The best power tool deals come around mid-summer as retailers make room for new holiday inventory. Historically, power drills, saws, sanders see discounts up to 40% in June and July. Big box stores also tack on instant rebates and free tools or batteries on summer power tool purchases. Planning home renovation projects in late summer capitalizes on these peak season sales, made even sweeter when paired with tax-free shopping weekends many states offer in August. Buying previous model years online can also yield nearly half off new tool prices. Planning ahead pays off with major summer power tool savings!

Power tools are investments that can last for years or even decades if you choose the right ones. But they can also put a dent in your wallet if you pay full price.

The good news is there are optimal times throughout the year to score major discounts on all types of power tools.

This comprehensive buyer’s guide breaks down the best times to shop for power tools based on when retailers offer the biggest seasonal sales.

I’ll share tips on snagging the steepest discounts on top brands along with money-saving strategies to wield before you ever click “Buy.”

Arm yourself with this guide so you can save a bundle on everything from combo kits to compressors at all the major retail events. Let’s dive in and discover the prime times to buy.

Early Spring – Take Advantage of New Model Releases

As new models roll out in early spring, retailers will discount older models to clear shelf space.

This makes March and April opportune months to score discounts of 20-30% on power tools from the previous year.

Look for clearances on brands like DeWalt, Milwaukee, Makita and Bosch. Whether you want a miter saw, table saw, drill/driver or other pricey tools, you should never pay full price during this turnover period.

Another bonus in early spring is that home improvement stores like Home Depot and Lowe’s lure customers with major sales events. Mark your calendars for these big box store promos offering site-wide savings on power tools:

• Home Depot Spring Black Friday Sale (April) – Competes with Lowe’s to offer deep discounts on appliances, outdoor power equipment, generators, power tools and more.
• Lowe’s SpringFest (April/May) – Discounts geared at home improvement and lawn and garden projects for the season.

Amazon Prime Day – Amazon’s Retail Holiday

Amazon Prime Day has morphed into a massive July retail holiday rivaling Black Friday. The 48-hour event offers thousands of lightning deals and major markdowns to rival any other sale event of the year.

In 2022, several major power tool brands offered over 50% off select tools. That included names like DeWalt, BLACK+DECKER, Craftsman and Milwaukee.

The key to scoring biggest on Prime Day power tools is being a Prime member. Not a member yet? Sign up for a free 30-day trial so you can access all the Prime Day savings without dropping $139 for an annual fee.

Once signed in, create a Prime Day watch list filled with the power tools you hope to purchase. This way Amazon can alert you when markdowns go live on your wishlist items.

Here are some tips for shopping Prime Day power tool deals:

• Check Amazon outlet for Prime Day power tool coupons to add on extra savings at checkout
• Compare prices with other retailers like Walmart and Ace Hardware that run competing anti-Prime Day sales
• Use services like CamelCamelCamel to check if prices drop lower than previous years     

Back to School Season – Shop Before DIY Season Ends

Back to school sales pop up in July and extend through September. This provides a small grace period to still catch leftover DIY savings as the summer season winds down.

Look for power tools like sanders, grinders, routers and more that align with summer improvement projects. Retailers will blow out inventory before shifting focus to fall and holiday merchandise.

Home Depot, for example, runs a Special Buy of the Daypromotion through September that spotlights a different deal every 24 hours.

This year you could have scored a 10-inch DeWalt miter saw for $100 off thanks to a limited quantity one-day-only special.

Ace Hardware also promotes Hot Deals in late summer offering up to 40% off select power tools and accessories as part of their clearance sales.

While the deepest discounts on things like snow blowers and generators fade after summer, you can still save on essentials if you shop before autumn kicks retail events into high gear.

Fall Black Friday & Cyber Monday – Year’s Best Power Tool Prices

The one-two punch of Black Friday and Cyber Monday offers the year’s rock-bottom prices on power tools across top brands. While you can save up to 30% throughout other sales events, nothing matches the volume of extreme markdowns as November approaches.

In 2022, Home Depot’s Black Friday sale spanned almost two weeks both online and in stores. Some highlights included: 

• Milwaukee M18 FUEL Brushless Hammer Drill/Impact Driver Combo Kit – $100 off
• Ryobi ONE+ 18V Cordless 6-Tool Combo Kit – $170 off 
• Ridgid 18-Volt SUBCOMPACT Brushless Drill/Impact Driver Combo Kit – $70 off

Lowe’s, Ace Hardware and Walmart dropped staggering deals to lure shoppers away from Home Depot. Lowe’s, for example, marked a Craftsman V20 brushless drill/driver set down from $248 to just $98.

While supply chain issues continue to plague retailers, many restocked adequately to meet demand for power tools over Black Friday weekend 2022. Just be sure to shop early for the very best chance at beating sell outs.

