Tools for Canadians

[Codey]

I'm in the process of replacing some of lower quality tools and am having a hard time finding quality tool options. I don't work at a shop so hunting down a truck isn't exactly convenient. There is a store about an hour and a half from me that sells Proto, and so far that seems like the most viable option. I prefer the idea of buying somewhat local for ease of warranty if needed. Mastercraft is out, though the warranty is amazing I'm sick of going in to Canadian Tire with broken junk that needs replacing. Just wondering what other Canadians are running in their tool box.

 

[ADSR]

Where abouts are you on the island and what are you looking for?

 

[Codey]

I'm in Ladysmith. I'm looking for full wrench sets as well as full sets of 3/8 and 1/2 sockets among other things but those are the main ones for now.

 

[mypov]

you could buy mac snappy, SK, Gearwrench all online - and if warranty ever was needed simply send back (takes away from buying local for warranty convenience) but probably only way to get decent(ish - for gearwrench) product with good warranty.

I am from Canada, have some mastercraft stuff for personal use, and have had to return very little...Other then that I use truck brand as the door to door service is ideal. good luck finding something suitable.

 

[Gregg33]

You can't go wrong with Gray, great quality, made in Canada and sold at many industrial suppliers.

 

[ADSR]

I'm in Ladysmith. I'm looking for full wrench sets as well as full sets of 3/8 and 1/2 sockets among other things but those are the main ones for now.

Not much choice for you. You'd have to drive down to KMS. I would order online.

 

[Codey]

Going to KMS isn't a problem, their stock usually ***** though. Just wondering if there was something else.

 

[ADSR]

On another note. The new Dewalt line at canadian tire looks damn good. CT also has channellock and wiss on sale every other week. Also take a look at the mastercraft re-branded gearwrench sets.

 

[ADSR]

Going to KMS isn't a problem, their stock usually ***** though. Just wondering if there was something else.

Not much, buddy. We're both stuck dealing on the rock, unless you order online. I buy 90% of my tools online.

 

[abvw]

Princess Auto's premium line up Pro-Point is actually very good for the money. Just got to be careful of the PowerFist stuff.

Keep a set of Mastercraft, every mechanic I've met so far have at least one set of Mastercraft wrenches and sockets (the Maximum and Professional line, not the Craftsman looking raised panel satin finished garbage).

As with all things you buy, handle them before making a purchase. You can almost tell how well a tool will perform just by picking it up. Nothing will last forever, if you haven't broken it yet you're not working hard enough

 

[YW84U]

I'm in the same boat (or rather 'ferry')

Same as LORDDiESEL, I'm mostly online for the better deals but I do go local for some things here and there. I've gotten some Proto and GearWrench filler items through KMS, but find their stock levels for Proto fairly limited. If you do go Proto, don't bother with Acklands Grainger as their markup is much higher than KMS.

If you're looking for mid-range options, you might also consider Napa or Lordco. I picked up some Napa Ultra Pro 1/4 drive sockets to try out and they appear to be fairly good quality (likely Taiwan COO) and have the easy swap-out return for warranty; I also have the odd Jet Tool from Lordco and they seem relatively on par with the Napa offerings.

I just meet up with the SO driver here for the odd order every once in a while, but perhaps a local option for you would be maybe hit up the SO store in Nanaimo?

https://maps.google.ca/maps?q=3172+...ia+V9T&t=h&z=17&panoid=7wrnntrQCqVCI_7KntOXTA

I haven't been in, but have talked to them on the phone and they seem pretty easy to deal with - might be worth checking into if SO is on your short list?

Cheers,
Tom

 

[Codey]

I just meet up with the SO driver here for the odd order every once in a while, but perhaps a local option for you would be maybe hit up the SO store in Nanaimo?

https://maps.google.ca/maps?q=3172+...ia+V9T&t=h&z=17&panoid=7wrnntrQCqVCI_7KntOXTA

I haven't been in, but have talked to them on the phone and they seem pretty easy to deal with - might be worth checking into if SO is on your short list?

Cheers,
Tom

Wow, I had no idea that existed. That's exactly the kind of thing I'm looking for. How are their prices?

 

[YW84U]

Wow, I had no idea that existed. That's exactly the kind of thing I'm looking for. How are their prices?

I only recently spoke to them about some warranty stuff, so I am not sure about if and/or what they may retail out of the storefront. I would hazard a guess that if they do public retail from that location, their pricing would be in line with what the local drivers run with. But it might be worth popping by, since it's close to home for you and might alleviate having to stalk the drivers on their routes

If you do find out more, it may be worth posting back and sharing any info you get.

Cheers,
Tom

 

[nicksnothereman]

On another note. The new Dewalt line at canadian tire looks damn good. CT also has channellock and wiss on sale every other week. Also take a look at the mastercraft re-branded gearwrench sets.

That's stanley (though upscaled stanley), he probably don't want that (not sure about the warranty, might be mail in might not).

I don't know if canada has lowes but kobalt (mainly the taiwanese stuff) is a good step up from most lower tier tools. Pittsburgh pro (whatever the princess equivalent is "power fist"? It's "pro point", I looked it up) is also good but some of the fit & finish is not up to snuff.

