Tools of Japan

[ricleh]

For cutters or pliers I prefer 3Peaks brand.

 

[IRQVET]

Japanese NOS Fuller C-Clamps, 3 piece set, got 3 seperate sets.

 

[superautobacs]

Excuse the **** photo, but these are my latest tool purchases while in Japan.
Anex pry tool, tweezer, magnetic pickup, pass-thru socket, dual-anvil style bit pack
Tsubosan Bright 900 file
Vessel +0000 micro driver
Victor diagonal flush-cuts
TOP 5.5mm combination wrench
FPC locking quick spinner and 4pc Parabola impact sockets
Ko-ken: a couple impact-rated sockets and 1/4" hex drive bits
Engineer extractor type bit for damaged +2 recess

 

[akfd]

Japanese NOS Fuller C-Clamps, 3 piece set, got 3 seperate sets.

I had the one in the middle; I somehow bent it many years ago, while doing something light duty. I’m sorry to say this, but those clamps are not ‘Professional Quality” as they claim to be.

 

[Steel_Rain]

Excuse the **** photo, but these are my latest tool purchases while in Japan.

Hopefully we get another YT video soon about these Chris!

 

[rick carpenter]

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.

All rated for 8 ga copper and reasonably priced on AmznUS. Nice.

Thanks!

 

[IRQVET]

Picked up a 4 inch Made in Japan Craftsman Bench Vise!

The operation on this thing is buttery smooth.

 

[FigN⋅m]

Picked up a 4 inch Made in Japan Craftsman Bench Vise!

The operation on this thing is buttery smooth.

I've had one of those for almost 40 years now! I got it as a birthday present at 12 yrs. old.
Obviously thought it was a little weird at first, but quickly realized how smart my Mom was and she
knew how important it would be in my future endeavors. Thanks for all you did for me!

 

[IRQVET]

I've had one of those for almost 40 years now! I got it as a birthday present at 12 yrs. old.
Obviously thought it was a little weird at first, but quickly realized how smart my Mom was and she
knew how important it would be in my future endeavors. Thanks for all you did for me!

At 41 pounds, it's a bruiser that's for sure. But the quality is fantastic, very happy with it.

 

[Reed Prince]

My thin TOP and Asahi tools come in handy when I am replacing casters.

 

[rick carpenter]

Excuse the **** photo, but these are my latest tool purchases while in Japan.
Anex pry tool, tweezer, magnetic pickup, pass-thru socket, dual-anvil style bit pack
Tsubosan Bright 900 file
Vessel +0000 micro driver
Victor diagonal flush-cuts
TOP 5.5mm combination wrench
FPC locking quick spinner and 4pc Parabola impact sockets
Ko-ken: a couple impact-rated sockets and 1/4" hex drive bits
Engineer extractor type bit for damaged +2 recess

I'm glad you posted this. I need a pack of single-ended + bits. They fit and feel better than double-ended bits in my Centrofix bit holder. I need to look through what Anex offers again.

And I second @Steel_Rain that we need a yootoob from you on these!

 

[Dave455]

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, may I ask, those bits bottom left in your first picture, right hand row with the colour coded shanks, are they Anex?


I’ve seen these from time to time but don’t immediately recognise them.

A few years back I had a shop locally that actually stocked Anex, at that time a manufacturer I didn’t really know about, so I bought a couple of tools to try.

Because of the price paid, I allocated the couple of drivers I bought to my decorating tools box, to use for unscrewing switches and sockets before painting. And of course someone uses the flat head for opening paint cans.. But now, some years on, I’m realising they were pretty good quality!

As rick carpenter says above, I need to look again at what they offer!

 

[Steel_Rain]

Steel-Rain, may I ask, those bits bottom left in your first picture, are they Anex?

The extension bits on the left Dave? Or the bits on the right?

 

[Dave455]

The extension bits on the left Dave? Or the bits on the right?

I was thinking of these ones

 

[Steel_Rain]

This I was thinking of these ones

Anex ACPM5-01 “Color Bit”​

 

[Dave455]

Anex ACPM5-01 “Color Bit”​

Ahh, that’s fantastic, thanks.

I suspected Anex but hadn’t found those bits.

I must admit, I do like the way the Japanese manufacturers tend to colour code things. It doesn’t take much extra effort but makes life so much easier.

 

[Steel_Rain]

I must admit, I do like the way the Japanese manufacturers tend to colour code things. It doesn’t take much extra effort but makes life so much easier.

Agreed. Many other Japanese made tools I own follow that same pattern.

Also as side note, you were right about the standard KTC screwdrivers, these have excellent handles and high quality tips/shanks:

 

[IRQVET]

Agreed. Many other Japanese made tools I own follow that same pattern.

