Asian tools (China, Japan, Taiwan) taht are worth a damn

[eschoendorff]

GearWrench.

http://www.gearwrench.com/

[wilbilt]

Wow. This was a short thread.

;)

[dxdexter]

Mastercraft from Canadian Tire and the Canadian line of Craftsman Tools.

http://www.canadiantire.ca/browse/department_landing.jsp?FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=14084 74396672839&bmUID=1207258052236&deptid=1408474396672839

http://www.sears.ca/gp/browse.html/ref=sc_bb_l_1_396418011_4/103-8851167-1468646?ie=UTF8&node=396544011&no=396418011&searsBrand=core&me=A10FHFRJZ0GJG3

[oxycodone]

Ko-ken - http://www.koken-tool.co.jp/en/

KTC - http://www.kyototool.co.jp/english/index.html

Vessel - http://www.vessel.jp/products/pro_01.html

[Uncle Buck]

Ko-ken - http://www.koken-tool.co.jp/en/

KTC - http://www.kyototool.co.jp/english/index.html

Vessel - http://www.vessel.jp/products/pro_01.html

I have never heard of, let alone seen any of the brands mentioned above!:shocking:

[eschoendorff]

Ko-ken - http://www.koken-tool.co.jp/en/

KTC - http://www.kyototool.co.jp/english/index.html

Vessel - http://www.vessel.jp/products/pro_01.html

Are those JDM brands?

[DavidtheDuke]

Althought I only own a 1/4" universal joint, Genius tools seems fairly okay (Taiwan)

[dxdexter]

From what I hear Snap-on makes some excellent Asian tools.:)

[Nikolai_V]

I`ll second (and third) the Koken recomendation. Been making tools since 1940, patented a form of flank drive in the 60`s (I believe). They do a lot of research, hold a lot of patents, and make some awesome tools - sort of the japanese snap-on. I enjoy winding my SO guy up with the Koken stickers on my new SO roll cab :P There are a lot of mechanics here who use koken, over SO, as it doesnt cost as much, and is as good, if not better.

In terms of wrenches, AIGO are japanese, raised panel, but as good as anything. Again lifetime warranty - used by a few diesel mechanics I know. I have never managed to break or bend one of these (and i`ve used some of them as slogging wrenches)...

King Tony - is a taiwanese tool manufacturer who make some good stuff. Lifetime warranty, and they only manufacture their own products. They`ve been around since the 1970`s, making professional tools. They were started in Taiwan, and don`t manufacture for relabelling by others.

Theres Teng-tools as well - big in the UK and europe, starting to become popular here. They do some nice stuff, and have quite a cool system for tool organisation.

There are undoubtedly a few others, like mitutoyo for measuring equipment, but those are the ones of the top of my head.

By the way, i`d only count manufacturers who don`t manufacure for resale by others - you know the amorphous faceless companies which sell the same tool with different stampings to everyone and his dog.

And as an aside, next time you moan about your manufacturers sending production to china - Stanley brought Sidchrome (a beloved australian brand) and transfered production to china, I think its marketed to you guys as Proto or Sidchrome proto? Used to be some very good tools, now thanks to the americans Made in the PRC... Cheers for that sending our jobs to china as well as your own...

[Joe B.]

Asain tool:
http://www.theonion.com/content/files/images/Kim-Jong-Il-R.jpg

[dxdexter]

Asain tool:
http://www.theonion.com/content/files/images/Kim-Jong-Il-R.jpg

:lol_hitti:lol_hitti:lol_hitti But this thread is about Asian tools that are worth a damn.

[Joe B.]

:lol_hitti:lol_hitti:lol_hitti But this thread is about Asian tools that are worth a damn.
Yeah, good point. I retract my tool.

[fourfeathers]

Any air tool made in Japan has been good quality, imho.

[davestlouis]

Kokens' website hasn't been updated since 2006, per the link in the earlier post.

[Zeroek]

Some of Matco's air tools say made in Japan. But most the Matco air tools that say that are kinda older. Never seen anyone have many problems with those.

[ricleh]

K&E air impact tools - Japan. I believe they are the only company making a true impacting ratchet.

http://www.mytoolstore.com/ke/keaindex.html

Rick

[DavidtheDuke]

K&E air impact tools - Japan. I believe they are the only company making a true impacting ratchet.

http://www.mytoolstore.com/ke/keaindex.html

Rick

I believe IR makes one, called the "Knuckle Saver". Doesn't have 90 ft lbs torque like that though.

http://www.mytoolstore.com/ke/knaw22h.html $2500 to take of crank pulleys?? I think I'll get a monkey to hold the fly wheel first.

