Tools of Japan

[Stubby1743]

I've put this Koken 1/4" drive selection together for electrical construction projects.

Deep 12pt 4-10mm sockets.
10, 8 & 7mm nut grip sockets.
Zeal 13-5.5mm sockets.
150mm wobble/fixed extension.

 

[glenng]

I wonder who makes it for them? Around $16-17 is a great price.

I asked the same question a few posts up. Has to Annex or Vessel?

Yeah it seems like Anex or Vessel since they do the ball grip, but it's the bit holder that throws me off. I haven't seen anything like that in any of their offerings.

 

[Steel_Rain]

Yeah it seems like Anex or Vessel since they do the ball grip, but it's the bit holder that throws me off. I haven't seen anything like that in any of their offerings.

The ball bearing arrangement is like the Wiha Centrofix.

 

[Andres26tnt]

It's an klein design bit holder, they just went to a Japanese manufacturer, probably Anex. Why Anex? Because vessel has a larger footprint in the USA so they are competitors in that space. Also the design looks more a Anex ball screwdriver then the vessel.

 

[GeoBruin]

Some 3 PEAKS screw removal locking pliers inspired by the ongoing thread discussing vampliers/twin grips etc.

 

[tamaraw]

Found a stainless 9mm Olfa (SVR-2) at the bookstore earlier, some comparison pictures next to a classic 2B model.


Dimensions are smaller but it feels blockier in the hand because of the shape. Blade is marked stainless as well, so I guess the only moisture vulnerable part would be the yellow sticker. The detents are smaller and weaker, but theoretically give you more options for blade depth per blade segment.


The side clips are kind of a silly design element imho because they pull out with minimal effort but at least the stainless one can be bent to increase the holding tension. Still don't think I would trust it much.


USDM packaging style on the left, JDM packaging style on the right

 

[FlaGman]

Klein “Japan made” ball grip available right now on Amazon
Klein Tools 32960A Fastbit Tru-Grip Screwdriver, Ball-Style Handle with Quick-Release Collar, #2 Phillips and 6 mm Slotted Double-Ended Bit, 1/4-Inch Bit Compatible https://a.co/d/12ZLxxB

 

[Steel_Rain]

Klein “Japan made” ball grip available right now on Amazon
Klein Tools 32960A Fastbit Tru-Grip Screwdriver, Ball-Style Handle with Quick-Release Collar, #2 Phillips and 6 mm Slotted Double-Ended Bit, 1/4-Inch Bit Compatible https://a.co/d/12ZLxxB

Ugh, I must have missed this for the 3rd time:

 

[GeoBruin]

Just got another Hory RC-101 "Caddy".

This one is in better shape than my last one. No missing parts and it had the rubber molding on all three levels. I had also never seen this color before. I've only seen them in red and yellow. This one is a true Hazet Assistant pretender.

 

[LWB]

Just got another Hory RC-101 "Caddy".

This one is in better shape than my last one. No missing parts and it had the rubber molding on all three levels. I had also never seen this color before. I've only seen them in red and yellow. This one is a true Hazet Assistant pretender.

Someone stole my caddy! Nice colour. This was red and I did it in Tremclad french blue.

 

[GeoBruin]

Someone stole my caddy! Nice colour. This was red and I did it in Tremclad french blue.

Looks great! I thought about a repaint but this one has all the trim strips intact. I might paint my red one. That said, I ordered some of the trim/bumper strip from hazet to see if it works.

 

[rick carpenter]

Found a stainless 9mm Olfa (SVR-2) at the bookstore earlier, some comparison pictures next to a classic 2B model.


Dimensions are smaller but it feels blockier in the hand because of the shape. Blade is marked stainless as well, so I guess the only moisture vulnerable part would be the yellow sticker. The detents are smaller and weaker, but theoretically give you more options for blade depth per blade segment.


The side clips are kind of a silly design element imho because they pull out with minimal effort but at least the stainless one can be bent to increase the holding tension. Still don't think I would trust it much.


