Tools of Japan

[JWC86]

Same issue here. I have size 9 gorilla mitts. Excellent for the wife!

Add me to the list also! I have XL-XXL mitts and have yet to find a pair of scissors that are comfortable.

 

[Madjik Man]

Y'all may be asking too much of the Vessel and Olfa (as I assume Madjik Man meant) heavy-duty craft/office scissors. I like and use my Olfas in the library and warehouse, but only for what they're designed for. Canary, SK11, and (maybe) Allex have Japanese offerings in shears that are perhaps sized more to your liking.

Yes Olfa. Dang autocorrect.

I’m not looking for heavy duty uses out of these. Just bigger finger holes for my XL hands.

Edit:: dang autocorrect just typed Olga, lol

 

[cbracer]

I just ordered two sets of each of these off Amazon, looking forward to playing with them, I have no experience with Engineer Brand Tools.

Most of Engineer brand tools are made by other companies, simply rebranded with changes to the grips. I really like the rubber squarish grip of the Engineer brand.... but I'm not a fan of their quality. I go through 1 or 2 of these cutters a year making wiring harnesses in my company. The tips of the cutters I was getting didn't always line up exactly. I found the real company that makes them, Tsunoda and they are significantly cheaper and less variance on lining up of the tips. Only $14 compared to $18. They also make a heavy duty in the exact same size called the MNH-125 instead of MNK-125

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002RDDM0I/?tag=atomicindus08-20

I bought a set of Engineer wire strippers also, and they dulled up in one month So I took the handles off and put them onto a stainless steel Greenline stripper and it's been a dream. Still haven't worn it out yet.

Amazon.com

 

[Kaffeetanne]

Closer look at the package and it says made in Taiwan. What a bummer, thought all Engineer stuff was made in Japan.

Well, what I expected.
The Japanese are not immune to globalization either. As far as i am aware off, there isn't any company in Japan which produces locking pliers domestically. They all buy them somewhere else.
Generally speaking there are only a hand full of manufacturers left with most of them sitting either in China or Taiwan.

 

[C4RBON]

Just saw that the new Nepros neXT ratchet is in stock at DRPD. Anyone planning on picking one up? With 10+ 3/8 ratchets already, I don’t “need” it but…I kinda want to check it out.

[snip]

I just ordered one. I can do a comparison to a 3/8 ZEAL and a NBR390A when it arrives.

I'm most excited by the satin finish. However, Nepros practically made their name based on the quality of the chrome, so changing to satin seems an unexpected move for that brand. I guess on the other hand, fans of the new tools will need to buy all new matching sockets! I'm afraid of what the inevitable matching neXT sockets are going to cost. If this image is anything to go by, there are a lot of extra machining steps.

 

[Kaffeetanne]

I can do a comparison to a 3/8 ZEAL and a NBR390A when it arrives.

The nepros neXT Ratchets got the same internals as the NBR390A, so performance wise they would be equal.

However, Nepros practically made their name based on the quality of the chrome, so changing to satin seems an unexpected move for that brand.

There seems to be quite a lot of confusion around here, so let me bring in some clarity. The new neXT-series won't replace the classic high polished ones, but will be an additional separate lineup which will focus on lightweight tools for mobile work.

 

[Steve_P]

Got two sets of the Engineer PZ-65 vise grip pliers, first impression- they feel kinda cheap and not up to the same quality of the other Engineer tools I’ve purchased. At the connection points there seems to be a termendous amount of flex. They do not feel sturdy at all. Being new to Engineer, are they sort of hit and miss brand?

If you want the best vise grip style pliers currently available, buy some Malco before they're gone.

As far as Engineer, I have ~4 pairs of their screw pliers and the scissors. They are good construction, but the screw pliers do show more wear than they should IMO. The Knipex screw plier I have has seen similar use and still looks new.

 

[shibertus]

As far as i am aware off, there isn't any company in Japan which produces locking pliers domestically. They all buy them somewhere else.

The 3 Peaks locking pliers are made in Japan.