[oxycodone]

Are those JDM brands?

I think they're each their own mfg., but I don't know for sure.

The Japanese sites are more up-to-date... check out this tool set for ~5800USD: http://www.sk-sale.net/2008/ekx.shtml

Nice looking digital torque wrench: http://digital-ratchet.jp/top.html

[davestlouis]

I presume that JDM means Japanese Domestic Market...so the OP was really wondering if these brands are distributed in other markets, or just Japan.

[oxycodone]

Doh!

Right... no, they're offered in other markets. I don't know that they're distributed in the states, but Koken tools can be had in Europe and down under.

[oxycodone]

BTW - I forgot to mention Fuller (Japan). I don't think they're around anymore, but they made some decent wrenches.

[Fedwrench]

I like Gearwrench stuff. Genius is trying to get its foot in the door for mechanics tools here through independent mobile tool trucks. I'm not sure how successful they'll be with the weak dollar. Their impact sockets are ok and I know a few techs that have tried some of their line without any problems. They're not trying to be Snap on but, they offer an option for people trying to balance tools needs with living expenses. Kal was a decent line of Japanese hand tools that the government bought lots of.

[milkovich]

+1 Koken.

I have a set of whitworth sockets and they're works of art. These aren't the kind of fasteners you want to strip either (irreplaceable for all intents and purposes).

If they had more distribution in the states I'd buy more of their tools.

[reversegear]

This thread should be titled "Asian tool Brands (China, Japan, Taiwan) taht are worth a damn

[Merkava_4]

The the thread title is alright to me; I just never can figure out why he purposefully switches the A and the H around. Maybe I'm old fashioned, but I've always liked that and the spelt in the traditional sense. :confused:

[Kevin54]

http://www.gearwrench.com/catalog/wrenches/ratcheting/xl_x-beam/beautyshot.jpg

I just noticed that this wrench was recommended by the Arthritis foundation. Does anybody have any of these and do you like them? Not that I am going to get any even though I have Arthur, but I have never seen a wrench like this.

[dink]

Hmmmm I guess were only talking automotive tools here


I would like to make note....most power tool saw blades for woodworking are made in Japan

Japan has extremely high quality steel manufacturering their

[DiStOrTiOn]

http://www.gearwrench.com/catalog/wrenches/ratcheting/xl_x-beam/beautyshot.jpg

I just noticed that this wrench was recommended by the Arthritis foundation. Does anybody have any of these and do you like them? Not that I am going to get any even though I have Arthur, but I have never seen a wrench like this.

I've seen those before, Sears Craftsman had them first, they're called cross-beam wrenches by sears. And the sears ones are made here, and about the same price. They seem like a good idea, and I would love to buy some, would make busting loose stuck fasteners a lot easier on the hands. Sears has ratcheting and non-ratcheting versions, of course the non are cheaper. So why buy foreign, when you can buy domestic for about the same price?

[Fedwrench]

I just noticed that this wrench was recommended by the Arthritis foundation. Does anybody have any of these and do you like them? Not that I am going to get any even though I have Arthur, but I have never seen a wrench like this.[/QUOTE]

I have the reversible Craftsman sets . I use them for drains plugs and anything I need to hit a couple times to loosen. They do make a difference being able to grip a wider surface and are alot more comfortable. They are not going to replace my regular wrenches anytime soon but, for repetitive motions like drain plugs, these are my favorite wrenches. By the way, Gearwrench came out with these and was voted a Motor Magazine top 20 tool of the year before Sears starting selling their fixed version.

[DiStOrTiOn]

By the way, Gearwrench came out with these and was voted a Motor Magazine top 20 tool of the year before Sears starting selling their fixed version.

I stand corrected FedWrench. Though I would still buy the domestic ones.

[Fedwrench]

I stand corrected FedWrench. Though I would still buy the domestic ones.

That's what I did. However, it is becoming really hard to figure out what is domestic and what isn't these days in tool brands. So many brands don't have a country of origin imprinted anymore.
Maybe I need one of those stickers like you find on new cars that lists where its parts are made and what percentage is from the US.:bounce:

[DiStOrTiOn]

That would come in handy. It would be be nice to see just exactly where the stuff I'm buying comes from.