USDM packaging style on the left, JDM packaging style on the right

I carried my SVR-2 daily before I retired. I never had trouble with the knife with moisture other than the East Texas humidity making it a tad slippery sometimes. I tried carbon blades but they rusted right away so back to ss. The clip looked enough like a pen or a marker in my shirt pockets that no one at the school questioned it. It was a legit carry tho, I needed it quite frequently in the warehouse & in the library and maintenance/custodial workers carried always their knives. I emailed Olfa and suggested they make the clip look exactly like a pen for office carry situations.

Now that I'm doing contract work in the warehouse I carry an XA-1 for a handy 9mm with a more substantial non-slip handle than the SVR-2. I haven't ever fondled a 2B... looks interesting.

 

[Andres26tnt]

Finally bought the Vessel precision bit set 9836 everyone is raving about. It's a great kit, but has one problem I didn't like. The driver is all metal which is fine, but has no knurling or area where to grab when screws are to tight to remove. It's very slippery, Japan is very hot and humid so sweat and whatever makes it hard to turn. The neck does have flats, but they are slimmer then the rest of the driver. Kinda defeats the purpose of having them.

Not a huge issue as I bought it for another reason. That is to use it in conjunction with the Vessel ball grip electric screwdriver 220usb-s1. I picked this nice vessel used at hard-off for $14 in very good condition.

For those interested you will need a 4mm to 6.3mm precision bit adapter. That will give you the ability to use the small bits on a regular 1/4 bit driver.

 

[pfbz]

Been working on migrating my sockets over to the new Icon box, grouped all the Koken sockets together instead of strictly by drive size mixed in with other sockets...

Some Z-eal, Nut-grips, Surface drive in various drive size and depth... Plus some Koken spinners, adapters, etc.

 

[Stridercondor]

Just got another Hory RC-101 "Caddy".

This one is in better shape than my last one. No missing parts and it had the rubber molding on all three levels. I had also never seen this color before. I've only seen them in red and yellow. This one is a true Hazet Assistant pretender.

I need one of these real bad. Where do you find these?

 

[GeoBruin]

I need one of these real bad. Where do you find these?

Craigslist/FB Marketplace/OfferUp. I live in the LA area which is probably the largest such market out there so I have an advantage in that regard.

I wonder if these were ever sold in the US?

 

[Steel_Rain]

New Klein Tools “Made in Japan” driver:

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...

www.kleintools.com

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?

Back in stock (or at least "backorderable") on Amazon as of 26 August 2025 @ 0900 EST:

Klein Tools 32960A Fastbit Tru-Grip Screwdriver, Ball-Style Handle with Quick-Release Collar, #2 Phillips and 6 mm Slotted Double-Ended Bit, 1/4-Inch Bit Compatible - Amazon.com

Klein Tools 32960A Fastbit Tru-Grip Screwdriver, Ball-Style Handle with Quick-Release Collar, #2 Phillips and 6 mm Slotted Double-Ended Bit, 1/4-Inch Bit Compatible - Amazon.com

www.amazon.com

I got one coming:



I know it's a Klein tool product, but it is Made in Japan .

 

[Andres26tnt]

If you don't want to wait for that Klein I recommend the Anex 397-1. Excellent ratchet driver, will accept any type of bit holder as it's a friction fit. Of course you can't use small bits directly as they will get stuck, but I imagine no one is that dumb . You can't do it on a Klein either, but with that one you can take it out easy.

 

[Etchase]

I can’t take the Anex apart yet, nor see that well into the hex, but my guess is the bits are held into the driver by a leaf spring on a single facet of the hex. It looks like bits up to 1 5/16 long will be lost in the driver forever, short of welding a retrieval tool to it or some other method. We all have drivers for short bits. If you absolutely needed to use a short bit, I tried a threaded hex spacer about 7/8 long into the driver which spaced the 1 inch bit far enough out to be removed. When it came time to remove the spacer, I screwed a bolt into the thread and removed the spacer by pulling on the bolt. A ridiculously complicated procedure. The locked position on the Anex ratcheting mechanism is very tight with basically no play. It’s a good tool.

 

[CGarage]

I own one of these Anex ratcheting screwdrivers and I think it is clunky and not one of my favorites.

 

[Andres26tnt]

I own one of these Anex ratcheting screwdrivers and I think it is clunky and not one of my favorites.

