The Facom Tools Thread.

[Probenator]

Nice to see a Facom topic with all the nice tools. This is my first post on this forum, I have also created a proposal topic but it is not yet visible, it must first be accepted by a moderator?

Ontopic: These are my Facom socket sets, it's my favorite brand. Thanks to this forum I also discovered that the 1/2 socket set was made in France, the other one in Italy or Taiwan?

 

[CGarage]

Depends on the generation, the earlier sets were all made in France.

The stuff that has come out over the last 10 years or so as far as ratchets and sockets seems to be from Italy.

 

[drtyler]

If "FRANCE" is not stamped or engraved on the sockets, they are likely Taiwan.

Ratchet can be France or Italy production.

Something I've noticed about Facom hard line tools (sockets, wrenches, ratchets) is that quality seems to be good regardless of the country of origin.

Nice to see a Facom topic with all the nice tools. This is my first post on this forum, I have also created a proposal topic but it is not yet visible, it must first be accepted by a moderator?

Ontopic: These are my Facom socket sets, it's my favorite brand. Thanks to this forum I also discovered that the 1/2 socket set was made in France, the other one in Italy or Taiwan?

 

[vf1000g24]

Look, what's in this blue box with a SAM logo on it? (clic on pics to enlarge)



A pair of SAM ratchets right from the end of the 60s, the oldest in 3/8 and the youngest in 1/4 both in mint condition with a breaker from the early 70s and the rest of the tools from the 60s save for the recent sockets in 1/4... I'll have to search the local autojumbles & garage sales to find the right period sockets...





I added the SAM J152F just to show how small it is for a 3/8 ratchet

 

[Ratchet.]

Dont see much of the other french brands in the uk, i do however have a pair of SAM circlip plier, .. which are rebranded austrian made(?) gedore ones, .. interestingly bought from a Gedore dealer here, who often sells old or obsolete stock on ebay.

I also have this Lauravia - VACO spanner, which again was an ebay find, guy was selling a bunch of Unused military surplus tools, and had about half a dozen of these, annoyingly these were on ebay for years after i bought mine, thenI went back to buy a second one and they had all sold -_-

Interesting design and finish on it, and a bit of an oddball size a

And yeah thats my work in progress Hazet assistent restoration its sitting on, with its awful white paintjob

 

[Dave455]

Nice to see a Facom topic with all the nice tools. This is my first post on this forum, I have also created a proposal topic but it is not yet visible, it must first be accepted by a moderator?

Ontopic: These are my Facom socket sets, it's my favorite brand. Thanks to this forum I also discovered that the 1/2 socket set was made in France, the other one in Italy or Taiwan?

Interesting to see two such similar sets with different origins.

Yes, the 1/2” drive set will all be French made.

The ratchet in the 3/8“ drive set will be made in Italy. I can verify this as I have bought one or two of these ratchets individually, and the country of origin was marked.

I’ve never been 100% sure about the country of origin of the remaining parts. I suspect Taiwan, but could be Italy, or a combination. As drtyler says however, Facom are better than many manufacturers at maintaining the quality, even when they do outsource.

With the exception of things like bit ratchet’s (which are in any case, of good quality) they don’t rebrand generic tools, but do have their own patterns made. Given a choice however, I would always prefer the French made.

 

[Dave455]

Look, what's in this blue box with a SAM logo on it? (clic on pics to enlarge)



A pair of SAM ratchets right from the end of the 60s, the oldest in 3/8 and the youngest in 1/4 both in mint condition with a breaker from the early 70s and the rest of the tools from the 60s save for the recent sockets in 1/4... I'll have to search the local autojumbles & garage sales to find the right period sockets...





I added the SAM J152F just to show how small it is for a 3/8 ratchet

That 3/8 ratchet is a very interesting tool. Unique design, and obviously high quality.

Some of the SAM tools I have seen were a little “utilitarian”. Not rough, but not as well finished as similar Facom. A lot of these, however, were obviously been produced for military contract, as they were purchased surplus.

There are, however, some incredibly high quality SAM tools out there.

 

[Dave455]

Dont see much of the other french brands in the uk, i do however have a pair of SAM circlip plier, .. which are rebranded austrian made(?) gedore ones, .. interestingly bought from a Gedore dealer here, who often sells old or obsolete stock on ebay.

