There is a screwdriver for everything! Shown here is my PB Swiss Tools Coin Driver, SKU PB 8125.9-25. They also make a stubby version.
Well, it’s a screwdriver with a coin-shaped tip.
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A few years ago I went a little overboard with ordering PB Swiss tools for use and review. It was the holiday season, there was a good discount, and coming out of a week of long hours and many Black Friday deal posts, I wasn’t thinking straight.
But, the purchase worked out well, as the PB Swiss Coin Driver has been handy and useful. I’ve used it on fasteners where the sharp edges of a slotted screwdriver blade would do damage, and on stuck plastic fasteners where I couldn’t exert enough leverage with just a coin and my fingertips.
The battery compartment screw of my micrometers was stuck. It’s a plastic fastener, but whatever coin I had available (either a penny or quarter) wasn’t doing it. The largest slotted screwdriver I have would have chewed it up for sure.
My micrometer did come with a small adjustment tool, and the back of that tool is curved and perfectly shaped for the task. But, the Coin Driver was closer. So out it came, and I had the idea to take a quick photo, as this is a great example of what it can be used for.
The Coin Driver is comfortable to use, and useful for all kinds of plastic screws that are typically sized for turning with a coin. PB Swiss Tools says it’s suited for use on plugs and plastic screws, and an Amazon listing says it can be used on tire valves.
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I’ve used mine on various plastic screws, and once or twice as a lever to press on a plastic battery compartment tab.
Should you buy it? I have no regrets with my purchase, and it’s a good quality tool. But, I also had editorial curiosity as a reason. This is not the type of tool you should buy “just in case” you’ll need it. It’s hard to beat the value of a coin for irregular use, whether it’s a penny, quarter, or even a dollar.
It takes up more space in a toolbox than a quarter, or even a full sampling of coin sizes. Add some flat washers into the pile, and this is still larger.
What I’m trying to say is that it’s a great tool, but one that most people don’t need. If you do need it, by all means you won’t be sorry. If you’re on the fence, there are always good discounts in late November.
The PB Swiss Tools does actually fit better than a coin some of the time, and it’s comfortable to use. It’s tapered, but I would not use it as a pry bar, unless that was the only way I intended to use it. Its tip provides wide and confident engagement with plastic fasteners. But unless you know you need it, you probably don’t need it.
Price: $25 (Updated 12/2022)
fred
Looks a bit like a Dzus screwdriver that are often used with hold-downs on race car hoods and aircraft.
https://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Dindustrial&field-keywords=dzus+screwdriver
Badbot
Yes, I used something we called a Snoopy tool when I was in the Navy.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/WWII-Snoopy-Aviation-Tool-Wrench-Dzus-Bomber-Fighter-Parts-HBM-P-N-5007-USA-NOS-/183552703813
Sort of looks like Snoopy heads, sort of.
Todd
Looks like this might also be good for threaded hole plugs in outdoor electrical boxes
Stuart
It works really well on plastic caps and plugs and things like that.
I’ve shied away from using it on metal, in favor of using a wider and thicker narrow-ground screwdriver.
tjb
This is what I immediately thought of, too.
csroc
That’s really interesting and kind of an unnecessary luxury for me most of the time, but I’m still really tempted. I’ve definitely run in to situations where this would have probably been perfect.
csroc
and then i saw the price
Douglass
Unless you have Amazon Prime (paid subscription), you have to spend a certain amount to receive “free” shipping and I imagine shipping isn’t “free” at Count On tools either. Assuming taxes aren’t added, the overall price of this unit will be close to the Snap-On variations.
Difference is, Snap On offers a lifetime warranty on their hand tools, their Dzus screwdrivers are USA made and any orders under $500 qualify for no shipping expenses. Plus their support support staff are located in the US and you can order a vast majority of their products online.
For the record, I have no affiliation with Snap-On, merely stating publicly available information. You could make your own variation or simply use a penny, washer or even a spoon.
