A reader wrote in:
I just got back from Home Depot and they are closing out all Bosch drill bits. An associate told me that they made a deal to carry Milwaukee bits only. Basically 75% and more off. I bought $20 bits and sets for between $2.00 and $3.50. I expect they will sell out soon. I’m headed to the other HD in my town to find some more. Perhaps it’s something you and other ToolGuyd readers would be interested in.
Thank you Alan for the tip! I don’t recall seeing this at my local Home Depot recently, but will check things out the next time I visit.
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My local store switched over from Bosch spade drill bits to seemingly identically-designed Diablo bits nearly two years ago, and they made similar brand swaps in other power tool accessory product categories as well.
But, as you might know, Diablo is a Bosch brand, and so that wasn’t a very big deal.
However, it would be a bid deal if Home Depot is indeed giving some of Bosch’s power tool accessory space to Milwaukee products.
According to Home Depot’s website, none of my local stores carry any Bosch drill bit sets or SDS drill bits anymore. Bosch drill bits are now only listed as being available for shipping in my area. Some are also available for “free ship to store.”
Home Depot carries different Diablo power tool accessories, but it looks like they are only carrying Diablo spade drill bits in stores.
I can’t say what the situation is like at different Home Depot stores, but you might want to peek at where the Bosch drill bits would be. 75% off seems atypical, but if you’re at the store anyway, maybe you can still score a decent deal on Bosch accessories.
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If you’ve shopped for drill bits at Home Depot lately, have you noticed any changes in the brand selection?
Jorhay
I have a family member that works in a back room of an HD. A few months ago they were boxing all of their Bosch bits up to return to Bosch and were restocking them with Diablo. He didn’t know or understand why they weren’t just being clearanced out. But he sent a couple of pallets of stuff back to Bosch at that time…
Adam
That often depends on stock at a particular store. If they have enough to fill full boxes and send back to the distributor/mnf, they will do that, but not going to spend the time finding onesies & twosies that a store might not have.
Jim Felt
Maybe the Germans feel “Diablo” is more a North American sounding name then Robert Bosch which is either a TV show or your favorite dishwasher?
Based on the Bosch tool sales and distribution arrangements in the US why would anything they do here make much more sense?
And I like and own a bunch of their tools.
MM
I think it’s purely down to the user experience.
My experience with Bosch bits has been that they are good, but nothing exceptional compared to what’s commonly on the market. Solid but not great. Meanwhile, I consider Diablo saw blades, based on my experience, to be far superior to many other brands I’ve tried, they are better than most contractor brands, though not up to the standard of the really nice stuff (for example, Forrest circ saw blades). Some of them have really impressed me, like their 5 1/2″ metal-cutting blade. I’ve cut a remarkable amount of thick steel with mine, on an M12 saw, and it’s still not dull. I’ve got a 14″ one on my metal cutting chop saw and it absolutely spanks the Dewalt branded blades I used to buy, in terms of cut quality (burrs), ease of cut, and durability.
In my experience, “Diablo” stands for high performance while “Bosch” represents standard. Now, that’s talking about Diablo’s saw blades….does that extend to drill bits? I certainly wouldn’t make that leap without trying some Diablo bits first. I’m not going to assume their drills are good just because their Circ saw blades are.
Saulac
As a former metal fabricator, I was shocked at how good Diablo metal blade cut the first time I use it. I simply could not believe metal can be cut this way. Seem like there was a revolution in cutting tools. Metal/concrete/stone/…can be cut so fast and accurate. Combining with better cordless tools and dust extraction…cutting non-lumber material have never been easier. This has been leading to changes in construction material and methods. There will be more metal in framing and more man made concrete/stone boards in finishing.
fred
Bosch seems to have created (or morphed) the Diablo brand out of their Freud lineup. At one time, there seemed to be saw blades bearing the names; Freud, Freud-Diablo, and Freud-Avanti – lined up as best, better and good. At some point they seemed to have dropped the “Freud-” from the Diablo and Avanti brands – and mightily expanded what tools were labeled “Diablo”. A quick look around at COO for Freud blades and router bits and they mostly hail from Italy. Most Avanti blades that I see – are made in China. Diablo-branded tools seem like a mix and match sort of proposition – with COO’s like Italy, Switzerland, Spain and a few from Germany, India and the USA
MrS85
I laugh because I have some Bosch windshield wipers that are actually manufactured at a facility a few miles away from me in the inner Chicago suburbs.
