Princess Auto deals
- Thread starter rmsg0040
- Start date
scooby074
Well-known member
Sure, Ill post back once I get the Tig up and running. Going to be a while though. I want to buy a CK torch and need to pick up a regulator and get a bottle of argon, and im pretty broke right now lol.
I stick welded with it today just to make sure it worked and wasnt DOA or anything. If the tig works as well as the stick, I think it will be decent., As a comparison, it welded as good or better than my old Miller Thunderbolt ACDC. Ill still keep the Tbolt around, because it'll still work after the Zombie Apocalypse, but for stick use, I think the PA will be my goto.
If youre really curious about its performance, look on youtube and forums for either the Parweld XTT 202 P, Thermal Arc 202, Thermal Arc 186 or Esab 186i. Its probably under even more model names/brands. Seems this is a pretty popular unit, particularly in Europe. Knowing it was sold by big names like Parweld and TA/Esab went a long way to putting my mind at ease.
NotStock
Well-known member
anyone else waiting for the bahco knockoff adjustables to go on sale? I love the real ones, but I would like a few extra cheapies around.
PharaohXJ
Well-known member
I just got the Powerfister 200 amp SmartTig machine for under $200. Even as loyal to Miller as I am, I couldnt pass it up, basically stole it. Feel like a cheap *****You know youre getting a deal when the supervisor is called to authorize the sale at the cash and she says "Wow!".
I tried it with stick today and its a damn fine welder, particularly for $200How durable it is, well thats to be seen, but at this price its almost throwaway.
20190303_164103 by J Wangchung, on Flickr
20190303_145103 by J Wangchung, on Flickr
20190303_145020 by J Wangchung, on Flickr
I like your choice of air fittings
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scooby074
Well-known member
Thanks! Milton V's FTW.
scooby074
Well-known member
I picked up the footpedal Pn:8612194 ($79.00 down from $170 ) and regulator ($59 from $99) for my cheap china welder. The footpedal is a weird one, with the max amperage pot on the side.
20190311_145719 by J Wangchung, on Flickr
20190311_145807 by J Wangchung, on Flickr
20190311_145719 by J Wangchung, on Flickr
20190311_145807 by J Wangchung, on Flickr
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Picked this breaker bar up today
Great neck, Made in China, surplus section, $9.05, knurling is agressive
https://www.princessauto.com/en/detail/18-1-2in-x-1-2in-drive-breaker-bar/A-p8833824e
Great neck, Made in China, surplus section, $9.05, knurling is agressive
https://www.princessauto.com/en/detail/18-1-2in-x-1-2in-drive-breaker-bar/A-p8833824e
It shows as on sale for $7.99
regardless, I looked at them & they look decent for the $
regardless, I looked at them & they look decent for the $
gotcha! LOL
I went and checked this out today. Maybe my expectations were unrealistic for $7.99 but I didn't buy it. I thought it was too thin and wasn't surprised that it was in the surplus section and not with the other breaker bars.
foghorn1966
Well-known member
Heads up, PA is starting to clear out Titan drive accessories out here. jumbo hex bit sockets Std & Metric, female torx sockets, etc. All marked down & ending in a 3.
https://www.princessauto.com/en/detail/6-pc-sae-jumbo-hex-bit-socket-set/A-p8583775e
https://www.princessauto.com/en/detail/6-pc-sae-jumbo-hex-bit-socket-set/A-p8583775e
HF cart on sale at princessauto, cheaper than going across the border
https://www.princessauto.com/en/detail/30-in-5-drawer-tool-cart/A-p8819047e
https://www.princessauto.com/en/detail/30-in-5-drawer-tool-cart/A-p8819047e
Handyandy23
Well-known member
Saw this in the flyer but haven't seen it in person yet. Any idea on the quality? Is it the same as the HF one? Or a cheaper version?
PharaohXJ
Well-known member
Saw it today looks sturdy better than CT
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Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
timbitca
Well-known member
Went today, played around a bit with the cart... Think I managed to lock it with the keys inside of it, I walked away lol
Also spotted three of these sets in the surplus section, at 70$. Can't say I wasn't tempted.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Gearwrench...itm=401558613654&_trksid=p2047675.c100623.m-1
Only ended up buying the 13$ set of jumper cables, friend of mine borrowed my old set yesterday and managed to melt them pretty good. Also picked up 2 Titan magnetic trays. Can never have enough of those, or maybe I just need to finish projects once in a while and have some empty ones.
Also spotted three of these sets in the surplus section, at 70$. Can't say I wasn't tempted.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Gearwrench...itm=401558613654&_trksid=p2047675.c100623.m-1
Only ended up buying the 13$ set of jumper cables, friend of mine borrowed my old set yesterday and managed to melt them pretty good. Also picked up 2 Titan magnetic trays. Can never have enough of those, or maybe I just need to finish projects once in a while and have some empty ones.
