Tools of Japan

[FigN⋅m]

Good application for the Neji's


The rack's thread-in center punches don't always like to play nice
with the factory bolt holes, so out come the lil' chompers.

 

[Nobody-named-Olli]

‘Starlock I’ a tool for ‘made to measure’ cable ties from a roll of ’endless’ (15m) cable tie and separately loaded locks (20 at a time). No waste. Clean cut. Made by Nirei Industries in Japan. https://www.nirei.co.jp/nt45ckb-15-b/

English description and further information: https://www.walraven.com/int/products/bis-starlock-i-cable-bind-system/

Using this since the end of ‘22/ beginning of ‘23 - very happy with it.






Kind regards,
Olli

 

[hans109h]

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,

Thank you for sharing these photos--- @Beauregard gave me one of these for GJSS and I love it, but until now I didn't realize that the head detached as a stubby! Amazing!

Hans

 

[cbracer]

It WILL NOT easily release whatever its connected too when depressing the button.
Anyone else experience this with this particular ratchet?

Yes I have come across that issue but it may only be on the 3/8" if I recall. You have to press the button very far deep in. There's a dimension that is slightly off. It may be fine for Tone sockets but I don't own any to check those. I use my Tone ratchet with other sockets. I do not recall that being an issue on the 1/4" model but I should probably check.

 

[Tools4Me]

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?

Not sure if it applies to your ratchet or not, but I've owned a couple quick release ratchets that had a hard time releasing, and in all cases, when I investigated it a bit I found the issue was caused by the center shaft of the quick release mechanism. On some ratchets, when the quick release button is pressed, the round center release shaft will noticeably stick out the end of the ratchet male square drive. If the socket or extension you are using doesn't have a deep enough female square drive broach, that quick release center shaft will bottom out in the female broach and prevent the ball bearing from fully retracting into the square drive to release the socket or extension. In some cases the issue will make the release of a socket feel sticky or erratic, and in other cases it will make it quite hard to get the attached item off of the ratchet at all, no matter how hard you press the release button with your finger. The only force you should ever have to apply to release a socket, is the force needed to compress the small internal spring and that's it.

Most of the ratchets I use are quick release style, and I found there are two solutions that will work to stop the problem from occurring. In my case, the issue only happened with extensions, because all my sockets have plenty of broach depth or else they have through-broached female square drives. However, I found there were 3-4 socket extensions I owned that had female broaching that was too shallow which caused issues, so I sold them off and replaced them with a different brand that had deeper female broaching. In the past I have also solved the problem for free by pressing and holding down the ratchet quick release button and then gently grinding a small amount of metal off the end of the round quick release shaft so it no longer extends as far out the male square drive when the button is pressed. The couple times I have used that technique, I didn't have to remove much metal to completely solve the problem.

 

[IRQVET]

Not sure if it applies to your ratchet or not, but I've owned a couple quick release ratchets that had a hard time releasing, and in all cases, when I investigated it a bit I found the issue was caused by the center shaft of the quick release mechanism. On some ratchets, when the quick release button is pressed, the round center release shaft will noticeably stick out the end of the ratchet male square drive. If the socket or extension you are using doesn't have a deep enough female square drive broach, that quick release center shaft will bottom out in the female broach and prevent the ball bearing from fully retracting into the square drive to release the socket or extension. In some cases the issue will make the release of a socket feel sticky or erratic, and in other cases it will make it quite hard to get the attached item off of the ratchet at all, no matter how hard you press the release button with your finger. The only force you should ever have to apply to release a socket, is the force needed to compress the small internal spring and that's it.

Most of the ratchets I use are quick release style, and I found there are two solutions that will work to stop the problem from occurring. In my case, the issue only happened with extensions, because all my sockets have plenty of broach depth or else they have through-broached female square drives. However, I found there were 3-4 socket extensions I owned that had female broaching that was too shallow which caused issues, so I sold them off and replaced them with a different brand that had deeper female broaching. In the past I have also solved the problem for free by pressing and holding down the ratchet quick release button and then gently grinding a small amount of metal off the end of the round quick release shaft so it no longer extends as far out the male square drive when the button is pressed. The couple times I have used that technique, I didn't have to remove much metal to completely solve the problem.