[krusty the clown]

That's what I did. However, it is becoming really hard to figure out what is domestic and what isn't these days in tool brands. So many brands don't have a country of origin imprinted anymore.
Maybe I need one of those stickers like you find on new cars that lists where its parts are made and what percentage is from the US.:bounce:

i agree. now who do we need to wine and dine to get that done?

[Stuey]

I've seen those before, Sears Craftsman had them first, they're called cross-beam wrenches by sears. And the sears ones are made here, and about the same price. They seem like a good idea, and I would love to buy some, would make busting loose stuck fasteners a lot easier on the hands. Sears has ratcheting and non-ratcheting versions, of course the non are cheaper. So why buy foreign, when you can buy domestic for about the same price?

Actually, Gearwrench released them first. I'm hesitant to believe that the Craftsman are in fact made in the US. Why would Danaher set up identical factories in two different continents to produce wrenches of identical construction and quality...

[eschoendorff]

I presume that JDM means Japanese Domestic Market...so the OP was really wondering if these brands are distributed in other markets, or just Japan.
Yeah... that's exactly what I was getting at... :beer:

[Coach James]

The Agri-Supply near here still sells Fuller screw drivers labeled made in Canada.

I have a 3/8 breaker bar from King Tony. I think I could stand on that thing and it wouldn't bend. Agri-Supply carries a whole line of King Tony stuff.

Coach James

[eschoendorff]

The Agri-Supply near here still sells Fuller screw drivers labeled made in Canada.

I have a 3/8 breaker bar from King Tony. I think I could stand on that thing and it wouldn't bend. Agri-Supply carries a whole line of King Tony stuff.

Coach James

I always thought that Fuller was a Canadian brand.... with the global market it's hard to tell anymore.

[Jared]

The mastercraft stuff that dxdexter mentioned is pretty good. Im surprised no one mentioned mac lol

[blue302stang]

I love my Grey Pneumatic impact sockets. Haven't had a single problem with them.

[ImportTuner]

I love my Nepros sockets ... finish is even better than the Snap On ... no slop like Craftsman ... really good stuff ... :)

http://www.nepros.net/IDX.html

[DavidtheDuke]

I love my Nepros sockets ... finish is even better than the Snap On ... no slop like Craftsman ... really good stuff ... :)

http://www.nepros.net/IDX.html

Yes, although they seem a little too.. proud of their... 36 tooth ratchets.

[wilbilt]

i agree. now who do we need to wine and dine to get that done?

This guy - contact info at the bottom of the reply -

Dear Mr. Schxxxxx:

Thank you for the complaint regarding allegedly imported tools
distributed under the "Neiko Tools USA" brand. Do you have any specific
information regarding the actual country of origin? Are any of the
tools stamped, labeled or packaged with the name of a foreign country,
for example, "Made in China"?

As you may know, the Federal Trade Commission has been directed by
Congress to act in the interest of all consumers to prevent deceptive or
unfair practices and unfair methods of competition. In determining
whether to take enforcement or other action in any particular situation,
the Commission may consider a number of factors, including the type of
violation alleged; the nature and amount of consumer and competitive
injury at issue and the number of consumers affected; and the likelihood
of preventing future unlawful conduct and securing redress or other
relief.

Your interest in this matter is appreciated.

Sincerely,

Steve Ecklund, Investigator
Division of Enforcement
Federal Trade Commission
601 New Jersey Ave., NW
Mail Drop NJ-2122
Washington, DC 20001
Phone: 202-326-2841
Fax: 202-326-3197
URL: http://www.ftc.gov
Email: secklund@ftc.gov

[lbgradwell]

I always thought that Fuller was a Canadian brand.... with the global market it's hard to tell anymore.

Yeah, Fuller is Canadian. That is, the company is headquartered in a suburb of Montreal... To the best of my knowledge though, those screwdrivers are the only product they've actually ever produced domestically (at least within the past 25 years or so). Their classic "Golden Grip" screwdrivers can likely be found in 50% of Canadian homes!

In the 80's, most of their production was done in Japan (and of decent quality) but that is no longer the case. I'm next-to-certain it's China now, and much of their stuff is rubbish.

