Tools of Japan

[Pinne]

Went to the Factory Gear store in Sapporo - it's tucked into a corner in a little shopping mall.

Cool shop with a solid selection of basic hand tools (sockets, ratchets, extension, wrenches) from KTC / Koken / Nepros, Snap On, and their own Deen brand. The Dean stuff is interesting - it seems like anything not explicitly marked is made in Taiwan, but seems quality. A lot of the Deen pliers were made in Germany. However, most of the Deen items were priced higher than the KTC equivalents from what I could tell.

They also had a sampling of Knipex and PB Swiss along with some more Japanese brands.

I picked up a KTC ratchet, spark plug socket, some thin jaw pliers, and a Dean bottle opener. I really like that a store like Factory Gear exists and wanted to purchase at least something to support that. There is a lot of value to me in being able to see things in person. Prices were fair - some were full retail and some were slightly better.

I also went to Astro Products - cool little shop, Andres described it as Harbor Freight but better and that's very accurate. Didn't buy anything there but it was worth stopping in.

I may check out the Factory Gear shop in Tokyo in a couple weeks time. I was also looking to pick up a handful of Vessel tools. Anyone have thoughts on whether the home improvement shops will have a good selection of tools? DCM Homac and Viva Home are both options in Sapporo.

 

[Andres26tnt]

Went to the Factory Gear store in Sapporo - it's tucked into a corner in a little shopping mall.

Cool shop with a solid selection of basic hand tools (sockets, ratchets, extension, wrenches) from KTC / Koken / Nepros, Snap On, and their own Dean brand. The Dean stuff is interesting - it seems like anything not explicitly marked is made in Taiwan, but seems quality. A lot of the Dean pliers were made in Germany. However, most of the Dean items were priced higher than the KTC equivalents from what I could tell.

They also had a sampling of Knipex and PB Swiss along with some more Japanese brands.

I picked up a KTC ratchet, spark plug socket, some thin jaw pliers, and a Dean bottle opener. I really like that a store like Factory Gear exists and wanted to purchase at least something to support that. There is a lot of value to me in being able to see things in person. Prices were fair - some were full retail and some were slightly better.

I also went to Astro Products - cool little shop, Andres described it as Harbor Freight but better and that's very accurate. Didn't buy anything there but it was worth stopping in.

I may check out the Factory Gear shop in Tokyo in a couple weeks time. I was also looking to pick up a handful of Vessel tools. Anyone have thoughts on whether the home improvement shops will have a good selection of tools? DCM Homac and Viva Home are both options in Sapporo.

Glad you like it, Deen is good quality just not a great in price. Not sure if all the stores are priced differently, but the Tokyo location is the priciest. I'm assuming the retail space is way more expensive. For vessel stuff, yes go to DCM or Sunday home improvement. Never been to a viva home so can't comment on that store(none near me in aemori). The best selection for vessel/sunflag/takagi and forget the other , was at Sunday. If you can find the biggest store, the better selection. Also since you are In Tokyo, look for second hand stores like hard off or any will do. Lots of good deals. They have a tool-off now, not sure where it's located.

 

[johnson_n]

cross posted in other threads as I never used "surface drive" - somehow got this while ordering regular Koken sockets. Considering return/exchange vs keeping (the latter might be the final decision as I am learning more about them)

The last picture is already posted earlier in this thread - it just took 2+ months to get the set which I am posting

What do you think about them? I'm local to Harry Epstein and was happy to find out that they carry some Ko-Ken tools but almost all of their socket sets are Surface Drive instead of 6 point.

 

[rick carpenter]

Just got these Engineer PR-15 long nose pliers in today for my grandkids' toolboxes. I originally wanted the chonky-handle PS-01's but the price shot up way too high on AmznUS. I've got the chonky PZ-57 pliers at work and they've served me well, and I know these will do just fine for the kids.

One thing I don't get about tool sizes is that these are 125mm nominal length but they measure per the packaging 142 mm OAL.

