Canada Only Deals!
- Thread starter JradM
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alwaysFlOoReD
Well-known member
No. I might change that next time I'm in.
Gray Tools "Made in Canada Tool Event" starts today.
jollygreengiant
Well-known member
I was in Peavy Mart again yesterday and there seems to be more 20, 30, 40% off signs than before. Still lots of stock though, and lots of people.
AldeanFan
Well-known member
Received my tires from PMC yesterday!
Very happy with the price and service, despite the wait.
They have a 15%off sale today to celebrate Canada’s Hockey win!
P.s. There's a 15% off offer on your first order if you sign up for their newsletter. I didn't actually try it, but it seems like that would stack since the MiCan sale is a discount on specific items, but the 15% off is a code in checkout.
At Peavey today. Most of the common fastener sizes sold out. Surprisingly little garden or houseware left.
Clothing still only 10% off. I wondered how much has been packed up and shipped out versus being sold.
Tools also only 10% and not really moving.
Plenty in hydraulics, but not surprising - 40% off and the pieces I had use for were still more expensive than Princess regular price.
Also wondered what about the welding cylinder program going forward?
Still sad to see them go.
Clothing still only 10% off. I wondered how much has been packed up and shipped out versus being sold.
Tools also only 10% and not really moving.
Plenty in hydraulics, but not surprising - 40% off and the pieces I had use for were still more expensive than Princess regular price.
Also wondered what about the welding cylinder program going forward?
Still sad to see them go.
I've been thinking of getting either some flare nut wrenches or crowsfoot. Can't decide though.
I was going to buy some Proto wrenches, since those tested really well - but I'm avoiding American products. I want something mostly to remove brake line fittings from old Japanese vehicles - so 10mm is the most common, with a few 12mm once in awhile. I figure it's worth the premium to get the best wrench in hopes of save more of those hard-to-source flare nuts.
The 5pc set from Gray is $185 - which is a lot. Maybe not wildly out of line with Proto, but I haven't tried Gray's wrenches before. If TTC would let me know how they stacked up... maybe I would bite the bullet.
The 10pc 3/8" Crowsfoot set is $140 - that's a little better. Plus maybe those would have more applications? Plus it goes up to 19mm, where the wrenches stop at 18mm.
Or perhaps I should just buy the single 10mm x12mm wrench for $41. It's the only size I NEED for my specific application. I just don't make a habit of buying tools in singles that come in sets. It's $52 with shipping though! That's Snap-on pricing.
https://www.princessauto.com/en/12-pc-metric-combination-wrench-set/product/PA0009377862 the craftsman vseries metric wrench set has made an appearance. Not on clearance bu $60 doesn't seem bad.
-edit- the proto rolling box is also down to $1100
-edit- the proto rolling box is also down to $1100
Nice! I have that set (bought on an Amazon "sale" for $99, and the SAE set (PA sale for ~$36, and the metric reversible ratchet wrench set.
I got the ratchet set first and was blown away - they're in the same category as my Proto wrenches. Proto's ASD open end gets the nod, and I like the spline, but V-Series is close.
Then picked up the SAE set because PA had them so cheap. The wrenches are precise, well-finished and feel great. But that case! Works perfect for me either in a drawer or to take away from the box.
Because I liked the SAE set so much, I decided I couldn't go without metric.
So yeah, these wrenches have my endorsement.
My one note is that they're a shorter pattern than most wrenches. I like that for many things, but if I didn't also have XL wrenches - maybe I wouldn't?
PlanB
Well-known member
I picked the SAE craftsman for 36 at PA. Great fit, great finish and spectacular case.
But short-ish, no offset and edges hard on the hands. So I usually reach for the (no longer so) cheap Master craft wrenches.
I'll still buy these if they drop to $36
But short-ish, no offset and edges hard on the hands. So I usually reach for the (no longer so) cheap Master craft wrenches.
I'll still buy these if they drop to $36
AldeanFan
Well-known member
My dad has a set of Grey line wrenches and they are excellent. Much better than my Mastercraft set which is possibly gearwrench.I've been thinking of getting either some flare nut wrenches or crowsfoot. Can't decide though.
