Same for McMaster. I'd looked on Amazon Japan, they've got a decent selection but there are a couple things they're missing.
If I find somewhere with a more full range I'll post it for anyone else looking.
Tools of Japan
- Thread starter Frankstools
- Start date
If I find somewhere with a more full range I'll post it for anyone else looking.
LordLupulin
Member
Zoro has most of their line.
Will check it out - thank you!
Andres26tnt
Well-known member
- Joined
- May 11, 2018
- Messages
- 994
Came down to Tokyo for the weekend, factory gear Tokyo got a nice remodel to handle more of the bar 
side of things. Didn't take more pictures as it's mostly the same store.
side of things. Didn't take more pictures as it's mostly the same store.
Last edited:
Andres26tnt
Well-known member
- Joined
- May 11, 2018
- Messages
- 994
My fist Deen tool, not Japan made unfortunately. I feel like for the prices that factory gear charges for these tools they should be made in Japan. Maybe partner up with KTC or Koken, heck any of the tool manufacturer in Japan. They could do something similar to what Stanley does. Foreign guts, domestic bodies. Payed 6900¥ for this sort of stubby 3/8 Part#DNR3-045R. 48$ for Taiwan stubby, meh 
not to bad, not to good. Fit and finish is great, love the nice quick release. The bad is it sticks pretty bad if you have any sort of side load. Not sure if I got a dud or something. None of my other round head do this.
not to bad, not to good. Fit and finish is great, love the nice quick release. The bad is it sticks pretty bad if you have any sort of side load. Not sure if I got a dud or something. None of my other round head do this. Andres26tnt
Well-known member
- Joined
- May 11, 2018
- Messages
- 994
Largest in Tokyo/kanagawa, probably both factory gear stores. Both are in reach Tokyo/Yokohama. Or you could find a local Astro products(japanese HF), they sell Koken/tone/KTC. Not sure how good the selection is in Tokyo, but probably better as Tokyo stores are usually better stocked.
Professor Gascan
Well-known member
- Joined
- Dec 26, 2024
- Messages
- 181
"German hammer competence" made me laugh.
IRQVET
Well-known member
Been wondering if I go to a big city that has a Japan town, if I could find a tool store?
Jeff
Well-known member
Some pictures from my favourite Tokyo tool store Akiba-kougu. It doesn't have the type of tools I am after, but it has that old skool feel to it.
I couldn't leave empty handed after I had taken some pictures, so I bought Vessel PH3 screwdriver and a 7mm spot weld/hole cutter.
I couldn't leave empty handed after I had taken some pictures, so I bought Vessel PH3 screwdriver and a 7mm spot weld/hole cutter.
Another store I haven't seen mentioned is Seaforce. They sell soldering tools, tools for jewelry making, 3D printing, Dremel bits, etc..., but why they caught my eye are hammers, anvils and leather sandbags (which I totally forgot I was after while going there).
Most of the hammers were designed towards jewelry making, but they had some that could be used for sheet metal.
Most of the hammers were designed towards jewelry making, but they had some that could be used for sheet metal.
Attachments
Last edited:
Why cant we have stuff like this in the states?Came down to Tokyo for the weekend, factory gear Tokyo got a nice remodel to handle more of the bar
Andres26tnt
Well-known member
- Joined
- May 11, 2018
- Messages
- 994
Why cant we have stuff like this in the states?
I'm sure we could in certain states, but Japan is just different when it comes to alcohol/retail stores. Funny thing is Malls are thriving here and other overseas countries.
Nobody-named-Olli
Well-known member
Thanks for posting those stores. This is one of the thing I love about going to Japan, they have shops like this. For EVERYTHING.
They are all on my lists to visit while I'm there in July.
I consider this pay back or equitable compromise. My wife, for her shopping in Japan is a competitive sport.... so for me being a good sport she'll humor me visiting some Record and HiFi and Tool stores.
They are all on my lists to visit while I'm there in July.
I consider this pay back or equitable compromise. My wife, for her shopping in Japan is a competitive sport.... so for me being a good sport she'll humor me visiting some Record and HiFi and Tool stores.
Some new stuff.
Really like the design of the Asahi box ends. I wanted to order Tsunoda thin pliers but they only had these "Mitoloy" on Misumi here.
Also got some neat new boxes.
Surprised how massive the wrenches are. Especially the 13mm is perhaps the same stamp blank as a 14mm or 15mm?
