The Facom Tools Thread.
- Thread starter Dave455
- Start date
CHI_Tool&Die
Well-known member
My French professor often described the relationship between France and Les États-Unis as one between two old lovers that think they want a divorce but always find a way to rekindle the spark. We are super intertwined historically. Neither would be where we are without the other.
France is often hidden on the tool. You really have to look for it sometimes.
Wrench-Polisher
Well-known member
France makes GREAT fountain pens. They also make ok cars as long as you dont have to repair them or pay for repairs.
Have had this set for many years and love them. I put them to work as soon as I bought them. Also have the torx set
I really want to use these, but I've never been so hesitant to do so because they're so nice looking. I will rotate my hex key sets every year. But year after year, these just stay in the toolbox waiting their turn. I got these in Belgium back in 2014.
I’m not sure what the deal is / was with regards to the Facom “Hex Plus”?
Personally, I think they are a great design, but I’m quite happy to buy them from Wera.
In fact, with the regular Facom hex keys being something a bit special, I’m quite happy if Facom continue producing those, Wera continue producing theirs, and I have the option of buying either.
Or both, in true GJ tradition…!
Personally, I think they are a great design, but I’m quite happy to buy them from Wera.
In fact, with the regular Facom hex keys being something a bit special, I’m quite happy if Facom continue producing those, Wera continue producing theirs, and I have the option of buying either.
Or both, in true GJ tradition…!
Likewise! And I find that when the fastener gets small, theirs fit better.
That's not the problem, of course we need both. The real problem is where to source a set of new-old-stock hex-plus Facom branded allen keys made in France!
It seems the patent for Hex Plus was first filed in 1997 by Wera in Germany. The US version is the easiest to find under US6263771B1
But it definitely had to be licensed out to have that trademark name at that time. Interesting niche part of history and goes to show Facoms strive towards excellence. I assume they got the same hex plus hex stock material as wera and bend and stamped it in France.
I think that’s going to be difficult, especially if you are in a country where Facom is a bit rare anyway.
IF (big IF) Facom did source the hex plus stock from Wera, then you might just as well buy the Wera hex plus and be done with it. There is no advantage, other than rarity, in buying the Facom.
But, I’m not sure if it happened that way. Traditionally, that’s not the way Facom operated. I think the reason their regular hex keys are so good is probably due to the steel, and they lose that advantage as soon as they buy in stock. But they may have done. As you say, they certainly must have licensed the design
Either way, given that the regular Facom hex keys are so close fitting, I don’t think I would want to give those up for a “hex plus” that I could acquire from Wera.
Last edited:
Looking closely, it’s evident that the Facom keys are made differently. The tips are different, they are bent slightly differently, and finished differently.
The question of whether they use the same stock is a much harder one.
I could possibly convince myself that the Facom stock is a very slightly different profile, and came out of the die a frac smoother, but the smoothness could be accounted for by the different finish, which in turn might make the profile look different.
I’ll keep my eyes open for a set of the Facom’s, but I don’t fancy my chances. If I do find any they’ll be “out the back” in a box with the mint condition Blackhawk set and the Brough Superior tool kit!
The question of whether they use the same stock is a much harder one.
I could possibly convince myself that the Facom stock is a very slightly different profile, and came out of the die a frac smoother, but the smoothness could be accounted for by the different finish, which in turn might make the profile look different.
I’ll keep my eyes open for a set of the Facom’s, but I don’t fancy my chances. If I do find any they’ll be “out the back” in a box with the mint condition Blackhawk set and the Brough Superior tool kit!
Last edited:
KnurledNut
Well-known member
There is a set on eBay US currently:Looking closely, it’s evident that the Facom keys are made differently. The tips are different, they are bent slightly differently, and finished differently.
The question of whether they use the same stock is a much harder one.
I could possibly convince myself that the Facom stock is a very slightly different profile, and came out of the die a frac smoother, but the smoothness could be accounted for by the different finish, which in turn might make the profile look different.
