Canada Only Deals!

[scooby074]

When I say that PA has an identity crisis, heres an example that just popped up . Are they going for $8000 compressors? Or $18.00 Grip 3pc hammer sets

An $8000 Rotary Screw compressor, from a questionable brand for that product, at least in the Canadian market . I couldnt make a business case for this over something like a Kaeser Compressor for the same-ish money that offers higher efficiency.​

 

[matthew]

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.

Screwdriver handles are very subjective. But even ones I don’t like, there is a feel to quality. If you can get the 5% that are interested in better stuff to pick one up, they’d find out the blades are really good, and be willing to buy other Vessel. That was the problem last time - no hook.

I use the ball grip as an example because they only sell for about US$10 in Japan. Maybe a single driver of another handle style is the right way to introduce it. I don’t have a ball grip (yet) to know if it’s what would draw me in.

Point is that PA has a reputation for cheap and cheerful. But also people will pay a little more if there’s value. Mastercraft outsells Jobmate (garbage) and I suspect Maximum sales on many items exceed Mastercraft. But that only works if the offering is well curated.

 

[JradM]

Welding gasses would be sweet. PA could just partner with someone for an exchange program if they don't want to manage it themselves. Maybe Linde now that Peavey is gone. Still better than an industrial supplier I have to set up an account with.

The one thing I don't like with Pro Point is that I feel like I have to evaluate every tool independently. Some of them are excellent and merit their higher prices. Others seem kinda mediocre and nothing special. Maybe it's just me.

Sometimes it seems like Princess Auto just labels anything better than Powerfist as a Pro Point tool.

 

[JradM]

V-Series SAE wrench set and both metric and SAE deep 1/2" socket sets are going on sale in the next Princess Auto flyer.

~$40 each. Starts on the 25th.

 

[matthew]

The one thing I don't like with Pro Point is that I feel like I have to evaluate every tool independently.

While I think that happens for any brand, I agree - it should be better curated.

I actually suspect they decide what items to carry, then decide what brand to put it under afterwards. That makes less sense than it seems at first - it doesn’t create a brand. The point of branding is that it is shorthand to tell you what it is.

I’d say the discontinued Powerfist (Tone) flex ratchet should have been ProPoint. I suspect the reason it wasn’t is the bare metal handle didn’t fit the ‘look’ of other ProPoint tools.

I don’t think it needs to be a full range, either.

 

[Two Speed]

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!!!

If you keep your receipt you can return it for what you paid. Or worst case, lowest price it has sold for. Sometimes credit card purchases are still in the system (I forget what they said about how long credit card purchases stay available to them at the return desk).
I wouldn't expect any manufacturers warranty on anything bought out of the surplus section anyway. But with PA's practically no hassle warranty I wouldn't let no parts availability stop me, you almost got free use of the item.

 

[scooby074]

If you keep your receipt you can return it for what you paid. Or worst case, lowest price it has sold for. Sometimes credit card purchases are still in the system (I forget what they said about how long credit card purchases stay available to them at the return desk).
I wouldn't expect any manufacturers warranty on anything bought out of the surplus section anyway. But with PA's practically no hassle warranty I wouldn't let no parts availability stop me, you almost got free use of the item.

This Karcher PW wasnt in surplus, it was in the regular section, thats the rub. I would never have known if I didnt ask. I dont think PA regards it as Surplus, as youd see in the surplus section. AFAIK it was just a normal item. Theyre selling name brand items when they arent authorized distributors.

Would they return it in 2 years? Maybe. But Im not taking a $4000 bet on it when they also sell the WetJet and EasyClean (although it looks like theyve since dropped Easykleen ) washers for the same money, and I think they are authorized retailers for them.

 

[scooby074]

A better welding section would be a interesting idea. They did add Hobart welders a couple years ago which is great, but I dont think theyre moving that many of them TBH.

