These 12 surprisingly useful tools are on sale during Black Friday – and I vouch for them all

• Current price: $41 (18% off)
• Original price: $50

This USB cable tester is a small box measuring 2.9 x 2.5 x 0.5 inches and features an array of ports. There are USB-C and USB-A output ports and corresponding USB-C, Lightning, miniUSB, and microUSB 2.0 and microUSB 3.0 input ports to testing cables. This means the tester can accommodate any cable with the respective output and input port. 

The unit can handle a multitude of tests, from basic functions showing whether the cable can handle data and power transmission, along with that protocols, a printout of active lines in the cable, a resistance test, and an eMarker chip test (you scroll through the function using the function button). 

Review: Drawer full of USB cables? This tiny tester tells you which ones actually work as advertised

• Current price: $24 (20% off)
• Original price: $30

When I go on hikes I like to take with me a flexible multitool that can handle things like bottle opening, tightening up the odd screw, and cutting and fixing things, but that doesn’t add a lot of weight to my pack. The the NexTool S11 Pro fits the bill — it measures a compact 1.97 x 0.63 x 4.12-inches and it weighs a miniscule 2.9 oz, and it’s packed with features I rely on when out and about. The pliers are a good compromise of size and performance, the blade is sharp enough for most tasks and holds an edge well, and the screwdrivers and scissors are well designed and do their job well.

It also has a few more specialist tools, like a SIM tray eject tool (which is useful for a lot more things than ejecting SIM trays), and even some neat glow in the dark inserts that make finding the multitool at the bottom of a rucksack or in the undergrowth you’ve dropped it into, a whole lot easier.

Review: I tried this $30 multitool from Amazon, and it handled more than what the seller claimed

• Current price: $15 (33% off)
• Original price: $24

A toolbelt for your wrist — the RAK wristband has 10 extra-strong magnets embedded into the material to securely hold screws, nails, bolts, washers, and drill bits, keeping them within easy reach.

• Current price: $35 (22% off)
• Original price: $45

A USB-C rechargeable electric screwdriver with a twist — literally! It has a pivoting head that can lock in three positions (0, 22.5, and 45 degrees) for improved ergonomics in tight spaces. It also has three torque settings – low, medium, and high — to cope with all your day to day tasks. 

• Current price: $28 (38% off)
• Original price: $46

I’ve tested a lot of USB-C rechargeable hand warmers because, well, I live in the UK and it gets pretty cold and wet here. But a lot of the hand warmers on the market are either poor quality and don’t get warm, or become absolutely roasting and dangerous. 

This is the hand warmer I turn to when things get really cold! And I have to say that it really delivers. It has a huge 10,000mAh capacity good for up to 16 hours of continuous warmth, or 6 hours on the extra heat mode. It is is IP56 rated water and dust resistant, built to be shockproof, making it perfect for outdoor use.

• Current price: $550 (39% off)
• Original price: $900

Not a tool but every workshop needs coffee! And if you love this espresso and coffee machine with a handful of one-touch or customized coffee drinks. Choose from espresso, cappuccino, latte macchiato, iced coffee, coffee, hot water, and even save your own personalised creation.

• Current price: $28 (43% off)
• Original price: $50

Forget the old, inconvenient tape measure and get right into the 21st century with this laser measuring tool. Fire a beam at a wall up to 98 feet away and get a distance reading in a fraction of a second accurate to ±1/16 inch. 

Oh, and the built-in class 2 laser can be used to entertain your cat, too.

• Current price: $45 (15% off)
• Original price: $57

This is a brilliant power meter that’s perfect for repair enthusiasts and professionals. This does it all, from showing voltages and power flow to automatic detection of protocols and even displaying waveforms. 

Another useful feature is the ability to read E-mark chip data found in higher-quality USB-C cables. This chip allows the cable to communicate with the devices it connects to, providing information about the cable’s capabilities, power capacity, and supported features.

Review: This powerful, pocket-sized gadget is perfect for all your USB troubleshooting needs

• Current price: $149 (40% off)
• Original price: $249

Now, I can’t say that I’m much of a tool brand fanboy, but I’ve grown quite fond of DeWalt power tools. It’s a brand that delivers decent tools at fair prices. With this kit, not only do you get the 1/2-inch drill and the 1/4-inch impact driver, but you also get two 20V/1.5Ah rechargeable batteries, a battery charger, and a neat carrying case. This 20V system is powerful enough to tackle most jobs you’re likely to come across, yet the tool and batteries are light enough that you can wield them for a few hours without getting fatigued.

• Current price: $120 at Best Buy (54% off)
• Original price: $220

The perfect vacuum cleaner for deep-clean carpets and tackling bare floors with multi-surface powerful suction. It features an effective HEPA filter to trap dust and allergens inside the vacuum cleaner. It has a massive 0.9-quart dirt capacity, and there’s an easy to remove dust cup to empty debris in seconds.

• Current price: $150 (55% off)
• Original price: $250

Let’s get straight to the exciting part: you can charge the Solix C300 DC using two 140W USB-C inputs, delivering a maximum of 280W of power. In terms of outputs, you’re spoiled with seven total USB-C and USB-A ports, providing the unit with great flexibility and the ability to charge everything from a MacBook Pro to earbuds. The 12V DC output also lets you power car accessories such as portable refrigerators.

Review: My favorite portable power station for traveling can charge any device

When is Black Friday? 

Black Friday 2025 falls on November 28, and Cyber Monday (which only became a thing in 2005) follows on December 1. Beat the store chaos and do your shopping from the comfort of your home (or office!).

Are gadgets really cheaper during Black Friday? 

The short answer is yes, gadgets can be significantly cheaper in the run-up to and during Black Friday. It’s a time of year when retailers want to make up for the discounts they offer with a high volume of sales. Yes, price manipulation does happen sometimes, where some brands and retailers increase their prices in advance to make their cuts seem even better, but it happens a lot less these days because there’s more competition and people are getting savvy to it.

How did we choose these Black Friday deals?

ZDNET (and I) only writes about the deals we want to buy — devices and products we desire, need, or and would recommend wholeheartedly. Our experts look for the best deals, or products that are hardly ever on sale, using established price comparison tools and trackers to determine whether the deal is actually on sale and how frequently it drops. 

I also review customer feedback to determine what matters to real people who already own and use the products I’m recommending. There are also recommendations that are based on my own testing and reviews. Our goal is to provide you with the most accurate advice to help you shop smarter and save money.