Richard D
Well-known member
Anyone use them?
PB Swiss Tools
- Thread starter Richard D
- Start date
espyking83
Well-known member
Best quality drivers out there, IMO.
Dave455
Well-known member
Yep!
Used 'em since I bought a set of used ball hex drivers about 25 years back, that had obviously seen use, but seemed to have no wear!
Since then I've sought out and bought PB Screwdrivers, Bit Drivers and bits, Allen Keys and punches. Never the cheapest (but not always the dearest) but consistently the best! I also once met Max Baumann the owner of the firm. I don't believe any one single person knows more about these products than he does, and I don't believe any company makes anything better!
Now, you can look at comparative tests and all that shite, and someone will say 'Kamakhazi Brand will take more load' or something, but I know from personal experience that you can overload any hand tool. Provided you don't, PB will work better, last longer, and be nicer to use than anything else out there!
If there's a downside, it's that their products tend to be geared towards the cleaner end of the engineering world, and that many are only available in metric. If you're trying to remove an over tightened 1/4 inch screw in a greasy environment, you're better off with a hard handle Snap On driver that fits exactly. Otherwise the PB is preferred!
If I was to offer advice, I'd point out that the tools that get promoted the most, like most companies, are the newest! PB's strongest lines are the products they've been making for decades, so avoid the soft handles and get the classic CAB!
Used 'em since I bought a set of used ball hex drivers about 25 years back, that had obviously seen use, but seemed to have no wear!
Since then I've sought out and bought PB Screwdrivers, Bit Drivers and bits, Allen Keys and punches. Never the cheapest (but not always the dearest) but consistently the best! I also once met Max Baumann the owner of the firm. I don't believe any one single person knows more about these products than he does, and I don't believe any company makes anything better!
Now, you can look at comparative tests and all that shite, and someone will say 'Kamakhazi Brand will take more load' or something, but I know from personal experience that you can overload any hand tool. Provided you don't, PB will work better, last longer, and be nicer to use than anything else out there!
If there's a downside, it's that their products tend to be geared towards the cleaner end of the engineering world, and that many are only available in metric. If you're trying to remove an over tightened 1/4 inch screw in a greasy environment, you're better off with a hard handle Snap On driver that fits exactly. Otherwise the PB is preferred!
If I was to offer advice, I'd point out that the tools that get promoted the most, like most companies, are the newest! PB's strongest lines are the products they've been making for decades, so avoid the soft handles and get the classic CAB!
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Damn it, I'm almost ready to pull the trigger on some PB stuff. When pay day comes around I'll order something. I've been eyeing the bit set in the case but it's 100 bucks for 30 bits. I also want a screwdriver set as well as an interchangeable screwdriver set (interchangeable shanks). Has anyone used a set of those? Any wobble?
Yes but ever since Amazon phased them out they're expensive and hard to find.
I save them for special occasions. They're too good to abuse and who hasn't abused a screwdriver?
Take a look at this thread
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=306388
Yes PB makes very nice quality tools but judging by these tests there is nothing exceptional about them regarding strength. KTC, Koken and even the Taiwan made Deen make stronger bit sockets by considerable margin. KTC, Bondhus, Wera, Mitoloy make stronger hex keys, and several brands make just as strong screwdrivers, and few seems to be a bit stronger if anything.
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=306388
Yes PB makes very nice quality tools but judging by these tests there is nothing exceptional about them regarding strength. KTC, Koken and even the Taiwan made Deen make stronger bit sockets by considerable margin. KTC, Bondhus, Wera, Mitoloy make stronger hex keys, and several brands make just as strong screwdrivers, and few seems to be a bit stronger if anything.
stihlntime
Well-known member
I think they are as good or better than anything I have used including Wiha Wera Snap On and Felo.
Dave455
Well-known member
Dave455
Well-known member
The screwdriver bits are one of their best lines I reckon. I know they are expensive, but it's worth it as you so seldom need to replace bits! I laugh when I see tradesman buying a box of 50 de Walt PZ bits! If they were PB, what would you do with the other 49?
Unlike some manufacturers, PB don't overprice their individual items, so you don't get a lot of discount buying a set of bits. Consider a saving by just buying the bits you need, if you don't need 'em all!