[krusty the clown]

This guy - contact info at the bottom of the reply -

Dear Mr. Schxxxxx:

Thank you for the complaint regarding allegedly imported tools
distributed under the "Neiko Tools USA" brand. Do you have any specific
information regarding the actual country of origin? Are any of the
tools stamped, labeled or packaged with the name of a foreign country,
for example, "Made in China"?

As you may know, the Federal Trade Commission has been directed by
Congress to act in the interest of all consumers to prevent deceptive or
unfair practices and unfair methods of competition. In determining
whether to take enforcement or other action in any particular situation,
the Commission may consider a number of factors, including the type of
violation alleged; the nature and amount of consumer and competitive
injury at issue and the number of consumers affected; and the likelihood
of preventing future unlawful conduct and securing redress or other
relief.

Your interest in this matter is appreciated.

Sincerely,

Steve Ecklund, Investigator
Division of Enforcement
Federal Trade Commission
601 New Jersey Ave., NW
Mail Drop NJ-2122
Washington, DC 20001
Phone: 202-326-2841
Fax: 202-326-3197
URL: http://www.ftc.gov
Email: secklund@ftc.gov

great....i'll send an email. or even better can we send a group email on behalf of all of the members here? i think the content of origin label along with requiring the country of origin on the tool, not just the packaging is a great idea! :beer:

[dxdexter]

Yeah, Fuller is Canadian. That is, the company is headquartered in a suburb of Montreal... To the best of my knowledge though, those screwdrivers are the only product they've actually ever produced domestically (at least within the past 25 years or so). Their classic "Golden Grip" screwdrivers can likely be found in 50% of Canadian homes!

I

I would ever go as far as say 75% of homes. They used to give them out with a fill up at the gas station. They were the first screw drivers I ever owned. The show "How Its Made" did a spot featuring their production process. I have often wondered if they produce Craftsman screwdrivers in Canada?

[oxycodone]

Yeah, Fuller is Canadian. That is, the company is headquartered in a suburb of Montreal... To the best of my knowledge though, those screwdrivers are the only product they've actually ever produced domestically (at least within the past 25 years or so). Their classic "Golden Grip" screwdrivers can likely be found in 50% of Canadian homes!

In the 80's, most of their production was done in Japan (and of decent quality) but that is no longer the case. I'm next-to-certain it's China now, and much of their stuff is rubbish.

That makes sense. I have some 'Made in Japan' Fuller wrenches that are at least 25 years old, and they're every bit as good as craftsman.

[lbgradwell]

I would ever go as far as say 75% of homes. They used to give them out with a fill up at the gas station. They were the first screw drivers I ever owned. The show "How Its Made" did a spot featuring their production process. I have often wondered if they produce Craftsman screwdrivers in Canada?

I remember the freebies; Esso, if memory serves... I also got some Stanley combo wrenches that way too, also in the late 80s!

Wonder no more - Fuller (or more specifically their corporate parent - The Innovak Group) is indeed the contract supplier for the classic red, white & blue-handled Canadian Craftsman screwdrivers. I speak of the hard-handled models that would be made by WF in the USA...

A couple of years back Fuller formed some type of strategic alliance with Johnson Level & Tool in the US; that's why you'll often see the two lines at a given retailer.

[Alfajuj]

Over here in Taiwan, almost everybody buys Japanese.
Professional-grade made in Japan hand tools seems to be a completely separate parallel universe. The Japanese make excellent tools but most of the brands are small specialist companies that you never hear of in the US or Europe; stuff like Koken, Crab, Light, Tone, Koda, Ikeda, Aigo, Kato, Lobster. Here in Taiwan, all the pros use mostly made in Japan. They also use some made in Taiwan stuff, but frankly, most pros here don't trust their own stuff as much as Japanese. There is some good, yet inexpensive stuff made in Taiwan. Brands like Force and Alstrong come to mind. All of the good made in Taiwan stuff is done on the behalf of famous western brands who then sell the products for a huge markup.

No pro in Taiwan will touch anything Made in China with a ten foot pole.

[bchee]

Over here in Taiwan, almost everybody buys Japanese.
Professional-grade made in Japan hand tools seems to be a completely separate parallel universe. The Japanese make excellent tools but most of the brands are small specialist companies that you never hear of in the US or Europe; stuff like Koken, Crab, Light, Tone, Koda. Here in Taiwan, all the pros use mostly made in Japan. They also use some made in Taiwan stuff, but frankly, most pros here don't trust their own stuff as much as Japanese. There is some good, yet inexpensive stuff made in Taiwan. Brands like Force come to mind.

