Tools of Japan

[BlitzcrankJapan]

If you have to ask about the warranty. Then go with what offers a warranty.
Ko-Ken is only going to offer a warranty for manufacturing defects anyway. Just like every product in the world, other than USA Tools.

If you drive your car over a curb and it breaks, the manufacturer will not replace it under warranty. Do not expect Ko-Ken to warranty your tools because you break them, unrelated to manufacturing defects.

 

[CHI_Tool&Die]

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.

I noticed the same thing. As far as I can tell they discreetly dropped the free shipping over $199.

If you have to ask about the warranty. Then go with what offers a warranty.
Ko-Ken is only going to offer a warranty for manufacturing defects anyway. Just like every product in the world, other than USA Tools.

If you drive your car over a curb and it breaks, the manufacturer will not replace it under warranty. Do not expect Ko-Ken to warranty your tools because you break them, unrelated to manufacturing defects.

To be fair, most US companies are now offering limited lifetime warranties that also only cover manufacturing defects. I think Snap-on is about the only company I know of that will warranty anything. Even the MAC and Matco guys have been getting stingy. Otherwise it’s mostly Taiwan tooling which has the no questions asked warranties.

 

[tamaraw]

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?

1. I can't imagine you would have any issues with warranty from Zoro. Their support is top notch, it's a division of Grainger Industrial. As an anecdote, I once ordered a toolbox that arrived with some minor damage to an external shelf. They couldn't send replacement parts because it had drop shipped from the Beta USA distributor and not something they stock internally, but they offered to send a freight truck to pick it up and deliver a new one at no charge.

Anyway, Ko-ken items on Zoro drop ship from Palmac.net (aka Koken USA), so it's coming from the same distributor regardless. (just minus their fat markup)



2. Ko-ken has a reasonable warranty against manufacturing defects. I think Tekton "warranty" just gives you free stuff if you abuse or destroy things?

From the Ko-ken catalog, page 19:

The trade mark Ko-ken is your unqualified warranty against any defect in material or workmanship. Each Ko-ken tool is built to more than meet the requirements of its intended use and is carefully checked before leaving the factory. Any Ko-ken tool which fails because of defective material or workmanship will be repaired or replaced through your Ko-ken dealer, to the exclusion of any further liability.

Anyway, why worry about which ones to buy if you are never going to use them? (haha, garage journal jokes)

Probably better to pick up a used set for less. If you are worried about having to replace 3/4" sockets due to manufacturing defects (pretty dang uncommon), you could also check Proto since they can be warrantied locally at many industrial suppliers.

 

[KnurledNut]

Anyone remember this generation of Koken?

 

[BlitzcrankJapan]

Anyone remember this generation of Koken?

I'm not sure really. You'll have to expand on what that generation is? But I am pretty sure I have a box full of random Ko-Ken pieces that look exactly like that.
I have bought a few random tools boxes full of sockets and wrenches where it is all just thrown in there. Presumably deceased estate stuff.

 

[dynode]

I have two T-190s in my tool cart, and two T-320s for my grandkids' toolboxes. I like Altoids "mini-toolboxes" for bits.

I’m putting together a kit for my boys, could you share what’s the contents of those boxes?

 

[richfinn]

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?

Ko-ken

 

[Andres26tnt]

Toyo offers leather pads for 2 models. Since this box isn't one of the two, I decided to see if another company offered anything. I found one company offering what looks like a toyo rebrand tool box with leather pads and handle cover. Digging a little further I was surprised to find they sell the handle cover by itself .

Gemelli is the brand, I was even more impressed when 16$ later it came. Why? Well it's made in Japan, I was expecting something from china as it had no mention of COO anywhere.

Update - they have since updated they listing on Amazon to say made in Japan.

 

[angusp]

I forgot to post about these in my last Japan trip update;

I found these Toyo T-192 tool boxes stamped with the Snap-on logo. Reasonably priced at around $19 each. I’ve never seen Snap-on branded Toyo tool boxes so I thought this was a unique find. The boxes are marked made in Japan just like all other Toyo steel boxes.

 

[Dave455]

I forgot to post about these in my last Japan trip update;

I found these Toyo T-192 tool boxes stamped with the Snap-on logo. Reasonably priced at around $19 each. I’ve never seen Snap-on branded Toyo tool boxes so I thought this was a unique find. The boxes are marked made in Japan just like all other Toyo steel boxes.

