Tools of Japan

[Steel_Rain]

For all those using Blackship to import Japanese goods to the US, the tariff's are coming to bear:

​

I'm reaching out to share important information regarding recent developments that will affect our customers in the United States. Yesterday, President Trump approved a significant 24% tariff on all Japanese goods entering the United States, with no exemption for consumer packages of any value. What This Means For You: 1. Beginning April 9th, 2025, all packages from Japan to the US will be subject to a 24% tariff, regardless of value 2. Even small purchases of $50 or $300 will incur this additional 24% charge 3. This applies to all items shipped from our facility to US addresses Immediate Recommendations: If you currently have packages stored in our facility and wish to avoid these tariffs, we strongly encourage you to ship them as soon as possible, before April 9th. Please note that there are only 4 business days between now and April 9th, so we urge you to take action as soon as possible to ensure your packages are processed in time. Our Response: To support our community during this challenging time, we are: 1. Working to extend our free storage period beyond the standard 45 days. 2. Reevaluating our fees and service charges to help offset some of the impact 3. Negotiating with our shipping partners (DHL, FedEx, and Japan Post) to secure better rates My Perspective: I think these are tariffs are deeply misguided and economically unsustainable. It's possible they may be delay in the next few days or rolled back in the coming months, however, we must prepare for all scenarios. It's also worth noting that US Customs might not have the manpower or capacity to process all packages coming in, which could mean some packages might pass through without being charged the tariff to avoid gridlock. However, we recommend planning for the full 24% tariff rather than counting on getting lucky. Take Action: If you're concerned about these tariffs, you can make your voice heard: 1. Contact your representatives in Congress 2. Share your experience with US customs and tariffs on the Blackship Discord community. We will provide future updates based on the "on the ground" experience of customers like you. 4. Sign our Change.org petition: https://chng.it/Sr98P4XntQ 5. Support leaders who protect global trade and open markets. 3. Share your views on these policies and your story about how these tariffs impact you as a consumer of Japanese products with others. We remain committed to providing you with the best possible service during this time of change. Our team will continue monitoring the situation closely and will provide regular updates as we learn more. Thank you for your continued trust in Blackship. We value your business and are working diligently to navigate these changes together. Kind Regards, Max Hodges CEO, Blackship,com

 

[Andres26tnt]

For all those using Blackship to import Japanese goods to the US, the tariff's are coming to bear:

​

I'm reaching out to share important information regarding recent developments that will affect our customers in the United States. Yesterday, President Trump approved a significant 24% tariff on all Japanese goods entering the United States, with no exemption for consumer packages of any value. What This Means For You: 1. Beginning April 9th, 2025, all packages from Japan to the US will be subject to a 24% tariff, regardless of value 2. Even small purchases of $50 or $300 will incur this additional 24% charge 3. This applies to all items shipped from our facility to US addresses Immediate Recommendations: If you currently have packages stored in our facility and wish to avoid these tariffs, we strongly encourage you to ship them as soon as possible, before April 9th. Please note that there are only 4 business days between now and April 9th, so we urge you to take action as soon as possible to ensure your packages are processed in time. Our Response: To support our community during this challenging time, we are: 1. Working to extend our free storage period beyond the standard 45 days. 2. Reevaluating our fees and service charges to help offset some of the impact 3. Negotiating with our shipping partners (DHL, FedEx, and Japan Post) to secure better rates My Perspective: I think these are tariffs are deeply misguided and economically unsustainable. It's possible they may be delay in the next few days or rolled back in the coming months, however, we must prepare for all scenarios. It's also worth noting that US Customs might not have the manpower or capacity to process all packages coming in, which could mean some packages might pass through without being charged the tariff to avoid gridlock. However, we recommend planning for the full 24% tariff rather than counting on getting lucky. Take Action: If you're concerned about these tariffs, you can make your voice heard: 1. Contact your representatives in Congress 2. Share your experience with US customs and tariffs on the Blackship Discord community. We will provide future updates based on the "on the ground" experience of customers like you. 4. Sign our Change.org petition: https://chng.it/Sr98P4XntQ 5. Support leaders who protect global trade and open markets. 3. Share your views on these policies and your story about how these tariffs impact you as a consumer of Japanese products with others. We remain committed to providing you with the best possible service during this time of change. Our team will continue monitoring the situation closely and will provide regular updates as we learn more. Thank you for your continued trust in Blackship. We value your business and are working diligently to navigate these changes together. Kind Regards, Max Hodges CEO, Blackship,com

Not only that, the Japanese gov is increasing prices for foreigners to combat increased tourism. Crazy times for those that have japanese tools businesses.