I was going to buy some Proto wrenches, since those tested really well - but I'm avoiding American products. I want something mostly to remove brake line fittings from old Japanese vehicles - so 10mm is the most common, with a few 12mm once in awhile. I figure it's worth the premium to get the best wrench in hopes of save more of those hard-to-source flare nuts.
The 5pc set from Gray is $185 - which is a lot. Maybe not wildly out of line with Proto, but I haven't tried Gray's wrenches before. If TTC would let me know how they stacked up... maybe I would bite the bullet.
The 10pc 3/8" Crowsfoot set is $140 - that's a little better. Plus maybe those would have more applications? Plus it goes up to 19mm, where the wrenches stop at 18mm.
Or perhaps I should just buy the single 10mm x12mm wrench for $41. It's the only size I NEED for my specific application. I just don't make a habit of buying tools in singles that come in sets. It's $52 with shipping though! That's Snap-on pricing.
Oh boy - now more temptation. Although I really don’t need more wrenches… and if I did they’d be 75 degree offset double box ends…
I wonder there are any smaller sizes of the Proto torque wrenches that might find their way to stores…
Relax
Well-known member
$48.88 for this welding cart seems like a great price:
PhantomEB
Well-known member
I got that and was able to put my Miller 175, Cut 35i plasma cutter and Everlast TIG welder on it! Lincoln Tombstone sits off to the side.
You know what I remembered today? Cardon Tools!
I'm a fan. They've got a lot of machinist and metalworking tools - chucks, calipers, cutters, drills, punches, taps, files, etc. - but my favorite part is the surplus/NOS stuff. There are some real gems in there.
Last time I bought a bunch of the Irwin-branded NWS pliers (which are great). I haven't ordered in awhile so I don't know if it still works, but the owner was in this thread awhile back and provided a coupon code for 20% off: "GARAGEJOURNAL20".
Check out this Starrett T231XRL micrometer for $37. That's a discontinued model, but MSRP was like >$300.
I'm a fan. They've got a lot of machinist and metalworking tools - chucks, calipers, cutters, drills, punches, taps, files, etc. - but my favorite part is the surplus/NOS stuff. There are some real gems in there.
Last time I bought a bunch of the Irwin-branded NWS pliers (which are great). I haven't ordered in awhile so I don't know if it still works, but the owner was in this thread awhile back and provided a coupon code for 20% off: "GARAGEJOURNAL20".
Check out this Starrett T231XRL micrometer for $37. That's a discontinued model, but MSRP was like >$300.
Here's a new thread, potentially relevant to this discussion: Buy Canadian.
It's not a deals thread, just a listing of Canadian tool manufacturers and retailers. Might be a handy resource for tool sourcing and price shopping though.
I posted that list yesterday, but the thread was removed - presumably because I acknowledged why I created it. This version has been sanitized of such details.
It's not a deals thread, just a listing of Canadian tool manufacturers and retailers. Might be a handy resource for tool sourcing and price shopping though.
I posted that list yesterday, but the thread was removed - presumably because I acknowledged why I created it. This version has been sanitized of such details.
AldeanFan
Well-known member
Following up on my PMC tire experience.
The tires took alittle longer than expected to arrive but I received them in a reasonable time and they have recent date codes.
Got them mounted yesterday at my local tire shop.
Very happy and would buy again.
Attachments
scooby074
Well-known member
Great deal @$200. As is typical, none available in Dartmouth at either price.
Side note, noticed that PA has a lot of Makita stuff on final clearance. Looks like their lack of a consistent plan IRT what brands they are carrying strikes again! Why would anybody buy a premium brand from them when they change their minds like the weather? They really have no idea what they want to be or what brands to commit to.
rancherbill
Well-known member
Current Shipping Offer
Save up to $25 on standard ground shipping fees when you spend a minimum of $149. Offer applies to ground shipping fees for online and National Call Centre orders. Totals are before taxes. This offer is automatically applied to your order. No code is needed. If total shipping is more than $25, you will be charged the difference.In Calgary, they were refurbs or clearances, I don't think it was regular stock.
scooby074
Well-known member
Maybe the Shear was a special purchase? But it looks like, based on whats on clearance theyre dropping the Makita line (eventually). And it looks like Bosch may be on the chopping block next, lots of items here on Clearance.