Weird, all these ball drivers are basically the same size and shape. I prefer the Anex 72t as the fitment of the blade is tight with minimal to no play. I hate wobbly bit drivers. Maybe the older 60t version with the switch at the bottom . That one had loose fitment(own one), not my favorite.

 

[tamaraw]

I can’t take the Anex apart yet, nor see that well into the hex, but my guess is the bits are held into the driver by a leaf spring on a single facet of the hex. It looks like bits up to 1 5/16 long will be lost in the driver forever, short of welding a retrieval tool to it or some other method. We all have drivers for short bits. If you absolutely needed to use a short bit, I tried a threaded hex spacer about 7/8 long into the driver which spaced the 1 inch bit far enough out to be removed. When it came time to remove the spacer, I screwed a bolt into the thread and removed the spacer by pulling on the bolt. A ridiculously complicated procedure. The locked position on the Anex ratcheting mechanism is very tight with basically no play. It’s a good tool.

You could use something like PB 450.M or PB 451.M as an extension to hold short bits, I use that on my Anex 8100 handle.

 

[Outahere]

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?

Klein Ball Grip vs Wiha CentroFix:

 

[Andres26tnt]

I can’t take the Anex apart yet, nor see that well into the hex, but my guess is the bits are held into the driver by a leaf spring on a single facet of the hex. It looks like bits up to 1 5/16 long will be lost in the driver forever, short of welding a retrieval tool to it or some other method. We all have drivers for short bits. If you absolutely needed to use a short bit, I tried a threaded hex spacer about 7/8 long into the driver which spaced the 1 inch bit far enough out to be removed. When it came time to remove the spacer, I screwed a bolt into the thread and removed the spacer by pulling on the bolt. A ridiculously complicated procedure. The locked position on the Anex ratcheting mechanism is very tight with basically no play. It’s a good tool.

Yep it's some sort of leaf spring with a round bump, very tight. Tried to take a picture but just cat get it to be clear.
For short bits I always use a nice magnetic bit holder. Preferably a slim one like this bahco or engineer dr-323

holder

 

[Steel_Rain]

Klein Ball Grip vs Wiha CentroFix:

Nice, thanks for sharing.

Looks like it's built very well (but we all expected that ):

 

[GeoBruin]

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?

Vessel has the 900ALWC which has the MEGADORA style grip and a locking mechanism that is very similar to the Wiha Centrofix. It holds all kinds of bits and locks up really well. The problem is they're really hard to find.

I really like the looks of this Klein.

 

[Andres26tnt]

Vessel has the 900ALWC which has the MEGADORA style grip and a locking mechanism that is very similar to the Wiha Centrofix. It holds all kinds of bits and locks up really well. The problem is they're really hard to find.

I really like the looks of this Klein.

That's because it's discontinued, no longer sold. Interesting enough you can get it all day long from China or the Philippines.

 

[GeoBruin]

That's because it's discontinued, no longer sold. Interesting enough you can get it all day long from China or the Philippines.

Yes, I believe I got mine from Ali Express of all places.

 

[Reed Prince]

There's been a lot of activity on this thread since I read it yesterday. I came to comment on the Klein driver, but much of what I was going to say has now been covered by other posts.

I think the YouTube video comparison to the Wiha CentroFix is apt. I have a Wiha, which I keep with my security hex and torx Wiha Power Blade sets. Wonderfully made, but as the video points out, not perfect. If I used this type of driver handle regularly, I would probably try out the Klein.

But what I want most often is a good ratcheting screwdriver. I've tried all I've encountered, from Chinese cheapos up to PB Swiss, and what I've settled on is the Anex 397. I like to start a screw by spinning the shaft with my thumb and forefinger while applying pressure with my palm, and the Anex does this well. The mechanism doesn't purr like the PBs, but those guys have no good place to spin the shaft. And I don't need multibit storage or want to use short bits. I often need ones that are long and slender. I keep a couple and the Anex in the small bag I take with me to every job.



I happened to notice this Anex driver today, which I would not recommend. I bought the stubby version years ago and quickly disposed of it. The mechanism is heavy, the rotation adjustment is inconveniently on the top of the handle, and there is almost nowhere to spin the shaft with your fingers. I imagine it's 60 teeth give it slightly less back drag. So I suppose it is perfect for something, somewhere.

