Guidance for DIYer purchasing tools in Canada

[s45]

I want to buy good quality tools with hassle free warranty but there ain't much to choose from over here in Canada. I don't have access to tool trucks either.

So, do I buy cheap Chinese tools with good warranty from places like Canadian Tire/Princess Auto/Home Depot and be sad that I'm buying inferior tools or do I buy good quality tools online and be somewhat happy that I have good tools but basically assume I'm not getting any warranty or that the warranty process will likely be a big hassle? What's the smarter move? Most tool brands online are from the states or overseas so that makes things even harder.

For example, I was planning on buying a set of Knipex snap ring pliers and thought I look into how they handle warranties here and I'm not impressed. What do you guys think?

 

[isb cornbinder]

I think you are not well informed on tools.
Canadian Tire and Princess Auto have good quality tools. I bought high end tools and I did not make any more money than the guys with PA or CT tools. My son is a mechanic and he has Canadian Tire tools and MAHEW pry bars and punches.
If you had made a modest effort to find a tool truck you would have made the connection in under an hour.
I have been retired since 2004. I have called the SnapOn and MAC truck guys and ordered tools. Both tool sellers drove past my home shop to deliver my order.
The MAC truck guy stopped at McD's and brought a coffee for me. He remembered, Extra large, 3 cream and 3 Splenda.

 

[Sumboodie]

Looks like a Cummins 4BT/6BT baring socket?

Bought one 20 years ago from Snappy, I think $60+. Now available all over for half that... so $10 in 2004 $$

 

[four.cycle]

Hello s45
click below to d/l the list in notepad *.txt format

both "picquic" and "megapro" are Canadian made and both have excellent reputations.

 

[JradM]

What budget are we working with?

Maximum tools are fine and likely have the easiest warranty process of any tool brand in Canada. Pretty much everything bearing Maximum branding is made by Apex - i.e. Gearwrench. It's often similar, thought not necessarily all Gearwrench clones though. I still skip the pliers and screwdrivers myself, but I understand their recent offerings are improving. Most of the stuff from Maximum I would describe as mid-tier, with some stuff trending towards low-mid tier.

Mastercraft is mostly rebranded Stanley. It's ok, but I don't know if there's anything that's a stand-out in that brand. I would consider that brand budget-tier.

Pro.Point is also pretty good mid-tier stuff, but there's usually higher quality options at Princess Auto. Their "until you're satisfied" warranty applies to everything, so it's not like you're stuck to a house brand. If they stop selling what you bought (which is a possibility), they would probably handle a warranty claim with a refund rather than an exchange. Even if it's years later.

There's no pro-grade or premium tool lines with super-simple warranty exchange in Canada. Are you sure that's a huge drawback?

I switched from a Sears Craftsman socket set to Williams USA a few years ago. I've never broken or worn out a Williams socket. My ratchets are all from Proto - same thing, never had to rebuild one. I'm not saying it can't happen - but since I'm not turning wrenches professionally anymore, it just seems VERY remote.

I broke a Channellock screwdriver once. It was pretty new and I wasn't abusing it, so I contacted them. They literally overnighted me a replacement with a ballcap and catalogue in the box. On the other hand, I had a chipping issue with some flush cutters (317 I think) and they replied that they didn't have any inventory, but I could mail mine back and they would see what they could do. Even though that was a legit warranty claim in my view, the prospect of mailing the pliers from Canada made it hardly worth the effort.

If it was me, I would just buy what I wanted. Nothing wrong with Maximum tools if the warranty is important to you.

 

[KnurledNut]

Check out TechPro Tools:
https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/threads/techpro-tools-canada.494511/

Gray Tools still makes high quality tools:
https://graytools.com/

 

[paulsomlo]

Are you going to be using these tools every day, professionally? If not, forget about warranty - in 30 years, I've never had occasion to exercise the warranty on a tool.

And those Knipex snap ring pliers you're looking at? Save yourself a wad of cash and buy them from Amazon.de.

 

[KEH]

My only advice is not to cheap out on Phillips screwdrivers. Quality pays.

