PB Swiss Tools Review

[zuspiel]

A few months ago, somebody posted about a set of small PB Swiss picks which perked my interest. So I decided to check out their tools. I've lived in Switzerland for 15 years, making it even more interesting.

PB Swiss has been around for 130 years. They should know a bit about manufacturing tools and the prices are actually pretty good. They mostly make screwdrivers in all possible variations, insert bits, Allen keys, and some other stuff. You can find their wares on Amazon or at their US distributor Count On Tools. The latter is quite a bit more expensive. You can order a print catalog for free here or download one in PDF form here.

Let's start with the set of mini picks mentioned above. They work well and I haven't broken one in the two months I've had them, which is a first for me (Amazon, $15).



The radiator hose picks (Amazon, $16) work equally well. These are full size and not mini. The handle is their 'multicraft handle' which I like best of all the ones they make. It's a hard handle with a slight texture that's really comfy. Nothing fancy, but it works well. They also make a similarly shaped soft handle (SwissGrip) which I haven't tried, yet.



Next is a set of what they call 'detach wrenches' (Amazon, $18). No clue why you would call that a wrench... Pops off trim clips and other fasteners like a charm, though.



Here, you can also see one of the special PB Swiss features: Each tool has a unique serial number that they can track all the way back to the original batch of steel that entered the factory.



The tips are nice and thin. They fit under almost anything and don't tear up the trim.





I've always wanted a T-handle for the small insert bits for places where more torque is called for. This one (Count On Tools, $38) fits the bill. Very strong magnet holds the bits in place and there is hardly any "wiggle". The price is a bit of a joke, though: It's listed in the print catalog for 34 Swiss Franks which is quite a bit less than $38... Still nice, though.



Well made, spins freely, but doesn't have any fancy internal retainers. The grip is held on by C-clips:



One side of the handle has a screw cap, so it can hold up to 5 regular size bits.



Now we get to one of jewels of their tool collection: the insert bits. I needed some power bits and couldn't resist these. They really have thought about the whole bit business. All their bits are color coded: One overall color for the type of bit and a colored ring for the size.

First, here are some metric hex and Torx bits (Amazon, $20, pic on the website is wrong).



Here is another set (Amazon, $22, pic is wrong) in a bit holder with a belt clip.



If you have the holder clipped to your belt and you open it, the bits always end up perpendicular to the belt, making it easy to pull them out. There are gears in the holder that ensure this is always the case.



Finally, unless you're color blind, you're able to tell the difference between a phillips and a pozi bit from a mile off. Plus, they just are so damn pretty. No clue yet how well the finish will hold up. The color is not painted on, though. More like a metal finish similar to black oxidized (w/o the rust).



Some of you might have noticed a certain obsessiveness in my tool organization. It always bothered me how the screwdrivers wobbled around on the peg board... These holders solve that problem nicely. However, they aren't that cheap (Count On Tools, $12-17).



The black loops are made of rubber and springs are used as spacers. For bulkier handles, you can just pop out a loop or even take out the spring. In my case, it was best to only remove a couple of loops, leaving the springs in place.



They come in three different lengths. I got the medium (above) and large (below) sizes. Might have to order one or two more to put on my tool cart. I'm really happy with how they hold the stuff.

The holders also don't seem to mind holding screwdrivers from north of the border



Now, the big question is always how well the tools will hold up. In the tools I brought from Europe, I found this:



It's a 4mm slotted screwdriver which is at least 15-20 years old. I think I found it in my parents attic. Must have been a leftover from a contractor. The handle is the PB standard handle. It has been well used...

However, looking at the tip, it's in great shape! Yes, there's a tiny bit of peeling chrome, but you can hardly tell by eye. The actual tip (black) looks pretty much like in the catalog. The angle on the corner is a feature. They say it moves the pressure point on the screw away from the very edge, reducing the damage to the screw head.



The bottom line: I think PB Swiss is a good alternative with decent prices. The stuff seems well made and some things are quite innovative. Check them out (especially the stuff on Amazon which is downright cheap for the quality).

Other comments:

Autoace might be able to add something here about another PB Swiss tool

Stuey, you hereby have my permission to re-post this on toolguyd.com, if you like. Both complete and in parts.

I'm sure that, as usual, I haven't covered everything here...

[Bolster]

Great timing for a review, I just received my PB catalog and was looking through it, wondering if their stuff was worth the francs (or euros, whatever they're using now). Thanks!

[bchee]

another great review and picts. thanks

[pirana]

I just got some metric hex bit drivers & a punch & chisel from them a few weeks ago. A couple of things were out of stock which they (Count on Tools) said they'd ship to me sometime in january with no extra shipping charge. Quality stuff i.m.o.

[Fedwrench]

Excellent write up and pictures!! thanks for sharing. It seems like they have some unique items.

[terabyte]

very nice review... nice presentation ...

thanks a bunch dude

[garfunkle24]

Thanks a lot Zuspiel! I've been waiting for your write-up on the PB stuff ever since I saw them in your pics in "Let's see your toolbox". Great stuff!

[autoace]

Zuspiel sent me some PB Swiss tools for X-mas, I'll be posting pics and a mini review. I was impressed with the quality, and had to test them out immediately. I then checked the web site and found a bunch of stuff for future purchase. I would initially put the quality, at or above Hazet and Wiha.

