Tools of Japan

[kitdoctor]

Actually searching through that haul can you tell me the part numbers for the items circled in red.

 

[rick carpenter]

For flush cuts, I love the below Tsunodas. I have a similar Knipex, but like the Tsunoda. I use them almost exclusively for wire ties.

https://www.amazon.com/Tsunoda-KBN-150-Cable-Cutter-6-Inch/dp/B0756YR7XX/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Thanks, I've alternately had the KBN-150s and the TH-125Cs (flush cut with lead catcher) in my cart ready to buy. Can't remember why I took them out...

 

[Steel_Rain]

As punishment for posting this, I think you should provide a list detailing all of these including manufacturer, description and part number.

Out of curiosity was this one order, from where?

I've posted a few so far from the this go around. I won't post everything since a few of these items have already been posted in this giant thread and I like to keep things interesting for the members here.

This is actually haul 1 of 2. The other items haven't been unboxed yet. All of it is from Amazon Japan by way of Blackship. Blackship allows you to hold items for up to 45 days without a fee, so I just let them accrue and usually have them shipped all at once every 2-3 months or so. I love doing that because often times I'll forget what I ordered, unbox, remember, and giggle like an idiot.

I'll get to your red circle requests over the next few days, but here are some others:

KTC AE931 / AE932 (these are stunning in person, amazing quality):







KTC FF-90110 (big *** oil filter wrench):




KTC AE921 (x2):

 

[Steel_Rain]

KTC TB3L10 / TB310:





KTC EHBF310:






KTC ATP2032A:

 

[Steel_Rain]

KTC BR2S (1/4" micro ratchet):





For Scale:



KTC TBZP 637:






Even the storage case is "Made in Japan" :

 

[Steel_Rain]

Lobster B50S (Stainless c-clamp, unbelievable quality):





Vicor MZHG-225:






Koken RS3300XZ/12 and RS3300MZ/12:

 

[rick carpenter]

KTC BR2S (1/4" micro ratchet):

For Scale:



KTC TBZP 637:

Most science-type people use a banana for scale, but you be you!

 

[kitdoctor]

I've posted a few so far from the this go around. I won't post everything since a few of these items have already been posted in this giant thread and I like to keep things interesting for the members here.

Hi Steel_Rain, thanks for doing that. You didn't need to.

I spent some time delving into that photo and identified some awesome items, like the oil filter wrench. There were also some items e.g. the pink handled trim removal tools I'd already identified as want items.

I worked out that you'd picked up the KTC inspection mirror but just can't identify those items in the RHS red circle.

Thanks for that tip about Blackship, never heard of this, so being new to the process of acquiring some Japanese tools I'll check that out.

Here in Australia, there's not a lot of retailers that carry Japanese tools, let alone a reasonable range. amazon.com.au provides some options but amazon.com.jp seems to have few items that will ship to Australia. I'll keep investigating options.

Once again thanks for entertaining and educating us with these awesome hauls and enlightening me on logistics.

 

[tamaraw]

but just can't identify those items in the RHS red circle.

Nepros 1/4" square screwdriver handles; NB12, NB12S, NB12SS

 

[Steel_Rain]

I worked out that you'd picked up the KTC inspection mirror but just can't identify those items in the RHS red circle.

Nepros 1/4" square screwdriver handles; NB12, NB12S, NB12SS

Like Tamaraw said…

Nepros NB12, NB12S and NB12S:





Nepros NTD1M04:






This completes my Nepros “resin grip” set:

 

[Steel_Rain]

I worked out that you'd picked up the KTC inspection mirror but just can't identify those items in the RHS red circle.

Yes, your 100% on the mirror.

KTC VS2:




Made in USA! I can’t find to many made in USA inspection mirrors here in the States, but I can find one made by a Japanese tool company and import it.

 

[Steel_Rain]

Thanks for that tip about Blackship, never heard of this, so being new to the process of acquiring some Japanese tools I'll check that out.

Here in Australia, there's not a lot of retailers that carry Japanese tools, let alone a reasonable range. amazon.com.au provides some options but amazon.com.jp seems to have few items that will ship to Australia. I'll keep investigating options.

Once again thanks for entertaining and educating us with these awesome hauls and enlightening me on logistics.

