Tools of Japan

[riceaterSLC]

There was a thread a couple of years ago about the new Factory Gear Tokyo store. https://www.garagejournal.com/forum...store-seafort-square-mall-tennoz-isle.482723/

Thanks. This is the place I remember seeing here on the forums.

 

[Jeff]

 

[Stubby1743]

Has anyone else noticed that there seems to be a supply problem with Toyo pressed steel tool boxes, especially the smaller ones such as the T-190? They are no longer available on Amazon Japan for shipping to the UK. The same seems to apply to Trusco branded Toyo boxes.

 

[Dave455]

Has anyone else noticed that there seems to be a supply problem with Toyo pressed steel tool boxes, especially the smaller ones such as the T-190? They are no longer available on Amazon Japan for shipping to the UK. The same seems to apply to Trusco branded Toyo boxes.

Amazon always seems to have been a bit “hit and miss” on these boxes.

I’ve tended to use other vendors for these, though I appreciate some don’t respond to favourable currency fluctuations as fast as Amazon Japan.

 

[ararat]

I got these Engineer Neji-saurus RX in today. I was looking at the Vampliers on Amazon and one of the reviews said to get Engineer brand because they are the same. Supposedly good for stripped out screws. They seem nice but the grips are a little weird. $22 versus $38 for the vampliers

 

[Jeff]

I got these Engineer Neji-saurus RX in today. I was looking at the Vampliers on Amazon and one of the reviews said to get Engineer brand because they are the same. Supposedly good for stripped out screws. They seem nice but the grips are a little weird. $22 versus $38 for the vampliers

True, the Vampliers are re-branded Engineers.

 

[Steve_P]

Yeah, the grips are just stupid on the Engineer screw pliers with all of the **** trap recesses. Someone in their design department had waaaaaaay too much time on their hands. Should've just used a dipped grip and saved a few hours of solid modeling time on CAD.

 

[dukefx]

I got these Engineer Neji-saurus RX in today. I was looking at the Vampliers on Amazon and one of the reviews said to get Engineer brand because they are the same. Supposedly good for stripped out screws. They seem nice but the grips are a little weird. $22 versus $38 for the vampliers

I bought the Vampliers back in the days when they were introduced. They were great until Knipex released the TwinGrips. I much prefer those for screw extraction.

 

[rick carpenter]

I got these Engineer Neji-saurus RX in today. I was looking at the Vampliers on Amazon and one of the reviews said to get Engineer brand because they are the same. Supposedly good for stripped out screws. They seem nice but the grips are a little weird. $22 versus $38 for the vampliers

I bought the smaller Engineer PZ-57 pliers for M2 and M3 screws at my work. Have been pleased. Agreed the handles are a bit overdone, but not uncomfortable. Sticky enough that they rotate in hand easily. I think besides the hype, all the Vampliers have more than Engineer pliers is a warranty.

 

[darkzero]

I got these Engineer Neji-saurus RX in today. I was looking at the Vampliers on Amazon and one of the reviews said to get Engineer brand because they are the same. Supposedly good for stripped out screws. They seem nice but the grips are a little weird. $22 versus $38 for the vampliers

I bought the smaller Engineer PZ-57 pliers for M2 and M3 screws at my work. Have been pleased. Agreed the handles are a bit overdone, but not uncomfortable. Sticky enough that they rotate in hand easily. I think besides the hype, all the Vampliers have more than Engineer pliers is a warranty.

I have those PZ-59. Me personally, I don't like them, I never use them. For bigger stuff I use Knipex Twin Grip.

Same here, I also have the PZ-57 for smaller screws. At home I also have/use PZ-58 & PZ-60 but for work I bought a second set of TwinGrips & PZ-57, that's all I have ever needed.

 

[darkzero]

Yeah, the grips are just stupid on the Engineer screw pliers with all of the **** trap recesses. Someone in their design department had waaaaaaay too much time on their hands. Should've just used a dipped grip and saved a few hours of solid modeling time on CAD.

And for those who haven't noticed, the handles don't go all the way to the ends of the grips so the ends are "springy". Perhaps they made them like that intentionally to be more comfortable or something? I prefer them to be how all other pliers are.

