I have been a big fan of PB Swiss Tools – at least those I could budget for – ever since I bought a PB Swiss Insider screwdriver a couple of years ago. PB Swiss Tools make very good screwdrivers, mini Torx drivers, and hex keys.
So when I heard they came out with a SwissGrip stubby screwdriver bit holder (model 8452), I knew I had to get one.
Advertisement
The driver features PB Swiss’ SwissGrip rubbery soft-grip material, notches that prevent it from rolling away on a flat surface, and a strong magnetic 1/4″ bit holder.
It really is quite small – perhaps a tad bit smaller than other brands’ stubby drivers. That’s not good or bad, but it suits my needs just fine.
The “O” marking on the cap allows for easy differentiation in case you have multiple PB Swiss – or other brands’ – stubby screwdrivers in a rack or tool drawer.
Load it up with a standard 1″ (or longer) screwdriver bit, and it’s ready to go.
Overall, I really like this stubby driver, and plan to keep it in my main box. It’s already gotten me out of some tight-access situations, but I’ve also been using it as a compact and palmable driver when higher torque or larger handles isn’t needed.
Advertisement
Buy Now(via Amazon)
You can also buy one from ToolLady (which is where I bought mine from), or Count On Tools. I don’t remember how much I spent, and cannot find my receipt from a larger order, but it’s available for about $16 right now.
I previously discussed a couple of alternatives, such as the Wera ESD stubby bit holder, Klein 6-in-1 multi-bit stubby driver, and Wera mini bit drivers (which aren’t quite stubby, but they fit better into compact tool kits). If the PB Swiss driver wasn’t available when I was looking for a stubby bit holder, I probably would have instead went with Wiha’s SoftFinish model ($15 via Amazon).
I own a couple of Wiha SoftFinish screwdrivers, including Phillips and slotted tip drivers, and while I like the feel of the handles, PB Swiss’s SwissGrip drivers are simply grippier, softer, and more comfortable. I’m sure the Wiha would have been a great second choice, but I’m glad I found this one.
Advertisement
Steven K
I own a couple stubby screwdrivers like this one. They were all free and have a plastic housing. My main issue is living in the south, I sweat, a lot. The ones I have slip when in a tight space. I have been looking for one, but how does the handle hold up to a sweaty hand? Also having the strong magnetic base is better than the plastic ones I use.
Stuart
It holds up well to sweaty hands, at least compared to smoother and hard-plastic screwdriver handles.
Santoprene, which is what the SwissGrip handles are coated with, is supposed to be very good for use with wet or sweaty hands. PB Swiss’s other handle material – Multicraft – is supposed to be grip better with oily hands.
nick
Could’ve used one of these yesterday, I was putting in a panel in front of a sink and it was tight.
I’ve got the PB swiss long ratcheting version and I love it.
SteveR
Interesting comment that you could have used a stubby screwdriver to work in a space-restricted area. Sometimes space is at such a premium that you actually need a long screwdriver (or long ratchet extension plus a ratchet) to remove a screw, especially if you have beefy hands. That will put you outside the restricted space and allow you to crank on the screwdriver or twist the ratchet to remove the screw you couldn’t reach before. Of course, it depends, too, on how many other objects are in your way as you’re working.
If you think about it, the longer screwdriver or ratchet extension can work in your favor by increasing the force you can apply to the fastener, helping to break it loose with less effort. You may also be able to upsize to a larger ratchet (froma 1/4″-drive to a 3/8″-drive), which increases your twisting power as well.
My point is that a stubby screwdriver (or handle or ratchet) isn’t always needed for such tasks. Sometimes you just have to sit back and think about it for a moment, and the answer comes to you. That means you won’t have to stop work and go buy the smaller tool (at least for the present job).
The PB Swiss handle is really nice because of the Santoprene grip. I like the ergonomic appearance of the Wera ESD stubby screwdriver, which looks like it gives you a more effective grip with a smaller-sized handle. However, I don’t think it has a rubberized grip. I have small hands, so it would probably work a little better for me in some circumstances.
I’ve noticed that many old school tools have been made better by the addition of a rubber grip on the handle (screwdrivers, hammers and ratchets, to name a few, as well as almost any power tool you can mention). With hand tools, I have a more positive grip, causing less slippage; the power tools are easier to use for the same reason, plus it cuts down on vibration transferred to my hands. Given the choice, I usually buy the version with a rubber grip these days.
SteveW
I agree with sometimes not squeezing your hand where it won’t fit just to use a stubby driver. I have many times run across situations where you just have to get out of your own way and send in only the business end of the driver. That’s why I have 10″ phillips and slotted screwdrivers and another even longer 24″ phillips driver. I know that sounds rediculous, but I’ve actually used the long one several times, works great where nothing else reaches.
Mike
Nice,I actually have a need for this type of bit holder,it should go well with my Wera ratcheting ones.
Chris
The bits or tips from PB Swiss are fabulous. Only problem with Santoprene is that you have to clean the handles because they hold dirt easily. I originally had a set of craftsman screw drivers with the hard plastic handles and wiping off dirt was easy. With Santoprene I use a cleaner and have to scrub the dirt off. So I’m not a fan when I work on my car or anything dirty. In a perfect world I would like the PB Swiss original handle but bigger diameters, the stock diameters of the handles are so small.
Stuart
Many of PB Swiss’s regular screwdrivers are available with SwissGrip (Santoprene) or MultiCraft (hard plastic Cellulose Acetate Butyrate) handles.