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Princess Auto deals

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Professional Tool User

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Apr 9, 2018
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BC
Handyandy23 said:
I find usually PA has things tiered pretty well between Powerfist and Pro Point. I'm sure there's examples though where it's a bit off. Over the years I've been burned on a few Powerfist tools and generally stay right away from them; the bad has far out-weighed the good.

I had a Powerfist pry bar break the handle right off under load, with the metal end flying up about a millimeter from my face. Turned out they didn't mold the handle over more than a couple inches of the metal in order to make it appear longer. Also borrowed a friend's set of Powerfist spring compressors, which developed a stress crack and almost completely broke on of the two fingers off that goes over the coil, again while under load. Had to back them off with my back turned to them hoping I didn't get a coil spring in the back of the head.

On the other hand I've had very good luck with Pro Point stuff. Have their 60 gallon air compressor ("Made in USA") and it's been very good. Also some of the newer Pro Point auto specialty tools like rear caliper piston return set, ball joint press, and spring compressors (yes, I had to go to PA and buy the Pro Point version to finish the job that the Powerfist version broke on).

I know it's all rebranded, but the Pro Point is certainly reserved for a higher level of quality.



Thanks for the clarification!
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I've had mostly good luck with Powerfist and GRIP tools look so bad to the point I don't even want to try them unless it's something where you can't go wrong like the pliers rack. Besides the 3pc long taper punch which I bent in one afternoon of hammering, I don't remember breaking anything. The mini torch nozzle, the brake lining gauge, the wire tracer, and all the other odds and ends I bought seemed to work fine. The 3 pc plastic clip pliers set on the rack looks like they went through proper quality control, unlike the Harbor Freight quality control rejects I had to sort through. But I will definitely pay extra attention when shopping for Powerfist tools that have a high potential to break. Pro point stuff is definitely better than Powerfist though I have broken the 24" long quick release flex head ratchet when I used a cheater pipe. That being said, the my co worker has broken the Snap on equivalent without even using a cheater pipe.
 
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PharaohXJ

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Apr 10, 2012
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152
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Vancouver/Cairo
I have noticed that PA is clearing a lot of powerfist titan and propoint tools like the hex, torx wrenches that are good quality made in taiwan to make way for new skus that are made in China.

CT made the same move earlier this year with the launch of the new apex tools “gearwrench “ ratchet and sockets that are made in china.

The reviews on most of the new 90tooth ratchets is that they skip teeth and break, I don’t know how apex tools messed this one up, all they had to do is just copy the Gearwrench ratchet with just a different number of teeth


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buckwheat_la

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Joined
Feb 10, 2016
Messages
597
Location
Lethbridge
PharaohXJ said:
I have noticed that PA is clearing a lot of powerfist titan and propoint tools like the hex, torx wrenches that are good quality made in taiwan to make way for new skus that are made in China.

CT made the same move earlier this year with the launch of the new apex tools “gearwrench “ ratchet and sockets that are made in china.

The reviews on most of the new 90tooth ratchets is that they skip teeth and break, I don’t know how apex tools messed this one up, all they had to do is just copy the Gearwrench ratchet with just a different number of teeth


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Click to expand...

I have heard similar things, which is too bad because I liked the designs of the new sockets.
 
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PhantomEB

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Feb 6, 2006
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Medicine Hat, AB, Canuckistan
Was just internettin this morning before my errands......now I got to add princess auto to my list. Rolling cart to get my scrap steel off the floor and easier to move up front when I need some.
 

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Downwindtracker 2

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With PA, you never know what you'll find or it's quality. Both stock and suppliers change. It's just their business model.They have some OSCA hammers, a bit pricey but they look like real quality. Made In Italy. I didn't need anymore more ball peens, but they were the best I've seen in a long while. Most recent ball peens have pointy heads. How can you peen with that?
 
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jvitez

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Nov 30, 2009
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Location
Big Sky Country, Canada
Downwindtracker 2 said:
With PA, you never know what you'll find or it's quality. Both stock and suppliers change. It's just their business model.They have some OSCA hammers, a bit pricey but they look like real quality. Made In Italy. I didn't need anymore more ball peens, but they were the best I've seen in a long while. Most recent ball peens have pointy heads. How can you peen with that?
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+1 on the Osca hammers.

I was in the same boat, didn't really need another ball pein hammer but was away from my tools and needed a hammer. I always regret cheaping-out so I looked at the Osca and liked what I saw. I'm happy with the purchase: good quality head and comfortable wooden handle. I could easily see getting a full set if I needed to.
 
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lilredex

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Apr 29, 2006
Messages
5,956
Location
Toronto
The magnetic version could be used with stub Allen key sections or the hollow ones could be fitted with a set screw too, for power driving. Will have to look at those.
 
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FMC1959

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Feb 9, 2014
Messages
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Montreal, Canada / Upstate NY
FYI for anyone living in the Montreal area, Tuesday, Sept 17 the first PA in Quebec will open in St. Jerome. A second is opening in Laval; they ad only stated "coming this winter".
 
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R

rmsg0040

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Feb 15, 2012
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Location
Toronto
lilredex said:
The magnetic version could be used with stub Allen key sections or the hollow ones could be fitted with a set screw too, for power driving. Will have to look at those.
Click to expand...

That's a pretty good idea, you learn something new everyday
 
T

Two Speed

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Sep 20, 2014
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Location
Ontario Canada
The Cobbler said:
Just an FYI, the PA store in St Catharines that opened 3 years ago is getting an addition, 25% more space, I guess they underestimated their market here !
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Just more of the walmart syndrome. Here in London they moved to a bigger space, all it means is that it takes a lot longer to walk around to see the same things. The store became the stockroom essentially.
 
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Downwindtracker 2

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BC
Knowing PA, they will rearrange everything a year later. Then you will have to walk all over the store to find what you came in for. This will end up costing you a $100, but the deals you got !
 
M

Miss the Pontiacs

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Nov 7, 2016
Messages
16,436
Location
Saskatchewan Canada
PA has the 4 in. Thermoplastic Rigid Caster on for $4.99 and also the locking on if I remember correctly $5.99. Are the any good? I just want to get most stuff of mine on wheels for easy portability. Or should I just bite the bullet and go for a better quality wheel?
 
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The Cobbler

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Oct 24, 2013
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Niagara Region, Ontario, Canada
The St Catharines store was too small when they opened. I was told it was supposed to be a new concept trial store, where it was primarily web orders & pick up location. then that guy got fired before the concept was tried but the store was almost built.
that's hearsay tho.
 
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Outlander

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Jul 30, 2010
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5,154
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Quebec, Canada
FMC1959 said:
FYI for anyone living in the Montreal area, Tuesday, Sept 17 the first PA in Quebec will open in St. Jerome. A second is opening in Laval; they ad only stated "coming this winter".
Click to expand...

Almost worth taking the day off and driving from the south shore. That said, during the week driving on the 15, Ottawa might take less time :lol_hitti
 
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Downwindtracker 2

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BC
In this week's flyer, Grip brand stubby combinations at $6.99, 3/8"-3/4 " Made in India , but done nicely, better the Chinese made. The metric ones weren't in. A special purchase thing.
 
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The Cobbler

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Just came back from a friends & Family sale. 40% off all hand tools, and surplus. 30% off the rest of the store (in stock items only)
ok, so I spend a tad over $100 after discount... I swear I don't have a problem :bowdown:
 
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Downwindtracker 2

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BC
I just picked up a Smith Little Torch knock-off for $99 for the wife's silver smithing . Came with quages and hoses.
 
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