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Tools of Japan

Andres26tnt

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May 11, 2018
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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.

Yep I know 😅, just mentioning it takes them for ever to get anything out. But that's the key to great products.

The tone seem like a failure as they aren't available in the latest catalog (when I looked). I can see why, they ain't conferrable at all. Vessel got it, made it plush feeling. The ratchet is much better, but it wasn't smooth out of the box, need too open it up and lube it properly.
 
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Andres26tnt

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Will Koken ever re-release the 1/4" quick release ratchets?

They will, just will take forever because they are perfectionist. Just look at the time frame for the first 1/4 72t versions, and you will get an idea of the time it will take.
 

Zjenji

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Jun 2, 2022
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They will, just will take forever because they are perfectionist. Just look at the time frame for the first 1/4 72t versions, and you will get an idea of the time it will take.
I love the Zeal sockets, but using them with the Zeal ratchets is kid of a pain without quick release.
 

Andres26tnt

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May 11, 2018
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I realize this is for aviation and applications where FOD is a concern, but the thought of adding electrical doodads to hardline tools makes me cringe
Thought the same thing 🤣. I was confused at first, since I'm an A&P mech. I'm like the heck is that? Meanwhile I'm working with standard snap-on tools on radar systems, electronic boxes and other various doodads.
 

Steel_Rain

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Apr 23, 2024
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Will Koken ever re-release the 1/4" quick release ratchets?

They will, just will take forever because they are perfectionist. Just look at the time frame for the first 1/4 72t versions, and you will get an idea of the time it will take.

Been waiting forever. We got a flex head but no quick release.

Can you get a zeal 1/2" drive flex head? Maybe I already own one but I'm to lazy to look. :ROFLMAO:
 

HannibalLecter

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Aug 26, 2023
Messages
402
Been waiting forever. We got a flex head but no quick release.

Can you get a zeal 1/2" drive flex head? Maybe I already own one but I'm to lazy to look. :ROFLMAO:
There is only two 1/2 zeal options, both are solid head and normal length. One with button and one without.
Last time that I asked for a long one they said no they didn't intend to make one. But I expect they will, in the next 20 years
 

Andres26tnt

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There is only two 1/2 zeal options, both are solid head and normal length. One with button and one without.
Last time that I asked for a long one they said no they didn't intend to make one. But I expect they will, in the next 20 years
This is my only real criticism of Koken. They really need to push out full lines of products. I want a locking flex, the soft non Z handle, and the knurled handle. All this stuff can be offered quick as they already make it.
 

Andres26tnt

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PXL_20241210_064551413~2.jpg


PXL_20241210_064558783~2.jpg


Here is the 3/8 tone ratchet woodcompo competitor. Definitely not as nice as the vessel 😕. But not as bad as the pliers. This is probably made on taiwan, not sure why tone doesn't come clean about this. For the price I payed no complains, it's gonna be a beater ratchet.
 

KnurledNut

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This cheap set is quite the opposite of all the fancy tools in here, but I just found it to be kinda neat.
Same size tip on both sides, but the crosspoints are clocked opposite of each other which would allow for another bite on the fastener with a 45° swing arc instead of 90°.
54195586461_2fbfcfcdab_b.jpg
 
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Reed Prince

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May 30, 2017
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Northern Virginia USA
When I ordered a Ko-Ken 135E-60B from Japan, it looked to me like the blurry picture showed that it was compatible with both 9mm and 13mm drivers, with a little ring on the shaft to keep it from rattling around in Japanese tools. When I received it today I found out this is not the case. Maybe they changed it?


Screenshot 2024-12-10 at 3.43.35 PM.jpg


What I really wanted was something like my KTC JBA3-65, which I could not find a 1/2" version of when I purchased it a few years ago. I have a Vessel version, but it is awkwardly long and heavy. I sometimes need the extra length of 1/2" deep sockets, but not the strength, so smaller is better.

IMG_2976.jpg

After I downloaded the latest KTC catalogs I could find today, I noticed that the KTC version has been changed to a Western size anvil. And still no 1/2" version that I could find quickly.


IMG_2968.jpg
 

mikey03

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May 17, 2024
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This cheap set is quite the opposite of all the fancy tools in here, but I just found it to be kinda neat.
Same size tip on both sides, but the crosspoints are clocked opposite of each other which would allow for another bite on the fastener with a 45° swing arc instead of 90°.
54195586461_2fbfcfcdab_b.jpg
Oh nice like 30 / 6o double open end wrenches for hydraulics
 

Zjenji

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Jun 2, 2022
Messages
70
When I ordered a Ko-Ken 135E-60B from Japan, it looked to me like the blurry picture showed that it was compatible with both 9mm and 13mm drivers, with a little ring on the shaft to keep it from rattling around in Japanese tools. When I received it today I found out this is not the case. Maybe they changed it?


Screenshot 2024-12-10 at 3.43.35 PM.jpg


What I really wanted was something like my KTC JBA3-65, which I could not find a 1/2" version of when I purchased it a few years ago. I have a Vessel version, but it is awkwardly long and heavy. I sometimes need the extra length of 1/2" deep sockets, but not the strength, so smaller is better.

IMG_2976.jpg

After I downloaded the latest KTC catalogs I could find today, I noticed that the KTC version has been changed to a Western size anvil. And still no 1/2" version that I could find quickly.


IMG_2968.jpg
Flash makes one. Is this what you mean?

Anex too.
 