Good feedback. I think I was using a 2 Tekton's extensions (short & long) and some junkie Hyper Tough flex extension. All of them were getting hung up in the ratchet, that's why I was blaming the ratchet. Come to think about it, even my Tekton 10 mill socket was difficult to remove with no extension.

 

[GeoBruin]

Few new items for my little mobile tool box.

 

[A&P mechanic]

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.

Hi,

I am considering getting a made in Japan metric 3/8 inch drive deep 6 point chrome socket set up to 23mm/24mm.

Does anyone know if any of the Japanese socket manufactures make a full set up to 23 or 24 mm deep?

I looked at the KTC, Tone, Koken catalogs but it seems the Japanese sets only go to 19mm and then I would have to piecemeal order the larger sizes, which I suspect would add cost. The brand does not matter, I am only interested in made in Japan and if the durability would be equal to or better than Proto, that would be awesome. I will likely order this from Amazon Japan. Once I know a price, I am going to compare the price of a Japanese socket set to a new USA Proto 3/8 set. I would like to get the Japanese sockets to try them out as I think they would be good quality.

I have a 3/8 metric deep and shallow 6 point impact set that I use currently for most tasks. I have a set of 3/8 shallow 12 points in chrome that I use when an impact socket is to large to fit and I want to get a 3/8 deep chrome set to use primarily instead of my impact set.

Thank you!

 

[Dave455]

Hi,

I am considering getting a made in Japan metric 3/8 inch drive deep 6 point chrome socket set up to 23mm/24mm.

Does anyone know if any of the Japanese socket manufactures make a full set up to 23 or 24 mm deep?

I looked at the KTC, Tone, Koken catalogs but it seems the Japanese sets only go to 19mm and then I would have to piecemeal order the larger sizes, which I suspect would add cost. The brand does not matter, I am only interested in made in Japan and if the durability would be equal to or better than Proto, that would be awesome. I will likely order this from Amazon Japan. Once I know a price, I am going to compare the price of a Japanese socket set to a new USA Proto 3/8 set. I would like to get the Japanese sockets to try them out as I think they would be good quality.

I have a 3/8 metric deep and shallow 6 point impact set that I use currently for most tasks. I have a set of 12 points in chrome that I use when an impact socket is to large to fit and I want to get a 3/8 deep chrome set to use that primarily instead of my impact set.

Thank you!

Just get, say, the KoKen and order the extra sockets to give you the extra sizes you need. Job done.

Yes, it will add to the cost, you don’t get something for nothing. But with the Japanese manufacturers you don’t make a huge saving by buying a set. This is another way of saying that they don’t load the prices of individual tools.

Be a bit careful with KoKen though - the catalogue page you showed was “surface drive” sockets. You probably want the regular, which are 3300M in 3/8 drive metric, and are available up to 27mm!

 

[A&P mechanic]

Just get, say, the KoKen and order the extra sockets to give you the extra sizes you need. Job done.

Yes, it will add to the cost, you don’t get something for nothing. But with the Japanese manufacturers you don’t make a huge saving by buying a set. This is another way of saying that they don’t load the prices of individual tools.

Be a bit careful with KoKen though - the catalogue page you showed was “surface drive” sockets. You probably want the regular, which are 3300M in 3/8 drive metric, and are available up to 27mm!

I notice some tools do not ship to the US. For example, the Koken 3/8 deep socket set does not ship to the USA. When I hit similiar items, it shows KTC and Tone 3/8 deep sockets ship to America.

Does anyone have any advice for that or recommend another place to order?

Your picture made me realize the normal 3/8 deep set is RS3300M/12, at first I was looking at surface drive ~. Thanks for the info and picture!

 

[shibertus]

Does anyone have any advice for that or recommend another place to order?

