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JradM

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What is this and do I need it? 😄 It appears to be some sort of double-flex, roto-head, extra-long, t-handle, 3/8"... ratchet.

All I can think of using it for is some fastener buried deep down and underneath an obstruction. How often does that happen where there isn't access from some other angle, but also isn't too tight so leverage isn't an issue?

9241654_A0CG_00_01.jpg
 
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ObnoxiousFumes

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JradM said:
What is this and do I need it? 😄 It appears to be some sort of double-flex, roto-head, extra-long, t-handle, 3/8"... ratchet.

All I can think of using it for is some fastener buried deep down and underneath an obstruction. How often does that happen where there isn't access from some other angle, but also isn't too tight so leverage isn't an issue?

9241654_A0CG_00_01.jpg
Click to expand...
I think you need it. 😂
 
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kidrubicon

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Apr 2, 2017
Messages
60
JradM said:
What is this and do I need it? 😄 It appears to be some sort of double-flex, roto-head, extra-long, t-handle, 3/8"... ratchet.

All I can think of using it for is some fastener buried deep down and underneath an obstruction. How often does that happen where there isn't access from some other angle, but also isn't too tight so leverage isn't an issue?

9241654_A0CG_00_01.jpg
Click to expand...
In the ratchet drawer of your tool box, you will notice a weird-shaped foam cutout slot for a double-flex, roto-head, extra-long, t-handle, 3/8" ratchet. To avoid leaving this slot empty, you need exactly this ratchet.

Joke aside, I suppose that this would be handy for 1) doing the lower spark plugs of the pre-2008 Chrysler 4.7 V8, 2) taking the alternator off a GM 3900/3500 on the minivans, 3) taking off steering column in general.

And because I do these jobs once in a blue moon, I bought this ratchet. To my surprise, it fits perfectly into the cutout slot in my box, as if it was customized-made for the slot.
 
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jptbay

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608
Princess Auto $30

Powerbuilt (Tone) 13 inch 1/2" drive 72T quick release flex head ratchet.

My favourite ratchets ever. Very compact head. Made in Taiwan. Flex head is not locking but has spring loaded ball bearing detents. Never had a floppy head with any of these, and I have every size/lenght.
I find the handle comfortable. Powerbuilt has these turned 90 degrees from the Tone variants.
Great deal IMO.

9238114_A0CG_00_01.jpg
 
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JradM

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AldeanFan said:

Costco has QuickJack $400 off,
Thinking of pulling the trigger on that.
Click to expand...
That's nice! I'm rebuilding a 1976 Ford Courier right now from tip to tail and would love to have something like that.

I also spotted a tilting lift on clearance at Princess Auto. $1200

9056656_A8C0_00_01.jpg

Quick Jack is probably better, though I do wonder if tilt might offer even more room to work - provided you're doing one end at a time of course.
 
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Caa311

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I have a quick jack. It's ok, you just have to make sure the lifts are parallel! If not the vehicle might fall off the lifts. Don't ask me how I know.
 
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JradM

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Four piece prybar set is on sale at Princess Auto for $7.77.

8819039_A0CG_00_01.jpg

Are these Mayhew prybars? No.

I've had a good experience with mine nonetheless - and they're $7.77 for four!

Overall, the reviews agree with me. I sort of wonder if the sporadic 1-star reviews that are mixed-in just confused these with a different set. I have two sets, I bought another for my mom, gave a couple sets to buddies... never had a bad experience. They seem nice and rigid, haven't broken or bent and the handles even seem to hold up when I beat on them.
 
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Jstylez

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jptbay said:
Princess Auto $30

Powerbuilt (Tone) 13 inch 1/2" drive 72T quick release flex head ratchet.

My favourite ratchets ever. Very compact head. Made in Taiwan. Flex head is not locking but has spring loaded ball bearing detents. Never had a floppy head with any of these, and I have every size/lenght.
I find the handle comfortable. Powerbuilt has these turned 90 degrees from the Tone variants.
Great deal IMO.

9238114_A0CG_00_01.jpg
Click to expand...

JradM said:
Four piece prybar set is on sale at Princess Auto for $7.77.