Maybe I shouldn't have pointed this out cause after you notice it you can't un-notice it.

 

[Hytekrednek]

I have the twin grip pliers and a pair of screw pliers from Merry that are very nice. They both work great but in slightly different situations. I also have the small engineer screw pliers. They are amazing for small screws made from cheese grade steel, as long as the head doesn't pop off, they work great.

 

[GrantCee]

Has anyone else noticed that there seems to be a supply problem with Toyo pressed steel tool boxes, especially the smaller ones such as the T-190? They are no longer available on Amazon Japan for shipping to the UK. The same seems to apply to Trusco branded Toyo boxes.

They got "discovered" by the scrapbooking/journaling crowd, who use them to hold pens/pencils/stickers/washi tape/etc. They're all over the 'gram these days.

 

[Keegster]

Why are some tools marked JIS and others are not? Is it a certification?

I'm looking at buying some long wrenches; The KTC wrenches are not JIS, meanwhile Asahi ones are (I think the KTC are very good value and the only 19x21 I could find).
KTC - https://www.amazon.co.jp/-/en/gp/product/B08KXMDDXK/
Asahi - https://www.amazon.co.jp/-/en/LEF1214/dp/B002P8CRGA/

I've seen very few pliers that are labeled JIS
Some of my old Koken sockets are labeled but some aren't

Anyone have some clarity on this?

 

[tamaraw]

Why are some tools marked JIS and others are not? Is it a certification?

I'm looking at buying some long wrenches; The KTC wrenches are not JIS, meanwhile Asahi ones are (I think the KTC are very good value and the only 19x21 I could find).
KTC - https://www.amazon.co.jp/-/en/gp/product/B08KXMDDXK/
Asahi - https://www.amazon.co.jp/-/en/LEF1214/dp/B002P8CRGA/

I've seen very few pliers that are labeled JIS
Some of my old Koken sockets are labeled but some aren't

Anyone have some clarity on this?

Those are very different wrenches, hard to compare directly. The KTC M160 are extra long aviation style wrenches with zero offset and a slightly "stepped" socket on either end. Similar in pattern to Snap-On, Capri, Genius, etc. From KTC, there's also the M150 line (slightly shorter, completely flat) and the M100 (stubby version of M150).

The Asahi DBE Lightool is a standard offset DBE but skeletonized for weight reduction.
If weight is not a critical factor, Asahi's Revowave line would likely be a stronger/more durable choice.

I'm not completely sure what the JIS certification means here but I wouldn't put much weigh in it since both brands make quality tools. It may simply be a difference in the sales listing or JIS could be refering to a specified pattern (ex: size/length/offset) like DIN 895 does for German spanners.

Are you looking for a wrench set or just a 19x21 DBE on it's own? There are other options in that size if you need.

 

[Keegster]

Those are very different wrenches, hard to compare directly. The KTC M160 are extra long aviation style wrenches with zero offset and a slightly "stepped" socket on either end. Similar in pattern to Snap-On, Capri, Genius, etc. From KTC, there's also the M150 line (slightly shorter, completely flat) and the M100 (stubby version of M150).

The Asahi DBE Lightool is a standard offset DBE but skeletonized for weight reduction.
If weight is not a critical factor, Asahi's Revowave line would likely be a stronger/more durable choice.

I'm not completely sure what the JIS certification means here but I wouldn't put much weigh in it since both brands make quality tools. It may simply be a difference in the sales listing or JIS could be refering to a specified pattern (ex: size/length/offset) like DIN 895 does for German spanners.

Are you looking for a wrench set or just a 19x21 DBE on it's own? There are other options in that size if you need.

I'm looking for a set of long straight wrenches for doing suspension, rather than using sockets. I actually just checked and I don't need a 21, I need a 22. I would like a 12x14, 14x17, and 19x22.

