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matthew

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Joined
Dec 4, 2009
Messages
1,346
I have the previous 250ft.lb Maximum torque wrench with the grey plastic handle. It’s been very good.

I believe the current Maximum is a rebranded Sata/Gearwrench (someone here said they had that on the calibration certificate). It has a metal handle, but 20ft.lb per turn of the handle, so quicker to set but less resolution.

My dad has the regular Mastercraft with black plastic handle. I used it this week for the first time (it replaced a different one from elsewhere). I was actually kind of impressed with it.

I’d actually pick any of those 3 over most others, including several Tekton and Harbor Freight. I may be wrong, but the ones with the locking nut on the bottom always scream ‘cheap’ to me, and Tekton has a few like that.

I’ve looked at Harbor Freight. They’ve gone more upscale, I haven’t found they offer any that are the balance of quality and value.

I have been tempted to buy an eTork. I tried once to get it shipped to a friend in the IS, but they weren’t set up for Canadian credit cards addresses. Apart from liking the indicator, they offers 150ft.lb model which is a nice size for lugs.

So at least for my current thinking, for general purpose I’d probably go CanTire or eTork.

I’d actually aspire to a Norbar, but I don’t think I’ll ever find one for what I’d be willing to cough up.
 
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PlanB

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Joined
Jul 21, 2022
Messages
263
Location
Saskatchewan
CT has the Maximum Tire Change kit on for $99. It's includes the Maximum 1/2" tourque wrench. I like it at that price. Otherwise I'd check out Olsa's split beam for $200.


 
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JradM

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Sep 4, 2019
Messages
1,814
Location
Alberta
Need a torque wrench for simple DIY stuff on my vehicles. Any suggestions?
From watching the Torque Test Channel torque wrench tests (feels like tongue-twister), my biggest takeaway is that torque wrenches seem to, with some reliability, test to their stated accuracy. Even the cheap ones.

The internet is full of stories about how some harbor freight torque wrench never clicked at double the torque, how you have to store wrenches in a temperature-controlled environment or if you bump them against something they're ruined for life. Seems like none of that is true.

That doesn't mean there aren't reasons to get something more upscale, but just something to keep in mind when you're deciding how much to budget for. E.g. some torque wrenches might be more robust, have better ratcheting mechanisms, tighter accuracy range, etc.

Tekton seems like a safe bet. I'd want to see what this is, in-person, if I was looking for a 1/2" drive right now. It's in the Surplus section and not cheap, so it might be a serious brand. I personally just use a Maximum 1/2" since it's accuracy rating is fine for what I do.
 

RyanE

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Joined
Feb 4, 2013
Messages
201
Location
Golden, BC
I'd want to see what this is, in-person, if I was looking for a 1/2" drive right now. It's in the Surplus section and not cheap, so it might be a serious brand.

Based on the photo, I suspect it is a Proto 6061C so I ordered it. There seems to be a plethora of Proto tools showing up in the surplus section. Must be liquidation from another vendor. The other "surplus" torque wrench is a Proto/Facom as well. You can see the model number in the stock photo and the details indicate it's a Proto. Can't go wrong with the free shipping over $99 right now. If I don't like it, well that's what the PAuto return policy is for.

While I have several other 1/2" torque wrenches of various makers (Tekton, Jet, Westward, Kinchrome and Gray), I'm attempting to replace the regular users with the locking nut to backup status (or throw them in the road toolbox). I prefer the locking/sliding collar to the locknut approach.

I will post an update when I receive it.
 

Jstylez

Member
Joined
Jan 30, 2024
Messages
10
From watching the Torque Test Channel torque wrench tests (feels like tongue-twister), my biggest takeaway is that torque wrenches seem to, with some reliability, test to their stated accuracy. Even the cheap ones.

The internet is full of stories about how some harbor freight torque wrench never clicked at double the torque, how you have to store wrenches in a temperature-controlled environment or if you bump them against something they're ruined for life. Seems like none of that is true.

