Vessel brand hand impact - good?

[n8n]

Picked up a Vessel hand impact today. It looks like the typical blue metal case deal but is branded Vessel (model 2500) so I grabbed it. I can't find my preferred impact, a Snap-On PIT120. Anyone used both and is the Vessel good or is it closer to the old parts store cheapies? Bits are missing, trying to decide if I want to pay another $10 to replace them.

I ask because while I typically consider Vessel top shelf, this one has a "made in Taiwan R.O.C." sticker on the case. Not that the Taiwanese can't make good tools but I associate Vessel with Japan.

 

[Steve_P]

I have a 30 yr old HF Taiwan Vessel copy, similar blue case, and it works fine. It has been beat to death, still works ok, but I upgraded to a Koken with a rubber hand grip.

 

[RTM]

My Vessel is closer to 50 years old, no idea the COO. Doesn't get used often, but a lifesaver when it's needed.

 

[n8n]

My Vessel is closer to 50 years old, no idea the COO. Doesn't get used often, but a lifesaver when it's needed.

Agreed! It's almost a joke now though, I literally bought my PIT120 at a pawn shop the day before I went on the first date I had with my ex, over 10 years ago. I have never used it. I can never find it when I need it, but it resurfaces every few years, I put it in what I think is the right place, then I can't find it when I need it again. I even bought some nice Wiha impact bit sockets (because each Snap-On one has its own socket) and a set of Vessel JIS impact bits and put them in the Snap-On case in case a Japanese car suddenly materialized in my driveway (and because JIS bits are good for Philips like the rotor screws on German cars)

I think the last time I saw the Snap-On kit was about four years ago :/

I'm hoping that having bought the Vessel one, the Snap-On will suddenly reappear again, as seems to happen whenever you buy a replacement

the Vessel appears unused, I'm thinking I should take it apart and grease it too because it feels a little rough.