Tools of Japan

[rick carpenter]

Igarashi soft jaw pliers and Engineer screw pliers, the smallest of the bunch.
The IPS pliers seem to be painted, not quite happy about that as it'll get scratched easily. I assume it's an additional layer of protection for the item being handled. Can't say much about the Engineer pliers. I bought them for small screws and tight spaces where the original Vampliers (the typical combination plier type) nor the Twin Grips would fit.

You'll like the PZ-57s. I bought a pair in 2022 and have used them probably a minimum of 3-4 times a day during the two school years since. They've worked well removing funged M2 chromebook screws that have been locked in proud with too much thread sealer after an initial repair.

 

[Outahere]

palmac.net / kokenusa.com

palmac doesn't keep your data safe. they either sold mine or stored it insecurely, booooo



^ spam received at an address given only to them

Small potatoes compared to this:

massive-data-breach-at-national-public-data-exposes-2-7-billion-records

......The scope of the breach is staggering, affecting millions of people worldwide, with a significant portion of the victims being U.S. citizens. The detailed nature of the exposed information puts individuals at an increased risk of identity theft, fraud, and sophisticated phishing attacks....

 

[GX460DIYguy]

Found this old koken 17mm socket today. Didn’t expect to find this in my small town.

 

[akfd]

Has anyone here used Lobtex/Lobster lineman’s pliers and/or needle nose pliers? How do they compare to other well-known brands, like Keiba or Knipex?

P.S. This is actually my first post!

 

[Qualitytools]

Has anyone here used Lobtex/Lobster lineman’s pliers and/or needle nose pliers? How do they compare to other well-known brands, like Keiba or Knipex?

P.S. This is actually my first post!

Welcome to GJ, I don’t have an answer to your question but wanted to welcome you. It appears that you have been lurking for sometime now, glad you decided to jump in I am sure others with that experience will chime in.

 

[rick carpenter]

Has anyone here used Lobtex/Lobster lineman’s pliers and/or needle nose pliers? How do they compare to other well-known brands, like Keiba or Knipex?

P.S. This is actually my first post!

Welcome @akfd ! Have heard good things about Lobtex and all of their line is supposedly made in Japan. You'll have to show us what you get!

 

[Jeff]

Has anyone here used Lobtex/Lobster lineman’s pliers and/or needle nose pliers? How do they compare to other well-known brands, like Keiba or Knipex?

P.S. This is actually my first post!

I prefer NWS over any other linesman pliers or needle nose.

 

[CGarage]

I prefer NWS over any other linesman pliers or needle nose.

Post link please

 

[four.cycle]

Has anyone here used Lobtex/Lobster lineman’s pliers and/or needle nose pliers?

Hello afkd and welcome to the site!

Lobtex makes a pretty nice adjustable wrench. I have not owned or used any of their pliers.

Overall, highest marks for lineman's pliers on this site go to Klein. Same with needle-nose.

On the flip side, the Japanese are eating our lunch on pliers and screwdriver innovation.
Look at:
Tsunoda
Merry
Vampire
Engineer

NWS, Jeff's recommendation, is a top-shelf German line

@Jeff ooo they're not cheap, are they?

 

[Jeff]

Post link please

Pliers by Knipex, KC Tool, NWS, Felo, Gedore, Orbis, Hazet, Picard, and Stahlwille - KC Tool

Knipex pliers, combination pliers, linemans pliers and more on sale. Pliers by Knipex, German Pliers, Extremely high quality Pliers. German made pliers by Felo, Gedore, Orbis, Stahlwille.

www.kctool.com

 

[Etchase]

NWS branded them Irwin a few years ago. I bought a couple pair for $18 each. Might be making it to garage sales by now. All the box stores were stocking them.

 

[F-22]

I prefer NWS over any other linesman pliers or needle nose.

NWS makes nice pliers, but I'd point out they don't really make linesman pliers (big combination pliers instead), and only the sleek and long type of needle nose pliers. The needle nose plier term is applied to all pliers that taper down to a point but nowadays this group is way too big to limit it by that. The NWS pliers are good for reaching into tight spaces but not for heavy duty work as is often nowadays seen more and more with needle nose pliers, though they are stronger and shorter than the average Knipex version.

