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Find the closest specialist retailer with the click of a mouse The retailer finder on the PB Swiss Tools website shows our local points of sale – simply click the link below and type in where you live. Finding a retailer Add to your shopping basket with just one click You can find our high-quality tools online at Amazon or Contorion via the following links: Amazon Contorion PB Swiss Tools – 100% Swiss-made Guaranteed quality thanks to 100% vertical integration in our Swiss production facilities. Lifetime guarantee with the serial number on each tool. One-fifth of our annual turnover is reinvested in developing new products. PB Swiss Tools – best marks in the trade world Our products are used every single day and pass every acid test. We score the best marks on online test platforms such as www.meister-testen.de . On this platform , fifty testers have assessed our RainBow L-wrench and recommend it with a rating of just under 100%. A test report written by Jens on the PB 212 LH RB RainBow L-wrench “A solid tool for a fair price. However, I was not familiar with the brand beforehand. I would also like to take a look at the company’s other products.” Jens on meister-testen.de Link to the Product This product has been assessed by fifty tradespersons: PB 212 LH RB – RainBow L-wrenches, long, with ball point, set in a practical plastic holder for hexagon socket screws chrome-plated and powder-coated, color coded by size, quick access to the right tool perfectly shaped ball point, allows screws to be turned at an angle of up to 30° special alloy based on spring steel, exceptional elasticity coupled with high grade hardening laser-marked serial number, lifetime guarantee Link to the entire report Discover our high-quality hand tools Our excellent hand tools are manufactured with uncompromising Swiss quality: precise, durable and reliable. The first choice for anyone needing to tighten screws professionally. High quality hand tools Overview of our retailers and sales partners Here, you will find your local PB Swiss Tools suppliers at the click of a mouse. Find retailers #innovation #PBSwissTools #professionaltradespersons #professionaltools #tools #swissquality #amazon #contorion #tool #screwdriver #vde #torquetool #L-wrench #strikingtool #precisionbits #newproduct #sales #specialistretailer #Germany #Austria #DIYenthusiast
PB Swiss Tools Young Talents on the Hunt for Medals at WorldSkills!
From Emmental to uptownBasel and then onto Shanghai – it gets serious on October 12, 2022! Our national team are still in training on home soil. After the first training phase at PB Swiss Tools, Dario and Adrian are now getting ready for the international competition by training three days a week on the uptownBasel innovation campus. In comparison with the hard work put into their preparations by some of the foreign delegations, it appears that the Swiss team are training at an almost moderate rate of intensity. Some national teams have been training for up to ten hours a day, six or seven days a week for the last year! From October 12 to 17, 2022, our Swiss vocational athletes will face up to extremely strong international competitors, hailing from 85 nations around the world. Highly professional preparations with training sessions and public test competitions To ensure that the Swiss national team can grow accustomed to the international level on which they will be competing, our vocational athletes are being prepared for the competition in Shanghai by a team of very experienced trainers. The head of the mission , Olivier Habegger, has already been the head of a delegation to a WorldSkills championship three times and thus has first-hand knowledge of what is required and the level of the competition. The preparations for WorldSkills includes public training sessions in a shopping center and in the Swiss Science Center Technorama, as well as an international test competition between the German, Austrian and Swiss national teams. In this realistic comparison, our vocational athletes will be able to measure themselves against renowned industrial nations and also socialize and establish ties with the other German-speaking participants. A challenging two-day public training session in the Gäupark Shopping Center in Egerkingen The task thought up by the trainer Nicolas Godel – which involves the construction and programming of a miniature packaging system – was quite tricky and peppered with all sorts of challenges. The setup was actually designed to be held over three days, but the vocational athletes had to complete the task in just two days. Godel also included two more challenges in the tasks: Instead of a vacuum sensor, the materials provided to the athletes included a pressure gauge that was identical in appearance. In addition, the basic configuration of the control software that they were initially provided with was rather unsuitable for programming. “With the help of such situations, the young vocational athletes are