Tools of Japan

[E.T.]

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!

OMG it’s an album?! I need to hear that or is that the movie soundtrack?

 

[Loga_3]

Modified my Olfa NOL-1 by peeling off the rubber handle, making it a larger version of the SVR-1.
I also brushed the finish, and filed down the plastic part and screw to make it more flush. Removed the ratchet spring, and replaced it with a standard spring around the threads.

 

[Steel_Rain]

The pin isn’t threaded is it?

No, just a standard roll pin (punched though).

 

[FigN⋅m]

OMG it’s an album?! I need to hear that or is that the movie soundtrack?

That album is actually MJ narrating the story set to the movie's score.

Below is the actual soundtrack on picture disc (ET w/"magic finger" on B side)
Between ET, Raiders, Star Wars, etc., pretty awesome time to be a little kid...

 

[rick carpenter]

Modified my Olfa NOL-1 by peeling off the rubber handle, making it a larger version of the SVR-1.
I also brushed the finish, and filed down the plastic part and screw to make it more flush. Removed the ratchet spring, and replaced it with a standard spring around the threads.

I had never considered the need to mod Olfa knives. Nice.

 

[moemc]

A few of these I have had for a couple weeks, since I’ll often buy a sample before going to town. Double box end galore. They are so inexpensive they are hard to say no. The KTC M160 I need a few more to complete the range I want. The Tone M04 set is complete. The Tone M03 I consider complete (I don’t need larger sizes in such a short wrench). My Asahi offset double box set is complete.

The Tone RGD socket extensions/offsets are super cool. I need a bunch more of those. I think they might turn out to be the best tool for shock nuts. Especially combined with an offset torque adapter when I want to get it to spec.

Also some Koken... Ratcheting tap handle and tap sockets. BMW oil filter socket. I got that 1/4” bit holder to check out. I’m thinking of maybe investing in Koken 7/16 bit holder and bits. The 1/4 holder was a cheaper/easier way for me to try hands on with their bit holder stuff first.

 

[ptabatcher]

A few of these I have had for a couple weeks, since I’ll often buy a sample before going to town. Double box end galore. They are so inexpensive they are hard to say no. The KTC M160 I need a few more to complete the range I want. The Tone M04 set is complete. The Tone M03 I consider complete (I don’t need larger sizes in such a short wrench). My Asahi offset double box set is complete.

The Tone RGD socket extensions/offsets are super cool. I need a bunch more of those. I think they might turn out to be the best tool for shock nuts. Especially combined with an offset torque adapter when I want to get it to spec.

Also some Koken... Ratcheting tap handle and tap sockets. BMW oil filter socket. I got that 1/4” bit holder to check out. I’m thinking of maybe investing in Koken 7/16 bit holder and bits. The 1/4 holder was a cheaper/easier way for me to try hands on with their bit holder stuff first.

Pairing those Tone sockets with the Asahi offset wrenches is genius!

Do those Tone sockets all have the same outside hex size?

 

[Stubby1743]

Do those Tone sockets all have the same outside hex size?

No.

 

[Caa311]

A few of these I have had for a couple weeks, since I’ll often buy a sample before going to town. Double box end galore. They are so inexpensive they are hard to say no. The KTC M160 I need a few more to complete the range I want. The Tone M04 set is complete. The Tone M03 I consider complete (I don’t need larger sizes in such a short wrench). My Asahi offset double box set is complete.

The Tone RGD socket extensions/offsets are super cool. I need a bunch more of those. I think they might turn out to be the best tool for shock nuts. Especially combined with an offset torque adapter when I want to get it to spec.

Also some Koken... Ratcheting tap handle and tap sockets. BMW oil filter socket. I got that 1/4” bit holder to check out. I’m thinking of maybe investing in Koken 7/16 bit holder and bits. The 1/4 holder was a cheaper/easier way for me to try hands on with their bit holder stuff first.

