PB Swiss madness on Amazon

[spartyon8]

Amazon has some AWESOME prices on PB Swiss stuff. I am in the need for some torx drivers and have these coming:

1 "PB Swiss 8400/9 Screwdrivers for Torx Screws"
Unknown Binding; $2.42

Sold by: Amazon.com, LLC
1 "PB Swiss 8400 B/10 Screwdrivers for Torx Screws"
Unknown Binding; $2.91

Sold by: Amazon.com, LLC
1 "PB Swiss 8401/15 Screwdrivers for Torx Plus Screws"
Unknown Binding; $1.30

Sold by: Amazon.com, LLC
1 "PB Swiss 8400/3 Screwdrivers for Torx Screws"
Unknown Binding; $2.51

Sold by: Amazon.com, LLC
1 "PB Swiss 8400/5 Screwdrivers for Torx Screws"
Unknown Binding; $3.15

Sold by: Amazon.com, LLC
1 "PB Swiss 8401/25 Screwdrivers for Torx Plus Screws"
Unknown Binding; $1.56

Sold by: Amazon.com, LLC
1 "PB Swiss 8401/27 Screwdrivers for Torx Plus Screws"
Unknown Binding; $2.97

Sold by: Amazon.com, LLC
1 "PB Swiss 8401/8 Screwdrivers for Torx Plus Screws"
Unknown Binding; $1.22

Sold by: Amazon.com, LLC
1 "PB Swiss 8401/7 Screwdrivers for Torx Plus Screws"
Unknown Binding; $1.96

 

[pfbz]

Torx plus? Never run into a single Torx plus fastener. In fact, I didn't even know what they were until I looked it up on Wikipedia...

A Torx variant, Torx Plus, introduced about 1990 when the original Torx patent was expiring, is designed to allow greater torque, and to minimize wear. ... Standard Torx drivers can be used to drive Torx Plus screws (but) Torx Plus drivers will not fit standard Torx screws.

Does anybody know of an application were Torx plus is used?

 

[spartyon8]

Torx plus? Never run into a single Torx plus fastener. In fact, I didn't even know what they were until I looked it up on Wikipedia...



Does anybody know of an application were Torx plus is used?

****...I just bought 20 bucks in torx drivers that I can't use. I just assumed they were an upgraded version of their regular torx drivers. DUH!

 

[Vinko]

I thought all those sales on Amazon were over because of dealer complaints, but I guess not. Small Parts had quite a few slashed prices a while ago.

I picked up every punch that was at least 75% off. Also the 2, 2.5, and 3 torx drivers. Might never need them, but at a buck or two each, why not

 

[Dennis The Menace]

Torx plus? Never run into a single Torx plus fastener. In fact, I didn't even know what they were until I looked it up on Wikipedia...



Does anybody know of an application were Torx plus is used?

Never come across one, either. They also have Tamper Resistant Torx Plus and you need a special letter from OEM to purchase them.

I do know that Torx Plus is used for the following...

Bosch MAF sensors, BMW Vanos cam pullies, Mustang gearboxes, Cummins John Deere & Stanadyne injector pumps, GM bell housings, Ford transfer cases, Ford seatbelt anchors and Mercedes-Benz wing mirrors. Subaru Flywheel bolts are a T50P and 2005 to now GM Sierra front seat bracket bolt.

 

[bchee]

what does unknown binding mean?

 

[Vinko]

Never come across one, either. They also have Tamper Resistant Torx Plus and you need a special letter from OEM to purchase them.

Who is they? PB Swiss? Who is the OEM in this case?

 

[loj]

what does unknown binding mean?

Amazon doesn't know if they're hardback or paperback.

 

[Dennis The Menace]

Who is they? PB Swiss? Who is the OEM in this case?

They = tool manufactures (Wiha - IPR - 5 Point Security Torx Plus Bits Are Available for Order To OEM's and their Authorized Service Technicians. You must submit Written Verification Of Application Requirement to Purchase this product. Call Our Customer Service Department at:
800-494-6104 for additional information.
Not Available For Resale!
OEM'S & Their Authorized Service Companies Only)

http://www.wihatools.com/700seri/716_IPR_serie.htm

OEM = BMW, GM, Ford, Honda, Subaru, etc.

