Tools of Japan

[Subutai]

Got this little Tsunoda CN-130 today. It's only rated for 12 ga solid copper but it's for automotive and marine stranded so the size and capacity are just what I need. Feels good in hand and doesn't seem to want to migrate down & pinch the meat at the base of my pointy finger like Knipex does. I was supposed to get an Engineer DR-22 extension as well but Amazon cancelled it.

Darn it, I’m going to have to get this.

(I’m on the couch with the wife who is watching tv and holding my phone at an angle because is she see’s tools she will go “Do you really need more tools!”

Lol I kid, she is a good sport about it… most of the time)

 

[rick carpenter]

There is a link to a PDF catalogue under the pictures of the various pliers on this page:

プライヤー製品種類・通販 |

金属加工技術では国内でも名高い新潟県三条市において、 昭和15年に創業した国内唯一のプライヤーの専門メーカーです。 MADE IN JAPAN にこだわり、高品質、高付加価値を追求しプライヤー、ペンチなどの生産技術向上に努めてまいります。

ips--tool-co-jp.translate.goog

It seems to be current even though it dates from 2020. Alas, in Japanese. Maybe you’d already found that?

Looks like yet another intriguing Japanese tool company I’d never heard of. Love the photos on their website. Check out the picture of their factory on a wet day here: https://ips-tool.co.jp/company/ And the gritty interior photos. I’ve seen worse photos in an art gallery!

Re: Igarashi/IPS catalog request...

Thanks, @Samuel D ! A lot of the pliers selection from other Japanese mfrs seem to be heavy on cutter & nippers, with gripping pliers mostly "lineman" type thick side cutters or water pump style.

 

[F-22]

Yes, it is.

It was introduced by Guest Keen and Nettlefold, then Britains biggest screw manufacturer, in the early 60’s.

It differs from Phillips in that it’s designed not to cam out, so it’s much easier to drive. If you’re using a mechanical driver though, it has to be torque controlled.

Pozidriv has pretty much replaced Phillips, and even slotted screw heads, in the U.K. and in much of Europe too. I haven’t seen a Phillips wood screw for decades.

I only encounter Phillips on aerospace components, some electrical components, and Japanese cars. Some European vehicles use them too.

I think drywall screws in Europe are also regular phillips. Not entirely sure why, but it surely adds to the confusion. I bet millions of people in Europe who do any kind of home-improvement work, use phillips bits in pozidriv screws. Phillips is included in every bit set.

Just adds to the confusion. I am glad torx is getting so much traction. In large part just because it is totally different to phillips (unlike pozidriv). Still, some brands make the most absurd screw sizes - why oh why do we need a T25 and T27 and a T30 size? The T25 fits just well enough into T27 that you can easily strip it.

Still, way better standard than phillips or pozidriv for most stuff.

I didn’t know that! I’ve never seen a Pozidriv screw in the U.S.

Although, as nobody recognises them, I’ve often wondered if some of these folks complaining about badly fitting Phillips screwdrivers have actually found Pozidriv screws..?

I assume most Ikea furniture in the US also uses the pozidriv screws, so that probably adds a lot of issues?

Phillips is just a really nice big mess of standards that most people will never distinguish.

Bet there's also lots of people using a PH1 in a PH2 screw etc...

 

[snowblindb]

I think drywall screws in Europe are also regular phillips. Not entirely sure why, but it surely adds to the confusion. I bet millions of people in Europe who do any kind of home-improvement work, use phillips bits in pozidriv screws. Phillips is included in every bit set.

Just adds to the confusion. I am glad torx is getting so much traction. In large part just because it is totally different to phillips (unlike pozidriv). Still, some brands make the most absurd screw sizes - why oh why do we need a T25 and T27 and a T30 size? The T25 fits just well enough into T27 that you can easily strip it.

Still, way better standard than phillips or pozidriv for most stuff.




I assume most Ikea furniture in the US also uses the pozidriv screws, so that probably adds a lot of issues?

