Tools of Japan

[Dave455]

Do FACOM, Stahlwille, or Hazet go over 80 teeth? Koken or KTC? Proto and MAC have 90, but I’m not sure those ratchets are their most popular. Snap on released the 100 tooth one that seems to be downright unpopular. I only know of the Matco 88. So 90 and below, sometimes far below, seem to be targets of high price ratchets. Lower price ratchets in the US seem to be in a tooth war! They don’t break, so I guess they get the job done, and you need something to differentiate yourself in the market. I bought some 160 actual teeth Steelman Cobra’s just to take them apart and look at them. Lol.

Stahlwille, traditionally, were 36 tooth. These ratchets still seem to be available.

Stahlwille also, traditionally, made round head ratchets with 60 teeth. These were always nice to use, but only came with soft grips.


Their newer ratchets are 60 or 80 tooth as standard. 60 in 1/4 drive and 80 in 3/8 and 1/2. The fact that they haven't gone 80 tooth across the range suggests the smaller ratchets are unsatisfactory with 80 teeth. I have a couple of these 60 tooth 1/4 drive, and the tooth count is about right.


Hazet HiPer ratchets are all 90 tooth I think, certainly 3/8 and 1/2, but I’m not sure about 1/4.

I have several of the older, lower tooth count, Hazet ratchets. The 1/4 drive size are one of my favourites and I won’t be rushing to change them.

Facom were, I think, the first to introduce really fine tooth ratchet’s as standard. Their 72 tooth design is beautifully smooth, trouble free, and hard to beat in my opinion.


I know KTC Nepros are 90 tooth, but I think if you go much above that you are getting diminishing returns, and there may even be some negatives.

Practical experience suggests that 72 - 80 (90 if you must) tooth seems to be the sweet spot!

 

[four.cycle]

diminishing returns

I've been waiting for two pages for that right there.

 

[Hakeem]

anyone have any experience with this tool?



As someone who takes his wheels off with a breaker bar and then a speed handle, a tool that combines the two functions seems like a genius idea. It ought to be able to withstand ~250ftlbs of torque or so, no? I wouldn’t put a pipe on it but I don’t want to spend $75 on a breaker bar that I’d have to baby

 

[four.cycle]

^ I'd just get a 1/2" breaker from Harbor Freight if all you need it for is to loosen lug nuts - they have a 24-incher.
I'm using an 18-inch "Martin" 1/2" breaker with a 19mm deep-well "Tekton" 6-point chrome socket for that same purpose. Works fine.

 

[Hakeem]

^ I'd just get a 1/2" breaker from Harbor Freight if all you need it for is to loosen lug nuts - they have a 24-incher.
I'm using an 18-inch "Martin" 1/2" breaker with a 19mm deep-well "Tekton" 6-point chrome socket for that same purpose. Works fine.

Haha to be clear, I’m not buying it for myself. But Mrs Hakeem wants to know what I want for Christmas and this seems like a nice indulgence.

I have a breaker bar too but what do you do after you break the lug nut loose? Do you spin the breaker bar to get it off? I use a speed handle, personally. So that’s two tools I’m dealing with. With this, I could break the lug nut free and then spin it loose, all with one tool. I’m a little surprised no other manufacturer offers a hinged speed handle.

I dunno, it is kind of ridiculous but on the other hand i do like the idea of cracking a lug free and quickly spinning it off, all in one smooth motion. Decisions, decisions …

 

[john.k]

Id check the price first .

 

[four.cycle]

^ I have carried a 4-way lug wrench with me since I started driving. (Probably because we sold them and I could get them cheap or free.)
Unfortunately, the last time I had a flat (in the Safeway parking lot, of all places) I could NOT break one of the lug nuts loose, so I added the breaker and socket. I use the 4-way lug wrench to "spin" the nut off and back on quickly.

I just don't see myself being able to apply enough force on the short throw of a speeder to break loose a lug nut that got tightened down by the new guy at the tire shop who is just learning how to use a rattle gun.