I am going to buy some of their hard handled screwdrivers, torx drivers, their version of the turbo T-handle, and some more bits for starters. Their black hex key set caught my eye.

Looks like a good company, that has quality of materials and workmanship, at the top of their list. I like the fact, they still make traditional hard handle, and not all soft grip.

The tools don't come cheap, so Harbor Freight thumpers, run for cover!

PB Swiss=

[Stuey]

Zuspiel,

Great pics, and great review! I now want to pick up some bits. It almost seems like a waste though since I never use Pozis or Torx. Maybe I'll look into buying bits separately.

I also want one of those T-handled bits.

The hardest part about buying PB Tools screwdrivers is the handle selection. Multicraft, or Swiss Grip!

Thanks also for the permission to repost, but I'd still ask again before doing so.

[Vinko]

Great review. I've been eyeing the mini-pick set, and now am thinking, what the hell, the radiator and trim picks look good too.

[chammyman]

a while back frank, myself and a few others commente don how we all had these tools and they were all in good nick (apart from 1 of mine) and all were at least 20 years old.

Good gear and worth buying

[Bolster]

Aside from Amazon, what sources are y'all using to find & buy PB Swiss Tools?

[zuspiel]

Thanks everybody! I like reading reviews so I don't mind sharing...

Originally Posted by autoace

I am going to buy some of their hard handled screwdrivers, torx drivers, their version of the turbo T-handle, and some more bits for starters. Their black hex key set caught my eye.

Damn, I wanted to get you the T-handle since I saw you were looking for one. When I checked further, it seemed you were more after a 3/8" or 1/2" square drive one...

The allen keys do look really nice. I'd love to have the set with the Swiss flag on them. However, they only make metric ones and, honestly, I don't use my hex keys enough...

Originally Posted by Stuey

The hardest part about buying PB Tools screwdrivers is the handle selection. Multicraft, or Swiss Grip!

I'm curious about the SwissGrip (soft) ones myself (I don't have one). However, I think the multicraft handles are really comfy.

Originally Posted by Vinko

I've been eyeing the mini-pick set, and now am thinking, what the hell, the radiator and trim picks look good too.

I don't think you'd be disappointed with either of the other sets. Also because the prices on Amazon are really good for these sets.

Originally Posted by Bolster

Aside from Amazon, what sources are y'all using to find & buy PB Swiss Tools?

Only the Count On Tools link I gave above. They have everything and their clearance section might be worth checking out. Beware of the $10 flat rate shipping, though. It only makes sense if you order more stuff at once.

Also, check out their clearance section here.

[autoace]

The nice thing about PB Swiss, Hazet, Wiha, Wright,etc..., is they offer super high quality, and they are NOT Snap-on. It's nice to have specific, high end brands in the mix. Although some of Snap-ons' tools are awesome, and necessary; it's refreshing to indulge in something different, and still have ultimate quality.

[Merkava_4]

Originally Posted by autoace

The nice thing about PB Swiss, Hazet, Wiha, Wright,etc..., is they offer super high quality, and they are NOT Snap-on.

You need to get over your grudge with Snap-on dude ... find the dealer you hate and go loot his truck.

[autoace]

Originally Posted by Merkava_4

You need to get over your grudge with Snap-on dude ... find the dealer you hate and go loot his truck.

That's the thing, I am over it. I have discovered other tool brands that are as good or better(with some things) than Snap-on. Snap-on is king in some areas, but not all. It's too boring having all Snap-on tools anyway.

Alot of us get stuck with one woman, that can be a bitch. Why settle for one tool brand, that can be a warranty/service bitch??? The garage is my domain, no place to be, one brand exclusive.

[Stuey]

Originally Posted by Bolster

Aside from Amazon, what sources are y'all using to find & buy PB Swiss Tools?

As far as I know, Count On Tools and Small Parts are the only US distributors. I have not yet ordered from Count On, but my correspondences with one of their representatives gave me a positive impression of them.

Small Parts offers free shipping on $25+ orders via Amazon, and their prices are a bit better on a lot of products. They don't carry the full product line, and are slow to reorder. I haven't seen the T handle in stock at all - everytime I check, it just says "unavailable."

Originally Posted by zuspiel

I'm curious about the SwissGrip (soft) ones myself (I don't have one). However, I think the multicraft handles are really comfy.

I'm still trying to figure out what I like! I have the pick set and Insider w/ multicraft handle, and a screwdriver set with the swiss grip handle. I just need to find the time to do a head to head comparison. So far, they both seem to feel great!

[Merkava_4]

Originally Posted by autoace

Why settle for one tool brand, that can be a warranty/service bitch???

If you use the tool correctly within its intended design parameters, and it breaks, there shouldn't be a problem with getting it warranted.

[autoace]

Originally Posted by Merkava_4

If you use the tool correctly within its intended design parameters, and it breaks, there shouldn't be a problem with getting it warranted.

But there is! I don't buy tools "that break" often from them. I don't break much, for tools, but still.......

[eschoendorff]

Well this is just great! I have been wanting to try some PB tools ever since John Gardner posted about them on mark KW's Inside Tools.

Thanks, man, you are gonna cost me money!!!!