Tools of Japan

[Fedwrench]

Japanese tools are designed to become one with the user, an extension of your natural self, this is what makes them nice. USA, German, etc. tend to make tools a bit more brutish, focused on the fastener, less on the user. This is probably the reason why if you snap a Japanese ratchet, no warranty, you put abnormal (beyond human) force on it, cheater bar, etc.

Nepros design thought with the new ratchet .. note how it fits the hand. It does look "off" as ratchet shapes have been consistent for decades but my guess is that ratchet feels real nice in the hand.

Looks like the classic coke bottle shaped handle with the front and back sides removed to me then let's cut out some handle chunks to make it lighter. Curious as to the overall balance of the ratchet. Interesting concept. Perhaps the DRPD dudes will get some.

 

[Dave455]

I believe this is just an alternative option, not meant as a replacement by any means.

Bear in mind that Nepros also has expensive leather and lacquer handle ratchets for collection/display. Or the limited edition blue/black/gold models. These Next ratchets even come packaged with a big slab of machined cork rather than a cardboard insert.

Interestingly, I don't believe this one even says Nepros on it, just the Next branding. I believe the focus is on balance, futuristic look, and reduced weight. Possibly for collection, motorcycle market, use with gloves, etc. More of a "just because they can" type thing. The accompanying sockets with spline/knurling are neat too and a distinctly Japanese luxury.

As for the polarizing shape, the advertising totes "round shape that is easy on the hands" as a major feature, so maybe it feels different in person, idk.

Yes, I’m sure you are right. Nepros seem to do well from their limited editions, and at least they put an effort into making them different.

There is some merit in producing reduced weight tools. Asahi have sold their “Lightool” line for some years, and I could see myself going down that route if I had to travel more with tools.

I noticed the socket they were illustrating with the ratchet.

 

[JohnKing]

Looks like the classic coke bottle shaped handle with the front and back sides removed to me then let's cut out some handle chunks to make it lighter. Curious as to the overall balance of the ratchet. Interesting concept. Perhaps the DRPD dudes will get some.

Rough translation from a sales page ..

The X structure created by topology optimization disperses the load throughout the ratchet, balancing strength and ultimate lightness.

By eliminating the edges of the entire ratchet and making the individual holding with your fingers a flat surface and the part you hold into a round shape, you can use the head, neck and grip all the work of one rank higher.

Shot peening processing that causes the surface to collide with ceramic beads at high speed increases the surface hardness and increases the strength.

ネプロス　neXT 9.5sq.ラチェットハンドル　NBR390X

ec.f-gear.co.jp

 

[reclaimer]

I heard some info about the NEXT shape. Apparently they ran the basic handle shape thru some engineering software which came up with this shape as one of the strongest/lightest. It also doesn't have the classic Nepros chrome.
I'm not familiar with the NEXT branding and how that compares to the regular line up. More interested in that socket, looks cool.

 

[cbracer]

I took a $$ plunge over labor day weekend and ordered some new hex and torx sockets. I got one set from Nepros for my home toolbox and another set of Ko-Ken Zeal for my travel box. And now I'm saddened to find features about them I don't really like....

Feature #1 - The Nepros 3/8" drive standard length hex and torx bits will not fit onto any Quick Release ratchet whose sliding pin protrudes out. Luckily both Nepros and Ko-ken Zeal ratchets work fine. But all my other quick release ratchets don't. It seems the bit portion extents down into the square drive area, and interferes with the QR sliding pin. The socket simply won't fit on the ratchet.
The left picture is the 3/8" drive where you can see the Ko-ken bit is below the bottom of the square drive, while the Nepros bit is sticking up into the square drive. The right picture shows the 1/4" drive, which has no problem. Obviously the moral of this story is to use the Nepros and Ko-ken ratchets, or don't use quick release. But I feel it shouldn't be this way, yet every single hex and torx socket in 3/8" had this feature. This feature to me is a problem and the factory should change it.