 

[angusp]

I may check out the Factory Gear shop in Tokyo in a couple weeks time. I was also looking to pick up a handful of Vessel tools. Anyone have thoughts on whether the home improvement shops will have a good selection of tools? DCM Homac and Viva Home are both options in Sapporo.

Factory Gear in Tokyo has almost no Vessel tools. Some home improvement stores have a decent selection. In the regional areas there’s Cainz and there’s a Hands in Shibuya (Near Jins) that has some things too. The best I’ve seen were the huge Joyful Honda home improvement stores near Utsonomiya.

 

[Pinne]

Glad you like it, Deen is good quality just not a great in price. Not sure if all the stores are priced differently, but the Tokyo location is the priciest. I'm assuming the retail space is way more expensive. For vessel stuff, yes go to DCM or Sunday home improvement. Never been to a viva home so can't comment on that store(none near me in aemori). The best selection for vessel/sunflag/takagi and forget the other , was at Sunday. If you can find the biggest store, the better selection. Also since you are In Tokyo, look for second hand stores like hard off or any will do. Lots of good deals. They have a tool-off now, not sure where it's located.

Thanks for the suggestions - will definitely see if I can make a stop or even find a tool-off when in Tokyo. Going to try to go to Super Autobacs too. Mainly in Sapporo but we're skiing most days so less time to check out some of these shops when they're open.

Factory Gear in Tokyo has almost no Vessel tools. Some home improvement stores have a decent selection. In the regional areas there’s Cainz and there’s a Hands in Shibuya (Near Jins) that has some things too. The best I’ve seen were the huge Joyful Honda home improvement stores near Utsonomiya.

Thanks for the tips - I'll look into those too.

 

[rick carpenter]

Looking for a couple of Japanese starter socket sets for for my grandkids that won't break the bank if possible. I'm wondering if any are all made in Japan, or mostly, or just partly,... or what? Thanks

 

[Andres26tnt]

Looking for a couple of Japanese starter socket sets for for my grandkids that won't break the bank if possible. I'm wondering if any are all made in Japan, or mostly, or just partly,... or what? Thanks

What is breaking the bank for you? Basically the big 3 in Japan make sockets. KTC, Koken, Tone. I will exclude nepros(ktc premium line) as they are snap-on level prices.

All of them are In the same bracket price. Examples

KTC B3-10P 3/8 short 10 piece is going for 31$

Tone HS312 12 piece is 33$

Koken rs3400m/12 12 piece is 42$

Koken will be the most expensive but also in my opinion higher quality. Granted I don't consider a 10 to 6$ more to be a deal breaker. The priciest sets will be the long as they are in the 60s to 80$ range on all those brands. Just hop on Amazonjp and look up 3/8 sockets sets. No other brands makes Japanese sockets that I know off. So it's only those 3.

 

[F-22]

Just got these Engineer PR-15 long nose pliers in today for my grandkids' toolboxes. I originally wanted the chonky-handle PS-01's but the price shot up way too high on AmznUS. I've got the chonky PZ-57 pliers at work and they've served me well, and I know these will do just fine for the kids.

One thing I don't get about tool sizes is that these are 125mm nominal length but they measure per the packaging 142 mm OAL.

Barefoot in the shop?

 

[Steel_Rain]

Looking for a couple of Japanese starter socket sets for for my grandkids that won't break the bank if possible. I'm wondering if any are all made in Japan, or mostly, or just partly,... or what? Thanks

Hi Rick,

Like @Andres26tnt already stated, KTC is a big player in Japanese tools and in my opinion, these offer the best value for the money if your looking for high quality sets with lower price tag.

I bought the KTC TB3L10 and KTC TB310 set last year and I'm impressed:






I paid $75(USD) for the KTC TB3L10 set and $41(USD) for the KTC TB310 set via Amazon Japan. I can work out the shipping (using Blackship), but I usually accrue 15-20 items at a time and have them shipped all at once. If I had to guess how much they would charge for just these sets...maybe about $40ish to ship to the Northeastern USA.

