Over at YouTube, BrenticusMaximus1 wrote a response to my PB Swiss stubby screwdriver review video:
Love you channel Stuey, and your posts on garage journal! Any chance you will be able to review the twister, ratcheting screwdriver, by PB Swiss? PS-love your site and great pics! Keep up the great work and share lots of videos (as time permits)
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I responded:
Thanks! I haven’t tried the PB Swiss Twister yet, and don’t really plan to. $150 is a LOT to pay for a ratcheting screwdriver. Even if it’s the best ratcheting screwdriver on the market, it would be hard to recommend at such a steep price when there are so many decent models for much less money. Maybe eventually.
I’ve given this some more thought, and there’s a nagging question in my mind. How good is the PB Swiss Tools Twister ratcheting screwdriver, and is it worth buying?
Part of the high cost is for the bit, and PB Swiss Tools’ screwdriver bits offer great quality that don’t come cheap.
Still, $150…
There are two sets – the one shown above, with a 30 mm shaft, and the one shown below, with a 100 mm shaft. Both Twister screwdrivers feature PB Swiss Tools’ Santoprene-coated SwissGrip handles.
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You can see the handle grip texture in my review of the stubby bit holder. Unfortunately, it’s not in stock on Amazon anymore, but you can still find it via Count on Tools and ToolLady.
Back to the point – do you want to see the PB Swiss Twister ratcheting screwdriver reviewed? I don’t mind spending money on tools to review – and I spend a lot more than I will ever say – but I can only do so if there’s enough interest or demand.
If 10 people want to see this reviewed, I’ll whip out the credit card and make it happen.
Wesley
Hi Stuart,
I’ll be the first to voice my support for this review. I own a PB Swiss Insider 3 (long shaft, ratcheting, black handle with in built bit holder) as a EDC.
The feel of the handle is second to none though frequently used bits will ultimately go rusty,
Richard
Do I *want* to see it reviewed? Maybe?
Do I think it’s a worthwhile use of $150? Naw, not even close. Think about how many other reviews of stuff you could do with $150 of hand tools – $150 buys quite a bit of Wiha and Wera for example.
PB Swiss should just send you one to review (which you can return if they/you want); don’t whip out the Visa needlessly. I don’t think it’s worth it, especially when most of us would never spend this kind of cash on something like this.
Tomas
I would never spend $150 on a screwdriver, but I’ll tell you I do a lot of work with laptops and am unscrewing little screws (Philips 00 size mainly). I would love a review for whatver you think its the best screwdriver for that use at $50 or less. I’m currently using a Mr. 7 Hands for $15 due to the great torque and LED lights. , I’ve also a “General” brand cordless precision screwdriver occasionally but I don’t think the bits are all that great.
Nathan
No. I mean it might review awesome and I suspect with the history of other pb swiss reviews that will be the case. but it’s something I’ll not ever consider buying not matter how highly regarded. mostly due to price. even on sale, or if they offered the device standalong – I can’t see buying one.
so if review this meant you couldn’t review other items – then I’d have to say pass on it. perhaps they will send you one.
or maybe you can raffle off some of the other things you guys have collected over the years to make up some budget?
rshadd
I’ve got to admit I like to know what makes a ratcheting screwdriver worth $150. Realistically it doesn’t really matter since I could never justify the price no matter how good it is. It’s kinda like read review of exoctics cars…. Even though I know I’ll never be able to afford one, I still enjoy reading about them.
fred
I see little impetus to have you review this tool. While I, like probably others, are curious to understand what makes a screwdriver handle (even with 20 high-quality bits) worth so much – I think your money would be better spent testing tools that your readers are likely to buy.
Coming from a commercial/small industrial environment we thought of bits (even high quality ones) as consumables. We bought those styles and sizes (e.g. PH#2, Robertson #2) we used often in bulk from manufacturers like Apex, Wera and Wiha – eschewing assortments and low-end quality – because they were not cost-effective for us.