Absolutely, glad I could help. Blackship is amazing, very easy to use and has never let me down in the last 2ish years.

Stay tuned for more!

 

[kitdoctor]

Nepros 1/4" square screwdriver handles; NB12, NB12S, NB12SS

I thought they were inspection mirrors

 

[kitdoctor]

Absolutely, glad I could help. Blackship is amazing, very easy to use and has never let me down in the last 2ish years.

Stay tuned for more!

Loving what I'm seeing!

Those KTC Nepros "resin grip" screwdrivers etc. look the goods in terms of providing an excellent grip.

KTC's range of products in their catalogue is simply mind blowing.

Although I've had a life long interest in cars and tools I've acquired very little of the latter and too many of the former (which are all in storage).

What tools I did acquire were just some very basic items. Being from Australia I acquired some Sidchrome items (decades ago). I think Sidchrome originated in Australia. They used to manufacture their own tools (all of????) but over the decades shifted direction and now source most of their tools from Taiwan. There are some items (e.g. punches) that are still made in Australia.

Given what I had acquired in the past I thought I'd continue with acquiring mainly Sidchrome tools but as the years have rolled past their range has become very, very small and now with the internet, Amazon and freight forwarding services it opens up a whole new world.

I retired some six years ago and for what has been the better part of four years (working at it almost full-time - never again!) I've been project managing the build of our retirement home, starting with a liveable shed and detached garage. I'm covering this in my build thread (see links below to this and my one video on my YouTube channel).

I'm now leaning towards buiding a tool kit comprising a mix of different brands with a focus on Japanese and German tools but still incorporating what I've already got. It can't be an unlimited budget exercise given the money dropped so far on our build (I've never had so many consultants and contractors in my pockets withdrawing my money!) but I like it to comprise items that will do the job and last.

...sounds like fun!

 

[F-22]

~23€ from Misumi. How could I not?

 

[Draftpick1]

Like Tamaraw said…

Nepros NB12, NB12S and NB12S:





Nepros NTD1M04:






This completes my Nepros “resin grip” set:

Where is the best place to pick up some nepros screwdrivers?

 

[pizza]

Nepros NB12, NB12S and NB12S:

i was not impressed with nepros plastic handle tools (their screwdrivers and similar):

There are voids in the plastic handle between the components or something, or perhaps the fit against the metal has a gap. Because of this, every time you touch/use/squeeze the handle, it makes a creaking or cracking noise. It is loud and noticeable, and it makes the tool feel cheap. This is my main complaint. If the handle did not make noises like this, I would not have emailed you.

did they finally fix it?

 

[Steel_Rain]

i was not impressed with nepros plastic handle tools (their screwdrivers and similar):



did they finally fix it?

Excellent point. I noticed this on the #3 PH driver a few weeks ago, but not the rest of the them. It almost felt like sticky back glue coming undone. I don't think it reduces the function, but I can see how it would be annoying to some.

AFAIK, the rest of them are quiet when I held them, but I haven't used the straight blade or the 1/4' drivers yet.

 

[Steel_Rain]

I've bought many Japanese scissors over the years and the ones that have ended up staying on my bench are 170mm Kais. I've found Inexpensive SK-11s to be great for heavy duty tasks, and for comfort and precision nothing else I've found equal the Kai 7000 series.

If these are that good, I need to try them. I have many pairs of Japanese made scissors, but I'm always willing to try something new. Does Kai make cardboard cutting scissors or anything that fits the more industrial side of things?

 

[Dave455]

i was not impressed with nepros plastic handle tools (their screwdrivers and similar):



did they finally fix it?

I must admit, I thought the same.

Their wrenches, socket wrenches, and accessories are nothing but the very highest quality.

I’d say the same of their wooden handle screwdrivers too, although they’re not really durable enough for most mechanical work.

But I wasn’t impressed with the plastic handle drivers (I bought one to try). Although I generally like Japanese tools, sometimes I find the styling less than ideal, and I think this is a case.

I don’t like the balance for a start. They are too handle heavy. And as Pizza found, the outer part of the handle seems to separate from the inner giving a weird feel. You get the impression that if you really twisted it, the outer part would rotate on the inner.

I think KTC have tried hard to make a driver that’s everything to everybody, but have ended up with something imperfect.

Overall, I love the majority of their tools, but you are better off with the regular KTC drivers, or even Vessel.