Back to JIS, these slip joint pliers have a JIS logo on them, they are the only pliers I've seen with a JIS stamp. The only review states these are actually from Thailand. Am I remembering correctly that Tsunoda introduced a cheaper non-Japanese line?

https://www.amazon.co.jp/-/en/TTC-Slim-Pliers-Spring-200pls/dp/B076JPQR9X/

They look very similar to these

https://www.amazon.co.jp/-/en/Tsunoda-PLC-200S-Pliers-Spring-inches/dp/B0CJ4VCCXB/

 

[tamaraw]

Back to JIS, these slip joint pliers have a JIS logo on them, they are the only pliers I've seen with a JIS stamp. The only review states these are actually from Thailand. Am I remembering correctly that Tsunoda introduced a cheaper non-Japanese line?

https://www.amazon.co.jp/-/en/TTC-Slim-Pliers-Spring-200pls/dp/B076JPQR9X/

They look very similar to these

https://www.amazon.co.jp/-/en/Tsunoda-PLC-200S-Pliers-Spring-inches/dp/B0CJ4VCCXB/

I own both the PL-150 and PLC-150 which are the slightly shorter version of the those two (150mm vs 200mm). I haven't had a chance to do much serious work with them but the construction is good and both are marked "Made in Japan". Not sure country of origin for their whole line, but all of my other Tsunoda pliers have been great.

In the context of Tsunoda's part numbers, "C" is the slim version where the outside of the jaws are a little bit narrower and S appears to have an internal spring of some sort, haven't tried those.

If you look at this page for slip-joint pliers on their English website, you can see the models that are marked JIS have a string of numbers unique to that style. For example, here is the PL-150 which is noted as JIS B 4614. As I suspected, this apears to be a defined standard similar to the DIN system where any company making a tool to that standard will be pretty much identical in terms of dimensions and features.

I couldn't find the dimension specs on that plier form without paying for a license, but here is example of JIS specs for a snap ring:

https://img.globalfastener.com/upload/48/standard/2010/04/19/1271674134114966593.JPG

So, it seems that if Tsunoda were to give the same set of pliers soft plastic jaws or maybe even change the handle shape, they would no longer follow one of the preset JIS patterns and wouldn't get a JIS marking. If you look at their extensive PDF catalaog, you can see that a lot of it doesn't have any JIS mark.

 

[tamaraw]

I'm looking for a set of long straight wrenches for doing suspension, rather than using sockets. I actually just checked and I don't need a 21, I need a 22. I would like a 12x14, 14x17, and 19x22.

You will find that Japanese tools typically pair sizes as 17x19 and 22x24, sometimes 19x21. I don't think that I have seen a Japanese 19x22.

For long non-offset wrenches, I believe KTC and TONE are the main players. Asahi and TOP Kogyo don't make any as far as I am aware.

For extra long aviation style wrenches, you have KTC M160, Nepros NM11L, and TONE M05
For shorter aviation style wrenches, there is TONE M04
For completely flat zero offset wrenches, there is KTC M150 and Nepros NM1 (12pt and 6pt)

There is also some ratcheting stuff but idk if that is what you are looking for.

Catalog links:

TONE CATALOG No.1808

カテゴリー別インデックス

カテゴリー別インデックス | ＫＴＣツールオフィシャルサイト

ktc.jp

 

[rick carpenter]

@superautobacs said he heard a while back that Tsunoda were a hobbyist line. And then check out anoother's review at

(I have a pair of the PL-150s that anoother reviews). On the other hand, their catalog does not list a "DIY" line, so maybe the DIY pliers that anoother has are fake? Dunno, but I have my suspicions.

Since some Japanese tool companies offshore some production to PRC, ROC, Thailand, and Vietnam, I have been very careful when ordering my Tsunoda pliers to get ones that have "Made in Japan" stamped on them. I have been happy with the King TTC tools and I'm going to soon order another pair of PL-150s and give the two to my grandkids.

 

[Steel_Rain]

I'm increasing the size of Japanese tool hoard. Does anyone know of any Japanese made long reach pliers besides the following:

TSUNODA LRP-280B

TSUNODA LRP-280

Igarashi (IPS) HLB-300

Igarashi (IPS) HLS-300

I'd love a set of Japanese (made in Japan) long reach (250mm+) curved side cutters or even a pilers wrench / twin grip.

