Tools of Japan

[Andres26tnt]

Haven't seen it.
My comments on these:
GoJaks are great. Used a lot at my previous shop where there were over 20+ techs. It handled going over ruts and small lips on entry ramps pretty well. Must've been used for at least 5 years, without a hiccup.
Current shop with just 13 techs has OTC ones that are hydraulic and they only lasted a few years. No where near the quality of the Go Jaks.
So, I recommend the standard ratcheting type and look for models that have large diameter casters, unless you're only working on smooth concrete/asphalt surfaces.



Are the Mayhew ones not good?
Nope, never seen any MIJ.
The only closest thing I have is from Ko-ken. It's not dual drive, though the Ko-ken 179B-12H series are bits that have a hex drive. The bits have a single spring-loaded ball that holds the bit in a wrench or a socket. They are meant to be used for their door hinge wrench. I've had a set in Torx and XZN.

The only photos i have ...
Comparing it with a VIM 1/4sq T50 ... yes, a T50 (typically a 3/8 or 1/2sq size).

The Ko-ken is mated to a 12mm ratcheting wrench.
In this situatuon i was able to work the fastener without having to remove the rear seat cushion .
Thanks to this novel solution, i was able to get to replace the seat belt reel mechanism and save me time from removing the seat cushion and dealing with a child seat (the customer's car had a child seat secured in place, which if I can, I try to avoid touching/removing).




Unfortunately the 72t Revowave ratchets aren't MIJ. Their first gen 24t Lightool ratchets were MIJ.

I had a feeling they weren't. Makes sense as a lot of manufacturing is going to Thailand now. Every store I been to from DCM to Sunday or even the boutique places have lots of overseas products now. .

The Renowave ratchet is still nice for sure. I need to find a supplier for the loose wrenches as I want the complete set 8-24mm, the kit I bought is missing 4 sizes.

 

[Nobody-named-Olli]

Toyo Steel Y-350 is my bike tool kit. (Bike is nothing “special” per-se, just one that can cope with my weight.)





Kind regards,
Olli

 

[HannibalLecter]

And here is my whole koken collection. By all means not complete and I don't even dare to calculate how much it cost me so far

 

[Steel_Rain]

And here is my whole koken collection. By all means not complete and I don't even dare to calculate how much it cost me so far

Beautiful!

 

[Outahere]

Shinwa 12"/300mm rigid rule, from Amazon-US ($18). Around 1mm thick.






Compared to a 1mm thick Shinwa metric machinist's rule I bought a year or two ago.



The machinist's rule has some conversion data on the back side, and a little tap drill table.



The machinist's rule is only $8 at Amazon.
Shinwa 101C Rule

 

[Andres26tnt]

This is not a Japanese brand, but I was exposed to it now that I'm living here.

Pro-auto
I was really surprised by this extendable ratchet. When I order it, I thought i was getting a regular size ratchet. Turns out they offer a compact 3/8 locking flex head. It's 200mm fully extended. The flex lock is super nice and firm, almost no play in the head. The extension bar is also quite firm with slightly more give due to the design. The 72t gear is your typical compact Taiwan everyone offers(looking at you tone ).

I order it to replace my duralast extendable, dint like it as it was super sloppy. I really like this pro-auto. Will be getting the regular size version now.

 

[Odd-job]

Do I need to buy this?!? Anyone have any experience? Looks like a powered bit ratchet and similar versions are available on ebay.

Vessel E-ASSIST MINI Ratchet Wrench SET | JDTCo.

www.jerseydiscounttool.com

 

[Andres26tnt]

Do I need to buy this?!? Anyone have any experience? Looks like a powered bit ratchet and similar versions are available on ebay.

Vessel E-ASSIST MINI Ratchet Wrench SET | JDTCo.

www.jerseydiscounttool.com

That's a glorified electric screwdriver ... JK.
Do you need such a tool? It's basically a nice slimmer and compact 1/4 ratchet for screwing in bolts. Not powerful at all, but not bad either. Would I buy another? No, I've still to find a place where my budget Ryobi 1/4 won't fit. Maybe if I worked on newer more compact cars .

Who we kidding tho, you know you want it. Get it

 

[Ohio Andy]

That's a glorified electric screwdriver ... JK.
Do you need such a tool? It's basically a nice slimmer and compact 1/4 ratchet for screwing in bolts. Not powerful at all, but not bad either. Would I buy another? No, I've still to find a place where my budget Ryobi 1/4 won't fit. Maybe if I worked on newer more compact cars .

Who we kidding tho, you know you want it. Get it

You know something like that might be fabulous while trying to put drawer slides into small cabinets that I build sometimes....

