Flex Power Tools

[Dh3256]

If you have data on US cordless tool sales, please share it.

You can do a web search and find a variety of public reports and information, but it's difficult to validate that data or the reliability of the source.

The more accurate and verifiable data is available through trade and market research organizations and is not free. It is also shared subject to NDA, so unfortunately I cannot repost that data.

Another challenge is that the research is typically broken down by company rather than brand. As a result, Black and Decker shows the second largest market share, but DeWalt is only a small fraction of that total number but the specific number for DeWalt is not separated out.

If you accept the public data on the web, by market share Bosch is the largest, TTI (Ryobi) is second, Black and Decker (DeWalt) is third, and Chervon (FLEX) is fourth.

 

[dnschmidt]

Mostly it's a matter of availability. HD is everywhere which is why Milwaukee and Ryobi rule at least out here in the West. Same is true for DeWalt which is everywhere. Bosch, a global powerhouse, cordless is available only by mail order. You can get their corded SDS hammers a lot of places but their cordless is rare. Without Lowes FLEX is dead in the water.

 

[neophyte]

Interesting, DeWalt is essentially Black and Decker. It may just be your area or region, I have noticed there seem to be regional preferences for certain brands. Around here, you wouldn't be likely to find DeWalt on a pro worksite. As a practical matter, I have not had good experience with DeWalt tools, they break down too often and warranty repairs are problematic. That may be regional, though, since the tools are not popular in this area.

Dewalt is the Industrial/Professional version of Black & Decker, and always has been.
After switching the Professional tool lines to the Dewalt branding, Black & Decker used Black & Decker “Firestorm” for most of the DIY hobby grade tools, and then after purchasing Porter Cable, B&D used the Porter Cable branding for some of the Firestorm tools sold at Lowes, although B&D claimed that the PC tools that looked like rebrands of the older Firestorm models were being made with better internal components than the Firestorm tools were. (Yes, this is actually possible, although I have no way of knowing if the claim of higher quality internals was true).
A few of the Porter Cable tool models remained in production.

 

[neophyte]

You can do a web search and find a variety of public reports and information, but it's difficult to validate that data or the reliability of the source.

The more accurate and verifiable data is available through trade and market research organizations and is not free. It is also shared subject to NDA, so unfortunately I cannot repost that data.

Another challenge is that the research is typically broken down by company rather than brand. As a result, Black and Decker shows the second largest market share, but DeWalt is only a small fraction of that total number but the specific number for DeWalt is not separated out.

If you accept the public data on the web, by market share Bosch is the largest, TTI (Ryobi) is second, Black and Decker (DeWalt) is third, and Chervon (FLEX) is fourth.

TTI also owns Milwaukee in addition to Ryobi, as well as producing the regular Ridgid brand power tools. (Not the actual professional plumbing tools, although some may use TTI components).
Chervon is an OEM manufacturer making tools for other brands in addition to FLEX, Skil, EGO, and Skilsaw (the higher end version of Skil).

Bosch in addition to worldwide distribution also manufactures special tools for industrial use, that don’t even appear in the regular Bosch tool catalogs or websites.
The “industrial use” tools may be supplied to industry for assembly purposes, and have significantly higher prices than the average power tool.
The Bosch AMPshare battery platform may also help the numbers.

 

[JerseyBoatBuilder]

While I was in the Marine industry for many years Dewalt was pretty much the factory standard hand tool other than Jig saws which was Bosch Barrel Grip, With Bosch blades in all of them. That is 4 different luxury boat companies with 6 different assembly plants.
A Dewalt van would come once a week and pick up any tools that could not be repaired on site, They would take them and return the next week with the repaired tools.
Zephyr Bits also.
Buffers, Orbitals, ect all through 3M since we used their finishes, pads, paper, polishes, compounds ect..

 

[david3921]

Mostly it's a matter of availability. HD is everywhere which is why Milwaukee and Ryobi rule at least out here in the West. Same is true for DeWalt which is everywhere. Bosch, a global powerhouse, cordless is available only by mail order. You can get their corded SDS hammers a lot of places but their cordless is rare. Without Lowes FLEX is dead in the water.

