First, before we address a couple of mixed ToolGuyd-related topics, I’d like to rant.
Shown above was what the scene at my local Home Depot looked like in early November 2016.
Magazines and newspaper “experts” keep saying that Black Friday shopping started early this year. No, this is how things have been for many years.
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This is what things looked like at my Home Depot store on October 31, 2017.
I have photos going back further. After taking a look at my archived files, it seems that I started doing extensive holiday season deal scouting in November 2012, right after I earned my PhD and was thinking about what to do next.
That’s what bugs me about the media industry today. They say things like “the Home Depot Black Friday deals have slipped all customary bounds of the calendar,” but that’s patently false. The bulk of Black Friday deals starting weeks ahead of Thanksgiving IS customary.
Black Friday Coverage
Are you satisfied with the tool deals coverage so far?
I threw strategy to the wind this year. If it’s interesting, I’ll hammer through a post quickly. If it’s worth revisiting, I’ll republish a post. If it should have front-page access, you’ll see color-coded links pop up at the top of the page.
Regarding tool deals coverage, do you have any unmet needs you wish for ToolGuyd to do a better job of addressing?
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Sorry, there’s nothing I can do about significant others being upset over your tool spending. Or maybe I can work out a “gift guide for the others in your life who hate how many tools you’ve been buying” post.
Gift Guide Coverage
These Tsunoda long-reach pliers look handy. It’s $25 at Amazon.
My plan for this year is to put together short posts for especially interesting tools, and have a running misc tools gift guide that I’ll be updating as needed. See Cool Tools, Deals, and Gift Ideas – Updated.
The idea is to be quick and brief, such as what you see above for the long-reach pliers.
Every year I end up with a huge list of “this is a cool or interesting tool, I should post about it” ideas simply because there isn’t enough time to post about everything, or because I don’t have enough to say to fill a standalone post.
I’ve been saving up my ideas and posting them every few days, and updating the post means prior ideas resurface rather than being buried by the flood of deals content.
This is for the regular readers who don’t need more tape measures and utility knives, or whatever it is they’ve got at retail stores that other readers and a lot of seasonal visitors are eager to hear more about.
Thoughts? Requests? Do you like the format? Do you want more or less like this?
RSS Feed, Scrapers, Legit Use
I updated our bots-blocking list. I checked server logs and looked into activity coming from high-visit IP addresses. For example, I added an IP address that traced back to a cloud computing platform in Europe to the server block list. That IP had been hitting ToolGuyd over 1,000 times a day.
A lot of automated traffic like that scrapes and steals ToolGuyd content for unauthorized copy-paste republishing, and even impersonation. So, I blocked a couple of IP addresses to stop them at the door.
Today alone, this resulted in over 15K access blocks from just a couple of blocked IP addresses.
When I checked the scraper/bot log, I opened some of the entries and saw that someone was using a cloud computing service in Canada to load java and also a “personalized start page” service as the referring agent.
So, maybe it’s a reader – whether a tool user or someone that works for a retailer or tool brand – with a dashboard that aggregates news from various websites and services.
If you’ve been blocked, but you have legitimate reasons to use cloud computing servers to access ToolGuyd content, and in an automated fashion that mimics content scraper and scammer behaviors, contact me and we’ll figure something out.
I can’t imagine there are legitimate reasons to route traffic through cloud servers and then refresh things a thousand times a day. But if there are, just know that the new blocks were intended to stop content theft and unauthorized syndication.
One range of IP addresses have been unblocked from accessing the feed thus far, but that involved different contexts I won’t go into.
Stuey
A reader told me that they were seeing ToolGuyd posts in their news feed, but instead of ToolGuyd it says “Stuey.” That was weird, but I wasn’t seeing the same. Yet.
Shown above is what a ToolGuyd post typically looks like when it gets picked up into the Google news feed on my phone.
But I’ve also started seeing them like this. Stuey.
The “follow” part seems new. I take a lot of screen captures, and that only started appearing recently.
This isn’t anything that I’ve done, and it’s not something I can change. This is Google’s AI or algorithm pulling from names I use outside of the post, or at least I think so.
It’s really strange.
I use Stuart here and Stuey on social media for various reasons.
The only time I’ve ever minded being called Stuey when was when this ad service company hunted down my cell phone. The salesmen kept calling in an attempt to get me to put up more ads and route delivery through them. At first I was polite, but then I started ignoring the calls. They then called from different numbers and “hey Stuey how it’s going” was all I needed to hear before hanging up. After a couple of times they stopped calling.
Anyway, I use semantic markup where a machine should be able to easily identify the author of my posts.
“Stuart,” I could understand. But in this case, Google is taking my post and swapping ownership to “Stuey,” with no obvious connections.
I decided this was just some kind of AI hallucination, as Google seemingly tries to turn their news and Discover feeds into some kind of subscription engine – which actually does seem like a good idea. It’s going to be an interesting couple of years.