Zoro is a great source for Koken. They carry most of the Koken catalog and with one of their coupons you get 20% off and free shipping. The orders I've placed with them seem to drop ship from Koken USA/Palmac.

 

[A&P mechanic]

Zoro is a great source for Koken. They carry most of the Koken catalog and with one of their coupons you get 20% off and free shipping. The orders I've placed with them seem to drop ship from Koken USA/Palmac.

I had no idea Zoro sold KoKen. I knew HJ Epstein did per reading that on another GJ thread. I am in no hurry to get the sockets as this is a want instead of a need, so I filled out the "notify me when they are back in stock" on Zoro.
Great tip on Zoro selling KoKen!

 

[Andres26tnt]

Hi,

I am considering getting a made in Japan metric 3/8 inch drive deep 6 point chrome socket set up to 23mm/24mm.

Does anyone know if any of the Japanese socket manufactures make a full set up to 23 or 24 mm deep?

I looked at the KTC, Tone, Koken catalogs but it seems the Japanese sets only go to 19mm and then I would have to piecemeal order the larger sizes, which I suspect would add cost. The brand does not matter, I am only interested in made in Japan and if the durability would be equal to or better than Proto, that would be awesome. I will likely order this from Amazon Japan. Once I know a price, I am going to compare the price of a Japanese socket set to a new USA Proto 3/8 set. I would like to get the Japanese sockets to try them out as I think they would be good quality.

I have a 3/8 metric deep and shallow 6 point impact set that I use currently for most tasks. I have a set of 3/8 shallow 12 points in chrome that I use when an impact socket is to large to fit and I want to get a 3/8 deep chrome set to use primarily instead of my impact set.

Thank you!

Unfortunately japanese manufacturers don't offer up to that size in kits. Best bet is to get a set and buy the separate sizes. My top choice will be Koken, follow by KTC then TONE last. Owning multiple USA brands to included the proto, I can safely say they are on par. The difference is in the finish. What's your preference? I love my proto, nice chrome and the sizes available in kit up to 32mm. But I don't use sizes from 24 and above so they just sit in the box .

 

[Qualitytools]

I had no idea Zoro sold KoKen. I knew HJ Epstein did per reading that on another GJ thread. I am in no hurry to get the sockets as this is a want instead of a need, so I filled out the "notify me when they are back in stock" on Zoro.
Great tip on Zoro selling KoKen!

Once you find the KOKEN Socket set number search for the vendor that will offer the best price. I have purchased directly from KOKEN a couple of times because they had the best price And shipping.
I have the deep Z 6 point from KOKEN, I love their sockets.

 

[Pinne]

Just got back from Japan, ended up making a few more stops at DCM and Factory Gear Tokyo (and an Amazon order) over the course of our two weeks there. Only used Amazon to buy stuff I didn't see in person but wanted - have to say it was a lot more exciting to order from Amazon in a foreign country hah! I didn't make it to Sundays, Viva, or any of the larger home improvement shops and I didn't make the trek to World Import Tools or any of the second hand shops - they're generally quite far out of the way in Tokyo and we didn't spend a ton of time there.


Picked up some long Vessel screwdrivers, an Anex ratcheting stubby bit driver, another coin driver (should have picked up a few more as gifts), and some bit magnets from DCM. I couldn't find a great selection of Vessel screwdrivers anywhere, so just a few odds and ends.

I have to say, Vessel is really impressive for the price - I think I'm in for around $15 on these 4 screwdrivers. Snap On / PB Swiss are undoubtedly nicer but they're often cost prohibitive. The 300mm PH2 was ~$5.50 or so (though, in the US it's over $20), the PB Swiss equivalent is nearly 4x the cost and the Snap On equivalent is 10x the cost. The Snap On is not 10x the tool for my uses, and quite frankly I think the cost to get a full set of the PB Swiss is nothing to sneeze at either. So I may end up picking up some more Vessel to round out drivers in lengths / sizes that I don't often use.