Below are some ratchets where the outer two experience the problem. order is:
Tone compact / Nepros compact flex / Koken 72t / Asahi light


Feature #2 - The Ko-ken Z-series 1/4" drive hex and torx bits have a smaller socket piece that is similar to their short 8mm socket. Slightly less diameter and slightly taller, but closest to the 8mm. If anyone doesn't already know, their 1/4" short sizes from 8mm and smaller do not "lock" onto the wobble extensions. They simply wobble all the time. The Nepros 1/4" socket bits do lock just enough. To me this is not much of a problem because I'm never going to be wobbling hex and torx....


Feature #3 - The Ko-ken Z-series 1/4 hex and torx bits have a detent that is located too deep into the square drive and will not engage on Ko-ken Zeal ratchets. This to me is a problem. It's not an issue on the 3/8 drive just the 1/4 drive.
So with my Ko-ken Z ratchets, the tolerances are such that the ball just hits the edge of the detent. Some pieces get a very, very small engagement and some don't. They seem to work okay on all my other ratchets including the Nepros ratchets. And the Nepros 1/4 bit sockets engage perfectly on the Z ratchets, quite nicely I will say. No slop like they have on the Nepros ratchets.
The pictures below shows the Ko-ken on the left and the Nepros on the right. You can see the depth difference.

 

[Outahere]

Feature #3 - The Ko-ken Z-series 1/4 hex and torx bits have a detent that is located too deep into the square drive and will not engage on Ko-ken Zeal ratchets. This to me is a problem

Return to Koken. This is a manufacturing defect.

 

[HannibalLecter]

I took a $$ plunge over labor day weekend and ordered some new hex and torx sockets. I got one set from Nepros for my home toolbox and another set of Ko-Ken Zeal for my travel box. And now I'm saddened to find features about them I don't really like....

Feature #1 - The Nepros 3/8" drive standard length hex and torx bits will not fit onto any Quick Release ratchet whose sliding pin protrudes out. Luckily both Nepros and Ko-ken Zeal ratchets work fine. But all my other quick release ratchets don't. It seems the bit portion extents down into the square drive area, and interferes with the QR sliding pin. The socket simply won't fit on the ratchet.
The left picture is the 3/8" drive where you can see the Ko-ken bit is below the bottom of the square drive, while the Nepros bit is sticking up into the square drive. The right picture shows the 1/4" drive, which has no problem. Obviously the moral of this story is to use the Nepros and Ko-ken ratchets, or don't use quick release. But I feel it shouldn't be this way, yet every single hex and torx socket in 3/8" had this feature. This feature to me is a problem and the factory should change it.

Below are some ratchets where the outer two experience the problem. order is:
Tone compact / Nepros compact flex / Koken 72t / Asahi light


Feature #2 - The Ko-ken Z-series 1/4" drive hex and torx bits have a smaller socket piece that is similar to their short 8mm socket. Slightly less diameter and slightly taller, but closest to the 8mm. If anyone doesn't already know, their 1/4" short sizes from 8mm and smaller do not "lock" onto the wobble extensions. They simply wobble all the time. The Nepros 1/4" socket bits do lock just enough. To me this is not much of a problem because I'm never going to be wobbling hex and torx....


Feature #3 - The Ko-ken Z-series 1/4 hex and torx bits have a detent that is located too deep into the square drive and will not engage on Ko-ken Zeal ratchets. This to me is a problem. It's not an issue on the 3/8 drive just the 1/4 drive.
So with my Ko-ken Z ratchets, the tolerances are such that the ball just hits the edge of the detent. Some pieces get a very, very small engagement and some don't. They seem to work okay on all my other ratchets including the Nepros ratchets. And the Nepros 1/4 bit sockets engage perfectly on the Z ratchets, quite nicely I will say. No slop like they have on the Nepros ratchets.
The pictures below shows the Ko-ken on the left and the Nepros on the right. You can see the depth difference.