I also have this Lauravia - VACO spanner, which again was an ebay find, guy was selling a bunch of Unused military surplus tools, and had about half a dozen of these, annoyingly these were on ebay for years after i bought mine, thenI went back to buy a second one and they had all sold -_-

Interesting design and finish on it, and a bit of an oddball size a

And yeah thats my work in progress Hazet assistent restoration its sitting on, with its awful white paintjob

That is an unusual design. I’ve never seen those before.

Looks to be new!

 

[Ratchet.]

That is an unusual design. I’ve never seen those before.

Looks to be new!

yep, ive used it a few times but its practicaly new, was NOS when i got it.. partly why i went to buy another one, i have other 38mm spanners i use instead now though as didnt want to trash it haha.

the finish is rough as if it was sandcast or something, and the edges of the machined looking parts are very sharp, with the lettering stamped in, possibly by hand judging by how haphazard it is in places.

There are a few similar looking wrenches on french ebay right now, including somone selling a bunch of 9/16"-/1/2" tappet wrenches, seemingly originaly used on military jeeps, maybe these were all contract made for military use?

I got some huge and very heavy duty inch and 3/4 inch impact sockets at the same time, that i think are also lauravia, definitely have the same type of silver Dacromet looking finish on them, will check tommorow and take some photos as they have sat unused in the oversize socket drawer of my toolbox since.

 

[vf1000g24]

You're right, Dave, the 3/8 is really brand new and I won't be using it. I have very ordinary Belzer and Gedore that I use as a daily 3/8 ratchet. I'll put better pictures on the subject this weekend, it deserves it. It was the first of its kind I had ever seen before and was an instant buy as it went with all the gear for €25. I bet you would have too!

 

[Probenator]

Depends on the generation, the earlier sets were all made in France.
The stuff that has come out over the last 10 years or so as far as ratchets and sockets seems to be from Italy.

If "FRANCE" is not stamped or engraved on the sockets, they are likely Taiwan.
Ratchet can be France or Italy production.
Something I've noticed about Facom hard line tools (sockets, wrenches, ratchets) is that quality seems to be good regardless of the country of origin.

Thanks for your answers. I am curious what exactly is made in Italy and Taiwan. Has production gone from France to Italy to Taiwan or is Italy and Taiwan parallel to each other.
I am also satisfied with the quality it is well used.

A funny detail is that the France set also has a sticker with names of staff and telephone number in France, the other one does not have that.

Interesting to see two such similar sets with different origins.

Yes, the 1/2” drive set will all be French made.

The ratchet in the 3/8“ drive set will be made in Italy. I can verify this as I have bought one or two of these ratchets individually, and the country of origin was marked.

I’ve never been 100% sure about the country of origin of the remaining parts. I suspect Taiwan, but could be Italy, or a combination. As drtyler says however, Facom are better than many manufacturers at maintaining the quality, even when they do outsource.

With the exception of things like bit ratchet’s (which are in any case, of good quality) they don’t rebrand generic tools, but do have their own patterns made. Given a choice however, I would always prefer the French made.

Thanks for your detailed answer. I am also curious what the country of other parts is, but what has been said above I can also confirm that the socket sets are good quality wherever it comes from.

 

[drtyler]

Round head ratchets are made in Italy.
Sockets and extensions are made in Taiwan, as are most bits, wrenches, and pear-head ratchets.
Screwdrivers, various pliers, locking pliers, and large toolboxes are made in France.

USAG sockets are also Taiwan made now, so I don’t think there is a whole lot of socket and accessory production at the Italian plant any more.

 

[CGarage]

Thanks for your answers. I am curious what exactly is made in Italy and Taiwan. Has production gone from France to Italy to Taiwan or is Italy and Taiwan parallel to each other.
I am also satisfied with the quality it is well used.

A funny detail is that the France set also has a sticker with names of staff and telephone number in France, the other one does not have that.





Thanks for your detailed answer. I am also curious what the country of other parts is, but what has been said above I can also confirm that the socket sets are good quality wherever it comes from.

I actually know those chaps on the label…..Spoke to them about 20 years ago….In France.

