Tools of Japan

[Ohio Andy]

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.

I almost purchased some vessel bits but I vaguely remember hearing that they are not 1/4" so would but work with my driver's... So I would need to buy a vessel driver

 

[Ohio Andy]

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

Feed the addiction

 

[four.cycle]

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

Monetarily, perhaps.
Otherwise, no.
Not once you've held some of the stuff in your hand.
You just don't know until you know.

 

[Dave455]

I almost purchased some vessel bits but I vaguely remember hearing that they are not 1/4" so would but work with my driver's... So I would need to buy a vessel driver

The Japanese bits are 1/4”.

The only difference is that the detent in the shank is in a different position. Japanese on left, European / U.S. on right.

The Japanese bits sold in the U.S. and Europe are made to European specs, only the bits for the Japanese market are to their standard. They are sometimes referred to as “JDM” for Japanese Domestic Market.


The longer shank before the detent makes it easier to offer reversible bits, which are pretty unique to the JDM system.

The other advantage is that the selection of JDM bits available is huge. There are styles that are simply not available with the European shank.

And of course at present, due to exchange rates, the prices of Japanese tools sourced from Japan, are incredibly reasonable.

 

[crashmtb]

Huh. I just noticed that Asahi's ratchets are actually made in Taiwan. https://asahitool-online-store.com/products/lvr3180-3-8sq-ratchet-handle-180-mm
Kind of disappointing.

My asahi lightool ratchets said made in japan on the labels.

 

[Steel_Rain]

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.

The other advantage is that the selection of JDM bits available is huge.

Gilbo, you'll have to wait till I'm happy with the amount I have in the JDM box to share, but here is a small example and something to also prove Dave455's point about JDM bit selection:

 

[Steel_Rain]

Engineer TZ-14:






Engineer PA-14:

 

[Steel_Rain]

Engineer PR-46:







Engineer PD-08:

 

[Steel_Rain]

Engineer NK-48:






Not 100% sure these are Made in Japan. I cannot see anything on the packaging or cutters themselves that has the COO. It does say this in the Amazon (USA) description, but we all know that's not always true:



Regardless, they are good quality and very well made.

Engineer PZ-75:







If you buy ONE Japanese tool this year, make it this one. This is why I love Japanese tools so much. Extremely high attention to detail, great overmold, two section jaws, one side for screw extraction and the other for pulling/yanking. I have many pairs of screw extracting pliers but these are next level in both build quality, material quality, design, comfort and practical use cases. Buy them.

 

[Reed Prince]

Gilbo, you'll have to wait till I'm happy with the amount I have in the JDM box to share, but here is a small example and something to also prove Dave455's point about JDM bit selection:

I've tried a number of different small Japanese screwdrivers over the years, but the ones I use the most are still mainly European. Maybe there are some exceptional ones out there that I don't know about.

 

[Steel_Rain]

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

I want that full set…but it’s been discontinued for over a year at this point and I cannot find it anywhere in stock any longer. You can still buy them individually, but I’d rather have the entire set with the case.

 

[pizza]

The other advantage is that the selection of JDM bits available is huge. There are styles that are simply not available with the European shank.

interesting, do you mean thin-shank offerings or something else?

 

[Dave455]

interesting, do you mean thin-shank offerings or something else?

I was thinking of thin shank bits.


But also the availability of double ended bits. And the trouble they take to colour code the sizes.


And things like extra long bits.


And all the “specialist” bits.


And the variety of sockets.


But take a look at Steel Rain’s selection above!

I think he‘s got more experience of these than me!

 

[gilbo]

Gilbo, you'll have to wait till I'm happy with the amount I have in the JDM box to share, but here is a small example and something to also prove Dave455's point about JDM bit selection:

Listen, to you SMALL sample, please. who are you trying to kidd. HHHH

 

[rick carpenter]

Two Tsunoda WP-150D's arrived today. They join two each Tsunoda PL-150 pliers, Lobster UM24S adjustable wrenches, and Megadora +2x100's & -6x100's in a couple of T-320 toolboxes to be given to the grandkids. They're most likely to play with the adjustables and the WP's, which is why I ground the flat driver tips off, but what do you expect from 3-yr-olds? Nippers are on the way. Then I'll order some Japanese long nose pliers and Western-style Japanese 20oz E-39-P rip hammers from Hardwick & Sons... and prolly give the boxes to the kids (uhhhh, to their parents for safety's sake!) at that point.

 

[MR2FC]

I thought I'd have a look at one of the previously mentioned KTC screwdriver sets, just out of interest. Amazon UK has an interesting translation:

 

[F-22]

I'm a sucker for tang through penetration drivers with ribbed transparent plastic outer shape.

