Did you know that PB Swiss Tools makes sweet-looking cross-handle ball hex drivers?
I recently took advantage of Count on Tools’ Black Friday sale and splurged on a whole lot of PB Swiss tools for use and for review. But I didn’t add any of these P/T-handle drivers to my cart.
Why? Because I’ve got enough T-handle drivers at my disposal, and because… well, I’m now wishing I had ordered a few sizes. I’ve been wishing for PB Swiss Tools to come out with this style of hex driver for the longest time. And now that they’re here, I balk?
Sorry, this all turned into a ‘thinking aloud’ rambling. But I have a bad cold I can’t shake. That makes it okay, right?
I think the decision not to buy these came when my order was still quite small. But then I decided to splurge on a bunch of other tools, and I guess I forgot to look at these again. Ah well, I can always buy them later on.
Anyways, these hex drivers have 2-component handles, made from Santoprene and what looks to be a hard plastic base handle.
PB Swiss’s Santoprene-coated SwissGrip screwdriver handles are supremely comfortable. They’re textured and grippy without being rough.
I’m a HUGE fan of PB Swiss hex keys, having used them for I don’t know how many years now. *Checking.* According to Amazon, I bought my first one in early 2009. So that’s nearly 8 years.
For a few years, my PB Swiss hex experiences revolved around their angled stubby hex keys, which I consider to be problem-solvers. Then I bought an inch set and a small metric set.
Sorry, I digressed again.
PB Swiss makes the best ball hex and straight hex drivers that I have ever seen. EVER.
Each tool large enough to be printed on has a serial number, so that if there’s ever an issue they can track it down to the source.
These tools are pricey, but deliver phenomenal trouble-free performance. You get your money’s worth.
With young kids at home, we haven’t taken our bikes anywhere in quite some time, so no need for any maintenance. Thus my 4, 5, 6mm P and T-handle usage has become irregular, and I can’t justify the upgrade. Maybe in a few years the need will arise and I’ll splurge on these drivers. And by “need,” I mean maybe my son will claim my Park or Beta drivers as his own and I’ll have a hole in my toolbox that needs filling.
Or, maybe there will be demands for a review, and I’d feel compelled to comply…
These cross-handle drivers are pricey, but should be the best of the best, given all my past experiences with PB Swiss Tools.
Sizes: 4mm, 5mm, 6mm, 8mm, 10mm
Torx and straight hex drivers are also available. Straight hex are available in the same sizes as ball hex, and Torx are available in T20, T25, T30, T40 sizes.
Price: $14+ each
Buy Now(via Count on Tools)
Compare(Park Tool Set, made by Bondhus, via Amazon)
Park’s P-handle hex wrench set is a good alternative. Instead of paying ~$50 for just 4, 5, and 6mm drivers, you get 8 sizes, from 2 to 10mm, plus a handy stand. I really like these Bondhus-made drivers, especially the simple but effective O-ring and plastic collar-based rotating shaft holder.
I also bought some Beta cross-handle “P handle?” drivers a few years ago, some at full price and some at Amazon clearance pricing. If I had to do it over again, I might still buy those Beta drivers in smaller sizes (2.5mm, 3mm), and these PB Swiss, at least in 4mm, 5mm, and 6mm sizing. I don’t use 8mm or 10mm sizes often enough to justify the added expense of the PB Swiss.
OH! Let’s also not forget about Klein Journeyman T-handle hex keys that I reviewed. Those are pretty good.