John
I’d rather you spent the $150 on other tool(s) to review. My two cents…
John S
It is surely an impressive tool, but if someone wants to get a PB Swiss screwdriver, they will pay the money for it themselves. I, too, would prefer you use your money towards something else (though I am quite curious if it is close to worth its cost)
Doc
Even if it turned out to be the best ratcheting driver in history, it’s cost — especially relative to other excellent options available at a fraction of the price — is beyond prohibitive.
I’m curious: does the PBSwiss brand command such a high premium in Europe? They’re borderline ridiculous in the US.
Grady
$150.00 ? For a screwdriver? Have toy lost your ever loving mind? Is it solid gold?
STOP.
I vote NO!
No screwdriver is worth $150.00. Much less reviewing an setting on the shelf.
If you must spend that much money on a screwdriver go to HD & buy a Dewalt gyroscopic. For that amount, you can get both the inline and pistol grip.
NCD
I too enjoy your reviews, however……… $150.00 ??????? Not going to happen in my world. Save your money, JMHO.
Stuart
Thanks guys! That’s pretty much what I figured. I didn’t mean that I would budget for this instead of something else, but this seems like a tough tool to justify buying.
I buy surprisingly many tools for review and evaluation purposes, and will continue to do so. I feel that this is partly what separates ToolGuyd from a lot of other sites and magazines that tend to avoid reviewing anything they’re not given for free or paid to cover. This one was just too “iffy.” I could have tried to request a test sample, but this is the type of product I would need to have paid cold hard cash for.
There’s definitely a market for this, but my feeling is that it’s with very ultra-specialty users that might not frequent ToolGuyd.
I’ll wait another day to see if there are 10 “yeses” before pushing this from my mind for a while. If over time I get more requests, I might reconsider.
Nathan
what do you think the market for this item is? how will it be different than other quality devices like the snap on, the MAC or ?.
meanwhile – I seem to find it cheaper than 150. according to http://www.pbswisstools.co.uk/. you can get one shipped to you for around 69 dollars – using today’s conversion. now it might not get to you in 2 months but that’s a different issue.
Also I’ve been meaning to ask – have you ever used, or looked at Stahlwille tools? I notice a lot of love for the were and pb swiss devices so I thought I’d ask.
Stuart
You know what, I searched and searched, and could only find the Twister in a set.
From the page you linked to, the model numbers are 8510.R-30 and 8510.R-100, and Count on Tools has ’em for $66 and $70. (http://www.shop.pbtools.us/searchquick-submit.sc?keywords=8510.R-30).
Seems ridiculous that 20 bits and a case more than doubles the price.
Over $65 is still pretty steep, but isn’t crazy.
I would imagine these being in industrial settings and maybe in tech’s bags, where you need finer precision in a compact tool.
I’ve looked at Stahlwille, as well as Hazet and Gedore, but USA availability is still really lacking. It looks like Amazon started stocking a bunch of offerings from both brands, and so I might take a closer look later in the spring.
I’ve had some frustrating experiences and long delays from independent distributors, and usually reluctant to review tools that can only be special ordered, which drives up the price and waiting times. If Amazon, Home Depot, or independent dealers have large stock availability, that typically changes my eagerness to get more familiar with a brand.
Nathan
I can see that – Stahlwille does have a few distributors here in the states – one’s even a few miles from me. I ended up with a set that “fell off a plane”. the wrenches and sockets are some of the best I’ve ever used – 12 or 6 pt. the screwdrivers and bit holder I got are nice – but the ratchets suck compared to my SK and MAC devices.
Andrew
Let me preface this with me assuming this is an end all be all ratcheting tool:
I would think this would be best at some kind of productivity bench where electronic or air tools can’t be used. Someone who’s job is made faster/easier/more efficient by having the best tool for the trade.
I compare this to computer processors. There’s very little difference between a $250 (maybe $300) processor and a $1000 processor to the everyday person other than bragging rights.