Jim Felt
That’s fun actually. I’ve used Bosch branded wiper blades for many years. Cars and rigs. Very good service life.
Thanks for that heads up.
MM
I like the Bosch wiper blades too, they are excellent. They’ve been my go-to for years.
Wiper blades, tires, and brakes are places where I will never skimp as they are just too safety critical.
MM
First off, thanks for the heads-up.
Second, I can report that this varies by store. I stopped my my local HD after reading this tip, and mine had about 1/4 of the Bosch bits marked down ranging from 33 to 50%. Most of them were not discounted at all.
Julian Tracy
The vacuum-able SDS bits (hollow bit with 1 1/2” vac hookup tube) are about 60-75% off at a couple stores near me. Very little to no stock left, but still a few at a couple stores I’ve stopped by.
Rog
I’m not a fan of Bosch so this isn’t a loss for me personally and the local Lowe’s carries them if I wanted it, but I am disappointed in Milwaukee’s massive takeover of HD. More and more shelf space is being given to them to the point that they’re–with Ryobi still as the entry level–almost the exclusive provider for HD.
There’s some minor Dewalt presence with the Makita display at local HD being almost embarrassing ignored.
Mopar
I just commented about this to a co-worker a few days ago while were were in HD. He’s interested in tool storage (purely personal for at home) and I wanted to show him what some of his options were. Well, there was more Milwaukee packout stuff than Ryobi, Husky, Ridgid and Dewalt combined. Yea, Milwaukee has more options, but it’s really just too expensive for his needs. They literally had one whole side of one aisle for Packout, then one shelf for Husky, Dewalt, and Ridgid combined, and one entire shelf for Ryobi.
Don Julio
I was at HD today and wanted the check out some DeWalt TStak storage. Nada thing. Double checked on the app. Zip, zero, zilch, as far as in-store options.
B. Harris
Seems like Milwaukee almost always takes the prize in tool comparisons, maybe that’s why.
Rog
I have no problem with Milwaukee, it’s good stuff. Just would like to have more options 🤷🏻♂️
Mopar
Well, for starters, Home Depot isn’t exactly famous for carrying the best of anything. But I don’t think there would be a lot of argument here that Milwaukee’s Packout system is one of the best. It’s also the most expensive. I’m a huge advocate for buying the best when your livelihood or your life depends on it, but in many cases, “good enough” is really good enough. My employee just wants a stack to organize his typical homeowner tools in his garage, and occasionally bring them inside, out to his yard, or to his cabin. He’s not spending $350 on a packout. For that much money he’ll stick with a $20 plastic bin from Walmart.
However, if this Home Depot had actually stocked/displayed a $150 Ridged stack, or a $90 Husky one, they probably would have made the sale. As it was, the only other stack they had was Ryobi, which was almost $200 and as he said “looked like F***ing legos!” and he got frustrated trying to figure out how they connected together.
So, now he’ll probably go to Harbor Freight this weekend and probably spend just as much on a Bauer stack as he would have spent on the Ridged. And it will probably last him the rest of his life.
Michael Hammer
I have had a lot of happy years with DeWalt Tstack in a professional environment. I had to buy online because no one carried them locally. However, Lowes has the craftsmen line which is compatible. I have a couple Craftsmen open top bins that are Tstack compatible. I like them well enough, but the folding handle is on the inside which is pretty silly.
fred
Off Topic – except that it’s a new sales promotion that hit my inbox:
Seneca Woodworking – 20% off 10th Anniversary Sale – Promo Code: “10YEARS”
https://www.senecawoodworking.com/
I already have what I want from them – all that help “trick out” my Domino XL machine.
Scott F
About 10 years now, but I was very impressed with the Bosch multi material bits with the white spiralized whatever coating (think they are carbide bits). They sold individual bits, and a 5 pack from like 3/16″ to 3/8″.
