10 Shopping Secrets Big Tool Stores Don’t Want You to Know (Save Big at Harbor Freight, Amazon, Lowe’s, and Home Depot)
If you’ve been buying your woodworking tools from Home Depot, Harbor Freight, Lowe’s, or Amazon, this post is about to save you some serious money. I’m sharing 10 tool shopping secrets the big box stores don’t want you to know — straight from my own wins and mistakes over the years. This post contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you buy through them—at no extra cost to you. It helps keep the tool deals coming, so thanks for your support!
👉 Watch the full YouTube video here: 10 Shopping Secrets They Don’t Want You to Know
Let’s dive in!
Secret #1: What to Buy at Harbor Freight
Some of the best budget clamps I’ve ever owned came from Harbor Freight:
Bremen Parallel Clamps: Super strong and affordable — around $30 for a 24” clamp.
Pittsburgh Bar Clamps: Long-lasting and reliable — you can grab a 60” clamp for under $20.
Magnetic Trays & Paper Towel Holders: Handy, affordable, and perfect for shop organization.
Hercules Power Tools: Solid options I’ve personally tested, including their table saw and dust extractor.
👉 Pro Tip: Sign up for Harbor Freight’s email and SMS lists for exclusive coupons.
👉 Check out: Harbor Freight Tool Deals
Secret #2: What to Avoid at Harbor Freight
Not everything is a bargain:
Avoid F-Clamps — they bend under pressure.
Skip Low-End Brands like Chicago Electric and Drillmaster — they don’t last.
Matt’s Tip: “Cheap tools can cost you more when you have to replace them.”
Secret #3: Know Harbor Freight’s Return Policy
Harbor Freight charges a 20% restocking fee on many items. Make sure you’re confident in your purchase before checking out.
Secret #4: Understand Harbor Freight Price Tags
Orange Tags: Clearance — coupons won’t apply.
Purple Tags: Open-box items — possibly missing parts, but deeply discounted.
Secret #5: How to Spot Real Amazon Deals
Amazon sales can be tricky. Always check the price history using:
CamelCamelCamel – Tracks price changes over time.
Keepa Extension – My favorite. Adds a price chart directly to the Amazon page.
👉 Shop Amazon Tool Deals: Amazon Tool Deals
Secret #6: What I Don’t Buy on Amazon
Avoid buying cordless Milwaukee, Ryobi, and Rigid tools on Amazon. Amazon isn’t an authorized seller for these brands, and you may lose your warranty.
Secret #7: Lowe’s Hidden Discounts
Volume Pricing: Spend over $1,500 on materials like plywood or landscaping blocks? Ask the Pro Desk for special pricing.
New Lower Price vs. Clearance Tags:
New Lower Price: Temporary markdown.
Clearance: Final markdown — won’t be restocked.
👉 Shop Lowe’s Tool Deals: Lowe’s Tool Deals
Secret #8: Lowe’s Extra Savings
Deal of the Day: Check Lowe’s homepage for daily one-day-only discounts.
Military Discount: Veterans and active-duty military get 10% off every day. Sign up here.
Secret #9: Home Depot Clearance Codes and Price Matches
Price Tag Codes:
.06 Ending: First markdown, lasts 6 weeks.
.03 Ending: Final markdown — grab it quick!
Price Match Guarantee: Home Depot will beat competitor prices by 10% (must be the exact item).
👉 Shop Home Depot Tool Deals: Home Depot Tool Deals
Secret #10: Don’t Be an Impulsive Tool Shopper
Big displays and flashy sales are designed to get you to buy on impulse. You walk in needing one thing and walk out with a new drill you didn’t plan for. Been there, done that.
Matt’s Tip: “I’ve wasted hundreds buying into the wrong deals just because it ‘looked like a bargain’ in the moment. Slow down, do your research, and make sure the tool actually fits your needs long-term.”
How to Shop Smart:
Double-check online pricing using CamelCamelCamel, Keepa, or the store’s website.
Think about your current battery platform — does this tool fit it?
Ask yourself: Do I really need this tool today, or am I just caught up in the sale?
Matt’s Daily Tool Deals – Save Every Day!
Don’t have time to hunt down deals? Let me do the work for you.
👉 Sign up for my Daily Tool Deals Email — it’s free and will help you grab the best prices before they’re gone.
Final Thoughts
Tool shopping can be tricky, but when you know the secrets, you can save big and avoid regret. I’ve made plenty of mistakes along the way, but now I want to help you make smarter purchases.
👉 Ready to learn more? Check out my other woodworking blog posts:
Big virtual fist bump to you for reading! Stay safe out there, and remember — it’s not about having the fanciest tools, it’s about making smart choices and building awesome things.