Very interesting...

 

[Andres26tnt]

You know something like that might be fabulous while trying to put drawer slides into small cabinets that I build sometimes....

Very interesting...

It's perfect for that.

 

[Odd-job]

glorified electric screwdriver

I already have several of those, plus two vessels so I definitely have a thing for glorified tools. Thinking this would be good for small fasteners buried in enclosures and those annoyingly long bottle cage bolts on bikes.

So there is red handled versions on ebay right now, and this black version seems to be only available via preorder. Is there some sort of improvement like variable torque? The price difference is pretty negligible.

Couldn't find much on torque specs either.

 

[Steel_Rain]

So there is red handled versions on ebay right now, and this black version seems to be only available via preorder. Is there some sort of improvement like variable torque? The price difference is pretty negligible.

Couldn't find much on torque specs either.

My post about this: https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/threads/tools-of-japan.97563/post-10910188

I can't find anymore data about the black handle USDM version coming later this year. It would be great if this was revised to have both directions without the need to flip it over/swap inserts.

I've found myself using this more. As my post underlined, It will not replace or even augment a full size electric ratchet. But for certain situations, it's useful, especially after you get into a workflow with it.

 

[Odd-job]

Thanks for that detail. Missed your post. Sounds like the reverse switch or lack thereof should be a key criteria in terms of pulling the trigger on the new version.

 

[scubadoober]

Ordered some TONE impacts. They use an electroless nickle plating. It creates a iniform layer inside and out unlike standard plating. It also offers corrosion resistance where black oxide offers none. We will see.

 

[rick carpenter]

Shinwa 12"/300mm rigid rule, from Amazon-US ($18). Around 1mm thick.






Compared to a 1mm thick Shinwa metric machinist's rule I bought a year or two ago.



The machinist's rule has some conversion data on the back side, and a little tap drill table.



The machinist's rule is only $8 at Amazon.
Shinwa 101C Rule

If you haven't already done so, go through the Shinwa catalog at...

Shinwa Rules Co., Ltd. - General Catalog

... it's fascinating. You have to be careful with Amazn to get Shinwa products Made in Japan, the link you provided had one pic with Made in China on the package and one pic with Made in Japan on another package. I have a 15cm Shinwa rule that turns out was made in China.

 

[HannibalLecter]

If you haven't already done so, go through the Shinwa catalog at...

Shinwa Rules Co., Ltd. - General Catalog

... it's fascinating. You have to be careful with Amazn to get Shinwa products Made in Japan, the link you provided had one pic with Made in China on the package and one pic with Made in Japan on another package. I have a 15cm Shinwa rule that turns out was made in China.

Its better to buy NiigataSeiki rulers, all made in Japan and the lines on the graduation have different length, easier to discern between two lines, really cool design

 

[land]

Does anyone know of any Japanese made Hook and Pick sets?

 

[Dave455]

Does anyone know of any Japanese made Hook and Pick sets?

KTC offer these.


Never seen the actual tools and can’t be certain they are made in Japan, but I suspect they are.

Hook and pick sets seem to be one of those very basic tools that you use on most jobs, but relatively few manufacturers offer.

 

[mercifiknow]

I’m considering by the flex head Koken ratchets 1/2, 3/8, and 1/4 sizes. I want the locking versions if they have them. Anyone know about the features?

 

[Steel_Rain]

Does anyone know of any Japanese made Hook and Pick sets?

I have searched high and low for these. @superautobacs may be our only way to confirm these still exist.

I bought these Trusco ones hoping they were made in Japan, but it turns out they are rebrands from Taiwan:



Since I couldn't find any Made in Japan, I bought some that were Made In Switzerland:

Never seen the actual tools and can’t be certain they are made in Japan, but I suspect they are.

Well Dave...sounds like someone is just going to have to order a set of these to find out. It's a difficult thing to do, but I'll do that now...

 

[Steel_Rain]

Well Dave...sounds like someone is just going to have to order a set of these to find out. It's a difficult thing to do, but I'll do that now...

Found a photo of the reverse of the package:



As you suspected Dave, Made in Japan.

These are much geared for larger applications, like coolant hoses and the like, but I still want them. KTC even calls these a "hose plucker set":

 

[land]

I have seen the coolant hose picks, but I am looking for just a basic hook and pick set. I have been searching for a while now and It just seems crazy that none of the major Japanese manufacturers make a set.

 

[superautobacs]

I had a feeling they weren't. Makes sense as a lot of manufacturing is going to Thailand now. Every store I been to from DCM to Sunday or even the boutique places have lots of overseas products now. .