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Handyandy23
Well-known member
I just got back home from PA, all I got was 3, 5/8 hitch receiver pins for $0.88 each. the cashier asked me why I had such a light load today, I told her I already have almost 1 of everything you sell! LOL, she laughed
buckwheat_la
Well-known member
PharaohXJ
Well-known member
Handyandy23
Well-known member
What's the deal with this new "Grand Rapids Industrial Products" / GRIP branding I've seen the last few flyers? Has anyone used enough of the products to get a feel for quality yet?
The 5-drawer tool cart is branded under this name and I agree looks the same as the HF one in person. I also picked up a whole punch and chisel set in a tool roll that was GRIP branded for $30. Made in China so I guess verdict is still out on quality.
Judging by the few things I've handled in the store and the price point, it seems like GRIP settles in between Powerfist and Pro Point on the quality scale. It also seems like it's mostly branded on "Special Buy" items more so than regular stock items. Maybe just a mid tier quality name they're introducing so the Special Buy items aren't completely nameless?
EDIT: From what I can see from a Google search, they do have an address in Michigan. Obviously some kind of importer / rebrander. Looks like they also sell some bargain priced stuff at Home Depot in the US (at least online). I guess maybe it's a new business relationship for PA?
The 5-drawer tool cart is branded under this name and I agree looks the same as the HF one in person. I also picked up a whole punch and chisel set in a tool roll that was GRIP branded for $30. Made in China so I guess verdict is still out on quality.
Judging by the few things I've handled in the store and the price point, it seems like GRIP settles in between Powerfist and Pro Point on the quality scale. It also seems like it's mostly branded on "Special Buy" items more so than regular stock items. Maybe just a mid tier quality name they're introducing so the Special Buy items aren't completely nameless?
EDIT: From what I can see from a Google search, they do have an address in Michigan. Obviously some kind of importer / rebrander. Looks like they also sell some bargain priced stuff at Home Depot in the US (at least online). I guess maybe it's a new business relationship for PA?
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I have some Grip stuff, center punches, a thin flat wrench set in metric & sae, some other stuff too. it seems OK for moderate use.
Handyandy23
Well-known member
Looking closer I'd agree most of the hand tools look pretty junky. Hoping this GRIP branded 5 drawer tool cart is ok. It sure looks identical to the HF ones so hopefully it is.
Even a crappy rebrander has to luck into a good tool once in awhile I hope!
Professional Tool User
Well-known member
Grip branded tools look very similar in quality to Harbor Freight's lowest quality line of tools. As for the brand itself, it's one of Michigan industrial tools' (MIT) brand names along with Tekton.
I'd actually rate Powerfist as higher quality because there's a lot of Made in Taiwan rebrands, most of which are good in the mix. Sometimes I don't get the logic Princess auto uses when deciding when to use the Powerfist and Pro point brand names. That quick release locking flex head ratchet that I wouldn't mind buying if it went on sale is under Powerfist.
For rebranding, sometimes there's only one factory that makes said item like in the case of that Made in Taiwan brake lining/pad gauges set. I bet the Blue point, Gearwrench, and Powerfist ones are all from the same supplier with very minor differences such as whether or not the brand name is stamped on it.
isb cornbinder
Well-known member
I buy very little from PA, other than hydraulic components, bearing blocks, sprockets, chain and shafting.
I have a PA transmission jack that is about 50 years old. I change the ATF in this jack once a year. This jack has been perfect for removing Porsche 911 engines.
Several years ago I bought all of remaining made in Nebraska, Petersen Vise Grips they had in stock.
I bought a PA Honda copy 7 HP motor for $100 when it was on sale for half price. I re-engined a $100 Troy Built rototiller and sold the tiller for $700
My PA store is in Coquitlam, BC. The staff are helpful and most of them are familiar with the products.
I have a PA transmission jack that is about 50 years old. I change the ATF in this jack once a year. This jack has been perfect for removing Porsche 911 engines.
Several years ago I bought all of remaining made in Nebraska, Petersen Vise Grips they had in stock.
I bought a PA Honda copy 7 HP motor for $100 when it was on sale for half price. I re-engined a $100 Troy Built rototiller and sold the tiller for $700
My PA store is in Coquitlam, BC. The staff are helpful and most of them are familiar with the products.
Dave.R
Well-known member
Tekton has no business relationship with Grip. Two totally different companies, both based in West Michigan.
Dave
[email protected]
Handyandy23
Well-known member
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!
isb cornbinder
Well-known member
I bought a PA horizontal metal cutting bandsaw over 20 years ago. The saw needed a little resetting and I changed the gearbox oil to Schaeffer Synthetic 95. I was not expecting this saw to last and certainly not to remain accurate. I am pleasantly surprised.