Thoughts?

 

[dukefx]

@superautobacs said he heard a while back that Tsunoda were a hobbyist line. And then check out anoother's review at

(I have a pair of the PL-150s that anoother reviews). On the other hand, their catalog does not list a "DIY" line, so maybe the DIY pliers that anoother has are fake? Dunno, but I have my suspicions.

Since some Japanese tool companies offshore some production to PRC, ROC, Thailand, and Vietnam, I have been very careful when ordering my Tsunoda pliers to get ones that have "Made in Japan" stamped on them. I have been happy with the King TTC tools and I'm going to soon order another pair of PL-150s and give the two to my grandkids.

I only have cable cutters, but it's stamped made in Japan. You can see the label even on some of their pictures. Tsunoda doesn't strike me as the kind of company that likes to outsource.

There are a bunch of.... fakes?.... in circulation, might be one of those. For example there are Vessel pliers on Aliexpress that shouldn't even exist. Afaik Vessel only has wire strippers (couldn't find anything else on their site, not even with google).



You can find these ^ on Ali and they aren't cheap either, but nothing on vessel.co.jp

 

[F-22]

I only have cable cutters, but it's stamped made in Japan. You can see the label even on some of their pictures. Tsunoda doesn't strike me as the kind of company that likes to outsource.

There are a bunch of.... fakes?.... in circulation, might be one of those. For example there are Vessel pliers on Aliexpress that shouldn't even exist. Afaik Vessel only has wire strippers (couldn't find anything else on their site, not even with google).



You can find these ^ on Ali and they aren't cheap either, but nothing on vessel.co.jp

Those do not look like cheap fakes to me, most of those pliers do not seem generic enough to me. Especially the last plier reminds me of some other Japanese pliers I saw before (maybe Merry?). I believe there are a couple of types of tools which Vessel sells exclusively to some limited markets and they may be more rebrands in that case. Maybe Vessel resells more Japanese tools on the Chinese market branded as their own, because they're a more recognizable name? Kind of like how Snap On resells a bunch of stuff they do not manufacture themselves under their name.

Looks like there are even some reviews of them on youtube:

I get that everything can be copied but... Would it make sense for a Chinese company to copy Vessel to target the western market with it through aliexpress? Of all the top brands Vessel is the most reasonably priced anyway - why not closely fake Snap On or Hazet, could sell those with much more of a markup...

 

[dukefx]

Those pliers are in the same price range as the Engineer, Tsunoda and Keiba pliers you can get on Ali. A bit expensive to be a Chinese copy. Speaking of copy.... a copy of what exactly? That's what's so puzzling. They closely resemble Fujiya pliers. Even if those are made by Fujiya and sold as Vessel for a different market it still seems odd to not list them anywhere.

 

[JWC86]

For what it’s worth I’ve picked up a few vessel items from Ali over the last few months that don’t appear to be fakes.

 

[BlitzcrankJapan]

You will find that Japanese tools typically pair sizes as 17x19 and 22x24, sometimes 19x21. I don't think that I have seen a Japanese 19x22.

KTC make 19x22. I have atleast 2 different KTC wrenches with 19x22.

 

[WWheeler]

Welp, I wandered onto Amazon.jp looking mainly just for a better price on Hakko soldering tips to use with a Chinese-made portable soldering iron that works with a Dewalt 20V battery that I'd recently got. I did find them and a few other items seem to have snuck their way into my cart ....

Hakko T12 Soldering Tips


Koken 21mm Lug Nut Socket


TONE TSH-165 Spring Hook Tool


Vessel 2pc Insulated Ball grip Screwdrivers


WISE 2030 L Key Handle with 002BR adapters


And Engineer Screw Extractor Pliers PZ-59, PZ-58, and PZ-55 which came with a catalog.

 

[FigN⋅m]

Thought I could live without the cover, but I was wrong...

 

[californiamilleghia]

BODY shop hammers and dollys ????? is there a website for body shop stuff including other sheet metal working tools ?