 

[2_lude]

Prices are fluctuating a lot on certain items everyday. Sometimes up to 80% off. Good time to have prime.

http://www.amazon.com/s/qid=1279040013/ref=sr_pg_1?ie=UTF8&keywords=pb%20swiss&rh=n%3A16310091%2Cn%3A!16310161%2Ck%3Apb%20swiss%2Cp_8%3A70-&page=1

 

[impulse922]

to clear some confusion:
b= tamper proof torx
1 = torx plus
normal has neither in the p/n

if you want just normal torx, search torx then the size(10,15,20), and nearly all of them are 1/2 off.

i got 8 torx(3,5,9,10,15,20,25,30) and 1 phillips for $45.

thanks for the heads up

 

[Monte]

Prices are fluctuating a lot on certain items everyday. Sometimes up to 80% off. Good time to have prime.

http://www.amazon.com/s/qid=1279040013/ref=sr_pg_1?ie=UTF8&keywords=pb%20swiss&rh=n%3A16310091%2Cn%3A!16310161%2Ck%3Apb%20swiss%2Cp_8%3A70-&page=1

wow thats cheap ....... $1.68 for a PZ2 screwdriver !!! wtf ???

 

[impulse922]

wow thats cheap ....... $1.68 for a PZ2 screwdriver !!! wtf ???

did you order them all up yet, monte?

 

[MarcSeattle]

WTF? I'm baffled by the PB Swiss sizing for hex screwdrivers. I see this page:

http://pbtoolsus.thomasnet.com/viewitems/classic/pb-205-hex-keys-with-handle?

It is measuring in "metal screw size" and "set screw size"? What is that? I've never seen a hex (allen) driver measured in any way other than the distance between the flats on the hex. Anyone know how to translate this from Swiss-lish? I tried to look it up on the web but gave up.

 

[thk2c]

Prices are fluctuating a lot on certain items everyday. Sometimes up to 80% off. Good time to have prime.

http://www.amazon.com/s/qid=1279040013/ref=sr_pg_1?ie=UTF8&keywords=pb%20swiss&rh=n%3A16310091%2Cn%3A!16310161%2Ck%3Apb%20swiss%2Cp_8%3A70-&page=1

how do you only show items that are 70% off or more?

 

[Keep]

man oh man oh man, why do I come to this site!

Thanks for the tip

 

[Keep]

how do you only show items that are 70% off or more?

left hand side toward the bottom

 

[dede2897234]

I placed the below PB Swiss tool order last night on Amazon:

- PB Swiss 207/2.5 Hex Key with Cross-Handle
- PB Swiss 207/3 Hex Keys with Cross-Handle
- PB Swiss 207/2 Hex Keys with Cross-Handle
- PB Swiss 207 L/4 Hex Keys with Cross-Handle
- PB Swiss 205/1.5 Hex Driver with Handle
- PB Swiss 205 L/3 Hex Keys with Handle
- PB Swiss 8400 B/15 Screwdrivers for Torx Screws
- PB Swiss 8400 B/10 Screwdrivers for Torx Screws
- PB Swiss 5400/5 Insulated Screwdrivers for Torx Screws
- PB Swiss 5400/27 Insulated Screwdrivers for Torx Screws
- PB Swiss 410/8 Offset Screwdrivers for Torx Screws
- PB Swiss 410/4 Offset Screwdrivers for Torx Screws
- PB Swiss 410/20 Offset Screwdrivers for Torx Screws
- PB Swiss 2411/7 Offset Screwdrivers for Torx Screws
- PB Swiss 8401/15 Screwdrivers for Torx Plus Screws
- PB Swiss 408/7 Screwdrivers with Cross-handle for Torx Plus Screws
- PB Swiss 5192/3-150 Insulated Screwdrivers for Pozidriv 3 Screws
- PB Swiss 192/2-150 Screwdrivers for 2 Pozidriv Screws
- PB Swiss 755/6 Parallel Pin Punches
- PB Swiss 715/2 Parallel Pin Punches

The total price for the above 20 items was a little over $38.00 with free shipping. What a deal for premium hand tools!

I would hurry and place an order. The prices are going way up for the remainder low stock quantities. For example, the "PB Swiss 207/3 Hex Keys with Cross-Handle" went up from around $2.00 last night to $5.56 this afternoon.


Dave

 

[impulse922]

I would hurry and place an order. The prices are going way up for the remainder low stock quantities. For example, the "PB Swiss 207/3 Hex Keys with Cross-Handle" went up from around $2.00 last night to $5.56 this afternoon.


Dave

woah, you are right!

lease note that the price of PB Swiss 8192/1-130 Screwdrivers for Pozidriv Screws has increased from $1.53 to $9.12 since you placed it in your Shopping Cart. Items in your cart will always reflect the most recent price displayed on their product detail pages.