I got these just to test the waters with KTC socketry (I have mostly SO, Koken, MAC, some NEPROS) and I'm very impressed. I will be buying many other KTC items in the near future.

*Bonus* Despite the bulk of these holders, I love them:

 

[Andres26tnt]

On the topic of Japanese sockets, I made a nice discovery today. Astro products has a Japanese made socket line, well had . They where hanging in the discount section. Not a complete set, looks like they are made by Koken or KTC. Imo they look like mid length. Didn't pick them is as the weren't complete and have lots of sockets now . Figure I show them here. Maybe later I can pick them up as a complete set.

 

[bongkar_YES_pasang_NO]

I believe Flag also specializing on socketry.

HATA MANUFACTURING Co.,LTD.

冷間鍛造ホーマーを使用したソケットや袋ナットなどの冷間鍛造品の製作販売。商標登録し海外にも輸出しています。

www.flagtool.co.jp

 

[Andres26tnt]

I believe Flag also specializing on socketry.

HATA MANUFACTURING Co.,LTD.

冷間鍛造ホーマーを使用したソケットや袋ナットなどの冷間鍛造品の製作販売。商標登録し海外にも輸出しています。

www.flagtool.co.jp

I have yet to see any of those unfortunately. Probably only sold in boutique shops.

 

[kyrbz]

I really like the ergonomics of the Vessel ball grip ratcheting screwdriver. Specifically being able to ratchet with the palm and then being able to spin out the fastener with the thumb and index finger on the lower gripping surface all without changing grip. The ability to convert to a stubby is an added bonus. I kinda wish they made a version where the bit holder part was incorporated into the lower grip so that you could use long bits for accessing tighter spaces. I guess you could always place a longer bit in the stubby portion,

 

[danski0224]

A few things I've put together thanks in large part to this thread.

Where is the tool box from? The main one.

 

[GeoBruin]

Where is the tool box from? The main one.

Toyo Steel. It's a Toyo ST-350.

 

[Andres26tnt]

Where is the tool box from? The main one.

Toyo steel 350, they have a bunch of variants. For Japanese boxes, toyo and trusco are the main two manufactures. Both are basically the same, not sure but I'm positive some are made in the same factory. Then you have multiple others like ktc/tone that offer boxes. Astro product has 2 unique boxes and one toyo rebranded. I forgot to take pictures when I was at the store yesterday. Will do next time to show y'all.

 

[Stubby1743]

Toyo is the manufacturer of the boxes, Trusco is is just one of a number of sellers of them.

 

[Pinne]

We happened to go right by a DCM so I stopped in and picked up a few things.

• Vessel bit driver was something wildly inexpensive, like ~$3.
• The Anex coin driver bits + faucet bit are pretty cool. I like the added length over most of the one piece screwdrivers of this style.
• A few taps that are Made in Japan and were super cheap in sizes I use often.
• Glaco stuff is crazy expensive in the US, but works well. For $4.50 I had to pick it up!

 

[Andres26tnt]

Toyo is the manufacturer of the boxes, Trusco is is just one of a number of sellers of them.

I figured as most is the same with some variances for trusco.

 

[Bad Mojo]

Hi Rick,

Like @Andres26tnt already stated, KTC is a big player in Japanese tools and in my opinion, these offer the best value for the money if your looking for high quality sets with lower price tag.

I bought the KTC TB3L10 and KTC TB310 set last year and I'm impressed:






I paid $75(USD) for the KTC TB3L10 set and $41(USD) for the KTC TB310 set via Amazon Japan. I can work out the shipping (using Blackship), but I usually accrue 15-20 items at a time and have them shipped all at once. If I had to guess how much they would charge for just these sets...maybe about $40ish to ship to the Northeastern USA.

I got these just to test the waters with KTC socketry (I have mostly SO, Koken, MAC, some NEPROS) and I'm very impressed. I will be buying many other KTC items in the near future.

*Bonus* Despite the bulk of these holders, I love them:

I think you showed those holders before, and I won't lie it was a bit of inspiration to add 2 of them for my order. I can't wait to try them out.