At the time I was drilling/tapping the output shaft of my transfer case (hardened shaft), and I dulled every other bit in my father’s garage trying to just start a hole. Went to Home Depot and bought the Bosch bit and had the job done 30 minutes later – I think it was the only carbide option at HD back then that could do metal.
That’s all the experience I have with Bosch bits – I still have the 5 pack in my tool pack but may not have used them in the last 10 years. Any other manufacturer probably would have done just as well all things held equal – Bosch was just what HD had at the time – but it made that job (that I fought for a solid 6 hours before going to the store) a cake walk. Not sure I’ve had to drill hardened steel any time again since then though.
MM
I’m guessing this was for a slip yoke eliminator?
Yeah, you need either a carbide bit, or you could heat up the end of the shaft with a torch and ruin the heat treatment just at the end, at which point you can drill it with a normal bit.
Scott F
Yep, was for a hack n tap SYE. I just remember kicking cursing and screaming for a good few hours and then having the transfer case done and ready to install a half hour after I got home with the bit. It was like a hot knife through butter.
Rob
All Bosch accessories got replaced with corresponding Diablo branded ones. They were being cleared out of that particular store because they had so few it was cheaper than sending them back. The employee in question didn’t know what they were talking about.
Milwaukee has been taking over the SDS plus section and it’s possible that they replaced some or even all of Bosch SKU’s.
Pete
You are probably correct but HD does match prices of other HD stores. Especially if it listed online at his local store. If people post these sales they should post the store location also.
Stuart
Most. I did mention this in the post, that the transition started nearly 2 years ago. https://toolguyd.com/home-depot-bosch-daredevil-spade-drill-bits-diablo-speeddemon-changes-062020/
But, some Bosch-branded products remained, most notably SDS drill bits.
Rick
There’s a reason, Bosch sucks. Milwaukee is king always will be
jason cziok
As a machinist, my starter tool box was a 5 drawer roller base, 3 drawer riser, and I think it was an 11 drawer box for the top. Which would be suitable for any home use. If I recall I paid around $350-$450 for the while thing. Just starting the career icouldnt afford a Kennedy box yet. Not sure on your opinion of craftsman, but it was a very durable set-up and reasonably priced at that time. If they still manufacture them, the 11 drawer lockable box would be my recommendation for a cheap, fairly well built and very durable box. It alone should be less than $200. Also if i recall, they manufacture a secondary grade which is much more affordable. It’s not going to be the best available but this set-up is still in my garage after 15 years in fabrication, and I have had it for 23 years now and it’s still solid and sound. Best of luck. BTW I’m not trying to promote the product just offering some reference.
Josiah
I’m surprised how many people like Diablo stuff. I seriously look down on the brand and discurage it’s presents on my jobsite.. with the exception of there hole saws.
MM
I suppose it comes down to the specific use you have.
I have very little experience with their blades for woodworking, the only woodworking Diablo blade I’ve got is a 12″ combination I got for my table saw specfically for rough work I was afraid might damage my standard Forrest Woodworker II. I haven’t used it enough to see how long it will last, but so far it’s fine.
But I am crazy impressed with how well their steel cutting blades work, both in chop saws and handheld circ saws. I have used many brands in the past including pricey industrial ones and the Diablos kick the crap out of them in terms of cut quality, ease of cutting, and lifetime. Cost too. I was shocked to find that my M12 5 1/2″ circ saw could easily *plunge cut* 3/8″ thick steel plate with a Diablo blade. I use my plasma cutter a lot less these days, and that’s a huge cost savings since there’s a lot less finish grinding to do afterwards. Maybe they’re not special in other materials but they rock cutting steel.
Adam
When I worked in a screen shop, we used the Diablo nonferrous metal blades on our miter saw (for aluminum frame), and were very impressed with the results. They seemed to stay sharp a lot longer than other brands, too.
Stacey Jones
Went to Big Orange tonight. No Bosch to be found. Just Diablo.
Plain grainy
One Home Depot discount that I tend to forget about, the price match. I need to check other store’s prices before making my Home Depot purchases. https://www.homedepot.com/c/PM_New_Lower_Price
Plain grainy
Might see some in store only specials on Presidents’ Day.