KEH

 

[The Cobbler]

DIY tools? crappy tire, Princess auto will serve you fine.
Can't beat Princess Auto's warranty .
I watched a guy bring in a beat to heck, rusted beyond belief 1" drive ratchet with a twisted off drive end. it was even rusted where it snapped . I'm sure he found it somewhere in a scrap pile.
they gave him a Pro Point replacement, the guy said, thanks, now I can get back to work ... with the rust on the break, no way it just broke on him.

 

[s45]

I think you are not well informed on tools.
Canadian Tire and Princess Auto have good quality tools. I bought high end tools and I did not make any more money than the guys with PA or CT tools. My son is a mechanic and he has Canadian Tire tools and MAHEW pry bars and punches.
If you had made a modest effort to find a tool truck you would have made the connection in under an hour.
I have been retired since 2004. I have called the SnapOn and MAC truck guys and ordered tools. Both tool sellers drove past my home shop to deliver my order.
The MAC truck guy stopped at McD's and brought a coffee for me. He remembered, Extra large, 3 cream and 3 Splenda.

For Chinese CT's fine I guess. I don't care about making money either, to me nice tools are like pieces of art and provide me with a greater enjoyment when I use them. I take very good care of my tools and I don't beat on them but it would be nice to know that I can still get something warrantied if needed. When I do buy local I'm going to lean more toward Princess Auto going forward as I found a lot of their stuff is made in Taiwan, which generally seems better quality.

And maybe next time I see a tool truck I'll ask if they'll take my business but I don't want them to come by my house and not buy anything, I'm not sure what they got nor prices so I don't want to inconvenience them. I could go to them though I guess but doesn't seem too practical.

Hello s45
click below to d/l the list in notepad *.txt format

both "picquic" and "megapro" are Canadian made and both have excellent reputations.

Hey four.cycle, thanks I'll have a look.

What budget are we working with?

Maximum tools are fine and likely have the easiest warranty process of any tool brand in Canada. Pretty much everything bearing Maximum branding is made by Apex - i.e. Gearwrench. It's often similar, thought not necessarily all Gearwrench clones though. I still skip the pliers and screwdrivers myself, but I understand their recent offerings are improving. Most of the stuff from Maximum I would describe as mid-tier, with some stuff trending towards low-mid tier.

Mastercraft is mostly rebranded Stanley. It's ok, but I don't know if there's anything that's a stand-out in that brand. I would consider that brand budget-tier.

Pro.Point is also pretty good mid-tier stuff, but there's usually higher quality options at Princess Auto. Their "until you're satisfied" warranty applies to everything, so it's not like you're stuck to a house brand. If they stop selling what you bought (which is a possibility), they would probably handle a warranty claim with a refund rather than an exchange. Even if it's years later.

There's no pro-grade or premium tool lines with super-simple warranty exchange in Canada. Are you sure that's a huge drawback?

I switched from a Sears Craftsman socket set to Williams USA a few years ago. I've never broken or worn out a Williams socket. My ratchets are all from Proto - same thing, never had to rebuild one. I'm not saying it can't happen - but since I'm not turning wrenches professionally anymore, it just seems VERY remote.

I broke a Channellock screwdriver once. It was pretty new and I wasn't abusing it, so I contacted them. They literally overnighted me a replacement with a ballcap and catalogue in the box. On the other hand, I had a chipping issue with some flush cutters (317 I think) and they replied that they didn't have any inventory, but I could mail mine back and they would see what they could do. Even though that was a legit warranty claim in my view, the prospect of mailing the pliers from Canada made it hardly worth the effort.

If it was me, I would just buy what I wanted. Nothing wrong with Maximum tools if the warranty is important to you.

Budget is not too much of a concern as long as it's not Snap On tier prices. I'm budget minded but have a buy once cry once mind set when it comes to most tools. I don't need the best of the best of every tool like for example I would be fine with buying Taiwanese sockets and other things but certain hand tools like pliers or what not I want quality.

Maximum and Mastercraft are fairly decent I suppose but I wouldn't buy a Maximum / Mastercraft tap and die set or pliers. So it's kind of hit or miss.