Also as side note, you were right about the standard KTC screwdrivers, these have excellent handles and high quality tips/shanks:

Where do you get these tool holders, that's pretty slick.

 

[Steel_Rain]

Where do you get these tool holders, that's pretty slick.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01ES415WK?tag=atomicindus08-20

I have a few. There are other brands out there too and I think Harbor Freight even sells them now. They are made for screw drivers but I use them for anything that has a handle/shank.

 

[Steel_Rain]

Harbor Freight even sells them now.

Magnetic Clip Rail Tool Holder

Amazing deals on this Magnetic Clip Rail Tool Holder at Harbor Freight. Quality tools & low prices.

www.harborfreight.com

 

[Steve_P]

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01ES415WK?tag=atomicindus08-20

I have a few. There are other brands out there too and I think Harbor Freight even sells them now. They are made for screw drivers but I use them for anything that has a handle/shank.

That's a nice screwdriver holder. I don't know how I haven't seen that here before. Is the magnet strong enough to hold a full rail of screwdrivers and not move around when you remove one?

 

[Steel_Rain]

That's a nice screwdriver holder. I don't know how I haven't seen that here before. Is the magnet strong enough to hold a full rail of screwdrivers and not move around when you remove one?

It’s very strong and doesn’t disturb any others. You just need to remember to pull the drivers by the shank and not the handle so you don’t cantilever them into the painted surface (if there is one in your application):



I guess the only annoying bit is that you need to align the shank with the detent inside the clip when you return them back, but it’s not a big deal:

 

[Steve_P]

It’s very strong and doesn’t disturb any others. You just need to remember to pull the drivers by the shank and not the handle so you don’t cantilever them into the painted surface (if there is one in your application):



I guess the only annoying bit is that you need to align the shank with the detent inside the clip when you return them back, but it’s not a big deal:

Thanks! I don't really have an application where I'd use them on a steel surface, but might screw them to my pegboard. I currently have the typical pegboard screwdriver rack where you have to lift the screwdriver vertically to get them out. Which means I need to have a bunch of empty space above them to allow removal. For most people this is no big deal, but I have so much **** that it's full

 

[Dave455]

Agreed. Many other Japanese made tools I own follow that same pattern.

Also as side note, you were right about the standard KTC screwdrivers, these have excellent handles and high quality tips/shanks:

Glad you like them!

I think, sometimes, KTC’s Nepros tools get all the publicity (rightly in most cases) but we forget how good the regular tools are.

Taking sockets for example, the regular tools have that lovely part matte / part polished finish, much like the older Snap On, and for most uses they are probably the more suitable tool.

 

[IRQVET]

I cannot do anything Snap-on, when there are better options out there for the money, it's out of principal . . .

Not to sidetrack. And back to our regularly scheduled programing . . .

 

[terrific]

My thin TOP and Asahi tools come in handy when I am replacing casters.

While checking how thin the Lightool wrenches were, I noticed these: https://asahitool-online-store.com/products/lightool-lcw-combination-wrench-5-5-32-mm-コピー-1
Actually thinner than Snap-on's, though you may be limited by the width of the outer edges in some cases.

 

[Dave455]

I cannot do anything Snap-on, when there are better options out there for the money, it's out of principal . . .

Not to sidetrack. And back to our regularly scheduled programing . . .

I meant more suitable than the Nepros, but yes, I take your point.

I love the Snap On tools I have (particularly the Dual 80 ratchets) but the way the prices have increased over the last few years, particularly in the U.K, I doubt I would build up the same collection if I was buying again now.

 

[JBH]

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.

Interesting. Those look like a riff on the FIT pliers but with the screw extractor top feature.

 

[Monte]

IPS soft touch pliers

 

[Andres26tnt]

Factory gear tokyo , great store. Been wanting to get a good look on the house brand Deen. Overall has great quality, basically middle of the road brand.

Prices have increased or not sure. Maybe it's because it's a retail store, but the pricing is definitely higher then online.

 

[Steel_Rain]

Factory gear tokyo , great store. Been wanting to get a good look on the house brand Deen. Overall has great quality, basically middle of the road brand.

Prices have increased or not sure. Maybe it's because it's a retail store, but the pricing is definitely higher then online.

Very nice! Thank you for sharing those pictures. I will make it there one day.

THIS:



Does anyone know when the "SK sale" is for KTC? Usually starts around this time of year and goes till January (or longer) I think?

I'd love to get this in the red metal case 3/8" version, KTC #SK3560WZR.

 

[Steel_Rain]

IPS soft touch pliers

Thoughts on these? I have a few IPS pliers in this range of "soft touch", but not these.