It is super thick. It should be fine for my needs but I'm used to way thinner wrenches. Does feel very industrial. The rest like the 10mm seem to have a more reasonable thickness.
Really like the design of the Asahi box ends. I wanted to order Tsunoda thin pliers but they only had these "Mitoloy" on Misumi here.
Also got some neat new boxes.
Surprised how massive the wrenches are. Especially the 13mm is perhaps the same stamp blank as a 14mm or 15mm?
It is super thick. It should be fine for my needs but I'm used to way thinner wrenches. Does feel very industrial. The rest like the 10mm seem to have a more reasonable thickness.
Interesting the Asahi Lightool wrench set above has the modern 'off corner engagement' design in the box end but the single box end ones don't. They must be an older style or something. Maybe NOS. But very nice tools & pics thanks for sharing!!
Jeff
Well-known member
Please stop sharing photos of Japanese tool stores.
I'm running low on keyboard condoms!
I'm running low on keyboard condoms!
toddmorr
Well-known member
Simple, they sell at list price or higher and the profits support that kind of crazy inventory. They are also located in extremely large cities by USA standardsWhy cant we have stuff like this in the states?
There's a bit more to it. there is a cultural element to this too. And yes, Tokyo as a metro area is about 1/2 the size of Houston for example, with 38 million people. So the density does drive some opportunity. But, the area a couple of those shops are in Akiba/Akihabara (electronics town traditionally) is super interesting. You'll find small shops like that for almost anything and any hobby, and shops like this exist all over Tokyo. For example there is a building next to the metro station that is filled, 3-4 floors, of the small 'stalls' think, about maybe 8x8' size, and each one is a guy sitting there selling 'stuff' mostly in this case small electronic components. Need a resistor, go see this guy, need an IC, go see that guy. They cater to hobbyists and those doing prototyping etc. But you can find anything there related to electronics.
So it's no surprise to me you'll find the same for a tool guy. My other hobbies have the same sort of stores. Jazz records? Go to Hal's in Shinjuku. Need a needle for a cartridge? go to this guy. Love Manga? Go to Nakano Broadway. It's really unique. Love going there every year.
Interesting. The single box end ones are really very "industrial" style.
But such a convenient shape. In many cases these just get closer to what you need to turn...
The Asahi "Revo" line is probably the most recent, supposedly more ergonomical. Not sure, never tried those. The lightool are really cool to me. Maybe the weight isn't even that different (shows more on the larger ones) but they just look like a Ducati set of wrenches
)
Madjik Man
Well-known member
- Joined
- Dec 3, 2015
- Messages
- 1,527
Came down to Tokyo for the weekend, factory gear Tokyo got a nice remodel to handle more of the bar
I’m going to propose to admin that we add a ***** emoji to the list of thumbs up, heart-eyes, etc.
Professor Gascan
Well-known member
- Joined
- Dec 26, 2024
- Messages
- 181
TBH I'm kind of glad I don't have a store like that anywhere near me. Mostly for my bank account's sake, as I could do some serious damage to it in a shop like that.
a57belair2
Well-known member
- Joined
- Aug 14, 2024
- Messages
- 82
Two Koken Aluminum lug nut sockets, some Deen Tools bit holders (I know not Japan), and two Tsunoda slip joints. The black Tsunoda has bent tips. *Not pictured a Koken 1/4 wobble extension to see how I like the Koken version.
Some thoughts: 1) I need to stop getting Deen Tools. I'm never happy with the quality for the price. 2) Those Tsunoda are so nice. We will see how I like them vs my Snap-On but wow so nice, and for the price! I think I'm going to dip the handles.
Some thoughts: 1) I need to stop getting Deen Tools. I'm never happy with the quality for the price. 2) Those Tsunoda are so nice. We will see how I like them vs my Snap-On but wow so nice, and for the price! I think I'm going to dip the handles.
a57belair2
Well-known member
- Joined
- Aug 14, 2024
- Messages
- 82
They were about $25 from Japan, so if you are ordering other things it might be a good item to add. However if not, then Koken USA price of $36 isn't too bad. I figured I'd give them a try of some softer lug nuts.
theamcguy
Well-known member
Do you have a number on that Deen Tools bit holder, Thank you
a57belair2
Well-known member
- Joined
- Aug 14, 2024
- Messages
- 82
If you are ordering it from Japan you can get it right from Deen: Deen Tools Bit Holder from Japan
If that is the only thing you are getting here is a USA place that has it. It's twice the cost though: Deen Tools Bit Holder from the USA
It's an ok bit holder but I wouldn't say it's worth $30 USD if you buy it in the US. $15 USD from Japan, sure if you can offset the shipping with other things you want.