That doesn't mean there aren't reasons to get something more upscale, but just something to keep in mind when you're deciding how much to budget for. E.g. some torque wrenches might be more robust, have better ratcheting mechanisms, tighter accuracy range, etc.

Tekton seems like a safe bet. I'd want to see what this is, in-person, if I was looking for a 1/2" drive right now. It's in the Surplus section and not cheap, so it might be a serious brand. I personally just use a Maximum 1/2" since it's accuracy rating is fine for what I do.
I have a 1/4" Maxximum torque wrench and it has limited uses. I originally bought it for spark plugs and thought I could use it elsewhere but the torque specs are limited. I suppose the decision for me is between a 3/8" and 1/2". The Tekton seems reasonably priced with good reviews.

I am also in the market for a pneumatic fluid transfer pump, which I would use to change the various oils/fluids in my truck.
 
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JradM

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Sep 4, 2019
Messages
1,814
Location
Alberta
Based on the photo, I suspect it is a Proto 6061C so I ordered it. There seems to be a plethora of Proto tools showing up in the surplus section. Must be liquidation from another vendor. The other "surplus" torque wrench is a Proto/Facom as well. You can see the model number in the stock photo and the details indicate it's a Proto. Can't go wrong with the free shipping over $99 right now. If I don't like it, well that's what the PAuto return policy is for.

While I have several other 1/2" torque wrenches of various makers (Tekton, Jet, Westward, Kinchrome and Gray), I'm attempting to replace the regular users with the locking nut to backup status (or throw them in the road toolbox). I prefer the locking/sliding collar to the locknut approach.

I will post an update when I receive it.
Nice! Good eye. That's what I was hoping for.
 

rancherbill

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Joined
Oct 18, 2007
Messages
5,334
Location
Foothills County, Alberta, Canada
I am also in the market for a pneumatic fluid transfer pump, which I would use to change the various oils/fluids in my truck.
This is overkill.

This what I have to change the fluids on My Bobcat skid steer. It works very well. It's esay to take stuff out and put something else back. I buy 20 liter pails of hydraulic fluid and motor oil. **** oil the dirty oil, get rid of it, put the pick up in the clean oil and ****. Then blow the fresh oil back. It's half the work of fiddling with the big pails.

https://www.kmstools.com/mityvac-8-...VsoAfRSrlEaaoFQISFoKctiLc0Z15hSlGrTQ9_V_owkf4
 

Relax

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Joined
Nov 22, 2011
Messages
441
Location
GTA, Ontario
I am also in the market for a pneumatic fluid transfer pump, which I would use to change the various oils/fluids in my truck.

I have both a manual pump extractor and one that works with my air compressor, both from Princess Auto. The one downside of these are that you end up with used oil mist coming out the exhaust when the oil level bottoms out and you start sucking up air with the oil. I'm thinking of switching to one of these electric pumps next:

 

Shop-hound

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Joined
Nov 1, 2019
Messages
183
Location
Calgary, AB
Has anybody seen the Proto Box in their local PA yet? If so whats the verdict?
I checked it out (was in there to pick up some random consumables). Not impressive. The drawers have these chincy release levers sticking out the fronts of them and slides didn’t feel nearly as nice as a Snap on, my Rousseau or even a Mastercraft honestly. Heavy gauge construction and nice built in divider system, but way off the mark price wise for a surplus item…
 

LWB

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Joined
Oct 6, 2019
Messages
1,221
Location
ON, Canada
Has anybody seen the Proto Box in their local PA yet? If so whats the verdict?

I stopped by just for you. Okay, I need some fuses ;) It's stout and has some unique features. It has a Roseau style system and those weird little black things to the right are locks. You have to move them to the left and up to open the drawer. If you pull the drawer all the way open it locks in place. I like that feature. The pulls are surprisingly easy to use.