8819039_A0CG_00_01.jpg

Are these Mayhew prybars? No.

I've had a good experience with mine nonetheless - and they're $7.77 for four!

Overall, the reviews agree with me. I sort of wonder if the sporadic 1-star reviews that are mixed-in just confused these with a different set. I have two sets, I bought another for my mom, gave a couple sets to buddies... never had a bad experience. They seem nice and rigid, haven't broken or bent and the handles even seem to hold up when I beat on them.
Click to expand...
I went to purchase the ratchet and thought I would do some browsing and saw the pry bar set on sale. I thought I can't wrong with this deal, so I picked up a set.
 
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bkoz

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scooby074 said:
I haven't used those exact ones but if they're like the Mastercraft HSS drills or the Mastercraft router bits I used I'd pass. Crappy tire cutting tools are not good in my experience.

I'd spend a bit more and get these Walter's. I have them and tgey are top notch. Lifetime tools if u take care of them. A little bit more money and you can get the hex shank version too.

Walter Surface Technologies 01E618 29-Piece Jobber's Length Bits, Round Shank https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B00L59BRWU?tag=atomicindus04-20
Click to expand...

BC Fasteners has these on sale for $149.

bcfasteners.com

Walter 01E618 29-Piece HSS SST+ 135° Jobber Drill Bit Set

Walter 01E618 1/16" - 1/2" by 64ths SST+ 135° Round Shank Jobber Length Drill Bit Set 29-Piece. Buy Walters products online today at bcfasteners.com.
bcfasteners.com bcfasteners.com

Free shipping over $99.
 
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Jstylez

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JradM said:
Gearwrench 84t flexhead 1/4" ratchet $22
Click to expand...
I don't need this but I have heard good reviews about this gearwrench ratchet throught the Project Farm youtube review. I have the Stanley Canadian Tire special 1/4" ratchet. I always wanted to upgrade some of the Stanley stuff I have. Especially after the lever arm on my 1/2" broke after moderate use.

What I really need is a air compressor. A friend recommended double tank compressor as they do not kick out/in as often. Looking at this one from KMS Tools for $350. Any rec's?
 
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JradM

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Jstylez said:
I don't need this but I have heard good reviews about this gearwrench ratchet throught the Project Farm youtube review. I have the Stanley Canadian Tire special 1/4" ratchet. I always wanted to upgrade some of the Stanley stuff I have. Especially after the lever arm on my 1/2" broke after moderate use.

What I really need is a air compressor. A friend recommended double tank compressor as they do not kick out/in as often. Looking at this one from KMS Tools for $350. Any rec's?
Click to expand...
What will you use it for? I think that's going to decide what size of compressor is best.
 
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Jstylez

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JradM said:
What will you use it for? I think that's going to decide what size of compressor is best.
Click to expand...
Reflate car tires, clean parts etc. Mostly home DIY use. On second thought, I do not need one but its nice to have.
 
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rancherbill

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JradM

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Jstylez said:
Reflate car tires, clean parts etc. Mostly home DIY use. On second thought, I do not need one but its nice to have.
Click to expand...
I've got lots of thoughts!

Cordless vs. Compressor

A compressor is a pretty handy tool. Rancherbill is right too though. There's been so much cordless innovation that there's only a couple of tools you "need" a compressor for, then there's tools that are "better" as pneumatic, but only if you use them a lot.

I.e. You can't get a cordless air hammer, a high-power concentrated blower or a abrasive blaster yet. Those are kind of niche tools though, that you may not even want.

Pneumatic nailers are an example of something that's "better" than their cordless counterpart. I'm using scare quotes because it depends on how you use them. I use my 16ga cordless nailer more than any of my pneumatic nailers because I can just grab it and throw a couple nails into something - no waiting for my compressor to spool up - or easily take it inside the house for a quick project.

On the other hand, it's heavier and slower than a pneumatic nailer, so if I was building furniture or working in a shop, pneumatic is a better tool.

