Tools of Japan

[tamaraw]

I am looking for a socket & wrench set for the truck that would ideally have a decent 1/4" and 1/2" or a wide range of socket options. Because I want it for the truck, I'm looking at ones with plastic cases. I think I may end up with a Bahco set but I was interested to see that the Bahco plastic cases look almost identical to the plastic cases from Tone from Japan. I assume the cases are made at the same factory. The hinges are identical. The locking clasps are the same. The printing on the grey insert is the same.

Bahco S106

Tone 3130MP

Both the Bahco and Tone sets pictured are made in Taiwan but I think you might be reading too much into the rest of it. Besides being similar colors (Bahco is always orange, Tone is typically red or black) and both blow-molded cases, the designs are different. The latches and hinges are superficially similar because there are only so many ways to make a case like that. Not saying that they couldn't possibly come from the same oem, just that they are different designs and not direct copies.

A few Bahco models like the S81SL (not sold in any sets and hard to find), do appear to use the Tone ratchet mechanism although not as blatantly as the Proto Blackhawk or Powerbuilt ratchets. The head on that model has unique ribbing similar to Matador while the quick release button has been rounded over and the handle uses the same design as the other Bahco tools (also found on a few Williams tools). I guess the point being that Bahco goes to some effort to distinguish their Taiwanese stuff from others even when they do raid the parts bin.



As for feedback on the Bahco stuff, I have had a separate 1/4" and 1/2" Bahco set for a few years and they are pretty nice.

Sockets are euro-style (matte finish, semi-deep, knurling) with clearly marked sizes and no skips.

Ratchets aren't crazy advanced in terms of dimensions or tooth count but I really like the ergonomics. The handles, selector switches, and quick release are all very well done. Also very easy to disassemble and clean/lube.

And the 1/4" screwdriver has a female square on the end, so you can slip the quick release ratchet on to snug up/break something loose and do the rest with your fingers without swapping sockets or removing them from the fastener.

 

[stidnam]

My mate has the Tone set, and I've owned the Bahco set for over 15 years.

Bang for buck, Bahco all the way. I've never broken anything in the set, and I've abused the ratchet plenty. In addition, the handles on the ratchets are really comfy - much nicer than my Koken or my Tone ratchets.

The downside with my set, which looks similar to the set in your post is that there's no 12mm long 1/4 inch socket. It goes from an 11mm to a 13mm. Frustrating as who the hell needs a 13mm long 1/4 socket lol.

The other thing I love about the set is that the 1/4 bits mean that I don't bother carrying a set of screwdrivers on most occasions. I can get away doing most jobs with the bits provided in the set.

 

[Outahere]

A set of Vessel bits (#1, 3pc: #2, #3) from Amazon-US. Paid a little less than $10

 

[kanai]

Pro Auto sells a ratchet that has a swivel functionality.

オンラインカタログ-プロオート-ハンドル-3Dラチェット

 

[CGarage]

Does anybody have any experience with this Tone ratchet? Seen it on Amazon.jp and thought it looked pretty cool.

TONE RH2VHS Short Swivel Ratchet Handle 1/4 inch (6.35mm )

Yes I have it and I like it. Both in 1/4 and 3/8.

 

[superautobacs]

I've had that ProAuto ratchet in my watch list for a few years now. A bit pricey for what would be a very limited-use tool for me.

 

[kanai]

As for feedback on the Bahco stuff, I have had a separate 1/4" and 1/2" Bahco set for a few years and they are pretty nice.

Thank you! I'll keep my eye out for a set.

 

[kanai]

Bang for buck, Bahco all the way. I've never broken anything in the set, and I've abused the ratchet plenty. In addition, the handles on the ratchets are really comfy - much nicer than my Koken or my Tone ratchets.

Thanks! Bahco is available in Japan but not common so I appreciate the guidance.

 

[stidnam]

Thanks! Bahco is available in Japan but not common so I appreciate the guidance.