Phillips is just a really nice big mess of standards that most people will never distinguish.

Bet there's also lots of people using a PH1 in a PH2 screw etc...

You are right about drywall screws in Europe.

Torx is great, but at least here (northern part of Europe) we have three (3!) different types of ”torx” in general use. There is more even torx types but I think that regular torx, Würth AW (some ppl call them ”assy”) and torx ttap are most used here.
General mistake is to drive Würth screws with normal torx bits and say that they (Würth screws) ****

 

[The_Inspector]

You are right about drywall screws in Europe.

Torx is great, but at least here (northern part of Europe) we have three (3!) different types of ”torx” in general use. There is more even torx types but I think that regular torx, Würth AW (some ppl call them ”assy”) and torx ttap are most used here.
General mistake is to drive Würth screws with normal torx bits and say that they (Würth screws) ****

PB Swiss also has the Torx Plus bits for sale, the ends seem a bit more rounded than those from the standard Torx bits.

 

[Dave455]

PB Swiss also has the Torx Plus bits for sale, the ends seem a bit more rounded than those from the standard Torx bits.

The Torx plus actually have slightly squarer ends, though the pictures are deceptive.

The only Torx Plus drivers I have are PB Swiss. They’re nice, but I seldom use them.

 

[The_Inspector]

The Torx plus actually have slightly squarer ends, though the pictures are deceptive.

The only Torx Plus drivers I have are PB Swiss. They’re nice, but I seldom use them.

Yes, this is what I meant, I got the 25 and 30 size, although I don't have a use for them yet. It looks nice in the lineup with the other bits though

 

[garfieldzzz]

You are right about drywall screws in Europe.

Torx is great, but at least here (northern part of Europe) we have three (3!) different types of ”torx” in general use. There is more even torx types but I think that regular torx, Würth AW (some ppl call them ”assy”) and torx ttap are most used here.
General mistake is to drive Würth screws with normal torx bits and say that they (Würth screws) ****

To add some confusion Würth now came up with a new RW torx adaption requiring new bits…

 

[snowblindb]

To add some confusion Würth now came up with a new RW torx adaption requiring new bits…

Yes! I totally forgot that!

 

[CR888]

Truscos! Perhaps not the best use of the T-320 but I don't like all my sensor/meter wires wound too tightly or just flopping loose. The T-190 has all of my Anex bit driver handles plus one Vessel.



View attachment 1934184

I did the same with my multimeter stuff. Leads clips, multimeter, clamp meter etc. And bit drivers...ratcheting bit drivers, stubby bit drivers. I had a problem for a while buying bits and bit holders. I have more too....I bought spares of all of them

 

[CR888]

Multimeter box, I saw KTC sells pressed steel boxes too, but I think ill stick too Toyo/Trusco.

 

[CR888]

I kinda like Japanese screwdrivers in general but today I finally got the 300mm #2 to go with the flat head I had

 

[reclaimer]

What Japanese tool channels should I follow on Youtube for news and reviews? I follow some of the more popular US ones, they are generally doing tool hauls and reviews but not so much news on new tools. Are there some Japanese channels that have English captioning? Any good English ones I'm missing?

Here's what I follow-

https://www.youtube.com/@BrandoDamo

https://www.youtube.com/@bzeug

https://www.youtube.com/@chriscas-ToolAficionado

https://www.youtube.com/@JapaneseToolsAustralia/videos

https://www.youtube.com/@lastbesttool

https://www.youtube.com/@lonestarmopars

https://www.youtube.com/@MrSubaru1387

https://www.youtube.com/@ShoyanJapaneseCarpenter

https://www.youtube.com/@thecarpentrylife

https://www.youtube.com/@ToolsAndStuffOFFICIAL

https://www.youtube.com/@FG_takanokura (factory gear tv, all Japanese but I skim the videos for tool news)
https://www.youtube.com/@hatotools (Japanese with English subs)

