For November 29th, "Cyber Monday", Lee Valley is having a sale. It's one-day only and I don't know what it will include. Usually lots of special buys - and most importantly, discounted gift cards!
Details Here
Details Here
A Rikon bandsaw may be in my future.For November 29th, "Cyber Monday", Lee Valley is having a sale. It's one-day only and I don't know what it will include. Usually lots of special buys - and most importantly, discounted gift cards!
Details Here
shopgraytools.com
I tried the gift card route. Seems they have a max of $1000 per purchase priced at $850. . So I will reevaluate. Seems I could save nearly that amount by visiting you. Wink winkFor November 29th, "Cyber Monday", Lee Valley is having a sale. It's one-day only and I don't know what it will include. Usually lots of special buys - and most importantly, discounted gift cards!
Details Here
looks like a rebrand chinese saw, they appear to be sold under the Blue Max brand name as well just using the princess auto title and doing a quick search. I'm sure for homeowner use this would be decent (based on the reviews for the Blue Max) but keep in mind one niggly bit is that it looks like you need to actually take it apart to adjust the length vs a lot of brand name saws that have a sliding mechanism. (Echo, Stihl, Husqvarna), etc. We have 3 echo gas saws and 2 electric husky's. We'll probably never buy a gas saw again as a side note.


I will need to keep an eye out for that one (out of stock locally). Got to laugh with the single review on the PA website, dude, this is PA, expect some additional effort to assemble things or thread a hole, etc. =-)Any new deals lately? This thread has fallen down the list.
I picked up one of these from Princess Auto the other day:
$45. Seems like a good size for benchtop tools - e.g. grinder, bandsaw, drill press etc. Maybe even a vise.
I was contemplating making a router-flattening jig to mount to it.
I noticed the free shipping promotion isn't available anymore.
Any new deals lately? This thread has fallen down the list.
I picked up one of these from Princess Auto the other day:
$45. Seems like a good size for benchtop tools - e.g. grinder, bandsaw, drill press etc. Maybe even a vise.
I was contemplating making a router-flattening jig to mount to it.
I noticed the free shipping promotion isn't available anymore.
I have the non-flex version - I love them. They're definitely made by Apex (Gearwrench), but whether they are identical to GW wrenches is hard to say. They are WAY cheaper than GW though - and like I said, very nice to use.Crappy tire has their Extra Long DBE / Ratcheting wrenches on sale for $149.99 Half off. PN 058-0370-2 & 058-0371-0.
Strongly considering spending some Xmas cash on these. How do they compare to the OG Gearwrench? Are they made by GW? I know some of my older mastercraft ratcheting wrenches are actually stamped Gearwrench.
I have the non-flex version - I love them. They're definitely made by Apex (Gearwrench), but whether they are identical to GW wrenches is hard to say. They are WAY cheaper than GW though - and like I said, very nice to use.
I like the extra length non-ratcheting box end to break stuff loose, the ratchet end so that working with the XL length doesn't seem like so much of a pain.
Over the years I (guiltily) bought 2 sets of the non-flex version, one set has Gearwrench stamps on both sides (batch number "P"), and the other has a Gearwrench stamp on one side (batch number "S"), and a Maximum stamp on the other side. I bought the Gearwrench set when it was a "novelty" and while I was building my tool set. Years later, I found the Maximum set as an open box in-store liquidation. So I bought it not because I "needed" a second set, rather, I just "wanted" it.![]()
The flex two sets I have (sae and metric) are -M- stamped "Gearwrench"/"Mastercraft Maximum".
Long time ago they also had "Goodyear Racing" branded gear wrenches, my non-flex head sets are both stamped as such. This was before the Maximum sets came into the picture. Bought those first due to "just because I wanted it", but quickly found I do not like their fixed head versions. No knuckle room when you are working up against something, really makes you appreciate why the angle exists on a box end.
This might be a good platform to finally mount that old router table that keeps getting in the way no matter where it is.Any new deals lately? This thread has fallen down the list.
I picked up one of these from Princess Auto the other day:
$45. Seems like a good size for benchtop tools - e.g. grinder, bandsaw, drill press etc. Maybe even a vise.
