Chrom Vanadium

To the many fine points that contribute to the superiority of quality hand tools in comparison to cheap products, is the choice of the raw material.

Chrome-Vanadium steels have a low alloying constituent with a minimum amount of Chrome (Cr) und Vanadium (V). As per DIN, the weight percentages are 0,3-1,2% for Cr and 0,1-0,15% for V. These two alloy additions have the effect of a better total hardening, a higher abrasion resistance and ductility. Besides Cr and V and depending on the application of the material, there are also other elements such as Siliceous, Manganese or Molybdenum included in the secret formulary.

For the production of PB Swiss Tools hand tools, a specially produced alloy based on spring steel is used. This is reflected in the very high hardness of 58-60 HRC, unprecedented ductility and flexibility of this special steel. The appropriate alloy is an important factor but still not the guarantor for the high grade material qualities of a tool. These are greatly influenced by the heat-treatment, hardening and final tempering. Without the required exactness, hardness flaws will lead to the breaking of the tool. The selection and treatment of the raw material must insure that the tool has a high abrasion resistance as well as being strong. Only then is it possible that the required high torque needed to tighten or loosen screws is assured.

Besides the loading capacity is the dimensional stability an important criterion in judging the quality. The exacter the tolerance is between tool and screw, the better the transmission of power is between the two parts and insures that unnecessary wearing of the material does not occur. PB Swiss Tools hand tools are subjected to ridged quality controls and are marked with production series numbers. With the aide of these numbers, it is possible to trace the parts back through the complete production to the initial raw material used. A high grade of quality is the end result.