FACOM tools

[sxturbo]

Facom tools are comparable in quality to other mid-range engineer's tools such as Stahwihle, Hazet, etc. Not quite as well finished as Snap-On, Proto or Belzer are/were but still better than a lot of Chinese stuff. My ratchet and basic 1/2in socket set are Facom brand and I'm happy enough with them, although as a wood butcher I am hardly a daily trade user of such tools

I'm not sure your statement is true but likely just your opinion.

Stahwille and hazet are OE for many manufacturers (mostly German) most notably MTU, mercedes, BMW and VW group to name a few, they are designed and mostly made in Germany. They certainly are not mid range, but they cater to very different markets to snap on.

only mechanics tend to buy snap on tools, and mostly for dick measuring status down the pub. Their tools are insanely expensive for what they are. And the quality is matched by many others on the market these days for half the price.

Milwaukee tools seem to be the latest trend, and I know a few mechanics who have got fed up with paying through the nose for poor products and have switched to Milwaukee. The Milwaukee automotive power tools beat snap ons hands down and for a lot cheaper cost also.

Stahwille aim more at the precision industrial engineering end of the market and hazet generally provide specialist tools and sockets for the automotive and industrial engine market.

Proto tools are good, in the UK they are focused at the heavy industrial / civil engineering end of the market, where their tools get abused much more than they do at Dave the mechanics, and their torque wrenches are renowned for precision and longevity.

 

[conny]

I started buying Facom many years ago before they became one of the top branded names. Still got a ratchet drive from just after my apprenticeship in the 70.

 

[CBW]

Proto tools are good, in the UK they are focused at the heavy industrial / civil engineering end of the market, where their tools get abused much more than they do at Dave the mechanics, and their torque wrenches are renowned for precision and longevity.

Hadn’t heard of them until today, just looked them up, and they’re part of StanleyBlackandDecker.

 

[Belle427]

Facom, Britool to me feel and last no better than the likes of Draper these days.
Quality certainly isn't what it was way back in the 70s and 80s when these tools were seen as the Rolls Royce.

 

[Screwsloose]

I have only limited experience of tools in this (expensive!) price range, but I wonder if it matters which factory makes the tool.

Facom isn’t always upfront where particular tools are made (France, Vietnam or elsewhere?). And I found the quality varied from fantastic (superb spanners) to fell-to-bits.

In contrast, every PB Swiss tool I’ve got oozes quality, and they seem to last forever. PB Swiss tools are 100% made in Switzerland.

 

[speccy]

I bought Facom Britool and Snapon as a young lad many years back all lasted me very well. I sadly lost my 1/4 drive Facom ratchet which i love more than all of my tools. Sigh. Anyway yes Facom were good and i think still seem v good quality, as someone mentioned not quite as nice finish as some snapon.
My fave snapon selection are my stubby ratchet spanners, beautiful.

 

[Bungled]

Does anyone know if Facom tools still have a lifetime guarantee and how to make a warranty claim?

Facom still has a lifetime warranty – unlike Bahco and others who have quietly dropped it.

I’ve used Facom’s warranty service, and it was excellent. The process – from first contact to receiving a replacement tool – was painless. It’s a good reason to buy Facom. (Incidentally, I know PB Swiss is, like Facom, among the minority still offering a lifetime warranty.)

In contrast, I gather Bahco’s warranty is now just 12 months