 

[Jackmugen02]

Just saw that the new Nepros neXT ratchet is in stock at DRPD. Anyone planning on picking one up? With 10+ 3/8 ratchets already, I don’t “need” it but…I kinda want to check it out.

I just ordered the 2nd to last one DRPD had in-stock. DRPD said they have a lot on back order, but they "might" have more before the black Friday sale, but ETA on more is currently unknown.

Nepros has them listed too, but you have to pay $20 in shipping: https://neprostools.com/collections/best-sellers/products/next-3-8sq-ratchet-handle-90-tooth . KTC/nepros Japan told me they have limited quantities available.

I have some of these on order from Japan, but they have been on back order for over 2 months, with a November ETA. Factory Gear has been on back order for 2 months now too.

Also, expect a Ko-ken USA SEMA discount code releasing very soon.

 

[65k10]

I follow a few Japanese tool related Twitter accounts and I have noticed several saying KTC is adding a 90 tooth ratchet to their regular tool line. Today one posted this picture.

 

[C4RBON]

The nepros neXT Ratchets got the same internals as the NBR390A, so performance wise they would be equal.

Yes, that is what I am expecting. The comparison would be more about size/weight, comments on handle comfort, and general impressions. I may even use the thing as a tool

There seems to be quite a lot of confusion around here, so let me bring in some clarity. The new neXT-series won't replace the classic high polished ones, but will be an additional separate lineup which will focus on lightweight tools for mobile work.

I didn't mean to imply that the neXT line is replacing the normal nepros ratchets. It was more a comment that nepros is known for chrome, and this is satin. That is an unexpected divergence. I suppose polishing the inside surfaces of the handle would be nearly impossible at scale, so that may have dictated a satin finish.

 

[Kaffeetanne]

I follow a few Japanese tool related Twitter accounts and I have noticed several saying KTC is adding a 90 tooth ratchet to their regular tool line. Today one posted this picture.

Yes, KTC updated the classic BR3E from their regular lineup. The body will remain the same, but it has the guts of the nepros NBR390A. Not sure yet if it well be only a limited run, as of now the ratchet will only be included in the toolsets they sell on their annually SK Sale.

I didn't mean to imply that the neXT line is replacing the normal nepros ratchets. It was more a comment that nepros is known for chrome, and this is satin. That is an unexpected divergence. I suppose polishing the inside surfaces of the handle would be nearly impossible at scale, so that may have dictated a satin finish.

There could be something to it.
My guess would be that they intentionally choose that finish to differentiate the new series more from the existing one.
Also there are many people who dislike polished chrome and with offering a new line in satin finish, they can serve both groups.

 

[Pinemarten]

I contacted Ninja-Tools because I couldn't locate a Pro-Auto 1/2" (PA 4014) socket set in the USA. It wasn't listed in the ebay store, but they said it could be found and they sent me a message showing the set or just the ratchet option. I ordered it
on 10-25, it was shipped on 10-27 and it arrived on 10-30 or 31 (not sure) but I picked it up at PO this morning.

Super nice compact 1/2" drive QR ratchet in a 3/8 size head, with spinner ring. The sockets have a knurled band. A step up from my old 1970's Craftsman 1/2" set!

 

[M6erfan]

I contacted Ninja-Tools because I couldn't locate a Pro-Auto 1/2" (PA 4014) socket set in the USA. It wasn't listed in the ebay store, but they said it could be found and they sent me a message showing the set or just the ratchet option. I ordered it
on 10-25, it was shipped on 10-27 and it arrived on 10-30 or 31 (not sure) but I picked it up at PO this morning.

Super nice compact 1/2" drive QR ratchet in a 3/8 size head, with spinner ring. The sockets have a knurled band. A step up from my old 1970's Craftsman 1/2" set!

Interesting. Do you know if they make a 3/8 or 1/4 set? That socket design in nice.

