Walmart Getting Serious About Tools in 2026?

[zendriver]

The lions share of the money for battery-powered hand-held tools is still going to Milwaukee and Dewalt - Ryobi, Bosch, and Makita leading the rest of the pack.
Certainly Walmart has deep enough pockets to play the "just change vendors" game as long as they like, but sooner or later they'll run out of vendors.
If they're serious about stealing market share from Milwaukee and Dewalt, they need to go back to the drawing board on warranty terms.

Maybe they just don't care about Milwaukee/Dewalt and want to offer mid-priced cordless power tools, the types that are available literally everywhere else, on the Internet.

The "Greenworks" brand is available everywhere, so easy for Walmart to offer this brand, just like they do with microwave ovens, vacuums, TVs and most everything else, they sell. No skin in the game, other than selling.

Not surprising to see the "Hart" cordless line go away. White tools? They had to kind of "own" the quality of their somewhat cheesy store brand, something not really done with most other products they sell. The Greenworks stuff, all they have to do is stock it on the shelves. If something better or more popular come along move to that. If they quit selling the brand later, it's still avilable everywhere else.

Smart move for Walmart, IMO.

 

[Aaron_W]

Almost every town in the US has a Walmart available, but I doubt they have much if any interest in taking on the top tool brands. That doesn't fit their model. I expect they are mostly going after the Ace, True Value and Amazon house brands.

Hart seems to have been based on Ryobi with an updated battery pack. Their dabbling with the Hart brand suggests that even Ryobi is too highfalutin for Walmart.

There are about twice as many Walmarts (4600 including Sam's club puts them over 5000) as Home Depots (2100), and about 3x Lowes (1800) or Harbor Freight (1600). Only Ace has more locations with around 5800 Ace independent stores under the franchise. True Value has around 1500.

 

[Davefr]

Maybe they just don't care about Milwaukee/Dewalt and want to offer mid-priced cordless power tools, the types that are available literally everywhere else, on the Internet.

The "Greenworks" brand is available everywhere, so easy for Walmart to offer this brand, just like they do with microwave ovens, vacuums, TVs and most everything else, they sell. No skin in the game, other than selling.

Not surprising to see the "Hart" cordless line go away. White tools? They had to kind of "own" the quality of their somewhat cheesy store brand, something not really done with most other products they sell. The Greenworks stuff, all they have to do is stock it on the shelves. If something better or more popular come along move to that. If they quit selling the brand later, it's still avilable everywhere else.

Smart move for Walmart, IMO.

But watch them put everything in a locked cage and then never staff that area with an associate that can unlock the cage.

 

[zendriver]

But watch them put everything in a locked cage and then never staff that area with an associate that can unlock the cage.

For sure, Probably have to order on line and pick up when ready.

Shoplifting is not just a Walmart problem.

 

[four.cycle]

But watch them put everything in a locked cage and then never staff that area with an associate that can unlock the cage.

Well... that's all over now.
I had to have a girl unlock a pair of embroidery scissors at Michael's.
Scissors!
SRSLY?
When they stopped putting people in jail for theft, they left the retailers limited options.

 

[PCustoms]

Well... that's all over now.
I had to have a girl unlock a pair of embroidery scissors

New hobby?

 

[four.cycle]

nooo... hardly... they're just called "embroidery scissors" by name... tiny little things with extremely sharp edges. detail work stuff.

 

[PCustoms]

nooo... hardly... they're just called "embroidery scissors" by name... tiny little things with extremely sharp edges. detail work stuff.

Nothing to be ashamed of, embroidery can be "manly"

 

[rust in the eye]

I was around for the tail end of Popular Mechanics not that I’m old enough to remember them being new but I have a lot that my dad gave me and I got at the pawn shop that are amazing lol.

I remember them and had quite a few which served well. Their combination wrenches, ratchets and sockets were indeed "great value". Screwdrivers had a tri-lobe handle which was comfortable for me and they wore well.
There are devoted fans of the brand, one of which bought every last piece I had, sans a few ratchets which I still have, like and use. Big bang for the buck. They even offered a nice basic set of mechanic's tools that didn't pad the piece count with hex bits and L keys.