Snap On seem to have different arrangements in Japan. It’s one of the few countries where you will see Snap On in shops.

I’m thinking these are part of those arrangements. Snap On don’t seem to want to supply small boxes at all anymore, especially if they have to ship them half way round the planet!

Shame they couldn’t do them in Snap on colours!

 

[Andres26tnt]

I forgot to post about these in my last Japan trip update;

I found these Toyo T-192 tool boxes stamped with the Snap-on logo. Reasonably priced at around $19 each. I’ve never seen Snap-on branded Toyo tool boxes so I thought this was a unique find. The boxes are marked made in Japan just like all other Toyo steel boxes.

As Dave mentioned, snap-on does have different arrangements in Japan. They also have a Snap-on branded stack system that looks like the HF systems . I'm not sure what the agreement are, but looks like each snap-on retailer has its own in Japan.

 

[scubadoober]

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 three or four that have developed some type of surface rust. The finish on the Tones is much smoother as well compared to the black oxide. I will be ordering some Proto's in 1/2" deep to compare as well. YMMV

 

[miladog]

First post. Long time lurker. Googling various tools has brought me to this forum many times, often to this specific thread.

Today I received this Hozan P-36 which I have never seen any posts or reviews of. The quality is very fine. Durability unknown, but due to their smaller size they will probably generally see light use anyway.

There isn’t a flaw on them. Finish is perfect, alignment perfect, soft grips perfect. Just the right spring tension. I immediately appreciated that they only open so far which makes them comfortable.

$14.31 shipped from Amazon USA, seller Amazon Japan. 2 days prior I had ordered some Merry Y75 and they grouped them together in the same FedEx shipment which took 13 days to arrive from time of ordering the Hozan.

Recently I was shopping sheer-cutting linesman style pliers. I went with the Marvel MVA-200N. But while exploring options I noticed the Hozan P-59-175 and the 3Peaks DF-165 appeared nearly identical in design. Googling to see if one brand was supplying the other today once again brought me to this thread, so I decided to post these.

I did have a question about the purpose of the spring-pin on these pliers. There is no mention of it on the Hozan package. But I just answered it myself. I couldn’t find this exact plier in 3Peaks catalog but their MR-120 appears the same but with dipped grips. Description for that product mentions the spring-pin is specifically for limiting the opening of the pliers, which as mentioned was an attribute I had already appreciated. Excellent.

 

[miladog]

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.

I hate to take this thread down a German road, but I just picked up that Stahlwille locking flex 3/8 and 1/2 a week ago, so I am sadden by your comment on this. Did you repair it after the pin failed?

 

[Dave455]

I hate to take this thread down a German road, but I just picked up that Stahlwille locking flex 3/8 and 1/2 a week ago, so I am sadden by your comment on this. Did you repair it after the pin failed?

I know that folks have different views about lifetime warranty, and especially about paying for it, but there’s no doubt that if you had a lifetime warranty tool, the manufacturer could not allow that situation to continue. Especially as it is undoubtedly a defect.

I hope the faulty tool was returned to Stahlwille.

 

[Formerjeeper]

Toyo offers leather pads for 2 models. Since this box isn't one of the two, I decided to see if another company offered anything. I found one company offering what looks like a toyo rebrand tool box with leather pads and handle cover. Digging a little further I was surprised to find they sell the handle cover by itself .

Gemelli is the brand, I was even more impressed when 16$ later it came. Why? Well it's made in Japan, I was expecting something from china as it had no mention of COO anywhere.

Update - they have since updated they listing on Amazon to say made in Japan.

Got a link or website? Couldn’t find with search or on Amazon US.

 

[Hakeem]

Got my promotional Nepros item - a thermos that I didn’t know was offered!

 

[miladog]

I know that folks have different views about lifetime warranty, and especially about paying for it, but there’s no doubt that if you had a lifetime warranty tool, the manufacturer could not allow that situation to continue. Especially as it is undoubtedly a defect.

I hope the faulty tool was returned to Stahlwille.

If mine suffers the same fate, I will reach out to the manufacturer. If they would allow it, I would prefer they send me a replacement component for repair versus myself sending them the entire tool for a round trip journey across the sea. But of course; whatever it takes.

 

[Andres26tnt]

I hate to take this thread down a German road, but I just picked up that Stahlwille locking flex 3/8 and 1/2 a week ago, so I am sadden by your comment on this. Did you repair it after the pin failed?

