Facom Screwdrivers

Facom Screwdrivers at Tooled-Up.com

Facom has been synonymous with professional-grade hand tools since 1918, and their screwdriver range exemplifies the French manufacturer's commitment to precision engineering and durability. Tooled-Up.com stocks a comprehensive selection of Facom screwdrivers designed to meet the exacting standards of professional tradespeople across the UK. From traditional slotted and Phillips head drivers to specialist VDE-insulated models for electrical work, Facom's screwdriver collection combines ergonomic design with exceptional build quality.

Each Facom screwdriver is manufactured using premium materials and undergoes rigorous quality control to ensure consistent performance in demanding trade environments. The range encompasses everything from individual precision screwdrivers for delicate electronics work to robust heavy-duty models for mechanical applications, plus comprehensive screwdriver sets that provide complete solutions for workshop and site work. Whether you're an automotive technician, electrician, or multi-trade professional, the Facom screwdriver selection at Tooled-Up offers tools built to withstand years of professional use.

Why Choose Facom Screwdrivers?

Facom's reputation for manufacturing premium hand tools has been earned over more than a century of serving professional tradespeople. Their screwdrivers are engineered with precision-machined tips that provide exceptional grip and torque transmission, significantly reducing cam-out and extending both tool and fastener life. The hardened chrome vanadium steel construction ensures resistance to wear and deformation, whilst the carefully controlled heat treatment process maintains optimal hardness throughout the blade.

The ergonomic handle design is a hallmark of Facom screwdrivers, featuring bi-material grips that provide superior comfort during extended use and excellent torque application even in wet or oily conditions. Facom's Protwist handle design incorporates a rotating cap that allows for precise control whilst applying palm pressure, reducing hand fatigue during repetitive tasks. This attention to user comfort, combined with the tools' exceptional longevity, makes Facom screwdrivers a cost-effective investment for professionals who demand reliability from their hand tools.

Facom also maintains comprehensive traceability and quality assurance throughout their manufacturing process, with each tool stamped with its size and type for quick identification in busy toolboxes. The brand's lifetime warranty on many products demonstrates their confidence in the durability and performance of their screwdriver range.

Who Uses Facom Screwdrivers?

• Automotive Technicians and Mechanics: Professional motor trade specialists who require precision tools for engine work, dashboard removal, and general vehicle maintenance
• Electricians and Electrical Contractors: Sparks who need VDE-insulated screwdrivers for safe work on live electrical systems up to 1000V
• Maintenance Engineers: Industrial maintenance professionals working across manufacturing, facilities management, and production environments
• Plumbers and Heating Engineers: Trade professionals requiring reliable screwdrivers for boiler installations, pipework, and central heating systems
• Joiners and Carpenters: Woodworking specialists who value precision tools for cabinet fitting, door hanging, and detailed joinery work
• Electronics Technicians: Specialists working with delicate components who require precision screwdrivers with fine tips and controlled torque
• Multi-Trade Contractors: Versatile tradespeople who need a comprehensive screwdriver set covering multiple applications across different trades

Key Features of Facom Screwdrivers

Facom screwdrivers incorporate several distinctive features that set them apart from standard alternatives. The precision-ground tips are manufactured to exacting tolerances, ensuring perfect engagement with screw heads and minimising the risk of damage to fasteners. The chrome vanadium steel blades are through-hardened and chrome-plated for corrosion resistance, whilst maintaining the flexibility needed to prevent brittle fracture under high torque loads.

The Protwist handle system features a bi-material construction combining a rigid polypropylene core with a soft, tactile elastomer outer layer. This design provides excellent grip in all conditions whilst the rotating end cap enables precise finger control during final tightening. The handle profiles are carefully shaped to maximise torque transmission whilst minimising hand fatigue, with clear size markings on the end of each handle for quick identification.

For electrical work, Facom's VDE screwdrivers are individually tested to 10,000V and certified for use on live installations up to 1000V, complying with BS EN 60900 standards. These models feature fully insulated blades and handles with a distinctive two-colour design that provides visual confirmation of insulation integrity. The insulation extends to within millimetres of the tip, providing maximum protection for electrical work whilst maintaining the precision needed for terminal connections.

Popular Facom Screwdrivers

The Facom Protwist screwdriver range represents the pinnacle of their standard offering, available in comprehensive sets covering slotted, Phillips, Pozidriv, and Torx profiles. These sets typically include the most commonly used sizes for general trade work, housed in durable storage solutions that protect the tools and keep them organised on site or in the workshop.

