Tools of Japan
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Jeff
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If you seek Japanese manufacture, Tsubosan is recommended.
HannibalLecter
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Engineer general use scissors and a Koken 2726zb-280 3/8 flex head quick release ratchet
For US residents that missed the update: Starting August 29th, the US' De Minimis exemption on packages under $800 USD in value will be indefinitely suspended. Of course, this exemption ended for China and Taiwan earlier in the year. Now it is ending for everywhere else. Current trade deal has tariff rates on Japanese goods at 15%. Subject to change of course.
Interesting food for thought; as the tariffs are based on country of origin, technically any of the Taiwan or Chinese stuff we are getting from Amazon Japan etc is supposed to be tariffed 30-55%. Now I don't know about you, but I haven't been getting any tariffs on packages from Blackship or direct Amazon Japan orders. Its easy to imagine how that happens though as retailers and forwarders are not likely to even know the COO of the various products unless its very obviously marked. If they don't know it, they couldn't document it as such, hence no tariffs at Chinese/Taiwanese rates. Even as the consumer, we are not always sure which stuff is actually made in Japan (like some of the TONE stuff for example). That ambiguity from the manufacturers works into our favor I suppose. Maybe they could start marking their Taiwanese stuff with "made in Japan
".
Moving forward, as all incoming packages of any value will begin receiving some scrutiny... Even if the forwarder or retailer was aware of the COO not being Japan, they might not care to indicate it as such unless the product is so clearly marked that its likely to get flagged in a potential CBP inspection. So I suspect that almost all of it is going to be handled/processed as if the COO was Japan, and just have the 15% tariff applied.
At any rate... its not a bad time to fill your carts and get what you wanted before the 15% takes effect!
Interesting food for thought; as the tariffs are based on country of origin, technically any of the Taiwan or Chinese stuff we are getting from Amazon Japan etc is supposed to be tariffed 30-55%. Now I don't know about you, but I haven't been getting any tariffs on packages from Blackship or direct Amazon Japan orders. Its easy to imagine how that happens though as retailers and forwarders are not likely to even know the COO of the various products unless its very obviously marked. If they don't know it, they couldn't document it as such, hence no tariffs at Chinese/Taiwanese rates. Even as the consumer, we are not always sure which stuff is actually made in Japan (like some of the TONE stuff for example). That ambiguity from the manufacturers works into our favor I suppose. Maybe they could start marking their Taiwanese stuff with "made in Japan
".Moving forward, as all incoming packages of any value will begin receiving some scrutiny... Even if the forwarder or retailer was aware of the COO not being Japan, they might not care to indicate it as such unless the product is so clearly marked that its likely to get flagged in a potential CBP inspection. So I suspect that almost all of it is going to be handled/processed as if the COO was Japan, and just have the 15% tariff applied.
At any rate... its not a bad time to fill your carts and get what you wanted before the 15% takes effect!
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Andres26tnt
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For US residents that missed the update: Starting August 29th, the US' De Minimis exemption on packages under $800 USD in value will be indefinitely suspended. Of course, this exemption ended for China and Taiwan earlier in the year. Now it is ending for everywhere else. Current trade deal has tariff rates on Japanese goods at 15%. Subject to change of course.
Interesting food for thought; as the tariffs are based on country of origin, technically any of the Taiwan or Chinese stuff we are getting from Amazon Japan etc is supposed to be tariffed 30-55%. Now I don't know about you, but I haven't been getting any tariffs on packages from Blackship or direct Amazon Japan orders. Its easy to imagine how that happens though as retailers and forwarders are not likely to even know the COO of the various products unless its very obviously marked. If they don't know it, they couldn't document it as such, hence no tariffs at Chinese/Taiwanese rates. Even as the consumer, we are not always sure which stuff is actually made in Japan (like some of the TONE stuff for example). That ambiguity from the manufacturers works into our favor I suppose. Maybe they could start marking their Taiwanese stuff with "made in Japan
Moving forward, as all incoming packages of any value will begin receiving some scrutiny... Even if the forwarder or retailer was aware of the COO not being Japan, they might not care to indicate it as such unless the product is so clearly marked that its likely to get flagged in a potential CBP inspection. So I suspect that almost all of it is going to be handled/processed as if the COO was Japan, and just have the 15% tariff applied.
At any rate... its not a bad time to fill your carts and get what you wanted before the 15% takes effect!
My friend already got hit with a surprise tariff dues in the mail. He imports small batches of tools mainly from Japan and Taiwan. It's very disheartening to see as he's just starting his business
. I say surprising because his orders are from before the tariffs hit the first time. What's more frustrating is the yoyoing of dues because we cant get a set tarrif in place. One day it's this the next that 
.Over here in Slovenia, we have a 22% tariff on everything (VAT and imports, except only certain types of food are less and I think alcohol and tobacco have some higher tariff/VAT).