I thought Pro Point was Princess Auto's premium line? It seems to be a better brand than Power Fist. I'm leaning more towards Princess Auto now cause they carry more Taiwanese stuff.

I guess warranty would be more important to me on expensive tools, things do break sometimes so it's nice to know you can warranty something if needed.

And your story regarding the Channel Lock flush cutters is what I'm worried about when it comes to buying online. I wanna buy high end made in USA / German tools but I'm starting to not see the value there because I will be basically paying for a warranty which is not applicable to me. Part of the reason why these tools are expensive is the lifetime warranty they offer and if I'm not able to make use of that then I see less of a point in buying online. May start looking at Gray Tools and the other domestic brands mentioned.

 

[s45]

DIY tools? crappy tire, Princess auto will serve you fine.
Can't beat Princess Auto's warranty .
I watched a guy bring in a beat to heck, rusted beyond belief 1" drive ratchet with a twisted off drive end. it was even rusted where it snapped . I'm sure he found it somewhere in a scrap pile.
they gave him a Pro Point replacement, the guy said, thanks, now I can get back to work ... with the rust on the break, no way it just broke on him.

I'm a DIYer but want pro tools lol.

 

[scooby074]

Ill echo what JradM said.

Canadian Tire Maximum Sockets are fine tools. I made a living with them professionally . Cant beat the warranty and store locations are everywhere. Im not crazy on their kits. Most of the tools besides the sockets are junk to increase the tool count. Their ratchets are just OK, however they are rebranding some high tooth models from Gearwrench which are probably OK. Again, their warranty is top notch. My ratchets are Snap On.
CT screwdrivers and pliers are junk IMHO. Most of their wrenches are junk, but they are rebranding Gearwrench ratchet wrenches and theyre OK. I have some ancient Mastercraft Gearwrenches and they are still working fine. For pliers, the big upside is that CT is now selling some Knipex. Knipex make a damn fine plier. CT's price wont be the cheapest for Knipex that Ive seen, not sure if theyll price match on Knipex either

PA. What can you say. Great warranty. Tools are a level below Maximum for the powerfisters. Pro point seems like a brand that is wandering aimlessly. I swear they dont know what to do with PP. It started off great, like a high end import brand, but now it seems like they want to discontinue it and replace it with generic made in china stuff like Grip or Titan. I definitely wouldnt pay a premium for Propoint only to find it disco in a year or two and have them replace an expensive PP with some generic powerfister.

Gray. Every bit as good as SO. Priced the same unfortunately. In my experience getting Gray warranty can be hard. It all depends on the retailer. Last warranty I had to pay shipping both ways which rubbed me wrong

 

[isb cornbinder]

deleted

 

[51dueller]

I think your placing too much emphasis on warranty. Buy a quality tool and use it properly, your not going to break it. The first shop I worked at for 11 1/2 years had owner supplied tools. 90% was Mastercraft and Westward. Pretty much only the ratcheting wrenches were the only thing that broke but they were being used to break fasteners free by other employees. Also had a set of Snap-on flank drive wrenches for tough situations and they still eventually worn out. The owner did manage to get them warrantied once as an act of good will, wear and tear isn't covered by warranty. Been at my current shop for 5 years with Westward shop supplied tools and still haven't broken anything.

Best value for wrenches is Wright. I bought a full SAE (1/4-1 1/4) and metric (6-32mm) set for the same price Gray wants for their metric set. Honestly it's a much nicer wrench as well. Summit Racing is the cheapest to get them and if you use the cheapest shipping option, you don't get dinged taxes at the border.

Don't dismiss the Maximum tap and die sets especially when they are 50% off. The hex dies are much nicer to use to confined spaces as they can be driven with a socket. Round dies can be used to get tighter thread engagement but 99% of the time your not doing that. Again Snap-on doesn't warranty tap and die sets. If you were to wear or break one, then replace it with a high grade one as machinist grade stuff doesn't come in kits.

 

[toolguy816]

My only advice is not to cheap out on Phillips screwdrivers. Quality pays.

