Tools of Japan

[stonesfan68]

Some photos I took in Akihabara 20 years ago. Perhaps things haven't changed all that much.

I’m in Akihabara right now and there are shops like these everywhere. It is my first time in Japan and it is an amazing place. I’m still in awe of everything going on everywhere all at the same time.

 

[Andres26tnt]

I’m in Akihabara right now and there are shops like these everywhere. It is my first time in Japan and it is an amazing place. I’m still in awe of everything going on everywhere all at the same time.

Aki is not the same as 20y ago unfortunately, not even 12y ago when I first lived in Tokyo. I tend to avoid it as is overcrowded. Also prices have gone up for foreigners and locals. But definitely different culture, enjoy your stay. Nakano Broadway is probably where all the local shop now .

 

[four.cycle]

Tsunoda PN150 flush cutters for zip ties. They are everything they're cracked up to be - snips 'em off nice and clean. Only about $17 bucks on Amazon.

 

[Professor Gascan]

Not made in Japan tools, but I like the Power Torque 3/8 so much that I picked these up from Webike Japan.

From l to r, PT 3/8, SK11 flex 3/8, 1/4 fixed, and 1/4 flex.

 

[Andres26tnt]

Not made in Japan tools, but I like the Power Torque 3/8 so much that I picked these up from Webike Japan.

From l to r, PT 3/8, SK11 flex 3/8, 1/4 fixed, and 1/4 flex.

Great budget brand, they also have some more unique versions. I'm amazed by the quality at the super cheap price.

Trusco also rebrands these, I'm surprised no one else is rebranding these tools(excluding PT)

Amazon.co.jp: TRUSCO(トラスコ) ビット兼用ラチェットハンドル 延長タイプ TSBRHE2 : DIY・工具・ガーデン

Amazon.co.jp: TRUSCO(トラスコ) ビット兼用ラチェットハンドル 延長タイプ TSBRHE2 : DIY・工具・ガーデン

amzn.asia

 

[shibertus]

Picked up a bunch of Vessel Power Grip screwdrivers from HJE. I like these better than the Megadoras.

 

[Andres26tnt]

Picked up a bunch of Vessel Power Grip screwdrivers from HJE. I like these better than the Megadoras.

Often overlooked line, they are excellent in design and quality.

 

[Andres26tnt]

First time seeing asahi light tool on a big box store(DCM), usually it's only available at smaller boutique type stores.

Also I found these nutgrip knockoffs from SK11 similar design, need to try them out. I believe Tone also makes a set but at a much higher price. These cost just under $24, crazy cheap for a specialty tool.

 

[Professor Gascan]

Same here. For as many of their ratcheting wrenches I see being sold by various companies in the states, I'm surprised none of them import their ratchets.

They're really nice for the money. Compact heads with very low back drag when broken in. Even getting them shipped half way around the world they were still less than 20 bucks a piece.

The only downside is that they are fully sealed and non serviceable.

 

[Andres26tnt]

Same here. For as many of their ratcheting wrenches I see being sold by various companies in the states, I'm surprised none of them import their ratchets.

They're really nice for the money. Compact heads with very low back drag when broken in. Even getting them shipped half way around the world they were still less than 20 bucks a piece.

The only downside is that they are fully sealed and non serviceable.

I want to say that I've seen a serviceable version, just can't remember the brand.

 

[Beerhippie]

I was going through my old bucket full of carpentry tools the other day when I came across this:



Back in the early '90s, an old ski buddy and occasional employer used to go to Japan once a year to assemble log homes that had been pre-built here in the county. He'd always bring back a few tools as gifts that were then unknown in the US, but common in Japan. This was one of them.

I knocked the rust off and ground off the peening from years of heavy use. It's a double-nail set, with the long end for finish nails (it has a dimple) and the short end for large nails. It also works as a hammer to get that last tap or two on a proud finish nail.

I see that these are now common here in the US, but this is one of the originals.

 

[Beerhippie]

I was going through my old bucket full of carpentry tools the other day when I came across this:



Back in the early '90s, an old ski buddy and occasional employer used to go to Japan once a year to assemble log homes that had been pre-built here in the county. He's always bring back a few tools as gifts that were then unknown in the US, but common in Japan. This was one of them.

I knocked the rust off and ground off the peening from years of heavy use. It's a double-nail set, with the long end for finish nails (it has a dimple) and the short end for large nails. It also works as a hammer to get that last tap or two on a proud finish nail.

I see that these are now common here in the US, but this is one of the originals.