For example:


But then if I would put my big Merry pliers next to these they're like an MX5 Miata next to a truck:



Different tools for different tasks...
I am very tempted to try out this Knipex offering:

 

[Jeff]

NWS makes nice pliers, but I'd point out they don't really make linesman pliers (big combination pliers instead), and only the sleek and long type of needle nose pliers. The needle nose plier term is applied to all pliers that taper down to a point but nowadays this group is way too big to limit it by that. The NWS pliers are good for reaching into tight spaces but not for heavy duty work as is often nowadays seen more and more with needle nose pliers, though they are stronger and shorter than the average Knipex version.
For example:But then if I would put my big Merry pliers next to these they're like an MX5 Miata next to a truck:
Different tools for different tasks...
I am very tempted to try out this Knipex offering:

I have a set of 8" NWS pliers. I have literally beaten the **** out of them. No issues. But I have broken two 150mm Knipex pliers.

 

[akfd]

Hello afkd and welcome to the site!

Lobtex makes a pretty nice adjustable wrench. I have not owned or used any of their pliers.

Overall, highest marks for lineman's pliers on this site go to Klein. Same with needle-nose.

On the flip side, the Japanese are eating our lunch on pliers and screwdriver innovation.
Look at:
Tsunoda
Merry
Vampire
Engineer

NWS, Jeff's recommendation, is a top-shelf German line

@Jeff ooo they're not cheap, are they?

I have the exact wrench too!

 

[rick carpenter]

This Lobster (Lobtex) UM24B adjustable wrench arrived today and has gone straight into the blue Trusco toolbox for the toolkit I'm building for my granddaughter. Gonna get a smoke handle version for my grandson's smoke Trusco toolbox.

 

[Steel_Rain]

In my quest to find a Japanese made ratcheting wrench, I stumbled across these while browsing TOP tools on Amazon Japan:

https://www.amazon.co.jp/gp/product/B001D33Z96/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o02_s01?ie=UTF8&th=1

I found a seller on eBay selling locally in the US. I sent him an offer ($20) and sure enough, he accepted it. I ended get 6 of these, all brand new old stock:








I had reached out to Chris Cas about these and he was right on all counts. Somewhat bulky, low tooth count, with moderate backdrag and the direction selector placement isn't optimal...but, what a heavy duty bit of hardware this is! I have experience with heavy industrial equipment and these fit the bill. They feel like iron in the hand. I have more confidence in these ratcheting wrenches then I do with any of my S/O, Tone, Quinn, Icon or Tekton box ends.

They feel super premium in the hand and I love the offset. Heavy clicks, the selector is very satisfying to press and the weight makes you feel like you can use a 3ft pipe on these.

Here are some comparison pics of what I had laying around:




I love the finish on these:

 

[FigN⋅m]

In my quest to find a Japanese made ratcheting wrench, I stumbled across these while browsing TOP tools on Amazon Japan:

https://www.amazon.co.jp/gp/product/B001D33Z96/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o02_s01?ie=UTF8&th=1

I found a seller on eBay selling locally in the US. I sent him an offer ($20) and sure enough, he accepted it. I ended get 6 of these, all brand new old stock:

Those look cool!
Would be a great glovebox wrench - I could take half of my 4Runner apart with one

 

[rick carpenter]

In my quest to find a Japanese made ratcheting wrench, I stumbled across these while browsing TOP tools on Amazon Japan:

https://www.amazon.co.jp/gp/product/B001D33Z96/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o02_s01?ie=UTF8&th=1

I found a seller on eBay selling locally in the US. I sent him an offer ($20) and sure enough, he accepted it. I ended get 6 of these, all brand new old stock:








I had reached out to Chris Cas about these and he was right on all counts. Somewhat bulky, low tooth count, with moderate backdrag and the direction selector placement isn't optimal...but, what a heavy duty bit of hardware this is! I have experience with heavy industrial equipment and these fit the bill. They feel like iron in the hand. I have more confidence in these ratcheting wrenches then I do with any of my S/O, Tone, Quinn, Icon or Tekton box ends.

They feel super premium in the hand and I love the offset. Heavy clicks, the selector is very satisfying to press and the weight makes you feel like you can use a 3ft pipe on these.

Here are some comparison pics of what I had laying around:




I love the finish on these:

Great find! I'm impressed with the range of sizes they offered.

 

[Reed Prince]

A few years ago, after buying and really liking a TOP adjustable wrench, I purchased a set of ratcheting ones from Amazon Japan. They're nice, but almost certainly Taiwanese and nothing special.

