Howdy from DRPD!

[billspreston]

@KnurledNut – We did not receive PB 38215.A with our initial shipment, but we hope to have it shortly!

Evo is a full replacement for the SwissGrip line so all the "old" tools will be available in the new handle (with a few exceptions).

 

[KnurledNut]

@KnurledNut – We did not receive PB 38215.A with our initial shipment, but we hope to have it shortly!

Evo is a full replacement for the SwissGrip line so all the "old" tools will be available in the new handle (with a few exceptions).

Found it. Thanks!
https://drpd.cc/brands/pb-swiss/screwdrivers/blade-drivers/pb-38215-a/

 

[billspreston]

Does the new SwissGrip EVO grips have the same texture feel as original SwissGrips?

So does this mean the original SwissGrip stuff is being phased out?

Yes, the new handle has a very similar grain texture to that of the original SwissGrip.

Yes, the original SwissGrip will be fully phased out by the end of 2025 for "standard" screwdriver handles. Classic and Muticraft will remain as-is as well as SwissGrip precision, cross-handle, stubby, etc. Just the standard screwdriver handle line is being replaced.

 

[CallumRD1]

I see that the color coded Phillips Evo drivers have changed their colors (old #2 was orange, but the Evo #2 now red). Are the handle sizes nominally equivalent between the old and new drivers for the same drive size or have they changed? I always found the #2 Phillips just a little small for my preference.

 

[billspreston]

@CallumRD1 – yes, some of the color coding has changed as you've noted and the rainbow drivers have color coded end caps by fastener type now as well like the red handles so there is more consistency there. All the end cap labeling has also been changed & improved.

Most handles are nominally equivalent to the old sizes although the Evo handle feels wider in-hand for the same size. In some cases, like Torx and Torx Plus, the entire line has sized-up handles from the original. I believe the PH 2 specifically is likely close in length, but will feel a bit larger in-hand compared to the original.

 

[legenddc]

Do they feel as good as the old ones? it sure if I should complete the set of old ones before the end of the year or not.

 

[billspreston]

@legenddc yes for sure, they feel nearly identical in terms of material and texture.

 

[GerMec]

I probably never buy from you since I am based in Europe but I really appreciate your participation here Gonna order myself one PH2 Evo. Just like some others mentioned the handle always felt a little bit to small for my liking.

Any idea why there not even mentioned on the PB Swiss website at all?

 

[billspreston]

@GerMec – the official Evo announcement is coming from PB Swiss in the next week or two so I'm sure the website will also change then

 

[Ruxpin]

Echoing what GerMec said @billspreston thank you for the detailed post. It would be crazy of me to order European tools to be shipped back from the US over to England, so it is very unlikely I place an order from you, but the information certainly is appreciated.

 

[legenddc]

@legenddc yes for sure, they feel nearly identical in terms of material and texture.

First of all, thank you for all the information on the original post. I'm glad the material and texture feels the same. How do the handles feel with the rounded triangle shape? Do they feel as amazing as the original handle?

 

[billspreston]

@GerMec, @Ruxpin, @legenddc – it's my pleasure!

How do the handles feel with the rounded triangle shape? Do they feel as amazing as the original handle?

I love the new shape. It fits more naturally in the palm and really locks in during use. It just feels "right". I had a chance to compare a prototype handle on a torque testing rig when we visited the factory last year and here were my results:

Handle Type	Torque (Nm)
Classic	2.8
Multicraft	4.3
SwissGrip	4.5
SwissGrip Evo	6.4

PB Swiss (conservatively) claims a 25% increase in torque transfer from the original handle, but I saw a 42% increase.

 

[merkyworks]

40% more is no joke.

 

[YesIHaveAHammer]

Handle Type	Torque (Nm)
Classic	2.8
Multicraft	4.3
SwissGrip	4.5
SwissGrip Evo	6.4

Did a rudimentary test of that sort a little while ago using a torque wrench, up to what was "comfortable". Of course our numbers won't be perfectly comparable, but the relatively small and rounded Wera 838/816 gave me 3 Nm, while a sliding bare metal 1/4" T-handle gave me 7 Nm.

My Stahlwille fixed screwdrivers are a little larger (PZ2) and a slightly triangular profile like the new Evo, which makes a big difference and reduction in fatigue during practical use. Although I couldn't measure this on my rig.

That's the sort of science I use to convince myself I need an 8451 and 1255 MR.

 

[Ohio Andy]

So when will the new ones be available?

 

[billspreston]

@Ohio Andy we have a small selection available now.

SwissGrip Evo Collection

If there is a reduction in the 39% tariff by EOM, we should have the full line (or most of it) available near early/mid September.

If there is no reduction, we are still TBD on the full line arrival and currently working with HQ on a strategy for that.

 

[NitroExpress]

Looking forward to the evo bit drivers becoming available. Ordered a PH2 to tide me over!

 

[Outahere]

...If there is a reduction in the 39% tariff by EOM, we should have the full line (or most of it) available near early/mid September......