I’ll keep my eyes open for a set of the Facom’s, but I don’t fancy my chances. If I do find any they’ll be “out the back” in a box with the mint condition Blackhawk set and the Brough Superior tool kit!
https://www.ebay.com/itm/2629942854...hRU3ZCpwg2Z3e/CWr/J8QxGg==|tkp:Bk9SR9Tg64HOZg
Ultimately, since both are made in France, it leads me to believe the change was not mainly to save cost (though avoiding paying for the license sure could play a big role). The wera shape patent should've expired around 2017-2020 so they'd be free to use it again without the license now.Looking closely, it’s evident that the Facom keys are made differently. The tips are different, they are bent slightly differently, and finished differently.
The question of whether they use the same stock is a much harder one.
I could possibly convince myself that the Facom stock is a very slightly different profile, and came out of the die a frac smoother, but the smoothness could be accounted for by the different finish, which in turn might make the profile look different.
I’ll keep my eyes open for a set of the Facom’s, but I don’t fancy my chances. If I do find any they’ll be “out the back” in a box with the mint condition Blackhawk set and the Brough Superior tool kit!
I think they just figured it does not play a big role for small hex keys and decided to do their own well made classic allen keys.
CGarage
Well-known member
CGarage
Well-known member
dutchgray
Well-known member
I know the British scrap yards did very well in the 90's shipping the engines out of all of ours to AfricaAnd that's mostly the economic models sold in the west. Hard to argue against the durability of the 70's Peugeot 504, the "king of Africa".
It's right up there underneath the LC70 and Hilux. Arguably even more abused cause they're cheaper.
I also know of a fairly good 504 van that could be restored but its owner wants too much for it, it was barn stored till about 3 years ago but its now outside in the rain due to lack of space, probably go for scrap in the end.
I don’t think I want ‘em that much!
I think you are probably right.
Unlike Wera, I don’t think they ever stopped offering the conventional keys. In fact I can imagine a lot of their bigger customers still specifying the conventional keys - French government, military, Airbus etc!
I must try and scrounge up the English language version.
CGarage
Well-known member
dutchgray
Well-known member
Talking of the 504 I had a very nice estate version following me to work this morning, in the pouring rain, still think they are a great looking car.
CGarage
Well-known member
I have a friend with an early 90s Peugeot 505 Estate (station wagon). It is white with a navy blue leather interior. Over 300,000 miles on original motor using Mobil 1 synthetic and still running in top shape. Beautiful and practical vehicle with excellent human engineering and ergonomics - far superior to the Germans, English, Italians, Japanese, and Americans.
pbropetech
New member
- Joined
- Nov 16, 2025
- Messages
- 2
Found this thread while googling tools for work. I first encountered Facom when I took over maintenance of an '86 high-speed skilift. It was manufactured by Poma, a company based out of Grenoble, and they supplied Facom tools with their lifts at the time. It was a pretty limited set but it covered all the fasteners on the lift. The wrenches were the 44 series double open-end, and the 55 series double offset box end with one 46 mm 40L. I thought they were well-made, especially the 55 series, and I now carry mainly Facom thanks to member ultgar. As others have mentioned, the company tends to innovate a bit more than their competitors, and I appreciate not only the tools but the storage and organisation.
Attachments
Ohio Andy
Well-known member
Not highly aware of things made in France except tools from faycom and tivoly, bikes, food, and fountain pen ink.
Ohio Andy
Well-known member
Pens and the ink.
CGarage
Well-known member
Fashion, fragrances, furniture, precision electronics and micromechanics, watches, cars, petroleum products / specialty chemicals, tools, kitchen equipment, wine, the list of what is made in France is vast.
richfinn
Well-known member
In France, Engineers and Stylists have always been allowed to experiment with what the Future might hold, you have to admire them for it in my opinion, occasionally they get it just about perfect.
_-_15340846543.jpg/1280px-Citroen_SM_(1972)_-_15340846543.jpg)
Citroën SM - Wikipedia
Everytime I see one of these, I’m amazed by the detail. Truly stunning.In France, Engineers and Stylists have always been allowed to experiment with what the Future might hold, you have to admire them for it in my opinion, occasionally they get it just about perfect.
Citroën SM - Wikipedia
en.wikipedia.org
CGarage
Well-known member
YesIHaveAHammer
Well-known member
- Joined
- Jun 1, 2025
- Messages
- 749
Looking at the hacksaws, sharing my findings. But I'll probably go for the Bahco 325.