learning to scrutinize every work step and also to make allowances for the seemingly impossible when troubleshooting,” said the trainer with a wink of the eye in justification of the obstacles that he snuck into the training session. A practical task and a simulation of an authentic competition The assessment criteria cover a wide range of topics: Problem-free functionality of the mechanics and programming The creativity of the solution The quality of the setup and cabling The cleanliness of operation The safety and efficiency of the system Godel – the trainer – designed the public training session to be as realistic as possible. From the briefing to the task assessment, all conversations were held solely in English. Even the rituals in the competition environment were kept exactly the same as they would be in the competition proper. The test task of designing, building and configuring a system for the packaging industry was largely consistent with the setup of the previous competition. Different types of small pots had to equipped with lids of different colors according to the respective order set up on the control panel. In so doing, the system had to be able to properly identify the color and size of the lid and the type of container, and then combine the components accurately. In the event that the magazines were loaded incorrectly, the incorrect parts had to be rejected and sorted out of the system. This is because malfunctions are also simulated in the assessment and the reliability of the system’s response is also evaluated. Creativity, speed and accuracy – the most important success factors The competition is always a race against time. However, our automation athletes were able to manage their time perfectly. The young automation talents presented their system to the jury with five minutes still left on the clock. “The PB Swiss Tools precision tools put us at a considerable advantage during the assembly stage thanks to their fitting accuracy and the color coding system. Simply put, ‘Work with the best.’,” said a smiling Dario Flükiger. “When every second counts, I am grateful for always having the right screwdriver close to hand so that I can secure and fit the components to the support rails quickly and accurately. And in such a miniature system, our 30° L-wrenches with a ball point make tightening concealed hexagon socket screws much easier.” Committed to winning a medal – a great deal of work for athletes and their families, employers and sponsors. The athletes have had to put up with a lot of stress and a great many restrictions, ranging from the postponement of secondary school and the start of their studies to the numerous overnight stays away from home every week on their training days. However, the people close to the athletes are also helping them. Their employers are fully committed and are continuing to pay their wages, and their families – from their siblings to their grandparents – are also diligently supporting the project. The previous winners of gold medals scored 98 out of 100 points. Thus, the results at the top hardly differ from ski racing – every point counts! The participants also need a healthy portion of good luck. And that is what we, here at PB Swiss Tools, wish Dario Flükiger and his team colleagues with their performance in Shanghai. PB Swiss Tools will continue to place a strong focus on young talents in the future – such as the SwissSkills winner Dario Flükiger, who will represent Switzerland at the WorldSkills competition in the fall. Dario Flükiger and Adrian Matthys not allowing themselves to be distracted from their work despite the large number of visitors in the Gäupark Shopping Center in Egerkingen. #Automation #WorldSkills #SwissSkills #AutomationEngineer #PBSwissTools #WorkWithTheBest #Gäupark #DarioFlükiger #AdrianMatthys #Actemium
Robotic teamwork for dead-blow hammers
PB Swiss Tools hand tools are used by professionals on every inhabited continent. The quality of the tools is legendary. The traditional company offers a lifetime guarantee on material defects and manufacturing errors. Thanks to a serial number on each tool, all of the production steps right down to the raw materials used can be traced, which is a requirement for medical instruments. Enormous vertical integration at the company locations Production takes place exclusively at the two locations in Emmental – Wasen and Sumiswald. The vertical integration is enormous; “Swiss made” writ large: PB Swiss Tools manufactures everything itself on site, using delivered raw materials such as bars of especially hardened special steel or plastic granulate. Equally comprehensive is the high-tech machinery for metal and plastic processing as well as for electroplating, which are used to produce the components for the tools. There are 17 ABB robots currently being used in the production of our tools. “We are constantly developing new products for our customers as well as improving existing production workflows with the aim of safeguarding our competitive