 

[Steel_Rain]

KTC ATP2014:







KTC AH3 (stone puller outta tire thing):






KTC AD101 (covered to death in this thread, so just a single pic):

 

[IRQVET]

Just got the Made in Japan Craftsman SAE set next to my metric set in foam. SAE set wasn't NOS like my metric, but in near perfect condition.

Forgive the foam cutting mistakes, this is my first attempt at tool box foam.

 

[TRLKC]

Saw a YouTube video from the Koken booth at 2024 SEMA show. They talked about the Koken Z Series Clip Type spark plug sockets and they gave a coupon code for 20% off all Token through Veterans Day (SEMA2024). So, today I snatched a set of four at just over $80 with the coupon and free shipping. Finally going to retire my late 1980's Craftsman spark plug sockets with the rubber inserts. Can't wait to get them.

 

[Monte]

rOtring writing tool

 

[cbracer]

I hope you have better luck with these than I did. Mine wore out in a week. Only Japanese tool I regret buying. I found a similar problem with their linesman pliers too. The cutting metal is just too soft.

 

[Steel_Rain]

Merry (Muromoto Tekko) HS175C :






KTC TG-98:

 

[Steel_Rain]

Hozan Z-355:






Sunflag 9100:

 

[Steel_Rain]

T-320 toolboxes to be given to the grandkids.

Lucky kids! That's starting them the right way.

 

[Steel_Rain]

Steel_Rain said:
I hope you have better luck with these than I did. Mine wore out in a week. Only Japanese tool I regret buying. I found a similar problem with their linesman pliers too. The cutting metal is just too soft.

I guess we will see. I do wiring repairs often, but I'm not a LVE, so It might live longer in my hands.

 

[Dave455]

Steel_Rain said:
I hope you have better luck with these than I did. Mine wore out in a week. Only Japanese tool I regret buying. I found a similar problem with their linesman pliers too. The cutting metal is just too soft.

I guess we will see. I do wiring repairs often, but I'm not a LVE, so It might live longer in my hands.

I have a pair of Engineer scissors. They are incredibly useful and have lasted well.

I have to admit they are not the first name that comes to mind for pliers.

Keiba, Tsunoda, Merry, Fujiya and Victor are all well proven.

 

[Dave455]

For those not so familiar with Japanese pliers, here’s a quick rundown -

Keiba - offer a wide selection but best known for their “ High Grade”. Note the brass bushing.


Tsunoda. Offer a huge range, very good quality and finish, and reasonably priced. The “King TTC“ range are my favourites. Also manufacture stainless models. Probably my favourite.


Merry (Muromoto Iron Works) offer many specialised or unique models, such as these heavy duty snipe nose.


Fujiya - another huge range, and again, many specialised models.


Victor. Their “Plus” line are the Nepros of the pliers world. Mostly geared towards electrical work.

 

[Steel_Rain]

For those not so familiar with Japanese pliers, here’s a quick rundown -

Nice overview Dave.

Lots of standouts there. Having owned many of these brands, I must say that Tsunoda is a stand out in terms of value. I don't think they make a perfect set of anything, but the value and quality for the money cannot be beat. I see many of these on Amazon USA and I'm simply amazed at the pricing right now.

 

[Dave455]

Nice overview Dave.

Lots of standouts there. Having owned many of these brands, I must say that Tsunoda is a stand out in terms of value. I don't think they make a perfect set of anything, but the value and quality for the money cannot be beat. I see many of these on Amazon USA and I'm simply amazed at the pricing right now.

I don’t know. I know what you mean, some of the Keiba / Victor is totally top end. But Tsunoda do some very decent stuff.

Historically, I didn’t know them. First time I saw them I was visiting a relative, and he’d been quoted an outrageous sum for some electrical work.

I said I‘d do it, but had to get some tools there and then. Local electrical factor carried these Tsunoda cable cutters and I bought ‘em for very little money.

Turned out they were awesome. Like them more than my Knipex and use them as my “go to” now. So much in fact, that I went out and bought another pair as spares. Think they were the equivalent of about $12 at the time…


Then I bought these long reach pliers. Lovely quality. Strong as Snap On, better designed than VBW, and better finished than both. Jaws are thin enough that I can pull fuses I would otherwise need duck bill pliers for.


Anyway, Uncle John got his shop re wired for the equivalent of about $200 and two cans of coke! I got some free tools!

 

[rick carpenter]

Steel_Rain said:
I hope you have better luck with these than I did. Mine wore out in a week. Only Japanese tool I regret buying. I found a similar problem with their linesman pliers too. The cutting metal is just too soft.

I guess we will see. I do wiring repairs often, but I'm not a LVE, so It might live longer in my hands.