Menards sells Bosch cordless tools but are not nation wide.

 

[Aaron_W]

Although I've personally not been impressed with Dewalt cordless tools, I wouldn't consider Dewalt a DIY brand either. My experience was also 10+ years ago and comparing them to Makita. They were not junk, but for the price I felt they should be better.

Dewalt's corded tools have been generally been solid. Their orbital sander and trim router are highly recommended by many woodworkers.

That brings up another aspect though, it is not just regional, but which trades. Dewalt and Makita tool offerings skew towards carpenters. Milwaukee offers quite a few tools desirable to plumbers, electricians, and mechanics which will draw them to that brand.

TTI also owns Milwaukee in addition to Ryobi, as well as producing the regular Ridgid brand power tools. (Not the actual professional plumbing tools, although some may use TTI components).
Chervon is an OEM manufacturer making tools for other brands in addition to FLEX, Skil, EGO, and Skilsaw (the higher end version of Skil).

Bosch in addition to worldwide distribution also manufactures special tools for industrial use, that don’t even appear in the regular Bosch tool catalogs or websites.
The “industrial use” tools may be supplied to industry for assembly purposes, and have significantly higher prices than the average power tool.
The Bosch AMPshare battery platform may also help the numbers.

TTI also makes Hart. While Hart is almost invisible on this forum, being the "premium" brand of the largest retailer (Walmart) in the US can't hurt TTI's over all sales figures.

Bosch also owns a several popular brands of consumer goods (dishwashers, coffee makers, vacuums etc) as well as Dremel which further muddies their actual share of the tool market.

 

[Dh3256]

Looks like they are still working with the website and stock. Yesterday FLEX was available on the website, for in-store pickup for me, today it is gone again.

Happened to be at Lowes for something else and noticed they have started to restock the FLEX aisle. Looks like new stock, not just returns.

 

[Steel_Rain]

Looks like they are still working with the website and stock. Yesterday FLEX was available on the website, for in-store pickup for me, today it is gone again.

Happened to be at Lowes for something else and noticed they have started to restock the FLEX aisle. Looks like new stock, not just returns.

Lowe’s will Start 2026 without Flex Tools

toolguyd.com

 

[Dh3256]

Lowe’s will Start 2026 without Flex Tools

toolguyd.com

The rumor mongers don't give up, do they? More rumors and speculation. At least he doesn't claim to have any real information and acknowledges his information is all speculation. The title is certainly misleading, though.

Regardless, the FLEX tools are back on the website now. I wonder if it is a time-of-day thing, I have noticed with the SKIL tools the prices change several times during the day, with the best pricing early evening.

Personally, I'm glad FLEX and Lowes keep confirming they will continue to sell FLEX. Apparently, there was a bit of posturing to get a better contract, but the contract issues have reportedly been resolved and I'm hearing from sources that the restock should be complete by mid-January 2026.

 

[Steel_Rain]

Personally, I'm glad FLEX and Lowes keep confirming they will continue to sell FLEX.

Post a direct link about this.

 

[Cruzan80]

Lowes that I went to yesterday. Pic seems to tell the whole story.

 

[Steel_Rain]

Lowes that I went to yesterday. Pic seems to tell the whole story.

Yup, the 3 stores in my location all look this now:



The last few remaining FLEX tools are on a random clearance table near the paint aisle:

 

[Steve_P]

When I search "Flex 24V" online for my local Lowes, a Kobalt 24V combo kit comes up .

"Flex drill" brings up every brand Lowes carries, but nothing by Flex. The only thing "Flex" at any store within 40 miles of me are the last few remaining plastic storage boxes.

 

[mooman]

 

[JerseyBoatBuilder]

Yup, the 3 stores in my location all look this now:



The last few remaining FLEX tools are on a random clearance table near the paint aisle:

From What I was told, right now the companies orders are just throw anything Dewalt in the plano gram to replace Flex. January has an official reset for all of Flex to be replaced by Dewalt.

 

[dnschmidt]

In short, FLEX ISN'T WHAT'S NEXT! Some marketing slogans are just too good.

 

[Steve_P]

You can do a web search and find a variety of public reports and information, but it's difficult to validate that data or the reliability of the source.

