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.
another excellent review
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.
Excellent review; this tool alas is missing square drive bits which is a personal requirement.
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.
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?
I cant find this anywhere online to purchase. Does anyone know where I can find one?
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.
I’ll try and wait! Thanks.
FYI, the Insiders are back in stock.
What about PB’s steel quality? Is it up to the fame of Swiss steel?
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.
Knowing the Swiss and their attention to precision this tool should be well made. The video has convinced me to give it a try.
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….
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.
Thanks for nice post.