YMMV

 

[john.k]

The best accessory Ive seen for wheels is a sort of support for the outer end of the 4 way tool ,adjustable height............by supporting the outer end ,you can use your boot on the 4-way without it coming off the nut.

 

[Dave455]

anyone have any experience with this tool?



As someone who takes his wheels off with a breaker bar and then a speed handle, a tool that combines the two functions seems like a genius idea. It ought to be able to withstand ~250ftlbs of torque or so, no? I wouldn’t put a pipe on it but I don’t want to spend $75 on a breaker bar that I’d have to baby

Yes, I’ve got one.

Superb tool, and I use it just the way you suggest.

It’s not a KoKen innovation though, Blackhawk made speed braces this way, certainly in the 1930’s, maybe before.

Having grown up using Grandfathers Blackhawk, I was perplexed to find other manufacturers didn’t make these this way.

Snap On also offer these.

 

[four.cycle]

^ Both Blackhawk and Walden Worcester made "Lug Nut" wrenches like that. "Rim Wrench" was the term they used.

 

[mdrawde]

Their newer ratchets are 60 or 80 tooth as standard. 60 in 1/4 drive and 80 in 3/8 and 1/2. The fact that they haven't gone 80 tooth across the range suggests the smaller ratchets are unsatisfactory with 80 teeth. I have a couple of these 60 tooth 1/4 drive, and the tooth count is about right.

High tooth count 1/4" drive Stahlwille are 80 teeth.

 

[tamaraw]

anyone have any experience with this tool?



As someone who takes his wheels off with a breaker bar and then a speed handle, a tool that combines the two functions seems like a genius idea. It ought to be able to withstand ~250ftlbs of torque or so, no? I wouldn’t put a pipe on it but I don’t want to spend $75 on a breaker bar that I’d have to baby

I don't have one but I do want it. It's a pretty cool concept, there's just other stuff I keep buying first.

I have the Zeal 1/2" breaker bar which is pretty nice. The hinged drive has a ball detent that snaps in the straight or 90 degree positions, looks like this one uses the same mechanism.

Ko-ken also has the 4711X and 4711XZ which take a different approach to the same issue (sliding t-handle spinner).

As for the torque, I'm sure the tool could handle it, but breaking 250 lb⋅ft by hand with just a 450mm lever does not sound very fun to me. Are you driving some sort of big commercial truck?

 

[Andres26tnt]

Went to DCM for some needed small cabinets and plants(wife things ), realize I don't have any home tools to assemble stuff. What a great excuse to buy more tools.

Wanted to try the Anex ratchet screwdrivers, they had two models the 60t and 72t. Ended picking up the 60t as it felt smooth and the switch is at the bottom. Also pick up the stubby version.

On the bit isle I got the Anex bit holders, only ones I've seen made in Japan. The vessels are nicer, sturdy but bigger. Unfortunately they aren't made in Japan. There the SK11 bit ratchet cought my eye. Comes with half cut bits, a good selection and a 1/4 socket adapter. The ratchet is the familiar infar ltd everyone rebrands.

 

[Ohio Andy]

Went to DCM for some needed small cabinets and plants(wife things ), realize I don't have any home tools to assemble stuff. What a great excuse to buy more tools.

Wanted to try the Anex ratchet screwdrivers, they had two models the 60t and 72t. Ended picking up the 60t as it felt smooth and the switch is at the bottom. Also pick up the stubby version.

On the bit isle I got the Anex bit holders, only ones I've seen made in Japan. The vessels are nicer, sturdy but bigger. Unfortunately they aren't made in Japan. There the SK11 bit ratchet cought my eye. Comes with half cut bits, a good selection and a 1/4 socket adapter. The ratchet is the familiar infar ltd everyone rebrands.

Does "half cut" mean they are shorter?

 

[Dave455]

High tooth count 1/4" drive Stahlwille are 80 teeth.

You’re right!

First source I looked at said 60 tooth, but I think they were confusing with the round head model.

 

[Andres26tnt]

Does "half cut" mean they are shorter?

Yes , pictures for reference.

 

[Hakeem]

I don't have one but I do want it. It's a pretty cool concept, there's just other stuff I keep buying first.