No pro in Taiwan will touch anything Made in China with a ten foot pole.

welcome and thanks for the alternative perspective. I saw in another post that you have hazet wrenches. Are those widely available where you are?

[oldtools]

Ko-ken - http://www.koken-tool.co.jp/en/

KTC - http://www.kyototool.co.jp/english/index.html

Vessel - http://www.vessel.jp/products/pro_01.html

Koken make Titanium socket!!! Any US companies make Titanium socket? Japan make very high quality tools (as good or better than SO). Americans (due to their ignorant) think only America make high quality tools eventhough alot of US made tools are not very high quality, just way overpriced.

[Alfajuj]

:wtf:welcome and thanks for the alternative perspective. I saw in another post that you have hazet wrenches. Are those widely available where you are?
Thanks for asking, but no, Hazet is available here but is not popular due to the astonishingly high prices. Professional supply houses don't stock Hazet, you always have to special order it. Hazet stuff is mostly popular for very specific specialty tools for shops who repair German cars.
I'd say the most popular wrenches here for pros are Crab and Kato from Japan.
I'm just a nut who loves having the best tools possible.

[eschoendorff]

Over here in Taiwan, almost everybody buys Japanese.
Professional-grade made in Japan hand tools seems to be a completely separate parallel universe. The Japanese make excellent tools but most of the brands are small specialist companies that you never hear of in the US or Europe; stuff like Koken, Crab, Light, Tone, Koda, Ikeda, Aigo, Kato, Lobster. Here in Taiwan, all the pros use mostly made in Japan. They also use some made in Taiwan stuff, but frankly, most pros here don't trust their own stuff as much as Japanese. There is some good, yet inexpensive stuff made in Taiwan. Brands like Force and Alstrong come to mind. All of the good made in Taiwan stuff is done on the behalf of famous western brands who then sell the products for a huge markup.

No pro in Taiwan will touch anything Made in China with a ten foot pole.

No shit??? Now THAT is interesting! Oh, and welcome!:beer:

[Tool Pants]

I was at flea market 2 weeks ago looking for tools. It is at an old drive-in. Some people just pile their stuff on the asphalt. 3 older Asian guys were looing at a pile. 1 started sorting through the pile, and once in a while he would say "China" and drop the tool on the ground.

It was funny if you were there....

[eschoendorff]

:wtf:
Thanks for asking, but no, Hazet is available here but is not popular due to the astonishingly high prices. Professional supply houses don't stock Hazet, you always have to special order it. Hazet stuff is mostly popular for very specific specialty tools for shops who repair German cars.
I'd say the most popular wrenches here for pros are Crab and Kato from Japan.
I'm just a nut who loves having the best tools possible.

If you don't mind me asking, what is your occupation? Just curious... Oh, and does anyone use Snap On over there much??? Or is it too expensive and impractical????

[Alfajuj]

I'm an exec at a Taiwanese power tool manufacturer.
Many years ago I did work as an auto tech for a time, but I just buy tools now just to have them. I do my own wrenching on some classic bikes and cars as a hobby.

Snap-On does exist over here, but there aren't trucks (at least I've never seen one) and I frankly don't know where to find their stuff. There's an importer I've seen on the web but he didn't answer my email inquiry. But some techs I know have heard of it and the lifetime warranty. So it's around somewhere. Probably the most widely available American brand of hand tools that you see is Irwin and Vermont American.

[ZRX61]

Koken make Titanium socket!!! Any US companies make Titanium socket? Japan make very high quality tools (as good or better than SO). Americans (due to their ignorant) think only America make high quality tools eventhough alot of US made tools are not very high quality, just way overpriced.

Facom make Titanium wrenches....

[reversegear]

Snap-On does exist over here, but there aren't trucks (at least I've never seen one) and I frankly don't know where to find their stuff. There's an importer I've seen on the web but he didn't answer my email inquiry.

Try eSales.TW@snapon.com

[RbrtAWhyt]

Asain tool:
http://www.theonion.com/content/files/images/Kim-Jong-Il-R.jpg

:spit::spit::spit:

[rhandwor]

Some of the Japanese companies are opening some plants in the U S which I think is a good idea.[Nagahori} Truecraft used to be sold in some parts stores and some were U S made. The cheaper companies drove them out.