Then again, how do they expect to sell these brands like Makita and Bosch when they have no inventory in the stores. They had very limited inventory since they launched these brands, at least at the Dartmouth store. They really dont get it IMHO.
Maybe Senix (whomever they are) will be the new hotness? How can you take them seriously?
Then again, how do they expect to sell these brands like Makita and Bosch when they have no inventory in the stores. They had very limited inventory since they launched these brands, at least at the Dartmouth store. They really dont get it IMHO.
Maybe Senix (whomever they are) will be the new hotness? How can you take them seriously?
rancherbill
Well-known member
I do not believe Makita is a brand that they "carry". I believe they source clearances / closeouts what ever you want to call them. They used to carry a bunch of refurb Makita which was probably building up in warranty centers. On another thread on GJ someone said Home Depot US was getting rid of Makita. So I suspect PA might start chasing some corporate clearances. I am sure HD is really overstocked on a couple of part numbers and will want them gone. HD is crazy when they want things gone quickly and PA , I suppose, has lots of cash.
scooby074
Well-known member
I think when they launched Makita, it was with several pages in the flyer (like they did with Bosch), not sure if theyd do that for clearance/closeouts. If it was closeout, it should have been in the surplus section and priced accordingly. There is no way Im going to pay full price for a name brand drill at PA only to have them drop the line in 6mths. Ill just pay the same at Home Depot for the piece of mind.
I know that PA does sell name brand items although they arent authorized distrubitors. My local just got one of the Dalek looking hot water pressure washers from Karcher in. It really is cool looking. Quite compact for a hot water washer although its no powerhouse. I was checking it out and got to talking to the guy in the hydraulic section about it. He said, they just got them surplus. Which make me think warranty. He said that its covered under PA's 2 year warranty. But what good is that when they cant get parts? And Kartcher is particularly sticky with warranty in my experience. When I pushed him on Karchers warranty, he just clammed up and kept talking about PA's in house warranty. Now I dont know about you, but I dont really want to buy a $4000 pressure washer and find out its basically wortless in 6 mths because there is no warranty!!!
I guess it really comes down to what kind of store do they want to be? Do they want to be a surplus store with ever changing brands and cheap quality (like they used to be) or do they want to step up their game and go more upscale like HF did. I no longer get excited to shop at PA, other than their Power Transmission and Hydraulic products which are well priced.
I thought when they launched ProPoint, that was the beginning of an upscale push, like Icon at HF, but it looks like they walked back a lot of the PP stuff. They definitely expanded the cheap stuff into other brands like Grip.
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PlanB
Well-known member
You got to wonder about the sale prices they have on Bosch and Makita while introducing Senix at much higher prices. Who 's even heard of Senix?
Meanwhile dropping lots of ProPoint stuff, which they'd built into a semi-respectable brand, for Grip, Titan and performance tool? (3 garbage lines)
Meanwhile dropping lots of ProPoint stuff, which they'd built into a semi-respectable brand, for Grip, Titan and performance tool? (3 garbage lines)
scooby074
Well-known member
I imagine Lisle will be on the chopping block before long to be totally replaced by Performance Tool. There is lots of duplicates between these two brands at my store.
If Lisle hits clearance prices I bet I could fill a cart
I don't know... I'm a fan of Princess Auto. The surplus deals are my favorite part. I like how many specialty items they bring in, even if some don't stick around.
I have a planishing hammer, bead roller and throatless shear from PA. Not many places to go buy stuff like that - and certainly not at hobbist prices.
Their Vaper brand cloned a bunch of Astro Pneumatic autobody tools too. Some might be upset at that, but from what I can tell Astro doesn't have many patents, so it's not breaking any rules.
I bought some Vaper mig pliers the other day for $7. Lifetime warranty and seem just fine from what I can tell. Interestingly, there's a reference to Titan on the back of the label, so that must be the OEM.
Blacksmith brand I assumed would be junk when it came out - but I'm pretty happy with my shop press and my locking plier set.
I put a cheap 4" swivel vice on my welding cart for ~$20 (I have a Wilton in the shop).
I have a bunch of Proto and V-Series Craftsman tools now.
Basically, it seems like I find a lot of what I want at Princess Auto. If you're worried about them dropping a tool line, keep in mind their generous return policy basically means they'll just give you your money back if they can no longer swap a broken tool for you.