 

[Aaron_W]

For sure, Probably have to order on line and pick up when ready.

Shoplifting is not just a Walmart problem.

It seems to be more of a Walmart issue than others though. At Walmart almost all of the electronics are locked up. Go a few spaces over in the shopping center to Staples, and they have many of the same things unsecured on the shelf.

I think the main issue is the customer to employee issue. Walmart is too cheap to hire enough employees to maintain a visible presence. Home Depot has a similar problem, you can never find an employee. Go to Ace and you have to wave them off like mosquitos.

 

[zendriver]

Well... that's all over now.
I had to have a girl unlock a pair of embroidery scissors at Michael's.
Scissors!
SRSLY?
When they stopped putting people in jail for theft, they left the retailers limited options.

Are they all locked up, or just the one's that are $45-50 pair?

That usually seems to be the deciding factor for everything locked up - high price.

 

[genog]

They used to have really good tools too back in the late 90s and early 2000s called Popular Mechanics and I think that’s probably the best line they had.

I heard.....but can't confirm that Walmart sold GM Goodwrench wrench sets like these
Probably somewhere in the time interval that you mentioned



They're nice wrenches

 

[blackwire]

I heard.....but can't confirm that Walmart sold GM Goodwrench wrench sets like these
Probably somewhere in the time interval that you mentioned

They're nice wrenches

Those were sold by O'reilly auto parts.

GM Performance Parts tools?

Hey all, I was in the pawn shop today - and they have literal bucket-loads of sockets and tools. While going through a few (I of course bought some craftsman, proto, and crescent sockets; along with a modified KD flare wrench) I found a few extension bars that were labeled as "GM Performance...

www.garagejournal.com

 

[zendriver]

It seems to be more of a Walmart issue than others though. At Walmart almost all of the electronics are locked up. Go a few spaces over in the shopping center to Staples, and they have many of the same things unsecured on the shelf.

I think the main issue is the customer to employee issue. Walmart is too cheap to hire enough employees to maintain a visible presence. Home Depot has a similar problem, you can never find an employee. Go to Ace and you have to wave them off like mosquitos.

Digging a little deep, but ok.

Could it be a different demographic (and number) of shoppers that frequent Walmart, than Staples?

Even Harbor Freight has a number of grab-tags for secured items that are likely swiped often. Visiting the local Ace Hardware, nearly everything tool is either locked up or nailed to the wall.

 

[allinon72]

Walmart is serious about covering the basics in hopes of taking a small bite out of the home improvement stores. At Walmart's scale, even a couple percentage points can mean millions in profits. However, the focus won't be on quality, and the target market will be the race-to-the-bottom types. When's the last time you bought something at Walmart and felt good about the value and quality.

 

[genog]

Those were sold by O'reilly auto parts.

GM Performance Parts tools?

Hey all, I was in the pawn shop today - and they have literal bucket-loads of sockets and tools. While going through a few (I of course bought some craftsman, proto, and crescent sockets; along with a modified KD flare wrench) I found a few extension bars that were labeled as "GM Performance...

www.garagejournal.com

I've seen the Taiwan or Chinese Goodwrench sets at O'Reily

Did some GJ digging.....which is what I should have done in the first place...

The poster in Post #9 got his Goodwrench USA set like mine from Sam's Club
I'll look for more evidence.....

GM goodwrench wrenches

I picked up a mostly complete set of metric GM goodwrench wrenches. They are made in USA. Any idea who made these and what kind of quality are they? Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

www.garagejournal.com

More Sam's Club

us made goodwrench

several years ago i purchased a set of us made wrenches at my local sam's club. some where along the line i lost the 7/16 wrench. i don't know who made them, but they are very nicely made long handle full polish wrenches made in the us. i know that there are cheopo gm goodwrench tools out there...

www.garagejournal.com

Sam's Club is related to Walmart.....

I seem to remember reading that these GM Goodwrench wrench sets were purchased at Walmart.....

 

[JeepYJ]

When's the last time you bought something at Walmart and felt good about the value and quality.

The mini prybars I posted earlier.
And they sell plenty of items that are the same as sold elsewhere, they’re just commodities and consumables.