 

[tamaraw]

A tool of Japan; Casio BGD-5650-5JF

Got a pile of hand tools from amazon.co.jp recently and threw this on the order as well. It is solar powered and syncs with an atomic clock via radio signal. The brown colorway is Japanese market exclusive.

 

[tamaraw]

In my quest to find a Japanese made ratcheting wrench, I stumbled across these while browsing TOP tools on Amazon Japan:

https://www.amazon.co.jp/gp/product/B001D33Z96/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o02_s01?ie=UTF8&th=1

I found a seller on eBay selling locally in the US. I sent him an offer ($20) and sure enough, he accepted it. I ended get 6 of these, all brand new old stock:








I had reached out to Chris Cas about these and he was right on all counts. Somewhat bulky, low tooth count, with moderate backdrag and the direction selector placement isn't optimal...but, what a heavy duty bit of hardware this is! I have experience with heavy industrial equipment and these fit the bill. They feel like iron in the hand. I have more confidence in these ratcheting wrenches then I do with any of my S/O, Tone, Quinn, Icon or Tekton box ends.

They feel super premium in the hand and I love the offset. Heavy clicks, the selector is very satisfying to press and the weight makes you feel like you can use a 3ft pipe on these.

Here are some comparison pics of what I had laying around:




I love the finish on these:

I think you blew that listing up! I see multiple pending offers now, lol

 

[tamaraw]

amazon.co.jp order image dump (1/2)

KTC AE107-3A
19mm hex to 3/8" square adapter It's sold as part of a set for a belt tensioner tool but I got it to convert a 19x24 wrench to a breaker bar as part of a compact bike kit. Pictured with Gedore wrench below:



Anex 8100
I wasn't expecting much but this is a really nice quality handle. The blade is reversible from +2 to -6 and it uses a friction grip to hold the bit in. It won't work with very short bits but any longer hex bits fit very snugly.

TONE FWA-3
Offset 3/8" torque wrench adapter in 10mm size. Second picture shows it next to a Snap-On 12mm. I haven't had a chance to use it yet but the design and build quality seem alright. Pretty sure it is Taiwan MFG like most of TONE's offerings.




Anex AK-50P
Stubby 1/4" hex to square adapter



Vessel Wood-Compo Stubby, 320 series
I like my megadora stubbies but I have had a few times where they get slippery (ex: turning hose clamps on hydraulic reservoir lines or rebuilding/lubing ratchets) so I got the wood compo versions to have as well.



KTC SD3-M, SD3-P
Very compact stubbies. I had the +2 previously but got the -6 to go with it.

 

[tamaraw]

amazon.co.jp order image dump (2/2)

KTC SCP-172LL
Got this for a brake caliper rebuild project I am working on, I don't want to think about how much this project is costing me


KTC AB-7
It's listed as a tool for drum brake springs, but works just as well as a general purpose hook/grabber. The tip is blunted so it is harder to stab yourself or bend it, a nice touch.



Koken RS2010M/7-L25
1/4" hex bit sockets; 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 10mm



KTC GLK-RA2
1/4" ratchet adapter with a 17mm hex on the female square drive end. The ratchet action is smooth and the direction dial is easy to turn but doesn't fall out of position. There is also a center lock position in case you need that.



KTC BR2S
Stubby 1/4" ratchet, 36 tooth batwing pawl design with a quick release. Out of the box it was pretty clicky with high backdrag but I cut a fair bit off the ball bearing spring and now backdrag is very light. The rounded form is also very nice in the hand. Unfortunately the head on one of the two screws on the backplate came partially stripped from the factory and I had to use an extractor to get it out.



Nepros NTBT2L06A
1/4" long bit sockets: 2, 2.5, 3, 4, 5, 6mm

The pictures don't do these justice, they are quite bling (and also crazy expensive). I have had my eye on these for a while and finally splurged on the set. Comparison photo of the 6mm size next to a Hazet 1/2" 6mm bit socket.



Merry HS175C
The electrical connector pliers that have been posted here probably a dozen times, finally picked up a pair for myself. Sensor connectors with limited clearance are hell on my fingers but hopefully these should help.




KTC BE4-200, BE4-100, BE4-50
I already had the Nepros 1/2" extension set but unfortunately they only make 3 lengths, one of which (not pictured) is 300mm long and doesn't fit very well in my cart. I put that back in my larger box and replaced it with two 200mm extensions from the regular KTC line as well as getting the 100mm and 50mm sizes.