The sloped notch inside the sockets is like that to minimize the slop. That's why is sloped instead of just a notch , like the nepros are. But in your case it seems the problem is in the ratchet? The detent sitting too far out and not falling in the notch? I would definitely contact Koken, it is s serious fault both tools from the same company, from the same precision series to not match perfectly

 

[cbracer]

The sloped notch inside the sockets is like that to minimize the slop. That's why is sloped instead of just a notch , like the nepros are. But in your case it seems the problem is in the ratchet? The detent sitting too far out and not falling in the notch? I would definitely contact Koken, it is s serious fault both tools from the same company, from the same precision series to not match perfectly

Yes the special slope on the notch (detent) is to keep it tight. The problem is the bit socket not the ratchet. I have full sets of short and long sockets and they all fit perfectly on the ratchet. Every single one. Yet every single hex/torx bit socket detent is too deep to work on Koken ratchets. That is why you can see it in the photo of the 1/4 but not the 3/8 drive.

 

[merkyworks]

Koken z-series is made to a tighter tolerance range than standard offerings. For best result you should be using z-series ratchet, extension & socket.

 

[HannibalLecter]

Koken z-series is made to a tighter tolerance range than standard offerings. For best result you should be using z-series ratchet, extension & socket.

Yes, but he does

 

[merkyworks]

Yes, but he does

misread my bad

 

[F-22]

Rough translation from a sales page ..

ネプロス　neXT 9.5sq.ラチェットハンドル　NBR390X

ec.f-gear.co.jp

Here's a better translation generated by ChatGPT4:

Product Description​

Born from observing and studying the posture of people using tools, this new tool from KTC aims for the next stage of optimization in terms of ease of use, strength, rigidity, lightness, balance, and ergonomic shape.

It's a newly evolved ratchet handle that pursues ultimate usability.

The X-structure, created through topology optimization, distributes the load across the entire ratchet, achieving both strength and ultimate lightness. By eliminating all edges on the ratchet and making the areas where fingers hold it flat and the gripping parts rounded, it achieves a higher level of usability in all tasks involving the head, neck, and grip.

The surface undergoes shot peening treatment by colliding ceramic beads at high speed, increasing surface hardness and strength.

The ratchet handle becomes more user-friendly through miniaturization, lightening, and optimal balance. It features a 90-tooth gear and a precise 8-step crow, inheriting the operability of Nepros.

Sustainable cork material trays and plastic-free packaging are used.

Ultimate Lightness and Strength with X-Structure​

The X-structure, created through topology optimization, realizes the ideal shape demanded in tools. While having a shape that is pared down to the extreme, it distributes the load across the entire ratchet, achieving both strength and ultimate lightness.

What is Topology Optimization?​

It's one of the structural optimization methods that automatically determines the optimal form and shape of a structure based on mechanical and mathematical principles, without relying on the designer's experience. The concept of topology optimization is expected to expand further in future product development.

Optimized Shape for Enhanced Usability​

The flat surfaces on the head and neck allow for stable quick turns. The rounded shape that is easy on the hands improves the tightening work when gripping. By making the areas where fingers hold it flat and the gripping parts rounded, it achieves a higher level of usability in all tasks involving the head, neck, and handle.

Beautiful and Durable Texture​

The surface undergoes shot peening treatment by colliding ceramic beads at high speed, increasing surface hardness and strength. This makes the tool resistant to scratches, maintaining its beauty and strength for a long time.

90-Tooth Gear, 4° Swing Arc​

The Nepros neXT 9.5sq. Ratchet Handle NBR390X is equipped with a world-class 90-tooth gear. Compared to a 36-tooth gear, which requires a total swing arc of 20°, the 90-tooth gear only requires a total of 8°, allowing for operation in tighter spaces. The adoption of a precise 8-step crow also disperses the force on the crow, achieving miniaturization and strength.

 

[HannibalLecter]

Here's a better translation generated by ChatGPT4:

Product Description​

Born from observing and studying the posture of people using tools, this new tool from KTC aims for the next stage of optimization in terms of ease of use, strength, rigidity, lightness, balance, and ergonomic shape.