Proto.jpg

Proto 1.jpg

Proto 2.jpg

Proto 3.jpg

I'm surprised I'm saying this but I think it's a good value for your dollar. $1400-1500 would be better but things are expensive now.
 

scooby074

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Joined
Oct 26, 2008
Messages
5,234
Location
Nova Scotia
I stopped by just for you. Okay, I need some fuses ;) It's stout and has some unique features. It has a Roseau style system and those weird little black things to the right are locks. You have to move them to the left and up to open the drawer. If you pull the drawer all the way open it locks in place. I like that feature. The pulls are surprisingly easy to use.

Proto.jpg

Proto 1.jpg

Proto 2.jpg

Proto 3.jpg

I'm surprised I'm saying this but I think it's a good value for your dollar. $1400-1500 would be better but things are expensive now.

Cool. Thanks for the second opinion!
 

matthew

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Joined
Dec 4, 2009
Messages
1,346
With the amount of Facom and Craftsman and foreign market Stanley items also showing up at PA surplus (and it’s not new - I have Facom screwdrivers from 10 years ago) I suspect they are getting the Proto right from SBD, not from a distributor. Whether it is overstock, lost contracts, old designs, or what, I can’t tell.

Some PA surplus items are well priced from the start. Some are sort of reverse auction - wait until they come down, but don’t wait until someone else beats you to it…
 
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JradM

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Sep 4, 2019
Messages
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Location
Alberta
Some PA surplus items are well priced from the start. Some are sort of reverse auction - wait until they come down, but don’t wait until someone else beats you to it…
Solid advice.

I want ALL of it, but it doesn't make sense to go rebuying tools I already own, so I have to temper my excitement for these deals. Sometimes I just keep an eye out in case I can catch it on clearance. E.g. I may not have NEEDED those Proto duratek screwdrivers that came out a while back, but when they were down to a couple bucks each? Sold.

I'll likely do the same for this cabinet. I could use another tool chest, but I don't need an $1800 tool chest. But if it drops even lower... all bets are off!
 
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RyanE

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Joined
Feb 4, 2013
Messages
201
Location
Golden, BC
So a little update on the torque wrench I ordered from the above link.

#1. It is a Proto! Woot!

#2. It's not what I wanted lol, but I will end up keeping it anyway.

It is a Proto 6014DR. So it is a 50 to 250 ft.lb. unit and is larger than what I'm looking for. Made in Italy of Facom origin I guess? This one: Proto J6014DR

PAuto used the wrong photo for the stock photo. D'oh!

I suppose the other Surplus Torque Wrench listed for $189.99 is the Proto J6016DR and that is a 30 to 150 ft.lb. unit, that's what the stock photo shows, which I would prefer. That price isn't terrible, but I would rather pay less, so hopefully it goes on sale soon.

Or maybe PAuto just has a bunch of random Proto torque wrenches and sent me whatever was on the shelf and was convenient?

Either way, what I recieved is a nice tool. I'm not really fond of the soft plastic grip but man the viewing window that shows the torque setting is really easy to see and there are detents for each setting. Much easier to set than reading the micrometer scale on most, including the more traditional Proto made in USA 6014C.
 

Hessels

New member
Joined
Nov 4, 2024
Messages
3
So a little update on the torque wrench I ordered from the above link.

#1. It is a Proto! Woot!

#2. It's not what I wanted lol, but I will end up keeping it anyway.

It is a Proto 6014DR. So it is a 50 to 250 ft.lb. unit and is larger than what I'm looking for. Made in Italy of Facom origin I guess? This one: Proto J6014DR

PAuto used the wrong photo for the stock photo. D'oh!

I suppose the other Surplus Torque Wrench listed for $189.99 is the Proto J6016DR and that is a 30 to 150 ft.lb. unit, that's what the stock photo shows, which I would prefer. That price isn't terrible, but I would rather pay less, so hopefully it goes on sale soon.

Or maybe PAuto just has a bunch of random Proto torque wrenches and sent me whatever was on the shelf and was convenient?

