PB Swiss Tools Review

[zuspiel]

Very cool! I'm so glad I completed my SO ratcheting driver collection...
I'm happy with those and for once don't feel the need to run out and get another PB tool.
Not sure if I'll be able to resist if Stuey posts a review, though...

This reminds me: I need to post pics of my PB reamer...

 

[Vinko]

No ratcheting screwdriver either. I'd like one -- I guess there've been a few times we're I've wanted one, but I don't know. Sort of gimmicky to me, still. Maybe people felt that way about the socket when SnapOn came out with it?

I bought a nail punch to try out on some finishing nails. So far, so good.

Zuzpiel: what size Phillips come in that package of red-handled drivers in post #101?

 

[zuspiel]

Vinko, the set comes with sizes 0, 1, 2, and 3.
Those thwo sets are my main screwdrivers now.
Still love them...

 

[Paladin]

Totally off topic and I apolagize in advance, Have you ever handled or fired a K31? It makes a German made Mauser feel clunky and crude.

Yup, I've owned 3 and still have 1 K31. And yes, they are like Rolex's of military surplus. All are accurate, well fitted/manufactured pieces. Unfortunately, the stock toes are almost always chewed up...

 

[MD11]

Well, I posted this in a new thread but it merits repeating here as there are more subscribers..

I just wanted to share with members here that are fedup with Made in China and the trend many of our favorite American tool makers are joining, which is to ship more and more production to China. While I still love my Snap on, and for wrenches, sockets and ratchets, they're still #1 in my book... I decided to buy my 1/4" bit set from PB Swiss (they're sold out of their US distributor in Atlanta, Count On Tools, Inc at http://www.pbtools.us/ ) and I can't say well enough about the quality of these bits, or the screw drivers I also ordered. A woman named Donna Shook handles most of the orders there and she's great.. I had to call in twice to get changes to my order and they handled it with a smile (over the phone)..

Everything is 100% Swiss made, and the heft, quality of materials and even color coding is superb, and the quality is above what I expected; even from the Swiss. I sill have my Snap On SDM400A bit set, but my new go to bits are these beauties. I'd post pictures, but my poor camera work won't do them justice, and the website has plenty of close up photos. If you're a tool snob, there are no finer bits IMHO, and their screw drivers are on par, maybe better than the Snap On's which are themselves great. I used to prefer Wiha screw drivers, but I think this will be my new brand.

Wanted to share.. that's all.

Sorry for the poor photo.. I need a proper macro type camera.

 

[american lockpicker]

That pic is good enough.

 

[MD11]

That pic is good enough.

thanks, it's just that I can't capture the amazing attention to detail that these tools have with my crappy lens. The laser etching, the color coding, and precision cuts. Then there is the tactile feel of the screw driver handles which are the best I've felt period. It's almost a luxurious rubber feel with significant heft.

 

[Stuey]

I have a few handle and bit pics up at ToolGuyd from back when I reviewed my PB Swiss Insider, and even those pics don't do it full justice.

 

[Keep]

Great timing. (Even though its a year old thread) I have been looking for a nice set of hard handled screwdrivers. My collection of craftsman "red n blue" is in sad shape.

I have looked at Mac, Matco, Snapon, Wiha, Gray and to many others. None had the shape or feel that I liked. Either that or they are all "Comfort grip" I hate the feel of those screwdrivers, especially once they are greasy.

Now these look like some nice, comfortable and best of all NOT made in China.

Now just to find a local distributor and I will be all set.

 

[MD11]

Now just to find a local distributor and I will be all set.

I'm pretty sure the only source in North America is the one I got it from near Atlanta.... but you can try. Trust me however, sight unseen, these are great. The screw drivers are without equal, and I've owned Klein, Snap On, Wiha, and other random brands..

 

[Stuey]

There are several US distributors, but I don't know of any "local" ones.

 

[Keep]

I meant local as in Ontario, where I would not have to pay extra duty/brokerage on any purchase I made. Does not seem to be an option though.

 

[MD11]

I meant local as in Ontario, where I would not have to pay extra duty/brokerage on any purchase I made. Does not seem to be an option though.

Does Amazon cost you those fees? They also carry the full line..