I forgot to mention that the long tapered shaft is also an ideal small spud or fid for aligning holes.

 

[Steel_Rain]

First time seeing asahi light tool

Are these made in Japan? I think Chris (@superautobacs) said these were made in Taiwan?

Picked up a bunch of Vessel Power Grip screwdrivers from HJE.

I REALLY like these. I believe @Dave55 has a set. I wanted to get them during the sale from HJE as well, but didn't. How is the weight/balance? I was debating these for HD use or the PB Swiss HD driver set. Tell us your thoughts.

 

[Spongebob89]

Picked up a bunch of Vessel Power Grip screwdrivers from HJE. I like these better than the Megadoras.

Do you have any links from where you bought them or part numbers?

 

[moemc]

Do you have any links from where you bought them or part numbers?

Vessel 8pc Slotted and Phillip Power Grip Screwdriver Set (V4500S/P)

Plastic handle and tang-thru shank stand up to heavy-duty work. Hexagon bolster for strong tightening with a wrench. Cellulose acetate resin grip. Set includes: Slotted: 5.5 x 75mm (4500S5575) 6 x 100mm (4500S6100) 8 x 150mm (4500S8150) 9 x 200mm (4500S9200) Phillips: No.1 x 75mm (4500P175)...

www.harryepstein.com

Vessel 12pc Torx Power Grip Screwdriver Set (V5400TORX)

Vessel 12pc Torx Power Grip Screwdriver Set (V5400TORX) Set Includes: T5 x 80mm (5400TXT580) T6 x 80mm (5400TXT680) T7H x 80mm (5400TXT7H80) T8H x 80mm (5400TXT8H80) T9H x 80mm (5400TXT9H80) T10H x 80mm (5400TXT10H80) T15H x 80mm (5400TXT15H80) T20H x 120mm (5400TXT20H120) T25H x 120mm...

www.harryepstein.com

Vessel 7pc UltraBall Hex Power Grip Screwdriver Set (VB5400HEX)

Vessel 7pc UltraBall Hex Power Grip Screwdriver Set (VB5400HEX) Set Includes: H1.5 x 80mm (B5400BPH1580) H2 x 80mm (B5400BPH280) H2.5 x 80mm (B5400BPH2580) H3 x 120mm (B5400BPH3120) H4 x 120mm (B5400BPH4120) H5 x 120mm (B5400BPH5120) H6 x 120mm (B5400BPH6120)...

www.harryepstein.com

 

[Dave455]

Are these made in Japan? I think Chris (@superautobacs) said these were made in Taiwan?





I REALLY like these. I believe @Dave55 has a set. I wanted to get them during the sale from HJE as well, but didn't. How is the weight/balance? I was debating these for HD use or the PB Swiss HD driver set. Tell us your thoughts.

Yes, I’ve got a few. Not a full set, though it might happen.

The balance is lovely. I don’t generally like striking cap drivers as I find them far too handle heavy, but these are superb.

A good screwdriver, much like a good dagger, needs to balance close to, or in front of your first finger, which these do. I think it’s the combination of the relatively small striking cap, together with the heavy bolster, that puts them right.

These or PB Swiss? Very tough question. Can’t really answer as I don’t have the striking cap PB Swiss to compare,

 

[Steel_Rain]

Yes, I’ve got a few. Not a full set, though it might happen.

The balance is lovely. I don’t generally like striking cap drivers as I find them far too handle heavy, but these are superb.

A good screwdriver, much like a good dagger, needs to balance close to, or in front of your first finger, which these do. I think it’s the combination of the relatively small striking cap, together with the heavy bolster, that puts them right.

These or PB Swiss? Very tough question. Can’t really answer as I don’t have the striking cap PB Swiss to compare,

Good info Dave.

These are the PBS version I'm considering:





I like the grip on the PBS, but I like the size and stoutness of the Vessel caps.

Hmmmmm

 

[Dave455]

Good info Dave.

These are the PBS version I'm considering:





I like the grip on the PBS, but I like the size and stoutness of the Vessel caps.

Hmmmmm

Yes, I know those drivers, just don’t own any.

If it helps, the Vessel are definitely made in Japan.

Some of their cheaper drivers are made in Thailand I think, but not these. Not the Megadora either. Think one of the ball grip designs.

Note that the Torx and hex are not striking cap though.

 

[CGarage]

If you want striking cap, you get Megadora.

I couldn’t bear the thought of striking a PB Swiss .

The Megadora screwdrivers from Vessel are NICE. Also, the price is right.

 

[Dave455]

One of the problems I have is that I have so many drivers to choose from.