I wonder if those sockets would work in that nano ratchet?

 

[rick carpenter]

I just got in 'my' third pair of MTC-22 nippers today. This one will actually go into my granddaughter's tool box that I am assembling for her. The square gold reflective sticker inside the handles is an anti-counterfeiting sticker. @superautobacs warned about fake MTC tools, so this is pretty cool.

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

www.eatdirtshit.rocks

 

[nicks78camaro]

A few of these I have had for a couple weeks, since I’ll often buy a sample before going to town. Double box end galore. They are so inexpensive they are hard to say no. The KTC M160 I need a few more to complete the range I want. The Tone M04 set is complete. The Tone M03 I consider complete (I don’t need larger sizes in such a short wrench). My Asahi offset double box set is complete.

The Tone RGD socket extensions/offsets are super cool. I need a bunch more of those. I think they might turn out to be the best tool for shock nuts. Especially combined with an offset torque adapter when I want to get it to spec.

Also some Koken... Ratcheting tap handle and tap sockets. BMW oil filter socket. I got that 1/4” bit holder to check out. I’m thinking of maybe investing in Koken 7/16 bit holder and bits. The 1/4 holder was a cheaper/easier way for me to try hands on with their bit holder stuff first.

I'm trying to find a reason/excuse to pick up those Asahi curved offset wrenches!

 

[moemc]

Pairing those Tone sockets with the Asahi offset wrenches is genius!

Do those Tone sockets all have the same outside hex size?

They all match the inside and outside hex. Which I love about them. I have the Astro nano set. But there are pros and cons to a set that all use the same external hex. So I felt these were really worth getting despite having the nanos.

 

[moemc]

I wonder if those sockets would work in that nano ratchet?

Well, the 17 would! But the rest of them all need their respective size ratchet wrench or socket. Since their external hex matches their internal hex.

 

[moemc]

I'm trying to find a reason/excuse to pick up those Asahi curved offset wrenches!

I can’t say I had a role in mind for them. I’m guessing that I will just find occasions to use them for the sake of trying something different. I am basically a sucker for anything that is unbelievably inexpensive for what you get. And these things coming in 4-6$ each… I even bought a dozen extra of them along with some Koken keychain wrenches and 10mm sockets to include as free thank you gifts in customer orders.

 

[Firebrick43]

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!

That is the creepiest thing I have seen in a while

 

[Steel_Rain]

I just got in 'my' third pair of MTC-22 nippers today.

I've heard of MTC before, but never owned anything from them.

How is this brand? Good quality?

 

[ptabatcher]

They all match the inside and outside hex. Which I love about them. I have the Astro nano set. But there are pros and cons to a set that all use the same external hex. So I felt these were really worth getting despite having the nanos.

Thanks. Knowing that the inside and outside match does make it easy.

 

[rick carpenter]

I've heard of MTC before, but never owned anything from them.

How is this brand? Good quality?

They are Tsunoda re-brands. They are NOS as MTC apparently has moved on to non-tool items.

 

[ararat]

Brass caliper. SBC in a triangle. Marked JAPAN with the N backwards.

 

[Dave455]

Just acquired a pair of Merry Y75 pliers. Don’t know why I hadn’t before really, other than the necessity to add them on to another order for shipping.

For those unfamiliar with them, they are an almost unique design, having narrow jaw tips comparable with long nose / snipe nose pliers, but relatively short jaws capable of exerting a lot of grip.


I think Merry have recently changed the grip colour, it’s a darker red than it used to be, and they have added a sparkle to the material which I can’t say I like. On the upside they have retained a smooth vinyl so at least they can be wiped down.


The fit / finish are superb. If it looks like these jaws don’t align, it’s an illusion. They are perfect. Even the teeth interlock.


The teeth are very sharp and grippy. Provided they are hard enough, and early indications are that they are, they will be superb.

These are the 7 inch. I can see me adding the 9 inch.