Nope, bought through a 3rd party vendor. So not covered under warranty. No big deal for me as I knew when purchased. If you want warranty you need to buy from approve vendors.

 

[miladog]

Nope, bought through a 3rd party vendor. So not covered under warranty. No big deal for me as I knew when purchased. If you want warranty you need to buy from approve vendors.

Even without a warranty, you didn’t want to repair a ratchet worth over $100? As long as they will sell me the parts for repair, I don’t mind not having a warranty. My 3/8 came from Zoro so I doubt it’s got a warranty.

 

[Andres26tnt]

Got a link or website? Couldn’t find with search or on Amazon US.

Not Amazon US. Amazon JP link below

https://amzn.asia/d/2ryKN7j

 

[Andres26tnt]

Even without a warranty, you didn’t want to repair a ratchet worth over $100? As long as they will sell me the parts for repair, I don’t mind not having a warranty. My 3/8 came from Zoro so I doubt it’s got a warranty.

I repair it with a kit, didn't warranty as it has no warranty. Idk if zoro is an approved vendor unfortunately. Couldn't hurt to email them, maybe they will warranty.

 

[miladog]

I repair it with a kit, didn't warranty as it has no warranty. Idk if zoro is an approved vendor unfortunately. Couldn't hurt to email them, maybe they will warranty.

Oh perfect so it was no issue to get parts and repair it. That’s what I was hoping to hear.

 

[rick carpenter]

I’m putting together a kit for my boys, could you share what’s the contents of those boxes?

Glad to, @dynode! I'm taking my time and having fun collecting these all-Japanese tools. Trying for as much variety as possible. So far I have one of each of the following in a Trusco blue T-320 toolbox for the granddaughter and a Trusco green T-320 toolbox for the grandson...
130mm Aigo 5R locking pliers
150mm Tsunoda WP-150D water pump pliers
150mm Tsunoda King TTC PL-150 slip joint pliers
Vessel Megadora -6x100 flatblade screwdriver
Vessel Megadora +2x100 crosspoint screwdriver
150mm Lobster UM24B blue dipped Hybrid Monkey Skeleton adjustable pliers in the granddaughter's kit
150mm Lobster UM24D silver dipped Hybrid Monkey Skeleton adjustable pliers in the grandson's kit
165mm MTC-22 nippers

Still to come...
Keiba or Engineer Radio/Needle Nose pliers
Center 20 oz mill face rip hammer

Found out before Christmas I'm going to need a third kit. Yay!!!

Post a pic of your progress so far please!

Rick

 

[Keegster]

Have you guys bought or seen anything from MTC, MARUYOSHI MFG? I came across a pair of cutters on Amazon, and when you google MTC Tools Japan, majority of the shopping is on AliExpress with the rest being on eBay. To me it looks like a fake Japanese brand, or possibly one that is copied. Why would such an obscure one be copied?

They have two websites:

[MARUYOSHI MFG CO.,LTD.] TOOL FROM JAPAN

MARUYOSHI MFG CO.,LTD. It is a cutlery manufacturer in Japan that peels off and handles , knife etc.

www.maruyoshi-mtc.co.jp

MARUYOSHI MFG. SHOP / TOPページ

ec.maruyoshi-mtc.co.jp

The contact form on the first website does not work, but it does have an email address:
[email protected]

I did not try the contact form on the second website.

Edit:
While I was typing this I came across a blog post by searching the address of the company.

Some MTC nippers and Tsunoda pliers and their anti-counterfeiting stickers – Eat Dirt, Shit Rocks

www.eatdirtshit.rocks

 

[Outahere]

...My 3/8 came from Zoro so I doubt it’s got a warranty.

I've bought a few Koken tools from Zoro, and they were all drop shipped from Koken-USA. They probably do have a warranty.

 

[NoahG]

Picked up a handful of these KAL 3/8DR1 11/32” sockets at American Science & Surplus back in December. Probably not a great socket, but definitely an unusual size combo!

 

[GeoBruin]

$20 Craigslist pickup today. 1960's era Hori RC-101 Caddy.

Needs some love. I've got a few more parts not pictured but I don't think the other top handle piece is among them. Might have to get creative.

 

[BlitzcrankJapan]

Did anyone else receive the happy New Year and new logo email? It asks for our feedback on the new logo. Personally I find the new logo with tag 'beyond the best Nepros' a little too plain. I liked the old logo with the red and white P in the middle of Nepros'.
Does anyone else feel this way? I wonder if we should voice our opinion and they may keep the logo with the red and white P.