Yeah very much dependent on what's available in your local market and at what cost. My comment was rather specific to my situation. Full sets here cost like AUD $200 to $300. A far cry from my $400 koken 3/8 set lol.

 

[kanai]

A far cry from my $400 koken 3/8 set lol.

I posted my Ko-ken set a while back here:

I don't want to put that one in the truck.

 

[Andres26tnt]

I've had that ProAuto ratchet in my watch list for a few years now. A bit pricey for what would be a very limited-use tool for me.

Amazon JP has them for slightly cheaper 40ish dollars for the 3/8 drive. limited stock tho looks like they have discontinued it. might pick it up to show off on here, and see if it was worth it or just a gimmick.

 

[E.T.]

While a different mechanism the function is similar on my TrueCraft (SEK, now Proauto) 3/8 wobble anvil ratchet. Can’t say I use it much.

 

[four.cycle]

TrueCraft (SEK, now Proauto)

?? can you clarify that?

 

[E.T.]

Hahah sure. So TrueCraft tools was a now defunct rebrander of mostlyJapanese tool in the 80s, 90s, and maybe early 2000s. Some of their better ratchets were made by Suekage tool company SEK which has since rebadged as ProAuto tools. That’s off the top of my head there’s mention of the brand history in the archives of this thread

 

[rick carpenter]

Looking for cleaning/maintenance advice for Japanese stainless steel scissors. I have a pair of Olfa 112B scissors (******* me thought I had bought the SCS-2 pair) for work.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001D3G51G/?tag=atomicindus08-20

After cutting some packing tape and my pinkie at work, I carried them home and cleaned the whole pair with WD-40 and lightly oiled them with 3-in-1 oil. I'm wondering if WD-40 and 3-in-1 oil is the way to go? Olfa hasn't responded to my inquiries.

They're good all-around scissors. Micro-serrations on one blade, ambidextrous, and sharp -- as my pinkie will attest.

 

[Farmall450]

Looking for cleaning/maintenance advice for Japanese stainless steel scissors. I have a pair of Olfa 112B scissors (******* me thought I had bought the SCS-2 pair) for work.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001D3G51G/?tag=atomicindus08-20

After cutting some packing tape and my pinkie at work, I carried them home and cleaned the whole pair with WD-40 and lightly oiled them with 3-in-1 oil. I'm wondering if WD-40 and 3-in-1 oil is the way to go? Olfa hasn't responded to my inquiries.

They're good all-around scissors. Micro-serrations on one blade, ambidextrous, and sharp -- as my pinkie will attest.

They're scissors, not a turbofan. Try that 3n1 oil and report back.

 

[4xdog]

...I carried them home and cleaned the whole pair with WD-40 and lightly oiled them with 3-in-1 oil. I'm wondering if WD-40 and 3-in-1 oil is the way to go? Olfa hasn't responded to my inquiries...

You're overthinking this, I'm afraid. I grew up up in a house that never oiled a pair of scissors in decades. M'self, I will periodically put a drop or two of whatever's handy on the joint and wipe the blades. That's usually 3-in-1 or whatever's left over from the last oil change -- either straight SAE30 or 5W-20 depending on what the oil can was topped up with.

I suspect whatever I'm doing is more than is strictly needed. But I've had some of those scissors for 40+ years and they're workin' fine.

Use what ya got, I say.

 

[tamaraw]

Looking for cleaning/maintenance advice for Japanese stainless steel scissors. I have a pair of Olfa 112B scissors (******* me thought I had bought the SCS-2 pair) for work.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001D3G51G/?tag=atomicindus08-20

After cutting some packing tape and my pinkie at work, I carried them home and cleaned the whole pair with WD-40 and lightly oiled them with 3-in-1 oil. I'm wondering if WD-40 and 3-in-1 oil is the way to go? Olfa hasn't responded to my inquiries.

They're good all-around scissors. Micro-serrations on one blade, ambidextrous, and sharp -- as my pinkie will attest.