I have the Zeal 1/2" breaker bar which is pretty nice. The hinged drive has a ball detent that snaps in the straight or 90 degree positions, looks like this one uses the same mechanism.

Ko-ken also has the 4711X and 4711XZ which take a different approach to the same issue (sliding t-handle spinner).

As for the torque, I'm sure the tool could handle it, but breaking 250 lb⋅ft by hand with just a 450mm lever does not sound very fun to me. Are you driving some sort of big commercial truck?

Lol no I drive a minivan but it’s more so about knowing that it’s a robust tool. Those cross wrenches look so cool and would probably be more up my alley but they are only 350mm which is about 13-3/4”. The speed/breaker bar is a bit better at 450mm, or 17-3/4”. Good enough for the girls I date cars I work on.

 

[Dave455]

Ko-ken also has the 4711X and 4711XZ which take a different approach to the same issue (sliding t-handle spinner).

As for the torque, I'm sure the tool could handle it, but breaking 250 lb⋅ft by hand with just a 450mm lever does not sound very fun to me. Are you driving some sort of big commercial truck?

Lol no I drive a minivan but it’s more so about knowing that it’s a robust tool. Those cross wrenches look so cool and would probably be more up my alley but they are only 350mm which is about 13-3/4”. The speed/breaker bar is a bit better at 450mm, or 17-3/4”. Good enough for the girls I date cars I work on.

I have the KoKen 4711X also.


It’s a good tool, well designed and superbly made, but it’s not great for wheel bolts.

Back when my Dad’s car wheels were held on by nuts torqued to (I think) 45 lb ft, it would have been fine. (In fact Dad carried a 1/2” drive sliding T and 10“ extension that served the same role). If you live in Tokyo and drive a “Kai” car (see below) the same probably applies.


But my wheel bolts are torqued to 85 lb ft. Drive around for 6 months, chuck in some rain and temperature variations, and they’re not easily shifted with this tool. The flexible speed brace works just fine!

 

[TRLKC]

Good evening. Does anybody remember when Koken USA and Palmac start Black Friday sales and what is the code? Thinking about getting 3/8 metric regular and deep koken sets - want to compare the prices to DRPD...

I'm sure you've probably already checked, but no code needed 30% off automatically applied at checkout and free shipping.

You guys got me wanting to replace my 30 year old impact driver with the AG318A Attack Driver set now. Thanks for that! Enablers, all of you!

 

[Madjik Man]

Haha to be clear, I’m not buying it for myself. But Mrs Hakeem wants to know what I want for Christmas and this seems like a nice indulgence.

I have a breaker bar too but what do you do after you break the lug nut loose? Do you spin the breaker bar to get it off? I use a speed handle, personally. So that’s two tools I’m dealing with. With this, I could break the lug nut free and then spin it loose, all with one tool. I’m a little surprised no other manufacturer offers a hinged speed handle.

I dunno, it is kind of ridiculous but on the other hand i do like the idea of cracking a lug free and quickly spinning it off, all in one smooth motion. Decisions, decisions …

I have this in my truck. Had to use it off road once. It was awesome.

Edit: Nevermind... literally posted right above me

 

[_gear2]

Any other Australian forum members finding an increasing number of amazon.jp are ineligible for shipping? Would postal forwarding services be the only work around? Any recommendations?

 

[F-22]

Back when my Dad’s car wheels were held on by nuts torqued to (I think) 45 lb ft, it would have been fine. (In fact Dad carried a 1/2” drive sliding T and 10“ extension that served the same role). If you live in Tokyo and drive a “Kai” car (see below) the same probably applies.

But my wheel bolts are torqued to 85 lb ft. Drive around for 6 months, chuck in some rain and temperature variations, and they’re not easily shifted with this tool. The flexible speed brace works just fine!

Just because they're small does not mean the wheels are torqued less. Standard torque is 100-110Nm (80lb ft) for Kei cars too.

I think maybe something like an old 2CV and other old 3 lug nut French cars had lower values, but not many other cars.