The more accurate and verifiable data is available through trade and market research organizations and is not free. It is also shared subject to NDA, so unfortunately I cannot repost that data.

Another challenge is that the research is typically broken down by company rather than brand. As a result, Black and Decker shows the second largest market share, but DeWalt is only a small fraction of that total number but the specific number for DeWalt is not separated out.

If you accept the public data on the web, by market share Bosch is the largest, TTI (Ryobi) is second, Black and Decker (DeWalt) is third, and Chervon (FLEX) is fourth.

I said, "data on US cordless tool sales." Not total worldwide sales per corporation. Bosch's cordless tool sales in the US are irrelevant in comparison to DeWalt, Milwaukee, and Ryobi. I'd assume DeWalt cordless tools are the majority of SB&Ds cordless tool sales in the US because the only other brand they have that sells in any quantity is Craftsman.

Bosch sells everything from saw blades to major appliances like dishwashers worldwide, so total brand sales worldwide is irrelevant to measuring US cordless tool sales. I contributed to Bosch's sales figures with an $1100 dishwasher but have zero cordless tools by them.

 

[dnschmidt]

Bosch's lame US cordless tool sales I think a direct reflection of the FLEX's Lowes problem. Without one of the big two you're fighting an uphill battle. If Bosch, a worldwide conglomerate can't fight the cordless tool battle successfully in the US. FLEX sure as hell couldn't. Chervon makes good stuff, even their Kobalt tools are pretty good. It's just nearly impossible to break the Milwaukee and DeWalt cartel in battery powered tools. This was never a problem with corded tools as you would chose the best tool based in individual performance. Like Milwaukee Sawzall, Bosch jig saws, Metabo grinders, DeWalt drills, Makita polishers and Skil circular saws. With battery platforms it's nearly impossible.

 

[neophyte]

Bosch's lame US cordless tool sales I think a direct reflection of the FLEX's Lowes problem. Without one of the big two you're fighting an uphill battle. If Bosch, a worldwide conglomerate can't fight the cordless tool battle successfully in the US. FLEX sure as hell couldn't. Chervon makes good stuff, even their Kobalt tools are pretty good. It's just nearly impossible to break the Milwaukee and DeWalt cartel in battery powered tools. This was never a problem with corded tools as you would chose the best tool based in individual performance. Like Milwaukee Sawzall, Bosch jig saws, Metabo grinders, DeWalt drills, Makita polishers and Skil circular saws. With battery platforms it's nearly impossible.

Bosch pulled back from the US market around the same time Amazon stated selling tools, and Festool started pushing their product heavily.
I honestly figured at the time that either there was an agreement to let Festool try to get a foot in the market, or the Bosch advisory panel decided to pull back to see how the internet shopping system and heavy discounting from retailers like Amazon would go.
I think this is was also around the time Hilti started selling tools at Home Depot.
After maybe a decade, Bosch started selling tools more heavily again at retailers like Lowes.
Bosch still hasn’t regained the market share they surrendered as far as I’m aware, but the tools are still available in many cases to consumers who want to buy the brand, just maybe thru online sales.

 

[Steel_Rain]

My local Lowes doesn't even have the display tools in the aisle any longer, they are all on yellow clearance racks in the tool section:




My store also doesn't have the Stackpacks any longer. I'll be visiting my other two stores later this week to check and see if they got rid of them too.

 

[JerseyBoatBuilder]

When I stopped by my Lowes today they were putting together and installing a Bosch display on the end cap where the Flex tools was.
They were also doing some stuff to the Dewalt section.
Also saw the Flex reps f150 with Flex graphics on it but didn't run in to the rep

 

[Steel_Rain]

Also saw the Flex reps f150 with Flex graphics on it but didn't run in to the rep

I would see my local FLEX representatives FLEX truck all the time until about October of last year. The Truck is gone since then and I don’t see that guy at Lowe’s anymore.

 

[JerseyBoatBuilder]

Was at my Lowes and ran in to the MST Manager. Asked him about Skil since all of it was on clearance. He said they will not be carrying Skil in store either

 

[tarbellb]

@Dh3256 got any updates?