 

[Stuey]

I meant local as in Ontario, where I would not have to pay extra duty/brokerage on any purchase I made. Does not seem to be an option though.

Oh. Whoops. I missed that tidbit before, sorry.

Does Amazon cost you those fees? They also carry the full line..

Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S.

I believe that Small Parts does ship to Canada, though, but he would have to order it from them directly instead of via their Amazon store.

 

[Vinko]

Everything is 100% Swiss made, and the heft, quality of materials and even color coding is superb, and the quality is above what I expected; even from the Swiss. [/IMG]

Agreed about quality of the PB Swiss. The hammers are amazingly finished. But speaking of the hammers, and since we're tool geeks here, I wanted to offer a slight correction on "100% Swiss made" (depending upon how you define that question in general for any country) my understanding is that the hammers use American hickory. Which is only right, because that's one tough wood.

 

[american lockpicker]

Agreed about quality of the PB Swiss. The hammers are amazingly finished. But speaking of the hammers, and since we're tool geeks here, I wanted to offer a slight correction on "100% Swiss made" (depending upon how you define that question in general for any country) my understanding is that the hammers use American hickory. Which is only right, because that's one tough wood.

Also you have to wonder about the electonic components in some of the tools... Swiss Made is really a loose term I think it means 50% of the parts are made in Switzerland and something else...

 

[Vinko]

Great timing. (Even though its a year old thread) I have been looking for a nice set of hard handled screwdrivers. My collection of craftsman "red n blue" is in sad shape.

I have looked at Mac, Matco, Snapon, Wiha, Gray and to many others. None had the shape or feel that I liked. Either that or they are all "Comfort grip" I hate the feel of those screwdrivers, especially once they are greasy.

Now these look like some nice, comfortable and best of all NOT made in China.

Now just to find a local distributor and I will be all set.

My first set of SO drivers was nearly 20 years ago. I don't foresee needing more (though I've added a few here and there and a used to an additional toolbox). I have three PB drivers, and use the #2 phillips a lot (with the Swiss Grip, and I'd say that you couldn't go wrong with the Swiss driver.s The bit looks pretty nicely machined too. Cheaper than SO if you get them on sale I think. Or maybe about the same price. Still perhaps you'll think it's worth paying the shipping for an online source

 

[american lockpicker]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Swiss_Made

 

[Monte]

in post #88 of this thread we already found out that the steel they use is from germany and the plastic from the USA.

 

[MD11]

in post #88 of this thread we already found out that the steel they use is from germany and the plastic from the USA.

Raw materials are not an issue I put much concern into, the true value added is in the production, machining and assembly of a product, not where the wood or steel comes from, even if it is nice to have that steel at least be US, German or Japanese.

 

[Keep]

in post #88 of this thread we already found out that the steel they use is from germany and the plastic from the USA.

Works for me. As long as there is no China in the mix!

I will have no issues with only shipping to the US. I have family in Ohio and I get stuff shipping to them all the time

 

[dede2897234]

To those who own any PB Swiss slotted screwdrivers, does PB's parallel tip make a difference (versus a conventional conical tip) in terms of applying torque onto a slotted screw? In terms of applying torque, how much of an advantage does PB's parallel tip design have over a conventional tip in terms of loosening a rusted or Loctite coated screw? Does PB's parallel tip really prevent damage to the head of a screw?


Thanks,

Dave

 

[MD11]

To those who own any PB Swiss slotted screwdrivers, does PB's parallel tip make a difference (versus a conventional conical tip) in terms of applying torque onto a slotted screw? In terms of applying torque, how much of an advantage does PB's parallel tip design have over a conventional tip in terms of loosening a rusted or Loctite coated screw? Does PB's parallel tip really prevent damage to the head of a screw?


Thanks,

Dave

About as much as Snapon Flank Drive prevents slipping and stripping of a fastener.... it's noticeable but not shockingly so..

 

[jvitez]

I can't believe I just spent an hour on GJ reading about screwdrivers.....and loved it! I guess this truly demonstrate that I am, really, at heart, a tool addict. To thine own self be true!

