Howdy from DRPD!

[billspreston]

Lurked here for some time and have discovered many of my favorite premium tool brands here. A few members have poked us to start posting so here we are.

My name is Mike and I'm from DRPD; we're a US-based retailer of premium imported tool brands, namely, PB Swiss, nepros/KTC, KNIPEX, USAG and Norbar. I'm a tool obsessed bicycle mechanic and got into this mess selling tools as I found myself getting frustrated having to source these brands from multiple different places, often overseas. We opened for business a little over a year ago and stock everything at our warehouse in San Luis Obispo, California so we are just catching our stride and expanding offerings as the business grows.

We'll use this space to keep you guys updated on new tools and promotions from our favorite brands and welcome any feedback or suggestions you might have for improving our business. For instance, are there certain items we don't carry from our brand partners that we are missing out on? I know a lot of you here are auto mechanics that can teach us some things!

 

[billspreston]

Let's start with some updates coming from PB Swiss in January. We sell/use a lot of hex and Torx drivers so we're excited and curious as they are mixing things up a bit with their line of 'cross-handle' drivers. PB 207 (Hex), 407 (Torx) and 408 (Torx Plus) are being discontinued and will be replaced with new PB 1206 (Hex), 1406 (Torx), and 1408 (Torx Plus) lines.

Similar to the outgoing series, these drivers feature different sized handles tailored to fastener size, but the shape is now similar to their existing PB 1207/1407/1408 series. Definitely look forward to giving these a whirl!

 

[sweet victory]

Great chatting with you last night Mike. Excited to see the new PB Swiss updates! We certainly aren't getting this kind of info from either of the two US PB distributors. Do you think PB is open to adding sae or torx sizes to any of their t handles, particularly the sliding t handles?

 

[nadogail]

Welcome Aboard from a Life Member of the League of American Wheelmen.

Yes I know management changed the name to League American Bicyclists, but the plaque on my wall says League of American Wheelmen.

 

[billspreston]

Great chatting with you last night Mike. Excited to see the new PB Swiss updates! We certainly aren't getting this kind of info from either of the two US PB distributors. Do you think PB is open to adding sae or torx sizes to any of their t handles, particularly the sliding t handles?

One of the great things about PB Swiss is they are quite open to new ideas so we are constantly bugging them with things. They invest something impressive like 20% of their annual profits into new product development. We've discussed sliding T-handles in Torx in the past and they seem aware of the demand for those so I think there is potential there. SAE I would say is less likely unless we were to commission a special production. USA remains a smaller market for them as most consumers here don't know what PB Swiss is or what makes them special – something we need to work on

Welcome Aboard from a Life Member of the League of American Wheelmen.

Yes I know management changed the name to League American Bicyclists, but the plaque on my wall says League of American Wheelmen.

Thank you. I have seen one of those plaques before – very cool!

 

[merkyworks]

Bought some PB Swiss tools from DRPD recently and very happy with transaction and customer service. They were the only place I was able to find PB soft grip picks, not a fan of hard blue handle style. Would defiantly recommend DRPD.

 

[billspreston]

Bought some PB Swiss tools from DRPD recently and very happy with transaction and customer service. They were the only place I was able to find PB soft grip picks, not a fan of hard blue handle style. Would defiantly recommend DRPD.

Thanks merky, stoked you had a good experience!

A bit about those picks – SwissGrip handled picks aren't a standard catalog item so these were a special production commissioned from the factory in Switzerland. One unique thing we did was to swap in the U pick as this isn't included in the blue Multicraft handle set and is a welcomed addition for most mechanics.

We run special productions like this regularly, but PB Swiss has been overwhelmed with production demand in 2021 so we've had to pump the brakes for a bit. Hoping for more fun stuff like this in 2022.

 

[Ton ton]

Welcome to garage journal. Always great to learn about new tool dealers.

 

[merkyworks]

Cool bit of info, good call on sub’ing in the U pick. Also explains why SwissGrip handle versions were so hard to find LOL.

Edit: Just FYI to anyone, SwissGrip version Vs blue grip version. Bigger SwissGrip handle makes holding/using them much easier.

 

[Retroman]

Had a couple of great transactions with DRPD. Got a Nepros 3/8" ratchet and some PB Swiss SWAG.
Super fast shipping and nice to have somone on the West Coast to deal with, seems like I got my orders in a day or two. Like the stickers that come with the orders just a nice little extra!!

 

[sweet victory]

One of the great things about PB Swiss is they are quite open to new ideas so we are constantly bugging them with things. They invest something impressive like 20% of their annual profits into new product development. We've discussed sliding T-handles in Torx in the past and they seem aware of the demand for those so I think there is potential there. SAE I would say is less likely unless we were to commission a special production. USA remains a smaller market for them as most consumers here don't know what PB Swiss is or what makes them special – something we need to work on

If you were to commission a special run, what would the MOQ be? I'm certain you could conjure up some pre-orders to get you going on GJ!

 

[Ton ton]

Does pb. Swiss make a 6 in 1 screwdriver?