601 Compact
603F High Performance
601 Compact
- No differences to speak of really over competitor models
- Tension up to 80kg by twisting
- Tensioner positions are limited to whole rotations due to needing to align flush with the handle
- Blade positions vertical and 45 degrees
- Blade removal is through fully loosening the tensioner
603F High Performance
- This is quite a super hacksaw, reflected in being almost 2x the price
- Tensioner clutch slips at 110kg, then back off to align flush with handle
- Blade positions every 45 degrees for 8 positions, without needing to remove and refit the blade
- Full depth is available along the entire length of the blade
- Front of the frame extends quite a bit ahead of the front of the blade, limiting in some situations
- Longer (44cm vs. 38.5cm)
- Heavier by 40% (830g vs. 590g)
- Aluminium frame, not much coating for cold touch comfort
- Video:
- Closer look post on here: https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/threads/tools-from-the-old-world.28952/page-642#post-5926765
Last edited:
KnurledNut
Well-known member
A couple older ones I have. The 603E could be easily broken down. A nice feature when space is tight like in a portable box. I wish more modern ones did this.Looking at the hacksaws, sharing my findings. But I'll probably go for the Bahco 325.
601 Compact
- No differences to speak of really over competitor models
- Tension up to 80kg by twisting
- Tensioner positions are limited to whole rotations due to needing to align flush with the handle
- Blade positions vertical and 45 degrees
- Blade removal is through fully loosening the tensioner
603 High Performance
- This is quite a super hacksaw, reflected in being almost 2x the price
- Tensioner clutch slips at 110kg, then back off to align flush with handle
- Blade positions every 45 degrees for 8 positions, without needing to remove and refit the blade
- Full depth is available along the entire length of the blade
- Front of the frame extends quite a bit ahead of the front of the blade, limiting in some situations
- Longer (44cm vs. 38.5cm)
- Heavier by 40% (830g vs. 590g)
- Aluminium frame, not much coating for cold touch comfort
- Video:
- Closer look post on here: https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/threads/tools-from-the-old-world.28952/page-642#post-5926765
Last edited:
YesIHaveAHammer
Well-known member
- Joined
- Jun 1, 2025
- Messages
- 749
Easier to answer the other way round. Based on research only.
About the same price as 601.
No clutch. Dial can be put in any position. Tensioning lever on top allows quick blade change.
Two positions, like the 601.
No, but more than the 601.
Blade goes right up to the front edge, like the 601.
39.5cm
720g
Also aluminium, hand contact areas fully coated.
Last edited:
neophyte
Well-known member
The Facom 603E hacksaw pictured above is lightweight, nimble, and has more adjustments for angling the blade.
Having to screw tighten the pressure takes longer than the Bahco versions.
The Bahco versions are heavier, but very robust, and the pressure fine adjust is independent from the quick release mechanism for changing the blades, which may make the Bahco model better for quick rough use were switching out blades may be necessary.
I have the older 603 model shown broken down above, rather than the later cast version.
I have never used the plastic facom version.
Having to screw tighten the pressure takes longer than the Bahco versions.
The Bahco versions are heavier, but very robust, and the pressure fine adjust is independent from the quick release mechanism for changing the blades, which may make the Bahco model better for quick rough use were switching out blades may be necessary.
I have the older 603 model shown broken down above, rather than the later cast version.
I have never used the plastic facom version.
I hadn’t realised Facom had introduced a new version of the 603.Looking at the hacksaws, sharing my findings. But I'll probably go for the Bahco 325.
601 Compact
- No differences to speak of really over competitor models
- Tension up to 80kg by twisting
- Tensioner positions are limited to whole rotations due to needing to align flush with the handle
- Blade positions vertical and 45 degrees
- Blade removal is through fully loosening the tensioner
603 High Performance
- This is quite a super hacksaw, reflected in being almost 2x the price
- Tensioner clutch slips at 110kg, then back off to align flush with handle
- Blade positions every 45 degrees for 8 positions, without needing to remove and refit the blade
- Full depth is available along the entire length of the blade
- Front of the frame extends quite a bit ahead of the front of the blade, limiting in some situations
- Longer (44cm vs. 38.5cm)
- Heavier by 40% (830g vs. 590g)
- Aluminium frame, not much coating for cold touch comfort
- Video:
- Closer look post on here: https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/threads/tools-from-the-old-world.28952/page-642#post-5926765
It’s actually getting quite difficult to find a good quality hacksaw frame new.