 

[rick carpenter]

I did the same with my multimeter stuff. Leads clips, multimeter, clamp meter etc. And bit drivers...ratcheting bit drivers, stubby bit drivers. I had a problem for a while buying bits and bit holders. I have more too....I bought spares of all of them

How do you like the Vessel t-handle? I've been thinking about that Vessel (or the Sunflag 6200, but I've read some disappointing things about Sunflag's q/c). I like my 14mm Motion Pro bare steel t-handle with cut down handles, so I think I'd like an ergonomic handle better. Do you use the Vessel bit holders for drivers any?

 

[tamaraw]

How do you like the Vessel t-handle? I've been thinking about that Vessel (or the Sunflag 6200, but I've read some disappointing things about Sunflag's q/c). I like my 14mm Motion Pro bare steel t-handle with cut down handles, so I think I'd like an ergonomic handle better. Do you use the Vessel bit holders for drivers any?

I like mine, mostly use it with screwdriver bits/blades. The handle is a nice design and material but is more of a palm ratchet in size. Good for torque on 10mm fasteners, maybe some 12mm, but I think 14mm would really be pushing it if the fastener is very tight.

If you want a t-handle appropriate for more torque, Nepros has some really nice models, both dedicated hex sizes as well as square drive. I love my 1/4" square model, it has a metal handle but it is forged into a more ergonomic shape rather than the regular welded straight bar types you see.

In the "not Japan" category, I also really like Wiha's classic Polish t-handles. 12mm pictured because I don't have a 14mm.

 

[Reed Prince]

Which version/variant tool box is at MoMa???

 

[JWC86]

Looking for a high quality metric rule. 150mm in length preferred and would like it to be made in Japan if possible. Would also settle for a quality USA brand but this is the tools of Japan thread so preference given to that.

I would really like one like this

Nice and clean and has 1/2mm graduations on one side.

Not seeing anything from Mitutoyo.
TIA

 

[Outahere]

Got a few more "tools of Japan" today.

Some quick photos below but I can share impressions or take more photos if you are interested in something specific.


Asahi flare nut wrenches

Palmac.net is now carrying Asahi tools. There is a 15% off sale with code: ASAHI. Good through Aug 14.

 

[tamaraw]

Palmac.net is now carrying Asahi tools. There is a 15% off sale with code: ASAHI. Good through Aug 14.

Interesting, but a pretty limited selection at the moment. I just see a handful of hex keys and the lightool DOE and combination wrenches (which are not nearly as nice as their other wrenches imho).

Pricing is also pretty high, about 1.7x the Japanese ebay vendor I have been using (ninja-tools). I guess palmac free shipping helps if you were buying a single item but the markup quickly negates any savings if you order just two or three tools.

 

[rick carpenter]

Looking for a high quality metric rule. 150mm in length preferred and would like it to be made in Japan if possible. Would also settle for a quality USA brand but this is the tools of Japan thread so preference given to that.

I would really like one like this

Nice and clean and has 1/2mm graduations on one side.

Not seeing anything from Mitutoyo.
TIA

Shinwa has quality rules. You just need to be careful to get one made in Japan since that's your preference. The Shinwa catalog indicates Japan COO when made in Japan (not real sure but maybe no COO mentioned for China-made?). Then go to Amazon or Amazon Japan to buy. Mitutoyo has rules made in Japan and USA.

 

[CallumRD1]

Looking for a high quality metric rule. 150mm in length preferred and would like it to be made in Japan if possible. Would also settle for a quality USA brand but this is the tools of Japan thread so preference given to that.

I would really like one like this

Nice and clean and has 1/2mm graduations on one side.

Not seeing anything from Mitutoyo.
TIA

I love the Mitutoyo 182-105, made in Japan:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00027958O/?tag=atomicindus08-20

It's fractional inch on one side, metric on the other. Both sides have a common zero on one side, not the flipped scales common on American rules.
The markings are etched and filled so last under hard use, unlike the printed markings common on cheaper rules. I have 3 or 4 of these and use them every day. They're probably my favorite and most used tool. Cheap enough to stash in multiple places so there's always one on hand.