Please note that the price of PB Swiss 410/6 Offset Screwdrivers for Torx Screws has increased from $1.33 to $5.06 since you placed it in your Shopping Cart. Items in your cart will always reflect the most recent price displayed on their product detail pages.

 

[dede2897234]

Never come across one, either. They also have Tamper Resistant Torx Plus and you need a special letter from OEM to purchase them.

I do know that Torx Plus is used for the following...

Bosch MAF sensors, BMW Vanos cam pullies, Mustang gearboxes, Cummins John Deere & Stanadyne injector pumps, GM bell housings, Ford transfer cases, Ford seatbelt anchors and Mercedes-Benz wing mirrors. Subaru Flywheel bolts are a T50P and 2005 to now GM Sierra front seat bracket bolt.

"Dennis",

You can go around the rule of needing a special letter from an OEM to purchase 5 point, tamper resistant Torx Plus screwdriver bits by purchasing them on eBay. I purchased about 2 years ago a 7 piece, Klann (made in Germany; division of Gedore) tamper resistant Torx Plus screwdriver bit set from this eBay seller:
http://cgi.ebay.com/Klann-Tool-5-Point-Security-Torx-Bit-Set-/110504330558?cmd=ViewItem&pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item19ba92453e#ht_1782wt_1137.

The eBay seller sold them to me without any issues. I am just a DIYer who repairs cars on the weekend.


Dave

 

[Dennis The Menace]

"Dennis",

You can go around the rule of needing a special letter from an OEM to purchase 5 point, tamper resistant Torx Plus screwdriver bits by purchasing them on eBay. I purchased about 2 years ago a 7 piece, Klann (made in Germany; division of Gedore) tamper resistant Torx Plus screwdriver bit set from this eBay seller:
http://cgi.ebay.com/Klann-Tool-5-Point-Security-Torx-Bit-Set-/110504330558?cmd=ViewItem&pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item19ba92453e#ht_1782wt_1137.

The eBay seller sold them to me without any issues. I am just a DIYer who repairs cars on the weekend.


Dave

Yeah, I figured on something like that. I don't need them, though. I'd never come across the need to use one, I think.

But it would be nice to have some, in case I needed to impress somebody.

Thanks for the head's up.

 

[993James993]

I saw this thread a couple days ago and ordered two screwdrivers. I got them yesterday and the quality is superb. (These are my first PB Swiss tools.) I went back to amazon and ordered another hundred dollars worth. I'll post pics of my haul when they arrive.

 

[blarf]

Does anybody know of an application were Torx plus is used?

Yeah, my freaking BMW. The only normal TORX fasteners I've found on the car are the screws holding the inner door panels on. Without fail everything else is TORX Plus.

Also a variety of electronic devices (external hard drives, Apple notebooks, etc) use tamper-resistant TORX Plus (which is actually a five lobed design incompatible with any other variant of TORX). I ended up with one PB Swiss screwdriver (from their site it looks like they only distribute the TORX Plus drivers with the ergo Swiss Grip handle... which is nice but collects grease like any other soft handled tool) and a set of OTC TORX Plus bits.

I'm constantly amazed at how many "OMG I stripped this fastener" threads turn up on the BMW forums, and how few people checked to see if it was a TORX or a TORX plus fastener. TORX Plus will fit with nearly zero slop.

 

[blarf]

****...I just bought 20 bucks in torx drivers that I can't use. I just assumed they were an upgraded version of their regular torx drivers. DUH!

Which ones did you buy and how much do you want for them?

 

[Vinko]

Yeah, my freaking BMW. The only normal TORX fasteners I've found on the car are the screws holding the inner door panels on. Without fail everything else is TORX Plus.

Also a variety of electronic devices (external hard drives, Apple notebooks, etc) use tamper-resistant TORX Plus (which is actually a five lobed design incompatible with any other variant of TORX). I ended up with one PB Swiss screwdriver (from their site it looks like they only distribute the TORX Plus drivers with the ergo Swiss Grip handle... which is nice but collects grease like any other soft handled tool) and a set of OTC TORX Plus bits.

I'm constantly amazed at how many "OMG I stripped this fastener" threads turn up on the BMW forums, and how few people checked to see if it was a TORX or a TORX plus fastener. TORX Plus will fit with nearly zero slop.

What year BMW? And what Mac? I have a 2 year old notebook with torx not torx plus. Someone at work bought new Mac notebook the other day. I'm going to check it out.