 

[Chrome Vanadium Cody]

For anyone else curious about buying SAM tools in the US, I got an email back from them saying they don’t have any distributors that ship here. Bummer but good to know. I may try to barter with a friend in Paris to ship me some

 

[Ratchet.]

as promised pics of those lauravia sockets.. again ex MOD of some description (uk military doesnt/didnt seem to favor any particular brand, i own and have seen surplus tools from all kinds ofmanufacturers, from budget brands like kennedy right through to snap on, with a lot of interesting european stuff in there.. )

they are huge and heavy, interesting flank drive design too, the vendor actually had a 1" drive 16mm socket among them, wish i had bought it, even though i didn't and dont have a use for such a beast.

 

[Ratchet.]

Round head ratchets are made in Italy.
Sockets and extensions are made in Taiwan, as are most bits, wrenches, and pear-head ratchets.
Screwdrivers, various pliers, locking pliers, and large toolboxes are made in France.

USAG sockets are also Taiwan made now, so I don’t think there is a whole lot of socket and accessory production at the Italian plant any more.

i was surprised seeing the screwdrivers are still french made, interestingly the current Mac tools ones are also french made iirc (or may have been german, definitly european as i noted it when i saw them)

i have a handful of the old red and grey handled drivers, which i love, very hard wearing and a nice looking shape

 

[vf1000g24]

I have an old 1/2" pear-head ratchet from Facom that I bought new 20 years ago and I think, but I'm not sure, that it's made in France. I'll take a look at it tomorrow morning and I'll take some photos.
It's not my favorite ratchet, for the moment I've rather fallen for my old DOWIDAT 1993R (the ones with the green handle), the SAM S157 P or my Elora 770 "american line" all in 1/2 but I broke my right hand earlier this year and will be upgrading to a "modern" 3/8 set which, I expect, would be lighter and less harsh on my thumb.

I found a SAM S157B (S means 1/2) for €43.90 including tax at a reseller.

 

[ultgar]

Here are some pics (large) and comments I've made on select Facom and USAG tools over the past few years. Been distracted with personal matters the past 18 months and haven't posted much. See https://www.ultimategarage.com/Facom/facomnews.html

 

[vf1000g24]

There is a pair of new SAM 157 ratchets for sale at a bargain price on "Le bon coin":

a SAM S 157B in 1/2 and a SAM R157B in 1/4 45€ the pair, it is just about the price of 1/2 and you have the 1/4 offered. (Look a the pics above on earlier post)

If anyone is interested in one of these I can ask the seller if they would be willing to split the lot or buy them in your name and send them to you

 

[kyrbz]

Facom adjustable wrench I keep in the tool roll of my 2CV

 

[dutchgray]

as promised pics of those lauravia sockets.. again ex MOD of some description (uk military doesnt/didnt seem to favor any particular brand, i own and have seen surplus tools from all kinds ofmanufacturers, from budget brands like kennedy right through to snap on, with a lot of interesting european stuff in there.. )

they are huge and heavy, interesting flank drive design too, the vendor actually had a 1" drive 16mm socket among them, wish i had bought it, even though i didn't and dont have a use for such a beast.

They look like they are impact sockets. Seriously heavy duty.

 

[Dave455]

Facom adjustable wrench I keep in the tool roll of my 2CV

Love the 2CV - that’s a very 2023 colour - bang on trend!

What goes around comes around!

 

[Dave455]

There is a pair of new SAM 157 ratchets for sale at a bargain price on "Le bon coin":

a SAM S 157B in 1/2 and a SAM R157B in 1/4 45€ the pair, it is just about the price of 1/2 and you have the 1/4 offered. (Look a the pics above on earlier post)

If anyone is interested in one of these I can ask the seller if they would be willing to split the lot or buy them in your name and send them to you

That’s a very kind offer, thank you.

I did have a look at “Le bon coin” and there do appear to be some excellent deals. As always though, it’s the Facom that holds the real appeal for me, even though there are some SAM items I really appreciate.

 

[Dave455]

Here are some pics (large) and comments I've made on select Facom and USAG tools over the past few years. Been distracted with personal matters the past 18 months and haven't posted much. See https://www.ultimategarage.com/Facom/facomnews.html

Thank you ultgar - that’s cleared up the COO issues, and relevant timescales, for the ”Palm Control” ratchets.

Much other useful information in your comments too!

I hope you are able to get your personal matters sorted out - this thread needs you!!

 

[Ratchet.]

