Tools of Japan

[shibertus]

Mini Japanese tool haul:

Koken 1/4” 72t ratchet
Koken quick spinners
Koken T handles
3 Peaks screw removal pliers & locking pliers (thanks @superautobacs for turning me on to these)
Koken trim tools

 

[HannibalLecter]

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.

I thought of that, but I ll cheat, by swapping just the quick release anvil in the 3/8, to satisfy my ocd

 

[HannibalLecter]

Hannibal, you need one more.

I'll stick to zeal for nowelse I'm doomed

 

[snowblindb]

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

Do you prefer quick release or regular version? I usually like QR versions more because in car repairs fallen sockets are pain in the… I think It’s funny that I can’t buy socket set with QR ratchet in metal box straight from Koken.

 

[HannibalLecter]

Do you prefer quick release or regular version? I usually like QR versions more because in car repairs fallen sockets are pain in the… I think It’s funny that I can’t buy socket set with QR ratchet in metal box straight from Koken.

Yes, koken is lacking in the sense that you can't really do that and I don't even know if they ship the toolsets in the boxes with the 72 or the 36 teeth ratchets. Also, who wants a breaker bar.Just leave a place for a long ratchet

As for the QR version, my 3/8 is non qr and I struggle to remove the sockets smaller than 13mm because they are stubby and slippery! Really aggravating. So I thought better with qr rather than not.
Sadly the 1/4 QR versions are being discontinued, something about not hitting the appropriate tolerances, or not strong enough, who knows.

 

[rick carpenter]

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

The SF-165Gs are handy. I was hesitant about the "ergo" handle but they're not too ergo so not really limiting. The jaws are asymmetrical, with the notch in the top jaw giving a slight 'v-jaw' feel. The slip joint has 3 positions with the outer two being internally spring-loaded. The middle position is free swinging.

On Amazon the SF-165Gs are going for $40.00 and the SF-200Gs are going for $20.42 now. I think I paid a little less than $20 for mine after waiting for the price to get where I like it.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07XMB6TQR/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[4xdog]

This is sorta tool related (grin) and I'm sure some of us (including @kyrbz) will get a kick out of it, so...

As part of the pre-race program for today's Japanese F1 Grand Prix, Sky TV had a bit involving kei trucks. Red Bull Racing drivers Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez competed against their B-team, Alpha Tauri, drivers Yuki Tsunoda and Liam Lawson in a parody of a crazy Japanese game show involving silly driving challenges on a closed course in a big exhibition space and kei trucks decked out in the respective team livery.

I didn't get a snapshot of the Alpha Tauri truck, but here are a couple of the RBR version.

 

[snowblindb]

Yes, koken is lacking in the sense that you can't really do that and I don't even know if they ship the toolsets in the boxes with the 72 or the 36 teeth ratchets. Also, who wants a breaker bar.Just leave a place for a long ratchet

As for the QR version, my 3/8 is non qr and I struggle to remove the sockets smaller than 13mm because they are stubby and slippery! Really aggravating. So I thought better with qr rather than not.
Sadly the 1/4 QR versions are being discontinued, something about not hitting the appropriate tolerances, or not strong enough, who knows.

Thanks for the reply. I think the quick release would suit my needs better too. It’s annoying that nobody is selling QR version of the long flex 3/8” ratchet at the moment in amazon japan, but I think that I just try the normal, non-flex 3/8 QR ratchet first.

At least from amazon.co.jp comments say that the rachets are 72 tooth and they have been like that for years now. But there could better info and facts indeed.

 

[Outahere]

Merry 9" pliers, bought at Amazon-US for $36, shipped from Amazon-Japan. Haven't used them yet, but the pivot joint moves freely with no detectable slop, and the jaw tips are perfectly aligned.

 

[rick carpenter]

Merry 9" pliers, bought at Amazon-US for $36, shipped from Amazon-Japan. Haven't used them yet, but the pivot joint moves freely with no detectable slop, and the jaw tips are perfectly aligned.

Those look a little bit beastly. Me like.