 

[Sumboodie]

You buy groceries weekly? Is that "normal"?
I go maybe 7-8 times a year. Get a heaping cart of food and I'm good for ~1.5 months.

 

[PCustoms]

You buy groceries weekly? Is that "normal"?

Very normal

I go maybe 7-8 times a year. Get a heaping cart of food and I'm good for ~1.5 months.

This is not normal, or healthy. I'm assuming minimal veggies and lots of cans?

 

[Aaron_W]

Digging a little deep, but ok.

Could it be a different demographic (and number) of shoppers that frequent Walmart, than Staples?

Even Harbor Freight has a number of grab-tags for secured items that are likely swiped often. Visiting the local Ace Hardware, nearly everything tool is either locked up or nailed to the wall.

I'm sure that plays a part, but where I live Walmart has locked up half the store. They have underwear and socks locked up. Ace only has a few small (pocketable) high dollar things locked up. The only things at Harbor Freight I've seen with the tags are large items, tool chests and such. There might be some smaller expensive items like code readers, but nothing I've been looking for so I never noticed.

The big difference I've found is these other stores have employees on the floor to help customers, and discourage shoplifting because they don't leave much opportunity to slip an item into their pocket unseen. I've been into the local Walmart and Home Depot many times without seeing an employee until I'm in line at the checkout. If you need an employee to unlock a case, cut wire etc it is not uncommon to have to wait 10-15 minutes even when it is not busy.

The only place I can be guaranteed to find an employee at Walmart or Home Depot is standing by the exit.

Honestly I'd be surprised if an employee noticed me using a cordless angle grinder to open the locked cases. Most days I bet the local Walmart doesn't even have a dozen employees including cashiers on shift during peak hours.

 

[Aaron_W]

Very normal


This is not normal, or healthy. I'm assuming minimal veggies and lots of cans?

He is in Alaska.

 

[PCustoms]

He is in Alaska.

Thanks, he's never told us that

 

[Sumboodie]

Well... that's all over now.
I had to have a girl unlock a pair of embroidery scissors at Michael's.
Scissors!
SRSLY?
When they stopped putting people in jail for theft, they left the retailers limited options.

I had to get a 1.99 nails clipper unlocked from a case and it carried to the till like I was buying a gun at Carrs.

 

[Sumboodie]

He is in Alaska.

https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/goto/post?id=11666778

PCustoms said:
You are ignoring content by this member. Show ignored content

Yes.

 

[PCustoms]

Ah, the old "I'm ignoring you" call-out.

Classy

 

[four.cycle]

Nothing to be ashamed of, embroidery can be "manly"

RLY?

 

[zendriver]

However, the focus won't be on quality, and the target market will be the race-to-the-bottom types.

maybe they are just not as good as you.

When's the last time you bought something at Walmart and felt good about the value and quality.

The last time I purchased tires, vehicle batteries, TVs, microwave ovens, food, dog treats, medical items? Never purchased any of their tools, but they look like usable tools.

 

[four.cycle]

Are they all locked up, or just the one's that are $45-50 pair?

No... I was actually kind of surprised... they were only a $10.00 price point. Go figure.

and it carried to the till like I was buying a gun at Carrs.

.... and this was exactly the same case with that little pair of scissors.

 

[Sumboodie]

maybe they are just not as good as you.

The last time I purchased tires, vehicle batteries, TVs, microwave ovens, food, dog treats, medical items? Never purchased any of their tools, but they look like usable tools.

I haven't been in Walmart in a few years. It's on the other side of town and side they aren't open at night, have no reason to go there.

 

[Farmall450]

I went a few months ago and the ENTIRE oil filter section was almost bare.

That's from first brands going bankrupt.

 

[Farmall450]

Mini pry bars MiUSA for <$8.
They have added a 45” pry bar with striking cap to their lineup too. It’s <$35 MiUSA.

I've seen all of them except the minis by me. I will 100% buy more minis if I find them (I have a 3 pack of the OEM ones in that same package clamshell on my desk as I type this...)

 

[Farmall450]

(Google: "The Man Who Said NO to Walmart")

Isn't simplicity extinct now?