 

[Steel_Rain]

Just acquired a pair of Merry Y75 pliers.

These look great Dave! I only have a few Merry items, but I'd like to get a set of those along with these too:

Amazon.co.jp: Muromoto Ironworks Y75-225 Merry Strong Yatko : DIY, Tools & Garden

Amazon.co.jp: Muromoto Ironworks Y75-225 Merry Strong Yatko : DIY, Tools & Garden

www.amazon.co.jp

Comments on the above?

Do you have any others from Merry that you would recommend?

 

[Dave455]

These look great Dave! I only have a few Merry items, but I'd like to get a set of those along with these too:

Amazon.co.jp: Muromoto Ironworks Y75-225 Merry Strong Yatko : DIY, Tools & Garden

Amazon.co.jp: Muromoto Ironworks Y75-225 Merry Strong Yatko : DIY, Tools & Garden

www.amazon.co.jp

Comments on the above?

Do you have any others from Merry that you would recommend?

Yes, I think the 225mm version of the Y75 would be worth owning too. I almost bought them as well.


I don’t have anything else from Merry so it’s hard to make recommendations, but based on the quality of what I’ve acquired I would be surprised if they made anything crappy.

I’ll probably add a pair of these long combination pliers at some point as well, but there’s an awful lot on offer so I suspect you’d be safe buying any of the standard patterns. Prices seem fair too.

 

[Steel_Rain]

Yes, I think the 225mm version of the Y75 would be worth owning too. I almost bought them as well.


I don’t have anything else from Merry so it’s hard to make recommendations, but based on the quality of what I’ve acquired I would be surprised if they made anything crappy.

I’ll probably add a pair of these long combination pliers at some point as well, but there’s an awful lot on offer so I suspect you’d be safe buying any of the standard patterns. Prices seem fair too.

Good suggestions as usual...I'm browsing AJP right now for these.

 

[toddmorr]

Yeah I looked at those y75 pliers too. Clearly quality but I couldn't come up with a use case to justify purchase.

 

[rick carpenter]

I got this Y-350 tool box today, a little under 14-3/16" and plenty sturdy. Not sure what will live in it, probably will make it my go-box to replace my Husky soft bag. I'm gonna line the bottom in leather to have something different than a rubber liner.

I've been impressed with all the Toyo boxes I have.

 

[Andres26tnt]

I got this Y-350 tool box today, a little under 14-3/16" and plenty sturdy. Not sure what will live in it, probably will make it my go-box to replace my Husky soft bag. I'm gonna line the bottom in leather to have something different than a rubber liner.

I've been impressed with all the Toyo boxes I have.

You can get the leather liner from toyo steel website. Super nice. They also have leather dividers.

You can get a leather handle cover from gemelli, also made in Japan. It's super nice, fits tight.

 

[m6z]

Are the tariffs impacting Amazon Japan orders? If so, how do you pay the tariff?

 

[Steel_Rain]

You can get the leather liner from toyo steel website. Super nice. They also have leather dividers.

You can get a leather handle cover from gemelli, also made in Japan. It's super nice, fits tight.

This is great info...link to purchase these?

 

[Steel_Rain]

Are the tariffs impacting Amazon Japan orders? If so, how do you pay the tariff?

The below would apply to AJP via the "De Minimis Exemption" for orders under $800 as it stands FOR NOW:

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.


There is talk in Washington about getting rid of the De Minimis Exemption altogether and it appears this might actually go forward:

Trump is ending this tariff loophole for low-cost packages. Here's what that could mean for consumers

If you’ve purchased something from Chinese e-commerce giants Shein, Temu or Alibaba, then you may have benefited from a trade loophole called the de minimis exemption.

www.pbs.org

That said, this is really to target China/HK but might migrate to other Countries as time moves on and "re-shoring" back to the USA continues over the next few years.