They really need a dedicated welding supply area, neatly organized and staffed (mine looks like a bomb went off in it most days), with a proper, educated, dedicated salesman, who can direct folks to the best welders for their needs. Also having a $269 PowerFister 125A mig welder next to a $1400 140A Hobart mig makes it hella hard to sell the Hobart unless its to somebody who knows the difference OR they have educated staff who can explain what your extra money gets you and move you into the more expensive machine. Of course all this will come with a cost that PA might not want to pay. About the only staff at my PA who Id consider "educated" are the guys in Hydraulics/Power Transmission, everybody else in the store is about at "Canadian Tire" level of educated. Not good, just phoning it in. All them In Hydraulics are good, but one guy in that section is particularly on the ball. Would PA make that same investment in welding/metal fab, I dont think so.

Hazmat is a big issue for PA Id imagine. Carrying gas opens up a whole can of worms for their stock delivery. Youd need folks with the proper training to handle gas, and have a building set up to handle it as well (you dont want customer gas bottles on the showroom floor, for example).

I could see, as suggested above, partenering with somebody like LInde. Having a store within a store, like CT did with Marks at some locations could have potential.

I agree with Propoint needing to be curiated. You should be able to grab something PP and be assured its markedly better than PF. I do have several PP tools. My ratcheting crimper is PP. My 3/8 impacts are PP. My compact 1/2 impact is PP (Astro rebrand actually) and several other things. No shame on PP, at least in the tools I have from them. All are preforming above expections. Heck, they could just take the Astro catalog and resell it and that would make me happy IRT Propoint. (Hey Princess Auto, how about offering those new fancy Astro drill bits )

Thats what saddens me so much how PA is letting PP die on the vine, it was a way for us to get higher quality import tools, many from Taiwan, that we would otherwise have to go through one of the US companies like Astro to get, all while getting PA's great warranty, for a reasonable price. Win, win, win in my books.

 

[Two Speed]

No purchase is final if you are not satisfied or whatever it is they say. "I'm not satisified" with how this washer performed, doesn't fullfil the advertised claims. Ive returned a few things over the years. Some with receipts a few without but I have found that when they ask why I'm returning it, rearranging their slogan and using their verbage has not led to additional questions. If I say its broken, then that gets more questions.

Welding section: The local PA has the welding section done up pretty decently. Its all in one area, everything sorted more or less by welding type. Related tools are also grouped together. You don't need to search the entire store for welding materials, its got its area. I wonder how much leeway local store owners have in store setup. Might give away what their specialties or personal hobbies are.

 

[JradM]

Xl flex-head V-series ratchet $27

 

[JradM]

$20 for an electric cut-off tool? Seems great to me, except I already have a cordless one. 1 left

 

[matthew]

That’s a nice looking ratchet. Hopefully a standard length flex shows up - I don’t need another that long. Or a 1/4” flex.

I kind of wonder what SBD is doing to keep offloading decent Crafsman and Proto stuff. It seems too consistent to think it is a distributor that shut down, but who knows.

 

[Jstylez]

Xl flex-head V-series ratchet $27

I already own a 1/2" that long but it isn't a flex head. That is a nice looking ratchet but don't necessarily need one that long. Might be a 'buy now, see if i need it later' scenario. I knew I shouldn't of opened GJ today

 

[Relax]

Are these any better than a traditional sawzall? I have a corded one, but was thinking of going battery, then saw this:

Milwaukee M18 HACKZALL $98 (reg $168 - 42% off)

https://www.homedepot.ca/product/1000730420

 

[JradM]

Are these any better than a traditional sawzall? I have a corded one, but was thinking of going battery, then saw this:

Milwaukee M18 HACKZALL $98 (reg $168 - 42% off)

https://www.homedepot.ca/product/1000730420

I don't have a hackzall, so my comments aren't specific to that. However, I "upgraded" my lightweight Porter Cable reciprocating saw to a Rigid Octane saw with longer stroke, faster RPMs, adjustable shoe and an optional oscillating mode... and didn't like it.

I miss being able to one-hand my saw and find that there are few tasks where the extra sauce actually makes an appreciable difference. It was a lesson in bigger-isn't-always-better.

That's specific to how I use my reciprocating saw though. If I was doing demo work or cutting through large things often, I bet the more powerful saw would be worthwhile.

Basically I'm just saying: consider how you'll use the saw. There are reasons to choose a compact version and reasons to choose it's full-size brother.