 

[blarf]

What year BMW? And what Mac? I have a 2 year old notebook with torx not torx plus. Someone at work bought new Mac notebook the other day. I'm going to check it out.

The BMW is a MY 2000 3-series (so E46 if you follow that), but I'd be very surprised if newer BMWs aren't the same way. I think the unibody MacBook Pros started using tamper resistant TORX Plus (#6, smaller than you can typically find on eBay). My MacBook is a few generations older and just uses Phillips #00.

Unfortunately for me, I'm not eligible for a prime membership, and I only want about $10 of tools off of Amazon (the useful sizes are all over $4/tool).

 

[Vinko]

I've got an 2000 e46 as well. 5 sp touring Haven't done much to it, so never noticed the torx plus. Good to know, as I'd like to keep that car for a while. What sizes are you using for the E46, (and if you don't mind) where? exactly? Hadn't noticed it at all, to tell the truth. I have a torx on the e34, but most of it looks like phillips. I have noticed Etorx on the e46 which isn't on the E34, so far as I've messed with the engine.

I can't keep up with the macbook versions. I've got the 2 year old MacBook Pro. Just looked. 00 phillips as well, it looks like. Those damn rubber feet are for sh!t though. I've noticed a decline in quality in the assembly and construction in general since they went from Taiwan to China.

 

[blarf]

I've got an 2000 e46 as well. 5 sp touring Haven't done much to it, so never noticed the torx plus. Good to know, as I'd like to keep that car for a while. What sizes are you using for the E46, (and if you don't mind) where? exactly? Hadn't noticed it at all, to tell the truth. I have a torx on the e34, but most of it looks like phillips. I have noticed Etorx on the e46 which isn't on the E34, so far as I've messed with the engine.

Ah, yes, the wagons. I would have much preferred a wagon over a sedan, but not at twice the price. I've got the minimalist option package on mine (no sunroof, no cruise control, no power seats, no steering wheel buttons, no fog lights, no metallic paint, no leather). Unfortunately most E46 wagons have sunroofs (too unreliable) and power seats (too heavy). Thus, I went with a sedan.

I'm still not entirely sold on the TORX Plus thing, but... one of the first things I did was to change the drive belts. I thought the screw head must have been stripped, so I ordered a new one from BMW. My TORX tools still felt loose at best. Did a bit of digging, and came up with the TORX Plus idea, and verified it with the SnapOn guy. From memory:

E-Fan: TP-25
Door hinges: TP-45
A/C tensioner bolt: TP-45
Hood and trunk hinges: TP-27
Instrument cluster: TP-20
Final stage resistor: maybe TP-15 (IIRC the T-20 I used was a bit loose)

It seems like if I go one step down from the internet recommended TORX size (e.x. T-50 to TP-45) I get a bit that fits much better into the screw head. Maybe all of the bolts are worn (altho that's kinda what TORX Plus looks like by design). Maybe all of my tools are **** (but given how little use they get, I doubt that). The OTC TORX Plus bit set was pretty cheap, and a worthwhile investment IMO.

It does seem very German to use such an esoteric tool for the reduced tool/fastener wear and such.

I can't keep up with the macbook versions. I've got the 2 year old MacBook Pro. Just looked. 00 phillips as well, it looks like. Those damn rubber feet are for sh!t though. I've noticed a decline in quality in the assembly and construction in general since they went from Taiwan to China.

Yeah, I don't think I have anything other than some Phillips screws on mine (they used the same body on the black and white MacBooks for years I think). Unfortunately none of the 00 screwdrivers were on sale. It looks like the iMac G5 used some T5 screws (maybe tamper resistant, and the tamper resistant T5 driver is on sale).

 

[spartyon8]

Which ones did you buy and how much do you want for them?

I purchased all of the ones listed in my original post. I will keep them but thanks for the offer. I got them yesterday and I am diggin the swissgrips. They have a very tacky feel to them.

 

[Vinko]

Ah, yes, the wagons. I would have much preferred a wagon over a sedan, but not at twice the price. I've got the minimalist option package on mine (no sunroof, no cruise control, no power seats, no steering wheel buttons, no fog lights, no metallic paint, no leather). Unfortunately most E46 wagons have sunroofs (too unreliable) and power seats (too heavy). Thus, I went with a sedan.

I felt I got what was a good deal on the wagon, esp. a 5 speed and couldn't pass it up. I don't like the sport option though, because the car sits too low, but it's perfect for the freeway. But 5spd/premium/sport packages are pretty rare all in one. And it's a California car. Sunroof, I've only had probs with the shade on the inside. There are two $10 clips that broke. Probably take me 4 hours to fix it, if not more, so I'm willing to pay the 1 hour shop time in the book that it takes

The other prob. with the early e46 that I hear about is the window regulators.