Randy
I JB welded a penny onto a free cushion grip stubby Harbor Freight Screwdriver. Total cost, $.01. Works perfect.
Nathan
I was just about to say – I suspect somone has brazed a quarter or nickle onto a elcheapo flathead driver.
I’ve thought about it – but year ago I broke a stiff spackle knife – so I ground down the rest of it and use that when it’s stubborn enough.
Jason S.
Nice!! This seems a little more reasonable than a $20 screwdriver that you are going to use infrequently.
dave
Have been watching one for a couple of years, but didn’t get it as of the price. Finally made one from a HF stubby driver, welded a metal slug on the end from a punch press and a little work from a grinder and I have a knock off.
Works great on the drain plug on the daughters Kayak.
James F Duncan
$16 on amazon cheaper and same tool https://smile.amazon.com/TOP-TRD-45/dp/B000AQOEGK/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=TRD45&qid=1550172316&s=gateway&sr=8-1
fred
For $9 you can have one of these:
https://www.ebay.com/bhp/dzus-tool
some folks sell similar ones for $4.99 – but shipping may kill the deal
Or you can add a SnapOn S6180 one to your truck account for $37
James C
You could get one of those silly bottle cap lifting screwdrivers that would be more functional and probably work just as well as this.
The What?
A washer or coin sanded or ground flat on one side would have worked. Or a Quinn flat head screwdriver. Or a wood chip. Sawzall blade. Chisel. Or a plethora of other things besides spending $32 on a screwdriver that you could have made on your own by heating up a much cheaper screwdriver cherry hot and hammering it out flat. Which is what they did except they used a drop hammer and a die. Takes about 20 minutes to make. Heat and beat. I’ve got all kinds of custom makeshift screwdriver scrapers and mini prybars, etc. All done with a torch, hammer, vise, or my anvil and a little patience. Very simple to make.
Stuart
If you read the post, I do say that coins or washers are the better value for infrequent use.
A wood chip? Sure, if you want to make a pile of splinters.
Sawzall blade? Sure, if you don’t mind cutting up your fingers or the plastic fastener.
Chisel? Sure, destroy the plastic fastener and the cutting edge of your tool.
Blacksmithing? Sure, go out and buy a torch, fuel, anvil, and engineer hammer, and block of time.
I spent $14. That’s not a negligible amount, but nowhere near the gouging on Amazon.
As I said, it’s a great tool, but only suited to existing or anticipated needs. It’s not a “maybe I can use it” tool.
You can make anything with tools, time, effort, and patience, but you need all 4.
Roger
Amazon price is extra high.
Lee Valley has pocket screwdrivers
http://www.leevalley.com/us/wood/page.aspx?p=32215&cat=1,43411,43417
Jared
Don’t those “pocket drivers” look a lot like a spark plug gapping tool? e.g. https://www.aliexpress.com/i/32930656811.html
Roger
They look close to them (just no numbers on them) I have given so many pocket screwdrivers away to friends (it sounds better giving away a screwdriver instead of a gap tool). For a $1 each you can’t go wrong. I have them all over the house and vehicles.
I use feeler gauges to gap my plugs.
Jared
On the one hand, I get it. It’s a high quality specialized screwdriver and if you have a need, I’m sure the price is no big barrier. On the other, its priced so high that it is not something to add to the toolbox just-in-case.
I can imagine times I would reach for this if I owned it. I also know I made it this far in life without it – always finding some other way of accomplishing the same task. Can’t knock PB Swiss for making it though.
Wayne R.
I can imagine times I would have to hunt around for it if I had one, then get pissed at it and use a washer anyway.
Dave
This. It’s a cool tool, but for the amount of use I’d give it there’s a near-zero chance I’d remember which box it was stashed away at the bottom of.
ktash
It’s kind of cute 😀 You could get it for a child to use as their first screwdriver, safer than a conventional one. Still $20 is a lot for a kid’s toy, but it would hold up better than the plastic ones, and the adult could then use it as needed.