TONE SMS-08
Stainless 8mm combination wrench. I didn't need a stainless wrench but figured it would be easy to pick out of my others and thought the "SUS TOOL" marking was pretty funny. The photos online show a cool polished stainless surface but the one I actually received is a matte finish, oh well.

 

[rick carpenter]

Fast and furious...

Nevermind this, idiot me posted this in the wrong forum. Sorry folks.

 

[rick carpenter]

KTC BE4-200, BE4-100, BE4-50
I already had the Nepros 1/2" extension set but unfortunately they only make 3 lengths, one of which (not pictured) is 300mm long and doesn't fit very well in my cart. I put that back in my larger box and replaced it with two 200mm extensions from the regular KTC line as well as getting the 100mm and 50mm sizes.

I only seem to trust extensions with squared shoulders. May not be a real thing to worry about, but it's me.

 

[tamaraw]

I only seem to trust extensions with squared shoulders. May not be a real thing to worry about, but it's me.

Not sure I follow the description, you have an example?

 

[Stubby1743]

Although probably never an issue in relation to socket extensions, generally in engineering, it's better to have a smooth transition between different diameters.

 

[BlitzcrankJapan]

palmac.net / kokenusa.com

palmac doesn't keep your data safe. they either sold mine or stored it insecurely, booooo



^ spam received at an address given only to them

The most likely scenario here is that Palmac has their servers compromised and don't even know it.

 

[F-22]

Although probably never an issue in relation to socket extensions, generally in engineering, it's better to have a smooth transition between different diameters.

Yes, I'd say regarding the Japanese extensions it's more of a show-off thing. Also in engineering, any kind of radii are avoided due to being costly to manufacture. Or long tapers - reminds me of the 60's Husky USA (New Britain) ratchet and the 60's PAL Japan copy of it (back when Japan was still catching up on quality, not exceeding like it does nowadays). The Husky handle had a very long slight taper from the handle towards the head, with very deep knurling on the handle and high quality chrome on polished steel. Meanwhile the PAL was a bit murky unpolished and the handle was straight and the knurling wasn't as deep. It's interesting to see them side by side, the details make the Husky seem very exceptional and the PAL was just a cheap copy.

 

[Steel_Rain]

Those look cool!
Would be a great glovebox wrench - I could take half of my 4Runner apart with one

Do you want one (free)?

3 have homes already, but I have 3 extra's that I don't really need. Seems like a waste to have them sitting on a shelf somewhere.

 

[rick carpenter]

Not sure I follow the description, you have an example?

The circular, radial 'shoulder' -- 90* to the axis -- where the shank transitions to the anvil. I can respect @Stubby1743 's engineering statement, but an extension with a flat shoulder is very similar to how a socket wrench's anvil protrudes from the gear.

 

[tamaraw]

The circular, radial 'shoulder' -- 90* to the axis -- where the shank transitions to the anvil. I can respect @Stubby1743 's engineering statement, but an extension with a flat shoulder is very similar to how a socket wrench's anvil protrudes from the gear.

I think you are talking about the green section but other people are commenting on the red?

 

[Outahere]

Some Mitsubishi/UNI Kuru Toga mechanical pencils (0.5mm lead) purchased from Amazon-US.
From L to R:

"Roulette"
"Pipe slide"
"Standard"
"Standard"

 

[rick carpenter]

I think you are talking about the green section but other people are commenting on the red?

Yes, the green. I guess I didn't make it clear that your KTC extensions are the style I prefer.

 

[Ohio Andy]

Some Mitsubishi/UNI Kuru Toga mechanical pencils (0.5mm lead) purchased from Amazon-US.
From L to R:

"Roulette"
"Pipe slide"
"Standard"
"Standard"

awesome pencils

 

[Steel_Rain]

Just wanted to give these guys a shout out:



Has the feel of PB swiss in the handles and I must say these are close to a "perfect grip".

 

[Qualitytools]

Just wanted to give these guys a shout out:



Has the feel of PB swiss in the handles and I must say these are close to a "perfect grip".

Are the ratcheting? They look great, thank you for sharing.

 

[Steel_Rain]

Wish they were, but nope, these are fixed position drivers.

 

[CGarage]

Looks like I need to try a set.

 

[Reed Prince]

They remind me of Vessel Vector handles.