 

[BroncoAZ]

Are these any better than a traditional sawzall? I have a corded one, but was thinking of going battery, then saw this:

Milwaukee M18 HACKZALL $98 (reg $168 - 42% off)

https://www.homedepot.ca/product/1000730420

No, I much prefer the control of a normal sawzall. I ended up giving mine away to a friend. They could be good for tight spaces and light cutting, but couldn’t replace a normal sawzall for me.

 

[JradM]

I found a Proto J9325, 17pc Ratcheting Stubby Screwdriver Set, for $15 in the Surplus section of Princess Auto today. It retails for about $65 USD




Edit: Looks like a Proto re-brand of the Facom Pro-twist

 

[PlanB]

The craftsman metric wrench set is going on sale next week $39.99 at PA

https://www.princessauto.com/en/12-pc-metric-combination-wrench-set/product/PA0009377862

 

[JradM]

The craftsman metric wrench set is going on sale next week $39.99 at PA

https://www.princessauto.com/en/12-pc-metric-combination-wrench-set/product/PA0009377862

I have that set and the SAE version. I think they're EXCELLENT.

The wrenches are high quality and a shorter pattern than most (which may or may not appeal to you). The case though, is brilliant. Easy and space-saving to work out of a drawer when laid flat - or fold it over and jam it in a gear bag.

 

[Relax]

I've been watching these tungsten Silver and Deming bits for a while, and $100 (down from $150) is as good as I've seen. Is tungsten worth the price premium over cobalt, titanium-coated, or even plain black oxide coated bits?

https://www.princessauto.com/en/12-pc-tungsten-silver-and-deming-drill-bit-set/product/PA0009086471

 

[alwaysFlOoReD]

I did a quick dig into the difference between tungsten and cobalt. I came across this graph;

In the P.A. ad it states that the bits are M2, so according to the graph are not tungsten. The graph came from;

Tungsten Carbide vs. Cobalt Drill Bits - Kennametal

Carbide, cobalt, high-speed steel (HSS)—there's no shortage of high-quality drill bits available, but which one is best for your application? Learn more.

www.kennametal.com

 

[matthew]

I have the TiN set of Silver Deming bits from PAL. They’ve been nice to have, although I don’t use them often. And I’m not sure I’ve used them for any really challenging work. But I’m satisfied with them.

I use step bits as first choice. Only where they don’t work I pull out Silver Deming. The Princess or CTC step bits are so cheap they’re consumables, but they actually are ok.

I haven’t seen the TiN set on a significant sale in a while. So that price looks decent to me for today. I think it would depend on your use case. If it’s once or twice a year, an 8 piece TiN or black oxide set may be all you need, and spend the savings on extra step drills.

 

[matthew]

Here is an absolute steal for any of you that build farm implements or trailers or such - 5/8” x 2” bolts for $25 for 150 pieces (about 65 cents per pound)

https://www.princessauto.com/en/150-pk-5-8-11-x-2-in-hex-washer-head-with-serrations/product/PA0009298506

The picture almost looks like thread cutting or thread forming bolts.

I haven’t seen them in person. But flange bolts or bolts that large tend to be better quality than the bubblegum type 1/4-20 furniture hardware….

 

[PlanB]

More craftsman v series in PA surplus section

https://www.princessauto.com/en/12-pc-3-8-in-drive-metric-socket-set/product/PA0009377987

A a few random others.

Just to be extra Canadian, has anyone compared them to Maximum sockets at CT?

 

[scooby074]

I dont like Milwaukee tapes, but this was too good of a deal at Home Hardware to pass up. Its going to live its life at my fathers to replace a POS "Titan" he got from somewhere.

 

[Relax]

I dont like Milwaukee tapes, but this was too good of a deal at Home Hardware to pass up. Its going to live its life at my fathers to replace a POS "Titan" he got from somewhere.

They also have metric/imperial version for the same price, but more limited availability.
EDIT: Sorry, I See you quoted Home Hardware - Rona has both for the same price.