I have older, well used, British made Stanley’s for rough work. I’ve got some French made Britool for “mid range”, then a choice of Snap On or PB Classic at the top end, depending on whether I want Imperial or metric.

I’ve got a few Megadora’s in my secondary box, which are superb for JIS, some PB Multigrip in my woodworking box, and some Heyco made CK for household / property maintenance.

If I was buying again I’d probably buy the Vessel Powegrip in place of one of the above, but I can’t really say which.

Don’t think there would ever be any “buyers remorse” with the Vessel. Quite the opposite to be honest - when I handle them there’s definitely a “wow” factor.

I’ve traditionally preferred the PB Swiss blades. They definitely fit better being hollow ground - provided they are matched to the appropriate screw slot. Vessel might be better for “general” use.

 

[rick carpenter]

Yes, I know those drivers, just don’t own any.

If it helps, the Vessel are definitely made in Japan.

Some of their cheaper drivers are made in Thailand I think, but not these. Not the Megadora either. Think one of the ball grip designs.

Note that the Torx and hex are not striking cap though.

The Vessel Armor Grips are made in Thailand. The handles on these have the same form as the Hozan JIS-4 screwdrivers except they are "Ergonomic Soft Surface Grip" vs the Hozans that I believe are hard plastic.

VESSEL - ARMOR GRIP™ Screwdriver Cross Point 4PC. Set (JISDRIVE) No.550APH4PBU - Amazon.com

VESSEL - ARMOR GRIP™ Screwdriver Cross Point 4PC. Set (JISDRIVE) No.550APH4PBU - Amazon.com

www.amazon.com

https://www.amazon.com/Hozan-JIS-4-JIS-Screwdriver-3rd/dp/B00A7WAHTU/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[dynode]

I’ll be a contrarian about the Vessel Power Grip - I’ve got just one, the 6mm x 100mm flat head. I really don’t like it. The handle and balance are solid, but there’s something about the handle that is just too small for my hands.

I’ll offer, I like the Megadora line, and believe it or not I really like this Anex 7920 I bought on a whim, especially for electrical work and building PLC cabinets. Feels great in the hand, spins, solid tip. You can really get good torque with the ball. Looks goofy but it’s my go to.

I try not to do live work but through tang screwdrivers and electrical work seem like asking for trouble.

 

[shibertus]

I REALLY like these. I believe @Dave55 has a set. I wanted to get them during the sale from HJE as well, but didn't. How is the weight/balance? I was debating these for HD use or the PB Swiss HD driver set. Tell us your thoughts.

The balance is lovely. I don’t generally like striking cap drivers as I find them far too handle heavy, but these are superb.

I'll agree with @Dave455, the balance is excellent. Weight wise, they are heavier than they look. Very solid and all around top notch quality.

I really like this Anex 7920 I bought on a whim, especially for electrical work and building PLC cabinets. Feels great in the hand, spins, solid tip. You can really get good torque with the ball. Looks goofy but it’s my go to.

Vessel makes a line of these called the Ball Grip. I have a ratcheting one that is quite nice.

 

[Andres26tnt]

Are these made in Japan? I think Chris (@superautobacs) said these were made in Taiwan?

They are made in Taiwan, not sure if they where made in Japan at one point. Still a good quality ratchet, nice and light.

 

[Dave455]

Misread Steel-Rain’s earlier post re Lightool ratchet’s.

Yes, Andres26tnt is correct - they’re made in Taiwan. I think it says so on Asahi’s website.

 

[KnurledNut]

Vessel released a Crimson edition set of the Wood-Compo series. All crosspoints, two of the four having thru-tangs.
Available from Vessel USA Amazon store. $53.

 

[ecotec]

Vessel released a Crimson edition set of the Wood-Compo series. All crosspoints, two of the four having thru-tangs.
Available from Vessel USA Amazon store. $53.

If they ever do purple, I am buying these.

 

[Callelle]

If they ever do purple, I am buying these.

Right? I can't tell you how much I've been jonesning for a cornwell dealer so I can get the iridescent purple ones.

 

[ecotec]

Right? I can't tell you how much I've been jonesning for a cornwell dealer so I can get the iridescent purple ones.

They are so expensive, for what you get… but, so pretty. Galaxy Purple is terrific. I saw a Galaxy Purple corvette driving near the Tech Center the other day. I did not even know that they were doing a purple.

I need another screwdriver like I need another hole in my head…

 

[Andres26tnt]

If they ever do purple, I am buying these.