 

[rick carpenter]

I can’t take the Anex apart yet, nor see that well into the hex, but my guess is the bits are held into the driver by a leaf spring on a single facet of the hex. It looks like bits up to 1 5/16 long will be lost in the driver forever, short of welding a retrieval tool to it or some other method. We all have drivers for short bits. If you absolutely needed to use a short bit, I tried a threaded hex spacer about 7/8 long into the driver which spaced the 1 inch bit far enough out to be removed. When it came time to remove the spacer, I screwed a bolt into the thread and removed the spacer by pulling on the bolt. A ridiculously complicated procedure. The locked position on the Anex ratcheting mechanism is very tight with basically no play. It’s a good tool.

I just use a piece of 4.5mm diameter round stock when I need a spacer for my 397. I made sure that diameter slid freely before I cut it down and dropped it in the first time.

I agree with the folks who say the 397 is awesome.

If the 395 insertion depth is as shallow as its stubby cousin, like @Reed Prince said, it ***** (too). I have the stubby and just haven't tossed it yet. The fixed Anex handles and the 397, all with 40mm bit insertion depth, are superb.

 

[kanai]

Does anyone know where the Makita tool sets are made? I assume not Japan but wanted to check here first.

E-08713 - Makpac hand tool set 120 pcs

Product

www.makitauk.com

 

[Andres26tnt]

Does anyone know where the Makita tool sets are made? I assume not Japan but wanted to check here first.

E-08713 - Makpac hand tool set 120 pcs

Product

www.makitauk.com

Taiwan, almost all makita hand tools are made there or china. Heck the majority of makita powertool line is also made in china .

 

[kanai]

Taiwan, almost all makita hand tools are made there or china. Heck the majority of makita powertool line is also made in china .

Makes sense. Thank you. I'd love to pay more for a made-in-Japan set but I guess there are other Japanese manufacturers for that.

 

[kanai]

Is there a Japanese brand tool set (1/4 and 3/8 sockets, wrenches, drivers, etc.) that is well packaged? I know of the KTC sets but can't find one I like. And Tone has sets too, but nothing interesting there either.

 

[Reed Prince]

Is there a Japanese brand tool set (1/4 and 3/8 sockets, wrenches, drivers, etc.) that is well packaged? I know of the KTC sets but can't find one I like. And Tone has sets too, but nothing interesting there either.

Factory Gear has some other options. I think their Deen COO is usually Taiwan, though. https://ec.f-gear.co.jp/category/HANDTOOL_SET/

 

[Andres26tnt]

Is there a Japanese brand tool set (1/4 and 3/8 sockets, wrenches, drivers, etc.) that is well packaged? I know of the KTC sets but can't find one I like. And Tone has sets too, but nothing interesting there either.

What do you mean by well packaged? As in the trays they come with?

So most offer foam as an option in their boxes, those are the best IMO. The plastic trays they offer are flimsy and thin. I own the KTC screwdriver plastic tray, bought it for a box I was building. Was so flimsy it went to the trash right away .

As for interesting , what are you looking for? All these sets are the same. So none will have super special tooling. I made my own to get around that.

 

[glenng]

I was watching bzeug's review on the Klein driver, and someone in the comments suggested Sunflag could be the OEM based on their 1236 driver. They say the chuck is similar and you can see the ribbing in handle design is similar too.


Sunflag 1236:




bzeug review:

 

[YesIHaveAHammer]

Mokuba seem to have a nice range. Discovered by this recent post.

Seems international availability is poor though.

 

[Steel_Rain]

comments suggested Sunflag could be the OEM

Sunflag is grossly underappreciated on GC :

 

[Qualitytools]

If you don't want to wait for that Klein I recommend the Anex 397-1. Excellent ratchet driver, will accept any type of bit holder as it's a friction fit. Of course you can't use small bits directly as they will get stuck, but I imagine no one is that dumb . You can't do it on a Klein either, but with that one you can take it out easy.

I also recommend the Anex, I have had it for a couple of years and Love it. I do not use it with short bits.