20 Tools We Bought On Black Friday Last Year
Updated: Nov. 17, 2020Keep an eye out for Black Friday deals like these, which we snatched up like crazy last year.
Every editorial product is independently selected, though we may be compensated or receive an affiliate commission if you buy something through our links.
Winter Tools
Black Friday prices for winter tools like snow blowers were big last year, including the Craftsman 22-inch 179cc Dual Stage Snow Thrower. Those in need of a new machine saved a whopping $300. Keep an eye out for deals this year! Check out these 15 things you need to know about buying a snow blower.
Tough Attachment for Tight Spots
For driving or drilling in the tightest spaces, a right-angle attachment is a lifesaver. The Milescraft Drive90PLUS is one of our favorites because it’s tough enough to use with an impact driver. And that makes driving screws easier. Other right-angle attachments are only rated for 250 in.-lbs., while this one can handle up to 1,500 in.-lbs.
Test Your Car Battery Anytime
Car batteries have a limited life. Don’t wait for yours to fail and leave you stranded. You can check the condition of the battery, starting and entire charging system with a computerized battery tester.
One choice is the SOLAR Digital Battery Tester. Besides testing voltage, a computerized battery tester checks for internal resistance and conductance, giving you a good idea of the battery’s overall condition. It also checks the condition of your starter and alternator.
Make sure you buy a battery tester that works on conventional lead acid batteries, as well as gel and absorbed glass mat (AGM) styles. That way you can use the same tester on your motorcycle and lawn and garden equipment. Don’t want to invest in a tester? Most auto parts stores will test yours for free. And just in case, review how to jumpstart your car battery.
Did you know you don’t need to go to the shop for these 100 car repairs?
ZipSnip Cutting Tool
This cordless electric cutter is a lightweight and handy tool that will make good old scissors seem so last century. It’s small enough to fit in a utility drawer, but advanced enough to handle jobs too tough for scissors and knives. The cutting tool is powered by a rechargeable four-volt MaxLithium battery, which holds a charge for months.
Perfect Hearing Protection
These ISOtunes PRO Bluetooth ear-buds are an almost essential in any tool belt. Aside from noise-canceling ANSI-certified hearing protection, they provide ten hours of great sound quality between charges. They let you take phone calls without dropping your tools, and never slip out of your ears.
These earbuds are tough, too. They’ve been battered, snagged on nails and subjected to extreme heat, cold, rain and grime. No problem.
Can’t Have Enough of CamJams
Ropes work great to secure tarps, but tying secure knots with the right tension can be tricky. Here come CamJams from Nite Ize to the rescue. Now just anchor one end of the cord, run the other end through the CamJam, clip the CamJam to a grommet and pull the cord. Nothing could be easier! Next, check out our expert tips for hauling stuff here.
Battery Organizer
Great for the basement or garage workshop, this battery organizer holds 82 batteries of various sizes. It also comes with a detachable battery tester. Plus, this is the proper way to get rid of batteries.
Dyson Vacuum
A cheap vacuum is just that. It won’t have the suction of a higher quality vacuum, or as many helpful attachments, or many high-tech features. So why not buy a topnotch vacuum without the price tag? Dyson’s V8 Animal+ Cord-Free Rechargeable Stick is available for $299.99 right now! Plus: Robot vacuums: Do they really work?
Black+Decker Alligator Cordless Lopper
Stormy weather can lead to fallen branches and damaged trees limbs. When fall is in full swing, you may notice dead limbs that need to be removed. While a chainsaw is your go-to for pruning trees, it’s not the easiest to maneuver, with its lack of control and skipping when starting cuts.
This cordless lopper is a great alternative. It adds powerful jaws that clamp the branch in space so you can cut wood into manageable pieces.
Terrific for Tires
Why lug around a heavy compressor and hose just to fill tires? All you really need is a battery-powered inflator. There are many versions available, some costing less than $40. Our favorite is the more expensive Milwaukee 2475 Compact Inflator, which automatically shuts off when the tire reaches the correct pressure.
Comfortable Dust Mask
Standard dust masks just aren’t comfortable for long periods of time. They tend to get sweaty, so we end up taking them off — and they certainly don’t work when they’re not on your face.
This Dust Mask, made of light mesh fabric, has a pair of straps that keep it in place comfortably. Beneath the mask is a replaceable filter. The discharge valve lets your breath go out instead of up so it doesn’t fog your protective eyewear.
Snow Joe 18-in. Strain-Reducing Snow Shovel
This Snow Joe shovel is perfect for anyone with a bad back. It’s designed to reduce the effort, strain and potential injury from shoveling by up to 30 percent. The ergonomic shovel grip is spring-assisted so you don’t have to bend over as much, leading to better posture and less strain.
Check out how car wax can make shoveling snow easier!
ThermoPro Wireless Remote Digital Meat Thermometer
Thanksgiving is around the corner. Whether you’re roasting your first or fiftieth turkey, you’ll be grateful for a meat thermometer. This one has all the bells and whistles, too.
It features a hands-free monitor with a large digital LCD screen that displays food and oven temperatures. It works up to 300 feet away, so you can spend time with your guests, guilt-free. It also has a timer and dual probes, and works with an oven, smoker or barbecue.
Hardworking Apron
Whether it’s for welding, gardening, grilling or artistry, this utility apron is a built-to-last piece of DIY gear. The waxed canvas makes it water-resistant and durable. It’s also reinforced with double stitching, heavy-weight gun-metal grommets and rivets.
The string of a light-duty shop apron can really slice into your neck when you load it up with screws and tools. That’s not a problem with this apron.
Cover Hose Bibs
Insulated covers slow the heat loss from a pipe as it travels through the wall out into the cold. They provide some protection for little cost. Plus, check out these 12 cool projects to keep your house warm this winter.
GoPets Dematting Comb
Thousands of Amazon reviewers say this device gives their cats a purr-fect brushing without hurting them. The comb’s copious teeth and stainless steel blades are sharp enough that tugging is unnecessary, and an ergonomic handle makes the task painless for you, too. Now is the time to grab one.
We rounded up 10 DIY ways to keep the kitty off the countertop.
Cordless Driver/Drills
A driver/drill combo set is almost always a useful purchase for DIYers and a safe go-to as a gift. That’s why basic driver/drill sets are often available at deep discounts during Black Friday sales.
If you needed another reason to pick up a drill, here are five surprising ways to speed up food prep with a drill!
Accurate Table Saw Setup
If you’ve ever set your table saw to make a 45-degree bevel cut for a box or picture frame and ended up with gaping miters because the markings on your machine were half a degree off, you need this Wixey Digital Angle Gauge. Just set it on your table, zero out the display and then stick the magnetic base onto the blade and adjust the bevel. The digital readout will tell you the angle of your blade down to one-tenth of a degree.
Smart Lock
Just about everyone with a front door can make use of an August Smart Lock. You can easily control the door from just about anywhere with this nifty gadget, leaving you with extra time and peace of mind.
Garden Hose Nozzle
This garden hose nozzle from Melnor features a slip-resistant grip and an ergonomic design that makes watering easy on the hand, wrist and arm. It also features seven watering patterns. Learn how to find the best garden hose for the job.