Not that I disagree w/ his move...

 

[Y00PER]

They used to have really good tools too back in the late 90s and early 2000s called Popular Mechanics and I think that’s probably the best line they had. These new ones definitely look promising though but I haven’t tried any out yet. I’ve got some of the regular Hyper Tough tools from before though.

I still have some 1/4" drive sockets and a handle (like a file handle) for sawzall blades. I know they did switch to Taiwan, but the stuff in have is USA

 

[JeepYJ]

Isn't simplicity extinct now?

Not that I disagree w/ his move...

It was Snapper. It lives on as a brand somehow after being picked up by Briggs & Stratton before their bankruptcy.
Simplicity is still around.

 

[four.cycle]

Isn't simplicity extinct now?

It's a mess.
Snapper sold to Simplicity.
Simplicity was acquired by Briggs & Stratton Power Products Company, which was put in control of the bean-counters, who managed to not only cripple B&S financially, but they completely trashed the Snapper brand - it's not even CLOSE to being what it once was.
They built the best walk-behind on the market - hands down - and B&S turned it into a toy. A junky toy at that.
Small wonder Honda now has such a huge market share. U.S. built mowers are mostly garbage now.

 

[JeepYJ]

Small wonder Honda now has such a huge market share. U.S. built mowers are mostly garbage now.

Honda doesn’t sell gasoline powered mowers in the US now? Are they built in the US or Japan or somewhere else? @Metallitubby

 

[Farmall450]

It was Snapper. It lives on as a brand somehow after being picked up by Briggs & Stratton before their bankruptcy.
Simplicity is still around.

The article said he was the president of simplicity, and snapper was one of their brands.

 

[neophyte]

Digging a little deep, but ok.

Could it be a different demographic (and number) of shoppers that frequent Walmart, than Staples?

Even Harbor Freight has a number of grab-tags for secured items that are likely swiped often. Visiting the local Ace Hardware, nearly everything tool is either locked up or nailed to the wall.

Do think people don’t steal from Staples?
The average “commercial thief” isn’t likely going to be stealing office supplies to sell to a fencing operation. (One of the main reasons for high volume shoplifting).
There are plenty of shoplifters who probably steal compact items like pens, or notebooks, or school supplies, etc.
Most office jobs for employers that aren’t sh!t actually supply office supplies, so basic thieves don’t need to to steal from Staples, even if they work an office job as a day job.
Staples does lock up expensive compact stuff like graphing calculators, and power banks for phones, and other stuff that usually has decent resale value.

 

[neophyte]

You buy groceries weekly? Is that "normal"?
I go maybe 7-8 times a year. Get a heaping cart of food and I'm good for ~1.5 months.

I go to the grocery store at least once a week, and probably more often, since I rarely eat out, and have specific preferences requiring going to different grocery stores.
Also, fresh vegetables require buying frequently, as does fresh meat.

 

[neophyte]

I'm sure that plays a part, but where I live Walmart has locked up half the store. They have underwear and socks locked up. Ace only has a few small (pocketable) high dollar things locked up. The only things at Harbor Freight I've seen with the tags are large items, tool chests and such. There might be some smaller expensive items like code readers, but nothing I've been looking for so I never noticed.

The big difference I've found is these other stores have employees on the floor to help customers, and discourage shoplifting because they don't leave much opportunity to slip an item into their pocket unseen. I've been into the local Walmart and Home Depot many times without seeing an employee until I'm in line at the checkout. If you need an employee to unlock a case, cut wire etc it is not uncommon to have to wait 10-15 minutes even when it is not busy.

The only place I can be guaranteed to find an employee at Walmart or Home Depot is standing by the exit.

Honestly I'd be surprised if an employee noticed me using a cordless angle grinder to open the locked cases. Most days I bet the local Walmart doesn't even have a dozen employees including cashiers on shift during peak hours.

Underwear and socks get stink fast, particularly during summer, and even most homeless people don’t want to smell ******* awful.
During the Covid lockdowns, some homeless guy broke into a Ross store in Center City Philly just to steal underwear and socks.
The fact that public restrooms were locked down probably didn’t help the situation.