position in relation to competitors from low-cost countries,” said Eva Jaisli, CEO of PB Swiss Tools, before commenting that it is also important to ensure the greatest possible flexibility in production, as the tools are produced in numerous versions. The automation of work steps helps to maintain Switzerland’s position as a production location and also allows for growth – in our workforce, too. “We now employee considerably more people than we did eight years ago,” stated Jaisli. Recoilless thanks to movable weights One of PB Swiss Tools’ best-selling products is the dead-blow hammer. Movable weights incorporated into the hammer head swing in the same direction as the hammer blow, and in doing so allow for full and accurate hammer strikes without any recoil. “For this purpose, we insert steel washers in the hammer head in such a way that they are strung on a pin and can move freely,” explained Heinz Kobel, who works as an Engineering Project Manager at PB Swiss Tools and can look back at a 35-year career with the company. Heinz Kobel stood next to the new OmniCore robot cell. “We had previously partially automated this production step with a robot. In order to improve production speed and improve accuracy, we decided to build a new robot cell for automated production,” said Kobel. The team headed by Heinz Kobel integrated and programmed the robot themselves. Two new ABB robots integrated into the cell For the new cell, he evaluated two new material handling robots which would complement an existing welding robot in its own cell. “Due to our good experiences, we contacted ABB again to take a look at their robots,” explained Kobel. “They suggested two new robots from their portfolio – the IRB 1100 and the IRB 1300. We were impressed by the benefits they would provide.” The IRB 1100 precisely inserts the supplied washers. The IRB 1300 launched in 2020 is faster and significantly more lightweight than its predecessor, the IRB 1600. It also offers a load-carrying capacity of up to 11 kg. Launched on the market at the end of 2018, the IRB 1100 is now the smallest and most-lightweight six-axle robot produced by ABB. It replaces the IRB 120. Both robots are operated with the new, compact ABB OmniCore control unit and offer the maximum path accuracy. The first robot cells in Switzerland to be exclusively made up of OmniCore components “PB Swiss Tools is the first customer in Switzerland to acquire an IRB 1300 and the first company to realize a robot cell exclusively made up of OmniCore components,” stated Olivier Keck, the responsible ABB sales engineer. “This shows that the company is not only dedicated to breathing innovation into the development of its new tools, but can also count itself as one of the pioneers in terms of optimizing production.” Heinz Kobel’s team also integrated and programmed this new OmniCore cell with the two robots itself in spring 2021 – with the help of, among other things, the ABB RobotStudio simulation software. The smaller of the two robots in the cell – the IRB 1100 – is agile and responsible for precision work. Its job is to pick up and precisely insert the automatically supplied washers. To do this, the IRB 1300 – the versatile all-rounder in this robot team – puts down a lower part of a hammer head in front of it, which it checks for any troublesome steel chips using a sensor. The IRB 1100 then uses its vacuum gripper to insert a pin and subsequently threads the washers onto the pin one by one. The two new ABB robots working together side by side. Also takes care of handling for welding systems and lathes Once it has inserted the correct number of washers, the IRB 1300 attaches the head piece of the housing and places the hammer head in a welding system so that both parts can be firmly connected. The robot puts the hammer head down briefly to let it cool and then places it in a CNC lathe, where the weld seam is removed. Afterwards, the IRB 1300 passes the hammer head into an adjacent cell, where an ABB IRB 1600, which has been in use for some time already, places it in a second welding system. Here, the hammer head is welded together with the shaft handle. The three robots carry out all of this work as part of a fully automated process. Producing seven different sizes PB Swiss Tools produces dead-blow hammers in seven different sizes, with approximately 80,000 units in total being manufactured every year. It takes three-quarters of an hour to change over the cell to another size, which normally happens once a week. A view of the inner workings of the dead-blow hammer. “With this new cell, we have achieved our goal – we can produce a larger number of high-quality hammers in a shorter period of time. More importantly, however, the new ABB robots work extremely precisely and reliably,” said Kobel. “Safety and quality take the highest priority with this tool, which can be used in aircraft construction and in the automotive industry.”
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What is...... cellulose aceto butyrat?
