Tools of Japan

[superautobacs]

Asahi SST wrench and Tone 4-way wrench



With Revowave



With Lightool


10mm super stubby

 

[Dave455]

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.

Never mind the tools, I’m loving that purple KTC box!

 

[Andres26tnt]

More fotos gotta say those Deen screwdrivers handles are nice, they also offer a german style wrench. I fell in love with the nepros pliers, definitely picking up a set, it's about 124$ in Amazon, 150$+ in the store. Also want that bacho cart it's deep.

 

[superautobacs]

DEEN's Euro pattern deep offset wrenches. Sometimes the only wrench pattern that'll fit!

 

[Andres26tnt]

DEEN's Euro pattern deep offset wrenches. Sometimes the only wrench pattern that'll fit!

I would pick up a set, but man I got so many wrenches including the Stalhwille 14's. Since I will be in Japan for the next 3 years, I'm prioritizing other tools .

 

[superautobacs]

I would pick up a set, but man I got so many wrenches including the Stalhwille 14's. Since I will be in Japan for the next 3 years, I'm prioritizing other tools .

Nice!
Tough decision between the Stahlwille Stabil 20's and those Deen wrenches, which closely mimics them.

 

[hx999]

Complete Revowave set arrived today.

 

[Andres26tnt]

Complete Revowave set arrived today.

They didn't have those on display , they did have a full set of the profit and the Midori(I think that's the name). The KTC line is impressive.

 

[Caa311]

My Ktc wrenches are my favorites right now.

 

[Steel_Rain]

Joined specifically to show my current collection.

Welcome onboard! Thank you for your post, amazing! I love the purple box and your collection is awesome.

Complete Revowave set arrived today.

Ugh. Beautiful set of wrenches. I also have a few sets of the Asahi, and they have an amazing fit/finish:

 

[hx999]

Welcome onboard! Thank you for your post, amazing! I love the purple box and your collection is awesome.


Ugh. Beautiful set of wrenches. I also have a few sets of the Asahi, and they have an amazing fit/finish:

Agreed. I'm blown away by these combos. Incredibly well-made and designed. Tolerances are super tight, finish is perfect. Can't wait to start using these.

 

[rick carpenter]

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.

Welcome to the board! Tell me how you like the 3.peaks vise grips as vise grips. I'm building out some tool boxes for my grandkids and those or the KTC vise grips look to be priced where I want. I don't think my little toots will use the screw-extracting feature, but that'll be nice to have if needed. On the other hand, I don't think the KTC vise grips are made in Japan.

If you need smaller pliers/etc for tight spaces, Tsunoda makes a lot of pliers & nippers starting in the 125-150mm range and then on up. IPC/Igarashi make long reach slip joints. I don't use them much but I do use the angled IPS SF-165 slip joints as pseudo-water pump pliers.

 

[superautobacs]

Welcome to the board! Tell me how you like the 3.peaks vise grips as vise grips. I'm building out some tool boxes for my grandkids and those or the KTC vise grips look to be priced where I want. I don't think my little toots will use the screw-extracting feature, but that'll be nice to have if needed. On the other hand, I don't think the KTC vise grips are made in Japan.

If you need smaller pliers/etc for tight spaces, Tsunoda makes a lot of pliers & nippers starting in the 125-150mm range and then on up. IPC/Igarashi make long reach slip joints. I don't use them much but I do use the angled IPS SF-165 slip joints as pseudo-water pump pliers.

I have three of the 3.Peaks locking pliers: the smaller, 1st gen model and the current gen, smaller and long-nose versions.
Nice tools, and made in Japan as well.
The KTC locking pliers have always been sourced from Irwin, so they are not made in the US.

The 3.Peaks are specialty pliers meant for screw working. By design, they are suited for working on bolts/screw heads, rods/studs/nails. One con is that they don't have as good of a bite on flat materials compared to standard jaw shapes.