A 39% federal sales tax will be tough to swallow, for both screwdrivers and pharmaceuticals.

 

[YesIHaveAHammer]

Tariffs apply to the wholesale import price as I understand it.

 

[AJHD]

Tariffs apply to the wholesale import price as I understand it.

Tariffs are not paid directly by the consumer. They are paid indirectly however when the importing business, and every business along the way as a consequence, raise their prices as a result to offset that additional expense.

Basic economics 101... A business is only going to absorb so much (and thereby sacrifice profit), the rest of the bill is paid by the customer through inflation/higher prices.

 

[CHI_Tool&Die]

Tariffs are not paid directly by the consumer. They are paid indirectly however when the importing business, and every business along the way as a consequence, raise their prices as a result to offset that additional expense.

Basic economics 101... A business is only going to absorb so much (and thereby sacrifice profit), the rest of the bill is paid by the customer through inflation/higher prices.

Matco has already raised their prices on several items including their screwdrivers made by Witte in Germany. All our tool steel at work is made in Germany and it’s also coming with the tariff adjustment. So, I don’t know how companies dealing with Japanese and Swiss stuff (like DRPD) are going to handle it but it certainly seems that companies dealing with MiGermany are certainly passing on the costs, as would be expected for the reasons you listed.

 

[billspreston]

We pretty much sell all imported tools and there are 2 related challenges being faced with imports at the moment:

1. The reciprocal tariffs introduced this year, which you all likely understand by now – U.S. importers pay these tariffs directly to U.S. Customs before the goods are released for delivery. Tariffs, to date, have increased import costs between 10-15% for the brands we work with.
2. Uncertainly in-part due to the above tariffs has caused the USD to lose approximately 10% of its value.

So import costs are up 20-25% since April and with that, prices for many of our brands have risen over the past 2 months and others will be going up soon.

For brands that we procure from a U.S. distributor (KNIPEX, Wera, Ko-ken) – our cost (and pricing) has already gone up between 7-10%. I wouldn't expect much more of an increase beyond that for now, maybe another 5%, unless tariffs for EU or Japan change again.

For brands that we import directly (PB Swiss, Ebisu, KEIBA) – we have not raised pricing yet, but I would anticipate an increase of roughly 10% very soon. If 39% sticks around for Switzerland, it will be above 10%. If reciprocal tariffs are reduced on these at any time, we will reduce pricing accordingly as new shipments arrive.

We are doing everything possible to keep prices low. Price adjustments are being done with serious caution and companies (including DRPD) are definitely absorbing some of the costs along the way.

 

[AJHD]

Matco has already raised their prices on several items including their screwdrivers made by Witte in Germany. All our tool steel at work is made in Germany and it’s also coming with the tariff adjustment. So, I don’t know how companies dealing with Japanese and Swiss stuff (like DRPD) are going to handle it but it certainly seems that companies dealing with MiGermany are certainly passing on the costs, as would be expected for the reasons you listed.

Tekton has also raised their prices for example. Thankfully the cost increase have been minimal from what I've seen, a few $dollars on more expensive items and around $1 on smaller individual items.

Tekton sent emails to their customers and put a notice on each item online that the price would change to "$X" on whatever date it was.

I think we all expect to see continued price increases (as if we've not had enough of that since 2020), but I like how some companies are more transparent about it than others.

Snap On prices have gone nuts, both imported and domestic. I'm sure Matco has followed suit.

As for DRPD, we'll have to wait and see. But a 20%-25% cost increase really ***** for both the business and the consumer.

 

[Callelle]

Snap On prices have gone nuts, both imported and domestic. I'm sure Matco has followed suit.

I honestly feel like in the past year or two, Matco has kinda toned back and fallen in line equivalent of other truck prices, at least Mac and probably Cornwell.

 

[cbracer]

I have a pretty big set of the SwissGrip drivers and my only complaint for the last 10 years has been 1) too small of a handle & 2) difficult to clean. So these are welcome changes, but it seems costly to replace all of them. I assume most customers had the same complaint so I'm happy to see the change.

 

[lu787a]

Is there PB Swiss square socket spinner? I would love a SwissGrip handle with a 1/4 or 3/8 Square end for sockets.

 

[billspreston]

Is there PB Swiss square socket spinner? I would love a SwissGrip handle with a 1/4 or 3/8 Square end for sockets.

There are no standalone square drive socket spinners in the current lineup.

You could, however, use a PB 454 1/4" sq. drive adapter and combine it with PB 38451.10-30 M (8451.10-30 M) or PB 38510.R-30 (8510.R-30). You could also use PB 38215.A with a PB 215.V 1/4 blade. I'm not aware of an existing configuration for 3/8" – there is a 225 Series 3/8" blade, but no SwissGrip 225 Series screwdriver handle.

 

[billspreston]

PB Swiss has officially launched the EVO line today so all that information is now available on their website.

And a little promo video:

 

[Steel_Rain]

Snap On prices have gone nuts, both imported and domestic.