I have a planishing hammer, bead roller and throatless shear from PA. Not many places to go buy stuff like that - and certainly not at hobbist prices.
Their Vaper brand cloned a bunch of Astro Pneumatic autobody tools too. Some might be upset at that, but from what I can tell Astro doesn't have many patents, so it's not breaking any rules.
I bought some Vaper mig pliers the other day for $7. Lifetime warranty and seem just fine from what I can tell. Interestingly, there's a reference to Titan on the back of the label, so that must be the OEM.
Blacksmith brand I assumed would be junk when it came out - but I'm pretty happy with my shop press and my locking plier set.
I put a cheap 4" swivel vice on my welding cart for ~$20 (I have a Wilton in the shop).
I have a bunch of Proto and V-Series Craftsman tools now.
Basically, it seems like I find a lot of what I want at Princess Auto. If you're worried about them dropping a tool line, keep in mind their generous return policy basically means they'll just give you your money back if they can no longer swap a broken tool for you.
I kind of wonder how much clearance is planned into some lines. Introductory promo, a couple of sales, clear it out - fast fashion.
I’d prefer if they always carried a couple of basics, and rotated through ‘special buy’ of the add-ons. Which would work for someone building a collection, although maybe not the person that walks in needing something.
I’d prefer if they always carried a couple of basics, and rotated through ‘special buy’ of the add-ons. Which would work for someone building a collection, although maybe not the person that walks in needing something.
scooby074
Well-known member
There are occasional jems in surplus for sure but my Surplus section never has any turnover it seems. Every time I go there its the same old Boston Bruins beer mugs and expired chalkboard paint or 3' Apple Lightening cords.
There is no "good stuff" anymore it seems. No pumps or motors. No blowers. Occasionally something good will roll through, like the Craftsman tools, but they seem to be coming less and less these days.
About 6 or 8ish jam packed rows of it. In an already crowded store. Id trade it all for a decent by-the-pound nut and bolt bulk section with good prices.
I am a fan of PAL surplus. It is hit and miss, but that’s partly is partly the point. I’ve gotten quite a few good tools there (Proto torque wrench, Facom screwdrivers, Bahco socket set, Lenox sheet metal tools). But I will admit that I miss some of the consumables like electrical terminals that I picked up in the 2010 recession that I’ve now mostly used up.
I’d also like to see more project supplies, which fit well in surplus. Whether raw materials, fasteners, driveline.
I would absolutely agree that bolts by the pound are something I’d lour at the top of the list, and would fit the farm supply and hydraulic section. I’ll admit I don’t buy all that many bolts, but when I can get them by the pound I buy extras, and when they’re individually sold I buy what I need.
Power tools are not Princess’ strength. And I’m not sure they should be. Not hard to find good cordless tools, and it is a pricing competitive market already. Buying a cheap angle grinder from them makes sense.
Their hydraulics, compressors, air tools, impact sockets, occasional use specialty automotive tools, and farm/garden stuff is all good. If it was me, what I’d like to see updates is:
1. Bolts by the pound
2. Single sockets and wrenches are better than they used to be, but I’d like to see them go back to cheaper ones. I don’t often need benders or grinders, but that was a good reason to go there.
3. Better tap and die and a little light machinist stuff.
4. I don’t want ProPoint to go like Icon, but I think there is an opportunity to make it higher grade / high value. If it was me, I’d private label some of the more economical good stuff like Vessel, Tsunoda, Osca, and mark the packaging prominently with Japan, Italy, etc. with the idea of it beating Channellock on both price and quality.
5. Welding supply. Exchange bottle program for casual users.
6. Sockets and wrenches are a tough market to compete in. They do well in 3/4” and 1” drive. I’d wonder if a limited Toptul offering, or rebranding as ProPoint would work. But I think it would be hard to get the volume and price point to match CanTire on the regular stuff up to 19mm.
7. Storage. Both tools storage and general shelving. What they have is ok. But there is opportunity there. I find the quality to price ratio isn’t always there. Offering kits that you add you own plywood to might be an opportunity.
I’d also like to see more project supplies, which fit well in surplus. Whether raw materials, fasteners, driveline.