 

[John in OH]

I'm far, far from Vancouver so I'm shootin' from the hip here, but if the Canadian NAPA stores are similar to the US NAPAs, then you could check out the Carlyle brand now being carried by NAPA. I bought a couple of miscellaneous sockets a month or so ago and they seem quite nice ... made in Taiwan.

There are starting to be some reviews of Carlyle tools here on GJ and they are generally positive. For example: http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=158341

 

[Sebastien]

Look at the promo flyer from Gray, they always have good sales, you can find it on the internet.

 

[ADSR]

Wow, I had no idea that existed. That's exactly the kind of thing I'm looking for. How are their prices?

I didnt know about this as well. Let me know how you make out

 

[ADSR]

I only recently spoke to them about some warranty stuff, so I am not sure about if and/or what they may retail out of the storefront. I would hazard a guess that if they do public retail from that location, their pricing would be in line with what the local drivers run with. But it might be worth popping by, since it's close to home for you and might alleviate having to stalk the drivers on their routes

If you do find out more, it may be worth posting back and sharing any info you get.

Cheers,
Tom

Thanks for posting that tom. Where abouts are you on the island?

 

[ADSR]

I'm far, far from Vancouver so I'm shootin' from the hip here, but if the Canadian NAPA stores are similar to the US NAPAs, then you could check out the Carlyle brand now being carried by NAPA. I bought a couple of miscellaneous sockets a month or so ago and they seem quite nice ... made in Taiwan.

There are starting to be some reviews of Carlyle tools here on GJ and they are generally positive. For example: http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=158341

I wish, john. Nothing Carlyle is in stock and they charge shipping to bring it in. They stock all napa pro line up.

 

[YW84U]

Thanks for posting that tom. Where abouts are you on the island?

Ha! You could probably hit me with a rock without trying too hard - I'm out in Central Saanich, Keating area

John in OH - I wonder if the US Napa Carlyle is from the same supplier as the CDN Napa UltraPro lines? I have no idea who might produce the more 'budget friendly' Napa Evercraft line offered here either. The counter fellows were unable to give me much info as to the COO or origins of their hardline tools at the time.

Here's a quick closeup of my 1/4 drive UltraPro sockets - I wonder if any GJ'ers would be able to ID any similarities to the Carlyle line?



If anyone wants to chase this down further, I can start a new thread with more pics as so not to take the OP off topic.

Cheers,
Tom

 

[wildstyle]

I have had my Mastercraft maximum impact sockets for 9 years now used in a dealership shop and have only had to replace my 21mm once....Can't complain at all for the price. And if you do mess one up they exchange it no questions asked.

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[soulstryke]

Jet and Westward are lower end brands around mastercraft price point. Then you have your industrial suppliers like Proto, Gray.

Then if you still can't find a store buy a mid level brand off amazon like Williams, Armstrong, SK, Wright.

 

[ndoran]

I wish, john. Nothing Carlyle is in stock and they charge shipping to bring it in. They stock all napa pro line up.

NAPA also carry gearwrench.

check out G2S Equipe they are online but both my Snap On and MAC dealers will get G2S Equipe and sell it to me at the catalogue price without any mark up for shipping

 

[Heavy tech]

You really can't beat the mastercraft maximum combo wrenches. Get the set that goes to 1-1/8" and 24mm for like $40 on sale. I have beat mine with hammers, doubled them up, and outright abused them. Never broke one in the 8? Years I've had them.

Ultra Pro has some good chrome and impact sockets, extensions, and universal joints. They also have some overpriced junk.

Princess auto is good for mayhew pry bars and punches. And Elkind USA stuff. Power fist junk isn't worth the effort to pick it up off the shelf.

Then there is always the option of second hand truck stuff from Kijiji.

The lack of selection of quality tools has frustrated me too.



Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Hopalong604]

It's too bad sears in Canada don't sell good tools any more. I use to prefer craftsman over mastercraft, but when choices are limited you gotta go with what's most convenient. Whenever I go down south to Sears they have a huge section dedicated to just tools. Jealous. For some reason I don't like ultra pro or jet. Just personal preference.

 

[carcajou]

The Ultra pro ratcheting screwdriver is really good though.

 

[skylinegtr20]

SO & MAC used on ebay, free shipping within the US, ship to washington pay $5 a package for pickup, pay GST only as its a made in USA product or no customs if your within the limit. Quality product that doesnt break at a fraction of the cost! If you ever want to sell it, post on Kijiji or CL and that stuff sells easy.

 

[chrenan]

There's a Toptul distributor in Vancouver, I've been really impressed with my Toptul wrenches, VERY nice quality at a reasonable price.

http://www.bfbhandtools.com/home.php

 

[KamiCrit]

Hello from Nanaimo!

I have found at least two places that sell quality tools on the island. First off is as you know KMS tools, they have a fair selection from the Proto line but not everything which is a bummer.

