Funny that you mention that smell at Princess Auto, that is one thing I do not like about that place, among many reasons. That is what cheap and poorly made smells like. I use Maximum sockets, no problems, stand up well, never broken or rounded out. I do not use the ratchets, as mentioned before I use SO rats, but the 3/8 is in my box as a second, or for times I utilize two ratchets on a job. The impact sockets have also done me well. I work in industrial enviro.. I still use old pro line in metric and Maximum in SAE for combo's. I hope to purchase in the near future a set of Wright Grip Metric and SAE wrenches. I need a second set any ways. The Mastercraft line combo's I do not like but cannot really complain about the Max ones. Never had issues with the finish, never broke one. The Max sockets are good, my biggest issue is that once or twice a year I replace because I misplace. I stay clear of pliers and screwdrivers and any other hand tool from Mastercrat and Maximum. I tried the screwdrivers, don't like em at all. However, I have a red and green robby from 10+ years ago that I still use daily, no problems. They are hard handle good grips. I beleive they were made in Canada at that time, as my stubby red robby is stamped as such.