Here are some pics (large) and comments I've made on select Facom and USAG tools over the past few years. Been distracted with personal matters the past 18 months and haven't posted much. See https://www.ultimategarage.com/Facom/facomnews.html

that is very useful, really nice site btw also the section on unusual facom wrenches reminded me of a workmate, who had an anecdote about being given some of the Ti wrenches as a gift from a facom dealer (back when companies used to regularly hand out all sorts of nice goodies), but not knowing what they were he gave them away.. only realising later they were the same spanners used on the F1 and probably worth a small fortune. hindsight is 20/20 as always.



Some other more unusual facom wrenches, FM 57 obstruction wrenches..



I had the 10/12 and 14/17 for ages, and was on lookout for a 13/15mm as its a size i use commonly, as turbo output flange bolts on the machines i work on are 15mm head, and one is in a really awkward position.

I had drawn a blank and ended up ordering a new one, but it was on back order,and of course while i was waiting i found a second hand one.. which i'm glad i bought as the new one eventually arrived and was considerably larger with thicker ends etc, the same size as the old 14/17 which was a bit dissapointing (i sold it to a collegue for what i paid in the end)

still keep an eye out for them, as woant to complete the set.. though they are the most awkward wrenches to store neatly.

 

[vf1000g24]

Another of my Eternum S151 1/2 ratchets (circa 1975 before the last round head one beside)





and a rather unusual "PEUGEOT FRERES" in 1/2 probably manufactured by Facom on request because it is strictly identical to the Facom model still used for heavy work!

 

[Dave455]

Some more Facom -

Some “Isoryl” screwdrivers. I’ve always liked square handle screwdrivers, and like these a lot.

I like the old Snap On square handle. When those were discontinued I bought some Wiha, but those are discontinued now as well, and I think I prefer the Facom anyway.

I was just using these for replacing some light bulbs. The Pozidriv have blued blades, so you can quickly tell them from Phillips.


And some more pliers. Many manufacturers offer two styles of pliers - oversize comfort grips (often on chrome plated tools) which are usually too bulky, or simple vinyl dipped.

Facom do things differently. The “comfort” grip models have quite nicely proportioned grips, and instead of vinyl dipped grips they offer these, which have a hard plastic grip. Bigger than vinyl, but not too big, and much more durable.

These are a very modern design, with relatively square handles, but I really like them.

 

[vf1000g24]

My two Facom ratchets, a SL 161 in 1/2 and the NOS J.151B 3/8 made in Italy I recieved today alongside a 18.1 1" crowfoot with 3/8 drive.

 

[Spanner]

I hadn’t been using GJ much of late cuz it became an addiction for me for a while but I’m back scrolling again. Great to see this thread started, I have a box full of Facom tools and I will be posting all once I get a chance to take some photos…… Very popular tools here in Europe and like Snapon you pay a premium price for them. They seem to be one of the few companies left that haven’t sold out to cheap manufacturing and you get what you pay for. As tool manufacturers go in Europe these days Facom are probably top of the pile.

 

[Shocker]

So this thread got me offa my a$$ and out to the shop to get some pics of my small number of Facom pieces.



All sitting on my Hazet Assistent. 3 161 series made in France, a J153 and a set of midgets. No COO of the little guys, but I have had them for over 20 years so I assume made in France.

 

[silkman]

Congrats to OP for the thread.

I didn't like Facom myself, mostly because its owned by the evil tool empire which is SBD. Arguably, their stuff before they were bought was better than today. However, they still offer lifetime warranty which is not so common a thing in Europe as it is in the US.

A friend who is a professional sign / advertising constructions builder has everything Facom in his shop from specialist tools to 3/4" socket set with the crown jewel being a Facom - Ferrari limited edition 7 drawer tool trolley, full with Facom tools of course. I will try to get some pictures when I'm there. His stuff is mostly pre - SBD.

We also have a great Facom dealer in Athens and the owner is among the nicest and gentlest persons one can meet in his lifetime.

Google Maps

Find local businesses, view maps and get driving directions in Google Maps.

maps.app.goo.gl

As you can imagine, not many Facom tools in my toolbox apart from the switched ratcheting wrenches which are indeed excellent. I have researched and touched mostly everything in ratcheting wrench from every brand near me and these are the smoothest. They are also the slimmest. Didn't buy them as a set, bought 3 at the beginning and keep adding sizes as I need them.

As said already, there's a tiny spring in the ratcheting end thats there to hold the fastener/nut but it can be easily removed with a small screwdriver.

 

[Dave455]

Congrats to OP for the thread.