KEH

I just got a Snap on soft handle Phillips #2 - I LOVE the handles. I'm actually thinking about spending $250 on a brand new set I like them so much. Never would have thought prior to using one.

 

[LukeOresk]

I would say Canadian tire for sockets and wrenches. I bought a metric set of flex box end wrenches from there and they are more than fine for home use.

I found you can get vessel screw drivers for a decent price off Amazon. Also I got my dad a set of Williams drivers since they are the old snap on handle he likes, and I remember that was a good price too off Amazon.

For pliers you can go to tegs or a supplier and they usually have a decent warranty for what ever brand you buy from them.

I like gray a lot but the price can be a lot to swallow for a home owner. If you watch they do have sales and deals on their sales site from time to time.

Also if you watch kijiji or market place you might be able to get what you want for a deal.

 

[rancherbill]

I'd buy ProPoint - Princess Auto, Mastercraft - Canadian Tire, and the rest of the brand name stuff at KMS Tools.

KMS treats me like a $50,000 customer and this order is just part of orders to come. Many companies just treat like you are only buying one thing ever.

All three of those companies know that I'll keep coming back and that I'll refer lots of business to them.

 

[isb cornbinder]

I just got a Snap on soft handle Phillips #2 - I LOVE the handles. I'm actually thinking about spending $250 on a brand new set I like them so much. Never would have thought prior to using one.

You may know the Phillips drive for Japanese fasteners is slightly different in the way it engages. I have HAZET and SK screwdrivers.

 

[RyanE]

Hello and welcome fellow Canadian!

You don't list your location, so I can't provide any specific stores to you other than the ubiquitous Canadian Tire or Princess Auto.

I'm just a home gamer and not a pro, but I do work on a wide variety of cars/trucks/engines/tractors as projects or general maintenance.

I would tend to echo the previous comments regarding Maximum or Pro Point tools. Heck, even some Power Fist sockets have worked well for me.

You can get Gray Tools online from Home Depot as well as Staples (of all places) or directly from Gray.

CT does frequently have sales on Channellock pliers that are decent/okay made in USA quality. HD carries Klein and Knipex. LeeValley carries NWS (German) pliers, similar to Knipex offerings.

If you are on FB, depending on your location, Marketplace can yield some excellent results for made is USA brands. That's where I've made most of my more recent tool purchases. I've been focusing on Proto/Challenger lately.

I would tend to agree with others that warrantee is not all that critical for a non pro user. I can't recall recently breaking anything that would be considered normal "use".

 

[matthew]

I would not judge a brand - I would look at individual items.

I’ll echo JradM and Scooby that for wrenches and sockets Maximum is good. But I’ll also say they change it every once in a while, and there’s times it’s better than others, and times it’s better value than others. The 1/2” deep impact set and long combo wrenches are great values if you get them on sale, IMO.

My view is sockets and wrenches are good from most places these days. The items I feel that are worth spending extra on are screwdrivers, pliers, and hammers. And to some extent, punches and prybars.

Knipex are spendy but excellent. Cobras are especially worth owning. KMS has decent sales (as far as Knipex goes) and free shipping over $100.

NWS is available at Lee Valley. I favour their long-nose pliers.

Tsunoda pliers off Amazon have a good reputation for quality (I haven’t yet tried them). Also some other Japanese brands.

Bahco files are also worthwhile from Lee Valley.

Wera screwdrivers - especially lasertip on Phillips #2. CanTire or KMS.

Vessel screwdrivers on Amazon (.ca or look on .co.jp)

Osca hammers at Princess. People treat hammers as any lump of metal will do. Balance and temper make a bigger difference than many think. The 1000g machinist hammer is great. And ballpeins. Wish they still had the 500g machinist (my favourite).

The Wiha bit ratchet from Rona is a nice buy. Bits are reasonable, the ratchet and extension and box are nice and nicely put together.

Watch the NAPA Real Deals flyer, as well. UltraPro branded tools have some good items, and is often overlooked.

 

[matthew]

Also, I can’t justify a lot of Gray as a DIY, but a couple of items may be worth it. The 1/2” drive long ratchet looked like a nice deal in some of their past sale flyers.