 

[Professor Gascan]

I'd say it's now crazy times to be in a lot of businesses.

 

[Steel_Rain]

Another update from Blackship regarding this situation:

​

This is an important correction to my previous email regarding the new US tariffs on Japanese goods. I sincerely apologize for any confusion or concern my message may have caused. Correction on De Minimis Exemption Status After reviewing the latest official information, including a recent notice from FedEx about the Executive Order, I need to correct my previous statement: The $800 de minimis exemption for imports from Japan currently remains in effect, contrary to what I communicated earlier. My previous understanding was based on incomplete information that did not fully explain all the facts. I deeply regret any inconvenience this may have caused you, and I want to emphasize that my intention was only to help our customers prepare for potential changes. Current Status (As of April 2025) Based on the most current and accurate information, including recent notices from major carriers like FedEx: The $800 de minimis exemption is still active for Japanese goods - This means shipments valued at $800 or less can still enter the US duty-free without formal customs procedures. This applies to all shipping methods - Whether your packages are shipped via FedEx, DHL, or Japan Post, the same $800 exemption applies equally. New tariffs only apply to shipments valued over $800 - Only Japanese imports exceeding this threshold will be subject to the new tariffs at this time. China and Hong Kong exception - FedEx confirms that only goods from China and Hong Kong will lose de minimis treatment (effective May 2, 2025). This change does not affect shipments from Japan. Future Outlook It's important to note that the recent Executive Order does signal a potential future change: According to FedEx's official notice, the Executive Order states that "De minimis treatment would continue for the rest of the world until 'the Secretary of Commerce notifies the President that adequate systems are in place for the complete and prompt collection of revenues from duties applied pursuant to this section for items subject to de minimis treatment.'" Currently, no such notification has been issued, so the exemption remains in place for all countries except China and Hong Kong (which will lose this exemption effective May 2, 2025). We will continue monitoring this situation closely, as the policy could change in the future. What This Means For You - If you're ordering items from Japan with a value of $800 or less, they will continue to enter the US duty-free for the time being. - There is no immediate need to rush shipments under the $800 threshold. - For orders valued over $800, the new tariffs will apply as described in my previous email. Important Disclaimer While we strive to provide the most accurate information possible, international trade regulations are complex and frequently changing. The information shared in this email: - Reflects our current understanding based on available documentation - May not capture all nuances of customs enforcement practices - Could be subject to different interpretations by US Customs officials - May change without advance notice We strongly recommend consulting with a customs broker or international trade attorney for definitive guidance on specific high-value shipments. Our Commitment We remain committed to providing you with the best information available. We will continue to: - Monitor official announcements from US Customs and Border Protection, the Department of Commerce, and the US Trade Representative - Update you promptly with any changes to import regulations - Support our community through any future policy changes - Share real-world experiences from our customers to help everyone navigate these changes Again, I sincerely apologize for the confusion. We value your trust in Blackship and are dedicated to maintaining transparency in all our communications. Thank you for your understanding. Max Hodges CEO at White Rabbit Japan

The important bit:

The $800 de minimis exemption is still active for Japanese goods - This means shipments valued at $800 or less can still enter the US duty-free without formal customs procedures.
This applies to all shipping methods - Whether your packages are shipped via FedEx, DHL, or Japan Post, the same $800 exemption applies equally.
New tariffs only apply to shipments valued over $800 - Only Japanese imports exceeding this threshold will be subject to the new tariffs at this time.
China and Hong Kong exception - FedEx confirms that only goods from China and Hong Kong will lose de minimis treatment (effective May 2, 2025). This change does not affect shipments from Japan.

2025 is weird.

 

[gilbo]

My value p/u switch over to Vessel continues, these arrived today.

 

[Outahere]

Bought this Shinwa gauge at Amazon-US.

 

[Typhon]

A Japanese YouTuber’s analysis of the condition of fasteners after using sockets.

 

[ETJ]

Tsubosan engineer's file. I ordered one to see if it's any good or will I turn it into a *******, but it's better than any file I already have and and too small for the size of ******* I want, so it's a keeper.