The Renowave ratchet is still nice for sure. I need to find a supplier for the loose wrenches as I want the complete set 8-24mm, the kit I bought is missing 4 sizes.

I think I've purchased most of my Asahi tools through i-Tools via Rakuten Ichiba.
It wasn't until a few years ago that Asahi added 9, 16, 18mm sizes. There still isn't a 20mm though.

Ordered some TONE impacts. They use an electroless nickle plating. It creates a iniform layer inside and out unlike standard plating. It also offers corrosion resistance where black oxide offers none. We will see.

Do you have standard impact sockets in your storage/tool box that have developed surface rust?
I don't have any issues with surface rust, where I live/work, but I did end with a small assortment of shallow Tone impact sockets a few years back. They do their job fine, but I've found them to be rather soft, similar to Snap-on impact sockets.

I have searched high and low for these. @superautobacs may be our only way to confirm these still exist.

I bought these Trusco ones hoping they were made in Japan, but it turns out they are rebrands from Taiwan:



Since I couldn't find any Made in Japan, I bought some that were Made In Switzerland:





Well Dave...sounds like someone is just going to have to order a set of these to find out. It's a difficult thing to do, but I'll do that now...

I had to search and I'm quite surprised at the realization that Japanese manufacturers don't offer the 'standard use' hook & pick set!

I have that same set above, but rebranded as DEEN. The handle design has been around for well over a decade by Taiwan manufacturer: Lancer If you browse their site, you'll notice some familiar looking tools.

Other than the hose plucker items from KTC and Ko-ken (maybe Tone?), there's only one more item that I can think of: Anex No. 9115

https://www.anextool.co.jp/item/9115/

 

[superautobacs]

Ran into these old photos comparing height differences:
T-50 comparison
PB Swiss Torx key
1/4sq MAC Axis ratchet and VIM stubby bit
12mm nepros DBE with Ko-ken bit

 

[Andres26tnt]

I’m considering by the flex head Koken ratchets 1/2, 3/8, and 1/4 sizes. I want the locking versions if they have them. Anyone know about the features?

Koken locking flex are nice but only 24t if I remember correctly. Quality wise they are excellent. But if you want a newer age type of tool, those ain't it.

 

[BlitzcrankJapan]

Does anyone know of any Japanese made Hook and Pick sets?

Vessel. I have this set. I recall the box saying made in Japan. Amazon says made in Japan.

https://www.amazon.com.au/VESSEL-MEGADORA-Chisel-Remover-No-9706EVA/dp/B07ZK71VMY

On another note. I was finally able to pick up my KTC/Nepros gift. I got the small parts tray. It did not come in a box or any proper packaging. Just some bubble wrap and plastic. Most likely made in China.
As was said before. It is not magnetic. It is a soft plastic or rubber. I suspect a type of urethane.


Google lens translates the Japanese to: Kyoto Machinery Tools Co Ltd

 

[DekNgo]

Ran into these old photos comparing height differences:
T-50 comparison
PB Swiss Torx key
1/4sq MAC Axis ratchet and VIM stubby bit
12mm nepros DBE with Ko-ken bit

Is the T50 bit with the 12mm hex drive an old discontinued model? I don't recall having seen one of those.

 

[mercifiknow]

Koken locking flex are nice but only 24t if I remember correctly. Quality wise they are excellent. But if you want a newer age type of tool, those ain't it.

is the locking mechanism a ball detent or something else? I saw the 24T. Not really happy about that either. the Z-series 3/8 drive has 72T but doesn't lock? correct? I was going to purchase the Z-series (working in tight places) but looks like it's the only one that might meet my needs. Other suggestions?

 

[Andres26tnt]

is the locking mechanism a ball detent or something else? I saw the 24T. Not really happy about that either. the Z-series 3/8 drive has 72T but doesn't lock? correct? I was going to purchase the Z-series (working in tight places) but looks like it's the only one that might meet my needs. Other suggestions?

I'm don't remember entirely since I've seen them last year. They have two versions, one with the switch on the side, and the other in the middle.

Correct, the Z doesn't lock. Still a great ratchet. Personally prefer fixed heads. I do have the stahlwille locking flex 3/8 80t. Loved my fixed head version, so bought the locking flex. Unfortunately those suffer from weak pivot pins, mine broke in about 4 uses. The pivot pin just got loose and flew off.

Not sure what to recommend for japanese made locking flex heads. They don't make many. You should probably go for a Taiwan made. If you can swing USA made, go for that. I love my snap-on FL80 locking flex. I wish they made it in QR.

