Tools of Japan

[dynode]

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.

Ok, I'll be grouchy about these ones too. I have both the flat and Philips (not purple though). The flat is solid and I like it, but in the Philips, the ball is loose and rattles around. I think I bought another and it still rattled.

I emailed Vessel and they kind of shrugged. I gave it a few whacks with a dead blow and it didn't resolve, maybe I need to put it in the press. Either way, I don't really use them because the rattle drives me crazy.

I do have a lot of screwdrivers, PB Swiss, Wera, Felo, Proto, Klein and I keep coming back to that Anex. I really like it.

 

[Andres26tnt]

Ok, I'll be grouchy about these ones too. I have both the flat and Philips (not purple though). The flat is solid and I like it, but in the Philips, the ball is loose and rattles around. I think I bought another and it still rattled.

I emailed Vessel and they kind of shrugged. I gave it a few whacks with a dead blow and it didn't resolve, maybe I need to put it in the press. Either way, I don't really use them because the rattle drives me crazy.

I do have a lot of screwdrivers, PB Swiss, Wera, Felo, Proto, Klein and I keep coming back to that Anex. I really like it.

That sounds like you bought the striking ball vessels, they are different and have a ball in there. I'm not sure if they are supposed to be loose, need to go to a store and verify.

Went and verify... Yes they are loose, even the Philips. All the ones I've looked at where the same

 

[Dave455]

Ok, I'll be grouchy about these ones too. I have both the flat and Philips (not purple though). The flat is solid and I like it, but in the Philips, the ball is loose and rattles around. I think I bought another and it still rattled.

I emailed Vessel and they kind of shrugged. I gave it a few whacks with a dead blow and it didn't resolve, maybe I need to put it in the press. Either way, I don't really use them because the rattle drives me crazy.

I do have a lot of screwdrivers, PB Swiss, Wera, Felo, Proto, Klein and I keep coming back to that Anex. I really like it.

That is disappointing.

The whole point of the ceramic ball is that it transmits the blows.

I wouldn’t be happy either.

 

[Dave455]

That sounds like you bought the striking ball vessels, they are different and have a ball in there. I'm not sure if they are supposed to be loose, need to go to a store and verify.

Went and verify... Yes they are loose, even the Philips. All the ones I've looked at where the same

That is strange!

Great that you can just go to a store snd check though.

I have nowhere nearby that keeps Vessel

 

[Andres26tnt]

That is strange!

Great that you can just go to a store snd check though.

I have nowhere nearby that keeps Vessel

Idk but every single one I've looked at was like that. I went to 2 different stores(Sunday/DCM). If they are supposed to be tight, then their is definitely something wrong at the factory.

 

[Vvmvbb]

If they ever do purple, I am buying these.

FWIW, Top of the line Wiha’s are purple

 

[Bad Mojo]

Has anyone come across a set of flare nut wrenches from Japan that they like?

 

[Dave455]

Has anyone come across a set of flare nut wrenches from Japan that they like?

Asahi don’t seem bad.

 

[KnurledNut]

Has anyone come across a set of flare nut wrenches from Japan that they like?

These KTC look like they have a strong build:

 

[tamaraw]

FWIW, Top of the line Wiha’s are purple

It's a very nice color, but more of a plum or dark magenta imho than straight up purple.

 

[Steel_Rain]

Asahi don’t seem bad.

100% agreed Dave:



My 10/8mm is @ work right now or I’d include that too.

These are top quality and machined tight. My first grab for flares.

 

[tamaraw]

Asahi don’t seem bad.

I have these, a bit industrial finish but seem nice quality. Haven't had much chance to use the bigger sizes yet.

Tools of Japan

What are the Japanese go-to electricians tools (except for screwdrivers) brands? Marvel? Tsunoda? ______? I got a fair amount of Tsunoda TTS King pliers and really like them, they are very well made. These and my Knipex are the only two brands of pliers I use actually, sold all the others I had.

www.garagejournal.com

 

[Steel_Rain]

These KTC look like they have a strong build:

Hmmm love the flex head on these. I may need to get it. Does KTC offer more then a 10mm option?

 

[rick carpenter]

These came in today.


I had really put my old 9902 set, the top 3 (+0x100, +00x75, -1.8x50) with the identifying paint nearly completely worn off, to use at work the last few years. They never let me down. Looking forward to breaking in the new set. I doubled up on +00x75 drivers with this purchase but oh well.


It's hard to get a reference for the 0.9mm slotted here. It's sooo TINY! Just from fondling them a bit tonight I'm liking the grips.

 

[Bad Mojo]

Asahi don’t seem bad.

Thank you, I'l take a peak.

These KTC look like they have a strong build:

Oh, I do like my other Tone items, but that flex head with what look like more a 12 point on the end is interesting.

100% agreed Dave:



My 10/8mm is @ work right now or I’d include that too.

These are top quality and machined tight. My first grab for flares.

Nice to know Asashi are making it happen at work, and that they are your go to.

