Tools of Japan
- Thread starter Frankstools
- Start date
Well, if we're nitpicky, those aren't traditional combination pliers either. They're a Japanese mixed design. I've never seen combination pliers with a gripping portion below the hinge like those.For what it’s worth, those are actually combination pliers, though I know that’s an uncommon pattern in the U.S.
Tsunoda do offer Linemans pliers as well, but only down to 6 inch.
The combination pliers are probably a better choice for general use.
Dave455
Well-known member
That is true!
Personally, when I have used linemans pliers with a gripping surface in this area, it’s not a feature I’ve ever used. Perhaps because it’s not something I’m used to.
There are a couple of Japanese manufacturers who offer combination pliers with a crimping jaw in this position, which always struck me as useful.
Merry
And Victor
With regard to Tsunoda, I’m generally very happy with their tools.
It seems to me that when they produce a traditional pattern they do it very well, such as these long reach pliers that I’ve owned for some years.
At the same time, they’re not afraid to experiment a little bit with new ideas. I think they are one of the few manufacturers to offer stainless steel pliers.
My only regret is that they seem to have discontinued the distinctive lime green handles on most of their “King TTC” range in favour of a more regular yellow!
Wish Leatherman would use a forged stainless plier head like that. The forged one just makes it seems like a toy tool... And they sell the new arc for about 300€?!??I think they are one of the few manufacturers to offer stainless steel pliers.
Daytonaer
Well-known member
Finally got one, guess the made in Japan ship has sailed.
Dave455
Well-known member
Yes, absolutely!
I don’t think Leathermans, or any other multi tool, even have forged heads. Every one I’ve seen looks to have cast jaws. Hence they all cut with a shearing action (a bit sub standard in my opinion) and in some cases have separate cutting faces screwed on.
If they forged the jaws and properly heat treated them they could grind decent cutters on, and that would be that. They all go on about the cost of forging, but if I can buy forged pliers for €15, it’s not really an issue on a €300 tool! Or at least it shouldn’t be.
4xdog
Well-known member
Finally got one, guess the made in Japan ship has sailed.
I’m a big fan of Vessel. But not their ratcheting screwdrivers. The Japan-made ones I’ve had have been a combination of notchy ratcheting and floppy clearances. Not the company’s best work, IMO. Maybe the Thais can do better. Let us know what you think.
CGarage
Well-known member
Their ratcheting screwdrivers are my go-to screwdriver.
Never had a problem. I sprayed the mechanism down with synthetic spray oil (Royal Purple and Amsoil both make synthetic sprays).
Smooth as silk.
Did you disassemble the screwdrivers to oil them? Or just spray from the outside and let it run down to the mechanism?
CGarage
Well-known member
rick carpenter
Well-known member
Hey @kanai , how are those Keiba FC-306s holding up? I need another pair of long reaches like I need a hole in my head, but those sure are tempting.Picked up a pair of Keiba pliers, one needlenose. Keiba FC-107 175mm, FC-306 150mm. I wanted something simple and inexpensive and these were both in the 2000-2500 yen range.
Saw this and dont think it has been posted recently. Engineer has a bit to remove destroyed hex bolts. Comes in sizes to remove M2 through to M6 hex bolts that have been damaged.
MarcSeattle
Well-known member
I recently purchased the Keiba Pro-Hobby Long Needle Nose Pliers 6-inch (Hec-D05) and the Keiba Pro-Hobby Diagonal Cutting Nipper HNC-D04. These are the precision pliers for small work. I can't speak to durability yet, but I will say that they are machined precisely and very well-made.
At Amazon.co.jp prices, they're nearly free (like $25 for the pair) so don't hesitate to throw them into the basket for your next order there.
At Amazon.co.jp prices, they're nearly free (like $25 for the pair) so don't hesitate to throw them into the basket for your next order there.
IRQVET
Well-known member
My Vampire scissors arrived, and like I was schooled by you folks (after the fact) they are indeed the same size of my Engineer scissors and not bigger like I assumed they were. Oh well. My wife immediately stole these for kitchen scissors, she likes the red handle which makes them easier to find when the kids make off with them.
Whether you go Vampire or Engineer, these are amazing scissors!
Whether you go Vampire or Engineer, these are amazing scissors!
How are you guys getting good shipping prices from amazon Japan? I placed a few orders in 2019-2021 and typically would have $30-45 shipping on a $300 order (to the US). Now I typically see 50+% of the goods price is the shipping cost. It's basically not worth it for me anymore and tend to order from amazon US (fulfilled by amazon Japan) or DRPD.
Just now, if I have a $200 cart, I get over $100 in shipping costs. Not worth it for me.
Just now, if I have a $200 cart, I get over $100 in shipping costs. Not worth it for me.
mattstevens
Well-known member
- Joined
- Jun 3, 2023
- Messages
- 45
Shipping charges look to be about the same as they've been to me and I haven't done anything special. There's an initial flat rate to send anything to the US then a per-item charge based on volume and weight. You get hit for volume more than weight, it costs more to ship an empty plastic case for a power tool than a dozen hand tools.
I tried putting $150 worth of tools in a cart and it tells me shipping to the US would be $23. Upgrading from slow-walk shipping to DHL still only costs an extra $3.
