Tools of Japan

[Ingram306]

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!

Awesome, thank you very much! Going to download the catalog now also.

 

[Spongebob89]

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

They wobble but are they still usable?
Are steel usable but has feel strange when you place the bit on a screw it slides back 4mm which is kind weird in feeling.

Do the bits lock in?
They lock but they wobble .

 

[Dave455]

Awesome, thank you very much! Going to download the catalog now also.

Go for it!

Could be an expensive download. I mean it’s free to download, but….

 

[rick carpenter]

I just got this Canary cardboard cutter today. It's 19.5 mm. A few test cuts on some boxes in the garage shows it works well, much better than thick pocket knife blades. I dunno why the 'pointy' end isn't sharp (it almost is). I may rectify that. As you can see, it’s already in the truck so I don’t forget to carry it to work Monday!

 

[LWB]

I just got this Canary cardboard cutter today. It's 19.5 mm. A few test cuts on some boxes in the garage shows it works well, much better than thick pocket knife blades. I dunno why the 'pointy' end isn't sharp (it almost is). I may rectify that. As you can see, it’s already in the truck so I don’t forget to carry it to work Monday!

That's cool. I've never seen one before. Didn't know they existed. Now I need one lol

 

[Jack_K]

Does anyone know if there is a Japanese manufacturer of a car battery terminal cleaner? A spreader would be nice too but I normally just use a screwdriver.

Also looking for some kind of battery terminal crimper. When I search this comes up which is interesting but not available.


I do prefer Japanese tools but anything made somewhere other than China, Taiwan etc is ok.

 

[d42jeep]

I found these pliers at a Nevada sale yesterday. They are a brand that’s new to me.
-Don

 

[Athenry]

I found these pliers at a Nevada sale yesterday. They are a brand that’s new to me.
-Don

Nice. You may have heard of them as "Kurokin". The Fujiya Kurokin lineman pliers are pretty popular.

 

[CR888]

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

Me thinks my Toledo brand rule come from same factory. Its a made in Japan JIS rule. Very nice compared to the cheaper Japanese ones.

 

[CR888]

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?

The little Vessel T handle is a funny little T handle. I suspect quite old but kept in the line up due to one reason, its low back drag. Its the lowest back drag 'anything' Ive got straight off the shelf without modification. Its only 20 tooth, the mechanism is a bit wobbly, not the best grip compared to more traditional T handles from Europe. But the Japanese do make some nicer T handles for better torque like these Minimax hex (rebranded Sunflag). I love T handles like Wiha even Wera feels good in the hand. But for the sub $10 I paid for the 20 tooth Vessel TD-80...its great. I like it for lower torque fasteners that appreciate its low back drag.

 

[CR888]

Others Euro etchThe Gedore has a great grip but when u fit a 1/4" socket to anvil its SO tight u need pliers to remove socket

 

[CR888]

This is a good idea for those who have Koken Attack drivers in 3/8" anvil. For many years Lisle included both a 5/16 & 1/4 bit holder (heavy duty solid impact type) in there hand impact set. Koken just gives u a 5/16" bit socket. Why limit yourself to only using 5/16" bits that are scarce in your bit box, lets Attack on all fronts and employ 1/4" as well... both sizes make the same noise when they snap. So get yourself the koken p/n-3137 3/8-1/4-hex bit socket. Makes the tool more better and useful.

 

[reclaimer]

Interesting, any testing on how durable 1/4" bits are in the attack driver?

I have the 1/2" version, would need to buy a 1/2 to 1/4 bit adapter. But it's a pretty beefy setup for everyday use. Is there a lightweight impact driver with a bit holder? Something closer to the Vessel Impacta screwdrivers.

 

[The_Inspector]

Mini tool haul, my first IPS pliers and I have to say they are pretty good. Seem to me more for the rough work, for fine tuning the Tsunoda is a better option.

 

[CR888]

Interesting, any testing on how durable 1/4" bits are in the attack driver?

I have the 1/2" version, would need to buy a 1/2 to 1/4 bit adapter. But it's a pretty beefy setup for everyday use. Is there a lightweight impact driver with a bit holder? Something closer to the Vessel Impacta screwdrivers.

The PN: 4137 would be the 1/2anvil-1/4-hex bit adapter. For a smaller unit something like the Anex 1903 is the ticket. Its a smaller 1/4" anvil manual impact. Where as the Koken in 3/8" is the exact same size as the 1/2" but with a smaller 3/8 anvil. The Impacta Vessels are great but limited not being able to change bits and being a lighter duty tool. I think Anex offers a similar impact turning screwdriver with their Waindora series, but I don't own them.