 

[a57belair2]

I got a set of Tsubosan Hand tool Workmanship file set of 5 ST-06 from Japan on Amazons US site. I then printed a gridfinity holder I found for them. Not my best print but it will do for now. I think some of the filament was a little wet maybe?. Here is the file: https://makerworld.com/en/models/19...ganizer-with-gridfinity-base#profileId-437255

 

[mobiledynamics]

Anyone Want to Recommend a Large Adjustable Wrench - Stubby that is wide enough to work on heavy cast 1 1/4 Bathroom Nut Fittings or just tubular 1 1/2 Fittings. Bathroom Sinks are the worst where it's super tight, you might have a porcelain leg/body and the wrench is tight against a porcelain leg and the back wall.....

My largest top wrench is still too small

 

[FigN⋅m]

Anyone Want to Recommend a Large Adjustable Wrench - Stubby that is wide enough to work on heavy cast 1 1/4 Bathroom Nut Fittings or just tubular 1 1/2 Fittings. Bathroom Sinks are the worst where it's super tight, you might have a porcelain leg/body and the wrench is tight against a porcelain leg and the back wall.....

My largest top wrench is still too small

I recently purchased a Fujiya stubby and have been very happy with it. (Taiwanese mfr. tho)
https://www.fujiya-kk.com/en/products/categories/58/list-products/
There are less fancy versions a few pages in.

 

[mobiledynamics]

53mm is not large enough. I saw that one

 

[Typhon]

I just got the Koken set I picked up from an auction site — super excited to add it to my collection!
From what I’ve found, it looks like it was OEM’d by Beta, which makes it even cooler.

 

[Dave455]

I just got the Koken set I picked up from an auction site — super excited to add it to my collection!
From what I’ve found, it looks like it was OEM’d by Beta, which makes it even cooler.

KoKen manufacture some ratchet‘s for Beta - their “aerospace” ratchets. Bit of an admission of failure on Beta’s part I always thought, since they manufacture ratchets themselves, but they insist on making them with soft grips, which are unacceptable for aerospace use.

For a short while, presumably as a “quid pro quo” Beta manufactured these wrenches for KoKen, who don’t manufacture any regular wrenches. The arrangement was short lived.

 

[Hakeem]

I recently purchased a Fujiya stubby and have been very happy with it. (Taiwanese mfr. tho)
https://www.fujiya-kk.com/en/products/categories/58/list-products/
There are less fancy versions a few pages in.

Yup I’ve been using it at work for random fittings and it has been great. 43mm capacity in something that fits in a pocket is a nice thing, indeed.

The mechanism & function is average, it gets the job done but isn’t noteworthy otherwise. The slim jaws and stubby handle make it a good tool to have for accessibility.

 

[Steel_Rain]

Another Blackship ordered arrived from Japan yesterday:



I don't have time to post everything today, but here are a few things for those intrested.

KTC AE45T (shout out to @Dave455 for the suggestion):

 

[Steel_Rain]

KTC TM5S05 (again, thanks to @Dave455):







KTC M1603:

 

[Steel_Rain]

Vessel TD-25B / TD-26B (love that these are 60T):








Vessel 5700WP / 5700BD:

 

[four.cycle]

@Steel_Rain - where did you source the little Vessel bit ratchet?

 

[Steel_Rain]

@Steel_Rain - where did you source the little Vessel bit ratchet?

Amazon Japan:

https://amzn.asia/d/50MPE6r

(Using Blackship)

 

[Steel_Rain]

Amazon.com

Best price I’ve seen, $16 bucks on Amazon.

Made in Japan.

 

[Qualitytools]

Amazon.com

Best price I’ve seen, $16 bucks on Amazon.

Made in Japan.

I purchased this at Home Depot a few years ago and mine is made in Japan. Good price and great tool

 

[Caa311]

Vessel TD-25B / TD-26B (love that these are 60T):








Vessel 5700WP / 5700BD:

What would you use the blue one for?

 

[Steel_Rain]

What would you use the blue one for?

Vessel calls this a "Faucet Driver" for this application:



I bought this to compliment my PB Swiss "coin driver" tools, albeit, with a different shape. I've found MANY uses for wide tip drivers like this...from corroded car key fob battery covers, to random plumbing uses, to stuck brush holders in power tools.