 

[Bessy]

Canadian weekend warrior here, and I concur with the others here for the most part. No need to get on tool trucks except for something highly specialized or for vanity's sake. As far as hand tools and more specialized power tools go, higher end stuff can be found at Places like Federated Tool & Supply, and Atlas Tool & Machinery, though Atlas isn't local to me. Still, they've been quick to deliver and seem to be priced ok as far as power tools are concerned. From what I understand, Federated Tool will warranty knipex and other hand tool brands they carry, but I haven't tested that theory because I haven't worn anything like that out yet.

With the exception of "consumable" tools like torx and hex but sockets which tend to round out, and taps, I really can't think of too many items I've ever broken any other tools. Even still, Canadian Tire has only on one or two occasions given me any trouble for warranty claims against my Mastercraft or Maximum tools. More of a hassle than anything, but I've never been outright denied a warranty for their stuff, including taps and torx/hex sockets, so I'll chock that up as a win.

Now, I really prefer Princess Auto's staff to Canadian Tire's at least for the stores I frequent here in London, and occasionally Sarnia. The ones I deal with just seem to be a little bit more service minded, but I understand that's management and attitude as much as anything.

A bit of an aside and attestation to their quality (or just dumb luck?) I grabbed a Titan fine tooth long handled 3/8" ratchet from Princess Auto a while back, on sale. An impulse buy no doubt, but it came in clutch to loosen a stuck bolt on some brake components with very little clearance. I needed to use a floor jack to get the damn bolt to turn, and that Titan was the only ratchet that I had that would fit with the (admittedly bulky) Leviton (Amazon) triple square socket set I had (I did end up later buying a set of Sunex triple squares that had a lower profile and I believe are impact rated). Anyway, I very slightly bent the last 3/4" of the handle during that job, but the ratcheting mechanism never flinched despite the incredibly ill-advised use case, and still works fantastic today.

 

[PlanB]

If you're online shopping checkout Olsa. The're an importer much like Tekton Capri and ithers but based in Nisku AB.

FWIW as diyer the only tool I've broken was Maximum chrome swivel and that was abused. I don't get too hung up on warrantees.

 

[RTM]

NWS is available at Lee Valley. I favour their long-nose pliers.



Bahco files are also worthwhile from Lee Valley

This is actually the correct answer, at least in part. You should give up working on your vehicles, and switch to woodworking instead. Then you can get everything from LV, and be completely happy.

Their Veritas line is the best, typically all Canadian made, designed by them, with innovative improvements over age old designs.

Their Utilitas line is OK, often made overseas, but to their specs and quality control.

They do carry other brands, but don’t give their names in the catalogs. I’ve bought a few things that had I known the brand, I would have passed, but it has not let me down (General brand scriber).

Their customer service is top notch, dealt with a few returns, but have not broken anything yet.

 

[ohhimark]

Depending on where you are, Millbank Hardware may be an option.

 

[matthew]

Also, for machinist type items, I have ordered from KBC. They ship quickly, and selection and pricing is good. Things like centre drills, bottoming taps, left hand drills, stubby drills, specialty files are not that easy to come by and should be a part of more tool collections, IMO.

 

[Davefr]

I want to buy good quality tools with hassle free warranty but there ain't much to choose from over here in Canada. I don't have access to tool trucks either.

So, do I buy cheap Chinese tools with good warranty from places like Canadian Tire/Princess Auto/Home Depot and be sad that I'm buying inferior tools or do I buy good quality tools online and be somewhat happy that I have good tools but basically assume I'm not getting any warranty or that the warranty process will likely be a big hassle? What's the smarter move? Most tool brands online are from the states or overseas so that makes things even harder.

For example, I was planning on buying a set of Knipex snap ring pliers and thought I look into how they handle warranties here and I'm not impressed. What do you guys think?

I think you're too hung up on warranty. If you break that many tools where warranty is critical then you're doing something wrong.