 

[JWC86]

I love the Mitutoyo 182-105, made in Japan:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00027958O/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Both sides have a common zero on one side, not the flipped scales common on American rules.

Thank you that is exactly what I'm looking for!

 

[E.T.]

Looks like the ST-350. Never seen it in red!

 

[BlitzcrankJapan]

Looking for a high quality metric rule. 150mm in length preferred and would like it to be made in Japan if possible. Would also settle for a quality USA brand but this is the tools of Japan thread so preference given to that.

I would really like one like this

Nice and clean and has 1/2mm graduations on one side.

Not seeing anything from Mitutoyo.
TIA

I'm not sure who the actual maker is. But Toledo sells many made in Japan products.

Go back a page and you will see they have a couple of options. This one has two flat ends. There is also a version with a hanging hole on one end.

150MSE - Double Sided Rules - Metric | Toledo

www.tridon.com.au

 

[Jack_K]

I'm not sure who the actual maker is. But Toledo sells many made in Japan products.

Go back a page and you will see they have a couple of options. This one has two flat ends. There is also a version with a hanging hole on one end.

150MSE - Double Sided Rules - Metric | Toledo

www.tridon.com.au

I don't think it helps with the rulers but a lot of the Toledo products are Sunflag. They have a few Mokuba products too.

I recently purchased a Toledo ruler made in Japan. I haven't done any searching as to who the manufacturer is.

 

[GeoBruin]

Perhaps a bit of a departure from the usual in this thread but I wanted to post my trusty Harrington Lever Hoist. This was given to me by a friend who had no need for it and it had obviously had a long life up to that point.

I just took it apart and lubed it up and it returned to full function immediately. It has since lifted its share of heavy things when my harbor freight electric hoist is outmatched, or when I need something portable. The clutch mechanism is genius and a pleasure to use.

I have no idea how old this one is or if they're still made in Japan.

 

[Outahere]

Amazon has the Koken PK3760/6 knurled 3/8-drive extension set for $55 ($94 from Koken-USA)

Koken PK3760/6

 

[rick carpenter]

I love the Mitutoyo 182-105, made in Japan:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00027958O/?tag=atomicindus08-20

It's fractional inch on one side, metric on the other. Both sides have a common zero on one side, not the flipped scales common on American rules.
The markings are etched and filled so last under hard use, unlike the printed markings common on cheaper rules. I have 3 or 4 of these and use them every day. They're probably my favorite and most used tool. Cheap enough to stash in multiple places so there's always one on hand.

I hate to be "that guy" but I didn't see Made in Japan on that Mitutoyo from the Amazon pics. Looking around online I saw 182-105s made in USA, made in Japan, and no COO shown. It will mostly likely pay off to be particular in finding one made in Japan. I didn't do due diligence buying my 150mm Shinwa rule (no COO on the rule), I assumed the Amazon description "from Japan" meant that it was actually made in Japan. Had I checked before buying it, I would have found out it was made in PRC.

 

[JerseyBoatBuilder]

Thanks for posting that. My wife was just asking for a craft tool box so I ordered her a green one.
Now I can take back my green snap on flambeau box.

 

[CallumRD1]

I hate to be "that guy" but I didn't see Made in Japan on that Mitutoyo from the Amazon pics. Looking around online I saw 182-105s made in USA, made in Japan, and no COO shown. It will mostly likely pay off to be particular in finding one made in Japan. I didn't do due diligence buying my 150mm Shinwa rule (no COO on the rule), I assumed the Amazon description "from Japan" meant that it was actually made in Japan. Had I checked before buying it, I would have found out it was made in PRC.