Matt
Still waiting to hopefully see a Bora or similar adjustable sawhorse sale this year. I think it’s been limited time in years past. Otherwise thanks for the coverage. I actually like some of the new deals this year
Stuart
I haven’t seen any sawhorse deals yet, but Bora usually has discounts around Black Friday and Cyber Monday on Amazon. I’ll keep my eyes open.
JJ Francisco
My compliments to you on your fascinating and informative website.
I’m excited to encourage you to introduce posts on the tools you find interesting and peculiar; including, perhaps, the Felco Commando cutters and the classic Westmark Hermetus?
Thank you for this opportunity, and please keep up the great work!
Stuart
Thank you, I appreciate it!
I’m not familiar with the Felco Commando, but I did purchase a whole lot of different cutters to test out. I wanted to explore the differences, but I ended up just using the same two tools for everything. Their wire cutting tools are excellent too – mine are cross-branded with Loos.
One of my goals for 2026 is to streamline content types. The Westmark is unfamiliar to me too, but I’ll look into it!
There’s so much that I want to share that ends up pushed back perpetually. Every holiday season tends to present opportunities for testing new post formats, and the “Cool Tools” rolling post might allow for brief discussion which might not otherwise be justifiable. My thoughts are that it could allow for an “interest test,” where reader comments can help determine whether a topic deserves a full post follow-up.
fred
Earlier this Fall – at least a few vendors were offering 15% off on Milwaukee deals. At least one of them had no limit – so I found it useful for a big-ticket kit that I thought would round out my Christmas giving. I ended up buying a M18 10ton knockout punch kit (2676-23). I’m sort of glad I bit on the deal – as the current deals seem to have morphed into more of “buy this and we’ll throw in that”. When I was Googling on that kit part # – lots of Amazon listings popped up – with both low and very high prices. Knowing that Amazon is not a Milwaukee dealer – I’m not inclined to buy a Milwaukee product from them – especially as a gift. But I looked just for laughs. Some listings were for knockoffs – made to look like the real deal.
Rick
I’d be interested in your opinion of Flex high capacity 24v batteries. The old models are on sale, but some had a problem with black goo leaking out under heavy load/high temps. The new stacked lithium batteries look great, but they’re pretty expensive. Your post last month about the Flex $79 sale at Lowe’s got me hooked, and now I’m scouring eBay for deals. But your post about Lowe’s potentially dropping Flex has me concerned about higher prices in the future. I haven’t seen good prices yet from Acme, but I’m hoping that Black Friday will be better.
Stuart
I spoke with Flex about it very briefly when a stop sale was issued and Lowe’s removed products from stores, but they didn’t tell me much. Every single press, media, or marketing contact I’ve had with Flex or Chervon are no longer employed there.
I don’t know the circumstances, but my last contact at Flex/Chervon left a year ago, after ~18 years with the company at director, VP, and C-suite level roles.
I don’t know what’s going on there, and there’s no one left to ask.
I posted about all of the chatter I’ve been hearing about the brand being dumped by Lowe’s because readers should be as informed as possible. I know that I’d be super annoyed if I decided to buy into the brand only to later find they lost Lowe’s support. I waited until I saw enough different angles to the rumors to believe them.
With respect to buying into cordless power tool or modular tool systems, I don’t think Flex is a good choice right now. When’s the last time they expanded Stack Pack after losing placement at Lowe’s stores?
The company seems to have been investing energy into international sales, but I don’t know if or how that will help customers in North America.
Their future is pitch black to me – there could be a wall, steep cliff, or long road ahead, and there’s no one at the company willing to provide us with illumination.
Flex’s parent company, Chervon, makes excellent tools.
But look at the made-by-Positec CAT tools that launched only online at Lowe’s. Look at ToughBuilt. Personally, I would not buy into a cordless power tool system that’s not fully supported at major home improvement retail stores, although there are some exceptions to this.
Matt_T
There are plenty of trustworthy manufacturers who don’t participate in the big box race to the bottom. It’s not like the box stores “fully support” anything anyways. They just sell stuff.
When it comes to made for big box brands like Flex there was never any reason to recommend them.
Rick
I definitely agree about not buying into a system without current/future retail support. But I bought into Craftsman C3 in 2006 (in the NiCd period), so I’m all too familiar with being abandoned by a manufacturer. Today, I can still get C3 batteries, and I assume I’ll be able to get Flex batteries in the future. So I’m okay with my Flex tool purchases last month!
Mark
It may not be a major DIY source, but Acme Tools has lots of Flex gear available. I live uncomfortably close to one of their stores for my tool addiction.
s
i had noticed the ‘stuey’ header on my newsfeed lately. after checking the URL where it linked to for verification that it wasn’t a middleman hawking your site as their own, i moved on and largely forgot about it.
this time of year, i’m least interested in self-purchases that i tend to watch this site for the rest of year, and instead focus on christmas shopping for the others in my life. my extended family has generally agreed to keep to gifts under $25-50 most times, as shopping for extended families can get really out of control otherwise.
so for the most part, i’m on the hunt for useful and unique items that reflect the people i’m buying for, and i hope, something they’ll be able to use for years to come.
some of that might be outside of the purview of this site, but for me, i consider anything that helps in completing a task a ‘tool’.
sometimes a tool is a fishing rod, and sometimes it’s a UV cure station for nails. neither of which are as ‘fun’ to me personally as this sites typical power tool coverage, but those things are important to some of my family members, and i can definitely relate to the importance of having good quality tools to perform the hobbies i enjoy.
