Show us your pb swiss tools!

[KnurledNut]

Looking at bit holding screwdrivers, what would you go for? I have one of all common bits in 89mm, and multiples of everything else in 25mm. Don't really want to go buying more in 50mm, although I do have impact ones.

8451 short (32mm shaft, 135mm overall) - short, but a little longer than my Wera 816 R and with shallow insertion depth, so perhaps just long enough to be practical with 25mm bits. Suits 89mm bits for length, although the short insertion depth and only a magnetic hold might not be ideal for that, and magnetism won't reach the tip to hold the screw. This is the one that caught my eye at first.

8451 long (100mm shaft, 205mm overall) - for 25mm bits only. Not too similar to things I have already. Strongest bit magnet available on a long driver without going for bulkier mechanical locking holders. Probably my current leading contender.

8215 handle & 215.M bit holder blade (60mm or 100mm shaft) - wildcard option, no real interest in the rest of the system but leaves the option open. Not much more money to get both shaft lengths, or say a PZ2.


Additionally looking at T-handle bit holders, for smallish quantities of tight things like wood self tappers that tire my hand out with a screwdriver but don't warrant getting a power tool out, or where sensitivity feeling is needed towards the end. 1254 (30mm or 100mm shaft), or 1255 MR ratcheting (80mm shaft). I wonder if non-ratcheting would be a pain to use especially being asymmetric. I've used 1/4" square ones with sockets before and you have to go in 180deg hand rotations, and reposition on the screw head if you want to get the handle in a better orientation when it gets tight. I don't mind symmetric P handle hex/torx drivers for bike work, but little torque needed except for final tightening and initial loosening.

I like the 6465 because of the bit storage. For my use, thats a benefit.
https://drpd.cc/tool-shop/bits-acce...T5peUONNRMNviVIeiTA0wUlwg4qjuytsCL7qjRa2VIxYZ

 

[YesIHaveAHammer]

I would not get a non-ratcheting T-Handle.

Yeah it does seem awkward:

Paying attention to how I use my bike hex/Torx T handles, it's between two fingers to spin things in then out, then grab it properly for the final tightening. That relies a lot on these fastener heads' ability to hold the driver so well you can let go of it, and that very little torque is required for the spinning phase.

 

[YesIHaveAHammer]

Scaled comparison, interested in the tips:

Beta 1201E/DZ Screwdriver for Dzus® head screws (12.5 x 1.29mm tip, large flat thin area rather than tapered)
PB Swiss 8125.9-45 "tire lever", same tip as 8126.9-45 coin driver (unspecified tip dimensions)
Anex AHC-1511 Coin driver bit (18 x 1.5mm tip)

 

[Nobody-named-Olli]

On the matter of cleaning those “SwissGrip” handles, one thing I found that works exceptionally well to clean off greasy residue are those orange/textured hand & tool cleaning wipes. I used to get them from my Snappy: https://shop.snapon.com/product/Hand-Shop-Towels/Hand-and-Tool-Cleaning-Towels/WOD5020

But there are many similar, maybe even identical, wipes available from other brands.

Currently I’m using a box that is branded by my favorite Mercedes/AMG Youtube content creator, who is a Mercedes/AMG specialist. They work just as well and the smell/texture is nearly identical. So for the German/ European folks, here’s a link: https://shop.motorenzimmer.de/ersatzteile/227/mz-reinigungstuecher-90-blatt-tuecher

If it matters: These do not take off the printing on the “SwissGrip” handles.

Kind regards,
Olli

 

[YesIHaveAHammer]

For those not following the DRPD thread...

Howdy from DRPD!

Yes, it’s only the 625 and 630 that lack this. I didn’t make that clear. The Gedore 7 and 7XL Combination wrenches have "UD profile" "off corner” engagement. The 7 is very short and the 7XL size is somewhere between the Hazet 600N and the 600LG. I think the 7 and 7XL feel nicer in your hand...

www.garagejournal.com

BIG news for PB Swiss Tools fans!

We are currently in the process of rolling out their completely new screwdriver line called SwissGrip EVO.

 

[Nobody-named-Olli]

Mid-2024 PB Swiss released a Phase Tester/ terminal screwdriver with LED inside instead of the common incandescent lamp. This simply translates into a much brighter and better visible indication.

A world first: battery-free phase testers with LEDs – PB Swiss Tools

Would you like to work on live parts with optimal protection? Our new battery-free phase testers rely on innovative LED technology instead of simple glow lamps and thus offer even greater safety when working.

www.pbswisstools.com

To me this was not a priority purchase, because I have plenty of the old ones. However, my #1 tool supplier had & has a hard time getting these because their supplier of PB Swiss tools doesn’t list the LED variants yet - so my special order run into nowhere until I ultimately pulled it.