 

[Reed Prince]

We happened to go right by a DCM so I stopped in and picked up a few things.

• Vessel bit driver was something wildly inexpensive, like ~$3.
• The Anex coin driver bits + faucet bit are pretty cool. I like the added length over most of the one piece screwdrivers of this style.
• A few taps that are Made in Japan and were super cheap in sizes I use often.
• Glaco stuff is crazy expensive in the US, but works well. For $4.50 I had to pick it up

That faucet bit comes in handy when I need to tighten standoffs like these.

 

[Pinne]

That faucet bit comes in handy when I need to tighten standoffs like these.

Nice! There have been a handful of times I've wished for a wide flathead and ended up using a pry bar instead, which is a pain. I like that these come in bits to save a bit of space.

 

[rick carpenter]

I really like the ergonomics of the Vessel ball grip ratcheting screwdriver. Specifically being able to ratchet with the palm and then being able to spin out the fastener with the thumb and index finger on the lower gripping surface all without changing grip. The ability to convert to a stubby is an added bonus. I kinda wish they made a version where the bit holder part was incorporated into the lower grip so that you could use long bits for accessing tighter spaces. I guess you could always place a longer bit in the stubby portion,

What is the retention system in the bit holder? I assume a magnet with insertion depth of about 13-14mm? I've got a 2200 with the fixed point blades. I found the selector to be a very slight bit awkward and the handle's stubby ability with a short bit insertion depth is lacking compared to Anex bit holders. Even though, I'd pop for just the Vessel bit holder blade if they sold it separately but I've never seen it sold so. Also, Vessel has no plans to mfr a +1 blade for the 2200. I asked 'em. Grrr!

If you want short/stubby drivers either fixed blade or ratcheting, check out Anex's lineup. They have handles of several sizes OAL, with virtually wobble-free friction-fit blade insertion depths of generally ~40mm. With your choice of Anex handles and the various length Vessel and Anex blades available, you can prolly gin up a stubby driver 'system' with off the shelf components close to whatever length you want. If you want an exact length, you could cut always down long blades and that would work because Anex bit holders are friction fit.

To get back to what you have, the Vessel ball torsion impact bit you have is great. Get more when you can. I use my 30mm and 50mm bits quite a bit.

 

[rick carpenter]

Thanks @Steel_Rain , @bongkar_YES_pasang_NO , and @Andres26tnt . The $30-40 price would be good if that included all that I think they'd need, prolly SAE up to 1/2" and metric up to 14mm plus a 3/8" ratchet to be minimally useful. I guess I'll let their daddies buy that for them.

 

[Steel_Rain]

I think you showed those holders before, and I won't lie it was a bit of inspiration to add 2 of them for my order. I can't wait to try them out.

As long as you have the space, you won't regret it:

 

[Steel_Rain]

Glaco stuff is crazy expensive in the US, but works well. For $4.50 I had to pick it up!

How is this stuff? Does it work? Your right, it's expensive on Amazon US. This is like Japanese Rain-X.

 

[FigN⋅m]

How is this stuff? Does it work? Your right, it's expensive on Amazon US. This is like Japanese Rain-X.

I'll bet it performs better, but only on metric windscreens.

 

[Pinne]

How is this stuff? Does it work? Your right, it's expensive on Amazon US. This is like Japanese Rain-X.

It's better than Rain-X (and has a nice applicator bottle). I'd say it's more equivalent to Aquapel but much, much less expensive (especially if purchased in Japan).

It's not as hard wearing as a ceramic coating but I've had mixed success with ceramic coatings on windshields - I find they often make wipers skip. So the Glaco is kind of the right balance of durability, beading, and cost IMO.

 

[IRQVET]

Used my mini Tone ratchet for the first time replacing some spark plugs, belt, and belt tensioner on my wife's Toyota. I have to say I'm not a fan of this ratchet. It WILL NOT easily release whatever its connected too when depressing the button. Had to switch to my trusty Tekton to complete the job, I found it that annoying.