[48548]

I have some genius tools, and I think they are just as good as toptul or gear wrench, just hard to find people who sell them, unless you go to amazon, and they seem to be harder to get warrantied, but I am not sure as I have never spoke to any one about that. In taiwan how does toptul seem to be holding up? Just curious if people have used them over there, or is there major thing exporting the tools they make.

[Merkava_4]

The only Asian tool I would consider buying at this time is GearWrench; their nose pliers are top drawer. :thumbup:

[sberry]

I use a lot of small China end wrenches, under 2 dollars at TSC stores. I grab a fist full every year in the small sizes, we use a lot of 1/2 and 9/16, they work well. A cheap Crescent, Channelok or vise grip is limited but those end wrenches serve a purpose, make it easy to have them where needed and not have a fit about losing pricey tools. The quality is getting better all the time, can still buy a forged wrench from India for a buck.

[goodfellow]

Sunex is a top notch brand -- impact sockets and air tools are good quality. Although I've never used them, their full polish wrenches are absolutely beautiful.

[Major Ramifications]

Black Rhino is a good asian brand, if good asain brand is not an oxymoron.

[Alfajuj]

Facom is kind of the Snap-on of Europe and almost every tool in their catalog (except the screwdrivers-made in France) is made for them in Taiwan.

[bchee]

Black Rhino is a good asian brand, if good asain brand is not an oxymoron.

What kind of stuff have you tried from them? I see it sold on overstock but have never seen it anywhere else. Where did you get yours?
Black Rhino stuff reminds me of Dead on tools.

[Stuey]

Sears has a lot of Black Rhino tools as well. I was going to give them a try, but nissan_crawler discouraged me in this thread (http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=25338).

[T56 Impala]

I have to say I disagree with the Gear wrench thing. I don't like them, don't trust them and think they are all marketing. I have had 5 geared combos break on me. I'm a weekend wrencher with NEW cars , well one is old but still, so I don't have rusted on bolts or over tightened fasteners. Of those 5, 4 were Gear wrench and 1 was Craftsman. No cheater bars, no loosening of tight bolts with the ratchet end. They simply fell apart. The Craftsman actually fell apart in my hand before it even touched a bolt! I still have them, but will not use them unless I absolutely must have them. You can keep GW. I think they are a cheap Import not worth the time of day.

Toptul, from my use of them so far, are pretty darn good tools. Grey is also very good. Most of the European brands are good. The Indian stuff is crap. I have little or no knowledge of the Japanese brands. (I do have some Toyota wrenches I'd like to learn more about...hint....hint....)

[Jononon]

Facom is kind of the Snap-on of Europe and almost every tool in their catalog (except the screwdrivers-made in France) is made for them in Taiwan.

From their 2009 catalogue:

Made by Facom
• 60% of production is manufactured in Facom’s 11 French and European factories.
• 40% of tools are produced in partnership with manufacturers working

Given how beaten up Stanley have been by the US and European regulators over their product labelling (and having been standing in one of their factories, which doesn't make screwdrivers, last Thursday) , I'm somewhat doubtful that they're making that up :rolleyes:

[superautobacs]

There are a lot of Japanese tool makers that make their own stuff.

KTC (Kyoto Tool Company) and especially with their high-end division, Nepros, is perhaps the No.1 tool brand for the professionals in Japan.

Ko-ken ranks very close as well. They hold quite a few patents.

To name some others:

Asahi Tools - known for their Lightool (lightweight) wrenches, alutool (aluminum) tools, and hex keys

Tohnichi - famous in Japan for their torque wrenches and drivers

Anex - known for their precision bits and screwdriving tools

FPC (Flash Tool Company) - another maker of sockets, such as their parabola sockets

Tone - old maker of torque wrenches (they have monkey wrench torque wrenches)

Top - known for their adjustable wrenches (they exchanged manufacturing technology with Klein Tools back in 1987)

Engineer - for their small and specialty pliers, especially for the electronics industry

Vessel - old maker of screwdrivers and screw driving bits and accessories

Mitoloy - I know them for their hex keys

Keiba - well known for their pliers, cutters, and arts & craft tools

IPS - soft face pliers

Mitutoyo - famous for their precision measuring instruments


Those are the manufacturers that I know off the top of my head.