Now I had to order something from another supplier, and more or less by accident I stumbled over these again on their site and added one to my order.





Full light conditions.

LED



Incandescent



Now the next one isn’t really fair, because the incandescent lamp drops sharply when I touch both.




Low light conditions (iPhone automatic prolonged exposure of approx. 1 sec.)

Incandescent



LED



And again, the next one isn’t really fair, because the incandescent lamp drops sharply when I touch both.



It did not come unexpected, but it’s a winner by PB Swiss for sure.

Kind regards,
Olli

 

[YesIHaveAHammer]

Any experience with the 674 scrapers? They're 160mm (6.5") and 255mm (10").

Was ideally looking for something around 200mm (8"), but all options around that size (Anex, Bahco, Hazet, Mayhew, Snap-on) have some issues for me such as design/quality, availability, high price, or inflated local pricing.

The shorter one seems to be the shortest gasket scraper available. Clearly a one handed tool. Most seem to be around 10". I feel if I have a 6" or a 10" I kinda need the other as well as the extreme shortness/lengthiness will pose some issue with access, hand clearance, or visibility.

This is for general rough cleanup scraping of residues, not gasket scraping. Read someone on YouTube saying they're very sharp and want to dig in - I don't want that; I don't want a scraper-shaped wood chisel.

 

[Dave455]

Any experience with the 674 scrapers? They're 160mm (6.5") and 255mm (10").

Was ideally looking for something around 200mm (8"), but all options around that size (Anex, Bahco, Hazet, Mayhew, Snap-on) have some issues for me such as design/quality, availability, high price, or inflated local pricing.

The shorter one seems to be the shortest gasket scraper available. Clearly a one handed tool. Most seem to be around 10". I feel if I have a 6" or a 10" I kinda need the other as well as the extreme shortness/lengthiness will pose some issue with access, hand clearance, or visibility.

This is for general rough cleanup scraping of residues, not gasket scraping. Read someone on YouTube saying they're very sharp and want to dig in - I don't want that; I don't want a scraper-shaped wood chisel.

I don’t have any of the scrapers, but I do have a lot of other PB Striking tools, including a lot of chisels (of both types ).

They are perhaps the best out there. The quality is very high. They are a typically “Swiss“ tool - almost a “precision” chisel. But yes, even the chisels are incredibly sharp ( although I keep them that way).

I think that unless you slightly rounded the edge, the risk of digging in would be quite high.

Much as I like PB tools, you might be better off with a regular decorators scraper. I find something like the tool below is great for paint scraping on wood, and general decorators prep.


If you are cleaning up residues, you might be even better off with something like a filling knife that has a square “edge” and will not dig in at all.


But as always, the more options the better. So I wouldn’t takk you out of the PB Swiss! Maybe add onevof these inexpensive razor blade holders. They work very well on flat / hard surfaces.

 

[AJHD]

What I think of when I see anything Purdy brand.

 

[Dave455]

What I think of when I see anything Purdy brand.

They are good tools. Many decorators tools are not stainless steel. I know that a high carbon steel takes a better edge, but for most purposes you are better off with stainless.

I can get really good quality British made decorators tools, and favour them in difficult circumstances, but for general jobs I like these Purdy tools.

For difficult prep I really want one of these now. Metabo ”Paint Router”. Used one this year for the first time. Can’t believe how good these are. Incredibly controllable, and leaves a superb finish!

 

[Dave455]

Maybe we will have to start a painting / decorating tools thread.

It’s not exciting, but it’s one of those jobs like washing dishes - we all have to do it, and anything to make life easier is better!

 

[Dave455]

PB Swiss do offer a very interesting selection of tools though. Their selection is centred around what they do well - screwdrivers, hex keys and striking tools, rather than around tools for a particular industry.

It makes more sense, and this side of the pond that was always the way. A manufacturer makes what they are good at.

The American way, where a company tries to offer everything for a particular industry (i.e. Klein) is unusual here. And even companies like Klein cannot manufacture everything, so end up re branding stuff.

 

[cretedog]

I especially like the design of their slotted tips...

 

[YesIHaveAHammer]

It makes more sense, and this side of the pond that was always the way. A manufacturer makes what they are good at.

The American way, where a company tries to offer everything for a particular industry (i.e. Klein) is unusual here. And even companies like Klein cannot manufacture everything, so end up re branding stuff.

