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JradM

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Home Hardware has the PicQuic SIXPAC Plus for $10.77


Any recommendations for bits? I want to replace the included ones with Torx and Allen.
It probably makes more sense to just buy the Picquic Torx and hex drivers like LWB & scooby suggested - I also think the Picquic bits are quite good.

If you were just replacing a couple bits in your loadout though, you can find Wera bits as loose stock at KMS tools. They come in different lengths. The longer ones aren't hex all the way down like Picquic though. I don't know if that would matter or not.
WER-060131_9.jpg

The "problem" is, high quality individual bits are expensive but Picquic screwdrivers are excellent value. If you replace more than 3 with something else, you might already be approaching the cost of a different Picquic driver - and those bits are good.
 
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Relax

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I've actually heard the PicQuic bits are on the soft side, which is why I was considering getting the "handle" on sale and then upgrading the bits.
 

scooby074

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I've actually heard the PicQuic bits are on the soft side, which is why I was considering getting the "handle" on sale and then upgrading the bits.

I havent really found that and regularly use the bits with cordless tools. Of course, a powertool will speed up bit damage but bits are a consumable.
 

scooby074

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It probably makes more sense to just buy the Picquic Torx and hex drivers like LWB & scooby suggested - I also think the Picquic bits are quite good.

If you were just replacing a couple bits in your loadout though, you can find Wera bits as loose stock at KMS tools. They come in different lengths. The longer ones aren't hex all the way down like Picquic though. I don't know if that would matter or not.
WER-060131_9.jpg

The "problem" is, high quality individual bits are expensive but Picquic screwdrivers are excellent value. If you replace more than 3 with something else, you might already be approaching the cost of a different Picquic driver - and those bits are good.
One issue Ive had with non-Picquic bits in Picquic drivers is they dont seem to lock in to the storage holes very well. Not like the genuine picquic bits that lock in so tight you have to basically force them thru.

Others might not have the same issue however.
 

matthew

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I prefer bits that are round to the ones that are hex their whole length. I’ve swapped the R2 and P2 bits in my Picquic with ones from the loose bit merchandiser at the hardware store. I don’t have any issue with how they retain in the handle.

https://www.rona.ca/en/product/exch...bit-square-2-2-3-4-in-s2-steel-98247-34595711

At some point I’ll upgrade them with Wera or Wiha or Zephyr or Apex. Wiha has a good selection of 70mm bits. Ideally I’ll find some 70mm P2 ACR bits. I might have one stashed for when I wear this bit out. 70mm are not exactly rare, but not nearly as easy to find as 50mm.

For how common P2 is, a person could almost justify filling a driver with 7 different P2’s to try to find a favourite.
 

daithi

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Maximum Bit Ratchet Set is in the flyer again starting tomorrow. $40 down from $80

I have this and the Icon bit ratchet set, both have their pros and cons. I've used the Maximum set a lot, have only used the Icon a little bit.

I think the Icon set has a better rounded bit selection (metric and imperial slotted bits in the Maximum are pointless imo) although neither is perfect.
The extension and t-handle/screwdriver function of the Icon is nice.

The Icon's box is smaller in every dimension, although getting the tools out is more fiddly.

The Maximum ratchet action is nicer/smoother.

At full msrp, $40 US/$55 CAD for the Icon or $80 CAD for the Maximum I would go Icon - if I was already going to the States and HF.
Sale price $40 for the Maximum I would go with the CT.
 

Two Speed

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I'll be another PicQuic supporter here. My work picquic has an original phillips #2 that I still use to this day--its my third handle at work (I used it throughout the day, it gets beat up). The reason I use the original #2 is I find it has a proper #2 fit, there was a point where they switched to what I would call a pseudo #2 that you can kinda use in #1 phillips, and it will cam out with the stresses I put on it--that said, I have a more recent picquic that again has a proper #2. In anycase, the bits are excellent quality and will outlast most other common brands you would pickup. Having typed that, I wonder if the pseudo #2 phillips era might be a different supplier and got it the "soft" moniker. Not my experience with them overall. I have bought replacement picquic bits over the years, all hold up.

The robertsons are correctly dimensioned and have a good tight fit, even my #2 robertson with years of use (again, at work, so lots of screws) while it has worn it will still securely hold a robertson screw without it going flying. The only robertsons that will go sailing are the poor quality screws that the robertson hole is not the correct dimensions (just use your goto box of ancient robertson screws as a test).

