Bergeon 30081-S Screwdriver Set

[Don]

For anyone in the U.S. in need of screwdrivers, Otto Frei is having a sale on the 9 piece Bergeon 30081-S set. $86.95, regular $106.

 

They look like the same ones pictured in the 10 Essential Tools Every Watch Repairer Needs article:

 

[Article]10 Essential Tools Every Watch Repairer Needs - Watch Repair Tutorials & Information

[bobm12]

Hi Don,

 

Glad you pointed that out and thank you for letting us know. To my knowledge, they have been on sale for some time since they are pushing newer "models" also offering Horotec and A&F options. For all I know, they may be pretty thick with Bergeon considering all they offer from this manufacturer.

 

They also support the TZ watch school as their official supplier and apparently want to make some essential tools accessible to the students while increasing sales. I also think that most of the offerings common to the TZ school are discounted too either in their direct web site or in their gate from the TZ school (which you don't need to be a student to buy from, I guess).

 

Nevertheless, this side of the pond, they have pretty good prices on many items. An essential one that comes to mind, in addition to the screwdrivers, is the Dumont tweezers, having a better price and better options than any other supplier I know.

 

I usually open 2 shopping carts, one in ofrei and one in esslinger (sometimes also with other suppliers) and go back and forth until I got the best price on everything including s/h. Some of the stuff sold with a name can be had for substantially more savings when you buy "generic".

 

Regretfully, certain generic stuff simply doesn't work the same, therefore -- in my case -- I mix and match even to the point of altering generic tools to accept name brand components. Example: generic pin holder using true Bergeon pins, etc.

 

Just a thought and hopping it helps,

 

Robert

Edited August 13, 2014 by bobm12

[Don]

Hi Robert,

 

I hope it's a good set at a good price since I ordered one. ;O)

 

In building up my tools and supplies I've done a good bit of switching between Esslinger and Ofrei too. Since I'm in California I usually get orders from Ofrei in a day or two.

 

Thanks for the tips.

 

Don

[bobm12]

I'd say you chose right...or we both chose wrong! :)

 

In any case, you won't be dissapointed with that set. And if you are like me, that use it and leave it around on the table for next time vs. back in the holder, you'll love them. They don't roll away, have a confortable grip and the blade material is very durable.

 

Originally I ordered an inexpensive set that ended up in a drawer, forgotten when I got this one. Later I switched the blades on the original cheapo one for Bergeon blades and screws. I was fortunate they fitted with exeption of the .50 (too wobbly). Now when I need a lever or something that may call for a screw driver shape other than its real function I use the cheapos. For normal use I use the Bergeon set.

 

One thing about my cheapo "modded" set is that some of them had to be "fitted" to accept the new blades so they have a more "permanent" fit than the Bergeon's. Unfortunately, the set doesn't have a good feel and finish and tend to roll all over when not in their holder.

[RosscoInOshawa]

Thanks for sharing Don, Robert. 

 

I count myself as lucky as I've had very good luck with Esslinger the last two orders so I will have to try Otto Frei as well. 

 

Sadly, I've given up on the Canadian distributor I had tried first after I had to phone them after almost four weeks after the order to find out about my back order, and they miraculously found one of the two items I was waiting on to be delivered - one was already sitting there and the other was miraculously due in that same day I called and then I got both a few days later.  

[bobm12]

That sounds more like Miami! No wonder you went to Esslinger!

 

I find Esslinger to be very reliable too as well as Ofrei. Ofrei is more "laid back" but just as good and many prices are a tiny bit more reasonable (if you can call reasonable the industry prices).

 

I've heard about Kas Ker (spelling?) but never ordered from them....and I just received my order from CousinsUK with no issues. So I guess there is still a variety of good suppliers to order from out there.

[Don]

I received mine today. They look very nice. I doubt better quality will make a huge difference at my current level of ability, but I've never been disappointed in using the best quality tool I can afford.

[bobm12]

Excellent news Don, I know you will be happy with those. They are top!