Just shop for quality tools at the best deal you can find. In the rare event that a tool breaks just buy a replacement if warranty is a hassle. I'm much more concerned about warrantees on big ticket items like vehicle powertrains then screwdrivers, sockets, etc but "too each his own".

 

[jptbay]

Napa Canada is convenient and easy to warranty.
The Ultra pro or Carlisle in house brands are excellent quality Taiwanese made mostly. Lots of other tools brands available there too.

 

[richfinn]

We have discussed this kind of thing a lot.

My stock advice is this.

Stick with brands that specialize in particular types of tool, you will save money and have good quality, even the tool trucks rebrand stuff from specialists

Vessel - Screwdrivers/bits

Ko-ken- sockets/ratchets/extensions

Knipex - pliers

Fluke - multimeters

Stahlwille - Spanners

Mayhew - prybars/punches/picks

Lisle - automotive specialty tools

You won't really require any warranty, but if you do reach out to head office, They Care about quality/customer satisfaction way more than any franchisee or distributor does.

Sometimes Snap-On does actually make the best version of a tool, just order from the website and go without food for a month

 

[u2slow]

So, do I buy cheap Chinese tools with good warranty from places like Canadian Tire/Princess Auto/Home Depot and be sad that I'm buying inferior tools...

I've been buying those tools for 25+ years. I am not sad.

CT carries Knipex. I order specialty tools online usually.

 

[Ton ton]

Depending on where you are, Millbank Hardware may be an option.

I was going to suggest this as well.

 

[Professional Tool User]

I want to buy good quality tools with hassle free warranty but there ain't much to choose from over here in Canada. I don't have access to tool trucks either.

So, do I buy cheap Chinese tools with good warranty from places like Canadian Tire/Princess Auto/Home Depot and be sad that I'm buying inferior tools or do I buy good quality tools online and be somewhat happy that I have good tools but basically assume I'm not getting any warranty or that the warranty process will likely be a big hassle? What's the smarter move? Most tool brands online are from the states or overseas so that makes things even harder.

For example, I was planning on buying a set of Knipex snap ring pliers and thought I look into how they handle warranties here and I'm not impressed. What do you guys think?

Basic tools at Canadian Tire and Princes Auto can be decent quality. Mastercraft tools at CT may be a bit sketchy but Maximum tools are generally decent. It took two years of impacting seized fasteners with my Snap on MG725 to break one of my Maximum impact sockets. Not bad for a cheap tool. Pro-point tools at PA are are also decent. Power fist tools are inconsistent quality wise. Sometimes Pro-point rebrand the same tools as other name brands that source their stuff from Taiwan. The 24" pro-point 1/2" flex head is no weaker than the Snap on equivalent one of my former co-worker has. Both of them eventually break.

In regards to warrantying the brand name stuff, you'll need access to a brick and mortar dealer that will cover your warranty needs. This is why I buy my Gearwrench, Wera, and Knipex tools at KMS tools.

 

[isb cornbinder]

Hello and welcome fellow Canadian!

You don't list your location, so I can't provide any specific stores to you other than the ubiquitous Canadian Tire or Princess Auto.

I'm just a home gamer and not a pro, but I do work on a wide variety of cars/trucks/engines/tractors as projects or general maintenance.

I would tend to echo the previous comments regarding Maximum or Pro Point tools. Heck, even some Power Fist sockets have worked well for me.

You can get Gray Tools online from Home Depot as well as Staples (of all places) or directly from Gray.

CT does frequently have sales on Channellock pliers that are decent/okay made in USA quality. HD carries Klein and Knipex. LeeValley carries NWS (German) pliers, similar to Knipex offerings.

If you are on FB, depending on your location, Marketplace can yield some excellent results for made is USA brands. That's where I've made most of my more recent tool purchases. I've been focusing on Proto/Challenger lately.

I would tend to agree with others that warrantee is not all that critical for a non pro user. I can't recall recently breaking anything that would be considered normal "use".

I broke a Craftsman half inch drive, 12 point 5/8" socket. I had not been to Sears in more than a decade at this time. The store offered warrant exchange for one of their new off-shore sockets. I declined and suggested,"I would rather keep the broken socket than be seen with that POS..
Sears is gone now.