This past week I held a Wera Kraftform-Plus series 300 screwdriver for the first time. Very, very nice! The dealer also showed me the Kraftform Kompakt: I was blown away. The amazingly detailed engineering and careful manufacturing put into a lowly screwdriver, way cool. This got me thinking about my screwdriver collection. I realize though I need two sets: a hard handled one for the garage, and maybe a soft grip type for the basement workshop where I do mostly woodworking. I thought of buying a Wera set for the woodshop and moving my current ones to the garage. But now....

I'll buy both! I'm glad I found this PB Swiss thread. Thank you all for the great test info and pics. PB Swiss for the garage, Wera for the woodshop, others in the garbage, and I'm done. I waste waaaay too much time on GJ since discovering it, but enjoy every minute of it. I'm glad being a tool addict is not considered a treatable condition here.

 

[Vinko]

^^ Zuzpiel was a king reviewer of tools! I didn't go whole hog on PB Swiss drivers, though I wish that I had, esp. when Small Parts was selling them so cheap. But the PB drivers I have are excellent.

 

[jvitez]

I see zuzpiel hasn't been on GJ for about 6 months. Anyway, whenever you come back, Gruetzi! from a grateful Canuck.

 

[Mr. Tool]

Better late then never!

I know!.....I know!.........this thread is a few years old and I'm way past late......but these.......sure do look sweet!

Now I'm curious!......How'd they turn out?...What about the quality?...Satisfied?

Just to feed the pic addiction. I haven't had a real chance to test them...

​

 

[zuspiel]

They are still great years later!

Those are the sets on the back of my workbench. They get used a lot and tips are still perfect. They clean up easy, as well.

 

[Mr. Tool]

Thank You Sir!

They are still great years later!

Those are the sets on the back of my workbench. They get used a lot and tips are still perfect. They clean up easy, as well.

 

[egfdevos]

 

[Dave455]

I've got a stack of PB tools, some of them quite old, and they've lasted really well. I bought a set of ball hex drivers 15 years ago second hand, and they are still in daily use! The screwdrivers all conform to the Swiss standard (I seem to recall it's called VSM or some such) and they do work really well PROVIDED you are using them on metric screws and match the right driver to the right screw slot.

The downside of PB stuff is that, except for Allen wrenches, they only offer tools in metric. If you are working on inch sized screws you're better off with a set of Snap On drivers. I have both!!! Don't like the PB soft handles though!

 

[eljaro]

I only use PB Swiss screwdrivers since long time ago. The flat attack surface to the screw slot just permits more torque to be applied without the srewdriver beeing driven out of the slot by other designs where the screwdriver has a conical tip. No damaging screw heads possible with them. If you work on classic cars where slotted screws are the norm, you will appreciate theses screwdrivers, which will not damage chromed screw heads.
The silicon handle is very confortable and easy to clean.
They happen to also have both the Phillips and Pozidrive tipped screwdrivers.

And for the mobile they have complete sets with interchangable blades.

I still have a 40 year old PB screwdriver with the tip intact. Thed rest got stolen.

One more added bonus: since they are very rare if you see your missing screwdrive in someone elses toolbox you know its yours !!!!

 

[VoodooCLD]

I know it was posted a long time ago, but does anyone know if the clear red handles smell bad like the craftsman clear handles do? I believe they are made of the same stuff - Cellulose Acetate Butyrate.

 

[drtyler]

They are infused with a "subtle vanilla aroma".

http://www.pbswisstools.com/en/quality-hand-tools-qht/screwdrivers/classic.html

I know it was posted a long time ago, but does anyone know if the clear red handles smell bad like the craftsman clear handles do? I believe they are made of the same stuff - Cellulose Acetate Butyrate.

 

[cbracer]

I just wish the classic handles were larger in diameter. Always seems like I struggle using the classic PB screwdrivers to get enough torque on it......

 

[eljaro]

The soft SwissGrip Santoprene handles have a good comfortable grip, are thicker than the classic line and are easy to clean. They come incensed with a vanilla aroma.

 

[Ainsley]

Just placed an order for my first PB Swiss tools (excluding the bottle opener). Ended up with the swissgrip Torx screwdriver set and a set of metric nut drivers.

 

[Krokodil]

Just received my first PB screwdriver today - Insider. Love it already!

 

[Crazyjake8493]

Does anyone know what the screwdriver holders are called, or have a link to them? I can't seem to find them on the site.

 

[CGarage]

This is a great thread. Love my PB Swiss.