We also have a great Facom dealer in Athens and the owner is among the nicest and gentlest persons one can meet in his lifetime.

Google Maps

Find local businesses, view maps and get driving directions in Google Maps.

maps.app.goo.gl

Thanks!

By strange coincidence (well, I’d been looking at Facom content, and also an interview with Yanis Varoufakis, so the algorithm’s obviously did their stuff) a youtube tour of this Facom dealer came up on my youtube feed.

What an awesome place. It looked like he had the most complete range of Facom I have ever seen. Next time I’m in Athens I’m going there without doubt.

Here’s just one view of this amazing shop.

 

[silkman]

Thanks!

By strange coincidence (well, I’d been looking at Facom content, and also an interview with Yanis Varoufakis, so the algorithm’s obviously did their stuff) a youtube tour of this Facom dealer came up on my youtube feed.

What an awesome place. It looked like he had the most complete range of Facom I have ever seen. Next time I’m in Athens I’m going there without doubt.

Here’s just one view of this amazing shop.

Yes, that place is a candy shop...!

 

[Spanner]

Some of my Facom tools: The bearing pullers from Facom are top quality as are their ratcheting wrench’s but their adjustable wrench’s are the worst I’ve ever used.

 

[HannibalLecter]

Congrats to OP for the thread.

I didn't like Facom myself, mostly because its owned by the evil tool empire which is SBD. Arguably, their stuff before they were bought was better than today. However, they still offer lifetime warranty which is not so common a thing in Europe as it is in the US.

A friend who is a professional sign / advertising constructions builder has everything Facom in his shop from specialist tools to 3/4" socket set with the crown jewel being a Facom - Ferrari limited edition 7 drawer tool trolley, full with Facom tools of course. I will try to get some pictures when I'm there. His stuff is mostly pre - SBD.

We also have a great Facom dealer in Athens and the owner is among the nicest and gentlest persons one can meet in his lifetime.

Google Maps

Find local businesses, view maps and get driving directions in Google Maps.

maps.app.goo.gl

As you can imagine, not many Facom tools in my toolbox apart from the switched ratcheting wrenches which are indeed excellent. I have researched and touched mostly everything in ratcheting wrench from every brand near me and these are the smoothest. They are also the slimmest. Didn't buy them as a set, bought 3 at the beginning and keep adding sizes as I need them.

As said already, there's a tiny spring in the ratcheting end thats there to hold the fastener/nut but it can be easily removed with a small screwdriver.

Facom Vrattis is amazing, I got my facom 467 11 piece set from him.
Usually I don't buy even Taiwanese tools, but I consider them the best in the category of ratcheting wrenches.
I'd like to source each and every tool from the best specific manufacturer, so sometimes I frown in the Taiwanese facom sockets for example
But for the professional who needs to supply a whole bodyshop, facom has everything he needs. This is invaluable in a professional setting. I cannot imagine for example a big dealership or a factory having different supplier for lets say utility knives, because olfa is better. Though there are vendors that accommodate the need for different brands, but not in Greece, maybe 2-3

 

[Kasal]

That's why some shops I know choose to work with Wurth, they have tools, shop products and almost anything a professional needs, a single supplier for everything is a huge time saver.

 

[HannibalLecter]

That's why some shops I know choose to work with Wurth, they have tools, shop products and almost anything a professional needs, a single supplier for everything is a huge time saver.

yes, wurth is exactly that, tools sourced from all over. And consumables too.Also ,convenient guarantee and support.Imagine needing support for Koken tools in europe.Good luck

 

[Kasal]

yes, wurth is exactly that, tools sourced from all over. And consumables too.Also ,convenient guarantee and support.Imagine needing support for Koken tools in europe.Good luck

oh unfortunately for me I don't have any Koken tools. But the Koken distributor for Spain is Irega (the one with the adjustable wrenches) maybe if you had any problems they could help.

 

[HannibalLecter]

oh unfortunately for me I don't have any Koken tools. But the Koken distributor for Spain is Irega (the one with the adjustable wrenches) maybe if you had any problems they could help.

Officially Greece also has a distributor. But waiting 4 months for tools, especially for a professional isn't acceptable. I buy my tools directly from amazon jp, but if I lose a socket for example, that will be a hassle

 

[Samuel D]

Any of you people familiar with Greece know of interesting tool shops (Facom or other) in Crete? I’m there at the moment.