These, the return of quick release in the 1/4 ratchets,
I didn’t think KoKen offered any nut grip sockets in 12 point?
With the Z Series / Zeal sockets being so compact, they are naturally much harder to grip. The reduced tolerances on the drive probably don’t help either. A quick release ratchet should probably be considered “standard” if you’re going the Z Series route.
I have a few, and I like them. I have another T-190 coming in today. Their prices fluctuate though, and apparently crafters/makers have discovered them and are snapping them up. I get mine from Amazn US. Some times just another color will save you $10, and repeated searches oftentimes show the exact same box for another price. Suggest you find which one you want and put it in your cart and move it to Save for Later. Wait for the price to get into an acceptable range, notifications at the top of the cart page will let you know about price fluctuations. That's what I do.
I am aware about the color, but I'm a sucker for black unfortunately. I have ordered a T320 from a shop in Germany and before that I had ordered a t360, which I regretted, still hasn't been shipped, the ebay seller is unresponsive, but he rejected my cancellation. And unfortunately I paid with card, not PayPal. He received a negative feedback, but still doesn't seem to care. Whatever.
Yes, the problem was in the 1/4 drive. I have one with quick release, it's much more enjoyable to use and I haven't encountered a problem until now. They will release them again, in 19 years probably, we will have 720 tooth ratchets by then lol.
These are not Zeal Series and they are pretty dated, only 24 teeth. Imo not worth purchasing compared to a stahlwille or hazetI didn’t think KoKen offered any nut grip sockets in 12 point?
The way they work they are pretty much designed around a 6 point socket. I know they offer them in E Torx, but there is still something for the ball bearings to grip.
A 12 point socket is only going to be used two ways. If it’s used on a 6 point fastener then you are better off using a 6 point socket if you need nut grip. If you are going to use it on a 12 point fastener, then the ball bearings may not ever grip that well, as they are trying to grip a point.
Locking flex heads are 3774 (in 3/8 drive) with a suffix for handle type.
I suspected as much. I suspect some folks were pushing their 1/4” drive more than others.
I never said they were!
Ahhh!They do, but only in 1/4” drive. They use 3 balls to hold the 12pt fastener head. Ko-ken have sockets for an impressive amount of fastener types, some that I’ve never even heard of, but you need to dig into their catalog to discover them all.
My specific use-case are 10mm and 12mm 12pt nuts on ARP fasteners in engines, usually hiding in fun places where dropping one is a bad day. These are often stainless too so magnets don’t work. A metric set of these would be perfect.
. Thanks for the heads up on the other rebrands.
@Dave455, Do you have any additional info on that "Extra" socket? I haven't seen those before...Shown here with a KoKen “Extra” socket - something of a halfway house between the regular line and the Z Series / Zeal.
To quote my sources deep inside KoKen (well, the printing on the box actually) they are…
Do you mind sharing what brand those wrenches are? I've seen them before here but can't recall what brand. Thank you.The results of a few orders from Amazon Japan this year.
The skeletonized ones are from Asahi's lightool line. The two small ones in the upper left look like a KTC profile (or maybe lobtex branded). Not sure on the ratcheting one.
Those look nice! I guess I'll be searching for UK sales sites now...
To quote my sources deep inside KoKen (well, the printing on the box actually) they are…
Also EXTRA Exclusive it seems, as they don’t seem to be available outside the U.K.
Regular socket on the left, EXTRA in the middle, Z Series / Zeal on the right.
The picture isn’t totally accurate, they are very shiny!
I own a lot of Koken, but I don't own any of the nut grip sockets yet, so I'm planning on investing into fixed and universal versions in 1/4" and 3/8".
They're made incredibly well and they are made in Japan. I've drilled a few holes with them, just testing them out, and they are SHARP. It's a bit odd drilling holes with an impact, but it seems to do a great job at keeping things precise. Great set, highly recommend. Ordered from Amazon Japan.Thoughts on this drill set from Vessel?
I like 1/4" drive drill bits. Are these made in Japan?
That's too bad. The Ko-Ken Extra socket looks like a Carlyle metric socket. I prefer the less shiny, satin like finish.To quote my sources deep inside KoKen (well, the printing on the box actually) they are…
Also EXTRA Exclusive it seems, as they don’t seem to be available outside the U.K.
Regular socket on the left, EXTRA in the middle, Z Series / Zeal on the right.
The picture isn’t totally accurate, they are very shiny!
Added to AJP cart, thank you.
Really starting to get the MIJ itch...
Not hand tools, hopefully this okay to post here.
Picked up the MIJ TD173 about a month ago and finally got in a bunch of my JDM bits in from Amazon Japan. Mostly Vessel, Tone and Anex.
I know the version with the US/UK chuck just came out recently, but I prefer MIJ products and this thing is a WORKHORSE. Incredibly impressive for the price, around $160 shipped, brand new from Japan.
These JDM bits are also awesome and the selection is insane. The Vessel 6-point sockets, screw extractor kits and various accessories are especially useful. The double-tipped bits are also super useful.
The collection grows...
I’m not sure what the back story was to these “Extra” sockets.That's too bad. The Ko-Ken Extra socket looks like a Carlyle metric socket. I prefer the less shiny, satin like finish.
That KTC small head 3/8 roto ratchet pictured further up is quite strong and available in three different lengths. I wish the handle section was a smidge longer though. Great ratchet
26" ARS shears, from Amazon-US. The aluminum alloy shears are light weight and the replaceable blades are very sharp!
ARS CORPORATION
They look elegant. What were they made for? And if you plan on using them for something else, what will that be?
@ Rinspeed ditto on that one, a lot of us have fallen into this rabbit hole.
What is a DBE and how do you use it, or what is it used for?A few tools were missed out from my earlier picture of tools from Japan purchased last year.
All 3/8" drive except for the 8x10mm DBE which is very nicely made by the Best Tool Co. Ltd.
I will be using them for pruning hedges, shrubs, conifers, and perennials. I tested them on a single sheet of paper and they made a very clean cut.