 

[Dave455]

Just because they're small does not mean the wheels are torqued less. Standard torque is 100-110Nm (80lb ft) for Kei cars too.

I think maybe something like an old 2CV and other old 3 lug nut French cars had lower values, but not many other cars.

That is probably true!

Going to be a grunt to shift 80 lb ft with (effectively) a Sliding T.

 

[ricleh]

One of these works very well up to 120NM.

 

[BlitzcrankJapan]

A bit off topic. But did anyone else receive shipping information for their Holiday Gift Campaign from Nepros?

Holiday Gift Campaign

From November 1, 2024, to December 25, 2024, spend $250 or more on our online store, or simply complete a brief survey, and receive a holiday gift – no purchase necessary to participate. We have prepared four unique gifts, and one of these will be chosen at random to be sent to you: nepros...

neprostools.com

Just got shipping info yesterday. Unfortunately won't be home until mid January to collect it....
Excited to see what 1 of the 4 I will get.

 

[Monte]

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?

The covers were included in this set.
I do have the soft touch combination pliers (with grey handles/without replacement covers) which i use sometimes so i thought it would be good to add soft touch needle nose pliers. I´ve not yet used them. Maybe during next year

 

[four.cycle]

Harry Epstein has what appear to be some great prices on some of their Ko-Ken and Vessel items.

* They do not all show up searching "ko-ken" - search "KOKEN" *

 

[Steel_Rain]

I have the KoKen 4711X also.

I have this in my truck. Had to use it off road once. It was awesome.

Is this worth it in 2024? I've had this in my AJP cart since July of this year waiting to pull the trigger. It's lighter then keeping an impact/battery in the rigs, shorter then a 1/2" breaker bar and can be used for other things on/off road.

$43 currently.

 

[Madjik Man]

Is this worth it in 2024? I've had this in my AJP cart since July of this year waiting to pull the trigger. It's lighter then keeping an impact/battery in the rigs, shorter then a 1/2" breaker bar and can be used for other things on/off road.

$43 currently.

I like it. I used to carry around an old school tire iron (the cross with four different socket sizes at the ends). But this one is very compact and fits behind my driver’s side seat. Whereas the tire iron would sit in my bed.

In my edit post, I did say that I’ve used it once already and I was able to break the lugs free. Granted I assume Discount Tire kept it close to the 85 ft lbs.

 

[Ohio Andy]

Stahlwille, traditionally, were 36 tooth. These ratchets still seem to be available.

Stahlwille also, traditionally, made round head ratchets with 60 teeth. These were always nice to use, but only came with soft grips.


Their newer ratchets are 60 or 80 tooth as standard. 60 in 1/4 drive and 80 in 3/8 and 1/2. The fact that they haven't gone 80 tooth across the range suggests the smaller ratchets are unsatisfactory with 80 teeth. I have a couple of these 60 tooth 1/4 drive, and the tooth count is about right.


Hazet HiPer ratchets are all 90 tooth I think, certainly 3/8 and 1/2, but I’m not sure about 1/4.

I have several of the older, lower tooth count, Hazet ratchets. The 1/4 drive size are one of my favourites and I won’t be rushing to change them.

Facom were, I think, the first to introduce really fine tooth ratchet’s as standard. Their 72 tooth design is beautifully smooth, trouble free, and hard to beat in my opinion.


I know KTC Nepros are 90 tooth, but I think if you go much above that you are getting diminishing returns, and there may even be some negatives.

Practical experience suggests that 72 - 80 (90 if you must) tooth seems to be the sweet spot!

Thanks @Dave455, very informative to me

 

[superautobacs]

I haven't used my 4711x in forever, but I did have a period of time when I used it frequently.

I did do a demo video of it:

I demonstrated loosening lug nuts that were (freshly) torqued to 80ftlb, with ease.


video description:
A unique tool from a Japanese hand tool manufacturer called Ko-ken. Unlike your traditional cross wrench this is a more compact two-peice construction which will take up less space in your vehicle, garage, or tool box. Perfectly suitable for small/medium size passenger cars that are regularly maintained (hopefully torqued to spec ....not on a rust bucket that you're working on at your favourite pick & pull)


I've been using mine for a few years now and probably have removed close to 100 wheels.