Then a stop at Factory Gear in Tokyo - this was the shop at Tennōzu Isle off the monorail. Cool shop, equivalent stock to what they had in Sapporo. Both are in malls that weren't super busy. The shop in Tennōzu Isle is tucked around the corner from their "Tools Bar" - the bar is only open on Friday nights from what they told me, but the way it's placed in the mall you see it before you see the store so it'd be easy to think it was the store and was closed!

Anyhow, the stores are super nice and I can't say enough about how much I appreciate being able to browse and purchase a variety of high end tools in person. The prices are "retail" from what I can tell, but still leagues better than what is available to us in the US. Shop keeper and I chatted briefly and they gave me a few stickers for the collection. I'll definitely make a point to stop by one of their larger stores on a future trip. Picked up a few Vessel bits, another Koken spark plug socket, and some specialty pliers from Engineer.




Lastly, I ordered a few items from Amazon that I didn't see elsewhere. Of course, I did end up seeing the Nepros quick spinners at Factory Gear after I'd already placed the Amazon order. I think they were only a couple of bucks less expensive for the pair on Amazon, so I'd have just bought them at the store had I known.

The Sunflag lowprofile hex keys are cool. This set is double sided and goes 2mm through 6mm yet is only 3 wrenches, I prefer that for storage reasons for a lesser used tool like these.

Then the Koken Attack Driver - I've never owned a manual impact before and it's been on my list for a bit. Most of my collection is Snap On but $400 for their kit felt steep. This Koken is available in 3/8" or 1/2" and then comes with a stepdown adapter for the 5/16" hex bits. I got the 1/2". The bits are really burly and the tool itself is truly heavy duty. This is one of few tools I've personally bought where I thought the Snap On was the lesser tool - the Koken fit/finish is better, the fact that it has a grip is a huge advantage, the metal case is preferable, and that's not even mentioning the cost savings.

Lastly, a few bit holders and some Anex long reach tweezers.

 

[A&P mechanic]

Unfortunately japanese manufacturers don't offer up to that size in kits. Best bet is to get a set and buy the separate sizes. My top choice will be Koken, follow by KTC then TONE last. Owning multiple USA brands to included the proto, I can safely say they are on par. The difference is in the finish. What's your preference? I love my proto, nice chrome and the sizes available in kit up to 32mm. But I don't use sizes from 24 and above so they just sit in the box .

I will likely get Koken for the Metric 3/8 deeps from DRPD after doing an internet search for the part numbers. I just bought a set of Proto fractionals in 3/8 deep. I am happy with the Proto fractional sizes but want to try to he Kokens for the metric 3/8 chrome deep set.

Once you find the KOKEN Socket set number search for the vendor that will offer the best price. I have purchased directly from KOKEN a couple of times because they had the best price And shipping.
I have the deep Z 6 point from KOKEN, I love their sockets.

Will do!
When you say you have "purchases directly from Koken a couple of times", do you mean the Koken USA website?

Koken 3/8 drive, deep, 6 point​	Part Number​	Zoro​	DRPD​	Amazon Japan​
8mm-19mm Set​	RS3300M/12​	$115​	$105​	No U.S. shipping​
20​	3300M-20​	N/A​	$15.10​	No U.S. shipping​
21​	3300M-21​	N/A​	$15.10​	No U.S. shipping​
22​	3300M-22​	N/A​	$15.65​	No U.S. shipping​
23​	3300M-23​	N/A​	$16.40​	No U.S. shipping​
24​	3300M-24​	N/A​	$17.30​	No U.S. shipping​
			$184.55 total​

Price comparable to Proto 6mm-23mm set at $195

 

[Numerator2142]

As a heads up Koken USA is doing a 25% Valentine's/Presidents day sale.

 

[A&P mechanic]

As a heads up Koken USA is doing a 25% Valentine's/Presidents day sale.

Thank you!