However, Amazon always ships DDP parity. This means "The seller bears all risks and costs associated with delivering the goods to the named place of destination ready for unloading and cleared for import."
We pay no extra tariff on goods from Amazon, they are supposed to be already included in the cost of the item. I do not think that is always the case, but I assume Amazon just covers it if there is extra cost. Different EU countries have different tariffs but ordering from amazon.com is generally the same (shipping can be cheaper to certain countries - I do not think that is due to the tariff/VAT though, Italy has same as we do and it is cheaper to ship there, it's probably just logistics...).
However, Amazon always ships DDP parity. This means "The seller bears all risks and costs associated with delivering the goods to the named place of destination ready for unloading and cleared for import."
We pay no extra tariff on goods from Amazon, they are supposed to be already included in the cost of the item. I do not think that is always the case, but I assume Amazon just covers it if there is extra cost. Different EU countries have different tariffs but ordering from amazon.com is generally the same (shipping can be cheaper to certain countries - I do not think that is due to the tariff/VAT though, Italy has same as we do and it is cheaper to ship there, it's probably just logistics...).
Aside from the tools and hobby stuff, I do a bit of importing for work and have been navigating the tariffs regularly.My friend already got hit with a surprise tariff dues in the mail. He imports small batches of tools mainly from Japan and Taiwan. It's very disheartening to see as he's just starting his business
There is 2 things; the talk/negotiations/threats/tweets etc, and then there is the actual changes of policies that take effect. In my opinion, the actual changes that take effect have been relatively few and stable, especially if you're focused on a particular region which most importers are.
For your friend, my first advice is that he avoid UPS for any incoming international shipments. Anything that comes in with UPS he will be paying 2-4x what he is actually obligated to pay (in my experience). It is very important that he acquire copies of all the documentation and personally reviews all the HS codes applied to his shipments. I have to file appeals and collect refunds on all my incoming UPS shipments as I am regularly hugely overcharged. And I only know it because I demand copies of the paperwork and I take the time to manually audit the brokerage.
Particularly if he has been charged more than 30%. That doesn't mean that there is definitely incorrect billing, but it means there is a lot of potential for it and he needs to audit it, especially if UPS charged it. They also go wild on the line items which inflates their brokerage fee. I have had shipment come in with 2 valid HS codes and 8 bogus ones, all that needed to be refunded and brokerage fees had to be largely refunded due to the excess line items. DM me if you need any more details on how he can keep an eye on this and make sure he isnt being ripped off.
But its very important that everyone realize; UPS or DHL or FedEx are NOT qualified to handle your package brokerage.. they are just doing it anyway, and they are constantly WAY off.
Amazon is the same way here, shipping DDP. But many of us in this thread are ordering from Amazon Japan and shipping to a forwarder in Japan, who then ships us the package. So the DDP part of it will be lost when doing it that way. But when we order directly from Amazon Japan, yes it should still be DDP as usual although certainly the prices will have gone up 15% without us seeing why but knowing why.
Andres26tnt
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Idk the full details but he's got it handled. That's some good info for sure will pass it on.
Draftpick1
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cant find any singles of these have to buy 5
A&P mechanic
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Hi GJ,
It is a rainy day in Florida and I wanted to close out all the threads I opened:
Here is a picture of the 3/8 deep Koken metric sockets. Ordered Valentines day and it arrived around Memorial Day from Koken USA.
I really like the Koken sockets. My thoughts were I bought USA made for fractional sizes and the Koken Japanese made for metric sizes.
In all, I recommend Koken chrome sockets Thank you for the recommendation!
It is a rainy day in Florida and I wanted to close out all the threads I opened:
Here is a picture of the 3/8 deep Koken metric sockets. Ordered Valentines day and it arrived around Memorial Day from Koken USA.
I really like the Koken sockets. My thoughts were I bought USA made for fractional sizes and the Koken Japanese made for metric sizes.
In all, I recommend Koken chrome sockets
Thank you for the recommendation! Just get, say, the KoKen and order the extra sockets to give you the extra sizes you need. Job done.
Yes, it will add to the cost, you don’t get something for nothing. But with the Japanese manufacturers you don’t make a huge saving by buying a set. This is another way of saying that they don’t load the prices of individual tools.
Be a bit careful with KoKen though - the catalogue page you showed was “surface drive” sockets. You probably want the regular, which are 3300M in 3/8 drive metric, and are available up to 27mm!