I have a lot of respect for the former way.

It annoys me with brands that have some great stuff but do also rebrand (e.g. Facom) that I have to keep checking if it's a rebrand of some $5 Chinatool that 20 companies are selling on Amazon, or (slightly different issue) the exact same product as one of their other lower-status (so cheaper) group brands.

 

[YesIHaveAHammer]

Much as I like PB tools, you might be better off with a regular decorators scraper.

Thanks. The only reason I'm looking at PB for this scraper need (or even the gasket type scraper at all) is minimum order value requirements and to avoid excessive shipping charges.

Uses I have in mind are old sealant, adhesive seals and tapes, caulk/plaster overspill, dried gunk (grass, sawdust) removal off outdoor equipment and surfaces. I can't really see the advantage of a gasket scraper for these, I guess the main thing is the strength and reach.

But as always, the more options the better.

Yes, I have this in mind eventually.

 

[Dave455]

I have a lot of respect for the former way.

It annoys me with brands that have some great stuff but do also rebrand (e.g. Facom) that I have to keep checking if it's a rebrand of some $5 Chinatool that 20 companies are selling on Amazon, or (slightly different issue) the exact same product as one of their other lower-status (so cheaper) group brands.

Yes, feel the same way about some manufacturers. Facom were historically better than most. If they didn’t make something “in house” it was often bought in from a French manufacturer, and often a product unique to facom.

Sadly they have not been so good in this regard since the buyout.

 

[Dave455]

Thanks. The only reason I'm looking at PB for this scraper need (or even the gasket type scraper at all) is minimum order value requirements and to avoid excessive shipping charges.

Uses I have in mind are old sealant, adhesive seals and tapes, caulk/plaster overspill, dried gunk (grass, sawdust) removal off outdoor equipment and surfaces. I can't really see the advantage of a gasket scraper for these, I guess the main thing is the strength and reach.


Yes, I have this in mind eventually.

You definitely need different options!

I’d probably add a PB scraper. It will probably be the best of it’s class.

Some of my PB Chisels shown below. The steel is incredibly good, and few take such a keen edge. If the scrapers are as good I would be very satisfied.

And lest anybody think these are unused, and property of a “tool polisher”, I like to keep these sharp, so hone after most uses.

 

[YesIHaveAHammer]

For those not following the DRPD thread...

We discussed SwissGrip and dirty environments here recently, so I also thought it worth highlighting this about the Evo handles:

3 - The soft-touch outer layer consists of a new material that provides improved grip, durability, resistance to chemicals and mineral oils, and is also easier to clean.

 

[Nobody-named-Olli]

I’m sure you’ll find a use for the PB Swiss scraper(s).

What I use:

Putty Knife and Non-Marring Scrapers

Is Hyde still the industry reference for Putty Knives and Non-Marring Scrapers made from composite materials? I think there is some company making these in Canada as well that is highly regarded. Thanks very much for ideas on this subject.

www.garagejournal.com

Putty Knife and Non-Marring Scrapers

Is Hyde still the industry reference for Putty Knives and Non-Marring Scrapers made from composite materials? I think there is some company making these in Canada as well that is highly regarded. Thanks very much for ideas on this subject.

www.garagejournal.com

and besides that kit:

Snap-On PKNC300 these are incredible heavy duty. ( https://shop.snapon.com/product/Striking-Scrapers/3-pc-Striking-Scraper-Set/PKNC300 )





Also shown your typical, cheap, carbon steel, decorators scraper … I probably have a box full of them, stainless also. …

This one came in handy a time or two as well. “Scraper Utility Knife” by toughbuilt. ( https://toughbuilt.com/product/scraper-utility-knife-tb-h4s5-01 ) However, it definitely scrapes better than it cuts. … The latter has been a nuisance at times & therefore doesn’t truly replace a utility knife. …



There is one that is getting a lot of praise as well, but I don’t own one/ haven’t used one so far.

Tungsten Carbide Gasket Scraper | Astro Pneumatic Tools

1x Astro 9532 Tungsten Carbide Gasket Scraper Precision ground tungsten carbide rectangular blade is nearly impervious to wear Perfect on flat surfaces for ...

www.astrotools.com

Maybe indeed a good idea to start a “scraper thread” - maybe a mod. can split this discussion off?

Kind regards,
Olli

 

[YesIHaveAHammer]

Members in the UK may like to know that you now have a distributor in your country once again - Prime Tools.

Also thanks for the gasket scraper advice earlier. Nothing to show here I'm afraid, as I went for the Stahlwille.