It's a newly evolved ratchet handle that pursues ultimate usability.

The X-structure, created through topology optimization, distributes the load across the entire ratchet, achieving both strength and ultimate lightness. By eliminating all edges on the ratchet and making the areas where fingers hold it flat and the gripping parts rounded, it achieves a higher level of usability in all tasks involving the head, neck, and grip.

The surface undergoes shot peening treatment by colliding ceramic beads at high speed, increasing surface hardness and strength.

The ratchet handle becomes more user-friendly through miniaturization, lightening, and optimal balance. It features a 90-tooth gear and a precise 8-step crow, inheriting the operability of Nepros.

Sustainable cork material trays and plastic-free packaging are used.

Ultimate Lightness and Strength with X-Structure​

The X-structure, created through topology optimization, realizes the ideal shape demanded in tools. While having a shape that is pared down to the extreme, it distributes the load across the entire ratchet, achieving both strength and ultimate lightness.

What is Topology Optimization?​

It's one of the structural optimization methods that automatically determines the optimal form and shape of a structure based on mechanical and mathematical principles, without relying on the designer's experience. The concept of topology optimization is expected to expand further in future product development.

Optimized Shape for Enhanced Usability​

The flat surfaces on the head and neck allow for stable quick turns. The rounded shape that is easy on the hands improves the tightening work when gripping. By making the areas where fingers hold it flat and the gripping parts rounded, it achieves a higher level of usability in all tasks involving the head, neck, and handle.

Beautiful and Durable Texture​

The surface undergoes shot peening treatment by colliding ceramic beads at high speed, increasing surface hardness and strength. This makes the tool resistant to scratches, maintaining its beauty and strength for a long time.

90-Tooth Gear, 4° Swing Arc​

The Nepros neXT 9.5sq. Ratchet Handle NBR390X is equipped with a world-class 90-tooth gear. Compared to a 36-tooth gear, which requires a total swing arc of 20°, the 90-tooth gear only requires a total of 8°, allowing for operation in tighter spaces. The adoption of a precise 8-step crow also disperses the force on the crow, achieving miniaturization and strength.

90 tooth mechanism and 8 degrees of sweep? Not strong at math

 

[F-22]

90 tooth mechanism and 8 degrees of sweep? Not strong at math

I assume something is lost in translation? They say 4° in the title, but clearly the original text refers to an 8° value.

Maybe they are referring to the total swing arc needed to switch from tightening to loosening (or vice versa) - then an 8° total swing arc could make sense. In this case, you would move 4° to disengage the ratchet mechanism from its current direction, switch the ratchet to the opposite direction, and then move another 4° to engage the next tooth, totaling 8°.

In a tight space, that would be the minimal movement needed to use the tool in both tightening and loosening action, not just one.

Same section also talks about a 36 tooth ratchet with a 20° "play", and I doubt they'd make the same typo twice?

At least that's what I assume they meant. Maybe it's just a typo. I think it must be really hard to get a good translation from Japanese just from the completely different linguistic fundamentals... I'm amazed the AI can read it and then make make a very usable translation while google just goes word for word and often looses the contex (I think google only looks at one or two adjacent words and tries to understand the context from that, while chatgpt would read through the whole thing and instead generate its own independent text with the meaning that it understood from the first text, instead of a literal translation).

This would be the literal translation of that section:

Equipped with world's highest class 90-sheet gear. In the case of 36-sheet gear, the area needed during ratchet handle operation (swing width of the ratchet handle) is a total of 20°. In the case of 90-sheet gear, it becomes a total of 8°, making operation possible in narrower spaces. Also, by adopting a precise 8-stage crow, it disperses the force applied to the crow, achieving miniaturization and strength.

 

[Samuel D]

Numbers are often badly translated from Japanese for some reason. Reminds me of trying to interpret Indian prices (of Indian-market motorcycles, etc., that interest me).

The “8-step crow” or “8-stage crow” above is presumably an 8-tooth pawl.

AI translations may seem better but they’re far from human quality. The made-up sentences just sound more natural and grammatically correct.