Unfortunately japanese manufacturers don't offer up to that size in kits. Best bet is to get a set and buy the separate sizes. My top choice will be Koken, follow by KTC then TONE last. Owning multiple USA brands to included the proto, I can safely say they are on par. The difference is in the finish. What's your preference? I love my proto, nice chrome and the sizes available in kit up to 32mm. But I don't use sizes from 24 and above so they just sit in the box.
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merkyworks
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Now that is a full size run!
I know several of us ordered these little VESSEL Precision driver kits recently when they were cheap on Amazon. Mine just arrived after shipping straight from Kawasaki Japan.
Initial impressions are positive. The little clambshell case is really neat. It reminds me of the little gadgets you could get from "Brookstone" in the 90s. You slide the latch and it springs part way open, but it has some kind of resistance so it opens kind of slowly. Even, cooler, the lid has a ratcheting mechasims so you can keep opening it backward at discrete increments until it acts as a kickstand to hold the set up. The bit trays then tilt forward to allow easy retrieval.
The selection of bits is pretty good, going down as small as .8mm hex, T2, PH 000, and 1.5mm flat along with several other specialty bits.
The driver itself is TINY. It's all aluminum, and has a magnet to retain the bits. The handle end of the driver spins like many do. It's generally round but has flat facets where you're meant to grip it. That said, the diameter actually gets smaller where you grip/turn it, so you won't be applying much torque. That's probably not a big deal given the types of fasteners this is meant for, but I thought it was a kookie design decision.
All in all, it seems high quality and I'm sure it will make a great little kit. It is made in Taiwan, but I knew that going in. I don't have a German precision drivet/bit set to compare to, but I can't imagine the quality could get much better.
Initial impressions are positive. The little clambshell case is really neat. It reminds me of the little gadgets you could get from "Brookstone" in the 90s. You slide the latch and it springs part way open, but it has some kind of resistance so it opens kind of slowly. Even, cooler, the lid has a ratcheting mechasims so you can keep opening it backward at discrete increments until it acts as a kickstand to hold the set up. The bit trays then tilt forward to allow easy retrieval.
The selection of bits is pretty good, going down as small as .8mm hex, T2, PH 000, and 1.5mm flat along with several other specialty bits.
The driver itself is TINY. It's all aluminum, and has a magnet to retain the bits. The handle end of the driver spins like many do. It's generally round but has flat facets where you're meant to grip it. That said, the diameter actually gets smaller where you grip/turn it, so you won't be applying much torque. That's probably not a big deal given the types of fasteners this is meant for, but I thought it was a kookie design decision.
All in all, it seems high quality and I'm sure it will make a great little kit. It is made in Taiwan, but I knew that going in. I don't have a German precision drivet/bit set to compare to, but I can't imagine the quality could get much better.
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CGarage
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Taiwan is an Asian Tiger and masters of the semiconductor and electronics engineering. Of course it is good. I ordered one of these sets, too.
I have a couple by Nicholson specifically for Aluminum. Mine were US made, but they moved production 10+ years ago to various countries like Mexico and maybe Brazil. No idea where they're made now, but don't count on it being the US unless you find some old stock somewhere.
They also make a larger one than this. The ones I have work great and don't clog.
My Koken socket collection is growing. Picked up a Koken surface drive set in 1/2" and 3/8" deep. Really nice... The one thing I don't love about Koken is their tendency to do skips! Even if I'll never need a socket, it just bugs me to have incomplete sets.
Also, I'm trying to get a new thread going specifically on toolbox organizers, like these Toolbox Widget ones in the picture, so if you are at all into tool organizers, maybe stop by that thread as well and post something up? Hard for new threads to get much momentum...
Here: https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/threads/show-me-and-discuss-your-toolbox-organizers.549220/
The Koken Surface Drive sockets are rows 4 and 5 from the front...
1: Koken Zeal 1/4"
2. Koken Zeal 3/8"
3. Koken Nut-grip 3/8"
4. Koken Surface Drive 3/8" deep
5. Koken Surface Drive 1/2"
6. Koken Nut-grip 1/2"
Also, I'm trying to get a new thread going specifically on toolbox organizers, like these Toolbox Widget ones in the picture, so if you are at all into tool organizers, maybe stop by that thread as well and post something up? Hard for new threads to get much momentum...
Here: https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/threads/show-me-and-discuss-your-toolbox-organizers.549220/
The Koken Surface Drive sockets are rows 4 and 5 from the front...