I have these, a bit industrial finish but seem nice quality. Haven't had much chance to use the bigger sizes yet.

Tools of Japan

What are the Japanese go-to electricians tools (except for screwdrivers) brands? Marvel? Tsunoda? ______? I got a fair amount of Tsunoda TTS King pliers and really like them, they are very well made. These and my Knipex are the only two brands of pliers I use actually, sold all the others I had.

www.garagejournal.com

Agreed on the finish, but if they work they work. I am gonna assume they are better than what I am replacing them with.

Thanks for the all the suggestions!

 

[moemc]

Hmmm love the flex head on these. I may need to get it. Does KTC offer more then a 10mm option?

I was looking last night and couldn’t find any evidence of other sizes. Did find that gear wrench makes a complete set though.

Now I am going to spend a day or two deciding if I even need anything more than a 10mm. I feel like that’s the only flare wrench I even use. I might just order this KTC it looks real cool.

 

[tamaraw]

I was looking last night and couldn’t find any evidence of other sizes. Did find that gear wrench makes a complete set though.

Now I am going to spend a day or two deciding if I even need anything more than a 10mm. I feel like that’s the only flare wrench I even use. I might just order this KTC it looks real cool.

They also have one with unique stepped shoulders for brake pipe fittings in a 10x12 (MZ1) and a Nepros version (NMSZ-10) wich is a 10x10 with one stepped end and one regular flare nut.

KTC has some cool flare nut designs but those three series are pretty much just 10mm (and a 12mm) for Japanese automotive applications.

If you want the flex design in other sizes, I know Mueller Kueps makes a set that Matco also rebrands.

 

[KnurledNut]

A wholesome video trip to a used tool store in Japan. I could spend a couple hours in this place.

 

[YesIHaveAHammer]

Ordering some scissors from Olfa... I see lots of novel cutting gadgets.

Any must haves for a DIYer, or game changing upgrades?

 

[Steve_P]

Ordering some scissors from Olfa... I see lots of novel cutting gadgets.

Any must haves for a DIYer, or game changing upgrades?

They have multiple razor knives. But honestly, I prefer my Fiskars for the 19mm? blade. My absolute favorite is the Japanese "NT Cutter" for the smaller 10mm? blade.

 

[YesIHaveAHammer]

They have multiple razor knives. But honestly, I prefer my Fiskars for the 19mm? blade. My absolute favorite is the Japanese "NT Cutter" for the smaller 10mm? blade.

Yep for the snap off style of knife I have a 9mm Stanley which is fine.

I'm sure the Olfa ones are good, but I don't see any must-have innovations in this category.

 

[Beerhippie]

Ordering some scissors from Olfa... I see lots of novel cutting gadgets.

Any must haves for a DIYer, or game changing upgrades?

If you ever cut your own gaskets, one of the Olfa circle cutters is awful nice. They make several different models of varying quality and cost.

 

[Steve_P]

Yep for the snap off style of knife I have a 9mm Stanley which is fine.

I'm sure the Olfa ones are good, but I don't see any must-have innovations in this category.

Ok, but while you're ordering, get the 9mm NT cutter if you can. I give those out for Christmas gifts; and people that do not give AF about tools rave about them. Because they get used multiple times a week, and OMG, this is a million times better than my 99 cent plastic POS from Walmart...
Edit- Ok, doesn't look like they still make the one I have, but this seems close

https://www.amazon.com/NT-Evolution-Auto-Lock-30-Degree-PMGA-EVO2/dp/B07FM4TWC7/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[pizza]

FWIW, Top of the line Wiha’s are purple

these purps are designed for oil iirc. have tried them. imo not as nice as the regular red ones for standard gripping conditions.

the purps don't feel as nice when dry as the standards. and also they shed black particles.

 

[YesIHaveAHammer]

If you ever cut your own gaskets, one of the Olfa circle cutters is awful nice. They make several different models of varying quality and cost.

I don't, but interesting! I had seen them, but all the examples were arts and crafts, and I couldn't imagine what else they'd be useful for.

 

[Steve_P]

these purps are designed for oil iirc. have tried them. imo not as nice as the regular red ones for standard gripping conditions.

the purps don't feel as nice when dry as the standards. and also they shed black particles.

I have a few of them. Yes, designed for grip in oil. They wouldn't be my main driver choice. I'm almost all Wiha on drivers and have less than five of that style. So, maybe 5% max.

 

[KnurledNut]

Ok, but while you're ordering, get the 9mm NT cutter if you can. I give those out for Christmas gifts; and people that do not give AF about tools rave about them. Because they get used multiple times a week, and OMG, this is a million times better than my 99 cent plastic POS from Walmart...
Edit- Ok, doesn't look like they still make the one I have, but this seems close

https://www.amazon.com/NT-Evolution-Auto-Lock-30-Degree-PMGA-EVO2/dp/B07FM4TWC7/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Love my 9mm NT Cutter! Use it as a scraper as much as a knife.

