Dave455
Well-known member
A recent discussion prompted me to start a Facom thread. I realise that the products of this French company will be relatively unknown to many of the U.S. based readers, but Facom has something of a cult following, and many of it’s products are unique, so worth a thread I feel.
I first encountered Facom probably 35 years back. The timing was good, as I was just starting to need metric tools, and the mechanics tools I was used to, such as Britool, were just starting to lose quality
A local tool shop (we still had them then) started stocking Facom, and within a year had a small “back room” dedicated to them. I wish I’d taken some pictures, as he had an awesome display for a small town. He had large complete sets of pretty much every wrench, including patterns I’d never seen, all displayed on Facom tool boards. There were all the usual screwdrivers, pliers etc, and complete socket sets in orange boxes.
The quality was obvious, and my Dad started buying a few. When I wanted some metric wrenches to keep on my first metric vehicle, I opted for Facom (No 40). Here they are. I was always careful, never forced the open end till it slipped (as every youtube tester seems to) and wiped them down regularly. They’ve seen a fair bit of use, but are still in good shape. All are French made.
I was also tempted by the No. 75 box wrenches. A new pattern to me at the time, but the first 6 point wrenches I bought, which I needed, as fastener quality was hitting rock bottom at the time. I soon found they were a bit heavy to keep on a vehicle, and the larger sizes lack leverage, but they have their uses. Useful to carry if you don’t want small parts (such as sockets) loose in a bag. And very comfortable to use. These are also French made.
I started seeing Facom wrenches used, and as they were less well known than some, the prices were often very reasonable. These are but a couple. A lot of my bigger metric wrenches I bought this way. These No 55 wrenches are very tough, and the plating is very durable.
And here are some screwdrivers. Black hard handles with the sizes clearly engraved in white. Great design (sadly no longer made).
I have more to post, but I’ll leave it there for now, and invite others to share their Facom.
I first encountered Facom probably 35 years back. The timing was good, as I was just starting to need metric tools, and the mechanics tools I was used to, such as Britool, were just starting to lose quality
A local tool shop (we still had them then) started stocking Facom, and within a year had a small “back room” dedicated to them. I wish I’d taken some pictures, as he had an awesome display for a small town. He had large complete sets of pretty much every wrench, including patterns I’d never seen, all displayed on Facom tool boards. There were all the usual screwdrivers, pliers etc, and complete socket sets in orange boxes.
The quality was obvious, and my Dad started buying a few. When I wanted some metric wrenches to keep on my first metric vehicle, I opted for Facom (No 40). Here they are. I was always careful, never forced the open end till it slipped (as every youtube tester seems to) and wiped them down regularly. They’ve seen a fair bit of use, but are still in good shape. All are French made.
I was also tempted by the No. 75 box wrenches. A new pattern to me at the time, but the first 6 point wrenches I bought, which I needed, as fastener quality was hitting rock bottom at the time. I soon found they were a bit heavy to keep on a vehicle, and the larger sizes lack leverage, but they have their uses. Useful to carry if you don’t want small parts (such as sockets) loose in a bag. And very comfortable to use. These are also French made.
I started seeing Facom wrenches used, and as they were less well known than some, the prices were often very reasonable. These are but a couple. A lot of my bigger metric wrenches I bought this way. These No 55 wrenches are very tough, and the plating is very durable.
And here are some screwdrivers. Black hard handles with the sizes clearly engraved in white. Great design (sadly no longer made).
I have more to post, but I’ll leave it there for now, and invite others to share their Facom.
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