 

[Jeff]

TsunoDA Cable Tie Cutter. Why I didn't jump on these before I'll never know.

Tightens the tie, then cuts sharp and even, with no exposed sharp edges.

 

[HannibalLecter]

TsunoDA Cable Tie Cutter. Why I didn't jump on these before I'll never know.

Tightens the tie, then cuts sharp and even, with no exposed sharp edges.

I have it and the quality is excellent

 

[HannibalLecter]

All three sizes
The 1/2 reverse switch gets stuck sometimes. Has anyone encountered this?

 

[Madjik Man]

TsunoDA Cable Tie Cutter. Why I didn't jump on these before I'll never know.

Tightens the tie, then cuts sharp and even, with no exposed sharp edges.

I use this one 90% of the time. I love it.

But I also love using the 150NC. It has the catcher that holds onto the cut piece of tie so you’re not searching for it after the cut.

 

[four.cycle]

@Jeff - re: KBN150 cable tie cutter
@Madjik Man - re: 150NC

source on these?
there's got to be a better deal on these than what I am finding.

 

[Madjik Man]

I ordered them Amazon Japan before they started either cutting off the US as a shipping destination or charging an arm and a leg to do so.

 

[M6erfan]

@Jeff - re: KBN150 cable tie cutter
@Madjik Man - re: 150NC

source on these?
there's got to be a better deal on these than what I am finding.

How much is tooo much? I paid around $20 for mine in 2019.

 

[Jeff]

@Jeff - re: KBN150 cable tie cutter
@Madjik Man - re: 150NC

source on these?
there's got to be a better deal on these than what I am finding.

$20.30, Amazon US

 

[Qualitytools]

TsunoDA Cable Tie Cutter. Why I didn't jump on these before I'll never know.

Tightens the tie, then cuts sharp and even, with no exposed sharp edges.

I have had those for over a year, they are excellent, I love using them.

 

[HannibalLecter]

@Jeff - re: KBN150 cable tie cutter
@Madjik Man - re: 150NC

source on these?
there's got to be a better deal on these than what I am finding.

I got mine from Amazon japan. I believe less than $20

 

[Jeff]

I got mine from Amazon japan. I believe less than $20

$16.62, Amazon Japan, plus shipping

 

[kyrbz]

I've been putting together a small toolbox of Japanese tools for general light maintenance on my kei truck. Some of the items include a Toyo toolbox, Koken sockets, Vessel screwdrivers and hex wrenches, KTC oil filter socket, Engineer pliers, NOS Truecraft ratchet and breaker bar, and some NOS Sears made in Japan wrenches. Curious if anyone knows which Japanese manufacturer made the wrenches for Sears? Unfortunately the metric tools in this box don't fit my other Japanese truck, a 1964 Datsun 320. I was surprised when I bought the Datsun, it's SAE

 

[tamaraw]

I was surprised when I bought the Datsun, it's SAE

A lot of early Nissan vehicles were closely modeled off of American or European counterparts, right down to the fasteners. During the transition to metric, some models used a mix. For example, different types on the body/drivetrain or even fasteners with a head size in one system and threads in another.

 

[4xdog]

I've been putting together a small toolbox of Japanese tools for general light maintenance on my kei truck... ...and some NOS Sears made in Japan wrenches. Curious if anyone knows which Japanese manufacturer made the wrenches for Sears?

If they're the mid-1980s Craftsman BF series, I believe they were made by KTC. I got this inch-based set back in the day, and they're terrific. Wish I'd gotten the metric to go with it! (At the time, we were concerned that Made in Japan might not be up to the standard of Made in USA. Hah!)

Speaking of kei trucks, I passed a car carrier filled with what looked like brand new kei trucks yesterday on I-70 in Indiana headed eastbound (as I was westbound). All white, all seemingly the same model (although it was too quick for me to ID the marque). Not a sign of use on any of them. Is somebody bringing in new kei trucks these days?