 

[Reed Prince]

If these are that good, I need to try them. I have many pairs of Japanese made scissors, but I'm always willing to try something new. Does Kai make cardboard cutting scissors or anything that fits the more industrial side of things?

I don't think they make anything designed for cardboard, but they do have models with serrated blades that professionals like. "With its serrated blade and high carbon, hardened stainless steel blades, aramid fabrics like Kevlar®, Nomex®, Carbon-Fiber, Dyneema®, Spectra®, Carbon Fiber, Fiberglass, and Fire Resistant Fabrics are easily cut."

 

[IRQVET]

The Nepros wooden handle screw driver set is pricey!

 

[IRQVET]

~23€ from Misumi. How could I not?

Their product description had me laughing so hard . . .

"A trunk-shaped metal case. Convenient for management etc"

 

[pizza]

AFAIK, the rest of them are quiet when I held them, but I haven't used the straight blade or the 1/4' drivers yet.

iirc, i emailed them explaining the issue (along with video clip), then they paid for me to DHL it back to japan to them (lol). they received it and replied that they 'confirmed the issue', and then they sent me a new screwdriver with the exact same issue.

so you can see why i would assume basically every handle suffers from that.

i'm pleasantly surprised to hear that's not the case, but it's a bummer that at least some of them are still like that.

but hey, they're pretty nice otherwise.

personally, i've moved onto pbswiss E6L (long) bits. when for some reason i don't want to use a power tool, i use them with the wiha centrofix handle. i'd probably only buy new dedicated drivers for something specialty where i need extra long reach.

 

[pizza]

ran out of edits – "thanks, GJ"™

or another reason i'd get another dedicated driver is if i wanted to leave a driver in some specific place for some specific task or maintenance kit.

anyway, the only reason i asked was because you have so many of them, and i was hoping that they weren't 100% plagued by the admittedly minor issue. one other thing i don't like is the aesthetics of that jewel-style rubber badge sticker with the model number stuck into a cutout in the grip which reminds me of something a toy would have. besides that, they're marvelous and super high quality.

 

[john.k]

Local tool chain manager said to me that toolsets in tin boxes with latches typically cost $ 10- $ 30 extra selling price ..........so they supply tools in plastic boxes for $10-$30 less for the same quality ,and most buyers nowdays are using drawer storage .

 

[CR888]

Yes, your 100% on the mirror.

KTC VS2:



Made in USA! I can’t find to many made in USA inspection mirrors here in the States, but I can find one made by a Japanese tool company and import it.

The handle appear very similar to what Ullman uses on there long shank hook & picks. My guess is that it's an Ullman product

 

[Steel_Rain]

so you can see why i would assume basically every handle suffers from that.

i'm pleasantly surprised to hear that's not the case, but it's a bummer that at least some of them are still like that.

but hey, they're pretty nice otherwise.

anyway, the only reason i asked was because you have so many of them, and i was hoping that they weren't 100% plagued by the admittedly minor issue. one other thing i don't like is the aesthetics of that jewel-style rubber badge sticker with the model number stuck into a cutout in the grip which reminds me of something a toy would have. besides that, they're marvelous and super high quality.

I had no idea of the issue before purchase or I may have re-considered. I can definitely hear this with the #3 PH. On purpose last night, I used the rest of these and found, in my case, it's only the largest handled drivers. The largest + and largest -- suffer from the noise while using them. I can't detect it with the smaller drivers or the 1/4" drive handles. Odd issue. I don't think it's worth pursuing it with KTC/Nepros given your experience, but as Dave455 said, it's definitely not something typical with Japanese made tools, especially in this class.

To my ears, it sounds like the adhesive they use to bind the resin material to the core drive of the shank is making a cracking sound when its under pressure when the material flexes. I can't see that impairing function, but it does diminish the perceived quality of the driver in question.

 

[Steel_Rain]

but you are better off with the regular KTC drivers

To Dave's point...

KTC PMD18:





KTC DBR14 (Made in Taiwan):







This switching / removal shank driver reminds me of my older SO's and has an industrial feel. Heavy backdrag and built like a tank. This is not a driver for light duty work. Despite not being made in Japan, the build quality / material quality is very high and I like that about it.