 

[blarf]

I felt I got what was a good deal on the wagon, esp. a 5 speed and couldn't pass it up. I don't like the sport option though, because the car sits too low, but it's perfect for the freeway. But 5spd/premium/sport packages are pretty rare all in one. And it's a California car. Sunroof, I've only had probs with the shade on the inside. There are two $10 clips that broke. Probably take me 4 hours to fix it, if not more, so I'm willing to pay the 1 hour shop time in the book that it takes

The other prob. with the early e46 that I hear about is the window regulators.

Yeah, the sport package seats are nice though... but my car with the standard non-sport suspension is low enough for me. I've even got 15" wheels on mine. The window regulators will fail on pretty much all of the E46s, as will the sunroof clips. The trim above the doors is even better, because you can only buy it in one expensive piece from BMW.

The only things I vaguely miss are cruise control and fold down rear seats. The trunk is utterly useless. It's not a utilitarian car, but it drives well enough and gets decent mileage.

 

[Skin]

"Dennis",

You can go around the rule of needing a special letter from an OEM to purchase 5 point, tamper resistant Torx Plus screwdriver bits by purchasing them on eBay. I purchased about 2 years ago a 7 piece, Klann (made in Germany; division of Gedore) tamper resistant Torx Plus screwdriver bit set from this eBay seller:
http://cgi.ebay.com/Klann-Tool-5-Point-Security-Torx-Bit-Set-/110504330558?cmd=ViewItem&pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item19ba92453e#ht_1782wt_1137.

The eBay seller sold them to me without any issues. I am just a DIYer who repairs cars on the weekend.


Dave

any hardware store with access to a decent catalogue can order you security torx. Its just a very niche item so nobody actually stocks them. I've even seen them used on fasteners used to hold together steam irons [yes the thing used to flatten the wrinkes in your clothes].

 

[Stuey]

Darn it, now I know who's to blame for driving all those prices back up!! =P

I picked up quite a few taper and pin punches for less than $2 each.

 

[Solid Lifters]

Darn it, now I know who's to blame for driving all those prices back up!! =P

I picked up quite a few taper and pin punches for less than $2 each.

I need some of those. Thanks for the info.

 

[superautobacs]

Having shopped for PB Swiss stuff on Amazon in the past, through Small Parts, when they offered them at a discounted rate over Count on Tools, I was dissapointed when they eventually raised their prices to mirror COT's.

After looking at these prices, I must say this sale just blew my mind. Amazing prices

I got my order in today.

 

[Stuey]

Having shopped for PB Swiss stuff on Amazon in the past, through Small Parts, when they offered them at a discounted rate over Count on Tools, I was dissapointed when they eventually raised their prices to mirror COT's.

After looking at these prices, I must say this sale just blew my mind. Amazing prices

I got my order in today.

They were required by PB Swiss to raise their prices. Then they had decent 10% and 20% discounts.

Now, I have no idea what's going on. Small Parts is no longer fulfilled by Amazon, it looks like they were swallowed up.

This isn't a sale, it's just randomized pricing that nobody can explain.

 

[Jeff]

They were required by PB Swiss to raise their prices. Then they had decent 10% and 20% discounts.

Now, I have no idea what's going on. Small Parts is no longer fulfilled by Amazon, it looks like they were swallowed up.

This isn't a sale, it's just randomized pricing that nobody can explain.

Small Parts, originally based in South Florida, was purchased by Amazon and moved up north.

You're right about Amazon's pricing. I've gotten some amazing deals on Wiha, PB Swiss, and Wera over the past 6 months.

 

[Vinko]

What I'd like to know is the formula (if there is one, and there seems like there must be) where something is rather low, and then either shoots or creeps up. What are the factors? Solely purchasing? Or page views, or putting in cart but not buying, etc? I pretty much bought every punch or screwdriver I could that was under $2.50 and made out pretty good. I have a colleague who swears by the PB Swiss punches over the Starrett and anything else he uses. I have their nail drivers and they're good. Granted my Enderes (USA-made -- don't know if they still are), did the job, but those PB Swiss are pimp.

 

[walrus]

Most of the PB stuff I've searched for is currently not in stock

 

[Stuey]

A lot of items aren't being replenished. For example, I have not seen the Insider or the newer versions of it in-stock there for many months.