 

[Bannik254]

Merry 9" pliers, bought at Amazon-US for $36, shipped from Amazon-Japan. Haven't used them yet, but the pivot joint moves freely with no detectable slop, and the jaw tips are perfectly aligned.

Beware of blood blisters! I ended up giving my Merry screw pliers away to a coworker. Every time I used them, I had more blisters. Take modern plier designs for granted I suppose.

 

[bubinga]

I have it and the quality is excellent.

OK, THANK YOU!! Just spent $22.00 more.

 

[M6erfan]

 

[Jicle]

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

 

[Reed Prince]

Just saw this at a music forum. https://www.post.japanpost.jp/int/information/2023/0929_01_en.html

 

[bpwoodworking]

That’s a shame, I was really enjoying paying FedEx or DHL $95 for that service.

 

[kyrbz]

Ready for some "Extra Bold" snap line action

 

[Chrome Vanadium Cody]

Local tool store had this for $20, I’m really digging it. Top RH-3S 3/8” drive Handy Ratchet. The asymmetry of the area around the female drive hole makes it more comfortable to use as a stubby

 

[tamaraw]

Local tool store had this for $20, I’m really digging it. Top RH-3S 3/8” drive Handy Ratchet. The asymmetry of the area around the female drive hole makes it more comfortable to use as a stubby

I wish stores near me carried TOP, I really like their stuff.

 

[KnurledNut]

Dont see too many of these in the USA, Vessel #2800:

 

[MarcSeattle]

I'm picturing the LeMans starting line, but with GJ members running to their keyboards for the Koken and Amazon.co.jp websites.

 

[Andres26tnt]

Just saw this at a music forum. https://www.post.japanpost.jp/int/information/2023/0929_01_en.html

Cool, just when I'm 1y away from moving back to Japan . Well still saving some cash, I been eyeing tone's Geodore clone tool box.

 

[snowblindb]

Cool, just when I'm 1y away from moving back to Japan . Well still saving some cash, I been eyeing tone's Geodore clone tool box.

Do you have photo or model number of that toolbox?

 

[Andres26tnt]

Do you have photo or model number of that toolbox?

Yeah part number TC8001R

 

[tamaraw]

Yeah part number TC8001R

Neat, the open tray design looks like it could be useful for hardware/fastener organization. (Roll everything to you vs walking back and forth because you grabbed the wrong size/quantity.)

Looks like the drawers can slide out either side, kind of like the Beta C27?

 

[reclaimer]

Ready for some "Extra Bold" snap line action

Those are made in china like a lot of Tajima products.

 

[Andres26tnt]

Neat, the open tray design looks like it could be useful for hardware/fastener organization. (Roll everything to you vs walking back and forth because you grabbed the wrong size/quantity.)

Looks like the drawers can slide out either side, kind of like the Beta C27?

Yes like the gedore and beta, the drawers slide either side. Its also a bigger size. The gedore is nicely built. But just ridiculously small and even worse price 600-800$

 

[kyrbz]

Those are made in china like a lot of Tajima products.

 

[reclaimer]

I stand corrected, thanks! Acme tools has COO listed as China for this product when I checked.

 

[rick carpenter]

I hadn't intended on becoming a Tsunoda junkie, but maybe that ain't so bad. I got the PL-150 slip joints in today. For $16 and change you can't go wrong, but then... they. are. just. slip-joint. pliers. The Olfa XA-1 came in today too.

 

[bpwoodworking]

Very slowly kitting out a new toolbox. Trying to avoid obvious duplicates with other boxes in the shop.

First time trying out the nepros t handle, really nice. Spins beautifully.

 

[F-22]

Merry 9" pliers, bought at Amazon-US for $36, shipped from Amazon-Japan. Haven't used them yet, but the pivot joint moves freely with no detectable slop, and the jaw tips are perfectly aligned.

I have a pair as well. Found them AMAZING for tensioning drum brake springs. When they grip, they do not let go!

 

[bpwoodworking]

Has anyone compared KTC to nepros in wrenches? Curious as to the actual different other than polishing.