Second off is Bert's Intertruck: http://goo.gl/maps/dH0eF
They carry a wide selection of Gray Tools AND they honor flyer prices: http://www.graytools.com/specialoffers/winter-2014/

If they don't have what you're looking for in stock then they'll order it in for you with their next shipment, so no shipping fees. I had a great time here and bought a few Gray hex key sets.

 

[Sine Swept]

I have picked up most of my Knipex tool at Lowes and just noticed Home Depot has Knipex available ordered online.

I bought the 7" Pliers Wrench across the border, it was $90 with shipping and duty! Yikes!

 

[ADSR]

Ha! You could probably hit me with a rock without trying too hard - I'm out in Central Saanich, Keating area

Holy! Im in north saanich. But i deal at B&B for all my auto needs.

small world, bud!

 

[ADSR]

Hello from Nanaimo!

I have found at least two places that sell quality tools on the island. First off is as you know KMS tools, they have a fair selection from the Proto line but not everything which is a bummer.

Second off is Bert's Intertruck: http://goo.gl/maps/dH0eF
They carry a wide selection of Gray Tools AND they honor flyer prices: http://www.graytools.com/specialoffers/winter-2014/

If they don't have what you're looking for in stock then they'll order it in for you with their next shipment, so no shipping fees. I had a great time here and bought a few Gray hex key sets.

Thanks for that! Looks like they sell Grip-On's as well!!!

 

[ADSR]

SO & MAC used on ebay, free shipping within the US, ship to washington pay $5 a package for pickup, pay GST only as its a made in USA product or no customs if your within the limit. Quality product that doesnt break at a fraction of the cost! If you ever want to sell it, post on Kijiji or CL and that stuff sells easy.

It's a little harder for us island boys. I use a company ( www.seawings.ca ) That picks up my order in Blaine and brings it to the victoria airport. I clear it through customs and pay the tax. Then i have to pay seawings for their transport service.

 

[Codey]

Thanks for the suggestions guys. I'm in the bush for another 2 weeks but when I get out I'll be checking out the SO store and report back. Might look into Gray a little closer too, just got one of their 4 drawer sliding racks with bins that seems pretty nice.

 

[jim1987]

The scripts looks very similar. That's all I can tell.

And OP, your local.nap as still carry Napa professional tools? Iirc, all those are USA made. Discountinued down here and replaces with Carlyle. Both are great on quaility. Its hard to tell the difference in my Carlyle and Napa pro wrench sets.

 

[evandonald]

I frequently have been ordering fairly large orders through Babco Tools. I believe they are out of Surrey BC. They ship for free on orders over $150 as well. They seem to have a great selection and good sales on clearance from time to time.
http://www.babcotools.ca/

 

[nick s]

The snap on retail store in Nanaimo is run by my driver he is a super nice guy he normally has the sale flyer but other then that prices are retail. Just another option lordco is a dealer for g2s equipment you are able to check out there flyer in store or online they sell brands such as sk and gear wrench. There is also midland tools in Nanaimo but i haven't been in there in about five years i know they are a jet dealer though.

The island is such a small place i grew up in brentwood bay and worked for B&B about a decade ago.

 

[RCStocker]

I quickly scanned the post. Gray tools form Canada are very good. Top notch. I have some of their impact sockets and am very happy with them. I also have Mac, Matco, Proto, Craftsman, Snap-on, Chinese and Japanese impact sockets. They all do the job and Gran are not as smooth on the surface but they do a great job. Their wrenches are great and I have a set of sockets on the farm that I have had for years. Good warranty and a great Canadian product.

If you live out in the boon docks you are going to be mailing the tools in for warranty service anyway. If your tools are breaking you are buying junk. I have every brand of tools in one form and another. I never break tools What in the world are you doing that you break tools? LI would advise to buy better tools and use the proper ones for the job.
In 60 years of working with tools to make a living I have broken 2 sockets and one was a C man with a 3 ft. cheater bar and it was a 3/8" dive with a 1/2" adapter. I was out in the fiend trying to get a job done. The other socket was not mine and was a cheap, cheap import. If I see the tool starting to fail I stop doing what I am doing and try another method. I always get the job done and I never break tools. I have beaten the hell out of Craftsman wrenches and only bent one jaw.

Sometimes I think we need a school teaching people how to use their tools before we send them off to mechanic's school.

Go with Gray. You can't go wrong. I am a Yank but have spent summers in Canada as a child. I love it up there. The cold is too much for my old bones but the country is beautiful and the Canadian Rocky's are much nicer than the American ones.

 

[Jmac00]

I'd go with Gray if you can swing it, i usually try to buy used if i come accross any. Any pawn shops around your area? mix and match bins

I've bought Gearwrench brand from Fastenal, not sure if any locations in your area?

Also bought some UltraPro from Napa. And to anyone else wondering about the COO (see my thread below), its the caramilk secret (and yes, they referenced the caramilk secret in one of their replies to me...they can't, and won't reveal where its made) Maybe someone else who inquires will have better luck than i did...lol

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=157526

 

[ive]

You can't go wrong with Gray, great quality, made in Canada and sold at many industrial suppliers.

Gray has been bought. I've been noticing less and less tools bearing the mark "Canada".

Sad stuff.