 

[SwissMetric]

I know that folks have different views about lifetime warranty, and especially about paying for it, but there’s no doubt that if you had a lifetime warranty tool, the manufacturer could not allow that situation to continue. Especially as it is undoubtedly a defect.

I hope the faulty tool was returned to Stahlwille.

If in the U.S. I'd still try to contact Stahlwille, it's a huge market and there's a lot of competition.

In Switzerland IIRC despite no official warranty endorsement beyond the minimal legal conditions, some representatives still replaced some tools for free. Very often hand tools are damaged due to obvious abuse but users still try to get free replacements.

Japanese tools are mostly found as single specific tools rather than a comprehensive offer like PB, Stahlwille, Hazet or so. I've never seen any store selling Ko-ken though I never checked how Japanese tool manufacturers are represented here.

Even more generally the tool "culture" in the U.S.A. is quite different, also many tools are not even available in Europe or at least not easily.
Of course economically speaking the U.S.A. are rather like a whole continent than just a country. Even the GDP of California is comparable to the one of Japan, just following Germany. Or TX is about 17 times the area of my country, so yep, everything is big there.

 

[rick carpenter]

Have you guys bought or seen anything from MTC, MARUYOSHI MFG? I came across a pair of cutters on Amazon, and when you google MTC Tools Japan, majority of the shopping is on AliExpress with the rest being on eBay. To me it looks like a fake Japanese brand, or possibly one that is copied. Why would such an obscure one be copied?

They have two websites:

[MARUYOSHI MFG CO.,LTD.] TOOL FROM JAPAN

MARUYOSHI MFG CO.,LTD. It is a cutlery manufacturer in Japan that peels off and handles , knife etc.

www.maruyoshi-mtc.co.jp

MARUYOSHI MFG. SHOP / TOPページ

ec.maruyoshi-mtc.co.jp

The contact form on the first website does not work, but it does have an email address:
[email protected]

I did not try the contact form on the second website.

Edit:
While I was typing this I came across a blog post by searching the address of the company.

Some MTC nippers and Tsunoda pliers and their anti-counterfeiting stickers – Eat Dirt, Shit Rocks

www.eatdirtshit.rocks

I had seen those websites, and considered the possibility of counterfeit MTC written about there and by member @superautobacs here. Chris Cas was satisfied with his MTC nippers so I took the chance on some too.

Maruyoshi has gone on to other products these days per Chris, so these (if authentic, and I think >50% they are) and the Aigo locking pliers are NOS.

 

[GarageHobbyist]

I've been looking for a Japanese manufactured set of four vehicle positioning jacks. Is there such a set?

My research says stick with a ratcheting, not hydraulic, set and the Rolls Royce product is the USA made GoJak.

Are you ready for the price shock here in a Australia? AUD6197 or USD3842 for a set of four including the rack. I just don't get what the justification is for this pricing in Australia. You can purchase a set from https://zendextool.com/product/gojak-wheel-dolly-shop-kit/ for USD1435. You can buy a budget 4-post or 2-post lift/hoist for way less than AUD5000.

Go Jacks GJ6313 AUD2849 per pair. 1575 lb/wheel (714 kg). Rack is an additional AUD499.

GoJak Ratchet Vehicle Positioning Jack to 2810kg Tire widths to 13" (P

Replaces Model GK6200 The Model 6313 is an ox. Able to jack vehicle weights to 2863.5kgs. (714.4kgs. per wheel), including light duty trucks with tire widths up to 32cm wide and 13-22" tall. This auto jack / dolly is the most versatile and strongest GoJak® in the line. It has steel rollers...

www.vektools.com.au

JackCo CD 310 162,156 Yen for a set of four Amazon Japan. 1500lb/wheel (680 kg which is very common).

https://www.amazon.co.jp/-/en/CD310/dp/B0BC2M6WPR/ref=sr_1_2?crid=ONW6MKI3CVM1&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.Yk-UaNjWtQmCwSiT0bC-jGmozUhiJYmVo3HXeliXsqFZ2v6HyI08adZczlPQuwcgYA9xpkupGf0gATVMrpxAWIbAe3g9zC45DrA-y2wepMg8DgMo_h78Erp70mMm4n3h.8emc16ddi2WzOmQpllviGyxbl1lVDmM2HY05tjPu37s&dib_tag=se&keywords=vehicle+positioning+dolly&qid=1735965660&sprefix=vehicle+positioning+dolly%2Caps%2C450&sr=8-2