I would absolutely agree that bolts by the pound are something I’d lour at the top of the list, and would fit the farm supply and hydraulic section. I’ll admit I don’t buy all that many bolts, but when I can get them by the pound I buy extras, and when they’re individually sold I buy what I need.
Power tools are not Princess’ strength. And I’m not sure they should be. Not hard to find good cordless tools, and it is a pricing competitive market already. Buying a cheap angle grinder from them makes sense.
Their hydraulics, compressors, air tools, impact sockets, occasional use specialty automotive tools, and farm/garden stuff is all good. If it was me, what I’d like to see updates is:
1. Bolts by the pound
2. Single sockets and wrenches are better than they used to be, but I’d like to see them go back to cheaper ones. I don’t often need benders or grinders, but that was a good reason to go there.
3. Better tap and die and a little light machinist stuff.
4. I don’t want ProPoint to go like Icon, but I think there is an opportunity to make it higher grade / high value. If it was me, I’d private label some of the more economical good stuff like Vessel, Tsunoda, Osca, and mark the packaging prominently with Japan, Italy, etc. with the idea of it beating Channellock on both price and quality.
5. Welding supply. Exchange bottle program for casual users.
6. Sockets and wrenches are a tough market to compete in. They do well in 3/4” and 1” drive. I’d wonder if a limited Toptul offering, or rebranding as ProPoint would work. But I think it would be hard to get the volume and price point to match CanTire on the regular stuff up to 19mm.
7. Storage. Both tools storage and general shelving. What they have is ok. But there is opportunity there. I find the quality to price ratio isn’t always there. Offering kits that you add you own plywood to might be an opportunity.
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scooby074
Well-known member
Believe it or not, the first Vessel screwdrivers I bought came from Princess!!! Had to have been almost 15 or 20 years ago.
My store IIRC used to offer single tap and die, plus other "machinist" items like dial indicators and bases etc. I have a PA dial indicator base somewhere. But again, this had to have been close to 20 years ago when I bought it.
My stores single socket choices are all just Powerfist and the selection is far from complete. I wish theyd offer Propoint singles, sort of like Canadian tire does with the Maximums. Perhaps a rebrand of Toptul? or maybe Tekton would be better (if thats something they offer, no idea) would work for that. But that would rely on PA realising there is an issue, and TBH I dont think they see any issues with their business model.
I guess what Im saying is at one time they did offer these tools we all seem to want, but theyve long since left that market chasing the latest, cheapest offering from overseas.
PhantomEB
Well-known member
I totally agree with these points.
1. As long the bolts are of decent quality, otherwise I can go next door to a bolt warehouse I have here.
3. I would love to be able to swap bottles out, the distance and hours that PA is open makes this totally feasible for me.
7. Costco is across the street for me and has some decent racking that I would go with and just add plywood for storage that would outlast me.
I remember seeing Vessel once. They were gone before I bought.
It is tough to get people to try something pricey. I’d argue that a special buy on a ball grip driver that is prominently marked as made in Japan is low enough initial spend to get people to try it and realize it is quality. When I first saw the crystal screwdrivers I didn’t know they were better than your average acetate handle screwdriver..
I have a magnetic base and dial indicator from PA. They still carry those. There’s lots of other odds and ends that may need a little explanation (marketing) as to why they are useful, but could be sold to shadetree mechanics and fabricators. I use centre drills as spotting drills, for example. Or selling taps in 4 piece sets (taper/plug/bottoming/pilot drill) rather than big sets that are only plug taps.
They have added LH drill bits, which is on the right track.
I’ve been ok with KBC as a source for a lot of that, and the KBC branded stuff has been reasonable, but lots of shadetrees that just don’t have it, don’t know where to look, and don’t always know it exists.
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alwaysFlOoReD
Well-known member
What is KBC?
scooby074
Well-known member
Im assuming KBC Tools. A retailer for a lot of machine shop type stuff. Good flyers!!
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scooby074
Well-known member
I dont know if the Ball grip would be a hit or not TBH. If it was priced right maybe. Most PA shoppers wouldnt know Vessel from Grip Im afraid.
But their drill bits are made of low grade peanut butter !
I learned my lesson on their bits. Never again.I wish we had a KBC here in Halifax, Id probably be a regular. We have a couple stores in the same genre, but they stock nothing and their pricing isnt competitive on most things.