 

[superautobacs]

Has come in handy a few times dealing with round-head bolts. Pliers wrench was used as leverage.

 

[Steel_Rain]

Tell me how you like the 3.peaks vise grips as vise grips.

I hope it's ok If I share too Rick. I have all three designs but have only owned them for a short period of time:




So far, I've only used the long jaw version for screw extraction. That said, it worked perfectly for what I needed it for in both instances. These are good quality and have a good locking "action".

The 3.Peaks are specialty pliers meant for screw working. By design, they are suited for working on bolts/screw heads, rods/studs/nails. One con is that they don't have as good of a bite on flat materials compared to standard jaw shapes.

THIS. Chris's photos of real world application are perfect. I would not buy these as "standard" locking pliers to replace whatever your using. Like Chris already stated, these are really designed for screw work/extraction and jaw design reflects that specific use case:




This is very evident on the long jaw version, with a center smooth jaw ramping into specially designed screw extraction teeth:




Can the 200mm version be used for standard locking pliers work? Sure, but I don't think that was the designers intention.

 

[Chris F]

With that said, if anyone thinks I might find use with something else, I'm open to recommendations!

A bigger tool box!

 

[HannibalLecter]

A shimano TL-CN42 chain checker

 

[terrific]

That's really interesting. I didn't realize there were several options for screw removal pliers, let alone locking ones. Engineer sells a set, but they're made in Taiwan. Lobtex sells screw removal type and normal, but I suspect they're imports as well based on very similar models being sold by TONE and KTC. KTC's catalog indicates many of their's are rebranded Vice Grips.
Because of the amount of machining required for manufacturing locking pliers, I doubt all of these companies have their own lines.

That jaw style looks to be unique to Three Peaks. This is the first I've heard of the company!

 

[Ohio Andy]

That's really interesting. I didn't realize there were several options for screw removal pliers, let alone locking ones. Engineer sells a set, but they're made in Taiwan. Lobtex sells screw removal type and normal, but I suspect they're imports as well based on very similar models being sold by TONE and KTC. KTC's catalog indicates many of their's are rebranded Vice Grips.
Because of the amount of machining required for manufacturing locking pliers, I doubt all of these companies have their own lines.

That jaw style looks to be unique to Three Peaks. This is the first I've heard of the company!

I'd heard a vampire pliers, but this one's new to me too

 

[rick carpenter]

I'd heard a vampire pliers, but this one's new to me too

Look online for "three peaks" and "3.peaks", Amzn has a few but they're spendy. You'll find the most selection from Engineer (who make Vampliers) and Vampliers. Fujiya has some too. Best bet is to try to find online Japanese tool catalogs and sift through them for screw removal pliers. They usually have the model numbers for each item in Roman characters. Then search for them at AmznUS, AmznJP, Eby, etc.

 

[Steel_Rain]

KTC's catalog indicates many of their's are rebranded Vice Grips.

@superautobacs will confirm, but I think 3peaks are the only made in Japan vice pliers still being made. I bought a set of older TOP tools vice pliers but there was no COO on the tool or packaging. I suspect they are made in Taiwan and I think Tone and KTC are made there too. Not 100% on Fugiya
making them in Japan. I know they make some items in Vietnam and Taiwan too.

I have several 3peaks items, and they have been great. It appears everything they make is solely made in Japan.

 

[four.cycle]

AA has a fairly good write-up on the company:
Three Peaks / Three Peaks Giken Co. Ltd., 2171 Tsukanome, Sanjo City, Niigata-Pref., Japan / http://www.3peaks.co.jp/company/index.html / est. 1952 / http://alloy-artifacts.org/japanese-tool-makers-p3.html#three-peaks /

 

[terrific]

Not 100% on Fugiya making them in Japan. I know they make some items in Vietnam and Taiwan too.