I wouldn't pretend a bit driver can ever replace a proper set of drivers, but if you're buying a set of bits already, (assuming it's 1/4 inch hex bits) consider adding one of PB's many excellent bit drivers rather than going straight for the interchangeable shank drivers! (The latter are nice, but they tend to get put into service sets where folks want a roll up set).
Bear in mind also, that the 1/4 inch hex bits are available in Imperial sizes, presumably with the aerospace industry in mind, wheras the regular drivers are Swiss Metric (VSM) only!
I believe Dave455 basically covered it all on PB Swiss tools. I have a few select PB Swiss tools, a bit on the expensive side $ but very well worth paying for and they not only look like high quality made tools but the feel is there just the same.
Remember you get what you pay for.....you pay cheap you get cheap.
Remember you get what you pay for.....you pay cheap you get cheap.
Dave455
Well-known member
The only caveat I'll add here, lest you all think I support PB too much, is that I'm writing this from the U.K.
Over here, I can get PB Swiss at probably half the cost of Snap On, maybe even less, for an equivalent product. Not such a great differential on stuff like bit drivers, but certainly for individual drivers the difference is that great!
Now, if you were to switch this around, which wouldn't be unreasonable if the Snap On were local and the PB was being shipped a couple of thousand miles, the dynamic, and quite possibly my advice, could change....!
Over here, I can get PB Swiss at probably half the cost of Snap On, maybe even less, for an equivalent product. Not such a great differential on stuff like bit drivers, but certainly for individual drivers the difference is that great!
Now, if you were to switch this around, which wouldn't be unreasonable if the Snap On were local and the PB was being shipped a couple of thousand miles, the dynamic, and quite possibly my advice, could change....!
Stuey
Well-known member
Love 'em, especially the ball hex keys and mini Torx drivers.
You guys talked me into it. Come end of the month I'll order a bunch of their products. I'll have to go through the pbtools.us website since I'm in Canada and Amazon Canada carries **** all for PB. Does anyone have experience with that site and how fast/reliable shipping is?
cbracer
Well-known member
I love them and have lots of PB stuff. I do think the handles on their screwdrivers are too small in diameter to get a really strong grip and torque out of them. That would be complaint #1. And #2 would be the santoprene screwdrivers are great but a pain to keep clean. Oh and #3 the US distributors have too high of prices, especially considering the exchange rate and strength of the dollar. Someone here had a good place he would order from Europe direct. Would save about 25% now.
Any chance you could remember where they ordered from? That would be greatly appreciated!
hautpot
Well-known member
Tried to order stuff, order placed but was notified it was not in stock and I was not charged. Good.
Other times was trying to order other specialty stuff, they said they could order it but communication just disappeared and didnt reply back. bad
dede2897234
Well-known member
canuckian
Well-known member
www.toollady.com
This is where I've ordered all my PB stuff in the past. I believe the original owner, Barb passed away last year but I did receive a newsletter some time back that her daughter was taking the business over. If she's anything like her Mom, you'll get great service and quick shipping. Their website is still up and running but I noticed that the most recent flier is from Black Friday of last year.
This is where I've ordered all my PB stuff in the past. I believe the original owner, Barb passed away last year but I did receive a newsletter some time back that her daughter was taking the business over. If she's anything like her Mom, you'll get great service and quick shipping. Their website is still up and running but I noticed that the most recent flier is from Black Friday of last year.
hautpot
Well-known member
Yes through their website (they are AKA CountOnTools), I did not go through Amazon (which they have a high presence there).
cbracer
Well-known member
Black Friday sales at CountOnTools is where I ordered my last batch. ToolLady used to run monthly specials that were decent.
I don't remember which European company, searching in europe either germany or switzerland I thought it was.
I don't remember which European company, searching in europe either germany or switzerland I thought it was.
The European site that ships to the U.S. Is:
Werk10.com
Another (which you have to make an account and be authorized) is:
Hoffmann-group.com. German company also based in the states.
Their shipping is $25 flat any size if the order is below $299 ($300+ = free shipping)
I've been looking everywhere for PB in the US. Emailed many European companies, these are the top 4 companies I'd buy from.