 

[richfinn]

Tool Truck warranty is awesome but you will pay for it in triplicate, you could buy decent quality Taiwan stuff.

Maybe Tekton would be good brand up in Canada (Their Toolboxes are Canadian), and the warranty seems decent (through mail) unfortunately it hasn't made it to The UK in any volume (Yet).

TEKTON Hand Tools | Shop Sockets, Ratchets, Wrenches, and Pliers

We're based in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and known for complete hand tool sets that don't skip sizes, our growing US manufacturing, and exceptional customer support.

www.tekton.com

Sticking with well known USA/Euro/Japanese brands has served me pretty well, I still have a lot of older USA tool truck stuff I bought back in the 80s/90s and will occasionally buy used or NOS Snap-On and MAC from eBay.

 

[jollygreengiant]

If what your after is the chest full of high end name brand tools there's nothing wrong with that, but at the same time the other brands from CT and PA will still get the job done.

I recently had the privilege of taking possession of a good chunk of my Dad's tools. He started out as a tool and die maker and eventually ended up as a plant maintenance manager. So as you might expect, when I was going through his tools there was quite a bit of Snap On, Blue Point, Grey.....but also Mastercraft, Maximum, and Craftsman. His philosophy was to only get enough tool for the job, so if a Maximum tool would do the job then that's what he had. If it was a tool that needed precision or extreme use then he went for the higher end brands.

As for breaking tools, if you are using them as designed you shouldn't be breaking them very often at all. Granted my time around heavy machinery was pretty limited compared to others here, but in that time I can only recall a couple instances of broken tools. But then in that environment it was drilled into us to use the proper tool for the job; don't double up on wrenches, don't use ratchets to break things loose, only use a screwdriver as a screwdriver, etc.

Now with all that being said, there seems to be some more lower quality offerings in the brick and mortar retailers the last few years. It seems that all the box stores are now carrying some cheaper line of tools which may be ok for some jobs, but not even the same quality as Mastercraft.

As to where to find tools, a lot of good sources have already been mentioned. But I'll add that your best bet is likely online. I recently ordered a Tajima tape, and I know a guy that ordered a Japanese built Makita impact driver. And I think there was a thread on here about guys ordering pliers from Germany. But some of the box stores are carrying the higher end brands now too. You can get Wera and Knipex now at CT.

 

[mikedodge]

My main socket sets, wrech set and screwdrivers are Mastercraft and never had a problem with them. They are better quality then Princess Auto but both stores change suppliers from time to time.
For specialty tools it's either home depot because it's closer or Princess Auto, if something is used regularely or the cheap tool breaks I look at something better. I have snap on snap ring pliers.

 

[The Cobbler]

wasn't sure where to post this, but it seems that Princess Auto is resurrecting the Powerfist name lately .
seems like it's becoming prevalent again

 

[scooby074]

wasn't sure where to post this, but it seems that Princess Auto is resurrecting the Powerfist name lately .
seems like it's becoming prevalent again

Honestly I swear I dont know what PA wants to be. Seemed they were going to go upscale with Propoint only to have it languish and now Propoint has basically been reduced to a few impact sockets.

Powerfist went through the same. They languished, now it seems theyre bringing it back, yet theyre also bringing in more and more Titan and Grip (3rd party) tools.

IMHO theyre scatterbrained right now. I wish theyd get in a lane and stay there. Heck, I wish they doubled down on Propoint and basically just follow what HarbourFreight is doing with Icon (going upscale and having a large selection of "pro" grade tools).

I read somewhere that the reason theyre all over the place is new management. Basically the kids of the original founders are running the show and seem to care more about their fancy cars and less about the company than the previous management. I guess the kids have a bit of a reputation around Winnipeg or something.

 

[Miss the Pontiacs]

@s45 Tell us where you are located, you might get some detailed info or even a shopping buddy to join you on your shopping extravaganza.

 

[PlanB]

Check out the canada only deals. PA is offering craftsman pro v sae combo wrenches for $ 34.99.

I like the set I got.