[nyad]

Mastercraft from Canadian Tire and the Canadian line of Craftsman Tools.

http://www.canadiantire.ca/browse/department_landing.jsp?FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=14084 74396672839&bmUID=1207258052236&deptid=1408474396672839

http://www.sears.ca/gp/browse.html/ref=sc_bb_l_1_396418011_4/103-8851167-1468646?ie=UTF8&node=396544011&no=396418011&searsBrand=core&me=A10FHFRJZ0GJG3
I have one socket from koken and one from kyoto, they are no good, I regretted when I bought it.

[Alfajuj]

From their 2009 catalogue:

Made by Facom
• 60% of production is manufactured in Facom’s 11 French and European factories.
• 40% of tools are produced in partnership with manufacturers working

Given how beaten up Stanley have been by the US and European regulators over their product labelling (and having been standing in one of their factories, which doesn't make screwdrivers, last Thursday) , I'm somewhat doubtful that they're making that up :rolleyes:

I stand corrected. I did exaggerate somewhat.:D
So the 40% is from Taiwan...n'est-ce pas?

[The Muffin Man]

I stand corrected. I did exaggerate somewhat.:D
So the 40% is from Taiwan...n'est-ce pas?

Not sure if this was mentioned before but Toptul does manufacture certain items for Facom (I definitely know several wrenches are, but not sure if there is anything else.)

[Jononon]

I stand corrected. I did exaggerate somewhat.:D

Un peut :p

So the 40% is from Taiwan...n'est-ce pas?

Oui, et l'Espagne, la Croatie, et plus.

Not sure if this was mentioned before but Toptul does manufacture certain items for Facom (I definitely know several wrenches are, but not sure if there is anything else.)

IIRC, Rotar (Toptul parent) manufacture the Facom ratcheting wrenches.

[superautobacs]

I have one socket from koken and one from kyoto, they are no good, I regretted when I bought it.

Can you elaborate on your experiences in more detail?
What drive and size?

[reversegear]

IIRC, Rotar (Toptul parent) manufacture the Facom ratcheting wrenches.

Nope, Hi-Five produces ratcheting wrenches for Facom. Toptul's ratchet wrenches are made by a company called Ru Shine. Rotar (Toptul) produces the new design of combination wrenches for Facom.

[jeep44]

The case machining lines in my place came from Japan, and the techs came with them to install them. They brought their own tools,and stayed on and off for several years. After the machines were signed off on, they never came back,and just left the tools they had been using. A lot of the stuff just went in the company gangboxes, but I helped myself to a nice set of Osaka Tanko brand wrenches.They look to be good stuff.

[Alfajuj]

While we're on the subject, can anyone tell me if Facom's hand sockets are made in Taiwan, and if so, by whom?

I'd love to get some top-notch made in Taiwan sockets.

I've already got some beautiful Toptul combination wrenches and it's icing on the cake to know that they produce for Facom!:bounce:

The only trouble with made in Taiwan is that the quality level varies widely from one manufacturer to the next. It's hard to tell who makes the mediocre stuff and who makes the excellent stuff.:headscrat

[Jononon]

Nope, Hi-Five produces ratcheting wrenches for Facom. Toptul's ratchet wrenches are made by a company called Ru Shine.

Evidently I do not recall correctly :o

Rotar (Toptul) produces the new design of combination wrenches for Facom.

The 440 Series ?

[DSLAW]

Facom is kind of the Snap-on of Europe and almost every tool in their catalog (except the screwdrivers-made in France) is made for them in Taiwan.

Isn't Facom,The European version of America's SK Line?
I always thought the 2 were the same company,but maybe
I'm wrong?

The best taiwanese tools have to be Sunex and GP for Impact Sockets
and for chrome polished wrenches and sockets it's "Columbian".It's the
Wilton Vise's Taiwanese made tools. Don't get their cheap line of vises
confused with this very rare sets of tools they may have only produced
for a short time,back in the early 2000's. The quality of their sockets is
very good. The insides of the sockets were polished also,not even the
Big Boy's do this.I own all the best big brand tools and have to say that
the quality is better than all the rest. I bet not many people even have
ever seen or heard of these fabulous wrenches and socket sets? I've
been into tools for 20 years,and have only seen them at an industrial
tool store,and had to have them,since they were about $40-$60 per
set. I know Wilton vise is a great company,so the products they produce
overseas,were supposedly of the same great quality,as per the packaging
stated.I tried them and love them ,even better than my Snap-on,SK,Matco,
mac,and Protos tools,not saying to anyone,that they are of bad quality,since
they are not,just that there are some cheap suprises out there,if you look
hard enough.

