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.
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.
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.
The list price at Count-On Tools is $17.82 for the stubby, and $19.60 for the size shown here, plus shipping.
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.
Buy Now(via Count-On Tools)
Buy Now(via Amazon)
Buy Now(Stubby via Amazon)