 

[Caa311]

Vessel calls this a "Faucet Driver" for this application:



I bought this to compliment my PB Swiss "coin driver" tools, albeit, with a different shape. I've found MANY uses for wide tip drivers like this...from corroded car key fob battery covers, to random plumbing uses, to stuck brush holders in power tools.

Well damn! I need one too.

 

[Steel_Rain]

Well damn! I need one too.

They are very useful tools.

 

[Steel_Rain]

IPS SBB-165:






KAI LK-010 / BL-20 (very interesting tool, planning to purchase more KAI items):




Anex 3350-H:

 

[Steel_Rain]

TONE RMAL 08L/13L/19L:






These complete my set of RMAL XL's from TONE:





Look, I know these are "just" rebranded KABO's, but damn. I don't think anyone ever got the REAL answer if these are made by KABO, imported and reworked by TONE and resold, but I love these things. I have several other Kabo tools...but these just feel different/higher quality. My favorite XL wrenches by a mile, and I have many.

 

[spyerx]

Will be in Japan in a couple months to visit family. Out near where they live (outside Tokyo) there is a huge store called "Beaver Tozen" which is like Japanese Home Depot, but they have another huge store next door called "Beaver Pro" that is stacked with tools and equipment. Will be heading to both to stock up... I also have some requests from my uncle who's a woodworker and those tools are fantastic from Japan (chisels etc).

If anyone knows any specialty tool stores in the Tokyo / Kanagawa area, please let me know.

 

[moemc]

On the note of that Vessel Faucet driver. I just randomly stumbled onto a couple ANEX bits I had not seen before. Their AHF-1515 and AHF-1511. If you'd rather have a faucet driver bit than one with integrated handle.

 

[Stubby1743]

I've owned an Anex AHF-1515 bit for a while now. A very nicely made (in Japan) bit.

 

[Andres26tnt]

Initially I was skeptical on this new vessel bit ratchet, my experience with plate/rivet bit ratchet has been a bad one. Having used bluepoint, snap on and you name them. They all seem to use thin metal plates and soft rivets. Most split at the rivet or the gear.

This one is a tank compared to those, thick 2mm plates sandwich between a nice plastic middle piece that goes all the way up to the gear. Definitely feels substantial. The back drag is lower then my SK11 and it's various other rebrands. I've lubed it up with super lube, it made a nice noticeable different(smooth it out).

 

[Madjik Man]

KTC TM5S05 (again, thanks to @Dave455):







KTC M1603:

I have those KTC long double box ends.

They're amazing.

I was basically hanging off one getting a lower control arm bolt unseized.

 

[Steel_Rain]

Agreed, I actually used them today for suspension work on an older Acura and they worked great. Perfect size for the break away leverage I needed.

 

[Steel_Rain]

These complete my set of RMAL XL's:

A forum Member reminded me that I forgot to photo the best part of these:

 

[Ugly Truck Nut]

Nepros ratchets, 1/4 and a 3/8 in a 1/4 body.

 

[moemc]

A forum Member reminded me that I forgot to photo the best part of these:

I have had these in the “saved for later“ for a while. I think I would use them a lot. But I have concern about a long handle flex ratchet. That the high torque use might make them floppy jointed right quick. These ones (aside from the 8mm) have that serration though, so I suppose even if the pin loosens some, they shouldn’t go limp, just a little slop worst case scenario. The pin isn’t threaded is it? Love the HKS tray.. I’m a sucker for HKS swag. Looking at the 51007-AK492 doormat for my garage lately.

 

[E.T.]

A forum Member reminded me that I forgot to photo the best part of these:

I dont think Kabo makes these as the switching mechanism is different, the drive is 12 pt not spline, and one end is fixed. Unless they offer multiple configurations that no one other than Tone uses I’d say Tone sources these elsewhere. If anything they look like Rotor group wrenches

 

[Steel_Rain]

I dont think Kabo makes these as the switching mechanism is different, the drive is 12 pt not spline, and one end is fixed. Unless they offer multiple configurations that no one other than Tone uses I’d say tone sources these elsewhere. If anything they look like Rotor group wrenches

Paging @superautobacs (Chris Cas) for clarification…

 

[FigN⋅m]

...

Thought you might appreciate this


Tsunoda SNP-150
Tone stubby 14/17
Deen 10/12

Delicately resting on album I've had since it was released.
Phone Home y'all!