But for someone that uses the $1000 processor for work, like video editing, the minutes saved are dollars earned in work throughput.
Larson
I would agree with this, and it made me think of Stiletto hammers. A solid hammer in the $29-59 range is great for me. A $200 hammer sounds insane but to someone who uses a hammer all the time it’s probably worth it.
I could tell you the difference between a $3 bottle of wine and a $20 bottle. But I don’t drink enough wine to know the difference between a $20 and a $150 bottle. Okay enough analogies
SteveR
Just as Consumer Reports doesn’t find it necessary (or cost-efficient) to review every product available in a given category, neither should you. You’re not the only tool forum on the internet; if you can’t review it owing to time or money constraints, it’s possible that another forum will cover it soon. If that’s not good enough, those desiring a review should donate funds to help pay for the item. .
Incidentally, Snap-on makes several bullet-proof ratcheting screwdrivers for about half the price of this one. They don’t come with a nice case, nor have as many bits, but you can purchase them (if needed) from their online store. And they’re a “Made in U.S.A.” product, easily repaired with domestic parts should you ever have to.
Kent
I have a Snap-On long and stubby-t-handle ratcheting screwdriver. As overpriced (and nice) as S-O is, I just couldn’t justify a $150 screwdriver.
Buy it if you want, but I’m assuming that most of us will sit back and watch, but never buy one.
Brent
I too was curious about what justified the price tag on this product when I inquired about a review. I thought Snap-On screwdrivers could never justify their price, but was I wrong, they have succeeded where everything else failed. (Incidentally, I am the Youtube poster BrenticusMaximus1)
JML
I bought the longer shaft version, without the bits and case (and without bit storage in the handle), which brings the price down below the stratosphere. Even though I love my many different Wera screwdriver bit-holder handles (including the ratcheting version), the PB Swiss is in a class by itself. The advantages:
(1) The slim shaft give better access to screws in a recessed or narrow location (the Wera 1/4″ bit holder is great, but it is wider than the simple magnetic attachment on the PB Swiss.
(2) The power bit attachment on many of the Wera handles does allow for greater access than the 1/4″ bit holder, but the bits do wobble in the handle.
(3) The ratcheting mechanism has no slop at all.
I also own ratcheting bit handles from Felco and SpecTool (roller cam). The PB Swiss is superior to those, too, especially in the quality of materials. It makes you want to go looking for loose screws to tighten. (The Snap-On version isn’t as nice, either.)
Gary T.
Would I like to see this screwdriver reviewed? Yes, just to see if you feel the price is justified. But I would rather see you do a comparison of other more affordable ones. Like maybe compare a Snap on, Williams, Wera, and Duralast high torque ratcheting screwdrivers for about the same amount you would spend on this PB Swiss ratcheting screwdriver.
Nick
I’ve also got one of these, and it works great, but I’ve also never had anything to really compare it to. Before I got it I only had really cheap ones and unsuprisingly it is way nicer than those.
I bought the longer version without the case & bits.
James
Stuart, quiero ver el review de ese set de destornilladores. I was thinking buy one like that.
Chris Ball
Rather than 150 bucks reviewing one ratcheting screwdriver.
I recommend reviewing:
RolGear ratcheting screwdriver, $22 CAD, I bought one last week and so far I’m mighty impressed.
A Megapro ratcheting screwdriver, 30 bucks, my non-ratcheting version won’t die.
An assortment of PicQuic non-ratcheting screwdrivers, 5 bucks to about 25, about my favorite multi-bit screwdrivers.
All Canadian or US made for those that care, and you’ll have enough money left over for pizza and libations.
http://www.rolgear.com, http://www.picquic.com, http://www.megapro.net
Chris.
Stuart
Have a RolGear that I bought but haven’t started testing yet, I know I’d like the MegaPro as I like relabeled Channellock one (https://14cyiuhvcgv.com/channellock-ratcheting-screwdriver-review/%3C/a%3E%29, and I have a couple of PicQuick drivers around here somewhere. My queue is quite long as I try to actually use every product that I review, and not just for 5 minutes.