[lbgradwell]

Isn't Facom,The European version of America's SK Line?
I always thought the 2 were the same company,but maybe
I'm wrong?

No, FACOM owned SK from 1985 to 2005 when SK's management bought the company. FACOM has since been acquired by Stanley...

[UK Steve]

Ko-ken Tools can also be had in the States, the USA distributor is Stahwille

[goodfellow]

Well, at the risk of ruffling a few feathers around here, I'm looking at ATD tools as a superior product.

I needed a long pattern wrench set, but use them infrequently, so a really expensive set was pretty much a waste of money. After seeing that some pro mechanics had ATD in their boxes, I decided to give the brand a try. I bought this 14pc long pattern SAE combo set for less than $20 as a BIN offer on e-bay. From what I can gather from ATD's website, these tools are made in China to US specs.

I was pleasantly surprised. The chrome, fit and finish is excellent and rivals my MAC and MATCO full polish sets. The ergonomics are excellent.

EDIT: This is a used set, so it does have a few scratches and imperfections.

http://i357.photobucket.com/albums/oo18/goodfellow_2004/misc/PICT0152Medium.jpg

http://i357.photobucket.com/albums/oo18/goodfellow_2004/misc/PICT0153Medium.jpg

http://i357.photobucket.com/albums/oo18/goodfellow_2004/misc/PICT0154Medium.jpg

http://i357.photobucket.com/albums/oo18/goodfellow_2004/misc/PICT0155Medium.jpg

http://i357.photobucket.com/albums/oo18/goodfellow_2004/misc/PICT0156Medium.jpg

[bchee]

I was pleasantly surprised. The chrome, fit and finish is excellent and rivals my MAC and MATCO full polish sets. The ergonomics are excellent.


The beams look thick, rounded, and very comfortable.

[Bo Heck]

The beams look thick, rounded, and very comfortable.

They sure do, how well do they grip? 20 bucks is a bargain if they work.

[Monte]

While we're on the subject, can anyone tell me if Facom's hand sockets are made in Taiwan, and if so, by whom?

I'd love to get some top-notch made in Taiwan sockets.

I've already got some beautiful Toptul combination wrenches and it's icing on the cake to know that they produce for Facom!:bounce:

The only trouble with made in Taiwan is that the quality level varies widely from one manufacturer to the next. It's hard to tell who makes the mediocre stuff and who makes the excellent stuff.:headscrat


Here is an overview what facom makes where (in Europe) but some important tools are missing... :)
click (PDF page 2) (http://www.facom.fr/fr/telechargement/Selection_automotive2009.pdf)

[Vulturej]

There are a lot of tools from China, Taiwan, India that are great tools for the money. If you use the tools a lot it sorts out the low quality tools the good quality tools very quickly. I work in a industrial environment and a "Life Time Warranty" does nothing to reclaim the extra down time due to a striped out fastener or a busted hand. You don’t have to buy from a tool truck to buy a quality tool, forums like this can be a great help. One thing I have noticed the mechanics that shop for all their tools at HF are the ones always asking to barrow my tools.

[paramudduck]

goodfellow looks like a nice set to me. I may keep an eye out for deals on them. I like those beams.

[goodfellow]

goodfellow looks like a nice set to me. I may keep an eye out for deals on them. I like those beams.

I put them to good use yesterday. I worked amost all day getting the rear end out of my old Jag. Those long pattern beams felt ultra comfortable. This is one Chinese wrench that I don't mind owning and am proud to put in the box.

[jerk_chicken]

Kokon sockets are looking nice. Where are the prices compared to other more well known brands from the US and Germany?

What's the story with the Titanium sockets?

[petty4243]

My favorite wrench sets are made in Tiawan.... They are Blue Point(snap on) BOER and BOERM series ratcheting wrenches... I literaly use them every day and never had an issue with them yet..... I also have gearwrench versions and have had to replace the 15 mm 4 times(in 6 months) so i would definatly not give them high regards