 

[matthew]

Interested in the chain clip pliers, especially as a way to remove E-clips without them flying…

Which does everyone prefer - Tsunoda? KT800 or 801-1 or 802-1? Hozan? P220 or P221? Other?

 

[threewood]

Has anyone compared KTC to nepros in wrenches? Curious as to the actual different other than polishing.

I will say Nepros has very little, if any, lead-in bevel on the box end. I prefer it like that.

 

[boxy30]

There was a post earlier about Toyo/Trusco tool boxes and I’ve been toying with picking one up ever since. It seems like Amazon Japan (as a seller through Amazon.com) has had some pretty steep discounts recently, maybe because of the exchange rate? In any case, the Toyo Y-350 is currently around $16 and the Trusco Y-410 can be had for under $14! Both with free international shipping.

I wanted one, but couldn’t help ordering both…

 

[JWC86]

Interested in the chain clip pliers, especially as a way to remove E-clips without them flying…

Which does everyone prefer - Tsunoda? KT800 or 801-1 or 802-1? Hozan? P220 or P221? Other?

I only have experience with the Hozan 221’s and only use them for motorcycle master links but I can say they work great for that task and the is quality is great. Seem like a bargain for the price.

 

[F-22]

There was a post earlier about Toyo/Trusco tool boxes and I’ve been toying with picking one up ever since. It seems like Amazon Japan (as a seller through Amazon.com) has had some pretty steep discounts recently, maybe because of the exchange rate? In any case, the Toyo Y-350 is currently around $16 and the Trusco Y-410 can be had for under $14! Both with free international shipping.

I wanted one, but couldn’t help ordering both…

Sadly not international. Postage to my country in Europe is near 40$ for them.

 

[Grahamcracker]

By sheer happenstance I found what I have looking for yesterday - or close enough. I have used a 16 inch metal tool box since high school. My parents got it for me after I backed our car over the first one and it only has one small ding. I braked before I mashed this one. It is the one that survived. For 50+ years it has taken care of my tools when I didn't. It is like the Doctor's phone booth - it appears larger on the inside than it does on the outside. One day I will take a picture of it, but for now I have a screen scrape of a near twin (see below) Mine has a hammered blue finish.
Being older now I have acquired a second vehicle and I have a house. Therefore I needed another tool box. I don't remember the sequence of events but I was probably Googling '16 inch metal tool box' using image search one more time and THERE WAS A NEAR IDENTICAL TWIN TO MY TOOL BOX. I was a blue TRUSCO Y 410-B Angle Tool Box (see below). $13.82 per box. And THERE WERE MORE SO I GOT MORE.
Being unsure how real these very nice metal tool boxes were, I jumped over here to see what the tools snobs at the Garage Journal thought. And you guys liked them too (of course with some reservations). Since you all seemed to think they were good I will not cancel my Amazon order. Thank you. GCracker

 

[Qualitytools]

By sheer happenstance I found what I have looking for yesterday - or close enough. I have used a 16 inch metal tool box since high school. My parents got it for me after I backed our car over the first one and it only has one small ding. I braked before I mashed this one. It is the one that survived. For 50+ years it has taken care of my tools when I didn't. It is like the Doctor's phone booth - it appears larger on the inside than it does on the outside. One day I will take a picture of it, but for now I have a screen scrape of a near twin (see below) Mine has a hammered blue finish.
Being older now I have acquired a second vehicle and I have a house. Therefore I needed another tool box. I don't remember the sequence of events but I was probably Googling '16 inch metal tool box' using image search one more time and THERE WAS A NEAR IDENTICAL TWIN TO MY TOOL BOX. I was a blue TRUSCO Y 410-B Angle Tool Box (see below). $13.82 per box. And THERE WERE MORE SO I GOT MORE.
Being unsure how real these very nice metal tool boxes were, I jumped over here to see what the tools snobs at the Garage Journal thought. And you guys liked them too (of course with some reservations). Since you all seemed to think they were good I will not cancel my Amazon order. Thank you. GCracker

Welcome to the GJ Forum. Love the story, I hope you find them suitable for your needs.