From the amazon description:

About this item​

• Tempered stainless steel
• Satin chrome finish
• Clear easy to see graduations
• Made in Japan

I appreciate the diligence, though. The four of mine I could find on short order (all purchased from amazon or zoro in the last 5 years or so) have "Made in Japan" engraved on them, as do all of my other Mitutoyo rules, calipers, micrometers, gauges, etc.

 

[BlitzcrankJapan]

Perhaps a bit of a departure from the usual in this thread but I wanted to post my trusty Harrington Lever Hoist. This was given to me by a friend who had no need for it and it had obviously had a long life up to that point.

I just took it apart and lubed it up and it returned to full function immediately. It has since lifted its share of heavy things when my harbor freight electric hoist is outmatched, or when I need something portable. The clutch mechanism is genius and a pleasure to use.

I have no idea how old this one is or if they're still made in Japan.

Although I have not made note of the brands. I have noticed here in Australia that the lever chain block hoists are often made in Japan.

 

[Zimbo]

Although I have not made note of the brands. I have noticed here in Australia that the lever chain block hoists are often made in Japan.

I have a few KITO branded ones in 250kg and 500kg, very compact and light.

 

[jmf535]

I hate to be "that guy" but I didn't see Made in Japan on that Mitutoyo from the Amazon pics. Looking around online I saw 182-105s made in USA, made in Japan, and no COO shown. It will mostly likely pay off to be particular in finding one made in Japan. I didn't do due diligence buying my 150mm Shinwa rule (no COO on the rule), I assumed the Amazon description "from Japan" meant that it was actually made in Japan. Had I checked before buying it, I would have found out it was made in PRC.

I purchased the same one from Amazon, and it is marked as Made in Japan (and it's extremely nice).
It does seem like a lot of the Mitutoyo rulers are made in the US, though, as I have a couple from my grandfather that are MiUS, and a lot of the ones on Amazon are showing MiUS

 

[Hytekrednek]

I purchased the same one from Amazon, and it is marked as Made in Japan (and it's extremely nice).
It does seem like a lot of the Mitutoyo rulers are made in the US, though, as I have a couple from my grandfather that are MiUS, and a lot of the ones on Amazon are showing MiUS

PEC makes combination squares, scales, rulers, etc. for many other companies, including Mitutoyo. Products Engineering Corp. I think is what PEC stands for. Nice stuff but I prefer the Starrett combination squares. Starrett also cost a good bit more than PEC. For the money PEC is the best bang for the buck probably.

 

[Hytekrednek]

I just got this one in. For $28, it is awesome. I have the blue one from japan and this is almost as nice. This just doesnt have any tray dividers. That is the only difference I can see.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0BKSTTLTC/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[Spongebob89]

Hello, I bought the VESSEL 220USB-P1 Electric Ball Grip, but the wera bits that I put on it has 9mm socket depth instead of 13mm that vessel has which is the designed to fit JIS (Japanese Industrial Standard - I didn't knew that JIS stantard it contains the that the socket depth is 13mm) and the wera bits wobble on the vessel screwdriver. Do you know any trick or adapter to fix this problem? I thought to cut a 4mm (13mm-9mm=4mm) 1/4 hexagonal bit and put it back from the wera bit in order to cover the 4mm gap but the problem then is that maybe I couldn't take it off again if I would like to use JIS bits in future. Any ideas/opinios are welcomed.

Vessel BW-15 Screwdriver Bits - Rhino Electricians Tools

rhinotools.com.au

 

[rick carpenter]

Hello, I bought the VESSEL 220USB-P1 Electric Ball Grip, but the wera bits that I put on it has 9mm socket depth instead of 13mm that vessel has which is the designed to fit JIS (Japanese Industrial Standard - I didn't knew that JIS stantard it contains the that the socket depth is 13mm) and the wera bits wobble on the vessel screwdriver. Do you know any trick or adapter to fix this problem? I thought to cut a 4mm (13mm-9mm=4mm) 1/4 hexagonal bit and put it back from the wera bit in order to cover the 4mm gap but the problem then is that maybe I couldn't take it off again if I would like to use JIS bits in future. Any ideas/opinios are welcomed.