WD-40 is a solvent, so maybe not the best option to use near plastic like that handle. It also leaves gross residue which makes it a very poor cleaning tool unless that's just an intermediate step. And finally, why would you oil stainless scissors? They aren't going to rust in 99% of applications, the action should be fairly smooth as is, and the oil will just contaminate any paper, fabric, etc. that you use the tool on.

I would just keep them dry and clean, maybe clean off any tape residue that builds up on the blades periodically. YMMV

 

[Outahere]

Looking for cleaning/maintenance advice for Japanese stainless steel scissors.

Use scissors lube?

Wolff Lubricant

 

[kyrbz]

 

[F-22]

Recently got a couple of vintage KAL ratchets (together with two Husky ratchets) in 1/2" and 3/8". They seem fine, though the old Husky was a considerably more elegant tool (tapered shaft, deeper knurling, slimmer and smaller head with finer teeth...).

Really seems like that's what they were copying at the time.

 

[midorix]

Finally got my Koken 2726Z - 3/8 (3/8 72 tooth in 1/4 body).
Only waited couple of years since I got the 3/8 72 tooth Koken set.

I've got few more tools coming but Amazon Japan is nice enough to ship items as it became available.
Ratchet action is buttery smooth.



This sucker is tiny! Love it.
Compared to my 3/8 Koken stubby in my very small hand.

 

[rick carpenter]

How well do the Vessel Combi bits work that have a +2 bit on one end and a combined +1 and +3 bit on the other? Such as the PD1412311 at...

Dedicated replacement Shank Combi Plus Bit No.PD1412311(Ph No.1,Ph No.3/Ph No.2 x 110) | PRODUCTS INFORMATION | VESSEL CO., INC

full range of information on product groups ranging from tightening tools such as drivers, bit sockets and air tools to anti-static products in the factory

vessel.co.jp

Seems gimmicky to me. Regardless, I'm looking at +00 thru +3 bits in 100 or 110 mm lengths, either Vessel Go Sai or Anex Color Bits. I've got plenty of +00 thru +3 bits in 65 mm.

 

[tamaraw]

How well do the Vessel Combi bits work that have a +2 bit on one end and a combined +1 and +3 bit on the other? Such as the PD1412311 at...

Dedicated replacement Shank Combi Plus Bit No.PD1412311(Ph No.1,Ph No.3/Ph No.2 x 110) | PRODUCTS INFORMATION | VESSEL CO., INC

full range of information on product groups ranging from tightening tools such as drivers, bit sockets and air tools to anti-static products in the factory

vessel.co.jp

Seems gimmicky to me. Regardless, I'm looking at +00 thru +3 bits in 100 or 110 mm lengths, either Vessel Go Sai or Anex Color Bits. I've got plenty of +00 thru +3 bits in 65 mm.

It also comes packaged with one of their ball grip handles and might make more sense in that context:

Combi Plus Screwdriver No.220W-123(Ph No.1-No.3/No.2) | PRODUCTS INFORMATION | VESSEL CO., INC

full range of information on product groups ranging from tightening tools such as drivers, bit sockets and air tools to anti-static products in the factory

vessel.co.jp

II don't own one myself but it seems to be a practical choice if you were carrying a single driver/bit; most applications are going to be +2 but you still have a fairly useable +1 and +3 just in case you run into those. Obviously it doesn't compete with multi-bit sets or dedicated drivers.

 

[kyrbz]

Gonna have to add a +2 x100 to this set. The +2 x150 that came with it is a little on the large size for me

 

[Etchase]

I bought this stubby, only to discover that it had the 1/3 end. I like it in the stubby. Works fine, but I didn’t use it in a high torque situation. I like this Stubby as a package too.

 

[kyrbz]

 

[BigLeagueSmoes]

New Tsunoda angled needle nose pliers

 

[rick carpenter]

I bought this stubby, only to discover that it had the 1/3 end. I like it in the stubby. Works fine, but I didn’t use it in a high torque situation. I like this Stubby as a package too.

My 270W kit came with a +2/-6 bit, but I bought it more for the handle.