There's also tools that are just straight-out better as cordless - an inflator is one of them in my opinion. It's way easier to take your tiny inflator out to your car to top up the tires than wheel out a compressor and charge it up. Plus you can toss the inflator in your vehicle and it's quieter.

Pneumatic Expectations

If you're going to be a "heavy" compressor user, the one you posted looks too small to me. You won't be able to abrasive blast, use a pneumatic grinder, or use a paint gun without waiting for your compressor to catch up constantly. If you want one compressor to rule them all and you're going to buy a bunch of pneumatic tools, it seems likely you will need to upgrade.

On the other hand, it looks very capable for smaller pneumatic tools - nailers, most air hammers, die grinders, etc., and for blasting dust off things. It seems like a good price too. I think it's a good pick actually, provided it meets your use-case. It seems like the size a contractor might bring to a job site.

If "all" you really need is a quick air blast, occasional tire-inflation duties and other non-intensive compressor uses, you might even choose to go smaller. Yes it will be slower and inflate more often, but there's something to be said for a compressor you can easily pick up or store on a shelf.
 
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ObnoxiousFumes

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Jstylez said:
I have the Stanley Canadian Tire special 1/4" ratchet. I always wanted to upgrade some of the Stanley stuff I have. Especially after the lever arm on my 1/2" broke after moderate use.
Click to expand...
Yes I have several of those CT Stanley kits and they are great, I keep one in every vehicle, but the ratchets ****, I swap them out for better stuff. Even the older ones, which were nothing special to begin with, were considerably better than the new ones with the chrome switch.
 
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JradM

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Any opinions on this 12-ton press from Princess Auto? For $130 it seems like a steal.

I realize there are much nicer presses. This is a pretty basic design - but it's like 1/3 the price of the 10-ton Maximum press (also on sale this week - for $300). Seems like it would do the job, even if it's not as refined.

I have a 3-Ton arbor press, but that's not always enough. Might be nice to have something on hand rather than to drive to a friend's.

9193780_A0CG_00_01.jpg
 
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alwaysFlOoReD

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Airdrie, Alberta, Canada
JradM said:
Any opinions on this 12-ton press from Princess Auto? For $130 it seems like a steal.

I realize there are much nicer presses. This is a pretty basic design - but it's like 1/3 the price of the 10-ton Maximum press (also on sale this week - for $300). Seems like it would do the job, even if it's not as refined.

I have a 3-Ton arbor press, but that's not always enough. Might be nice to have something on hand than to drive to a friend's.

9193780_A0CG_00_01.jpg
Click to expand...
I bought one probably 15 years ago for about the same price. It works just fine.
Occasionally I wish it was 20 ton.
 
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Relax

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JradM said:
Any opinions on this 12-ton press from Princess Auto? For $130 it seems like a steal.

I realize there are much nicer presses. This is a pretty basic design - but it's like 1/3 the price of the 10-ton Maximum press (also on sale this week - for $300). Seems like it would do the job, even if it's not as refined.

I have a 3-Ton arbor press, but that's not always enough. Might be nice to have something on hand rather than to drive to a friend's.

9193780_A0CG_00_01.jpg
Click to expand...

I had to return mine because the round bar hanging from the bar that sits under the jack was welded on crooked. I really wanted to keep it, but it was so far off I just couldn't make it work. So if you're buying in store, open the box and inspect it to save you a trip back. I posted about it in this thread a while back. https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/threads/canada-only-deals.486563/post-9853398

That said, I ended up getting a used King Canada bench-mounted press with an actual hydraulic ram for only a little more than the tax-in price. It feels much more solid, and a little easier to position since you're not dealing with a bar that's "floating" on springs and moves around.
 
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coldh2o

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JradM said:
Any opinions on this 12-ton press from Princess Auto? For $130 it seems like a steal.

I realize there are much nicer presses. This is a pretty basic design - but it's like 1/3 the price of the 10-ton Maximum press (also on sale this week - for $300). Seems like it would do the job, even if it's not as refined.

I have a 3-Ton arbor press, but that's not always enough. Might be nice to have something on hand rather than to drive to a friend's.

9193780_A0CG_00_01.jpg
Click to expand...

I think I need this. What could I do with it? Wheel bearings?
 