Fujiya's amazon page has a picture of the packaging, which shows they're made in Taiwan. https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/717UHPiFw3L._AC_SL1500_.jpg

AA has a fairly good write-up on the company:
Three Peaks / Three Peaks Giken Co. Ltd., 2171 Tsukanome, Sanjo City, Niigata-Pref., Japan / http://www.3peaks.co.jp/company/index.html / est. 1952 / http://alloy-artifacts.org/japanese-tool-makers-p3.html#three-peaks /

I'm looking through this, and I'm almost certain I've seen that logo before. I'm going to have to go through my Dad's tool box at some point, maybe he's got an old pair.

 

[Ohio Andy]

My first koken tool, am impact driver, arrived today. Much nicer than what it replaces.

 

[Ohio Andy]

My first koken tool, am impact driver, arrived today. Much nicer than what it replaces.

And TIL they make bit ratchets. This is the flexhead version.

Ko-ken 1/4" Bit Ratchet, Flex (2774P-1/4HF)

Shop the world's finest tools from elite brands like PB Swiss, Wera, KNIPEX, Ko-ken, Ebisu, KEIBA and more..

drpd.cc

 

[superautobacs]

@superautobacs will confirm, but I think 3peaks are the only made in Japan vice pliers still being made. I bought a set of older TOP tools vice pliers but there was no COO on the tool or packaging. I suspect they are made in Taiwan and I think Tone and KTC are made there too. Not 100% on Fugiya
making them in Japan. I know they make some items in Vietnam and Taiwan too.

I have several 3peaks items, and they have been great. It appears everything they make is solely made in Japan.

AFAIK, yes. My speculation is that as AIGO was phasing down their business in the late 2000's, 3.Peaks may have acquired the machinery/tooling for manufacturing locking pliers (AIGO was one of, if not, the only manufacturer in Japan making a variety of locking pliers). AIGO and 3.Peaks are both in Tsubame-Sanjo city.
3.Peaks started offering those locking pliers with their unique "Dia-type" profile in 2010, many years before everyone else.
When Knipex came out with their Twin-grips, I thought they looked like the Diamond shape of the 3.Peaks.

The only thing 3.Peaks clearly doesn't make are the plastic clamps (I don't know why they even offer them!).


Lobster/Lobtex, like KTC, used to offer USA-made Irwin locking pliers. As we all know, that changed in the early 2010's, IIRC.

 

[superautobacs]

Fujiya's amazon page has a picture of the packaging, which shows they're made in Taiwan. https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/717UHPiFw3L._AC_SL1500_.jpg

I'm looking through this, and I'm almost certain I've seen that logo before. I'm going to have to go through my Dad's tool box at some point, maybe he's got an old pair.

I'm gonna guess that you father may have a pair of Truecraft branded pliers with the 3.Peaks logo on it.

 

[Reed Prince]

Some interesting items from today's (auto-translated) Ehime Machine Black Friday email.

 

[bongkar_YES_pasang_NO]

I think 3peaks are the only made in Japan vice pliers still being made. I bought a set of older TOP tools vice pliers but there was no COO on the tool or packaging. I suspect they are made in Taiwan and I think Tone and KTC are made there too. Not 100% on Fugiya
making them in Japan. I know they make some items in Vietnam and Taiwan too.

dunno if they are japan made, I believe they are NOS

 

[Steel_Rain]

My first koken tool, am impact driver, arrived today. Much nicer than what it replaces.

That's the one I feel like I should have ordered. I just got the Vessel 2400 a few weeks ago. Its heavy duty and I've yet to use it, but I feel like the Koken might be an upgrade. I can see myself having the need to use this often.

Does anyone own both? Would it be worth moving to the Koken version over the Vessel? Both use 5/16 bits.

 

[Ohio Andy]

That's the one I feel like I should have ordered. I just got the Vessel 2400 a few weeks ago. Its heavy duty and I've yet to use it, but I feel like the Koken might be an upgrade. I can see myself having the need to use this often.

Does anyone own both? Would it be worth moving to the Koken version over the Vessel? Both use 5/16 bits.

