handle got hotter than the tip and it was only hot enough to melt solder for less than a minute.

       I strongly endorse the Milwaukee pivoting light. It stays in my tool bag because regardless of the scenario you can find a way to mount it for the task at hand. If you’re ok with one battery, Northern Tool has it for $49.99 which is a fantastic price. The “rover” in that line was very disappointing as the magnets are too weak for awkward positions. The clip on it is beyond useless. I came really close to getting the flashlight as well but I read lots of recent reviews panning it and reporting the same issue.

       Reply

       • Stuart

         Dec 14, 2020

         Compared to NiMH batteries, alkaline batteries simply cannot keep up under higher load applications. Primary lithium cells can be used, but they can be pricey as well.

         I like lithium batteries for flashlights that might not be used regularly, such as emergency lights. CR123A flashlights are also great for such purposes.

         Reply

         • Dave

           Dec 14, 2020

           Alkaline leakers cost maybe a quarter each in volume, but that’s before you factor in all of the stuff they ruin. When you add that in, they’re the most expensive.

           Lithium, even though expensive and not rechargeable, will be cheaper since they don’t wreck stuff. And they hold their charge a very long time which makes them good for seldom-used devices (which are exactly the type of devise most likely to be ruined by a leaky alkaline battery).

           Eneloops (a brand name) or their generic equivalent rechargeable NiMH will be way cheaper in the long run. Perfect for often-used stuff that would otherwise need new batteries a lot, and still good for lesser-used stuff since it won’t be destroyed by battery acid. A very good choice for an EDC flashlight for example, although I like USB rechargeable personally.

5. Vards Uzvards

   Dec 14, 2020

   In the spirit of Green Something, even if out of season for many:
   LAOA Garden shears for @ $13.26 – this is a good price for a good quality tool (and I just got a 10%-off clippable coupon on top of this price too). https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00AF5DG06/

   Reply