 

[Qualitytools]

I will likely get Koken for the Metric 3/8 deeps from DRPD after doing an internet search for the part numbers. I just bought a set of Proto fractionals in 3/8 deep. I am happy with the Proto fractional sizes but want to try to he Kokens for the metric 3/8 chrome deep set.



Will do!
When you say you have "purchases directly from Koken a couple of times", do you mean the Koken USA website?

​

Koken 3/8 drive, deep, 6 point​	Part Number​	Zoro​	DRPD​	Amazon Japan​
8mm-19mm Set​	RS3300M/12​	$115​	$105​	No U.S. shipping​
20​	3300M-20​	N/A​	$15.10​	No U.S. shipping​
21​	3300M-21​	N/A​	$15.10​	No U.S. shipping​
22​	3300M-22​	N/A​	$15.65​	No U.S. shipping​
23​	3300M-23​	N/A​	$16.40​	No U.S. shipping​
24​	3300M-24​	N/A​	$17.30​	No U.S. shipping​
			$184.55 total​

Price comparable to Proto 6mm-23mm set at $195

Yes, I purchased from KOKEN USA. If I recall they don’t charge shipping, but you may want to confirm.

 

[Shelbylex]

Shipping is free. I am waiting for my 3d set of sockets

… garagejournal anonymous meetings are now held on Wednesdays. : )

 

[FigN⋅m]

Shipping is free. I am waiting for my 3d set of sockets

… garagejournal anonymous meetings are now held on Wednesdays. : )

Sheesh, I gotta up my game - all I ordered was a measly 16mm Z-Series Clip Spark Plug Socket

 

[Outahere]

IPS angled jaw (30deg) pliers, with hidden spring. Overall length is 165mm (6.5"). Bought at Amazon-US, shipped from Amazon-Japan.

 

[terrific]

Anyone have experience with Tohnichi's torque screwdrivers? I'm looking at model ftd5cn-s. https://www.tohnichi.com/product-ca...td-s-dial-indicating-type-torque-screwdriver/

 

[A&P mechanic]

Yes, I purchased from KOKEN USA. If I recall they don’t charge shipping, but you may want to confirm.

Thank you for confirming!

Shipping is free. I am waiting for my 3d set of sockets

… garagejournal anonymous meetings are now held on Wednesdays. : )

Good to know, I may have to attend the Garage Journal Anonymous meetings! Hahaha

 

[ararat]

Shipping is free. I am waiting for my 3d set of sockets

… garagejournal anonymous meetings are now held on Wednesdays. : )

See you Wednesday...

 

[Steel_Rain]

See you Wednesday...

I’ll bring the beer and the tool catalogs…

 

[Andres26tnt]

Been gathering a bunch of stuff, lots of surprises and a few disappointments. Need to take individual Fotos to show you all.

 

[bongkar_YES_pasang_NO]

Been gathering a bunch of stuff, lots of surprises and a few disappointments. Need to take individual Fotos to show you all.

I'd like to know the black and red bit driver handle on the first picture, 2nd left.
All I can see is just Vessel brand, can not notice the part number.

Is it have a quick release for the bit?

Also if it possible, I'd like to know phone number of the ******* the photograph on 2nd picture

 

[Ohio Andy]

I'd like to know the black and red bit driver handle on the first picture, 2nd left.
All I can see is just Vessel brand, can not notice the part number.

Is it have a quick release for the bit?

Also if it possible, I'd like to know phone number of the ******* the photograph on 2nd picture

867-5309

 

[Andres26tnt]

I'd like to know the black and red bit driver handle on the first picture, 2nd left.
All I can see is just Vessel brand, can not notice the part number.

Is it have a quick release for the bit?

Also if it possible, I'd like to know phone number of the ******* the photograph on 2nd picture

Aaa, that's the newish vessel bit/nut T driver. Imo one of my disappointments, it's very weak. It also has weak bit retention, the bit just fall off with use all the time. It's very frustrating and annoying. It's a very nice design "look wise"

Part number # 400PD2

I prefer the Anex action grip. More traditional 1/4 bit design. Feels more solid due to its inner metal construction. It's not as nice looking as the vessel.

