Best free tool samples you ever received

[Fialaja]

For me, it was Lennox sawzall blades, Bosch auger bits. Haven’t seen offers for free samples in a long time though...

 

[ItsNemo]

Samples? Or won? I've got a sample stud detector once...won a Dewalt 20v hammer drill with two of the 20v bluetooth 5ah batteries, case, and charger.

 

[klassenl]

I got a pair of needle nose pliers in a box of marrettes or staples one day. Absolutely the best I have ever had. Thanks T & B

 

[engineer2]

I used to go to the National Hardware Show. All sorts of useful giveaways.
Met the Leatherman family there (this was in the 90's).

 

[Fedwrench]

Best freebie was probably the Sonic tools sample pack followed by a set of Sunex stubby hex bits to test.
I forgot about SK tools. A few years ago when they were coming out with the X Frame ratcheting wrenches, they would give you a free X Frame wrench after sitting through their presentation. Since it took three years for SK to actually release the wrenches i got a 10 mm, 13, and 15mm over three years plus mechanics gloves and their two in one pocket screwdriver. Sadly, SK hasn't returned to SEMA in the last few years.

 

[BillMoney]

Sonic Tools pack, turned that into cash on fleabay

 

[MushCreek]

I got this gag tape measure from a Stanley salesman many years ago. I keep it in my toolbox, and wait patiently for someone to ask if I have a tape measure.

 

[Jack84]

Handy to have around, used plenty of times.

 

[AngryBeaver]

These are probably the best samples i have gotten. The stubby dual face dead blow is absolutely amazing. the dead blow extender wasn't as useful as I hoped it would be

 

[lardy1]

Working for an excavator when a cub, the concrete sales rep gave me a hand level. First time I ever saw one. We used the **** out of it for rough grading.

I don't remember what page or even chapter of my life I lost it and haven't had a need for one so I never replaced it.

 

[carmantl]

When Lennox was really giving away a lot of sawzall blades and holesaws several years ago, they sent me a very nice medium sized tool bag to review and keep for my time invested in the review. Great bag, still use it to this day.

 

[lardy1]

I knew it was just a matter of time.

 

[ChevyEFI]

I ended up with a Tapcon sample set. Piecemeal, it went into a few projects around the house.

 

[DFB]

I guess might count as a "free sample" since a Milwaukee Sales Rep sent me this new light no charge when they couldn't supply me with the modification part to use a larger battery with my older one

 

[Leaflessshadetree]

Electrical tester from HF. Not super accurate or durable but works OK. Also good for certain areas where I didn't want carry a larger meter or risk damaging or loosing one.
The HF LED flashlights come in handy too.
Then theres the pocket screwdrivers that I occasionally get as promotional items.

 

[Alfisti]

Many years ago I was given a Champion spark plug kit, really great 3/8 drive ratchet with an angled handle, spark plug sockets and a long rubber spark plug holder for getting plugs stated in deep recesses. Ratchet became my go to ratchet for a few years till someone lost it for me. Never been able to find another.

 

[knobby]

Small key chain size gearwrench from a few years back

 

[homebuilt burner]

One supplier gave out pocket chums/calipers for a Christmas present. I still use it daily or weekly.

 

[EZ_Garage]

Lee (RIP) from Shark Guard would send me new style guards for my Delta Unisaw cabinet tablesaw. In return, I would typically provide him a little video review on the improvements. He has since passed away but his family still runs the business.

This image was pulled off of Shark Guard web-site and isn't my shop:

 

[Stuey]

An 11/32" wrench given to me by a Dewalt product manager at a media event.

 

[Max]

I had to pay for mine, but I’d like to add that the shark guard is the best add on I’ve gotten for my unisaw. I am really pleased with how well it works. My only suggestion (if you get one) would be to get the 4”, as I have the 3” and I think it limits flow more than I would like.

So far as the original topic, I think that the best I’ve done is giveaway screwdrivers at a show.

- Max

PS. Not associated with company, just my opinion...

 

[Coach James]

My best ever was a SK round head, bent handle ratchet with the thumb wheel on the head like the old C-man RHFT ratchets. It was pre Ideal SK. I still enjoy using it.

Coach