Either way, what I recieved is a nice tool. I'm not really fond of the soft plastic grip but man the viewing window that shows the torque setting is really easy to see and there are detents for each setting. Much easier to set than reading the micrometer scale on most, including the more traditional Proto made in USA 6014C.
The J6016DR was on sale in the flyer previous to when the J6014DR went on sale. If it is in stock at your local store they might give you that price still. I had bought both and they are nice.
 

daithi

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Jul 29, 2019
Messages
224
Location
Canada
Probably for the best that I don't have a PA near me or you guys would drain every paycheque
 

RyanE

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Joined
Feb 4, 2013
Messages
201
Location
Golden, BC
The J6016DR was on sale in the flyer previous to when the J6014DR went on sale. If it is in stock at your local store they might give you that price still. I had bought both and they are nice.

I see that now - thanks for pointing that out. They listed it incorrectly in the flyer as 50 to 250 ft.lbs so I skipped over it.

My local store is 350km away so hopefully they still have some in a few weeks when I can stop by next.
 

RyanE

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Joined
Feb 4, 2013
Messages
201
Location
Golden, BC
Probably for the best that I don't have a PA near me or you guys would drain every paycheque

My nearest PAuto is 350km away but they do a promo deal of either free shipping for orders over $99 (not recently) or $20 off shipping for orders over $99 (most frequent). Most orders of $99 to $500 have shipping in the $20-30 range so it works out well. Of course, this is for regular sized items, nothing big like tires or compressors.

I also order for store pickup on larger items and they will hold it for several weeks until I happen to be in the area. Heck, I ordered store pickup on some 3/8" Gr 8 chains that were super cheap/surplus. I forgot about them and remembered 2 months later. They still had them sitting on a shelf in the back waiting for me lol!
 
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JradM

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Sep 4, 2019
Messages
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Location
Alberta
Anyone know of some inexpensive tool chest deals? The prices are way worse than I expected.
I saw them in store. Very nice chrome and the price works. I passed based on the plastic handle and I have too many mismatched rachets already.
Most V-series tools are rebranded Facom. The prices we're seeing right now are like 1/3 to 1/4 the price they sell for as Facom tools. Absolutely grab the SAE wrench set Princess Auto is selling for like $36 - I got two. 😛 Those wrenches awesome! I just hope the metric set makes an appearance too.

The ratchets though, are a bit more mixed. They're still premium ratchets, but some of them seem to be V-series-specific tools. Some people have complained that they're too stiff - or that they're not serviceable. It might be best to check these out in-person if possible, see if they'll work for you or not.

I don't often take ratchets apart so the sealed design doesn't really bother me. If it's stiff though, there might be a long break-in period if I can't open it up to trim the spring. Even sealed ratchets can often be lubed if necessary - you just gotta soak them.

I'll probably skip them since I have a full complement of Proto ratchets - but I couldn't grab a single 1/4" Proto ratchet for the price of this pair of V-series, so that's not a fair comparison.
 
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JradM

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Sep 4, 2019
Messages
1,814
Location
Alberta
Not a "deal", but I tried one of these 3" diamond discs on my 12v Bosch cut-off tool - surprisingly good. I'd estimate it as twice as fast as the traditional cutting and grinding discs that came with my tool. Definitely noticeable back-to-back. It seems to work best with light pressure.

Amazon sells them for $45, so $20 in the surplus section at PA isn't bad. I'm pretty sure it was on sale when I bought it for about $16 or $17 - but I didn't use it while the sale was still going on to be able to post about it. I've a fair bit of use on it now and the diamond seems well-adhered. It's not slowing down yet.

I was a little hesitant because I tried some diamond discs on my angle grinder once before and didn't like them at all (I think they were Spyder). They seemed very slow. But I needed a new cutting disc and this was in-stock at PA so I gave it a whirl.

9220369_A0CG_00_01.jpg
 

Miss the Pontiacs

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Nov 7, 2016
Messages
16,442
Location
Saskatchewan Canada
KMS Tool Flyer
 

daithi

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Joined
Jul 29, 2019
Messages
224
Location
Canada
Hoping for a good deal on a miter saw for BF. Maybe something along the lines of "buy a $200 stand get a free dws780". If anyone sees something let me know 😂
 
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