Here at home, I've got too many (if there is such a thing on garage journal). I did get one warrantied that the handle split on (orange handled one that Home Despot refused to exchange because the lettering was worn off. The orange one was only available through home depot when it first came out, picquic only came in black handles originally. Anyway, I phoned picquic warranty talked to a nice lady, talked about the ones I have, and why they switched away from the ball bearing retainer (apparently people are stupid and somehow lose the spring and retainer(!?) was one of the reasons (she didn't say stupid, I did. Made her laugh with I'm not supposed to say that), she spoke of other reasons, including the magnet that was now in them (i used a magnetizer anyway so non-issue for me). Anyway, she would be sending me out a replacement picquic and I asked, if they had any of the old ball bearing retainer ones still and if it could be substituted.. She checked said there where still a few available, and she would send that to me if I prefered. YES! Happy dance. =-)

I was expecting to recieve a handle, I received an entire retail package of an original pic quic (with proper #2). Zero cost. Zero hassle. I'll happily recommend picquic to anybody looking for a multibit driver--even before I had to warranty it. That orange handled thing is the only picquic that has failed me.

At work I've got 4. 2 regular handled, 2 stubbies. At home I've got many more, including a hex-calibre. Like magnifier glasses and flashlights, I got them at easy reach. I do not own any torx as I never use them except for the taillight screws on the square body.

Since this is plenty long, I'll make it longer, before the picquic, I despised multibit screwdrivers. POS junk. Someone I know told me to try it, and I was sold on the spot. Felt good in hand, bits where easy to swap, and screws fit properly. Well, theres the journey down picquic hording. And the mastercraft picquic look-a-like, its just a look-a-like. Different hand feel, slightly shorter handle.
 

Two Speed

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I stumbled on this air rifle at P.A. Kinda last minute, sale ends tommorow. If you look at air rifles it doesn't even show up on the PA website. I probably ended up on it via googling and landing on the product page directly.

Beeman dual calibre 10609lvc $139.00. 5 are left at the London store as of my leaving the store this morning with one.

 

Jstylez

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Home Hardware has the PicQuic SIXPAC Plus for $10.77


Any recommendations for bits? I want to replace the included ones with Torx and Allen.
I just bought one with the black handle from Canadian Tire at full price to have in the boat. They make a marine(anti rust) model but its $28.
Maximum Bit Ratchet Set is in the flyer again starting tomorrow. $40 down from $80

I have this and the Icon bit ratchet set, both have their pros and cons. I've used the Maximum set a lot, have only used the Icon a little bit.

I think the Icon set has a better rounded bit selection (metric and imperial slotted bits in the Maximum are pointless imo) although neither is perfect.
The extension and t-handle/screwdriver function of the Icon is nice.

The Icon's box is smaller in every dimension, although getting the tools out is more fiddly.

The Maximum ratchet action is nicer/smoother.

At full msrp, $40 US/$55 CAD for the Icon or $80 CAD for the Maximum I would go Icon - if I was already going to the States and HF.
Sale price $40 for the Maximum I would go with the CT.
Why does it say Gearwrench in one of the photos on CT website?
 

daithi

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Rebadge. I think someone posted pictures of the two side by side earlier in this thread.

My Maximum ratcheting wrenches say Gearwrench on one side too.
 
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JradM

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This seems like a surprisingly good deal:
1000006172.jpg

Mostly because some of the Powerfist tools are cheap to begin with. E.g.

1000006173.jpg

I've no idea if the tools are any good. I'm thinking of picking up the angle grinder to try out - I can always use another of those.
 

scooby074

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This seems like a surprisingly good deal:
1000006172.jpg

Mostly because some of the Powerfist tools are cheap to begin with. E.g.

1000006173.jpg

I've no idea if the tools are any good. I'm thinking of picking up the angle grinder to try out - I can always use another of those.
I wonder if these are made by the same OEM as HF Bauer? Bauer seems to be decent quality.
 

LWB

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This seems like a surprisingly good deal:
1000006172.jpg

Mostly because some of the Powerfist tools are cheap to begin with. E.g.

1000006173.jpg

I've no idea if the tools are any good. I'm thinking of picking up the angle grinder to try out - I can always use another of those.