Please...let's NOT turn this thread into a political battleground about this topic. I think we would much rather discuss tools Made in Japan rather then politics.

 

[Outahere]

Vessel 150mm long bit, with thin insulation, to fit #2 PH/S style screw heads. I'm not sure why "18V" is printed at the upper right corner of the card.

 

[Andres26tnt]

This is great info...link to purchase these?

[Bonded Leather]Insole sheet IS series

This is a Insole sheet specifically for toolboxes, made from bonded leather by the renowned German company Salamander. [About the sizes]There are four types to fit different sizes of tool boxes.Please make sure to purchase the correct one for your tool box.IS-350: For Y-350 & T-350 only (Not...

www.toyosteel.jp

https://amzn.asia/d/3KJ9CE0

Unfortunately the leather handle went up in price to 17$

 

[mattstevens]

I'm not sure why "18V" is printed at the upper right corner of the card

I’ve also wondered about this, as some other bits/accessories are labeled 40v compatible. Does it mean impact rated, or just a vague statement about being able to handle torque from power tools?

 

[Qualitytools]

^ It does refer to the impact rating.

 

[rick carpenter]

You can get the leather liner from toyo steel website. Super nice. They also have leather dividers.

You can get a leather handle cover from gemelli, also made in Japan. It's super nice, fits tight.

Thanks, but too expensive. I'm just going to hit the local leather/shoe repair shop.

 

[Andres26tnt]

Thanks, but too expensive. I'm just going to hit the local leather/shoe repair shop.

Interesting how much cheaper is it?

It's cheap around 35$ to get the liner and handle cover, not including shipping. I would assume local leather workers will be more expensive.

 

[rick carpenter]

Interesting how much cheaper is it?

It's cheap around 35$ to get the liner and handle cover, not including shipping. I would assume local leather workers will be more expensive.

I'll get back to you when I get it.

 

[Andres26tnt]

Gotta love Japanese limited edition tools

Purchased through rakuten(finally got my account working). Limited edition Anex quick ball No.397-L1. comes with a diamond coated blade. I'm trying out the blades for my custom 3D printed screwdrivers. I really like the grippiness of the coating. Pair that coating with JIS and it's a dream blade. The driver is the standard quick ball ratchet 72t, just blacked out with a splash of red on the switch. Great driver with smooth action. The drawback is the slot is quick tight, not every blade fit. Some get stuck and takes quite some force to remove them or flip them. Almost got my Anex 100mm bit stuck, had to use some pliers to remove it. So with that I'm keeping it exclusively for this double sided blades. Those for better with any troubles. My regular 60t version does not have this issue.

 

[Andres26tnt]

One of the perk of living in Japan is the quick access to new release tools. Back in April IPS released their talon grip competitor pliers. Only one size is currently available, with more sizes to come I'm sure.

IPS DMV-135 diamond vise mini slip joint "needle nose" pliers.

First impressions are good, solid quality. They are on the small side but they do feel good in the hand. You can work with them in tight spaces. A 175mm model would be perfect size imo. The cross hatching is diamond shaped for better grip. I'm not entirely sure if snap-on patent or whatever they had ran out. Looks like everyone is gunning for Snap-on .

 

[Nobody-named-Olli]

Vessel 150mm long bit, with thin insulation, to fit #2 PH/S style screw heads. I'm not sure why "18V" is printed at the upper right corner of the card.

The 18V indicate that bit is rated for use with a battery powered drill/driver.

Please be aware that this bit is not generally considered insulated, let alone non-conductive. The yellow tube is only to prevent short circuiting. Voltage at the tip will be present at the tool end/ hex shaft. Please just be aware of that.

See the full description here:

https://uk.misumi-ec.com/vona2/detail/223006691874/?HissuCode=PS162150

Kind regards,
Olli

 

[Steel_Rain]

IPS DMV-135 diamond vise mini slip joint "needle nose" pliers.

I must have these. Thank you for sharing.