 

[Loga_3]

200 pack of Feather razor blades. Should last me quite some years!

 

[F-22]

200 pack of Feather razor blades. Should last me quite some years!

I think Kei also makes them.

Both are a bit too sharp for me.

 

[kngelv]

200 pack of Feather razor blades. Should last me quite some years!

Feathers are great for the first shave but dull way too fast and start pulling hairs. I actually have had much better luck with the German Wilkinson blades.

James

 

[fireplug]

New Nepros announcement in my mailbox;

New line up for 3/8”sq. ratchet handle NBR390A series, Tool sets, Tool

3/8”sq. ratchet handle NBR390A “friends” New line up for NBR390A ratchet handle series, long, flex, stubby. ☟More information here☟ https://ktc.jp/files/pr/download/flyer/73-36_en.pdf SKU: NTX8770BK 　【https://neprostools.com/products/a000334?_pos=1&_sid=1213e3b5c&_ss=r&variant=43022442397865】...

neprostools.com

 

[pare]

New Nepros announcement in my mailbox;

New line up for 3/8”sq. ratchet handle NBR390A series, Tool sets, Tool

3/8”sq. ratchet handle NBR390A “friends” New line up for NBR390A ratchet handle series, long, flex, stubby. ☟More information here☟ https://ktc.jp/files/pr/download/flyer/73-36_en.pdf SKU: NTX8770BK 　【https://neprostools.com/products/a000334?_pos=1&_sid=1213e3b5c&_ss=r&variant=43022442397865】...

neprostools.com

Disappointed they're sticking with the rubber rings near the end of the handles, was hoping they'd move to something more like the grooves on their 1/4" handles at least. Shame they've not gone to screws going through the head into the backplate as well, probably for aesthetic reasons. Neither are that big a deal obviously but if they're going to bother updating their design they should've sorted those out whilst they're at it, especially for what they've priced these at.

 

[tamaraw]

Disappointed they're sticking with the rubber rings near the end of the handles, was hoping they'd move to something more like the grooves on their 1/4" handles at least. Shame they've not gone to screws going through the head into the backplate as well, probably for aesthetic reasons. Neither are that big a deal obviously but if they're going to bother updating their design they should've sorted those out whilst they're at it, especially for what they've priced these at.

I like the all-metal 6.35mm stuff too but the rubber rings and color coding are a pretty big part of their 9.5/12.7 line and I can't see them changing that very soon.

Not sure why you would expect screw heads on the top cover? I mostly see that on older production, it's fairly uncommon on modern tools.

 

[Reed Prince]

I like the all-metal 6.35mm stuff too but the rubber rings and color coding are a pretty big part of their 9.5/12.7 line and I can't see them changing that very soon.

I'm guessing that the rubber ring is also there to hide the seam between the hollowed out handles and the caps on the larger ratchets.

 

[kyrbz]

 

[tamaraw]

I got one of those a little while back as well but haven't had a chance to use mine yet. Seems to be made well.

 

[Dave455]

I'm guessing that the rubber ring is also there to hide the seam between the hollowed out handles and the caps on the larger ratchets.

The join between the hollow handle and the rest of the tool is at the other end of the hollow handle, close to where your first finger would be in normal use.

The join is welded and then machined, so really is invisible. I saw some photo’s of how these were made in the early days of Nepros.

I think that the reason for the rubber ring is to allow different colours to be used for “tool control” purposes. Some tool manufacturers (Proto come to mind) offer this as an option, but I think Nepros wanted to cover all bases.

I don’t particularly like this feature on the ratchet handles either, but if I ever got Nepros SAE sockets I think I’d go for it to differentiate Metric from SAE!

Other colours are available from Nepros.

 

[Reed Prince]

The join between the hollow handle and the rest of the tool is at the other end of the hollow handle, close to where your first finger would be in normal use.

The join is welded and then machined, so really is invisible. I saw some photo’s of how these were made in the early days of Nepros.

That's interesting to learn. My guess came from looking at this photo.