Ask them about their warranty. I'm fairly certain it's 2 years but not 100% positive.
 

gamp945

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JradM

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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.
I took a gamble and ordered one, figuring I'd return it if it was no good. It worked out for me though - that bar is perfectly straight on mine.

It comes with one hole on each of the feet, no doubt so you can bolt it to the floor. Instead I held those pieces up to each other so I could mirror the bolt holes, drilled out two more and added some small heavy-duty castors so I can wheel it around my shop.

Anyone else thinking of buying this press probably shouldn't do that though - it creates a risk it will tip over. However, it's not that tall, the base is pretty wide and it's not that top-heavy. Basically, it seems fine to me and I'd much rather be able to push it out of the way. It seems like it would only be risky if pressing something heavy and unbalanced.

I should have snapped a photo, but forgot before I left the house today. These are the castors I used though. It looks like they were made for it. The stem fits the existing hole size, the black color blends in, they're short so they don't exacerbate the tipping risk and they lock.

71+zTVSYdQL._SL1500_.jpg
 

Caa311

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JradM

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I recently bought the Einhell bandfile from KMS tools on "super special" for $105. For the price, I was IMPRESSED and figured it should qualify as a hot deal.
ein-4461010_1.jpg

I had the Ryobi bandfile before, or still have I suppose, but I knocked it off my workbench one day and broke the support for the arm. I fixed it and used it for awhile afterwards, but it wobbled a little and annoyed me. I considered buying another one, but the Ryobi bandfile isn't very fast.

I was seriously considering the new Dewalt - but it's like $300 and that's just too dang steep. Looking around for other options, I noticed the Einhell's top application speed was 5527 ft-/min - which is pretty darn close to Dewalt's 5,600 ft/min.

The Einhell's sanding arm pivots up to 90 degrees, it comes with two sanding arms (3/8" and 1/2"), a dozen sanding belts, a very nice storage bag and a vacuum attachment. It feels like going back in time to when new tools came kitted out with accessories 😄.

About the only negative I've noticed so far is that it's larger and heavier than the Ryobi - but I don't mind because it works MUCH faster. I haven't held the Dewalt to compare.

Dewalt also has an auxiliary handle. Einhell says: "The rugged motor housing has a Softgrip cover so it can be used an additional handle for easy handling". I didn't realize that was intentional until I looked up the product listing just now to provide a link, but I have found myself holding onto it there.

Also, I didn't want to buy into another battery platform, so I just got a battery adapter for Bosch 18v off Amazon. Dewalt and Milwaukee adapters are also available (I picked Bosch even though I have more Dewalt batteries because I'm vain and the Bosch black/red color scheme looks like it belongs on the Einhell 😛).

Anyway, I'm quite pleased and I'll probably consider Einhell a little more seriously next time I'm shopping for tools. From the prices, I assumed it was a Ryobi/Hart-level tool, but the bandfile far exceeded my expectations.
 
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JradM

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Home Depot has the Milwaukee 3/8" ratchet (regular, brushed) for sale. With 51% off it's priced at $78. I actually prefer this over the Fuel version (brushed) due to its relatively lighter weight and smaller profile.

Good find! That's an unusually good discount. Most stores in my area are sold out - but one had two left.

It seems to be part of this event. There's a few tool options at $79
 
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JradM

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Speaking of Dewalt tools, the Mellif 3x18" belt sander for Dewalt batteries is on for $60 plus a $5 off coupon.

619rk6qXIdL._AC_SL1500_.jpg

I bought this a little while ago, but I can't attest to performance or durability yet. I thought it might be handy for some deck sanding I need to do, but I haven't got around to it yet. Maybe this weekend.

Still, $55 for a cordless belt sander seemed pretty good. There's some negative reviews for faulty triggers. Mine works good out of the box, but we'll see after I spend some time with it.
 
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JradM

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Is this a hot deal? 7" Grip-on pliers for $18.70.

715WCcqpsuL._AC_SL1500_.jpg

Amazon only shows it as a reduction from $20, but the camels say they're usually closer to $40. Gray tools has them on sale for $25 (but there's a shipping charge).

I haven't tried Grip-on pliers before, so it was cheap enough I figured it was worth trying them out.
 

flippin

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Is this a hot deal? 7" Grip-on pliers for $18.70.

715WCcqpsuL._AC_SL1500_.jpg

Amazon only shows it as a reduction from $20, but the camels say they're usually closer to $40. Gray tools has them on sale for $25 (but there's a shipping charge).