EDIT 2: Ugh, I just woke up. Rona's aren't 30' - only 25' imperial or 8m/26' metric:

https://www.rona.ca/en/product/craftsman-measuring-tape-easy-grip-26-ft-8-m-cmht37447s-00277821

 

[JradM]

More craftsman v series in PA surplus section

https://www.princessauto.com/en/12-pc-3-8-in-drive-metric-socket-set/product/PA0009377987

A a few random others.

Just to be extra Canadian, has anyone compared them to Maximum sockets at CT?

In my opinion, sockets are one tool where the difference between cheap and expensive is quite small. That doesn't mean there's NO difference, it's just not as obvious as, for example, with pliers and screwdrivers. That's just the background for my comment.

Maximum sockets are currently made by Apex - i.e. Gearwrench. They're not identical to Gearwrench though. Apex manufactures for many brands and is perfectly capable of making product to whatever the customer specs. Overall though, they seem like pretty decent, generally mid-grade tools. That's not criticism. Remember that I think sockets are generally pretty similar anyway (unless we're talking the cheapest of the cheap or the absolute premium). I would be curious to know where Maximum sockets are made. A lot of Gearwrench is moving from Taiwan to China.

V-series sockets are basically Facom sockets in design - though they may not be manufactured in the same place. V-series mostly says Taiwan, which I think is also true of a lot of Facom, but there is still some European Facom manufacturing. SBD makes some premium stuff in Taiwan too (Proto ratchet wrenches for example), so it's not like COO is determinative of quality. I think Facom is a premium tool brand and the V-series products are basically Facom.

Nevertheless, I doubt you'll find a big functional difference between them. The V-series sockets will likely have a slightly better finish, might fit a little tighter (TTC hasn't tested them as far as I know, but they have tested Facom and that stuff is generally quite precise), and likely will measure a few thousandths smaller in diameter. Still, that's what I'd buy when they are similar in price.

I'm also not sure the V-series line is long for this world. Maybe SBD is just pumping out high volume to spread the word -but it certainly seems like this might be a final push to clear out stock. That means, although they have a lifetime warranty, I doubt SBD will have replacement sockets for you in the future (if that's something you'll use - I don't break sockets).

I like V-series a lot. I'd buy more of it - if I actually needed the tools. My socket collection is mostly USA-made Williams, which replaced a Craftsman set (so I already have a complete set of backups too).

 

[matthew]

That doesn't mean there's NO difference, it's just not as obvious as, for example, with pliers and screwdrivers.

100% agree, pliers and screwdrivers are where it makes a big difference to buy better.

I’d add that the difference between sockets is less than it used to be. From the 60’s and ‘70’s vintage tools I’ve used, there used to be a significant difference between low-end, middle tier, and premium. I’d say there’s less difference today, and a modern Mastercraft probably beats a ‘70’s Proto, and handily beats lesser brands vintage stuff. Some of that is the flank drive patent expiring, but also better socket materials and manufacturing.

 

[AldeanFan]

Princess Auto has car batteries onsale right now.
I normally have to buy a battery in the spring for one of my cars that gets stored over the winter.
I bought one for my truck this week. $150 at PA vs $210 at CTC.

I have PA deep cycle batteries in my Airstream and they’ve been great.

From what I’ve read the batteries are PA are made in Korea for a Canadian company.

 

[matthew]

I’m still grieving the loss of Peavey. As much for what it was years ago as what it was anytime recently. Just before closing I picked up 3.5lbs of assorted fasteners that had been swept up from the back of the shelves for $2. Who’d have thought a farm supply store and HBC are what I’d find to be the biggest missing teeth in Canadian retail.

Reason I say that - I was interested to see my Rona suddenly has a significant workwear section at the front of the store now. Picking up an opportunity from Peavey, I think.

 

[AldeanFan]

Giant Tiger on Thorold Stone Road in Niagara Falls has discounted UnderArmour.
I got a $60 zip up hoodie for $26.
I don’t know if it’s just the one store or not, no UnderArmour items are posted on their website.

 

[Relax]

Craftsman CMHT77639N 165' laser measure for $21. Don't know why they removed the branding from the pics and description:

https://www.princessauto.com/en/165-ft-laser-distance-measurer/product/PA0009289224

 

[scooby074]

I almost bought this impact. Would have if I wasnt using electrics now. Felt like a solid unit.