 

[The_Inspector]

The PN: 4137 would be the 1/2anvil-1/4-hex bit adapter. For a smaller unit something like the Anex 1903 is the ticket. Its a smaller 1/4" anvil manual impact. Where as the Koken in 3/8" is the exact same size as the 1/2" but with a smaller 3/8 anvil. The Impacta Vessels are great but limited not being able to change bits and being a lighter duty tool. I think Anex offers a similar impact turning screwdriver with their Waindora series, but I don't own them.

I have one Wanidora +2 150mm and used it this week on a rusty screw, actually work really nice and got the job done. Dunno about the flat screwdrivers though. Anex also has a stubby version of this.

 

[speed88]

The PN: 4137 would be the 1/2anvil-1/4-hex bit adapter. For a smaller unit something like the Anex 1903 is the ticket. Its a smaller 1/4" anvil manual impact. Where as the Koken in 3/8" is the exact same size as the 1/2" but with a smaller 3/8 anvil. The Impacta Vessels are great but limited not being able to change bits and being a lighter duty tool. I think Anex offers a similar impact turning screwdriver with their Waindora series, but I don't own them.

Thanks for the information. I just ordered this 1/4 bit socket holder for my 1/2” impact. Found it on Amazon for $19 with free shipping from amazon Japan.

 

[speed88]

Also what 1/4” bits are you guys using in your attack impact?

 

[CR888]

I have one Wanidora +2 150mm and used it this week on a rusty screw, actually work really nice and got the job done. Dunno about the flat screwdrivers though. Anex also has a stubby version of this.

Do they rotate upon striking them like the Vessel Impacta? The Japanese literature doesn't make it easy to tell. I like the look of the wide fat stubbies with finger protection, also the 75mm or 100mm Waindora look like a very nice screwdriver.

 

[CR888]

.

 

[CR888]

Also what 1/4” bits are you guys using in your attack impact?

I suppose any impact bits would be fine. The Koken bit adapter holds both Japanese 9mm anvil and Euro or US 5mm anvil bits equally as well. I'd typically use full thickness hex shank bits instead of reduced shank if wanting to use a long bit. I use Wera, Vessel, Anex, Sunflag, older German Wiha and S2 Taiwan master set under the Kincrome brand. I think selecting an impact a bit that fits very snug is your best bet. I stay away from Japanese made Torx bits...the ones Ive tried just dont fit well.

 

[tamaraw]

Do they rotate upon striking them like the Vessel Impacta?

No. Wanidora is a specialty tool for fasteners with stripped heads. The tips are sharper and shaped more like a chisel, the idea being that you would hammer on it to stamp or emboss a new + or - shape onto a really messed up fastener.

 

[The_Inspector]

Do they rotate upon striking them like the Vessel Impacta? The Japanese literature doesn't make it easy to tell. I like the look of the wide fat stubbies with finger protection, also the 75mm or 100mm Waindora look like a very nice screwdriver.

The tip is sharper and little different shape, will take a close up picture later

 

[The_Inspector]

Today again a small delivery, I was especially interested in the Niigata Seiki, it's meant to measure diameters. Quality is like all Niigata Seiki products, nice and good.

 

[The_Inspector]

Does any of you guys have the Hozan tweezers? Can you tell me anything about quality/accuracy? They seem reasonably priced and I want to replace my bad quality Chinese ones.

 

[The_Inspector]

Do they rotate upon striking them like the Vessel Impacta? The Japanese literature doesn't make it easy to tell. I like the look of the wide fat stubbies with finger protection, also the 75mm or 100mm Waindora look like a very nice screwdriver.

I don't know if you can see the difference from the pictures (I don't have a macro lens) but the Wanidora is sharper and differently edged.

 

[Jeff]

I gotta get my head out of this Japan tool thread. Please Lord grant me the strength!

New Vessel ratchet driver w/ built-in stubby driver.

 

[threewood]

We took the bullet train through Kyoto enroute to Osaka and I was pressed up against the window looking for KTC lol. I'm secretly planning on finding a tool shop to visit. My wife will not be happy lol.

very scenic to the northeast.

 

[threewood]

Found a tool shop 12 minute walk away. Factory Gear. KTC, Deen, Hazet, Nepros, Vessel, Koken. Even Snap-On. It took a lot of reserve to stop myself from buying a bunch of things.

I bought a Nepros NMH2-1214 and NMH2-1315. And two Deen flat profile wrenches, DNSS-1315 and DNSS-1012.