I was contemplating making a router-flattening jig to mount to it.
I noticed the free shipping promotion isn't available anymore.
I actually picked up the metric and SAE flex head variety of these during the sale. From what I can tell and based on what you and others have said these very much look like APEX (Gearwrench) built wrenches - although they seem to be nigh on impossible to find in GW flavour on their site outside of the I believe 21-24mm but I might not be looking hard enough. Either way, I'm happy about the sets.At $150 and without size skipping, I'd consider this set of long flex-head a solid value. This sale comes 3 or 4 times a year. Considering the malfunctioned global supply chain and inflation, the "sale" price may go up slightly in the next sales. These have a balanced flexibility and sturdiness. An alternative is to have two sets of long wrenches: one set is the non-flex version, and the other set has long beams and reversible flex-heads on both sides - clone of the "Mountain wrenches".
Over the years I (guiltily) bought 2 sets of the non-flex version, one set has Gearwrench stamps on both sides (batch number "P"), and the other has a Gearwrench stamp on one side (batch number "S"), and a Maximum stamp on the other side. I bought the Gearwrench set when it was a "novelty" and while I was building my tool set. Years later, I found the Maximum set as an open box in-store liquidation. So I bought it not because I "needed" a second set, rather, I just "wanted" it.
I just went down to the garage and observed the respective 8mm wrenches and 19mm wrenches side by side:
- The lengths between the sets appears to be the same.
- The broaching finishes on the non-geared ends appears to be the same.
- On the geared end, the black CR-Moly gears appears to be the same; and the thickness of the CR-V "ring" on the Maximum set is just a hair thicker. Overall I'd say the difference between the diameters is ~1mm or even less. I think they will grant the same type of access.
- The chrome coating on the Maximum set has a slightly deeper tone. But this may be because I've been using the Gearwrench set for a few years before getting the other set.
- Gears appears to have the same drag. I'd say they perform about the same. In the Gearwrench set, 16mm came with relatively more sloppy gears out from the factory. I always wanted to have it warranted, but it was never a good timing as I work on Jeeps - Chrysler loves the otherwise obscure 16mm for some reason.
This would be the end of me, my nearest one is 55 mins and about 55 KM's away which is good for me!I'm accumulating a list of tools to restock my basement workshop. I decided to hold off until the new year as there is a PA opening 10 minutes from me. Might need a second job or to sell myself on the corner when it opens.
Thanks for the tip, will add this to the list when I go!If you need some sanding belts, PAL has a few. I ordered a bag full for an average of .33 each. None of them fit any sanders I have, but at that price I can rip them up for making sanding sticks and not feel guilty. There are occassions where only sand paper is needed. I use paint sticks from HD ($1 per doz).
Notes: I have this 52" chest - I know there isn't a time machine but I did purchase this for $598 in February of 2020 shipped to my door.Black Friday continues to disappoint this year. Not many "crazy good" deals, nor do there seem to be as many deals period.
Nevertheless, here's a few things I think are interesting from Home Depot this year:
Husky 52" Tool Chest for $798
That's a lot of space for the money. It's the cheapest 52" I can recall seeing. Keep in mind though, this probably isn't super heavy duty. I have a 46" Husky chest for example - and the full width drawer loaded up with sockets and ratchets... it's a lot of weight. No signs of failure, but I don't slam it around. I think they have a 3 year warranty - so that might help in the case of failure.
Bottom line, if you're wrenching professionally I don't think this will stand up. If you're using it for your home shop - that's probably the most space per dollar you're likely to see.
Two-pack of Milwaukee anodized aluminum trim squares for $20
These are both great - but I particularly like the little one. Fits in a pocket but still makes it across most 2x material. Very handy and well made.
4-pack of Bessey clutch clamps for $29
These are just some solid, inexpensive clamps. They work well and I like them.
There's the usual good buys for consumables like reciprocating saw blades (the Milwaukee multi-pack is particularly good), drill bits, angle grinder discs etc. I just picked what I thought was the cream of the crop rather than re-post the whole BF section.
Oh, those clamps look nice and they are on my list of tools needed for the basement workshop. The squares are nice too, no stock nearby.I am going to have to pick up those speed squares - I have 2 cheap *** ones that I don't like anymore after using my BIL's nice ones.