 

[billspreston]

Cool bit of info, good call on sub’ing in the U pick. Also explains why SwissGrip handle versions were so hard to find LOL.

Edit: Just FYI to anyone, SwissGrip version Vs blue grip version. Bigger SwissGrip handle makes holding/using them much easier.

The SwissGrip version is much preferred here in the shop for this reason. And SwissGrip is our most popular handle style by sales by a good margin.

Had a couple of great transactions with DRPD. Got a Nepros 3/8" ratchet and some PB Swiss SWAG.
Super fast shipping and nice to have somone on the West Coast to deal with, seems like I got my orders in a day or two. Like the stickers that come with the orders just a nice little extra!!

Love to see it! Yep, we do give away free stickers (from brands that are ordered) for orders over $20.

If you were to commission a special run, what would the MOQ be? I'm certain you could conjure up some pre-orders to get you going on GJ!

As you can imagine, there is somewhat of a wide range depending on tooling & engineering complexity. Typically it's something like 200 units if we are repurposing existing tools/handles like the the above pick set, for example. Then 500-1000+ units if additional tooling, injection molds, coloring, etc is required. I'd expect SAE sliding t-handles to be in the 200-500 (per size) range. The limited SAE drivers we do offer seem to sell pretty well, but I'm not sure if 200-500 units would turnover in a reasonable timeframe.

Does pb. Swiss make a 6 in 1 screwdriver?

Definitely, they make quite a variety of styles like this. PB Swiss calls this style of driver "Insider" or "Insider Pro". We carry a few different versions at the moment and will expanding that category soon.

 

[billspreston]

Here's some photos we took this week of one of our top sellers – nepros Quick Spinner (available in 1/4", 3/8", 1/2", 3/8" compact)

There are a lot of different versions of this kind of tool out on the market, but I'd dare go out on a limb and say these are these best available from both a quality and usability standpoint.

 

[2ndGearRubber]

What's the ring material made of? Plastic? Rubber?

 

[Ton ton]

Probably goat hair. Sorry I can't help myself.

 

[billspreston]

What's the ring material made of? Plastic? Rubber?

Ring material is Rubber

Probably goat hair. Sorry I can't help myself.

... really really nice rubber Kidding aside these are nicely priced! About 40% cheaper than the truck stuff...

 

[sweet victory]

What finish is Nepros using on their hex bit sockets? Titanium nitride? They are equally stunning...

 

[billspreston]

What finish is Nepros using on their hex bit sockets? Titanium nitride? They are equally stunning...

You got it titanium nitride finish on the bit sockets

 

[billspreston]

GJ crew – we kicked off our big Year-End Sale today – 21% off storewide with coupon code TOOLS21 (pre-orders excluded). Sale ends Nov 24 at Midnight PST.

 

[Retroman]

GJ crew – we kicked off our big Year-End Sale today – 21% off storewide with coupon code TOOLS21 (pre-orders excluded). Sale ends Nov 24 at Midnight PST.

Was hoping to get some Nepros Gold but I see it is a pre order.

 

[billspreston]

Was hoping to get some Nepros Gold but I see it is a pre order.

Sorry about that! The reason we do this for pre-orders is essentially to protect our customers who ordered the product weeks or months ago from feeling at a disadvantage for acting early. We do a lot of pre-orders for special/limited products so this just helps us preserve the integrity of that program.

 

[will335i]

Thanks for posting. Is there any chance you will be expanding what you offer from Nepros to be closer to the complete line?

 

[billspreston]

Thanks for posting. Is there any chance you will be expanding what you offer from Nepros to be closer to the complete line?

Absolutely – we are working to expand the line further in 2022. Anything in particular you all think we should prioritize to bring in next?

 

[Ton ton]

Absolutely – we are working to expand the line further in 2022. Anything in particular you all think we should prioritize to bring in next?

Wood handled claw hammers from Japan. I don't know the brand but I hear that they are pretty decent.

 

[1cargarage]

Lurked here for some time and have discovered many of my favorite premium tool brands here. A few members have poked us to start posting so here we are.

My name is Mike and I'm from DRPD; we're a US-based retailer of premium imported tool brands, namely, PB Swiss, nepros/KTC, KNIPEX, USAG and Norbar. I'm a tool obsessed bicycle mechanic and got into this mess selling tools as I found myself getting frustrated having to source these brands from multiple different places, often overseas. We opened for business a little over a year ago and stock everything at our warehouse in San Luis Obispo, California so we are just catching our stride and expanding offerings as the business grows.

We'll use this space to keep you guys updated on new tools and promotions from our favorite brands and welcome any feedback or suggestions you might have for improving our business. For instance, are there certain items we don't carry from our brand partners that we are missing out on? I know a lot of you here are auto mechanics that can teach us some things!

MIKE! Welcome to the GJ!

I was so excited to come across your site ~1 week ago (looking for some PB Swiss).

What I would personally like to see from PB Swiss:

SAE versions of the "safety" L-keys (The knurled ones made from round stock)
SAE versions of the T-handle drivers (Not the plastic Wiha looking ones, the all-metal ones)

I know the SAE request is a lot and it's nothing you haven't heard. I'm just echoing.