Helpful? It includes replacement jaws covers or did you have to purchase them as spares?

 

[Dave455]

THIS:



Does anyone know when the "SK sale" is for KTC? Usually starts around this time of year and goes till January (or longer) I think?

I'd love to get this in the red metal case 3/8" version, KTC #SK3560WZR.

KTC do those sets very well. Typical Japanese attention to detail!

There are quite a few subtle variations though.

You sometimes have to be a little bit careful, as the socket and wrench sizes are biased to JIS usage.

Both the set you referenced


and it’s slightly less costly (1/2” drive) partner


omit a lot of socket sizes.

The “industrial” version includes two more pairs of pliers and substitutes the acetate handle drivers. It includes more sockets, but still omits 16 and 18.


In all versions, the design and execution seem to be flawless!

I can totally see the attraction of these.

I buy some Japanese tools from Webike, an online bike parts specialist. Prices and shipping for me are competitive.

 

[Reed Prince]

Thoughts on these? I have a few IPS pliers in this range of "soft touch", but not these.

Helpful? It includes replacement jaws covers or did you have to purchase them as spares?

I’ve had little success with soft touch pliers. I have IPS, Knipex and Tsunoda. The plastic covers are very durable but quite slick, which is frustrating. Maybe I’m doing it wrong.

 

[Madjik Man]

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.

Ordered the PZ-75s

 

[Steve_P]

I’ve had little success with soft touch pliers. I have IPS, Knipex and Tsunoda. The plastic covers are very durable but quite slick, which is frustrating. Maybe I’m doing it wrong.

Agree, the hard plastic covered ones are more for chores like bending stuff you don't want to mar. They **** at loosening things.

A small sheet of thin rubber works well to increase friction to loosen things.

 

[Steel_Rain]

There are quite a few subtle variations though.

You sometimes have to be a little bit careful, as the socket and wrench sizes are biased to JIS usage.

Agreed. Thank you for this overview. I'd no-doubt sub in what I use as common. I like the design and case and all the stuff appears to be high quality. At one point, this was as low as $500(ish) on Amazon USA (shipped) back in mid-October:

 

[Rinspeed]

Factory gear tokyo , great store. Been wanting to get a good look on the house brand Deen. Overall has great quality, basically middle of the road brand.

Awesome pics, thanks for sharing.

 

[hx999]

Joined specifically to show my current collection.
I built this set specifically to work on my Audi, which is one of the main reasons I went with Koken for sockets and ratchets, as they seem to be the only Japanese manufacturer that carries XZN triple square sockets. Koken USA is GREAT to work with, Debbie in sales is awesome. Their ratchets are incredible, ALL of the sockets are outstanding. I'm blown away by the quality.

I do have 3/4" deeps and semi-deeps coming in (both 12-piece sets). That's all I'm waiting on, aside from a few backordered sockets.

I replaced the stock tool set in the car with a 17" Koken breaker bar and their Z-Series 17mm lug bolt socket.

You guys probably already know all of the tools in this box, so I don't think I'm going to list everything off. I'm just very proud of this collection. I've compared to some friends tools (Snap-On, Matco, etc...) and they are all completely blown away by the quality of these tools that are, in most cases, cheaper than the typical tool trucks we see here in the US. The only hand tools I owned before building out this set were cheap Amazon sockets, wrenches and ratchets.

The Tohnichi torque wrenches are incredible. Also loving the quality of the 3.Peaks vise grips and the Lobster adjustables.

I am replacing the KTC combo wrenches, which I sold to a friend, with a set of the ASAHI Revowave combos.

The KTC box is about as full as it can possible get at this point, without becoming a complete mess, so I'm trying to stop myself from buying anything else. With that said, if anyone thinks I might find use with something else, I'm open to recommendations!

[edit]
I should also thank the YouTubers (all of them) that focus on Japanese tools, because I wouldn't know what the hell to buy without their guidance.

 

[superautobacs]

Interesting. Those look like a riff on the FIT pliers but with the screw extractor top feature.

This style of electrician's pliers has been a recent introduction...recent as in around 5 years ago. Similar to how Knipex has been introducing a number of pliers/specialty tools that combine 2 or more different tools into one tool.
Those are a combination of cable shear pliers and combination pliers and I think most of the JDM pliers makers have released a similar product (in the case of Engineer, the additional screw extractor is their unique feature).

Very nice! Thank you for sharing those pictures. I will make it there one day.

THIS:



Does anyone know when the "SK sale" is for KTC? Usually starts around this time of year and goes till January (or longer) I think?

I'd love to get this in the red metal case 3/8" version, KTC #SK3560WZR.

I think the sale started just a couple weeks ago.