Stuart
It’s boggling as to where they’re grabbing it from. Perhaps Twitter/X, even though I haven’t posted there since they removed the API that allowed me to post automatically.
MikeS
Are there any good deals on step bits this year?
I feel like Milwaukee had a crazy good $20 deal some time ago that I missed and regret. Had my eye out ever since for anything close to that deal.
Thanks for all the work!
Stuart
Not that I’ve seen yet. There might be Milwaukee sets discounted as part of Home Depot’s flash sales, but that’s about it.
I saw a deal on Ryobi drill bits, but can’t say if it’s good or not.
Tony
I am very satisfied with the Black Friday tool deals coverage and appreciate the time research and point out interesting observations. I’ll follow your links to check things out and “window shop” some more.
Unmet needs? I have to think about that one because your cover a broad range of tools and industry trends.
I like the idea of short, quick posts or a post for a “basket of new tools”. Reader interest and comments would tell you which item deserves a more detailed follow up post.
Stuart
Thanks! I like that idea – “basket of new tools.”
I’ll see if I can work in a way to do that for new tools that might get pushed too far down on my to-do list.
David
I just want to say that I enjoy all the hard work you put into this site. I appreciate the format you are using this year, I don’t mind the quick post. This is the only spot I go for tool news. I would rather have more briefer post than to miss out on a new tool or sale.
Stuart
Thanks! I’ll keep this in mind going into the new year!
Joe
Thank you for the work you do with this site! It is the only site I read daily and appreciate the combination of concise tool coverage, background and news concerning tool manufacturers, as well as the inside baseball for how you manage the site and make editorial decisions. Looking forward to what the holiday season brings!
Stuart
Thanks! There’s no manual on how I’m supposed to be doing things, and so I made things up along the way.
The holiday season is a huge time crunch, and there are only so many sheets of paper I can fill. This time of year is so much fun, but I’m also always so glad for it to end.
As for tool news, it became clear to me over the years that nothing happens in a vacuum.
One major hand tool company was essentially just foreclosed on, and is now owned by their creditors. They’re talking about all of the investments they’re now going to make. Maybe they’re going to grow, maybe the brands will collapse. Either way, it’s impactful news that we should talk about. Right?! I could just try to understand situations like that myself, but most conversations worth having are worth having with a group or community.
Jake Corrigan
I’ve been reading your content for quite a while, but Google was always inconsistent about showing me your posts. I’ve recently subscribed to your daily email update, and would encourage you to remind others it’s an option.
I’m just a big enough dork that I read some of your posts that pertain to tools I would never use in a million years, so I like the option to see everything available and choose for myself.
I think your current posting style, with all the recent “early black Friday” deals is great. There’s always the potential FOMO for a deal on something I didn’t know I needed until it went on sale (😏), and the regular updates help mitigate that a bit.
Stuart
I have a reminder at the bottom of every “Black Friday Deal Guide” directory that’s starting to pop up in deal posts and roundups.
Even if I have explicit posts reminding people, I’ll get yelled at “why are you sending this to me late” when it turns out that person is only signed up for the weekly newsletter (if at all).
I refuse to do pop-ops or overlays. A reworked top menu is in the works but got pushed back until well after the holiday season.
10 years ago this would be “early Black Friday” season. These days, mid-November is really Black Friday deals season. I only expect to see some new flash sales and doorbuster deals for Thanksgiving weekend. This year, some deals have already sold out. e.g. https://toolguyd.com/home-depot-best-milwaukee-m18-fuel-tool-deal-black-friday-2025/ – that deal is GONE already. It was restocked once and then sold out again. Maybe they’re rationing remainder inventory, but I’m seeing low inventory count for some other deals.
This period used to be a gradual build-up, but we don’t have that luxury anymore since every retailer has started actively advertising their holiday deals as Black Friday deals.
The ultimate goal: readers should be able to see EVERY deal worth posting about with just a few clicks. So, you’ll see more deal directories popping up, such as https://toolguyd.com/milwaukee-tool-deals-black-friday-2025/ . I have enough around now for the next 4-5 priority directories, and then I’ll build a “by the tool” directory, and before we know it, Thanksgiving will be here.
A ton of deal posts end up on the chopping block due to time.
And a lot of regular readers have 1 of everything already, and so I’ve been looking for ways to keep things interesting for the folks that stop by day to day.
Google is unpredictable. In recent years I decreased post count around the holidays, partly because I wanted it to show the more impactful posts rather than shorter throwaways. But it’s even more fickle and so this year I decided to just go with what feels most natural. I just want to make sure nobody is left out.