 

[HannibalLecter]

The zeal flex heads have a detent only on the straight position that keeps them, but no they don't lock

 

[mercifiknow]

The zeal flex heads have a detent only on the straight position that keeps them, but no they don't lock

Thanks to all that have answered. I will just stick to my fixed Koken’s

 

[superautobacs]

Is the T50 bit with the 12mm hex drive an old discontinued model? I don't recall having seen one of those.

It's still available as far as I can tell
179B-12H
Torx and XZN bits
Noticed the T45 is an odd ball

 

[DekNgo]

It's still available as far as I can tell
179B-12H
Torx and XZN bits
Noticed the T45 is an odd ball

Thank you. As always.

 

[CGarage]

@superautobacs


Keep up the great work on informing us about Japanese tools, you were the originator of this and got many of us to look at Japan for quality tooling.

 

[Hakeem]

I was servicing some emergency lights in a factory today when I looked down and spotted this interesting wrench. I figured it was some heritage US brand but to my surprise it was an Asahi 55mm open end wrench:

Sorry for the crummy photo but I had to be somewhat discreet

 

[angusp]

I found myself in Japan again, just a few weeks after the last trip.

This time I visited the Yokohama Factory Gear store. This location had a lot more hand tools than the Tokyo and Osaka store, although sadly they don’t offer tax-free sales which I found out at the register.



I got a few small things, and a new Nepros 3/8” compact ratchet. The Ko-ken socket sets I wanted were a good 20% markup over Amazon Japan. Even with Tax Free it’s still cheaper to pay tax and buy from Amazon Japan. I need to find a brick and mortar Ko-ken retailer that’s closer to Amazon pricing, but I don’t think they exist.



For the other tools on my list, I ordered them from Amazon Japan and had them shipped to a Lawson convenience store a minutes walk from where I was staying. Most things arrived in a single bag package the next day.
The pickup process was easy, just show a barcode and they hand you the package. I got lots of things I’ve had in my Amazon cart, but nothing too interesting that hasn’t been posted here before. I need to do a layout and photos of the full haul.



Lastly, I picked up another set of packages I had at Blackship. I’ve had Blackship receive a few dozen packages for me now but still haven't used their forwarding service. Their pickup process still has some quirks, notably that they don’t seem to have a shelf for pickups and it usually takes a while for them to find my packages. I suspect it’s not a very common thing for them to be fair.

Next trip I’d like to check out the Factory Gear Giga store, although every time I go to a FG store I remember that it’s around 20% cheaper just to buy from Amazon. It’s nice to see and feels the selection of tools though.

 

[johnson_n]

It's been two years since my last Palmac order but do they not offer free shipping over $199 anymore? I have the Ko-ken RS3300M/12 socket set and some other sockets in my cart and shipping is about $23. I edited the quantities so that the cart is over $400 and it's showing a shipping charge.

 

[mikey03]

question for the Japan tool experts. If you were buying a few individual 3/4 chrome sockets for very rare use maybe honestly never using them but just in case,

would you rather have Taiwan tekton sockets with amazing warranty or KoKen Japanese sockets with basically no warranty?

looking at Zoto if you add a 20 % off coupon your getting the sockets for about the same price as Tekton. But I seen the drama YouTubes there’s no real warranty to buy koken tools anywhere except kokenusa and at those prices are much higher that way to make me just choose Tekton

so Tekton with warranty or Koken with no warranty?

 

[Andres26tnt]

question for the Japan tool experts. If you were buying a few individual 3/4 chrome sockets for very rare use maybe honestly never using them but just in case,

would you rather have Taiwan tekton sockets with amazing warranty or KoKen Japanese sockets with basically no warranty?

looking at Zoto if you add a 20 % off coupon your getting the sockets for about the same price as Tekton. But I seen the drama YouTubes there’s no real warranty to buy koken tools anywhere except kokenusa and at those prices are much higher that way to make me just choose Tekton

so Tekton with warranty or Koken with no warranty?

Do you need warranty? If ya do go with what's best available in your country (USA I'm assuming). If not enjoy the Koken sockets

 

[Caa311]

question for the Japan tool experts. If you were buying a few individual 3/4 chrome sockets for very rare use maybe honestly never using them but just in case,

would you rather have Taiwan tekton sockets with amazing warranty or KoKen Japanese sockets with basically no warranty?

looking at Zoto if you add a 20 % off coupon your getting the sockets for about the same price as Tekton. But I seen the drama YouTubes there’s no real warranty to buy koken tools anywhere except kokenusa and at those prices are much higher that way to make me just choose Tekton

so Tekton with warranty or Koken with no warranty?

Buy the ko-ken and don't worry about the warranty...