Part number # 3350

That's my wife, currently not accepting offers of any kind .

 

[Monte]

Pentel mechanical pencil

 

[IRQVET]

Shameless self promotion incoming for anyone collecting in this space: Japanese Craftsman, Sears, Fuller, Others from 1964-1987

Log into Facebook

Log into Facebook to start sharing and connecting with your friends, family, and people you know.

www.facebook.com

 

[Qualitytools]

Aaa, that's the newish vessel bit/nut T driver. Imo one of my disappointments, it's very weak. It also has weak bit retention, the bit just fall off with use all the time. It's very frustrating and annoying. It's a very nice design "look wise"

Part number # 400PD2

I prefer the Anex action grip. More traditional 1/4 bit design. Feels more solid due to its inner metal construction. It's not as nice looking as the vessel.

Part number # 3350

That's my wife, currently not accepting offers of any kind .

Great feedback, thank you.

 

[Stubby1743]

My latest order from Amazon Japan.



Niigataseiki stainless steel 150mm ruler with 'Hook' function. Made in Japan.
Niigataseiki stainless steel hole diameter one side, and depth on the other gauge. Made in Japan.
3 Vessel 10 position bit holders. Made in Japan.
2 Takagi Earth Man magnetic 'screw catchers' for screwdrivers and bits. Made in Japan.
Ko-ken Zeal 5.5mm 1/4" drive socket. Made in Japan.
Vessel SLH2 Two Way Speed Handle. The red sleeve spins. When the 1/4" hex black sleeve is pulled back, a 1/4" drive wobble anvil is available. Comes with the PH2 bit shown fitted. Made in Taiwan.





I also got 3 of these Anex 'Tough Boxes'. Made in Japan. These are great little boxes. Stackable and seem very robust. An interesting feature is that the red catch can be fixed so that it hinges either on the lid or on the box.

I also got another Toyo, Trusco branded, T-190 steel box. This one in matt dark grey this time. Made in Japan of course.

 

[Andres26tnt]

This trusco(toyo) CTD-370-MBK is really nice for the price. Paid 40$, it's unique to trusco, haven't seen it in the Toyo catalog. They also offer it in stainless. My kitten loves it , he's also made in Japan.

Someone asked about japanese picks the other day. SK11 has some available in 4 different angles. The DCM only had two available, didn't buy them as I don't need them. Also ran into a Japan made vessel T handle with sockets. If I'm honest I don't trust the labels sometimes as vessel does not produce Japanese sockets. I'm assuming it's just the T handle that is made in Japan.

 

[Outahere]

8 colors of Uniball 0.5mm rollerball pens, from Amazon-US.

 

[Hakeem]

I took advantage of the KokenUSA sale this past weekend but haven’t heard anything since. Is it normal for there to be a delay in shipping with this retailer?

 

[FigN⋅m]

I took advantage of the KokenUSA sale this past weekend but haven’t heard anything since. Is it normal for there to be a delay in shipping with this retailer?

Was it all in stock?
I placed my out-of-stock order on 2/15 (15/2 if we wanna get real Japanese) and got a processing notification on the 18th.
Nothing since. I still have no idea when it will actually ship, but for this particular order, I'm not in any rush.

 

[Outahere]

I took advantage of the KokenUSA sale this past weekend but haven’t heard anything since. Is it normal for there to be a delay in shipping with this retailer?

In my experience, they are slow to ship.

 

[Hakeem]

Was it all in stock?
I placed my out-of-stock order on 2/15 (15/2 if we wanna get real Japanese) and got a processing notification on the 18th.
Nothing since. I still have no idea when it will actually ship, but for this particular order, I'm not in any rush.

The 1/4” spinner was not in stock but all the rest were. I sent an e-mail asking them to send the items as available instead of waiting for the OOS item (to which I didn’t receive a response).

Sounds like this is no cause for concern so I’ll just sit back and eagerly anticipate my order.