I tried putting $150 worth of tools in a cart and it tells me shipping to the US would be $23. Upgrading from slow-walk shipping to DHL still only costs an extra $3.
bpwoodworking
Well-known member
- Joined
- Jul 6, 2023
- Messages
- 254
Couple years ago I managed to get some NOS Japan made Mitutoyo combination sets. Recently added to this drawer the jeweled mitutoyo indicator.
Not a tool of Japan, but I do love those Staedtler liners as well!
bpwoodworking
Well-known member
- Joined
- Jul 6, 2023
- Messages
- 254
Thank you! I love them, have them in every toolbox.
mobiledynamics
Well-known member
My triple Top Wrench Work adjustable arrived....and aside from the Offset Handle Knipex Pliers Wrench which I like, the rest of my Pliers wrench is probably going to gather dust. All I need now is one more 15 inch nice that is similar to my Top series and I can also -retire- the 15" Proto.
Qualitytools
Well-known member
Share photos please
mobiledynamics
Well-known member
What is the article number of it? How good is it?
Jeff
Well-known member
Olfa Ultra Sharp Blades
mobiledynamics
Well-known member
On the recent topic of VAT, going to need to re-read and rehash it.....so I know what I'm paying on jp
Just did a UK order and there was a clear breakdown of shipping and tax line items - in which on the JP site, I don't recall the itemization or inclusion breakdown of the tax. Maybe it was rolled into the cost of shipping with no breakdown...
Just did a UK order and there was a clear breakdown of shipping and tax line items - in which on the JP site, I don't recall the itemization or inclusion breakdown of the tax. Maybe it was rolled into the cost of shipping with no breakdown...
Qualitytools
Well-known member
On the subject of VAT, I was watching NHK World recently and the report was on Japan thinking about not allowing visitors to circumvent the VAT. They were interviewing several out of the country visiters / tourist that go to Japan and shop without paying VAT. However, this may soon come to an end if the Japanese government decide to change their laws about VAT.
Jeff
Well-known member
CGarage
Well-known member
1980s era Vessel metric nut drivers in 6, 8, and 10 mm.
These are interesting. The markings are in English and Japanese.
The overall quality is a far cry from the current production. The shafts have grinding marks as you will see and the broaching on the interior of the nut driver ends is unimpressive.
The handles are a reddish wood.
These are interesting. The markings are in English and Japanese.
The overall quality is a far cry from the current production. The shafts have grinding marks as you will see and the broaching on the interior of the nut driver ends is unimpressive.
The handles are a reddish wood.
Attachments
rick carpenter
Well-known member
Just got these Fujiya Kurokin 230-200-BG slip joints (202g x 203mm) in today. I'm gonna like these a lot. They're billed as 'light weight' pliers, but that seems more of a relative description. The pivot bolt head sits below the cheek and raised shoulder(?) section. Second pic shows the nut and bolt shank are maybe 1-2mm proud of the cheek and shoulder on that side. Nice. I'll give the nod for general work to the Fujiyas and the Tsunoda PL-150 (175g x 168mm) slip joints will be for tight access situations. My old Sears 30702 (235g x 206mm) slip joints will end up in my lake house tool bag.
GrantCee
Well-known member
I know those drivers intimately. From the late '70s to the late '80s, I was in the photographic industry; companies like Noritsu and Copal sold Japan-made photofinishing equipment (namely "minilabs") in the U.S., and they all came with those nut drivers. I still have a set or two hanging around.
CGarage
Well-known member
gak_pdx
New member
Does this count?
kngelv
Well-known member
Does this count? Zojirushi Rice Cooker. We eat a lot of rice, especially my 17-year-old and we were tired of the gluey, gummy rice that came out of my Instant Pot. Used it for the first time last night made shrimp gumbo and garlic chicken so two different entree’s. He ate all the garlic chicken. I had the gumbo used this for the rice and it came out perfect.
James
James
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CGarage
Well-known member
Snow Peak is a Japanese premium camping gear company.
Have some Ti made products from them, all are made with great pride.
Have some Ti made products from them, all are made with great pride.
GrantCee
Well-known member
They weren't pleasant to use, but they were the only drivers long and thin enough to reach into some spaces where maintenance or configuration was necessary. I suspect they might have been special or made-to-order for the specific application.
The rest of the tools in the kit were awful, and because they were standard items we replaced them with locally purchased equivalents.
Noritsu seemed to supply the cheapest kits they possibly could; Copal's were usually better. Neither were terribly great.
However, in the late '80s I bought a used Fuji high-speed roll printer that had come out of the on-site lab at the 1984 LA Olympics. It came with a beautiful tool kit that included some of the higher-end Vessel screwdrivers, KTC wrenches, and a couple of different Fujiya (IIRC) pliers all in a nice metal box (which might have been a Trusco.) Many a time I've wished I'd kept that box!
Reed Prince
Well-known member
Otari MTR-90s came with one cheap Vessel driver. Wasn't even a ball grip. Didn't know those existed until I visited Tokyo.
Woody1320
Well-known member
CGarage
Well-known member
That’s my favorite tool I screw with.
You can use a spray oil on the ratchet mechanism as well.