 

[Dave455]

Members in the UK may like to know that you now have a distributor in your country once again - Prime Tools.

Also thanks for the gasket scraper advice earlier. Nothing to show here I'm afraid, as I went for the Stahlwille.

Never been a problem getting PB Swiss in the U.K.

Radio Spares, Supreme Handtools, Amazon, or any number of European online suppliers.

 

[YesIHaveAHammer]

Never been a problem getting PB Swiss in the U.K.

Radio Spares, Supreme Handtools, Amazon, or any number of European online suppliers.

It seemed to be difficult when I looked a while back if you wanted something not a big mainstream seller.

All those carry pretty limited ranges. Hoffmann is trade only and a high minimum order amount. None of the European stores will ship anymore with how difficult it's been made.

 

[richfinn]

It seemed to be difficult when I looked a while back if you wanted something not a big mainstream seller.

All those carry pretty limited ranges. Hoffmann is trade only and a high minimum order amount. None of the European stores will ship anymore with how difficult it's been made.

I use Hoffmann UK all the time, I just made up a fake company name and they mail it direct to the house.

The only time I have had to buy in "bulk" is sometimes P B Swiss bits are only available in a minimum order of 10

 

[Ruxpin]

Members in the UK may like to know that you now have a distributor in your country once again - Prime Tools.

Also thanks for the gasket scraper advice earlier. Nothing to show here I'm afraid, as I went for the Stahlwille.

Came into this thread to mention Prime Tools being the new UK distributor.
They unfortunately do not currently carry the full range of tools (unsure if messaging them would allow a special order to be made) and do not yet seem to carry the new SwissGrip Evo handles apart from the hammer through driver set (again, caveat that I have not checked part numbers and this is just from a cursory glance at their listings today).

For those unawares; Prime Tools usually provide good service. I've had a couple of poor experiences but they were handled professionally and quickly once flagged to them, which I appreciate.

 

[Steel_Rain]

I don’t own many duplicates of the exact same tools, but PB Swiss is the exception because of how much I just love these tools:

 

[Dave455]

It seemed to be difficult when I looked a while back if you wanted something not a big mainstream seller.

In fairness, the vast majority of my PB Swiss was sourced through a previous U.K. importer. I had a trade account and their pricing was very competitive. Since then I have needed relatively little.

I’ve had no issues acquiring what I wanted, but I haven’t wanted anything too obscure!

IThe only time I have had to buy in "bulk" is sometimes P B Swiss bits are only available in a minimum order of 10

I think that’s the only way to buy screwdriver bits generally.

I have bought all my PB Swiss bits in 10 packs. I transfer them to small glass jars and store them in oil - an inexpensive habit I developed before they were TiN coated.

Sometimes, visitors just want to gaze in awe at my PB bit collection…..

Came into this thread to mention Prime Tools being the new UK distributor.
They unfortunately do not currently carry the full range of tools (unsure if messaging them would allow a special order to be made) and do not yet seem to carry the new SwissGrip Evo handles apart from the hammer through driver set (again, caveat that I have not checked part numbers and this is just from a cursory glance at their listings today).

For those unawares; Prime Tools usually provide good service. I've had a couple of poor experiences but they were handled professionally and quickly once flagged to them, which I appreciate.

I’ve generally found Prime Tools to be incredibly good. Not always the absolute cheapest (though close) but their stock levels, speed of service, and the way they resolve any difficulties are second to none.

If they are now the “distributor” then my gut feeling is that anything will be available to order.

 

[richfinn]

In fairness, the vast majority of my PB Swiss was sourced through a previous U.K. importer. I had a trade account and their pricing was very competitive. Since then I have needed relatively little.

I’ve had no issues acquiring what I wanted, but I haven’t wanted anything too obscure!

I think that’s the only way to buy screwdriver bits generally.

I have bought all my PB Swiss bits in 10 packs. I transfer them to small glass jars and store them in oil - an inexpensive habit I developed before they were TiN coated.

Sometimes, visitors just want to gaze in awe at my PB bit collection…..

I’ve generally found Prime Tools to be incredibly good. Not always the absolute cheapest (though close) but their stock levels, speed of service, and the way they resolve any difficulties are second to none.

If they are now the “distributor” then my gut feeling is that anything will be available to order.

Generally Hoffmann will sell individual P B Swiss bits from stock, but odd sizes like TX27 I've had to buy in 10 packs, they also stock some Ko-ken gear

I use Prime Tools quite often too, always worth a look at their Amazon and eBay shops for pricing before going to the main site

 

[silkman]

I don’t own many duplicates of the exact same tools, but PB Swiss is the exception because of how much I just love these tools:

I can happily take the doubles off your hands, ordering PB Swiss to Greece is a mess... Most German tool sites have good prices and promotions but wont ship to me...

