Canadian Tire weirdness re: MC Maximum wrenches

[stovebolt6]

The other day I was looking for the metric set of mastercraft maximum wrenches at CT, but I noticed something weird. The two stores in my area both did not have either the metric or SAE sets in stock. Instead, there was an abundance of full polished NON-maximum metric and SAE sets that look almost the same as the maximums, same chrome long pattern style, same package with the rack and everything. However, they are indeed just from the regular mastercraft line and the sets cost less. I believe they are on sale right now for $20 per set; much cheaper than the maximum sets.

Upon further investigation I noticed that their website does list these new cheaper wrenches but the photos show the maximum sets, and I believe the customer reviews are all still for the maximum sets. It appears to me that they just changed the product code and the price. The only maximum wrenches I can see on the site are the Gearwrench ones.

Is CT getting rid of the full polished maximum wrench sets and quietly replacing them with cheaper lines? That would be a ridiculous move as they are awesome tools for the money. Anyone know about this?

 

[dadsEH]

Why are you asking us....get on the phone to CT about their false advertisements!...eh?

 

[rtole]

God forbid if anyone wanted to ask a question in the tool discussion forum.

 

[PCO6]

^^^ Agree. I think stovebolt6 was just asking if Canadian Tire is changing it's product line. I know it does from time to time. I've bought some Mastercraft wrenches over the last 10 years or so that are stamped "Professional" and some are etched "Maximum". I have some others that seem to be a more standard, but still polished, wrench. They're all good.

 

[abvw]

I believe the hard line non-gimmicky tools are branded Mastercraft, while the Maximum is saved for the cool stuff, like ratcheting wrenches and lighted pliers..

 

[Jmac00]

Yes, by the looks of things, they are phasing out the maximum wrenches for the more standard 'mastercraft'...still polished, but not sure about quality, whether its the same or not. For me, i'd much rather have the maximum line.

 

[longlivepunk]

I might be misunderstanding you, but if these new wrenches are the same as the Maximums were, just now re-branded to make way for a new Maximum set, then what's the problem with getting what used to be a good-quality Maximum set for $20 just because it doesn't say Maximum? Just hope they use the same material.

That's typically what happens, a new high-end line is developed, so the old line just becomes the lower-end line to make way for the new design.

 

[stovebolt6]

Why are you asking us....get on the phone to CT about their false advertisements!...eh?

I know, just thought I'd see if anyone here knew anything about it.

I might be misunderstanding you, but if these new wrenches are the same as the Maximums were, just now re-branded to make way for a new Maximum set, then what's the problem with getting what used to be a good-quality Maximum set for $20 just because it doesn't say Maximum? Just hope they use the same material.

That's typically what happens, a new high-end line is developed, so the old line just becomes the lower-end line to make way for the new design.

Yeah it just seems peculiar to me is all. I know a few people who use the maximum wrenches in professional shops and I have an SAE set myself; they are clearly very nice. And that's really where my question lies, are these new cheaper ones actually the same quality even though they aren't stamped "maximum"?

I guess I could do some inquiring on their part.

 

[truckaddict]

I have both sets purcahsed in the last month. ill snap a pic or two tonight to show the side by side

 

[stovebolt6]

I have both sets purcahsed in the last month. ill snap a pic or two tonight to show the side by side

Awesome that would be great. Do notice a difference between them?

 

[Alex in Canada]

I was sad to see the same thing. The maximum wrench sets are currently on clearence. Hopefully they are replacing them with something better?

 

[RedF]

Mastercraft Maximum wrenches are an outstanding value! I think darn near everybody in our shop has a set. I think I have 3 SAE and 3 Metric!

 

[young_buck]

their ratcheting wrenches are just rerbranded gearwrench so it doesnt bother me that they are lowering price on those but i hope they dont phase out the maximum line completely. The maximum wrenches are great, I have never had any issues with them, they are full polish and and also long pattern. I use mine steady and cant see me replacing them anytime in the near future

 

[truckaddict]

That's the two 1". The wrenches are identical other than the branding. The only difference I can see is that the platting is slightly different. The Maximum seems to me a little shinier.

 

[stovebolt6]

Interesting, thanks for the pic.

After more investigating, it appears that the product number(s) are not different. Just the "maximum" name. So say if you needed to warranty a maximum wrench, you'd be given a non-maximum replacement now. I hope that the regular line is as nice as the maximums were..

 

[Halfdawg]

Left one looks longer??

 

[malibulvr]

One looks a little longer too.

 

[truckaddict]

thats just the angle. i put one on top of the other and there the exact same. did the same with a few different sizes all identical.