I remember decades ago that there were always interesting Japanese made tools at the Frankfurt Automechanica show,

Thanks for your help

 

[dclark2171]

Looks like ENGINEER is getting ready to release this ratchet soon in Japan

https://www.amazon.co.jp/-/en/Engin...83156&sprefix=engineer+ratchet,aps,147&sr=8-8

 

[WWheeler]

Looks like ENGINEER is getting ready to release this ratchet soon in Japan

https://www.amazon.co.jp/-/en/Engineer-Telescopic-Ratchet-Handle-DR-47/dp/B0D97YWSM2/

"Compatible with 0.4 inch (9.5 mm) drive"

Is that typical in Japan for how 3/8" dr is described?

 

[dukefx]

Had no luck getting the VBW so I got the Gedore instead. This seems to be newer revision than the ones I saw video review on. The other one is a Hazet 40 cm 1/4 extension. A Hazet adjustable T-handle is still on its way.

 

[ETJ]

BODY shop hammers and dollys , is there a website for body shop stuff including other sheet metal working tools ?

I remember decades ago that there were always interesting Japanese made tools at the Frankfurt Automechanica show,

Thanks for your help

I am interested in these also. So far I haven't found any specific shop.

I have only discovered this manufacturer https://www.oyanagikiko.co.jp/pro/fender.html

They are branded as OTC, but I think they are sold under other brand also:

検索: 「otc」の検索結果98件

7,000円以上で送料が無料。クレジットカードでのお支払いにも対応。KTC・neprosの圧倒的な品揃え。ハンドツールもツールケースもエヒメマシンでしか買えないオリジナルアイテムもあります。その他、TONE、BOSCH、ミルウォーキー 、スタビレーといった有名ブランドも多数取り扱い。オトクなセール企画を定期的に開催中。

ems-tools.jp

Not to be confused with other OTC tool companies.

 

[theamcguy]

so I got the Gedore instead.

What is the tool number of those Gedore Pliers? I also tried to order the VBW but the shipping from Europe was way too high around $80 just for the shipping.

 

[tamaraw]

"Compatible with 0.4 inch (9.5 mm) drive"

Is that typical in Japan for how 3/8" dr is described?

I haven't seen "0.4 inch" before, I'm guessing some sort of auto-translate oddity on the Amazon listing.

But 6.35/6.3, 9.5, 12.7, etc. is standard in Japan and most of Europe.

 

[dclark2171]

"Compatible with 0.4 inch (9.5 mm) drive"

Is that typical in Japan for how 3/8" dr is described?

9.5 is typical I'm not certain about the 0.4

 

[dukefx]

What is the tool number of those Gedore Pliers? I also tried to order the VBW but the shipping from Europe was way too high around $80 just for the shipping.

8099-160

...and I just realized I clicked the wrong tab. Had Tools from the old world open next to it. Bummer.

 

[Ending3852]

Starting my hand with a couple new pliers. Going to have to pick up the cover for the PZ-58.

Tsunoda King TTC RP-200 Needle Nose and ENGINEER Neji-Saurus GT PZ-58 Screw Removal

 

[dclark2171]

I purchased a set of Tsunoda tongue and groove pliers and was impressed

 

[riceaterSLC]

Stopped by factory gear store in Tokyo over the weekend. Selection was pretty good. Quite a bit of snap on, maybe more than any other brand. Deen was probably the second most popular brand there, never heard of them before. Also a decent amount of wera, wiha, and PB Swiss.

Went looking for a Koken spark plug socket but they were out. I did score the pictured lot for $263. I think I did ok.

 

[kyrbz]

Stopped by factory gear store in Tokyo over the weekend. Selection was pretty good. Quite a bit of snap on, maybe more than any other brand. Deen was probably the second most popular brand there, never heard of them before. Also a decent amount of wera, wiha, and PB Swiss.

Went looking for a Koken spark plug socket but they were out. I did score the pictured lot for $263. I think I did ok.

Deen is kind of their house brand private label stuff. Most of it is made in Japan but not all of it. The last time ( December 2023) I was in the Tokyo store, Deen tools were probably what they had the most of followed by Koken and Nepros. The US and Euro tools made up a fairly small part of their inventory.


1/2 of the Deen aisle


"I like tools"