The best advice is to not buy and use inexpensive sawblades. I always buy LENOX bi-metal blades. These blades are good for about 800 cuts in mild steel square tube. A carbon steel blade will be destroyed instantly,as soon as it hits the resistance weld in square tubing.
I built a removable table with a slot for a miter gauge. If I have a picture, I may post it later.
The best advice is to not buy and use inexpensive sawblades. I always buy LENOX bi-metal blades. These blades are good for about 800 cuts in mild steel square tube. A carbon steel blade will be destroyed instantly,as soon as it hits the resistance weld in square tubing.
I built a removable table with a slot for a miter gauge. If I have a picture, I may post it later.
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Two Speed
Well-known member
Anyone have experience with the 4ton Powerfirst porta-power?
Given the hit and miss nature of powerfist stuff, I'm really on the fence at picking one up (it is $99 right now) for the occasional times I'd be using it to have it on hand and not have to curse not having a portapower, but of course, theres the powerfist dilemma.
Given the hit and miss nature of powerfist stuff, I'm really on the fence at picking one up (it is $99 right now) for the occasional times I'd be using it to have it on hand and not have to curse not having a portapower, but of course, theres the powerfist dilemma.
foghorn1966
Well-known member
I've had one for about 10 years, use it once every couple of years. Still works. Only complaint is styrofoam filler pieces in the case have broken down so storage is kind of a mess.
isb cornbinder
Well-known member
I worked for a large company. I was a commercial transport mechanic. I witnessed a tool test. The SnapOn truck guy supplied a 3/4" combination wrench against a Canadian Tire Professional 3/4" combination. One of the wrenches was clamped in a heavy-duty bench vice. Joining the two wrenches was a length of grade 8 3/4" hex-bar stock. First the ring ends then the open ends were tested against the other brand. I have very little SnapOn, but I was secretly hoping the more expensive SO would win. In both tests the Canadian Tire Professional barely survived and the other brand started to distort then failed.
To be fair, I should mention that both combination wrenches were damaged and probably not useable again.
The body of the wrenches stood up really well and suffered very little permanent distortion. All of the damage was in the ends where the work is done.
I have a set of CT Professional wrenches in my home box. Now that I am retired, I never use them. I have all of the SK I bought and used at work.
A few of the very skilled mechanics I worked with had a mixed bag of tools. Often they would replace lost tools with what they could find in a secondhand store. The tools were just thrown back in their toolboxes at the end of a shift. There were other "mechanics" who could not fix anything with their well organised sets of expensive tools.
Was this test correct and fair? I cannot say for sure. Do I trust the results? Maybe, but I take it as more of a guideline. Both brands were pushed well beyond any level of stress they were designed for.
I buy any and all Craftsman vintage tools from 40 or more years ago. My simple experience tell me that the design of one manufacturer may fit a situation better than another.
I also have HAZET wrenches and screwdrivers. These are really good tools. My one HAZET Crescent style adjustable wrench is a thing of beauty.
To be fair, I should mention that both combination wrenches were damaged and probably not useable again.
The body of the wrenches stood up really well and suffered very little permanent distortion. All of the damage was in the ends where the work is done.
I have a set of CT Professional wrenches in my home box. Now that I am retired, I never use them. I have all of the SK I bought and used at work.
A few of the very skilled mechanics I worked with had a mixed bag of tools. Often they would replace lost tools with what they could find in a secondhand store. The tools were just thrown back in their toolboxes at the end of a shift. There were other "mechanics" who could not fix anything with their well organised sets of expensive tools.
Was this test correct and fair? I cannot say for sure. Do I trust the results? Maybe, but I take it as more of a guideline. Both brands were pushed well beyond any level of stress they were designed for.
I buy any and all Craftsman vintage tools from 40 or more years ago. My simple experience tell me that the design of one manufacturer may fit a situation better than another.
I also have HAZET wrenches and screwdrivers. These are really good tools. My one HAZET Crescent style adjustable wrench is a thing of beauty.
PharaohXJ
Well-known member
I don’t think nowadays it is a trade secret how to make a strong socket or wrench
All you need is a good alloy and good heat treat. That is why I think you can get a good tool regardless of the Coo
When I buy a tool I look at overall attention to detail chrome, finish, sizes, even packaging. That is why I think some princess auto or Ct or HF tools are almost on par with SO or mac and do not warrant the extra money
And also some a complete junk
Here is a teaser
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All you need is a good alloy and good heat treat. That is why I think you can get a good tool regardless of the Coo
When I buy a tool I look at overall attention to detail chrome, finish, sizes, even packaging. That is why I think some princess auto or Ct or HF tools are almost on par with SO or mac and do not warrant the extra money
And also some a complete junk
Here is a teaser
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
slopdog
Well-known member
Ive had one as well for over 10 years . used it a week ago . has not failed yet
Professional Tool User
Well-known member
Thanks for correcting me on that one.