Absolutely true. The tool truck is less and less appealing to me these days. SO has gone from ridiculous/outrageous to simply out of control with pricing recently.

 

[Dave455]

Is there PB Swiss square socket spinner? I would love a SwissGrip handle with a 1/4 or 3/8 Square end for sockets.

There used to be one - part number 7454. Decent tool. Hard Multicraft handle rather than the Swissgrip.


I know it’s not quite the same, but I would be very tempted by one of the 225 series blades, with whatever handle you fancied. Makes for a very heavy duty set up, and modular.
The heavier 225 series handles suit 3/8 drive really well, and you could switch for a T handle, or add a ratchet unit, or whatever you wanted.

 

[CHI_Tool&Die]

Absolutely true. The tool truck is less and less appealing to me these days. SO has gone from ridiculous/outrageous to simply out of control with pricing recently.

I can tell you as someone deep in manufacturing that the prices are only going to climb higher. The manufacturer I work for has seen almost 100% of the tariff costs passed directly onto us and we were just informed that another price increase is coming in September. A 4”x4”x4” block of tool steel has gone from $220 in January to $550 now and it’s going to $630 after Labor Day. I don’t see how any manufacturer can avoid price increases.

@billspreston , is there any update to the Norbar torque wrenches? I’ve noticed that they have been out of stock for some time.

 

[AJHD]

Absolutely true. The tool truck is less and less appealing to me these days. SO has gone from ridiculous/outrageous to simply out of control with pricing recently.

I can tell you as someone deep in manufacturing that the prices are only going to climb higher. The manufacturer I work for has seen almost 100% of the tariff costs passed directly onto us and we were just informed that another price increase is coming in September. A 4”x4”x4” block of tool steel has gone from $220 in January to $550 now and it’s going to $630 after Labor Day. I don’t see how any manufacturer can avoid price increases.

I've already more or less stopped buying tools entirely at this point. With the ever increasing prices from whomever the vendor, retailer or brand might be, it's just more reason for me to continue not buying tools.

The truth is, I really don't actually need anything tool wise. There are a few smaller items I'd like to pick up, but everything beyond that is so far into the "I want it, but can't begin to justify the cost" category it may as well cost $1 million. Unfortunately for me, vendors/brands like DRPD and Snap On fall into that category.

 

[lu787a]

There used to be one - part number 7454. Decent tool. Hard Multicraft handle rather than the Swissgrip.


I know it’s not quite the same, but I would be very tempted by one of the 225 series blades, with whatever handle you fancied. Makes for a very heavy duty set up, and modular.
The heavier 225 series handles suit 3/8 drive really well, and you could switch for a T handle, or add a ratchet unit, or whatever you wanted.

The PB 225 looks pretty neat. Would definitely pick up a SwissGrip version of that.

 

[billspreston]

@lu787a they did produce something like it at one time albeit with a ratchet module – PB 8255.R-80 – but sadly it is no longer in their collection.



My go-to (current) solution for a 1/4" drive "spinner" would be this: PB 38510.R-30 (8510.R-30) + PB 454. I personally used this combo to great effect when installing the million bolts for our warehouse shelving system.

 

[billspreston]

@billspreston , is there any update to the Norbar torque wrenches? I’ve noticed that they have been out of stock for some time.

Let me check up on that – will report back in a few days!

 

[matt stott]

Just got my new set of Evo screwdrivers delivered. They are very nice, and very close in size to the old swissgrip handles. Smaller than the other triangle handled drivers out there (Snap-on and Witte, that I use) and I really like it. It is a subtle change, but a very nice one. Thanks DRPD!

 

[matt stott]

old vs new, size comparison. These are my home shop drivers, not used for work, so they stay fairly clean. The old set is about 10-12 years old now (?) and the tips have held up remarkably well.
the old set has lived on the end of my workbench for a while now. not used for automotive work or industrial stuff, just all the other normal house chores and projects.

end caps on the new drivers are a bit different....

 

[cbracer]

oh, I like the end cap prints on the old handles much better! The new ones are a single color, less contrast and uglier. But maybe more durable. Thanks for the pics.

 

[billspreston]

Great photos @matt stott – thanks for sharing!

I hear you guys on the end caps! But... there are a couple potential benefits with EVO.

I believe the end caps are being printed using a very cool new laser technology that is both more wear resistant than the old pad printing method and allows them to run a wider variety of prints without needing tooling for each print. The logo and part number on the handle is also printed the same way.

So you get nice detailed markings on things like picks, coin drivers, ratchets, etc now like so:



Another thing I like with EVO is how the rainbow and standard handles now share the same color-coded end caps, where before all the rainbow end-caps were black. This makes it a lot easier to distinguish between driver types for rainbow users. Like so:

 

[billspreston]

@billspreston , is there any update to the Norbar torque wrenches? I’ve noticed that they have been out of stock for some time.

@CHI_Tool&Die – I've confirmed with purchasing that Norbar will be restocked within 1-2 weeks.