Pro tip: Sign up for retailer loyalty programs and credit cards now so you can access early access deals and extra discounts over Black Friday and Cyber Monday.

Year End Clearance – Catch Post-Holiday Deals

Just as post-holiday sales offer the steepest savings on things like holiday décor and electronics, December is also an ideal time to buy power tools on the cheap.

Retailers like Home Depot, Lowes and Walmart sector off clearance sections in stores with absolute rock bottom prices.

Look for yellow and red clearance tags marking down power drills, wrenches, table saws, lawn mowers and more by up to 50% in some cases.

The longer an item goes unsold past the peak holiday frenzy, the cheaper the price gets in many instances. You can luck out with practically unused gifts that someone simply returned as well.

Another benefit of post-Christmas power tool deals is cashing in on gift cards you scored but didn’t want. Rather than let them collect dust for months, you can stretch their value even more by using gift card balances on already marked down merchandise. 

Wait Until January Though for the Very Best Blowouts

If you can exercise just a little more patience, January is the very best time to buy clearance power tools on extreme discount. Think 70% off and more in some cases!

Why? Retailers are in full inventory purge mode by January as the calendar shifts to a new fiscal year for most chains. Shelves must be cleared to make way for incoming 2024 merchandise.

January is also a slow retail sales month following the intense holiday shopping period. Fewer customer purchases make frantically slashing prices a necessity to turn slow moving products into cash before writing them off as losses or shipping to outlet stores.

Be on high alert right after New Years for these incredible winter clearance opportunities: 

• Hit Home Depot’s savings zone offering up to 75% off all power tools with scratched boxes or small cosmetic flaws that don’t impact performance
• Browse Lowes for newly added clearance items at different stages of markdown ranging from 30% to a jaw-dropping 90% off in their clearance section
• Look for Walmart’s Overstocked Inventory ClearanceRollback in January with hourly markdowns on power tools 

How to Stack Savings Year Round 

Beyond timed sales events, you can layer on additional savings all year to secure power tools at the lowest prices. These creative tactics ensure you never pay full price:

Open a credit card: Apply for credit cards from tool retailers like Home Depot and Lowes to save 5% instantly plus get 0% financing deals. Just be sure to pay off balances in full.

Use discounted gift cards: Buy retailer-specific gift cards at a discount from sites like Gift Card Granny and raise.com. The cards offer full face value while letting you save up to 20% off the power tools price after redeeming. 

Use apps for cash back: Download apps like Rakuten, CouponCabin, and Ibotta to earn cash back at major retailers to score tools on sale for even less.

Price match: As long as identical models are in stock, retailers like Home Depot and Ace Hardware will match any competitor’s lower advertised price. Just ask!

Buy refurbished and pre-owned: Search eBay, Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace for high-quality secondhand power tools in like-new condition for a fraction of retail pricing.

Watch manufacturer websites: DeWalt, Makita, Bosch and other leading power tool brands run sales, offer refurbished gear and have outlet clearance sections worth browsing.

Things To Consider Before Buying

Before buying power tools, there are several important factors to consider to ensure you make the right choice. Here are some key considerations supported by data and facts to help you make an informed decision:

Purpose and Frequency of Use

• Consider the intended use and frequency of use for the power tool. For frequent use, opt for a tool with high power and a brushless motor that lasts longer.
• If the tool will be used for long periods, choose one with an ergonomic design to reduce fatigue.
• For infrequent DIY use, a low-powered model may be sufficient, unless the extra power is needed for specific tasks.

Corded or Cordless

• Decide whether a corded or cordless model is more suitable for your needs. Cordless tools offer portability, but it’s important to consider the battery weight and capacity, especially if the tool will be used away from a power source.

Features and Safety

• Check the features and safety aspects of the power tool. Look for special features that can improve performance, make the tool safer, or easier to use.
• Consider safety features, especially for power and electric tools, to ensure the tool is safe to use.

Price and Warranty

• Take into account the price, warranty, and brand reputation when making a purchase decision.
• The price of a tool is affected by its type, power level, and brand. Consider how often the tool will be used before making a purchase.

By considering these factors, you can make a well-informed decision when buying power tools, ensuring that they meet your specific needs and provide the best value for your money.

Conclusion

The inside scoop I’ve provided equips you to pay the absolute lowest price for any power tool you have your sights set on purchasing.

Now you can invest in equipment to tackle big DIY projects while avoiding big losses to your wallet.

Reference this guide whenever you’re in the market for a new power tool. And remember to stack savings from multiple sources for the very best deal possible regardless of time of year.

Please reach out with any other questions on scoring elite discounts on drills, saws, sanders and every other tool that makes your projects possible!