 

[Pinemarten]

Yes, both sizes. I already had the 3/8" ratchet, which is in a 1/4" head. I decided to go for the set, since the sockets are two tone, shiny and satin chrome with a knurled ring. Ninja tools and Amazon carry the 1/4 and 3/8 sets. The 1/2" sets or ratchets seem to be rare.

 

[Browens]

Yes, KTC updated the classic BR3E from their regular lineup. The body will remain the same, but it has the guts of the nepros NBR390A. Not sure yet if it well be only a limited run, as of now the ratchet will only be included in the toolsets they sell on their annually SK Sale.

interesting. I’ve considered picking up a BR3E ratchet but have yet to pull the trigger, opting for the koken 72t instead. Do you have any other details on this sale? Timing and is it available to North American customers?

 

[Kaffeetanne]

I’ve considered picking up a BR3E ratchet but have yet to pull the trigger, opting for the koken 72t instead.

Keep in mind the BR3E is a batwing pawl ratchet and only has 36 teeth.

Do you have any other details on this sale? Timing and is it available to North American customers?

The SK Sale is held every year from the 1st of November to April 20th. During this period KTC offers an assortment of toolsets for a reduced price. In addition they sell their EK10 and SKX toolchests in special colors as a limited run.
It's a Japan only thing since KTC doesn't have own branches abroad.

 

[Reed Prince]

Green for nut drivers.

 

[Steve_P]

This is the same complaint I have with the Olsa scissors I bought for my home use/junk drawer. The hole with two fingers in it is a bit small making it uncomfortable to use.

For light duty home use, no biggie. But I couldn’t imagine trying to use these while trying to cut something substantial.

If anyone has suggestions for larger holed scissors it would be greatly appreciated.

I've been using these in the kitchen for 5 years and they've held up excellently. I'm sure they have something similar if you want something that doesn't come apart. But these are quite heavy duty and good for general use like cutting plastic packaging, etc. I can easily get three fingers in the larger opening.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00ZJUNMHO/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[Madjik Man]

Are those ratcheting?

Do you have a link to these?

 

[IRQVET]

The rest of my Engineer pliers came into today, I really like the quality of everything except those Taiwan built vice grips.

 

[Hohn]

I’m stunned.

 

[M6erfan]

I’m stunned.

Don't blame you. Almost to nice to use.

 

[Hohn]

Don't blame you. Almost to nice to use.

Yeah, too pretty to use, but too great a tool not to. It’s bittersweet getting some Nepros wrenches because now that I know what I’ve been missing I’m foreseeing some expensive tool acquisitions if I should have a moment of weakness.

 

[M6erfan]

Yeah, too pretty to use, but too great a tool not to. It’s bittersweet getting some Nepros wrenches because now that I know what I’ve been missing I’m foreseeing some expensive tool acquisitions if I should have a moment of weakness.

Truth be told I bought some Nepros about 10 or maybe 15 years ago, before they were really even discussed much here on the forum. A couple socket sets. I sold them, I couldn't bare using them and getting them all scratched up, they are like jewelry. Silly maybe, but I bought Ko-ken sockets and have been extremely happy with their performance and value. That started a kind of Ko-ken socket obsession with me. And then Japanese tools in general. . .

I actually kept and still have and use one Nepros spark plug socket, it's short at only 60mm tall and gets me in to tight 2 stroke spark plug access. The chrome has held up extremely well after all these years. Great quality, no doubt.

 

[C4RBON]

My Nepros neXT (NBR390X) ratchet was delivered today, thanks to DRPD's speedy shipping. Apologies in advance for all of you still on dialup, because I attached 7 MB of images. If you quote this, please do us all a favor and remove the pictures.

Here are my first impressions:

Packaging

• I'm a big fan of this new packaging; Nepros already had very nice packaging, and now it is more environmentally friendly! It is thinner, undyed cardboard, and the cork (composite?) replaces the glued-in foam from before. Overall the box is smaller than the box that the NBR390A came in. The die-cut holes aligning with the holes in the handle is a nice touch. This feels premium while also appealing to modern environmental concerns.
• The cork "holder" is way thicker and harder than I was expecting. I suspect it is intended to be used as a tray in a toolbox; I won't be surprised if Nepros sells tool kits with this cork as a liner/tray. I am not a heavy user, so I'm not worried about longevity of it. I'm sure it would get beat up in a shop environment. I usually clean my tools before putting them back, so I'm not worried about oil/fluid contamination issues.