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Shelbylex

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Jan 20, 2018
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3,131
Location
MA
Decided to buy some Koken tools. I once found a Whitworth Koken socket on the side of the sidewalk next to a junk pile - it appeared to be a great quality socket, but I had nothing to use it on (sold for $10 eventually)
I did not really need the sockets, but decided to get a full set of shallow and deep (and right before it I bought used SO 8-18 deep for $40...)

NB - pictures cross posted in other threadsKoken1.JPGKoken2.JPG
 

HannibalLecter

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Aug 26, 2023
Messages
402
This is my only real criticism of Koken. They really need to push out full lines of products. I want a locking flex, the soft non Z handle, and the knurled handle. All this stuff can be offered quick as they already make it.
Yes and its irritating to say the least.
Another example, 1/4 zeal hex bits. Only 3,4,5,6. Where are the rest? And the funny thing is koken offers them in non zeal. But I hate mismatched sets.
Typically Japanese and out of touch, it reminds me of the official honda nsx restoration program. If you are on your sixties you can forget it. You will be dead before they choose to proceed with the restoration
 
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Andres26tnt

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Yes and its irritating to say the least.
Another example, 1/4 zeal hex bits. Only 3,4,5,6. Where are the rest? And the funny thing is koken offers them in non zeal. But I hate mismatched sets.
Typically Japanese and out of touch, it reminds me of the official honda nsx restoration program. If you are on your sixties you can forget it. You will be dead before they choose to proceed with the restoration
There not out of touch, it's just their whole business model is base in Asia, and Asia only. So they only release tools according to what ever trends the Asia market follows. But that not an excuse, if they wanted to enter the USA or EU Market, they need to make sure and offer the sizes for those cars.
 

Steve_P

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Sep 15, 2010
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5,185
There not out of touch, it's just their whole business model is base in Asia, and Asia only. So they only release tools according to what ever trends the Asia market follows. But that not an excuse, if they wanted to enter the USA or EU Market, they need to make sure and offer the sizes for those cars.


Ok, but then why is their ratchet selection still stuck in 1975? They're out of touch with the marketplace IMO.
 

Andres26tnt

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May 11, 2018
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Ok, but then why is their ratchet selection still stuck in 1975? They're out of touch with the marketplace IMO.

Not sure what mean by that, they have ratchets up to 72t with the lowest backdrag. Now they just don't have a lot of options in terms of features such as locking flex or whatever. You don't need a ratchet in the upper numbers of theet, most of those are gimmicky like the 180t craftsman. Modern ratchet have 72t to 100t and for the most part the highest number **** or have issues. Example the lp90, snap-on 100t, icon 90t all had issues that's have been fixed by now. Also I think you misunderstand what kinda company koken is, it's not a ratchet company. They primeraly offer sockets and custom sockets. The Z line is not the only like they offer.
 

GeoBruin

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May 5, 2018
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3,744
Not sure what mean by that, they have ratchets up to 72t with the lowest backdrag. Now they just don't have a lot of options in terms of features such as locking flex or whatever. You don't need a ratchet in the upper numbers of theet, most of those are gimmicky like the 180t craftsman. Modern ratchet have 72t to 100t and for the most part the highest number **** or have issues. Example the lp90, snap-on 100t, icon 90t all had issues that's have been fixed by now. Also I think you misunderstand what kinda company koken is, it's not a ratchet company. They primeraly offer sockets and custom sockets. The Z line is not the only like they offer.
He knows. He's been told. Less than 3 weeks ago in this very thread in fact. He's basically trolling at this point.
 

snowblindb

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May 12, 2013
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59
Location
Finland
A small 1/4" set from Würth but looks a lot like that's made by Tone?

My 3/8" Koken "set" so far (and some 1/4" things too, I can't decide what 1/4" ratchet I'll get) and of course the good old 3/8" Gedore Dremometer. All fits nicely in to the Trusco Y350.
 

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Andres26tnt

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994
A small 1/4" set from Würth but looks a lot like that's made by Tone?

My 3/8" Koken "set" so far (and some 1/4" things too, I can't decide what 1/4" ratchet I'll get) and of course the good old 3/8" Gedore Dremometer. All fits nicely in to the Trusco Y350.
Tone doesn't make them. it's one of the big 3 Taiwan company that makes them (infar🤔). They make all of those from icon, facom, craftsman, VIM, Deen, and a lot more.
 

Andres26tnt

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994
Vessel 400PD2:
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I own this driver, wasn't impressed. The bit retention sucked, used it a few times. Every time the bit just fell off, super annoyed. I thought this was a new product, but a few japanese and European brands have a similar design with the same sliding collar design.
 

Steel_Rain

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Apr 23, 2024
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I own this driver, wasn't impressed. The bit retention sucked, used it a few times. Every time the bit just fell off, super annoyed. I thought this was a new product, but a few japanese and European brands have a similar design with the same sliding collar design.

I only unboxed it but didn’t use it yet. It doesn’t appear to be heavy duty at all. The break handle design is definitely not new, but I like many Vessel products so I thought I’d give it shot. Sounds like a mediocre tool, but I’ll use over the next few weeks.
 

00 Scrub

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Apr 13, 2024
Messages
61
Does anyone have experience with the Koken E-torx nut grip sockets? I've got the standard metric ones and love them.

Also it looks like Amazon.jp doesn't offer any Koken sockets and extensions anymore. I'm guessing it's better to order from a domestic source now?
 
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