If you don't want to carry a 1/2" drive cordless impact in your car or like to work without making all that noise from an impacting tool, this will probably be a good addition to your tool arsenal.


A well-made product by Ko-ken, based in Kakegawa, Shizuoka prefecture, Japan.

 

[superautobacs]

A bit off topic. But did anyone else receive shipping information for their Holiday Gift Campaign from Nepros?

Holiday Gift Campaign

From November 1, 2024, to December 25, 2024, spend $250 or more on our online store, or simply complete a brief survey, and receive a holiday gift – no purchase necessary to participate. We have prepared four unique gifts, and one of these will be chosen at random to be sent to you: nepros...

neprostools.com

Just got shipping info yesterday. Unfortunately won't be home until mid January to collect it....
Excited to see what 1 of the 4 I will get.

I got my gift last week!
Wrench was not included

 

[BlitzcrankJapan]

I got my gift last week!
Wrench was not included

Very nice. Is the tray magnetic?
I have that same Sakura and river wrench. I use it for working on suspension dampers mainly.

 

[Steel_Rain]

I did say that I’ve used it once already and I was able to break the lugs free. Granted I assume Discount Tire kept it close to the 85 ft lbs.

If you don't want to carry a 1/2" drive cordless impact in your car or like to work without making all that noise from an impacting tool, this will probably be a good addition to your tool arsenal.

Thank you both.

I'm sold. I think I'll order two, one for each rig.

I appreciate the input.

 

[tamaraw]

Some Nepros stuff from DRPD

Nepros NBS2 (middle)


Got the middle size and completed my 1/4" spinner/breaker set (pictured between NBS2S and NBS2L)

KTC BE2-270
Nepros NBE2-150
Nepros NBE2-075JW


Got an extra-long KTC 1/4" extension, a second copy of the Nepros 150mm (longest they make), and a Nepros 75mm wobble

Nepros NB2-04 through NB2-14


I've had the 10mm for a while to try out, finally got the chance to order the rest of the set during DRPD's 20% off Black Friday sale. It was oddly cheaper to order the individual sockets than buy as a set, which is fine because I am not a big fan of their rubber type rails.

The sockets are gorgeous and very low profile, especially in the smaller sizes. You can see I have to shorten some of the pegs on my block now. They don't make a 4.5mm size, so I have a 1/4 to 3/8 adapter in it's place.

I also filled out the Nepros survey, have yet to get a response back, not sure if that's automated or what. In the product suggestion section, I suggested a 1/2" in 3/8" body ratchet and 1/4" PH3 bit sockets.

 

[rick carpenter]

I went ahead and snagged two MTC-22 nippers. Mixed reviews of them here and they're likely NOS from all that I've read about MTC these days, but I don't know how long they might've been sitting on the shelf. They don't feel like inferior re-brands from Tsunoda. They'll be OK.

 

[-sg]

Anyone know if nepros will ever release their gold ratchets again? I can't justify ebay pricing but I'd love to get one for my brother one day.

 

[Andres26tnt]

Now that I'm in japan, tool are cheaper in general through Amazon. Decided to get a few things I wanted to try, most notably the newish KTC-BR90.

KTC BR90L - excellent ratchet, great length. Head is on the wider side but nothing extreme like those 180t craftsman ratchets. This is a common thing in japan that I noticed. They seem to never release a full line up, these are only available in 3/8s.

KTC 150LNME - nothing much to say about these, very standard set. In my opinion there are better brands outhere.

TOP HY30G - these adj wrenches are fine, lightweight. They have a very thin rubber coating. Feels exactly like the lobtex coating. Sometimes I think most of these are coming out the same factory.

Ko-ken - what else can I say, excellent brand all around. Like the KTC where is the 1/4 models?