Cellulose aceto butyrat, abbreviated CAB, is a modified natural substance from wood. This is the material from which PB Swiss Tools Classic and multicraft handles are made. Because the modified natural materials in air-tight boxes and drawers can develop an unpleasant smell, we add a slight vanilla aroma to neutralize it. The video “Eastman Cellulose Esters” from Eastman shows how the material is made and how to care for it. Are there any other terms you're unsure of? Send them to us at this address info@pbswisstools.com and we will be happy to explain them.
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Our “Red Dot” has won THE award!
Diverse building technology – one compact tool With its compact star shape, this genuine innovation made of high-performance polymer sits securely in your hand. The outstanding grip guarantees high torques when opening and closing flaps, doors and gates. The removable red centerpiece of the multifunction tool serves as a practical bit holder. The bits can be exchanged and equipped according to individual needs. Thus, the multi-tool is also suitable for loosening and tightening screws of all kinds. Nine functions weighing only 37 grams This innovative universal cabinet key with nine functions is the perfect key ring for all skilled workers: square, triangular, double bits, mixing jets, slotted and Phillips screws with switchgear systems, barriers and technology services in buildings. The recess for the bit holder can be used when working with the water supply for replacing mixing jets and spray regulators. Red Dot Award – synonym for good product design Established in 1955, the annual award recognizes the products that stand out most for their design and innovation. The international panel of 50 experts from a wide range of fields examines the products submitted in a process lasting several days for formal quality, ergonomics and durability – always “in search of good design and innovation”. High-ranking jury – strong competition Countless participants from all over the world compete for the Red Dot Award. The evaluation criteria are correspondingly strict. PB Swiss Tools is thus particularly overjoyed to be one of the winners of the coveted Red Dot Award “Product Design 2021” and naturally appreciates the congratulatory words of the jury president: “I was particularly impressed by the winners this year. The design of your product is outstanding in terms of aesthetics and functionality.” For us, this is a great incentive, but also proof that we are on the right track in the development of our innovative hand tools. Red Dot – what is true for paintings is also true for tools The red dot has a very special meaning in the art world. This also applies to the award-winning 9-in-1 tool from PB Swiss Tools. Because this innovative cabinet key has long since been a bestseller in the world of skilled workers – even before it was awarded the Red Dot. #RedDotAward #RedDot #Innovation #PBSwissTools #Cabinetkey #PocketTool #Housetechnicians #Servicestaff #Allrounder
Dario Flükiger from PB Swiss Tools at the automation engineer world championships
With hard training, a professional trade can also be a top sport. The best up-and-coming professionals compete every two years at SwissSkills and the winning teams represent Switzerland at the international vocational championships, WorldSkills. PB Swiss Tools is proud that Dario Flükiger and his team colleague Adrian Matthys (Actemium Switzerland) have qualified for the 2022 world championships in Shanghai in the mechatronics section. Take a look at the meticulous preparations for this challenging competition featuring 40 teams from around the world. October 12, 2022 , starts now and the chances are good The WorldSkills Competition had to be postponed due to the pandemic. But now the new date has been confirmed: From October 12 – 17, 2022, several thousand young professionals from all over the world will be competing in Shanghai in around 50 disciplines. Switzerland is sending a pretty strong team, consisting of Dario Flükiger from PB Swiss Tools and Adrian Matthys (Actemium), to take part in the mechatronics section. It might sound like the competition is a long way off, but training is already getting underway today – because the team has set its sights high and the competitors, particularly from Asia, are known to be extremely strong. But the Swiss have good prospects: At the last three competitions alone, the mechatronic engineers from Switzerland have collected a complete set of medals. Swiss team in a good position and now in initial training at PB Swiss Tools In their first task, Dario and Adrian have to set up, program and commission a miniature production system for sorting workpieces in just 90 minutes. This is a warm-up training for team building and task distribution because at the WorldSkills Competition they will have to solve much more