I watched a video review and the Koken had more movement per "strike" than whatever he was comparing it to. I suppose that could be good or bad.

 

[Steve_P]

And TIL they make bit ratchets. This is the flexhead version.

Ko-ken 1/4" Bit Ratchet, Flex (2774P-1/4HF)

Shop the world's finest tools from elite brands like PB Swiss, Wera, KNIPEX, Ko-ken, Ebisu, KEIBA and more..

drpd.cc

Does anyone know if they updated the bit ratchets to the 72 tooth design? I looked at them last? year, and IIRC they were still 24T, or some really low tooth count.

 

[Steel_Rain]

Does anyone know if they updated the bit ratchets to the 72 tooth design?

THIS. Anyone know? That has been the only hold back from me to get the long/short handle versions of these.

 

[Ohio Andy]

THIS. Anyone know? That has been the only hold back from me to get the long/short handle versions of these.

I went to their website and took a look and it says nothing about it. There is a phone number to call but I can't call right now from where I am

1/4 Hex Dr. Bit Ratchet Handle 1/4 For 1/4H Bit Length 165mm Flexible

Bit Ratchet for Use with Insert Bits only. Power bits will not work with this ratchet. Length: 165mm Type: Flexible Reversible Ratchet for 1/4" Bit - Ko-ken USA

kokenusa.com

I too would like to know

 

[Ohio Andy]

I went to their website and took a look and it says nothing about it. There is a phone number to call but I can't call right now from where I am

1/4 Hex Dr. Bit Ratchet Handle 1/4 For 1/4H Bit Length 165mm Flexible

Bit Ratchet for Use with Insert Bits only. Power bits will not work with this ratchet. Length: 165mm Type: Flexible Reversible Ratchet for 1/4" Bit - Ko-ken USA

kokenusa.com

I too would like to know

And, on the website, it says




Bit Ratchet for Use with Insert Bits only. Power bits will not work with this ratchet.


Does that mean it works with C6 bits or does it need some kind of slot or something in it to work?

So would I be able to use my PB swiss C6 bits in this ratchet?

 

[Dave455]

Does anyone know if they updated the bit ratchets to the 72 tooth design? I looked at them last? year, and IIRC they were still 24T, or some really low tooth count.

There is no update.

These are based on the regular ratchets that are relatively low tooth count.

The only ratchets that received an upgrade are the Z Series.

Personally, it doesn’t bother me hugely. The fine tooth ratchets don’t always seem to work as well in 1/4 drive, these designs are well proven, very strong, and have very little back drag.

 

[Dave455]

From the catalogue, the bit ratchets are these.

It doesn’t give the tooth count, but the bit ratchets are based on the 1/4” drive ratchets, which are 20 tooth.


Here’s my 2753PS, working on a fuel pump.

 

[ricleh]

Does anyone own both? Would it be worth moving to the Koken version over the Vessel? Both use 5/16 bits.

I have both and I don't think you would be disappointed with either one. They both work very well.

 

[tamaraw]

I have both and I don't think you would be disappointed with either one. They both work very well.

What is the Ko-ken set in the lower right of the second photo? Some sort of flip bit?

 

[Steve_P]

There is no update.

These are based on the regular ratchets that are relatively low tooth count.

The only ratchets that received an upgrade are the Z Series.

Personally, it doesn’t bother me hugely. The fine tooth ratchets don’t always seem to work as well in 1/4 drive, these designs are well proven, very strong, and have very little back drag.

Thanks.
I find it funny how everyone here makes excuses for Koken with their century-old technology 20T ratchets. "The backdrag.... the knurling...."
Ok, but 18* of handle swing in a confined space is still 18* and that doesn't always work. You can buy a VIM with 48 teeth for a fraction of the $ as Koken. Yeah, I know it's made in Taiwan and that's not **** here like Japan is. But this is exactly why I don't own a single Koken ratchet- they're decades behind even the generic competition like Gearwrench.
But I do own several sets of Koken sockets.