Chapped 31,000 Yen each on Amazon Japan. 1500lb/wheel (680 kg which is very common).

https://www.amazon.co.jp/-/en/Mechanic-Vehicle-Positioning-Hydraulic-Capacity/dp/B0DNJ8R6TX/ref=sr_1_10?crid=3584BMB8IM431&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.mrsXLOW83L_v_NihTM5YONhJA6V9Sut-WCXyTFzssuz7qpD5njWZuuhEEAO0UGd3xQnInht-1XdBdFBg2pTbN-fS_hRtSRDzYKWolEmWi2MxgR8wCQug0Gy0zXM_q5M2qTkHL24O5-lHbZJyM5fcw1pc9zpNh8Ih0Hn8VASu5mKK-3gril0GKteWME-pKPzohDO_sg2ZNIXGg04dgFrReiS4qjHUAhf4G4299bC96DKNP9B75CLiQFkr6akDF0Mn9ZJiiYG5VP8dqK5rzhfSpSURPuEMMmYbSOPYEb3dZRYv3ad1mgzT-g4mFEj9fsUic4ivyR3WBCxD7LP9kYgqDt5To3RNiig4n9WjEmGomujz0Ji1ZgCJ5mwsUY6KODmLv1fUCUoFJY1ft3JLECj7U-Lf3uhwh44KHcKd5djScfWu3_bbEMCXO-bVQfaBZHLS.oaNTiookIrizIJc7fgAKc4S7ZnEkL7apD6R_L9YQXVk&dib_tag=se&keywords=vehicle+positioning+jacks&qid=1735967417&sprefix=vehicle+positioning+jacks%2Caps%2C363&sr=8-10

I know you posted this a couple weeks ago, but I'll throw my 2 cents in....
I have quite a bit of experience with GoJaks and other versions. These are pretty simple tools when you look at them, and no matter what brand, the failure is almost always the casters themselves. Most all failures I have seen beyond casters were pretty obviously caused by misuse/overloading.
My interactions with Zendex have all been...Mediocre?, I suppose would be the best way to describe it. Not necessarily bad, but not great either. I would not pay the premium for their product over the others if I needed to buy a set.

 

[miladog]

I had a decent Japanese haul for the weekend.

-Hozan P-36 I already posted

-Merry Y75-225. A bit “industrial” for my taste but I was sold by these nasty serrations. Built like a tank, no doubt they will long outlive me.

-Koken knurled extensions. The smaller ones are wobble-fix, the 1/2” is not. The 1/2 will be indefinitely dedicated to a 17mm Koken lug socket.

-Koken Z series 3/8 short complete rail. Not sure I needed these, but I liked how very shallow they are. Seems like I should find them plenty handy in time.

-Koken 3726zb-280. I’m just on a ratchet kick lately.

 

[amolaver]

Any recommendations for Made in Japan stubby or low profile torx and hex bit sockets?

Something like these Mayhew sets, but hopefully higher quality and more durable.

I have the pictured mayhew set and have found them quite good - tight fit on both drive and fastener end, very low profile.. Not saying there isnt better..but I'm surprised if u have the mayhew you'd be looking to replace it.

 

[HannibalLecter]

Today I finally received olfa black replacement blades. Seriously sharp

 

[Steel_Rain]

olfa black replacement blades

I love these OLFA knifes with the black blades. My go-to for anything that I need to open that's taped up.

 

[Tynee]

Received my first new Tools of Japan today. I'd come across some previously by accident, but lately I'd been itching to try some Vessel screwdrivers with the wood COMPO handle. So, when this set got under $40 on Amazon, I couldn't resist any more:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B083XJQKPP?tag=atomicindus08-20

I'm a little disappointed that I can see and feel injection molding marks on all six handles, but I don't know what I was expecting. Overall, I really like them so far, but I haven't even turned a screw with them yet.

 

[HannibalLecter]

I love these OLFA knifes with the black blades. My go-to for anything that I need to open that's taped up.

Originally it came with different blades, I wasn't impressed, these new ones seem bounds and leaps better. Also, this automatic retractable version, I had it once slipping when I was applying great force with the tip. Maybe the blade was too short or something but I must mention it. Otherwise it's well designed

 

[Vinny]

That *****, Tynee. I've been eyeing that set for a while.

 

[Reed Prince]

Today I finally received olfa black replacement blades. Seriously sharp

Those blades are great!