My BIL has those clamps (on my suggestion, haha!) but I need to get a set, as I have some larger K-Body Bessey's but these are great for small stuff. I know the Bessey quick (trigger) clamps (RES4PK-QP) are also on for $32.98, with lower clamping force but more convenient at times.
Noticed some cheap Makita 12v items on Amazon. I didn't spend long looking so there may be more.
Here's a couple: 12v impact driver $68, another 12v impact driver $68.70, 12v one-hand reciprocating saw $58.
These are bare tools. I'm not on the Makita platform (and can't imagine adding yet another battery type) so I'm not familiar with these. I'd be excited to find 12v Bosch or Milwaukee tools at this price though, so it seemed like a good deal.
That's neat! Thanks for the info.Makita has two 12V ecosystems - a "battery slide-on" version that they call CXT, and a "battery inserted-in" version very much like Milwaukee's M12. Amazon seems to have a mix bag of tools from both ecosystems. Make sure to buy a CXT tool. I heard that Makita had to phase out the old design and re-establish the CXT system, because TTI/Milwaukee sued Makita for the inserted design and won.
Compared to non-fuel M12 tools, there are some gems in the CXT line of tools for a fraction of the price: the recip saw has great ergonomic features when held with two hands; the right angle drill produces more torque, etc. In the 10.8/12V domain, most people have M12 thanks to Milwaukee's aggressive promotion and marketing strategies a few years back. A trick to avoid adding another line of chargers and batteries is to run a CXT tool with an M12 battery through a 3D printed adapter (and a resister). The instructions are here: https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:4239972
Thanks JradM and all of you guys for your time spent keeping all of us up on the deals.Bosch 30-ft cross line laser level is on for $59.99 at Lowes.
GLL 30 model - a pretty basic unit, but still - cheap and reliable. It gets better though - Lowes has a $10 coupon for orders over $50 when you sign up for their email newsletter. While that only works once, it takes a mere minute to sign up for a burner gmail email address.
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Princess Auto has a deal on transport chains. 3/8 x 20feet with hooks. Grade 70 for $44. That’s cheap. You could get two here for the price of one at most other places.
Link
Yep. I bought one. Gave it as a gift - but then also helped the recipient install some garage storage rails with it.As I mentioned I did buy this model. Did anyone else?
I think it might actually be Wiha. Sure looks like it minus some of the finer details.. If not, its a total rip off. Have to see it in person to find out COO$40 for the Canadian Tire Maximum pliers wrench. Which just seems weird.
Posting half for the novelty of there being a Maximum-branded pliers wrench. I wonder who makes it? It's more Knipex-style than the Irwin version - but there's no button. Is it automatic like the 125mm Cobras?
Doesn't look like the Wiha or Gray either.
I'm going to have to check one out in person. If it was available in a size I didn't already own, I would buy one to try out. The Knipex pliers wrench is easily my favorite hand tool.


Dang. I think you're right. My friend has the Wiha and I clearly don't remember how it looks. Good catch!
I also bought one. Mine was faulty but had no trouble replacing it at Lowe’s.Yep. I bought one. Gave it as a gift - but then also helped the recipient install some garage storage rails with it.
Worked pretty well for that. We were able to get the rails installed on wall sections opposite each other- but on the exact same plane using the laser.
Handy little device!



Nice spot! I've been waiting for a reason to try an indexable pry bar.Also at CT this week is this beastly adjustable prybar.
https://www.canadiantire.ca/en/pdp/...-bar-with-extendable-handle-0570547p.html#srp
It looks exactly like the gearwrench version(probably the OEM) for significantly less(and probably easier warranty)

Yeah, I got one but only opened it up last week. Is it supposed to flash off and back on every few seconds to conserve battery or something? Or did I get a dud?Thanks JradM and all of you guys for your time spent keeping all of us up on the deals.
As I mentioned I did buy this model. Did anyone else?
Thanks Doc I picked up one of these. Now I don’t have to borrow the SIL’s anymore. I received the new PA flyer in the mail today but haven’t had a chance to break it open yet.