Cordless power tools are expensive, especially Milwaukee tools. Have you ever gone to grab a new Milwaukee tool, only to take one look at the price tag and instantly walk away? While Home Depot is a go-to store for many, there are other places to shop with better deals and lower prices while still getting a warranty.
Although you can find clearance items
Credit: Cory Gunther / How-To Geek
Home Depot is a great place to shop, and it’s a vital brick-and-mortar hardware store across the United States and in select other regions. There’s a reason Ryobi is one of the most popular tool brands loved by DIYers everywhere: they’re affordable and readily available at Home Depot.
There have been several times when I’ve needed a random power tool for a specific job I want to complete on the weekend, and instead of ordering online and waiting for it to arrive, I can just run 15 minutes up the road to Home Depot. The retail store carries all the best brands, from Milwaukee, Ryobi, RIDGID, DeWALT, and more.
Home Depot is great, and you can find deals somewhat often, but that’s only for new tools.
Don’t get me wrong, I’ve scored some pretty excellent deals at Home Depot, like my Milwaukee 52-inch workbench for $549 last year. But when it comes to tools, they’re either new or clearance items. If you don’t want to pay full price, and it’s not a sales event like Memorial Day, you have other options.
Used tools can be risky, and reconditioned deals are even better
Credit: Patrick Campanale / How-To Geek
If you’re always trying to save a few bucks or get the best deal possible, then The Home Depot isn’t the best place to buy Milwaukee tools. I’m a big fan of buying used, open-box, or refurbished gear. This weekend, I scored an old Milwaukee wired hammer drill for $20 and plan to use it a ton. An M18 model would be better, but you’re not finding that for $20 with this type of performance.
I bought that tool used, but I often look for similar deals on refurbished or reconditioned items. And, for those unaware, a refurbished power tool must go through the same thorough testing process as new tools, especially if you buy it from a reputable seller, meaning you’re getting a good-as-new tool for less.
A great place to find discounted Milwaukee tools is Zoro.com, a popular (and reputable) online retailer that sells all sorts of tools, gear, and other products. And while the site has a ton of new products at Home Depot pricing, you can also score reconditioned Milwaukee tools. I’ve bought two tools from Zoro, and the experience is excellent.
Credit: Zoro
A prime example is this $100 Milwaukee M12 1/4-inch Hex screwdriver for only $56, and it’ll be here in two days with free shipping. Yes please. While Zoro doesn’t have a ton of refurbs available today, a few weeks ago, it had nearly a dozen options to choose from. The inventory is always changing, so you’ll benefit from frequent checks to eventually score a deal.
Have you ever heard of Direct Tools Outlet? It’s a factory outlet for Ryobi tools that’s owned by the parent company of both Milwaukee and Ryobi, Techtronic Industries (TTI). Unfortunately, the stores don’t carry Milwaukee products, at least not yet, but hopefully they will eventually.
Home Depot isn’t the only place to stock up on those red tools you love
While we wait for Direct Tools Outlet to start carrying more than Ryobi and RIDGID, you have two solid Home Depot alternatives at Acme Tools or Ace Hardware.
Unfortunately, Acme Tools doesn’t have nearly as many locations as The Home Depot, but if you have one nearby, the hardware store has the same deals and discounts, bundles, free battery deals, and often has even better deals to take advantage of.
You can find similar Milwaukee tools at Ace Hardware, although your mileage may vary on pricing. Some Ace Hardware locations may charge slightly higher prices because it’s a smaller chain, but I’ve found excellent deals at my neighborhood Ace here in Texas. Stores are individually owned and operated, which can benefit customers. I’ve found open-box deals at Ace that are absolute steals.
Plus, the online store offers similar pricing, bundles, and deals to those you’ll find at Home Depot. Additionally, Walmart is an authorized retailer, and you can score deals at select locations, too.
And finally, while I generally wouldn’t recommend Amazon for Milwaukee tools, as it’s not an authorized retailer, and you’ll end up with a shorter warranty (or no warranty), you can find solid deals like this Milwaukee M18 FUEL High Torque impact for $233, which is $67 cheaper than at Home Depot.
Shop smarter and get more tools
At the end of the day, it’s all about thinking outside the traditional shopping experience. We all go to Home Depot because it’s fast and easy, but it’s certainly not the only option. If you can find Milwaukee tools refurbished, reconditioned, or open-box, you’ll end up with a capable tool at a more affordable price point.
I’m still holding out for Direct Tools Outlet to start carrying Milwaukee, but in the meantime, the stores mentioned above are a great place to look.
