20 Tools We Bought On Black Friday Last Year
Updated: Nov. 12, 2019Keep 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 were able to save 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 my 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 BA9. Besides testing voltage, a computerized battery tester checks for internal resistance and conductance, giving you a good idea of the battery’s overall condition. Plus, the tester 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 4V MaxLithium battery, which holds a charge for months.
Perfect Hearing Protection
My ISOtunes PRO Bluetooth ear-buds have become almost as essential as my tool belt. Aside from noise-canceling, ANSI-certified hearing protection, they provide 10 hours of great sound quality between charges. They let me take phone calls without dropping my tools, and they never slip out of my ears. These earbuds are tough, too. They’ve been battered, snagged on nails and subjected to extreme heat, cold, rain and grime. No problem. If abuse ever wrecks them, I’ll definitely buy another pair.
Can’t Have Enough of CamJams
Ropes work great to secure tarps, but tying secure knots with the right tension can be tricky. The CamJams from Nite Ize have come to the rescue. Now all you have to do is 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.
Dyson Vacuum
A cheap vacuum is just that: it won’t have the suction of a higher quality vacuum and it won’t have as many helpful attachments or offer 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, it’s not the easiest to maneuver when pruning trees, with its lack of control and skipping when starting cuts. This cordless lopper is a great alternative, as 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. My favorite is the more expensive Milwaukee 2475 Compact Inflator, which automatically shuts off when the tire is at the correct pressure.
Comfortable Dust Mask
Standard masks just aren’t comfortable for long periods of time. They tend to get sweaty, so I end up taking them off—and they certainly don’t work when they’re not on your face. The RZ Dust Mask is made of light mesh fabric and 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 geared toward those who fight bad backs every winter as a result of shoveling. The product was designed to greatly reduce the effort, strain and potential injury involved in shoveling by up to 30 percent. Meanwhile, the ergonomic shovel grip is spring-loaded, capturing the expended energy from throwing the snow to return and reset the shovel.
“These bad boys are a TOTAL back saver!!” an Amazon reviewer boasts. “I’ve ordered five of them… I have a crew of four up on the roof of our motel clearing off over 3′ of snow (on a 300 ft. run of roof!!) and THEY love them too. I’ve shoveled several hundred pounds of the white stuff myself, and I gotta tell ya, I will NEVER use a ‘regular’ snow shovel again! Having that extra handle is a God-Send!! If you’re [semi] old 🙂 like me (60) or a young buck that just needs something that will fling the snow WAY out of the way – GET YOURSELF one or more of these! You’ll LOVE it!!”
ThermoPro Wireless Remote Digital Meat Thermometer
Thanksgiving is around the corner, and 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, not the least of which is a hands-free monitor with a large digital LCD screen that displays both food and oven temperatures and works up to 300 feet away, so you can spend time with your guests, guilt-free. It also has a timer, dual probes, and works with an oven, smoker or barbecue. Right now it’s 37% off, so trot on over and grab yours.
Hardworking Apron
Whether it’s for welding, the garden, grilling or artistry, this utility apron is a built-to-last piece of DIY gear. It’s made of waxed canvas, which 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 up the apron with screws and tools.
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 very little cost.
GoPets Dematting Comb
Thousands of Amazon reviewers say this device helps give their cats a purr-fect brushing without hurting them. The comb’s copious teeth and stainless steel blades are sharp enough to make tugging unnecessary, and an ergonomic handle makes the task painless for you, too. Right now is the time to grab one.
We rounded up 10 DIY ways to keep the kitty off the countertop.
DIY University Deal
Have you had your eye on a premium workshop or quick class? Whether you want to finish your basement, update your kitchen, learn more about renewable energy, tackle basic electrical projects, or something else—now’s your chance! The experts at DIY University are here to help you.
For a limited time, use code BLACKFRIDAY20 and save 20 percent on any Premium Workshop, Quick Class, or the DIY Quick Class Subscription. Get ready to save money, tackle any project yourself, and build your DIY skills.
Use code BLACKFRIDAY20 and get 20 percent off through November 29, 2019.
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 gapping 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, and the it was on sale last Black Friday! 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
Not only does this garden hose nozzle from Melnor feature a slip-resistant grip, it has an ergonomic grip design that makes watering easy on the hand, wrist and arm. It features seven watering patterns. Learn how to find the best garden hose for the job.