PB Swiss Tools recently announced new color-coded precision screwdrivers designed for electronics work.
There will be 6 different screwdriver tip styles – slotted, Phillips, hex, Torx, nut driver, and Apple pentalobe. There will be a standard handle, and an ESD-safe handle, with both featuring a tough polypropylene core and soft Santoprene grip material.
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PB Swiss says that their new precision screwdrivers will have uniform handle sizes, and that the ergonomics support the precise transmission of force.
The drivers will also have free-spinning end caps for controlled and precise turning.
Some of the sets will include a new table or wall-mountable holder, which can also be purchased separately.
In our Best Precision Screwdrivers Guide, I said this about their current precision screwdrivers:
PB Swiss makes some of the best screwdrivers I have ever used, and their precision drivers are no different. There are two downsides – they don’t have a wide size and style selection and USA distributors can be hard to find. If you must have a set, expect to pay a lot for it.
I welcome the wider selection of the new PB Swiss precision electronics screwdriver lineup, and I’m always a fan of their Santoprene-handled screwdrivers.
But having all of their new precision screwdrivers have the same size handles? And handles that look like they can deliver more torque than many precision screws can handle? I suppose users will have to be a little more careful in how tight they turn their fasteners.
Size Availability
Standard-Handle
- Slotted: 0.8 mm to 3.5 mm
- Phillips: #000 to #1
- Hex: 0.71mm to 3mm
- Torx: T3 to T15, with T6 and up having bores presumably for use on security Torx fasteners
- Hex Recess: 2.5mm
- Pentalobe
There will be a couple of set options, and the new precision screwdrivers will also be integrated into roll-up tool sets.
ESD-Safe
- Slotted: 1.2 mm to 3.5 mm
- Phillips: #00 to #1
- Hex: 0.71mm to 3mm
- Torx: T3 to T15, with T6 and up having bored centers
- Hex Recess: 2.5mm
- Pentalobe
There will be a selection of ESD-safe sets as well.
ETA: This Month
Pricing: TBA
USA PB Swiss Tools Distributors:
Count-On Tools
Count-On Tools Amazon Store
ToolLady
First Thoughts
I’m curious as to how well these new PB Swiss precision screwdrivers feel and perform. No doubt they’ll be pricey, as PB Swiss tools typically are.
If there’s interest, I’ll look into buying a set.
Wiha is still my go-to brand for precision screwdrivers. They’re simple, comfortable to use, and fairly inexpensive. These new PB Swiss screwdrivers look like they’re capable of higher comfort and greater torque delivery, and the uniform handle size might make it easier to store or organize them.
I’m also disappointed. No inch-sized hex screwdrivers? Bummer.
Satch
Stuart, did you notice these look a lot like the Wiha Pick models? I grabbed a set of the insulated 1000v models when they came out a few years ago. Very nice.
I actually prefer the longer length of the typical Wera precision models but all these brands are great.
As an aside, I bought my first PB Swiss drivers last year and the execution and finish we’re flawless. The Swiss grip on the #2 x 100mm Philips is just a bit small for my hands but, the quality…
Stuart
Not really, to be honest.
The PB Swiss have fluted handles, and the handles also look to be thicker than Wiha PicoFinish screwdriver handles, from top to bottom.
I like my Wiha PicoFinish screwdrivers, but I don’t find that they provide that much of an advantage over their basic styling, at least not enough to justify the added expense.
Satch
Oh, I see it now. I am viewing this mobile and the flites didn’t catch my attention til enlarged it. These are of real interest to me now.
The Pico models are okay but yeah, I would never pay what they ask for retail. I got my set for about $24 introductory price. I think they are about double that now.
Satch
Sorry, auto correct got me. It should have been ‘Pico’.
Blythe M
Second to last paragraph -“higher higher comfort”.
Fell free to delete when you see this
Stuart
Thanks!! Fixed.
Diplomatic Immunity
I’ve noticed on my full size PB Swiss phillips that I was able to torque down more before camming out on the same screw vs my Felo 200 series Ergonic neon set. For me it definitely seems as though the handle really comes into play and maybe that the tip of the screwdriver will sit in the head of the screw better.
I was always wondering though, after buying a bunch of PB Swiss screwdrivers through various Black Friday deals, as to why their smaller screwdriver options were lacking.
ktash
It looks like the new ones will work much better, fluting, etc. But the previous PB Swiss Precision Screwdriver Set picture makes those look more beautiful (color, transparency), kind of glowing ;).
I still use my Stanleys for the rare time I need a screwdriver of that size. But if I see some Black Friday specials on PB Swiss or Wera screwdrivers in general, I’ll be tempted, just from reading your blog.
Brian
I’ll definitely buy these. I like the Wihas, Felo and Wera precision but PB Swiss grip but smaller is ideal for me. Hope PB Swiss do chip lifters and picks also in this grip.
I like the same size, anything PH1 and under shouldn’t be torqued a lot. I’d rather have a comfortable grip and have all screwdrivers accessible if in a tool roll (like Wihas). If you’re stripping PH0 screws from over-torquing it isn’t the screwdriver’s fault.
CochainComplex
I have the chance to use the new screwdrivers at work and I m also familiar with the old handles. (No longterm experiance – just 2 days)- but for the first Impression they are pretty well designed and give some additional grip. Quality of course is PB like. The cap has the same turning feeling. Just your fingertips are having some more appealing feeling due to the new ergonomic design and the santoprene material. The holder is really a good thing and tops the whole thing. So bottom line I think they improved the small screwdrivers with this new line.
Satch
Thanks for that feedback. These will probably go on my ‘buy’ list.
CochainComplex
If you already like the previous line, you will (most probably) like the new ones too. They are on my buy list aswell – and the holder for my existing stock of drivers. But it is difficult to find it as an individual part – even if it is offically listed in the pb swiss product range.
CochainComplex
only one con: The handles do not smell like vanilla any more T_T
rob
Very nice.
Iron
https://www.eevblog.com/forum/chat/pb-swiss-handle-vs-svelto-soap/msg2420538/#msg2420538
This topic on EEVBlog is very,very interesting 😉
Stuart
The user is complaining about the Santoprene-gripped screwdrivers developing CAB-like decomposition smells? https://toolguyd.com/why-hard-plastic-screwdriver-handles-smell-like-vomit/
Iron
No …… the user is complaining about the fact that simple vanilla soap or any simple laundry detergent/powder can start to decompose the entire Santoprene like the meat of an dead body.
Stuart
I don’t know what’s going on there.
I have PB Swiss SwissGrip (Santoprene) screwdrivers and drivers of different styles for 8-11 YEARS with no obvious decomposition of any kind.
Stuart
Reading through those rant threads again, it sounds like either a random defect, or more likely user error. Some soaps have oils or moisturizers that react with different plastics.
If that user damaged their screwdrivers by exposure to concentrated detergents, the solution is simple – clean the handles and choose a more resilient hard-plastic screwdriver for next time, such as from Wiha.