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JradM

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coldh2o said:
I think I need this. What could I do with it? Wheel bearings?
Click to expand...
Various bearings, suspension bushings, pressing parts together, freeing things that are stuck, straightening bent things that shouldn't be. You can get attachments and accessories to do things like bend metal and shear too.

The thing that comes to mind for me right now is to try re-arching some leaf springs on my 1976 Ford Courier (yes, I know some people claim they won't stay arched after, I still want to try).

I remember once paying a shop over $100 to press the shaft out of a motorcycle triple clamp for me. Obviously an expenditure so extravagant that I remember it clearly even though it's probably been two decades. I have pressing abilities now, but if I only knew then that I could have bought the tool myself for about the same $$$....
 
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Relax

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coldh2o said:
Trailer hub, so no wheel.

1718739788201.png
Click to expand...

I used my 10-ton bench-mounted press to install some bearings into a motorcycle sprocket carrier no problems. I still froze the bearings out of habit to shrink them a little, and of course greased them, and they went in smoothly. I also used it to press out and install the bushings from my Subaru Impreza's front control arms. I could only do 2 of the 3 because the arm wouldn't fit in the orientation needed to install that last one, but it looked OK, so I just left it.
 
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jptbay

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Relax said:
For the motorcycle owners:
PA has their wheel chocks on sale for $44.44 down from $99.99. Pretty much an all time low, and much better than the heavier and clunky Pittsburgh from Harbor Freight.

1718724457414.png
Click to expand...
What happened to this?

Looked at it earlier and it was on the flyer, but when looking at the product page was regular price.
Now not in the flyer?
Was this on the last promo flyer?
 
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Relax

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GTA, Ontario
I just checked the National flyer June 18-30 and it's still there on the second page, but as mentioned, it's regular price on their web site. Lots of the sale items are showing regular price, so I think there's an issue with their web site.
 
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JradM

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I decided to buy this "Vaper" rotating parts paint stand.

I'm in the midst of a restoration project on my 1976 Ford Courier pickup, which includes painting many many small parts. Still, a pure luxury item on my part as I've been getting by with hanging things from my garage door tracks, sticking poles in my vise and other workarounds. This just looked way more convenient - and I'm hoping it will speed things up.

9087743_A0CG_00_01.jpg

$115 still felt like a bit much, but what put me over the top was realizing it's an imitation/clone of the Astro Pneumatic 7300 Super Stand. I can't afford or justify the real thing:

s-l1200.webp


Speaking of which, it looks like Princess Auto brought in a few Astro Pneumatic clones.

AP 7306:
71JWfI0T65L.jpg
Vaper Adjustable Paint Hanger:
9037094_A0CG_00_01.jpg
Astro Pneumatic 557012 Panel Stand
71m9Do0N9wL._AC_SL1500_.jpg
Vaper Folding Bumper Stand
9087750_A0CG_00_01.jpg
 
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scooby074

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Nova Scotia
Relax said:
Home Hardware has the PicQuic SIXPAC Plus for $10.77

PICQUIC 7 Bit Multi-Driver - Red Handle | Home Hardware

Get the PICQUIC 7 Bit Multi-Driver - Red Handle at your local Home Hardware store. Buy online and get Free Shipping to any Home location!
www.homehardware.ca www.homehardware.ca

Any recommendations for bits? I want to replace the included ones with Torx and Allen.
Click to expand...

Picquic has torx and hex drivers. I think they sell just the bits in sets too. I find their bits to be very high quality.
 
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LWB

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Location
ON, Canada
Relax said:
Home Hardware has the PicQuic SIXPAC Plus for $10.77

PICQUIC 7 Bit Multi-Driver - Red Handle | Home Hardware

Get the PICQUIC 7 Bit Multi-Driver - Red Handle at your local Home Hardware store. Buy online and get Free Shipping to any Home location!
www.homehardware.ca www.homehardware.ca

Any recommendations for bits? I want to replace the included ones with Torx and Allen.
Click to expand...

You can buy PicQuic with Torx and Allens. We have those and the regular screwdriver one for around the house.
 
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