The PB Swiss Tools Insider driver is a pocket-friendly screwdriver that can carry up to 8 insert bits in a removable cartridge. Don’t let its modest size or appearance fool you – the high quality Insider is very well designed and can handle most manual driving tasks with ease.
Take a look at our in-depth review of the Insider, or skip ahead to the verdict.
First, a word about PB Swiss Tools. PB Swiss Tools was founded in 1878, and produces a decent selection of quality tools. Each of their tools are 100% made in Switzerland, and come with an unlimited guarantee. In fact, PB Swiss is so serious about the quality of their tools that each one receives a unique serial number. You can even look up the final quality control examination date of any tool via the PB Swiss Tools website.
The main appeal of the Insider is of course its size. At about 4 3/4″ long, and 1 5/32″ at the widest part of the handle, the Insider is extremely portable. Since all of the edges of the tool are rounded, the Insider can be comfortably carried even in a front pants pocket.
The Insider’s magnetic bit holder securely holds onto insert bits with minimal play or wobble. The embedded magnet is also surprisingly powerful, and can hold loose fasteners to inserted bits for easier fastener installation and less cam-out. There are actually two versions of the Insider - one with a 16mm bit-holding shaft, such as the one shown here and featured in this review, and one with a longer 110mm shaft. Obviously, the one with the longer shaft will be slightly less carryable, but it is still well suited for home or shop use.
One of the nicest features of the Insider is that it is self-contained; the one-piece cartridge can hold up to eight insert bits, and is securely screwed into the body of the driver. While the included bits are of very high quality, you can always swap them out for the standard-sized 1″ insert bits of your choice. If necessary, the cartridge can even hold 2″ power bits, but that will of course reduce the total number of bits that youc an carry.
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Tags: PB Swiss Tools
Posted in Bit Holders & Drivers, EDC, Pocket, & Multitools, Hand Tools, Reviews, Screwdrivers, ToolGuyd Favorites | Comments (19)
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February 5th, 2009 at 5:01 pm
another excellent review
February 25th, 2009 at 9:43 pm
[...] superb quality products. For more of our impression of PB Swiss tools, check out this past ToolGuyd review. Wera is a German company that also produces decent quality [...]
March 4th, 2009 at 11:54 am
I don’t own one of those PB Swiss gizmos, but I do have a lot of Wera stuff, and I’d say that the Kraftform Kompakt has it all over the system I see above.
March 5th, 2009 at 3:23 pm
Excellent review; this tool alas is missing square drive bits which is a personal requirement.
March 5th, 2009 at 5:06 pm
Kris, while square drive bits are not included, PB Swiss’ Robertson bits are sold individually, and of course you can alternatively use any standard sized square drive bit of any brand.
March 10th, 2009 at 1:47 am
I have been using the cheap, bright green hardware-store 4-blade version of this for over 10 years. It includes a 2″ long extension shaft, making it more useful. It also is in a much smaller package that really fits in my front pants pocket while leaving room for my pocket Leatherman and Swiss army knife and big keyring and quarters for the beer machine.
So why can’t the good Swiss toolmakers copy the cheap Chinese tools that happen to be perfect for the job?
April 2nd, 2009 at 9:37 am
[...] surely get over it. Besides, when I know I’ll need a portable screwdriver, I carry my PB Swiss Insider [...]
April 3rd, 2009 at 10:14 am
I cant find this anywhere online to purchase. Does anyone know where I can find one?
April 3rd, 2009 at 11:03 am
Kevin,
If I recall correctly, there are one or two other places where you can purchase the PB Swiss Insider, but at a considerably higher cost ($37 + shipping). If you cannot wait for Small Parts to receive a new shipment, let me know and I’ll find you some links.
April 3rd, 2009 at 11:35 am
I’ll try and wait! Thanks.
April 15th, 2009 at 2:01 pm
FYI, the Insiders are back in stock.
April 16th, 2009 at 10:06 am
[...] PB Swiss Insider is back in stock via Amazon. It’s not on sale, but after we reviewed it, Small Parts sold out, and we’ve received over a dozen “where/when can I buy it” [...]
June 1st, 2009 at 6:50 pm
What about PB’s steel quality? Is it up to the fame of Swiss steel?
June 1st, 2009 at 9:51 pm
Andre,
I have nothing but praise for the PB Swiss bits – they performed at and beyond my expectations. I hold similar praise for other PB Swiss tools that will be properly reviewed some time in the [hopefully near] future.
July 31st, 2009 at 8:01 pm
Knowing the Swiss and their attention to precision this tool should be well made. The video has convinced me to give it a try.
September 29th, 2009 at 4:40 pm
A small $37 screwdriver for 1/4 inch bits??
First of all, quality/hardness, etc is not a big issue with a hand screwdriver. You can hardly strip or break a bit by hand. Power drivers, yes its worth the extra cost for good bits. But even here, on has to wonder if it just doesn’t make more sense to break a bit here and there and just pop and another inexpensive one.
This screwdriver is way too expensive. But, if you want to be ’seen’ with it….
September 29th, 2009 at 9:34 pm
Jim,
For what it’s worth, the drivers have increased in price slightly in the past few months. An inquiry to Small Parts revealed that PB Swiss required this. Every now and then there are 10% and even 20% off sales, which make the prices more reasonable.
As far as hardness and quality is concerned, good bits do make a difference when used in a hand tool, but you’re right in that the difference is more pronounced when used with a powered driver.
The PB Swiss Insider is still by far my favorite multi-bit driver, and if I had to, I would replace it. The Insider is currently $34, but there’s a 10% promo, making it $30.60 shipped.
October 23rd, 2009 at 2:10 pm
Thanks for nice post.
December 16th, 2009 at 10:46 am
[...] 1. PB Swiss Insider Multibit Driver Review [...]