Size

• The length appears identical to the NBR390A. The spec on both is 180mm and I don't doubt they are the same. The Ko-ken also appears the same length. Length isn't a reason to choose between these.
• Head thickness is functionally the same for all three. Maybe a 1mm different between them all. It's so close I'm not going to measure.

Ergonomics

• The handle is not the same on the top and bottom; the top (being the side with the button) is flat and is slightly recessed. The bottom is curved to reduce sharp edges on your hand.
• The handle feels nice, but I suspect the harder edges (relative to the Ko-ken and NBR390A) will be less ergonomic for higher torque use, or all-day use.
• The balance-point on the handle (where you can balance it on a finger) is farther forward than on the A model, and even more forward than on the Ko-ken This should be expected because the handle is lighter. I suspect this will feel slightly nicer for low-torque applications, because there will be less rotational inertia.
• My NBR390X weighs 212g on my small postal scale, which is 2g heavier than the 210g spec. My NBR390A weighs 245g, which is exactly the same as the spec. For comparison, my Ko-ken ZEAL 3/8 is 257g (it's the old 36 tooth model). The weight differences are noticeable.

Details

• As expected, the satin finish is very nice. I've always liked satin, so I'm both excited and dreading () more satin being added to the Nepros lineup. It is uniform. The roughness is finer than the satin finish you see on Z-series sockets, but not as smooth as this 12oz can of Sapporo I'm drinking ().
• It matches the "color" of the chrome Nepros ratchet and sockets. I'm sure someone spent a great deal of time making sure the satin tools match the chrome tools, and I notice and appreciate it. That has always been something I've noticed on the higher-end tool brands, they have consistent color. Some of the cheaper stuff, especially my old Craftsman tools, the "color" of the chrome varies from tool to tool, even in one kit. The Nepros tools I bought this year match the Nepros tools I bought in 2015.
• The interior of the handle appears to be milled. There are some machining marks (appear to be from an end-mill), but they are uniform and don't stand-out.
• One possible use of the new handle design would be attaching a lanyard. I know that is a desired feature for some professions.
• The ratchet mechanism on my X has slightly less back-drag than on my A model. This could just be part-to-part variation. It is still not close to the Ko-ken Z-series 72-tooth. Both the X and the A are noticeably better than the previous Nepros 90 tooth.
• The model number, KTC logo, and "Made in Japan" are now on the anvil-side of the ratchet head.

I hope someone finds this useful, or at least amusing. Thank you for nerding-out on tools with me. I do actually plan to use this when I work on my cars; I use all my Nepros tools (except the 9, 11, 16, and 20mm ones). I look forward to adding more X series tools to my collection. Perhaps my new "car kit" (for autocross and "overlanding") will include some X series tools, since they are so light they are bound to increase my fuel efficiency by an immeasurable amount.

Edit 1: Correcting a truly embarrassing capitalization mistake.
Edit 2: I just realized that it doesn't say "Nepros" anywhere on the tool or box.

 

[F-22]

I just realized that it doesn't say "Nepros" anywhere on the tool or box.

Very interesting, almost as if Next is another niche lineup of KTC besides Nepros, not a part of Nepros (even if the Nepros manufacturing department takes care of the manufacturing, probably because low-scale manufacturing is more adaptable...).

 

[Kaffeetanne]

Man that thing looks so nice. I'm tempted to get one for myself, but i already have too many ratchets. There are just to many awesome ones out there these days! Also thank you for the detailed introduction, really appreciate it!

It matches the "color" of the chrome Nepros ratchet and sockets. I'm sure someone spent a great deal of time making sure the satin tools match the chrome tools, and I notice and appreciate it.