 

[scooby074]

I did pick up the Proto die grinder. Pretty decent deal for $100 considering I saw it on other websites for $240+





Also grabbed some Graduated Cylinders SKU: 9264136 at PA. They were originally in the mid $20 range, but they were on clearance for $5.** at my store. I figured theyd be good for measuring mixing oil or other fluids. The glass says its borosilicate, maybe it is, but they are literally paper thin. Two of them didnt even make it off my bench! Dont waste your money



Also picked up a couple bottles of this Made in Canada windshield booster. Ive used it a couple years now and it really helps. Add one bottle / jug of windshield washer fluid right in the tank. You can literally see the windshield washer suds up when you spray it on the glass. Truckers swear by it. Check your local truck shop parts counter for it

 

[matthew]

Another Proto item I hadn’t seen before- a multi bit driver that looks like it has the hammer cap on the end.

https://www.princessauto.com/en/9-pc-extraction-multi-bit-set/product/PA0009377557

Was hoping for a smaller Proto torque wrench to show up, but this ain’t it. Anyone see it in store or recognize what brand it is?

https://www.princessauto.com/en/3-8-in-dr-10-to-75-ft-lb-torque-wrench/product/PA0009414921

 

[scooby074]

Speaking of Proto screwdrivers. I looked at this one in the store. The handle is only the size of a large mushroom ! Ratchet mechanism was smooth. Only had 2 in bags, and 1 that was ripped open. Almost bought it, but dont really need yet another screwdriver.

 

[daithi]

Can anyone find me a half decent 3/8dr torque wrench under $100? Starting at 5 (or 10) ft-lb, up to 50 (or higher)

https://www.harborfreight.com/38-in-drive-5-to-80-ft-lb-click-torque-wrench-63880.html

Would be ideal but I don't have any plans across the border planned.

I just got one of these but it arrived and the locking screw does nothing so the handle spins while trying to use it.

Titan 3/8" Drive Micrometer Torque Wrench - 5-80 ft-lbs

Features reversible ratchet mechanism and locking handleClicks when it reaches torque settingSpecifications:Product: Torque WrenchManufacturer: TitanModel: 23147Range: 5-80 ft-lbs (60-960 in-lbs)Drive: 3/8"

www.kmstools.com

 

[Relax]

Can anyone find me a half decent 3/8dr torque wrench under $100? Starting at 5 (or 10) ft-lb, up to 50 (or higher)

https://www.harborfreight.com/38-in-drive-5-to-80-ft-lb-click-torque-wrench-63880.html

Would be ideal but I don't have any plans across the border planned.

I just got one of these but it arrived and the locking screw does nothing so the handle spins while trying to use it.

Titan 3/8" Drive Micrometer Torque Wrench - 5-80 ft-lbs

Features reversible ratchet mechanism and locking handleClicks when it reaches torque settingSpecifications:Product: Torque WrenchManufacturer: TitanModel: 23147Range: 5-80 ft-lbs (60-960 in-lbs)Drive: 3/8"

www.kmstools.com

Have you tried pulling on the locking screw while turning to give it some friction?

 

[daithi]

Have you tried pulling on the locking screw while turning to give it some friction?

Yeah there's a positive stop turning in both the lock and unlock direction but it does nothing

 

[scooby074]

Can anyone find me a half decent 3/8dr torque wrench under $100? Starting at 5 (or 10) ft-lb, up to 50 (or higher)

https://www.harborfreight.com/38-in-drive-5-to-80-ft-lb-click-torque-wrench-63880.html

Would be ideal but I don't have any plans across the border planned.

I just got one of these but it arrived and the locking screw does nothing so the handle spins while trying to use it.

Titan 3/8" Drive Micrometer Torque Wrench - 5-80 ft-lbs

Features reversible ratchet mechanism and locking handleClicks when it reaches torque settingSpecifications:Product: Torque WrenchManufacturer: TitanModel: 23147Range: 5-80 ft-lbs (60-960 in-lbs)Drive: 3/8"

www.kmstools.com

Princess auto or Canadian Tire ?

https://www.princessauto.com/en/3-8-in-dr-torque-wrench/product/PA0009241928