I haven't tried Grip-on pliers before, so it was cheap enough I figured it was worth trying them out.
Good price, but they aren't spectacular performance wise. I have a bunch of Grip-Ons and was super excited as they also supplied Snap-On, but was very disappointed in the end. Original USA Vise-Grips are better, and nothing even comes close to the Malco versions.
 
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JradM

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Good price, but they aren't spectacular performance wise. I have a bunch of Grip-Ons and was super excited as they also supplied Snap-On, but was very disappointed in the end. Original USA Vise-Grips are better, and nothing even comes close to the Malco versions.
You convinced me to cancel my order. I would have kept it, but I don't really need more 7"-sized pliers.

I was primarily interested in them because I've read comments suggesting Grip-on is not as good, but still the next best thing to Malco. I figured I'd try a pair and see if I wanted more.
 

matthew

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Locking pliers -

I’m fiercely loyal to Petersen. I own a few GripOn (to expand the fleet, save the Petersen - I won’t have Irwin). I haven’t used locking pliers as much in the last few years, so I don’t know that I can comment on them in too much detail (I haven’t abused them enough to really evaluate the teeth), but a couple of thoughts:
1. Petersens feel right in the hand. I dislike how often I get a blister from the release, and I like GripOn design, but feel isn’t the same.
2. I like the epoxy finish. I have a set of welding clamp jaw GripOn that is great, and recommend.
3. I would consider buying those Omnium jaws just for the different jaw shape. You can’t have too many varieties of jaw shape.

I like that GripOn has taken Petersen’s lead, and done the specialty applications, and have also decided to build product where they are from, and not just raced to the bottom. And that they understood they needed a still tolerable price point. If they had jaws like Cobras they’d be tough to beat.

I couldn’t convince myself to get Malcos at $70. At $55 maybe, but the 7” is sold out. I don’t get why Malco thought the c-clamp style would be marketable as a super premium tool…
 
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JradM

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I picked up a ROK 24lb anvil for $21 today at Peavey Mart. Not guanteeing that's available at all Peavey Marts though. Regular sticker price was $39.97, red tag price was $29.97 and some sale they had going on added 30% certain red tag items.

1000007041.jpg

Not a big anvil, but I figured it would be handy to have on my welding cart. I have a larger rail anvil in my shop.
 

rancherbill

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I picked up a ROK 24lb anvil for $21 today at Peavey Mart. Not guanteeing that's available at all Peavey Marts though. Regular sticker price was $39.97, red tag price was $29.97 and some sale they had going on added 30% certain red tag items.

1000007041.jpg

Not a big anvil, but I figured it would be handy to have on my welding cart. I have a larger rail anvil in my shop.
Thanks, Ill get one next week.


I am always having to beat things on my vise.
 
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JradM

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What's going on with Kobalt 24v tools at Rona? Are they phasing them out or something? Seems like a bunch of them are half price.

1726074066853.png1726074091430.png1726074112936.png1726074132444.png1726074164446.png1726074146073.png

1726074188771.png

There's more. Some of those prices look great. If I could just run one of my other battery lines with an adapter, I'd probably grab a couple. As-is, I've got so many different power tool brands I'm a little leery of adding yet another... but we'll see! That die grinder would be handy.
 
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JradM

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I wish I had better body hammers. I use a cheap Princess Auto set I bought more than a decade ago, but I put on hickory handles, polished the faces and cleaned up all the casting flaws. They work, but I have to polish the faces pretty frequently if I don't want to transfer dings and scratches onto the sheet metal - they're probably not hardened enough.

I stumbled across this on Amazon for ~$28:

71woGrmfDUL._AC_SL1500_.jpg

I think it looks promising - but I haven't got it yet. There's other Urrea bodywork hammers on Amazon, but they're priced much higher. It's just this 1427 model that seems "cheap" - and it's probably my favorite pattern anyway.

Urrea is a terrible name for the English-speaking market, but it's actually a Mexican pro tool brand. Long ago it was owned by Proto and the tools were sold as "Proto Mex". I'm guessing that's why this "1427" Urrea bodywork hammer is the same pattern as the Proto 1427. There's a few tools in Urrea's product like that are indistinguishable from old Proto designs.

No idea if its built the same as the old proto 1427, but I figured it was worth a gamble.
 
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