 

[Dh3256]

@Dh3256 got any updates?

Nothing more specific than the restock that was expected by mid-January. Website shows FLEX as in-store only, and I expected the restock would be done by now, based on prior information, but it seems to be taking longer than expected. My local stores have a few restocks but have not yet fully restocked.

 

[tarbellb]

Keep us posted

 

[JerseyBoatBuilder]

Nothing more specific than the restock that was expected by mid-January. Website shows FLEX as in-store only, and I expected the restock would be done by now, based on prior information, but it seems to be taking longer than expected. My local stores have a few restocks but have not yet fully restocked.

Want to know why? LOWES sku#s change from being available in store or online only. Rightnow they should be changing sku#s to be only online. That is why when anyone looks up a tool from Flex it goes to instore/ not available, ect.

FLEX and Skil are gone from any physical precense at Lowes stores.

 

[Steel_Rain]

My local stores have a few restocks but have not yet fully restocked.

Your telling us your local stores restocked FLEX tools with new FLEX tools? And that they kept the FLEX aisle and didn’t remove or replace the aisle with another tool brand?

 

[Steel_Rain]

FLEX aisle being re-signed as DeWalt at my Local Lowes:



How is the online restock coming @Dh3256 ?

You said mid-January, right?

 

[Steve_P]

FLEX aisle being re-signed as DeWalt at my Local Lowes:



How is the online restock coming @Dh3256 ?

You said mid-January, right?

"Any day now Flex is coming back to Lowes. Really. They are. Those Flex signs are new, it's what's next. Can't you read? They actually just took down the DeWalt signs because that's a POS consumer brand that no one buys."

Nope. Flex is dead at Lowes, and, IMO, soon to be in the US.

 

[Jlanciani]

FLEX aisle being re-signed as DeWalt at my Local Lowes:



How is the online restock coming @Dh3256 ?

You said mid-January, right?

No pics, but my local store in MA has already fully rebranded and stocked the former Flex aisle similarly.

 

[JerseyBoatBuilder]

The Skil stuff was blown out at my store for $19.99 a tool.
From what I was told today again Skil is gone a long with Flex. There will also be no more Flex packout type stuff either once they get rid store stock.
Kobalt power tools took over the end caps that had Skil power tools. Anything remaining with Flex and just about anything with a Skil name went to the clearance isle of my store.
SBD Rep was at my store inspecting the displays and having changes made.
Dewalt took over the end caps in the walk way across from tools and the Pro section near the lumber exit. They were boxing up a bunch of Metabo stuff and putting it in the top shelves where no one can reach.
Everything else in the front walking isle cardboard dispays was Dewalt, Spyder and Klein. There might have been one or two Craftsman box displays.
I didnt bother to ask any deaper questions

 

[tarbellb]

@Dh3256 whats the word ? Any new rumors?

 

[Dh3256]

@Dh3256 whats the word ? Any new rumors?

I don't have much new information, but will continue to share facts as I learn them, and leave the rumors to others.

It appears there is some issue with the contract, and apparently some annoyance over those issues. When I asked for an update, I just got a terse "the contract hasn't been signed" with no further elaboration. My personal opinion and suspicion is that there was a last-minute effort to change some contract terms that really annoyed Lowes.

If it annoyed them enough, they may just walk away. In my local stores they have not restocked further from the early January restock, and that is not a good sign. Website listings seem to be fluctuating a lot, from in-store only to online only to nothing showing at all, several times a day. Not at all sure what to make of that.

I will share information as it becomes available, if and when they are willing to share any more information.

 

[tarbellb]

Who are you in contact with?

 

[Dh3256]

Who are you in contact with?

Same people I mentioned before, former coworkers that are now with Lowes corporate and the DM in my area.

 

[tarbellb]

I just hope FLEX keeps making tools

 

[gamp945]

I just hope FLEX keeps making tools

They have at least one notable new cordless tool release, now available for preorder from Acme Tools. Note that for the $989 price it comes with TWO of the 10Ah stacked lithium batteries and their fastest "super" charger.

 

[gamp945]

Also, they have their new garage storage system available for preorder also.