Dunno about Engineer cutting tools, haven't had any experience with them. But on the Engineer softness issue I've seen warnings here on PZ-57 screw pliers that they're too soft. Well, not in my experience. I used them many times daily for maybe 2 years straight removing M2 screws while cracking open chromebooks. We're repairing chromebooks a lot less these days due to a different operations model so I use them a lot less, but I still have them at the ready at my desk and use them with confidence when needed.

As far as shop-type scissors go, folks here nudged me away here from the Engineer PH-55s I was considering a few years back toward Olfas. Liked 'em so much I got a pair for my boss, we use them for wire ties etc at the office and I use my garage pair for cutting **** in the garage. So, again, no experience with Engineer scissors or their other cutting tools, but I don't have a single regret going with Olfa scissors.

Use a tool for what it's rated for. Simple.

 

[Steel_Rain]

But Tsunoda do some very decent stuff.

Absolutely:

 

[Reed Prince]

Tsunoda do some very decent stuff.
Historically, I didn’t know them. First time I saw them I was visiting a relative, and he’d been quoted an outrageous sum for some electrical work.
I said I‘d do it, but had to get some tools there and then. Local electrical factor carried these Tsunoda cable cutters and I bought ‘em for very little money.
Turned out they were awesome. Like them more than my Knipex and use them as my “go to” now. So much in fact, that I went out and bought another pair as spares. Think they were the equivalent of about $12 at the time…

These were also my first Tsunoda purchase, and I was surprised and impressed by the quality. Tsunoda probably provides the biggest bang for your buck these days.

I've found Engineer products to be of varying quality. Perhaps they target the consumer "home center" market more than other manufacturers.

 

[tamaraw]

I have Engineer PH-56 and PH-57 scissors, both have seen light use over the last few years and I am happy with them. I have one PH-56 at work and got another for my desk at home, mostly just used on paper and card stock, although it did survive an idiot trying to cut a steel cable. The PH-57 are my general use shop scissors for non-metallic items. The sheath is nice because you can have it rattling around in a drawer or tray with other stuff.



I also have the Tsunoda DBP-200 duck bill pliers that Dave455 and Steel_Rain just posted, they are probably my most used pliers. The mini models I have tried are pretty nice too:

 

[tamaraw]

I've found Engineer products to be of varying quality.

I agree. The unique stuff they make in-house is pretty good, but they also sell a bunch of "meh" quality generic tools.

 

[rick carpenter]

Absolutely:

Apart from the mini bolt cutters, which are rated for the heaviest-duty cutting?

 

[IRQVET]

I agree. The unique stuff they make in-house is pretty good, but they also sell a bunch of "meh" quality generic tools.

I found this to be true as well, especially with their vise grip style pliers. Not my best purchase IMHO.

 

[Pexto]

Looks like I'm waaay behind some of you in the Tsunoda department, but I here's what I found in the pliers drawer.

Those DBP-200 duckbills that are getting a lot of mention? Yeah, I reach for them a lot. They are incredibly useful. They are so inexpensive that I don't care much if I use them hard - and they've stood up just fine.

The WC-150 Bowden cable cutters I mostly use for bicycle cables. They are decent but my 30-year old Felco C7s are still better. But for the price these are really good.

The dual-cutter combi pliers (PW-DP200TG) I don't have a strong opinion on. I bought them because they were cheap ($22 at the time) and I wanted to try some combis with a shear cutter. But I haven't used them much at all.

Overall I think Tsunoda offers tremendous value. I wouldn't hesitate to try any of their products.

 

[Steel_Rain]

Apart from the mini bolt cutters, which are rated for the heaviest-duty cutting?

Tsunoda PP-175TG:

• Soft iron wire: diameter 0.1 inch (3.2 mm), soft copper wire: diameter 0.2 inch (4 mm)
• Stainless steel wire: 0.1 inch (2 mm) diameter

Tsunoda PP-200ATG:

• Soft iron wire: diameter 0.1 inch (3.2 mm), soft copper wire: diameter 0.2 inch (4 mm)
• Stainless steel wire: 0.1 inch (2 mm) diameter

Tsunoda PUN-200TG:

• Soft iron wire: diameter 0.1 inch (2.6 mm), soft copper wire: diameter 0.2 inch (4 mm)

I've used the PP-200ATG to cut a bit more then the above and they have held up very well.

 

[Steel_Rain]

Overall I think Tsunoda offers tremendous value. I wouldn't hesitate to try any of their products.

These were also my first Tsunoda purchase, and I was surprised and impressed by the quality. Tsunoda probably provides the biggest bang for your buck these days.

Turned out they were awesome.

Agreed on all these statements. Tsunoda is amazing value for the money. As you have have already stated, these are good "real world" tools of above average quality and they seem to hold up, even while using them daily.