This is what i love about the japanese. They are always super consistent in their quality and the attention to detail is truly unmatched.

The ratchet mechanism on my X has slightly less back-drag than on my A model. This could just be part-to-part variation.

Might be possible. I have a nepros from 2018 and one from 2022 and one of them has just slightly more backdrag then the other.

Both the X and the A are noticeably better than the previous Nepros 90 tooth.

I'm curious. In which aspect do you think they are better than the previous variant? For no particular reason other than the more rounded style, i prefer the older ones over the new A version.

Edit 2: I just realized that it doesn't say "Nepros" anywhere on the tool or box.

Pretty sure once the corresponding sockets are out, neXT will be presented as a whole new series additionally to their standard KTC and nepros lineup.

 

[Steve_P]

Nice review on the Nepros ratchet. I do like that wet blast style of finish. I'm not sure how they do that, or what they call it, but that's what it looks like to me. It's definitely not the typical satin chrome finish as it's more refined and has more surface prep; it appears to have been a fully polished finish, ready for a bright plating, and then they wet blasted it (or similar). Again, I like it. I realize that it's not the **** reflective chrome that's so popular here, but that looks great until it actually sees any use; and then every tiny mark stands out from 3' away

 

[Dave455]

Pretty sure once the corresponding sockets are out, neXT will be presented as a whole new series additionally to their standard KTC and nepros lineup.

I think you are right!

I think we will see KTC “Nepros” as the premium line, and KTC “neXT” as the lightweight line, optimised for mobile use.

That’s actually quite a sensible strategy, as we also have KoKen Z Series / Zeal as a “compact” line, so the ranges complement each other rather than directly competing.

The finish makes more sense now. For mobile use, tools tend to bang against each other, so the satin / blasted finish will be much less prone to marking.

I will be very interested to see the sockets when they are released. Knowing the number of folks who work out of vehicles, or just carry tools with them, I think the market for lightweight tools has been somewhat under exploited.

 

[four.cycle]

Not all tools from Japan are shiny...

Found this little beauty yesterday digging around ...

 

[4xdog]

Nice anvil, @four.cycle. Can you give us an idea of its relative size?

 

[teagueo]

Nice anvil, @four.cycle. Can you give us an idea of its relative size?

There's a ruler in the pics - tiny lil guy but cool

 

[four.cycle]

I don't do a lot of blacksmithing around here, so it's plenty big for most purposes. My "big" anvil is an 8-inch-long chunk of railroad track.

 

[Jeff]

Love my itty bitty ratchet. Truly a work of tool art.

 

[4xdog]

There's a ruler in the pics - tiny lil guy but cool

Ah -- indeed there is! It didn't show in the thumbnails.

 

[Reed Prince]

Are those ratcheting?

Do you have a link to these?

No, they are just regular nut drivers.

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vessel.co.jp

 

[rick carpenter]

Not all tools from Japan are shiny...

Found this little beauty yesterday digging around ...

You could easily get that powder-coated... or chrome-plated.... or powder-coated and chrome-plated! Pics please when you do.

 

[rick carpenter]

If you want the best vise grip style pliers currently available, buy some Malco before they're gone.

As far as Engineer, I have ~4 pairs of their screw pliers and the scissors. They are good construction, but the screw pliers do show more wear than they should IMO. The Knipex screw plier I have has seen similar use and still looks new.

I've had a pair of PZ-57s for a year and a quarter. I used them regularly during the work week for about 3/4 of last school year to remove the black screws shown that are sometimes basically forevered (yes, I verbed that word) in place on Chromebook cases with that blue thread lock, and the screw-removal serrations have remained nicely sharp. Keep in mind though that the torque I've had to apply is much less than required on a say an M6 or larger screw.

I've not had to bust them out as often since about mid-Spring of this year but they're still very much in use. I re-use the screws when I can, give some back to IT, and throw away the worst caked-up offenders, so what you see is maybe less than 1/4 of the total removed since Aug 2022.

 

[HannibalLecter]

I have opened a laptop and these always seem to strip the heads