The dirty little secret of Black Friday is that many shoppers are out for themselves. And why not take advantage of the lower prices, especially if you have a remodeling project in the works. The home improvement stores are offering deep discounts on appliances, outdoor power equipment and other tools and supplies, some which fared well in Consumer Reports tests.
Do-it-yourselfers who don't typically frequent the Black Friday sales may want to reconsider. "When many people think about Black Friday, they have visions of sale-crazed hordes trampling each other in pursuit of merchandise, claustrophobia-causing crowds, and a shopping experience that's so horrible it's not worth the savings," says Dan Fritschen, author of "Remodel or Move" and founder of the website that accompanies it. "But if you have a remodeling project in mind, you might want to conquer your fears and revise your post-Thanksgiving plans." Here's some highlights from the big box stores.
Home Depot
Large appliances. Home Depot is offering sales of 10 to 35 percent on many major appliances with free delivery and haul away. Buy more than one and discounts from $50 to $500 apply. Buy a suite and save even more.
Small appliances. A number of small appliances are featured at drastically reduced prices including countertop microwaves, toasters, blenders and coffeemakers.
Seasonal items. Availability varies from store to store but if you look, you can find sales on mowers and grills. There are also some marked-down snow blowers on the Home Depot website.
Cordless drills and tool kits. "While supplies last," drills and tool kits from Ryobi, Ridgid, Mikita and Dewalt are selling for $60 to $300.
Lowe's
Programmable thermostats. The circular Nest thermostat, which did well in our tests, is discounted at Lowe's. But almost any programmable thermostat will save you money in the long run.
Cordless drills and tool kits. Some capable drills made by Dewalt and Kobalt are being offered as doorbusters at 50 percent off as are a variety of other handy tools.
Large appliances. Discounts of up to 33 percent are being featured but check the availability at your local store.
Dyson products. All Dyson products are 25 percent off, including its widely-advertised vacuums.
Sears
Large appliances. Pairs of matching washers and dryers are being discounted as much as 50 percent. Shoppers who arrive before 1 p.m. Friday can snag deeper discounts. But late-comers will find other discounts that start after 1 p.m.
Cordless drills and tool kits. Craftsman drill/ drivers are also being discounted 50 percent.
Vacuums. Save 30 to 50 percent on Kenmore and Hoover upright and canister vacuums.
Small appliances and cookware. Toasters, food processors and stand mixers are in the sales mix as are coffee grinders and coffeemakers.
Seasonal items. Grills, mowers, string trimmers and chain saws are on the price chopping block, and there's 20 percent off all Craftsman lawn and garden equipment.