 

[dutchgray]

Also always been happy with Prime tools and was happy to see them become the PB Swiss distributor.
They are somewhat local to me (about 20 miles) but I haven't ever visited their shop in person.

 

[YesIHaveAHammer]

PB Swiss 9003 SwissGrip Evo Bottle Opener & Screwdriver. New release for your interest.

 

[mazdeuce]

I need that once it's available.

 

[Nobody-named-Olli]

An update in regard to my post, #279 ( https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/threads/show-us-your-pb-swiss-tools.266930/page-7#post-11057252 ) on this thread. Even at the risk of “earning” some “sad” and “angry’ emojis.

It’s over a year later and that very same demolition driver is still going strong. Regularly used, used it today as well, then cleaned it and took the opportunity for a photo-op.

The hammer used today.





And the culprit - finally - out.



The bracket.



And the PB Swiss demolition driver after cleaning. Will still effortlessly turn a slotted screw, lot’s of life left in it. Essence of a high quality tool meant to do the heavy lifting.









The SwissGrip cleans up perfectly with these orange tool-cleaning wipes sold by tool trucks & industrial suppliers!

Kind regards,
Olli

 

[mazdeuce]

Can't decide if I need the PB Swiss demolition driver or the Vessel chisel driver. Maybe both?

 

[Mr. Tool]

You definitely need different options!

I’d probably add a PB scraper. It will probably be the best of it’s class.

Some of my PB Chisels shown below. The steel is incredibly good, and few take such a keen edge. If the scrapers are as good I would be very satisfied.

And lest anybody think these are unused, and property of a “tool polisher”, I like to keep these sharp, so hone after most uses.

Those PB Swiss chisels look awesome!

A short time back I looked into it on the PB Swiss website, etc.

Here in the U.S. I tried to see about possibly ordering some and sent a inquiry etc. but the U.S. PB Swiss distributor never replied back.

Didn't want to wait, so went ahead and ordered a set from TEKTON.

 

[AJHD]

Those PB Swiss chisels look awesome!

A short time back I looked into it on the PB Swiss website, etc.

Here in the U.S. I tried to see about possibly ordering some and sent a inquiry etc. but the PB Swiss distributor never replied back.

Didn't want to wait, so went ahead and ordered a set from TEKTON.

DRPD

Shop the world's finest tools from elite brands like PB Swiss, Wera, KNIPEX, Ko-ken, Ebisu, KEIBA and more..

drpd.cc

There you go bud.

 

[Winterborne]

An update in regard to my post, #279 ( https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/threads/show-us-your-pb-swiss-tools.266930/page-7#post-11057252 ) on this thread. Even at the risk of “earning” some “sad” and “angry’ emojis.

It’s over a year later and that very same demolition driver is still going strong. Regularly used, used it today as well, then cleaned it and took the opportunity for a photo-op.

Enjoyed your update and great photos.

What made you choose the 6.5mm? Most of the beatin' screwdrivers I see in the field are 5/16 or 3/8.

How does the blade perform with twisting and prying? I tend to use a beatin' screwdriver more for wedging and twisting.

 

[Nobody-named-Olli]

Enjoyed your update and great photos.

What made you choose the 6.5mm? Most of the beatin' screwdrivers I see in the field are 5/16 or 3/8.

How does the blade perform with twisting and prying? I tend to use a beatin' screwdriver more for wedging and twisting.

Thank you very much!

6.5x1 mm is a useful size for all sorts of hardware (brackets, …) I encounter that still have slotted screws in them. It’s the perfect allrounder/ compromise between tip strength and still being a useful driver. I have larger and smaller options, but that is the one that rides in the Veto on top of my toolbox, the first slotted driver I will grab for whatever needs to be done. I can always grab (a smaller or) bigger one if needed. And it will also seat nicely & turn screws that are almost gone.



I’ve yanked quite a bit on this one to get that pin out, no issue with deformation or breaks.

Kind regards,
Olli

 

[NKlamerus]

Got my memorial Day sale haul

 

[Qualitytools]

Got my memorial Day sale haul

Very Nice.

 

[NKlamerus]

Not sure I've shared this here, this is my "grab and go" set for working on sewing and embroidery machines, I'm a full time tech for them

I do have a cart with the facility and other hand tools as well, mostly on a bucket