 

[F-22]

Snap On in a regular store? Very interesting.

Also never saw wrenches as long as those KTC ones. Even the 10mm looks half a meter long!

 

[threewood]

Snap On in a regular store? Very interesting.

Also never saw wrenches as long as those KTC ones. Even the 10mm looks half a meter long!

I was surprised. Ratchets, wrenches, pliers, sockets. Most of which were metric. A few in the SAE sizes but not many.

 

[civion]

Having previously purchased the Nepros 10mm T handle, I really wanted to get my hands on the other 3 in the range (8mm, 12mm & 14mm) unfortunately none of the suppliers on Amazon Japan sent direct to the UK so my only option seemed to be via the official Nepros site.

However after doing some research, I ended up setting up a Japanese shipping address, this allowed me to purchase via Amazon.JP, send the purchases to my drop address and then have the tools forwarded onto me via fedex. This saved me approximately £60-£70 bypassing buying from the Nepros site, it was a relatively simple process as well, tools arrived exactly 7 days after I purchased them on Amazon.JP

Enough of the babbling, here are the goodies



Gotta love those boxes that they come in.

 

[Outahere]

I received an email today from DRPD that Koken has a recall on some 1/4" drive 72T ratchets with quick release.

Ko-ken Tools of Japan has issued a voluntary recall for 1/4” Z-Series Ratchets w/ Quick-Release – 2725ZB, 2625ZB-160, 2726ZB, and 2726ZB-160.

REASON: A potential failure of the ZB locking mechanism to engage properly.

I can't remember the last time I heard of a ratchet recall, from any manufacturer. They are apparently not making a repair kit available. Just return the ratchet to the dealer. I wonder if there is a machining error in the ratchet head?

 

[threewood]

Snap On in a regular store? Very interesting.

Also never saw wrenches as long as those KTC ones. Even the 10mm looks half a meter long!

Went back and bought a few more things. A few pictures of the Snap-On section.


And a few more purchases. Duty free.

 

[Samuel D]

Japanese shopkeepers sure know how to make their wares look inviting. I wouldn’t get out of a shop like that with my bank balance intact.

I’m curious what was in the little Snap-on red box for 35,100 yen (~$240). Is it a 1/4″-drive ratchet with JIS-sized sockets? Was it put together by Snap-on or the shop? Intriguing.

 

[Dave455]

Snap On in a regular store? Very interesting.

Also never saw wrenches as long as those KTC ones. Even the 10mm looks half a meter long!

Awesome shop. Wish I had one locally. Perhaps it’s a good job I don’t…!

Those “aviation” style wrenches are a well established pattern, but for some reason they often seem to be regarded as a specialist tool, and a some mechanics never seem to consider them.

I don’t know why, as I’ve found them to be an incredibly useful, even essential, tool for some jobs. I own them in Metric, SAE, and even (pause to emphasise the rarity) … British Standard!

Designs have been getting longer, and you’re right, those KTC look to be about the longest I’ve seen. They wouldn’t make them if there wasn’t a requirement. I’d love a set.

Looks like they do a standard/long with a matte finish


and an extra long with a polished finish.


I’ve encountered jobs (drive belts on transverse engines) where I’ve needed every last inch of the ones I have, so I can see the need.

The KTC website is a bit hard to navigate, as there isn’t an English language version. However, if you can establish what you want, obtaining them isn’t usually too difficult, and prices generally seem to be very fair!

 

[HannibalLecter]

Hello, first ever post in the forum, with some amazing tools from amazon Japan

 

[ronkz650]

DRPD.CC has the long KTC double box wrenches in the USA if anyone wants them. They don't come in a set, buy the pieces.

KTC Box End Wrenches, Extra Long (M160)

Shop the world's finest tools from elite brands like PB Swiss, nepros, KTC, KNIPEX, Ko-ken, KEIBA and more..

drpd.cc

 

[Dave455]

DRPD.CC has the long KTC double box wrenches in the USA if anyone wants them. They don't come in a set, buy the pieces.

KTC Box End Wrenches, Extra Long (M160)

Shop the world's finest tools from elite brands like PB Swiss, nepros, KTC, KNIPEX, Ko-ken, KEIBA and more..

drpd.cc

And for those not in the U.S. - Webike (online parts supplier - very efficient) also have them.

Prices seem fair.

I can’t quite see the part number for the extra long polished ones!

 

[merkyworks]

The KTC website is a bit hard to navigate, as there isn’t an English language version.

just use your browsers auto translate feature and it will convert site to all English.