KTC UD6-10 / UD4-10:



Looks like KTC has OH (O.H. Industrial) make the UD6-10:

 

[rick carpenter]

If these are that good, I need to try them. I have many pairs of Japanese made scissors, but I'm always willing to try something new. Does Kai make cardboard cutting scissors or anything that fits the more industrial side of things?

Try one of these...

https://www.amazon.com/CANARY-Cardboard-Non-Stick-Serrated-Stainless/dp/B0D2CQLVXT/?tag=atomicindus08-20

I use mine in the warehouse at work to cut plastic strapping & shrinkwrap and then open & break down boxes. Works great, but I didn't buy the sheathed version. Should have.

 

[kitdoctor]

I'm certainly benefiting from the user experiences with the KTC nepros "grippy" plastic handles. It seems looks can be deceiving.

 

[pizza]

If these are that good, I need to try them. I have many pairs of Japanese made scissors, but I'm always willing to try something new. Does Kai make cardboard cutting scissors or anything that fits the more industrial side of things?

so, i believe the kai 7000-series are really supposed to be fabric shears. people say they're technically not supposed to even be used for paper and stuff if you care about blade life since that has natural abrasive like silica particles that dull it faster, idk. they are super sharp and smooth. i use them for any kind of non-abusive cutting task so fabric, fabric tapes, and thinner paper stuff.

I've bought many Japanese scissors over the years and the ones that have ended up staying on my bench are 170mm Kais. I've found Inexpensive SK-11s to be great for heavy duty tasks, and for comfort and precision nothing else I've found equal the Kai 7000 series.

even though i have small hands, i don't really like the small, symmetric handles featured on the 7170 and maybe others in that size range. i strongly prefer the larger, asymm handles like what's on the 7250. i know there's at least one in-between size featuring the asymm handle as well.

another thing i've noticed is that the joints can use some tweaking. they seem to cut well even with them pretty loose, so feel free to adjust them until they're silky smooth. the joint's pretty easy to adjust. i don't think it's easy to ruin it. to loosen it, loosen the outer nut, then slightly loosen the inner nut. next, re-tighten the outer nut while holding the inner nut fixed. you'll understand if you look at it.

unlike the kais that seem to cut well across the entire blade draw over a pretty good range of joint tensions, i found shozaburo shears kinda ****** to adjust.

 

[bongkar_YES_pasang_NO]

KTC DBR14 (Made in Taiwan):

maybe rebranded from this Toptul GAAR1002

 

[kitdoctor]

maybe rebranded from this Toptul GAAR1002

I'm thinking you're correct.

 

[IRQVET]

To Dave's point...

KTC PMD18:

Does the KTC Screw Drivers PMD18 come with magnetic tips?

It's one of those stupid features I have grown to appreciate, lol.

 

[FigN⋅m]

even though i have small hands, i don't really like the small, symmetric handles featured on the 7170 and maybe others in that size range. i strongly prefer the larger, asymm handles like what's on the 7250. i know there's at least one in-between size featuring the asymm handle as well.

I don't have any real data on this, (and I do agree with you a bit) but I think it is because that type of scissor is
used for trimming thread and small fabric parts (embroidery etc.) and as such you tend to hold the handles
perpendicular to you and the work piece, unlike cutting large fabrics where you typically run the blade inline with the cut.

 

[gilbo]

KTC BR2S (1/4" micro ratchet):





For Scale:



KTC TBZP 637:






Even the storage case is "Made in Japan" :

REALLY!!!!!!!!! Steel_Rain. You know you are making us go broke with all these pictures.

Now, show us the tool chest or chests ('i'm going plural) holding all these tools.

 

[Dave455]

To Dave's point...

KTC PMD18:

Exactly the ones I was thinking of!

I must admit that for greasy work I slightly prefer an opaque hard handle, but either option is waaay better than any of these soft grip things!

Reasonably priced too.

I have one vehicle with some Phillips screws (my only one) so was thinking of adding a couple of those KTC drivers to my vehicle kit.

Vessel Crystaline have to be a competitor, and are also reasonably priced, even for these larger sets.

 

[Reed Prince]

I'm really impressed by the quality of Vessel bits. I've been hammering away at the same set with my Makita pen impact for years and they still work great.

 

[Rinspeed]

I'm pretty sure I made a huge mistake subscribing to this thread.