Anyone else experience this with this particular ratchet?

 

[Andres26tnt]

Used my mini Tone ratchet for the first time replacing some spark plugs, belt, and belt tensioner on my wife's Toyota. I have to say I'm not a fan of this ratchet. It WILL NOT easily release whatever its connected too when depressing the button. Had to switch to my trusty Tekton to complete the job, I found it that annoying.

Anyone else experience this with this particular ratchet?

Mm I don't think I've had the issue on that particular ratchet. I've had it happen to me on ratchets with flush buttons. Usually just have to press in deeper. Not sure if there a "fix". I would say the tone are average ratchets imo

 

[nicks78camaro]

RS Ring Spanner, Metric | Spanners

www.asahi-tool.co.jp

Sorry if already posted but these are interesting

 

[IRQVET]

Mm I don't think I've had the issue on that particular ratchet. I've had it happen to me on ratchets with flush buttons. Usually just have to press in deeper. Not sure if there a "fix". I would say the tone are average ratchets imo

Yeah out of all the ratchets I've owned, never come across this issue before, so I was just curious . . .

 

[Andres26tnt]

Yeah out of all the ratchets I've owned, never come across this issue before, so I was just curious . . .

Maybe it's just a breaking period thing. Or the spring inside the button is too strong. Don't think there is a fix for that. On some ratchets like those slim profile craftsman with the flush buttons, you just gotta push down hard to get it to release. It's annoying for sure.

 

[Andres26tnt]

RS Ring Spanner, Metric | Spanners

www.asahi-tool.co.jp

Sorry if already posted but these are interesting

Those are very nice, can't buy them in sets. Well at least I haven't seen them in sets here in Japan. They are overall cheap, specifically now with the dollar over the yen rate advantage we have. Really enjoying what that bring, I'm taking advantage. Been buying tool boxes and other items for cheap.

Anyway the wrenches are specialty for sure, not sure how much use you could get with them. These will excell in a rebuild shop type of setting. I can strike the handle to remove fasteners(already do that with our Snap-on lol).

 

[nicks78camaro]

Those are very nice, can't buy them in sets. Well at least I haven't seen them in sets here in Japan. They are overall cheap, specifically now with the dollar over the yen rate advantage we have. Really enjoying what that bring, I'm taking advantage. Been buying tool boxes and other items for cheap.

Anyway the wrenches are specialty for sure, not sure how much use you could get with them. These will excell in a rebuild shop type of setting. I can strike the handle to remove fasteners(already do that with our Snap-on lol).

Found em for $6ish each on eBay, about $18 shipping (looks like shipping is $18 no matter how many wrenches you buy)

 

[IRQVET]

Maybe it's just a breaking period thing. Or the spring inside the button is too strong. Don't think there is a fix for that. On some ratchets like those slim profile craftsman with the flush buttons, you just gotta push down hard to get it to release. It's annoying for sure.

First thing I thought of lack of lubrication, but the ratchet doesn't have a removable/ serviceable cover to remove and lubricate it. Might try to let it sit in a glass full of oil like people are doing with the new Craftsman V-Series?

 

[Andres26tnt]

First thing I thought of lack of lubrication, but the ratchet doesn't have a removable/ serviceable cover to remove and lubricate it. Might try to let it sit in a glass full of oil like people are doing with the new Craftsman V-Series?

The one you posted can be serviced, it has a little rubber grommet covering the snap-ring. The button can't unfortunately, but I don't think they are sealed. You can lubricate from the plunger in the anvil. I own an unserviceable one, not sure what model you have.

 

[Steel_Rain]

RS Ring Spanner, Metric | Spanners

www.asahi-tool.co.jp

Sorry if already posted but these are interesting

I have these and they are nice (OCD folks, look away, they are out of order ) :






I actually use these often. They just feel quality and I like the design.

 

[Andres26tnt]

Some good finds at hard off . Not bad for a quality caliper and adj wrench.