DM sent btw

 

[will335i]

For me it would just be rounding out the 1/4 selection and after getting the NBR290S I am really wanting the NBRC390S.

 

[sweet victory]

Got an email about DRPD’s year end sale! 21% off Nov 16-24. Code is TOOLS21

 

[Retroman]

Do you know if any of the Nepros in Blue finish is available? I assume it was a limited run but thought I would ask.

 

[billspreston]

Wood handled claw hammers from Japan. I don't know the brand but I hear that they are pretty decent.

Dogyu, O.H., Trusco? These are the Japanese hammer brands I'm aware of although I'm sure there are more!

MIKE! Welcome to the GJ!

I was so excited to come across your site ~1 week ago (looking for some PB Swiss).

What I would personally like to see from PB Swiss:

SAE versions of the "safety" L-keys (The knurled ones made from round stock)
SAE versions of the T-handle drivers (Not the plastic Wiha looking ones, the all-metal ones)

I know the SAE request is a lot and it's nothing you haven't heard. I'm just echoing.

DM sent btw

SAE maybe has more demand than I think it does. You are using these for auto work, yes?

For me it would just be rounding out the 1/4 selection and after getting the NBR290S I am really wanting the NBRC390S.

On it!

Do you know if any of the Nepros in Blue finish is available? I assume it was a limited run but thought I would ask.

We've inquired on this and, yep, limited edition like the current gold series and is no longer available.

 

[1cargarage]

SAE maybe has more demand than I think it does. You are using these for auto work, yes?

Not me. My vehicle is all metric. I would be using them (T-handles) for all-around shop duties. I have the Bondhus dipped T-handle sets hanging at my main bench and I reach for them all the damn time.
The knurled L-wrenches I would have in my portable box. I always prefer a knurled driver if available. Again, mainly for general repair/mods/etc.
I have found myself doing a lot of electonical stuff lately and it's amazing how many little (smaller than ~#10) screws there are to be turned in even the simplest devices. Which is actually why I went to DRPD in the first place - to shop for PB Swiss SAE nutdrivers (none to be found) that don't skip sizes on the small side of the rainbow.

 

[Ton ton]

Just curious what a Japanese claw hammer even looks like? Trusco sounds like a good brand.

 

[Blind1]

Is shipping reasonable? I’d rather not pay $15-20 for to ship a set of screwdrivers.

 

[1cargarage]

Just curious what a Japanese claw hammer even looks like? Trusco sounds like a good brand.

I have several Trusco toolboxes. They are awesome. Super handy, well made, bright colors, enticing prices, just cool little boxes in general.

The Dogyu (claw) hammers are the ones I see most often around here. Never used one myself, but they seem fine.

 

[Catfishdan]

I’m right down the road from you in Morro Bay. Do you guys have an actual storefront I can come look around, or just a warehouse?

 

[Ton ton]

I have several Trusco toolboxes. They are awesome. Super handy, well made, bright colors, enticing prices, just cool little boxes in general.

The Dogyu (claw) hammers are the ones I see most often around here. Never used one myself, but they seem fine.

Thank you for the picture.

 

[billspreston]

Is shipping reasonable? I’d rather not pay $15-20 for to ship a set of screwdrivers.

We ship packages under a pound via USPS First Class (~$4-6) and over a pound via UPS Ground ($8-15). We don't markup shipping costs at all and also offer Free Shipping for orders over $100.

I’m right down the road from you in Morro Bay. Do you guys have an actual storefront I can come look around, or just a warehouse?

We have just a warehouse as of now, but are working towards a storefront next year

 

[jtltools]

Hey Mike! I've been admiring my Nepros ratchet for a few days now. I can't decide weather to use it as a tool or hang it on the wall as art! Looking forward to my next delivery. Thanks again for everything!

Jake

 

[Retctddvr]

Lurked here for some time and have discovered many of my favorite premium tool brands here. A few members have poked us to start posting so here we are.

My name is Mike and I'm from DRPD; we're a US-based retailer of premium imported tool brands, namely, PB Swiss, nepros/KTC, KNIPEX, USAG and Norbar. I'm a tool obsessed bicycle mechanic and got into this mess selling tools as I found myself getting frustrated having to source these brands from multiple different places, often overseas. We opened for business a little over a year ago and stock everything at our warehouse in San Luis Obispo, California so we are just catching our stride and expanding offerings as the business grows.

We'll use this space to keep you guys updated on new tools and promotions from our favorite brands and welcome any feedback or suggestions you might have for improving our business. For instance, are there certain items we don't carry from our brand partners that we are missing out on? I know a lot of you here are auto mechanics that can teach us some things!

So Mike, maybe I'm blind, but how do I find your web site or catalog. I don't see a link anywhere in this thread, even though many posters seem to have more information than I see here. Do yo have an online catalog?

 

[will335i]

So Mike, maybe I'm blind, but how do I find your web site or catalog. I don't see a link anywhere in this thread, even though many posters seem to have more information than I see here. Do yo have an online catalog?

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