Snap On used to sell an excellent ”High Tension“ one (HS20?) which were pretty awesome but expensive in the U.K. I think they were made by Simmonds.
I’ve own mostly vintage Eclipse saws. They have a solid steel frame and are very rigid. The older ones have a nickel plated handle and were something of a premium item when new. Newer ones have an unplated handle but are still solid.
Eclipse still make a version of this saw. I doubt it's the same quality, but they still have the solid steel frame so may be serviceable.
There are a lot of the Bahco’s around. Probably quite solid, but they always looked a bit clunky to me. Difficult to do accurate work. I suspect most folks buying a hacksaw just want to cut a lump of conduit or suchlike, and folks like me making widgets from ground stock by sawing and filing are something of a rarity.
I always liked the 603E shown by neophyte above, and it’s something of a classic Facom design. The round knob to tension the blade was very much a Facom characteristic, and the build quality was excellent. I’m regretting not getting one when I had the chance.
I’ll be interested to see the new version.
Last edited:
four.cycle
Well-known member
Made by Lenox. I own one of those. Paid a whole $3.00 for it at a junk shop. Damn fine piece of equipment - nicest hacksaw I own.
Attachments
four.cycle
Well-known member
Yes, unless you're willing to pay an arm and a leg.
If I was looking for a hacksaw, I'd be at the thrift shops, Goodwill, St. Vincent de Paul, or swap meet.
Two things there will never be a shortage of in the second-hand market: pipe wrenches, and hack saws.
My main source is up in Sequim - usually his are all $3.00 a pop.
I know this is the Facom thread, but.... you could spend that other money on Facom wrenches!
Ahh yes, I meant Lenox. I was thinking files not saws. Yes, I used one belonging to a friend and I thought that. I must look out for a used one.
I don’t actually mind paying , provided I get something for my money.
Most of mine are older saws. Much better quality, and reasonable prices - though sadly nothing as cheap as $3 this side of the pond - especially for a vintage Eclipse.If I was looking for a hacksaw, I'd be at the thrift shops, Goodwill, St. Vincent de Paul, or swap meet.
Two things there will never be a shortage of in the second-hand market: pipe wrenches, and hack saws.
My main source is up in Sequim - usually his are all $3.00 a pop.
I know this is the Facom thread, but.... you could spend that other money on Facom wrenches!
I have seen some really crappy new pipe wrenches, and I don’t know how they sell them when top quality ones are available used for a fraction of the price.
Has anybody got any feedback on the quality of the Facom hacksaw blades? I don’t think I have ever used them.
Some folks rate the Sandvik blades highly, but I don’t. I have a mechanical hacksaw that takes regular 12 inch blades. Useful thing, but it soon reveals if a blade isn’t cutting square. Sandvik blades last well, but I’ve found the resulting cut can be waaay off square.
Eclipse and Starrett blades all tend to cut pretty straight, so they have historically been my “go to”.
Some folks rate the Sandvik blades highly, but I don’t. I have a mechanical hacksaw that takes regular 12 inch blades. Useful thing, but it soon reveals if a blade isn’t cutting square. Sandvik blades last well, but I’ve found the resulting cut can be waaay off square.
Eclipse and Starrett blades all tend to cut pretty straight, so they have historically been my “go to”.
YesIHaveAHammer
Well-known member
- Joined
- Jun 1, 2025
- Messages
- 749
I expect the market is quite small - cheap adequate ones for less money, cheap cordless ones for not a lot more.
Solid but a bit bulky and potentially cumbersome was my impression. Not sure if you mean anything different by clunky.
I already have a basic one with a wingnut tensioner, looking for something better. It's not worth my while to hunt around for a good used one. Also we don't really have as much of a tools thing going on in those sources as you seem to in the US.
You know this already, but people don't know what quality looks like, and new things are cheap enough and convenient to obtain.
Ordered some sandflex ones with my 325, based on widespread good things said about them.
Used hacksaws are quite bad in my part of Europe (ex-yu). I'm very tempted by the Facom, I like the cast design. I must admit the Bahco looks really cool and the lever must be nice for adjustment, but it looks a bit overwhelming for a hacksaw. It is interesting that it seems to be made in Sweden.
Well, in true GJ fashion, I guess I need both.
Well, in true GJ fashion, I guess I need both.