11 Things DIYers Should Always Buy on Black Friday
Updated: Nov. 23, 2021Black Friday sales bring in determined shoppers and bargain hunters. So what’s in it for DIYers like us? Here are 11 home improvement items that can traditionally be found at a deep discount around Black Friday.
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Table Saws
Black Friday sales often focus on big-ticket items. This is because even a small drop in price looks significant on an item with a high dollar value, which is why you often see televisions on Black Friday sales. For the DIY crowd, one such high-price/high-discount item is a table saw. Once you get your table saw, look to Family Handyman for all the best table saw tips and tricks.
Tool Sets
If an individual item isn’t significantly attention-getting on its own, it can often be rolled into a combo tool set to make a more appealing sales item. Many manufacturers create bundles of power tools that are available only at specific sales like the Fourth of July or Black Friday.
It’s not a great deal if you already own most of the items in the bundle, of course. But if you need to stock up on a variety or range of tools, then a bundle such as this is a great purchase.
Use your new tools to make a DIY bluebird house!
Cordless Driver/Drills
Another popular big-box store Black Friday technique is to focus on items that appeal to a wide range of buyers. 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, you can also use it with an auger to plant spring bulbs.
Need a super quick gift idea? We found the best flower (and plant) delivery services for the holidays.
Mechanic’s Tool Kit
Mechanic’s tool kits are also popular Black Friday sales items, because they are often in stock and often pricy. This is a great time of year to stock up to fill in any gaps in your garage shop tool collection. Check out the best gift ideas for gardeners.
Appliances
Kitchen appliances are large-ticket items that demonstrate deep savings this time of year. If you’re planning a remodel of your kitchen, Black Friday is a great time to pick up a stove or refrigerator, like this Samsung unit from Lowe’s. Keep an eye out for bundles, where appliance packages are often accompanied by a hefty dealer rebate.
Shop Essentials
At the opposite end of the spectrum, big box stores often offer fantastic discounts on shop staples such as paper towels, chip brushes and hand warmers. The savings aren’t huge. But because these items are always needed and they don’t expire sitting on your shelf, it can be a great opportunity to stock up on a large quantity.
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Air Compressors
Often bundled with accessories such as extra-long hoses or nail guns, air compressors are a staple of DIY Black Friday sales. They have the group value appeal of tool sets, a higher ticket price and a universal appeal. All that makes them a perennial favorite of hardware stores when picking their sales items.
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Ladders
Why do so many retailers love discounting ladders and scaffolding on Black Friday? Maybe because it’s the end of exterior work season for much of the country. Maybe it’s driven by the manufacturers. Or maybe it’s an attempt to get in front of DIYers who plan on hanging elaborate holiday light displays. Whatever the reason, ladders are a perennial favorite of Black Friday shoppers.
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Shop Vacuums
Items such as shop vacuums come in lots of quality categories. Each year, big box stores offer greatly reduced pricing on the bottom-of-the-line models to clear out inventory and to create “door busting” savings.
The thing is, these no-frills models often last longer than more decked-out versions of the same device. And many DIYers find having multiple shop vacuums is a significant bonus.
Physically Large Items
This category is a sales department psychological trick. Because so much of the Black Friday experience is about going to a store and seeing what other people are buying, deep discounts on items that are physically large help boost excitement among the crowd.
If someone strolls through the store after grabbing a generator, television or giant tool bench, folks who see it may feel like they missed out. Sure, it’s gamesmanship. But why not take advantage of it and grab one of those big-ticket items for yourself?
Costco frequently has large items on deep Black Friday discount. Here are 15 tools you didn’t know you could buy at Costco.
Televisions
Televisions are the quintessential Black Friday shopping item. Big-box stores love TVs for all the reasons we’ve discussed so far. They’re expensive, so the savings appear more significant; they’re physically large; and they tend to be closeouts for new models. And they’re a great deal for DIYers, especially if you’re looking to add a television to your garden shed, craft room or workshop. Check out more of the best Black Friday deals at Walmart.