Vessel 400PD2 - I have mixed feelings about this tool. For one it's a nice handle, very nice plastics and quality. Don't like how it locks into place, feel like it's going to break with torque

Tone CP200GW - very nice pair of slipjoints, great theet. The grips are hard plastic, or Teflon. Very weird feeling. I believe these have been discontinued, I also have the 3/8 ratchet. With tone you can't tell where it's made, no COO stampings anywhere or on the packaging. Its the same on the ratchet. I believe these are Taiwan.

 

[superautobacs]

Very nice. Is the tray magnetic?
I have that same Sakura and river wrench. I use it for working on suspension dampers mainly.

Just a plain silicone tray

Thank you both.

I'm sold. I think I'll order two, one for each rig.

I appreciate the input.

One regular and one Z-series?

Some Nepros stuff from DRPD

Nepros NBS2 (middle)


Got the middle size and completed my 1/4" spinner/breaker set (pictured between NBS2S and NBS2L)

KTC BE2-270
Nepros NBE2-150
Nepros NBE2-075JW


Got an extra-long KTC 1/4" extension, a second copy of the Nepros 150mm (longest they make), and a Nepros 75mm wobble

Nepros NB2-04 through NB2-14


I've had the 10mm for a while to try out, finally got the chance to order the rest of the set during DRPD's 20% off Black Friday sale. It was oddly cheaper to order the individual sockets than buy as a set, which is fine because I am not a big fan of their rubber type rails.

The sockets are gorgeous and very low profile, especially in the smaller sizes. You can see I have to shorten some of the pegs on my block now. They don't make a 4.5mm size, so I have a 1/4 to 3/8 adapter in it's place.

I also filled out the Nepros survey, have yet to get a response back, not sure if that's automated or what. In the product suggestion section, I suggested a 1/2" in 3/8" body ratchet and 1/4" PH3 bit sockets.

There was no automatic response from KTC. The only series of communication is through DHL, as soon as tracking number is generated.

Now that I'm in japan, tool are cheaper in general through Amazon. Decided to get a few things I wanted to try, most notably the newish KTC-BR90.

KTC BR90L - excellent ratchet, great length. Head is on the wider side but nothing extreme like those 180t craftsman ratchets. This is a common thing in japan that I noticed. They seem to never release a full line up, these are only available in 3/8s.

KTC 150LNME - nothing much to say about these, very standard set. In my opinion there are better brands outhere.

TOP HY30G - these adj wrenches are fine, lightweight. They have a very thin rubber coating. Feels exactly like the lobtex coating. Sometimes I think most of these are coming out the same factory.

Ko-ken - what else can I say, excellent brand all around. Like the KTC where is the 1/4 models?

Vessel 400PD2 - I have mixed feelings about this tool. For one it's a nice handle, very nice plastics and quality. Don't like how it locks into place, feel like it's going to break with torque

Tone CP200GW - very nice pair of slipjoints, great theet. The grips are hard plastic, or Teflon. Very weird feeling. I believe these have been discontinued, I also have the 3/8 ratchet. With tone you can't tell where it's made, no COO stampings anywhere or on the packaging. Its the same on the ratchet. I believe these are Taiwan.

TOP and Lobtex (Lobster) are both heritage companies that have been producing adjustable wrenches since the dawn of Japanese tool manufacturing.

Ko-ken recalled all their 1/4sq quick-release ratchets/repair kits, and locking extensions due to some compliance issues with the locking feature. In the 16 years that I've been following Ko-ken, I only remember one other recall from about a dozen years ago.

That Tone series is their take on Vessel's Woody series. Same concept: wood fibre mixed with plastic.




Recent news from KTC:

2024 Good Design winners for:

NeXT ratchet (my favourite tool of.the year)



Nepros ID (for aviation)
Source: https://ktc.jp/news/138966

 

[tamaraw]

There was no automatic response from KTC. The only series of communication is through DHL, as soon as tracking number is generated.

Good to know, thanks!

Nepros ID (for aviation)
Source: https://ktc.jp/news/138966

Wow, those RFID tools are crazy, I wonder how large the selection will be.

EDIT: Their launch assortment in the PDF seems pretty comprehensive. Now I just want regular Nepros speed handles.