 

[kyrbz]

A lot of early Nissan vehicles were closely modeled off of American or European counterparts, right down to the fasteners. During the transition to metric, some models used a mix. For example, different types on the body/drivetrain or even fasteners with a head size in one system and threads in another.

I believe the early Datsun engines were licensed BMC engine clones and that many MG parts are interchangeable with Datsun engines?

 

[kyrbz]

If they're the mid-1980s Craftsman BF series, I believe they were made by KTC.

Maybe I should post a better pic of them. They’re more of a thin I-beam style as opposed to a raised panel style of wrench

 

[kyrbz]

Speaking of kei trucks, I passed a car carrier filled with what looked like brand new kei trucks yesterday on I-70 in Indiana headed eastbound (as I was westbound). All white, all seemingly the same model (although it was too quick for me to ID the marque). Not a sign of use on any of them. Is somebody bringing in new kei trucks these days?

They sell new kei trucks for off-road use only and they are imported with a speed limiting device. If you want to license and drive one on the street, they have to be 25 years old and even then, not every state allows them.

 

[rick carpenter]

I've been putting together a small toolbox of Japanese tools for general light maintenance on my kei truck. Some of the items include a Toyo toolbox, Koken sockets, Vessel screwdrivers and hex wrenches, KTC oil filter socket, Engineer pliers, NOS Truecraft ratchet and breaker bar, and some NOS Sears made in Japan wrenches. Curious if anyone knows which Japanese manufacturer made the wrenches for Sears? Unfortunately the metric tools in this box don't fit my other Japanese truck, a 1964 Datsun 320. I was surprised when I bought the Datsun, it's SAE

for both the truck and the toolkit! I would suggest buying a general set of pliers though and leave those Engineers to serve as screw extractors. I have the IPS Toji SF-165 slip joint pliers and find them really useful. Next purchase for me is gonna be a set of "plain Jane" Tsunoda slip joints.

 

[Reed Prince]

I would suggest buying a general set of pliers though and leave those Engineers to serve as screw extractors. I have the IPS Toji SF-165 slip joint pliers and find them really useful. Next purchase for me is gonna be a set of "plain Jane" Tsunoda slip joints.

I have some "plain Jane" KTCs that are very well made. Those SF-165s look quite tempting!

 

[Dave455]

I believe the early Datsun engines were licensed BMC engine clones and that many MG parts are interchangeable with Datsun engines?

That is absolutely correct. In fact, I think Datsun had an agreement with Austin even prior to BMC.

The original B series evolved differently in the different countries, and I wouldn’t like to say how much was licensed, but even the later Datsun 120’s were powered by basically B series engines.

Although the engine was modified a good deal by Datsun / Nissan (different head, manifolds etc) I can still recognise a B series engine in vehicles being built in the 2000’s!

 

[Dave455]

I have some "plain Jane" KTCs that are very well made. Those SF-165s look quite tempting!

I have the 150mm version of these too. Yes, very decent slip joints.

Tsunoda also offer some quite nice slip joints, including these fully chromed ones. I tend to carry these (along with a bit driver) even if I’m carrying no other tools. Very versatile, and exhibit very little wear.

 

[toddmorr]

Speaking of kei trucks, I passed a car carrier filled with what looked like brand new kei trucks yesterday on I-70 in Indiana headed eastbound (as I was westbound). All white, all seemingly the same model (although it was too quick for me to ID the marque). Not a sign of use on any of them. Is somebody bringing in new kei trucks these days?

Maybe those kei trucks are somehow connected to the major toyota manufacturing operation in Indiana, if they were new??

 

[HannibalLecter]

Some more pics of the Zeal collection. I have to get them all now. And then sockets. And then specialty sockets. Oh god

 

[GeoBruin]

Some more pics of the Zeal collection. I have to get them all now. And then sockets. And then specialty sockets. Oh god

I see you've already got yourself in a pickle since you've got two quick release and one non-quick release. That means you'll need the quick release and non-quick release versions you don't already have for each size.

 

[Jeff]

Hannibal, you need one more.