complex tasks in three times the time spent today. To work through the tasks as efficiently as possible, Dario is responsible for assembly and the mechanical functionalities while Adrian only lends a hand with certain assembly steps and the rest of the time mainly sets about accurately programming the system. Perfect training facilities and careful preparation It is a lovely Saturday morning and the two exude self-confidence with faces almost as radiant as the sun. And it’s not a surprise because they have perfect conditions at PB Swiss Tools with their own training room in competition dimensions and, of course, all the precision tools a technician could hope for. They have to take test systems apart, put them back together again, program them, check functions, find and remedy errors – as precisely and quickly as possible, fully adhering to the specifications of the trainer team. But what at first glance would seem to be a series of routine tasks, is in fact a permanent race against the clock, collecting points along the way and taking as much care as possible. Sound professional knowledge and generous support Maximum concentration, well-rehearsed processes and precision in assembly and programming are what you need. Along with nerves of steel. Because every point counts. And that means that even tactics can play their part: “We would rather lose a point for an indicator lamp that is not connected and invest the time gained in ensuring a fundamental function works perfectly,” reveals Adrian Matthys with a glint in his eye. But knowing the two perfectionists, they won’t need to rely on such tricks at the end of the training program sponsored by their employers, which includes up to three days of training per week. And a confident Dario Flükiger adds: “The tools from PB Swiss Tools sit perfectly in your hand, are precise and simple to differentiate – this is how I gain time in assembly and that means that, together, we can naturally make sure that that last indicator lamp comes on.” #worldskills #worldskills2022#swissskills #automation#automatiker#mechatronics#darioflükiger#adrianmatthys#PBSwissTools #WorkWithTheBest#actemium
Phillips and Pozidriv cross-head screws – explained in simple terms
To counteract these disadvantages, J. P. Thompson patented a screw with a cross recess in 1933. He sold the patent to the Phillips Screw Company. It improved the profile and introduced the screw to the market in 1936/37. The flanks of the Phillips cross-head screws taper off towards the tip. The conical form facilitates inserting the tip of the screwdriver with the power-operated screwdrivers. In addition, an axial force is generated during tightening which pushes the screwdriver out of the screw. Originally, this effect was intentionally used as torque delimitation. But over time, it proved to be a disadvantage of the Phillips screws. Phillips screw symbol and screwdriver tip with conical flanks The Phillips Screw Company and the American Screw Company patented a cross-head screw with parallel flanks which prevents the ejection force during tightening or loosening. The name Pozidriv is the abbreviation or acronym for "positive drive". Pozidriv screw symbol and screwdriver tip with parallel flanks According to ISO standard, the two cross-head screwdriver types are designated as PH for Phillips and PZ for Pozidriv screws. What are the differences in their application? Advantage of Pozidriv - Disadvantage of Phillips When applying high torques, the conical Phillips form generates an ejection force that pushes the screwdriver out of the screw. With Pozidriv, the parallel form prevents this force. Advantage of Phillips - Disadvantage of Pozidriv Phillips screwdrivers can be used for Pozidriv screws, but they do exhibit some play. Pozidriv screwdrivers, on the other hand, cannot be used for Phillips screws. Left image: Phillips screwdriver in Phillips screw The conical form leads to ejection forces Right image: Phillips screwdriver in Pozidriv screw The conical screwdriver shows play in the parallel screw. Left image: Pozidriv screwdriver in Pozidriv screw The parallel form prevents ejection forces. Right image: Pozidriv screwdriver in Phillips screw The parallel tip cannot penetrate into the conical screw. This is often the reason why the screwdriver is selected by (at least) one size lower, which leads to an overloading of the tool. Easily recognizeable through color-coding for the tools from PB Swiss Tools: The screwdrivers and bits for Phillips screws are marked red/yellow The screwdrivers and bits for Pozidriv screws are marked green: Tip: In case of doubt, use a Phillips screwdriver. While they do not perfectly fit into the Pozidriv screws, one can at least insert the correct size. The use of Pozidriv screwdrivers in Phillips screws works only with screwdrivers that are too small and easily leads to damage of the screw or the tool.