PB Swiss Tool - C6 or E6
- Thread starter Vifa
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Dave455
Well-known member
It depends what tool you want to use them in.
If you are using them in a power screwdriver you pretty much need the E6 style to fit straight into the Chuck. You can get holders with an E6 shank that take the C6 bits, but then you lose the positive retention, and they are more bulky.
If you are using in hand tools, then you really need the C6. You can use E6 in a magnetic bit driver, but they stick out too far, and generally are too heavy, so are more prone to falling out.
Edit - some hand drivers are specially designed for E6 bits, but they are really designed for the person who already has a set of E6 bits.
I have both styles on my bench, plus Festool bits, plus 5/16 hex Desoutter bits...!
If you are using them in a power screwdriver you pretty much need the E6 style to fit straight into the Chuck. You can get holders with an E6 shank that take the C6 bits, but then you lose the positive retention, and they are more bulky.
If you are using in hand tools, then you really need the C6. You can use E6 in a magnetic bit driver, but they stick out too far, and generally are too heavy, so are more prone to falling out.
Edit - some hand drivers are specially designed for E6 bits, but they are really designed for the person who already has a set of E6 bits.
I have both styles on my bench, plus Festool bits, plus 5/16 hex Desoutter bits...!
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RoundedNut
Well-known member
PB Swiss doesn't offer them, but C6 are commonly 25mm long but longer and shorter ones are available. E6 are 50mm long or longer, and may have reduced diameter shafts for easy access to recess/obstructed screws.
C6's shorter available lengths are great for use with stubby handles and bit ratchets. 25mm C6's are cheap but require bit holding extensions to use in typical driving scenarios that increase the bulk and limit access to recessed/obstructed screws.
E6 is easier to use due to quick release mechanisms, and the longer length with reduced shafts are needed for recessed/obstructed screws.
So in most cases, either will do and C6's lower cost makes them the preferred choice, but you should have both to handle a wider range of applications.
I have a large selection of C6's for most drive types while my E6's are for common ones (cross/square/slot/hex/torx).
I have hand and power drivers for both. Hand drivers typically use C6 but there are ones that use E6, some with quick releases. Picquic screwdrivers are a popular one that uses E6.
Large powered drivers use E6 while the smaller 4V ones use C6. My 12V DeWalt screwdriver accept both.
C6's shorter available lengths are great for use with stubby handles and bit ratchets. 25mm C6's are cheap but require bit holding extensions to use in typical driving scenarios that increase the bulk and limit access to recessed/obstructed screws.
E6 is easier to use due to quick release mechanisms, and the longer length with reduced shafts are needed for recessed/obstructed screws.
So in most cases, either will do and C6's lower cost makes them the preferred choice, but you should have both to handle a wider range of applications.
I have a large selection of C6's for most drive types while my E6's are for common ones (cross/square/slot/hex/torx).
I have hand and power drivers for both. Hand drivers typically use C6 but there are ones that use E6, some with quick releases. Picquic screwdrivers are a popular one that uses E6.
Large powered drivers use E6 while the smaller 4V ones use C6. My 12V DeWalt screwdriver accept both.
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Dave455
Well-known member
Hi both,
Thank you for your answers, very helpful
Can anyone explain why the C6 and E6 doesn't offer the same profiles?
For instance why Torx Plus is not part of the C6 range?
PB seem to be introducing the Torx Plus very slowly. I needed a couple of sizes and had to get them in the Swissgrip drivers, as they have yet to introduce them in the Classic.
There may well be some specific applications that caused PB to introduce them in E6 first. If one of their industrial customers wanted them, I suspect they would try to help.
I know, I had to get the SwissGrip as well because it was the only range of screwdrivers to cover the profiles I needed.
Nevertheless, the SwissGrip is great - but for home use I still prefer the Classic series - love the feel and look of these.
Nevertheless, the SwissGrip is great - but for home use I still prefer the Classic series - love the feel and look of these.
snowblindb
Well-known member
Sorry but this doesn't make sense to me.
PB Swiss makes C6 bits in 25mm. You can even buy a set if you want.
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RoundedNut
Well-known member
Well, I was likely drunk at the time
Let me try again...PB Swiss makes C6 bits in the common 25mm length and not in other lengths as far as I know.
I have found other lengths to be useful: 12 to 19mm used with bit ratchets in tight spots and 30 to 35mm bits used with some stubby drivers. I also have 150mm long C6 bits that are useful with some bit holder/drivers.
Dave455
Well-known member
Well, I was likely drunk at the time
PB Swiss makes C6 bits in the common 25mm length and not in other lengths as far as I know.
I have found other lengths to be useful: 12 to 19mm used with bit ratchets in tight spots and 30 to 35mm bits used with some stubby drivers. I also have 150mm long C6 bits that are useful with some bit holder/drivers.
I think the 50mm bits are only available in slotted, probably for dealing with recessed terminal screws.
Who sells 12mm long insert bits?Well, I was likely drunk at the time
PB Swiss makes C6 bits in the common 25mm length and not in other lengths as far as I know.
I have found other lengths to be useful: 12 to 19mm used with bit ratchets in tight spots and 30 to 35mm bits used with some stubby drivers. I also have 150mm long C6 bits that are useful with some bit holder/drivers.
I have seen the VIM "half cut" but they are 16mm. What are other suppliers for short/stubby insert bits?
RoundedNut
Well-known member
SK11: https://www.amazon.co.jp/gp/product/B00CRC2HEQ/
Anex and Vessel are other suppliers.
You have to have low profile ratchets/holders for these short bits to take advantage of them.