I asked about the Twister b/c reader requests get higher priority, but its price means way lower than average reader interest. I had to be sure that I wasn’t wrong about that.
Chris Fyfe
I paid $70.00 for my bare Twister ( same general price class as Snap On ) , makes my vintage Snap On ratchet driver look and feel like a toy .
To me , a ratcheting driver is a highly tool . Impacts have limits !
Chris
Chris Fyfe
PB bits would make sence in an application where a cam out is not acceptable ie: gun smithing , and working on high precision stuff .
They also have some very interesting specialized hex and torox stuff . The make the maintenance tools for some very high end sewing machines like Bernina . Again a situation where cam out is not acceptable.
Chris
Jon
This turned out to be an expensive mistake.
Purchased this PB Swisstools ratchet screwdriver and on delivery it was faulty.
The ratchet mechanism was stiff and loud both ways, and in Fixed Locked mode (like a normal screwdriver) it would still turn left and right. Pretty useless.
PB Swisstools Unlimited Worldwide Guarantee is worse than it sounds, you pay shipping to Switzerland even though its a brand new, damn expensive tool. What sort of crap Worldwide Unlimited warranty is that.
The Driver handle looks good and like my other PB screwdrivers, the ratchet and steel shaft is very poor quality, the machining is terrible like a practice school project, nothing like a piece of craftsmanship PB swsstools purport to be. Looks like made in China ebay junk to be honest, not worth the high outlay. Swisstools seem to be relying upon the great reputation, and riding on the back off old established Swiss engineering firms to sell their sub quality swiss made tat. If you get one that works, then great, hopefully it won’t go wrong. But you’ve been told.
Stuart
Where did you buy it? Defects can happen with any brand. If you ordered from an authorized dealer and received a defective tool, the dealer should have handled an exchange for you without much trouble.
I ended up buying the screwdriver later on, and it’s amazing.
Bob
My issues were not with the PB Swiss ratchet function for the one I own. The problem I have is with both their standard hex bits and hex keys. They all tend to be loose fitting with very sloppy fits and poor fabrication tolerances.
I can only laugh at one of the posts above that claims PB Swiss bits are justified for precision work where cam out is not acceptable. LOL. In my experience with several different sizes and batches of their hex bits and keys they are among some of the poorest and sloppiest fitting bits one can find, and given their pricing the fit of their bits and hex keys borders on laughable. I used to think maybe I was being too hard one them, but in just the past 3 years both toolfarm on youtube and cyclingtips.com have done independent tests comparing 10 or more brands of hex keys and hex bits for fit, strength, and durability. In both of their series of brand comparison tests PB Swiss was among the brands tested, and in both cases their bits were in the bottom 3 of the brands tested for fit and sloppiness in the fasteners. The results of their tests exactly mirror my experience with their bits and hex keys. The only PB Swiss bits I have found that have even remotely good fit in fasteners are their 1/4 drive socket bits, which run about $12-$16 per socket. Their regular hex bits and keys are pure junk IMO.
The Wiha and Bondhus bits and hex keys I use have exponentially better fit in fasteners and cost exponentially less. Who cares how long a hex bit or key lasts if it has an amateurish sloppy fit in the precision fasteners you are using it on?
I have to agree with the poster above this is in direct reply to. PB Swiss appears to be living off the “Swiss Rep” created by past high end Swiss manufacturers, while producing a product that isn’t all that high end, but their prices sure are. I’ll happily stick with my Wiha and Bondhus bits and keys.
jess
did you mean project farm? not sure about the hex keys, but i do recall he liked the pb screwdrivers. the guys over at cyclingtips also seem to be fans. actually in one of the recent articles (https://cyclingtips.com/2022/02/your-complete-guide-to-hex-keys/) the author seems to almost exclusively use pb swiss. i’m also not sure i entirely believe the guy above lol