Only real dealers besides the ones I mentioned have been toollady and pbtools(countontools).
Downside to countontools is their shipping and pricing.
Personally here's how I see it.
Hoffmann group - cheapest price for products by far.
Werk10 - good pricing / accepts PayPal (you pay in euros, check your bank for transaction fees to convert $ --> €)
Pbtools / countontools - carries more in stock items
Never used toollady.
Hopefully this will help someone out.
Werk10.com
Another (which you have to make an account and be authorized) is:
Hoffmann-group.com. German company also based in the states.
Their shipping is $25 flat any size if the order is below $299 ($300+ = free shipping)
I've been looking everywhere for PB in the US. Emailed many European companies, these are the top 4 companies I'd buy from.
Only real dealers besides the ones I mentioned have been toollady and pbtools(countontools).
Downside to countontools is their shipping and pricing.
Personally here's how I see it.
Hoffmann group - cheapest price for products by far.
Werk10 - good pricing / accepts PayPal (you pay in euros, check your bank for transaction fees to convert $ --> €)
Pbtools / countontools - carries more in stock items
Never used toollady.
Hopefully this will help someone out.
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HCNDM
Well-known member
no wobbel... best drivers i own.
billyrichson
New member
- Joined
- Jun 16, 2016
- Messages
- 2
I was use that tools
JonnyMac
Well-known member
66HertzClone
ALLIANCE MEMBER
The Tool Lady web site has a 25% off Father's Day special going on, one can order through the 19th.
My Old Tools
Well-known member
father's day special
25% off from june 15th -19th.
Use code at checkout : Dadsday
I tried to order via the website just now. Everything I put in the shopping bag came up unpriced. So the website does not appear to be functioning. I don't know about phone orders.
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MementoMori99
Active member
I attempted to buy something a few minutes ago and it appears that the toollady web site is working properly. If you continue to experience any problems you should contact Rachel directly as she will take care of you.
66HertzClone
ALLIANCE MEMBER
Well that special father's day discount offer pulled me in, I ordered ten pieces of PB Swiss this morning. Rounded out my once meager collection of screwdrivers by adding several phillips and slotted drivers, I also ordered one of these, can't wait to get my hands on it.
superautobacs
Well-known member
That looks like a great tool store!
lots of PB, and a little bit of Hazet/Oplast, Bahco, Facom/Bost, some Wiha, Ko-ken, Vessel, Engineer, Anex, and Sunflag!
The only really disspointing PB Swiss stuff I own is their 225 series interchangeable blade screwdrivers. Way too much wobble.
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JonnyMac
Well-known member
I know... its absolutely killer on the wallet though, its not expensive, its just there is so much stuff to buy!!!
He has an interactive google ad thingy where you can walk around the shop.. search for qualitool geelong...
superautobacs
Well-known member
dkroth
Well-known member
I was looking at the 215 series interchangeable blades with the swissgrip handle.
Almost pulled the trigger, had everything in the cart ready to drop some $.
Ended up back peddling and withdrew from purchasing them. I was concerned about wobbling after use.
Great tools, just not the easiest to warranty in the states.
PB's warranty is killer though.
Rather purchase more of their fixed blade models, especially with the Hex drive near the handle, now those look sweet.
Tinner
Well-known member
I have that set with a few extra blades. There is a bit of up and down play. I don't see it as a problem as you exert downward pressure on a screwdriver when you use it. The sideways play is minuscule. If it was a lot, I would consider it a huge problem.
Mine are in a portable tool kit, they've seen a lot of use. 8 screwdrivers, plus the pick/awl/scraper thingie in the space of 2 drivers. One of my favorite tools.
I was thinking of ordering a PB swiss torque screwdriver, but its kind of expensive and I want it in US units not in Newtons. I had a bunch of PB stuff, still do but most of it broke. The bits break in hard usage, their small picks absolutely aren't worth the money. I do like their screwdriver handles.
Tinner
Well-known member
The 25% off Tool Lady sale was too much to resist. I sprung for the ratcheting screwdriver and a bunch of bits to complete my set. I have high expectations for the screwdriver, as I have only Snap-on ratcheting drivers. 
SantaAna12
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- Joined
- Mar 1, 2012
- Messages
- 1,091