Reed Prince
Well-known member
Some photos I took in Akihabara 20 years ago. Perhaps things haven't changed all that much.
roofdweller49
Well-known member
- Joined
- Jan 22, 2023
- Messages
- 186
Can someone help me understand the differences in the lobtex adjustable wrench line? There seems to be a lot of overlap
Also, where can I buy them in the US?
This is the only place that pops up
Also, where can I buy them in the US?
This is the only place that pops up
Jeff
Well-known member
The jaws are the most significant changes along with length and dipped color.
They are on Amazon US.
Japanese are also more willing to pay for quality and very very picky. So specialty stores for tools etc can survive without necessarily being national online as in the USA. It is a shame that our consumers in the USA tend to go strongly for the lowest price and business is fixated on maximizing profit every year. This leads us to where we are: all must be outsourced since USA labor is too high cost to compete or simply the brand can make more money by just marketing outsourced production. Regardless of what is said (designed in the USA ... give me a break ... if you do not make it you lose control of the details impacting quality). The Japanese people being so picky and their companies more stubborn and not wanting to reduce quality, the domestic market there seems to have driven specialty production to cater. The Japanese brands are being hit by outsourcing and low cost stuff from China etc. But not to the same degree as we are here in the USA. It seems they are several decades behind (in a good way) relative to the USA in that trend. But I do not think they are fully immune to it.
Edit: Curiously, I just rebuilt a 70s Japanese floor jack sold by Craftsman. OMG. The quality of the build relative to stuff today is surreal better. With new seals, this beast looks like a $1000+ jack and it was a standard consumer-line model at the time. With new seals and if the jack oil is cycled now and then it should last 50+ years more no problem. Out of curiosity, I looked at the best models of contemporary Harbor Freight stuff recently and it is *absolute junk* in comparison. I doubt any of those last more than 20 ish years. It is a shame that stuff like this died out even in Japan since I presume it is/was too low profit. That is part of my point that even Japan is not immune to the negative impact of outsourcing -- even if more of their production remains higher quality domestic Japanese.
Last edited:
roofdweller49
Well-known member
- Joined
- Jan 22, 2023
- Messages
- 186
Ah, so the X jaw is the "anti slip" profile, jawThe jaws are the most significant changes along with length and dipped color.
They are on Amazon US.
What's "hybrid" mean then? Thanks for the heads up on Amazon, found some on eBay too
4xdog
Well-known member
I'm a fan of almost everything Vessel makes. My latest addition -- this two-way driver (No. 400PD2). Two times two ways, in fact, as it holds both 1/4" square drive and 1/4" (6.35 mm) hex, and the handle flips 90° to give more leverage. Well made, as expected; the 1/4" square/hex is knurled steel and the handle, especially the locking ring, is an engineering thermoplastic. There's no play or flex in it in any position.
This one will probably live in the "house" tools. It might end up in the "go" tools in the Tacoma sometimes too.
This one will probably live in the "house" tools. It might end up in the "go" tools in the Tacoma sometimes too.
Last edited:
Really good explanation of the Lobtex adjustable wrench features here:https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/threads/tools-of-japan.97563/page-165
IRQVET
Well-known member
Anyone have a recommendation for a micro screwdriver and bit set? Bought a $7 kit from Walmart last year, and I’m actually suprised much I use it. Wasn’t anticipating that when I bought it, thought it would live in the tool box with little to no use. Saw Tekton released one, but they want $50.
Ditto on Wiha for small screws / bits. I've got a Wiha kit that I used very heavily when working for Apple - it's made up of a bunch of sizes of Cross, Slotted, Torx, Trilobe, Pentalobe, and other specialty things. If you'll be using this stuff heavily I'd recommend getting drivers over bits as they're much nicer to use IMO. But, the Wiha stuff is excellent in terms of fit and durability for small fasteners.
If you're working on a lot of electronics, especially those with ribbon cables or flip style ZIF connectors, you'll also want to pick up a few Spudgers to go in your kit: https://www.ifixit.com/products/spudger
If you're working on a lot of electronics, especially those with ribbon cables or flip style ZIF connectors, you'll also want to pick up a few Spudgers to go in your kit: https://www.ifixit.com/products/spudger