Vessel BW-15 Screwdriver Bits - Rhino Electricians Tools

rhinotools.com.au

I did a write up of my version of similar to what you're trying to do at https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/threads/tools-of-japan.97563/page-222#post-10149923 , except with a 9mm anvil Centrofix 71480 bit holder and an Anex 397 bit holder handle. I made sure my spacer would slide in & out freely before cutting it to size and inserting it into the handle. I also made a shorter spacer in case I wanted to do exactly as you want with Japanese 13mm anvil bits and no bit holder in the handle. But the CentroFix solution is so secure I just leave it on the Anex handle.

 

[reclaimer]

Hello, I bought the VESSEL 220USB-P1 Electric Ball Grip, but the wera bits that I put on it has 9mm socket depth instead of 13mm that vessel has which is the designed to fit JIS (Japanese Industrial Standard - I didn't knew that JIS stantard it contains the that the socket depth is 13mm) and the wera bits wobble on the vessel screwdriver. Do you know any trick or adapter to fix this problem? I thought to cut a 4mm (13mm-9mm=4mm) 1/4 hexagonal bit and put it back from the wera bit in order to cover the 4mm gap but the problem then is that maybe I couldn't take it off again if I would like to use JIS bits in future. Any ideas/opinios are welcomed.

Vessel BW-15 Screwdriver Bits - Rhino Electricians Tools

rhinotools.com.au

They wobble but are they still usable? Do the bits lock in?

You got some options.
1- deal with it. a lot of people do use japanese drivers and US power bits, they wobble but lock and are usable
2-buy japanese bits for this driver. You need the correct anvil size. this will give you the best fit.
3-makita makes an adapter for standard power bits to fit in the japanese drivers with a longer anvil. It's basically what you are describing, a small 4mm triangular shaped bit piece to take up the room in the bottom. https://www.ebay.com/itm/185909761707?epid=13060616234&hash=item2b4915d6ab:g:1e0AAOSwl41kgDec
4- DIY the bit adapter

 

[Ingram306]

Figured this was the best place to ask… Thanks to you guys I find myself buying more and more Koken sockets lol. Love them so far. I “need” to fill a gap in my box and would like to get 3/8 and 1/2 drive semi deep metric impacts. These are the part numbers I’m coming up with for their sets, maybe someone could confirm that I’m looking in the right direction.

RS13301X/9​

RS14301X/10​

When I search the part numbers half the hits come back as “semi-deep” and half come back as “thin wall”. Just want to make sure I order the right ones. Thanks in advance for any help!

 

[Dave455]

Figured this was the best place to ask… Thanks to you guys I find myself buying more and more Koken sockets lol. Love them so far. I “need” to fill a gap in my box and would like to get 3/8 and 1/2 drive semi deep metric impacts. These are the part numbers I’m coming up with for their sets, maybe someone could confirm that I’m looking in the right direction.

RS13301X/9​

RS14301X/10​

When I search the part numbers half the hits come back as “semi-deep” and half come back as “thin wall”. Just want to make sure I order the right ones. Thanks in advance for any help!

I think you have the correct part numbers.

There is often confusion with KoKen because they offer so many variations, especially in impact sockets, as these industrial tools are a big part of their business.

KoKen offer two styles of impact socket, the standard

And the thin wall

I have the standard in 1/2” drive and they’re great.

They also offer at least 4 different lengths, but only in the “thin wall” style. The 3/8 semi deeps are these

And the 1/2” are these

As you can see, you have the correct part numbers.

It’s probably worth downloading the KoKen catalogue from their website.

I always quote the part number when ordering because it’s too easy to say “I want a set of Impact Sockets, 1/2” Drive, Metric, Standard Length, Thin Wall” and think you’ve covered every variable only to find you are sent 12 point!