They technically do, but not in the wood resin. They have purple in their gel grip line, also know as the super cushion. It's the same design just with the regular resin.

 

[Callelle]

They are so expensive, for what you get… but, so pretty. Galaxy Purple is terrific. I saw a Galaxy Purple corvette driving near the Tech Center the other day. I did not even know that they were doing a purple.

I need another screwdriver like I need another hole in my head…

unfortunately for me, when it comes to purple, especially really cool iridescent ones, money slowly becomes less and less of an object.

 

[Dave455]

They do them in the ball grip as well.

Also a limited edition.

That’s the version with the through tang and the insulated ceramic ball for safety.

 

[stonesfan68]

I'm fresh back from a trip to Tokyo where I picked up these tools at a home center.

 

[Andres26tnt]

I'm fresh back from a trip to Tokyo where I picked up these tools at a home center.


View attachment 2368469

The KTC regular ratchets are underrated, I own the BR90L 90t model. KTC needs to hurry up and redo the entire line up.

 

[C4-621]

Do the Vessel Power Grip handles smell like butyric acid? The description states cellulose acetate resin, but does not specify butyrate.
PB Swiss adds a vanilla scent, but... ughhh. Always apprehensive about cellulose tools. Thanks!

 

[Spongebob89]

Vessel 8pc Slotted and Phillip Power Grip Screwdriver Set (V4500S/P)

Plastic handle and tang-thru shank stand up to heavy-duty work. Hexagon bolster for strong tightening with a wrench. Cellulose acetate resin grip. Set includes: Slotted: 5.5 x 75mm (4500S5575) 6 x 100mm (4500S6100) 8 x 150mm (4500S8150) 9 x 200mm (4500S9200) Phillips: No.1 x 75mm (4500P175)...

www.harryepstein.com

Vessel 12pc Torx Power Grip Screwdriver Set (V5400TORX)

Vessel 12pc Torx Power Grip Screwdriver Set (V5400TORX) Set Includes: T5 x 80mm (5400TXT580) T6 x 80mm (5400TXT680) T7H x 80mm (5400TXT7H80) T8H x 80mm (5400TXT8H80) T9H x 80mm (5400TXT9H80) T10H x 80mm (5400TXT10H80) T15H x 80mm (5400TXT15H80) T20H x 120mm (5400TXT20H120) T25H x 120mm...

www.harryepstein.com

Vessel 7pc UltraBall Hex Power Grip Screwdriver Set (VB5400HEX)

Vessel 7pc UltraBall Hex Power Grip Screwdriver Set (VB5400HEX) Set Includes: H1.5 x 80mm (B5400BPH1580) H2 x 80mm (B5400BPH280) H2.5 x 80mm (B5400BPH2580) H3 x 120mm (B5400BPH3120) H4 x 120mm (B5400BPH4120) H5 x 120mm (B5400BPH5120) H6 x 120mm (B5400BPH6120)...

www.harryepstein.com

Many thanks!!!

 

[ecotec]

Do the Vessel Power Grip handles smell like butyric acid? The description states cellulose acetate resin, but does not specify butyrate.
PB Swiss adds a vanilla scent, but... ughhh. Always apprehensive about cellulose tools. Thanks!

I am in my 50’s… even if butyl is in new screwdrivers that I buy… they probably won’t start breaking down in my life.

I do get the point, though. I have seen tool handles break down in many different ways.

 

[haneyrm]

I'm fresh back from a trip to Tokyo where I picked up these tools at a home center.


View attachment 2368469

I just bought the same Lobster adj wrench. Supposed to be delivered today. My first japanese adj wrench. Been using Tsunoda and Engineer for years with great luck.

 

[Dave455]

I am in my 50’s… even if butyl is in new screwdrivers that I buy… they probably won’t start breaking down in my life.

I do get the point, though. I have seen tool handles break down in many different ways.

The Vessel are Cellulose Acetate, not Cellulose Acetate Butyrate (CAB).

No smell whatsoever.

Worldwide, cellulose acetate is more common for screwdriver handles. CAB is slightly more shatter resistant, so is sometimes used for chisel handles, but only PB Swiss, and a fair number of older U.S. manufacturers use / used CAB.

 

[C4-621]

The Vessel are Cellulose Acetate, not Cellulose Acetate Butyrate (CAB).

No smell whatsoever.

Worldwide, cellulose acetate is more common for screwdriver handles. CAB is slightly more shatter resistant, so is sometimes used for chisel handles, but only PB Swiss, and a fair number of older U.S. manufacturers use / used CAB.

Awesome! Thank you for answering!