1: Koken Zeal 1/4"
2. Koken Zeal 3/8"
3. Koken Nut-grip 3/8"
4. Koken Surface Drive 3/8" deep
5. Koken Surface Drive 1/2"
6. Koken Nut-grip 1/2"
Draftpick1
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I have that set to go with my Wiha master set, the Vessel has some bits the Wiha doesn't, the Vessel bits have held up well, no complaints amd would recommend it.
dclark2171
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question. Do the tariffs kick in on used items as well? Just curious for ebay shopping
Tariffs apply to the declared customs value, which is usually what you paid (transaction value) or, for non-sale shipments, fair market value. If the item is used and you paid less than the new price, your tariff base will be lower. CBP can challenge values if they suspect they’re artificially low, but they won’t automatically use the as-new price unless there’s a reason.
The HS code on the commercial invoice determines the base duty rate and any special tariffs (like Section 301). If a vague or wrong HS code is used, it can cost you extra. CBP requires the most specific applicable code. Last week I had a shipment where the shipper’s vague code triggered a 52.5% total duty instead of the 25% that would have applied under the correct code.
You can correct this later — DHL charges $90 for a post-entry correction, which in my case wasn’t worth it. After liquidation (~314 days from entry), you can file a protest directly with CBP for free. If you regularly import, request to see the commercial invoice before shipping and make sure the HS code and description are accurate and in your best interest.
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Steel_Rain
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New Klein Tools “Made in Japan” driver:
www.kleintools.com
Wow:
Fastbit Tru-Grip Screwdriver, Phillips, Slotted Bits - 32960A | Klein Tools
The Klein Tools Fastbit Tru-Grip Screwdriver offers a round handle design to enable greater torque and comfort on all driving tasks. The fastbit collar on the handle quickly releases the double-ended bit, allowing you to flip between the #2 Phillips and the 6 mm Slotted-end quickly and easily...
Wow:
KnurledNut
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@Steel_Rain
Wish the had stuck with the classic shiny translucent yellow for the core of that screwdriver. Not crazy about that bright yellow. The whole design just looks cheap to me. Good to see them sourcing from Japan again. Not the first time they have done that.
Wish the had stuck with the classic shiny translucent yellow for the core of that screwdriver. Not crazy about that bright yellow. The whole design just looks cheap to me. Good to see them sourcing from Japan again. Not the first time they have done that.
Steel_Rain
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Agreed.
This has to be a contract manufactured driver made by Vessel or Anex, right?
Jeff
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Don't look at Tsunoda.
The bit holder is really cool, it holds both styles of US and Japanese power bits, as well, as straight 1/4" shaft.
Do Vessel or Anex have any offerings with that kind of bit holder?
always loved the older Japan made tools, picked up this fine 15 inch 375mm adj lobster wrench at a flea market, its flawless, never seen the R.W Tools logo before would anyone happen to know who this was and what year of manufacture
Draftpick1
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My Amazon Japan order came in, first TRUSCO box and very impressed with the quality of the box and love the blue color definitely recommend!! Needed some mini hammers so got a couple of the Anex and aluminum file, couple other items.
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Draftpick1
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Also anyone know the Manufacturer of this socket? It's a short socket i have it next to my extra short proto. I found it in a box of tools given to me years ago. Seems well made I put it with my proto short set
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NitroExpress
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I don’t know what it is about these little Toyo/Trusco boxes that I find so fascinating. I guess in a world of plastic Chinese ****, there is something satisfying about a simple metal box. I’ve got four sizes now. Agree on the blue! I just got a Y-350 in Army Green that is pretty cool.
four.cycle
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Lobster = Lobtex
Lobtex / Lobtex Co. Ltd., 12-8 Shijocho, Higashi-Osaka City, Osaka, Japan / https://www.lobtex.co.jp/ / "Lobster" "New Lobster" / est. 1923 / http://www.lobtex.co.jp/english/company/history/tabid/144/Default.aspx / http://alloy-artifacts.org/japanese-tool-makers.html#lobster /
I have no clue who "R.W. Tools" might have been.
YesIHaveAHammer
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I have an adjustable of theirs on the way.
They have some I believe unique innovations e.g.
Damn I wish I thought to get one of those.. I JUST had blackship send a bunch of stuff. These boxes are so cheap but the shipping is rough without fitting other stuff.
Andres26tnt
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I have an adjustable of theirs on the way.
They have some I believe unique innovations e.g.
The special edition of these (black color) sell for $250
, there is one at my local Hard off(second hand store). They want just shi of $190, crazy 
.Draftpick1
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hans109h
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So with the one on the left, in combination with another 3/8th drive, that could allow lefty-tighty, righty-loosy, right?
Reminds me of an idea I had for the adjustable part of a combination wrench to have a receiver for a socket wrench so you'd essentially have an adjustable crow foot. You heard it here first ;-)
Hans
rick carpenter
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I wonder who makes it for them? Around $16-17 is a great price.
Steel_Rain
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I asked the same question a few posts up. Has to Annex or Vessel?