Facom's VDE insulated screwdriver range is essential for electrical contractors, with individual drivers and complete sets covering all standard electrical work requirements. These tools meet HSE guidelines for working on or near live electrical systems and are an essential part of any electrician's toolkit. The range includes both standard length and stubby versions for working in confined spaces such as consumer units and distribution boards.

For precision work, Facom manufactures specialist electronics screwdriver sets with fine tips and slim profiles for accessing recessed screws in electronic equipment. These precision instruments are equally at home in electronics workshops and for detailed automotive diagnostics work. The brand also offers specialised screwdrivers for specific applications including offset drivers, ratcheting screwdrivers, and impact-rated models for loosening seized fasteners.

Safety and Compliance

When using Facom screwdrivers for electrical work, it's essential to ensure that VDE-insulated models complying with BS EN 60900 are selected. These tools should be visually inspected before each use for any damage to the insulation, and any tool showing signs of wear or damage should be immediately withdrawn from service. Even with insulated tools, safe isolation procedures should be followed wherever possible in accordance with BS 7671 wiring regulations and HSE guidance.

For general mechanical work, Facom screwdrivers should be used only for their intended purpose and not as pry bars, chisels, or punches, as this can damage the precision-ground tips and compromise the structural integrity of the blade. Always select the correct size and type of screwdriver for the fastener being worked on to prevent cam-out, which can damage both the screw head and the tool tip, and potentially cause hand injuries.

The ergonomic design of Facom screwdrivers helps reduce the risk of repetitive strain injuries, but users should still take regular breaks during extended screwdriving tasks and maintain proper posture. Store screwdrivers in a dry environment and keep them clean and free from oil or grease to maintain optimal grip and prevent corrosion, ensuring they remain safe and effective throughout their working life.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Facom screwdrivers worth the investment compared to budget alternatives?

Facom screwdrivers are manufactured from premium chrome vanadium steel with precision-ground tips that maintain their accuracy and grip over thousands of uses. The superior materials and manufacturing processes mean they resist wear, don't cam out as easily, and are backed by Facom's lifetime warranty on many products. For professional tradespeople, the increased productivity, reduced fastener damage, and exceptional longevity make them a cost-effective choice that actually saves money over time compared to repeatedly replacing inferior tools.

Are Facom VDE screwdrivers suitable for UK electrical installations?

Yes, Facom VDE screwdrivers are fully compliant with BS EN 60900 and are individually tested to 10,000V, certified for safe use on live installations up to 1000V. They meet all UK electrical safety standards and are widely used by professional electricians throughout the country. However, safe isolation procedures should always be followed wherever possible in accordance with BS 7671 and HSE guidance, with live working only undertaken when absolutely necessary and with appropriate precautions.

How do I identify the correct Facom screwdriver size for my application?

All Facom screwdrivers are clearly marked on the handle end with their size and type (e.g., PH2 for Phillips size 2, SL5.5 for 5.5mm slotted). For best results, the screwdriver tip should fit snugly in the screw head with minimal play – too small and you risk cam-out and damage, too large and you won't engage properly. Facom's precision manufacturing ensures consistent sizing, so once you know which sizes you use regularly, you can quickly identify the right tool from your set.

Can Facom screwdrivers be used with power tools or impact drivers?

Standard Facom screwdrivers are designed for manual use only and should not be struck with hammers or used with power tools, as this can damage the handle and potentially cause the blade to shatter. However, Facom does manufacture specific impact-rated screwdrivers and screwdriver bits designed to withstand the forces generated by impact drivers. These products feature reinforced construction and are clearly marked as suitable for impact use. Always check the product specifications before using any screwdriver with power tools.

How should I maintain my Facom screwdrivers to ensure longevity?

Keep your Facom screwdrivers clean and dry, wiping them down after use to remove dirt, oil, and moisture that could cause corrosion. Store them in a dry toolbox or tool roll rather than leaving them loose where the tips can be damaged. Periodically inspect the tips for wear or damage, and avoid using screwdrivers for purposes they weren't designed for, such as prying or chiselling. For VDE insulated models, regularly inspect the insulation for any cracks, cuts, or damage, and replace immediately if any defects are found. With proper care, Facom screwdrivers will provide decades of reliable professional service.