It also reminds me of those cheese spread knives that you get as part of a gift box of cheeses, etc. Usually they take up space in the drawer till you donate them. This might be a potential use for them.
John S
For the price I wish this was more hollow ground as it gets thicker as it goes back but I’d have to see it in person.
This is definitely handy for toilet seats which I seem to be constantly tightening and have an enormous slot too big for normal slot screw drivers and too small for a washer/coin. Same for those plastic setting screws on vacuum cleaner heads.
Don
Is it impact rated?
Stuart
Given how it’s meant to be used, I very highly doubt it.
Mike (the other one)
$32 is a lot of quarters.
Use some spare washes or sanded down kockouts instead.
Koko The Talking Ape
I think I’ve had a stuck battery cover once. I used a nickel held in a vise-grip pliers. Worked great. I feel like the prominent edges on the nickel prevented cam-out, or something.
fred
Hazet battery cover tool:
https://www.amazon.com/Hazet-4650-3-Special-battery-plugs/dp/B001CA1HIQ/
orotone
I bought this two years ago on the Black Friday sale along with a multi-bit screwdriver. I paid about $10 for it. I use it several times a month and really like it. No more torn-up battery slots or looking for coins.
Alan
Reflector
Try using the sheet metal spanner that comes with your Mitutoyos… You’d be surprised what the other slots in the battery door are for. Kind of clever on Mitutoyo’s part.
Stuart
It was too far away, but as mentioned I know the curved rear part can be used for this. I can’t see how the typical working end can be used here.
Reed Prince
I bought one a few years ago as it was the perfect tool for the filter compartment doors of a couple of rooftop air handlers. Its come in handy many times since then.
Badbot
Yes, I used something we called a Snoopy tool when I was in the Navy.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/WWII-Snoopy-Aviation-Tool-Wrench-Dzus-Bomber-Fighter-Parts-HBM-P-N-5007-USA-NOS-/183552703813
Sort of looks like Snoopy heads, sort of.
Chuck Forster
Use a coin or washer with a set of pliers, locking or otherwise.
Tony
I already have the Klein Bottle Opener Tool (https://www.amazon.com/Klein-Bottle-Opener-Tools-98002BT/dp/B00093GENU).
I’m wondering if the end of it could be used to accomplish the same thing. If so, Klein is really missing out on a marketing opportunity. 🙂
Tony
As a quick follow-up to my own post, I have a CatEye wireless cyclometer on my bicycle. Both the little computer (that mounts on the handlebar) and the sensor (which mounts near the wheel) require watch sized batteries which need to be changed out periodically. In order to get to the batteries, both of them have a door with a coin slot on the back which normally requires a coin to open it. I just tried my Klein Bottle Opener, and it worked like a charm! I get much more torque out of using the tool.
JoeM
Reminds me too much of the Lee Valley/Veritas Pocket Screwdrivers.
http://www.leevalley.com/en/wood/page.aspx?p=32215&cat=1,43411,43417
Little coins with a gradually widening thickness around the edge, so they can fit the width of any slot. And they come in a dozen-pack, so you can put them all on a keychain, and put one or two together at once, line them all up to fit a slot for opening things, and voila, non-marring open/close driver at your fingertips at all times. Plus, when put on a keyring, or carabiner of some sort, you get instant full-torque use from your arm, or twisting mechanism of your choice.
Alick
From PB swiss’s website or some such they explain that it was designed for folk in the film industry where the access door on a movie camera or light that they used all the time had a latch that needed a coin to turn. On an expensive piece of kit, it might make sense to have ‘the’ ideal coin or tool so as not to wear it out by using something that didn’t fit properly. Kinda like pozi and philips screwdrivers don’t quite fit each others screws.
This is expensive but great quality, it also doesn’t fit a lot of smaller coin turn slots, only the bigger ones.
Stuart
There is a different PB Swiss film tool screwdriver meant for use on the coin slots in tripod plate screws and the such. That one is a very wide hollow ground slotted screwdriver.