 

[KnurledNut]

Ordering some scissors from Olfa... I see lots of novel cutting gadgets.

Any must haves for a DIYer, or game changing upgrades?

The Japanese saw is pretty slick.

 

[rick carpenter]

Ordering some scissors from Olfa... I see lots of novel cutting gadgets.

Any must haves for a DIYer, or game changing upgrades?

I have Olfa 5" and 7" SCS scissors. I got one pair for work and my boss noticed them. I got her a pair for her birthday, then later she and I got my co-worker a pair for her birthday. I like the rubber coated handle "X" series 9mm and 18mm knives, good for sweaty hands.

 

[Steel_Rain]

I know these aren't Made in Japan, but it is Vessel @ a good price:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0CN6M3GZ3/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[Etchase]

I know these aren't Made in Japan, but it is Vessel @ a good price:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0CN6M3GZ3/?tag=atomicindus08-20

That’s a great deal at full price. Very nice set. Good find.

 

[Firebrick43]

Did any of the Japanese manufactures make a set of precision flat blade screwdrivers with replaceable tips for watchmaking? Similar in quality to Bergeon or Horotech?

I would have figured they would have especially considering they ship more automatics than anyone else in the world?

But alas even vessel doesn’t from a quick scan of their catalogs

 

[YesIHaveAHammer]

Thanks all. Just got a SCR-S scraper.

The Japanese saw is pretty slick.

That certainly has a "want" factor, but I really have no use for something that small for use or transportation, so I'm afraid I had to pass it up. I already have a reciprocating saw blade handle which I use with 150mm blades.

 

[KnurledNut]

That certainly has a "want" factor, but I really have no use for something that small for use or transportation, so I'm afraid I had to pass it up. I already have a reciprocating saw blade handle which I use with 150mm blades.

Fair enough, but common recip blades are no comparison to these razor sharp, extra thin and flexible japanese style blades for hand use.

 

[YesIHaveAHammer]

Fair enough, but common recip blades are no comparison to these razor sharp, extra thin and flexible japanese style blades for hand use.

Indeed. Just give me a few months and I'll have subconsciously manufactured a situation in which the tool would have been useful, so then I can order it for the next time after

I've seen some videos of it but they probably don't really demonstrate its value - just showing flush cutting dowels, and cutting random big offcuts.

 

[Beerhippie]

Indeed. Just give me a few months and I'll have subconsciously manufactured a situation in which the tool would have been useful, so then I can order it for the next time after

I've seen some videos of it but they probably don't really demonstrate its value - just showing flush cutting dowels, and cutting random big offcuts.

Well, flush-cutting dowels and plugs would be the first thing that comes to mind. Which I need to do about once a year.

 

[KnurledNut]

I have used mine on trimwork and have cut 1/2 CPVC that was too brittle to cut with my ratcheting cutters.
I also have a small Stihl folding handsaw with a similar style blade. I keep it in my treework bag and it actually came in handy when someone busted my splitting axe. I was able to use it to cut the broken handle off, saw a new kerf and install a replacement wedge to finish working that day out in the woods. I mean, yeah, I guess I could have used my chainsaw but that would have been a big *** kerf.
I've learned in life, you can't plan every "what if" perfectly. It's good to have options.
BTW, I do keep a folding recip blade handle in my tradesman kit. Its great for quick metal work and drywall jabsaw use. But ***** for cutting anything wood.

 

[Beerhippie]

I have used mine on trimwork and have cut 1/2 CPVC that was too brittle to cut with my ratcheting cutters.
I also have a small Stihl folding handsaw with a similar style blade. I keep it in my treework bag and it actually came in handy when someone busted my splitting axe. I was able to use it to cut the broken handle off, saw a new kerf and install a replacement wedge to finish working that day out in the woods. I mean, yeah, I guess I could have used my chainsaw but that would have been a big *** kerf.
I've learned in life, you can't plan every "what if" perfectly. It's good to have options.
BTW, I do keep a folding recip blade handle in my tradesman kit. Its great for quick metal work and drywall jabsaw use. But ***** for cutting anything wood.

They do make really nice woodcutting recip saw blades.

Quick example:



I even see Japanese-pattern blades for tree pruning--didn't know they made those.

 

[KnurledNut]

They do make really nice woodcutting recip saw blades.

Quick example:



I even see Japanese-pattern blades for tree pruning--didn't know they made those.

Yes, I used to go through a couple dozen of those every build. They are usually HCS and don's stay sharp long. Good for power use, but I have no desire to use a fleam ground recip blade or any wood cutting recip blade by hand. Makita used to make the best one of those IMO, but its been discountinued.

 

[YesIHaveAHammer]

BTW, I do keep a folding recip blade handle in my tradesman kit. Its great for quick metal work and drywall jabsaw use. But ***** for cutting anything wood.

Good for power use, but I have no desire to use a fleam ground recip blade or any wood cutting recip blade by hand.

Only got mine last week and done test cut with it. What's bad about them?