Dave the tool
Follow the money. Diablo probably signed exclusive marketing rights with Home Depot which means if you like their stuff you HAVE to get them at Home Depot…along with the other stuff you put in your cart while in the store.
fred
They may have a deal with HD on pricing – but you can buy Diablo items at many local and online dealers. Online shops like Acme, Ohio Power Tool. Toolbarn and Toolnut all seem to have lots of Diablo brand items
Jim Felt
Diablo is a Bosch owned brand. No idea why they acquired them but it’s hardly an uncommon occurrence.
So given both brands are now sourced interchangeably what difference does this really make? Just curious.
fred
I think that the Diablo brand may have come with Bosch’s acquisition of the Freud Group from the Pozzo family in 2008.
Plain grainy
I think Stuart had a story on why Diablo was rebranding Bosch products. That was in October 2020 I think. I think they said that Diablo blades are made in Italy. I wonder is that substance on the blades is Olive Oil?
Stuart
Freud blades are made in Italy, at least the ones I’ve seen. Certain Bosch and Diablo blades (jig saw blades, certain OMT blades) are made in Switzerland.
Olive oil and other food-grade oils are not suited for anything other than food. Oils derived from food materials can go rancid.
Plain grainy
Well, they make Bio Diesel from soybeans. They must have some process to break them down. I forgot to mention how impressive the Amped recip blade is! That’s quite a product.
MM
Blade coating feels and performs like PTFE (teflon) to me. I don’t know if that’s what it is, but it’s something similar.
Speaking of Olive Oil, you might be surprised to learn that Italy has a huge black market for olive oil which is controlled by organized crime. It sounds like something out of a bad mobster movie but it’s 100% true, there is a TON of fraud in the olive oil business.
Jim Felt
I remember that story in the WSJ a number of years ago. Fake “virgin” olive oil. No puns or double entendres intended.
Plain grainy
I’m no expert on Olive Oil, but i sure love Italian food.
fred
We’ve done quite a bit of travelling around what the Romans called “Mare Nostrum” – and many of the countries that border its shores will claim that their olive oil is the best. We’ve also toured some olive oil production facilities (along with aceto’s where the accompanying vinegars are produced.) I can’t say that I became any more expert for these tours – but do know that some of the best olive oils that we tasted in Italy, Greece, Portugal, Spain and even Morocco – all seemed very good. Some of the balsamic vinegars we sampled in Modena – also seemed way better that the stuff sold here. Like other agrotourism and specialty food/beverage places that cater to tourists – they all try to showcase their best products in the nicest settings – so what tastes great on vacation might seem more ordinary at home.
MM
The problem is not what you get served at the producer, the problem is whether or not the bottle you purchased to take home actually contains what you tasted beforehand!
The vinegars are likewise confusing. I’m not aware of much outright fakery, but the labels can be misleading to the unaware. Real-deal balsamico is very expensive and has either DOP or IGP certification. I.e. “Aceto Balsamico Tradizionale di Modena DOP”. Many bottles can be found in supermarkets that say “Balsamic vinegar of Modena” or just plain “Balsamic vinegar”, but this is not the same thing at all. If it doesn’t have the DOP or IGP certification it’s something else entirely.
MM
I have a few Diablo branded blades next to me; the circular ones are all made in Italy, the jigsaw blades are made in Switzerland.
Greg
Sure enough my local Home Depot are doing exactly this. Thanks to the reader I scored some deals.
I also noticed the larger of the local ones is making a whole lot of space for Milwaukee. The isle that was split between Milwaukee and Ryobi before is now entirely Milwaukee with what looks to be some Milwaukee MX stuff they were setting up. Again this is a heavily frequented by contractors. The rentals / pro services area is the biggest I’ve ever seen. So maybe this one is getting MX Fuel stuff first.
Any who I did notice in all of the local Home Depots Makita cordless is losing significant space. This is probably because there hasn’t been a ton of new stuff and only 40v xgt is the newest other than the oddball 18v tool. The large Home Depot above did get a new isle dedicated to corded Makita sds, demolition hammers, and some gas powered stuff so that’s interesting too.