Tools of Japan

[HannibalLecter]

As I was researching toolboxes (tool chests) recently, I was wondering what the mechanics and machinist in Japan are using? Is there a common brand over there putting out boxes similar to what Snap On, Matco, Mac, etc. offer in the US?

No one is that affixed on toolboxes like the Americans I believe, literally the most unoticed piece in the garages. (At least here in Europe and I imagine in Japan as well)

 

[Dave455]

As I was researching toolboxes (tool chests) recently, I was wondering what the mechanics and machinist in Japan are using? Is there a common brand over there putting out boxes similar to what Snap On, Matco, Mac, etc. offer in the US?

The short answer is “yes”!

Companies such as KTC make some very nice boxes. They don’t, however, offer the huge boxes that manufacturers such as Snap On offer.


There’s a reason for that, which is that most of these big boxes are used to store an employees personal tools. In most countries, the majority of these tools would be provided by the employer, so the need for big boxes is not so common. I understand this is the case in Japan too.

Here in the U.K. for example, a mechanic or aircraft engineer would be expected to have the basics, but all the big tools, specialised tools, inspection equipment etc, will all be provide by the company. Probably stored in static cabinets, or on boards in a store.

If you do need a big box, and a good quality one, then wherever in the world you are, it’s probably going to be a U.S. made box. This is one area where the U.S. dominates.

Conversely of course, the Japanese make some very nice portable boxes. Probably a better selection than is available from U.S. manufacturers.

 

[muddyriverdogz]

I love this 1/4 flex extension made buy Kyoto

 

[ETJ]

As I was researching toolboxes (tool chests) recently, I was wondering what the mechanics and machinist in Japan are using? Is there a common brand over there putting out boxes similar to what Snap On, Matco, Mac, etc. offer in the US?

Last time I was there I walked pass multiple mechanics shops and they mostly using either Snap-on or Mac tool boxes. I also follow some shops in Youtube and they have either Snap-on or Mac. Both have tool "trucks" there. Plenty of second hand boxes for sale in the used market. You can find them in the Tool Offs, Act tools, Chura Kougu stores. KTC and Tone have their boxes, but can't remember seeing them in any shop other than in Factory Gear and World Import Tools. They also sell Bahco boxes.

 

[Andres26tnt]

Japan is rapidly changing, but it's still a powerhouse in second hand stores finds. This is not a japanese tool, but I wanted to highlight something that will probably never happened to me in the USA. That is finding a almost complete newish SK USA made SAE set for 14$(¥1900). What's missing is the 1/2 deep socket. Everything else is there and looks like it hasn't been used.

 

[Steel_Rain]

Which leads me to my question. Why do you people use Japanese tools?
Way more expensive than china and taiwan option. Cheaper than snapon but no service.
Is it because they make a specific tool? Or do you just like the brand and quality? Or is it something else?

I would say that Japanese tools occupy that “sweet spot“ between poor quality Chinese tools (perhaps at low prices, perhaps not) and expensive U.S. tools. For most people, that’s probably about the ideal.

Dave answered this perfectly. I don't have the tenure of many on this board, but I have used SO/MAC/Matco/some Williams for about a decade. I got into Japanese tools because a co-worker let me use a new at the time, 72t Koken ratchet (damn him!) about 3ish years ago during the pandemic. A week with that ratchet changed things for me and sent me down the rabbit hole. I couldn't make sense of just how good it was for the money compared to my SO and Matco stuff. It actually bothered me how much better it was. I asked to use Koken Zeal deep sockets after that for about a month and I was hooked. Since then, I haven't purchased much SO/MAC/Matco. If I'm honest, it does bother me that I'm not buying American made tools. But honestly, I've paid my dues to them for many years prior and frankly, if we are talking about price vs quality, there is no contest, the Japanese stuff is just better built, higher quality and more durable for the money.

Yes, there really is no service option and warranty, well, your mostly on your own. But in the past 3 years, I've broken one Japanese tool (KTC trim lever tool), that's it.

I do own some Icon/Quinn stuff and I'm happy to have HFT for the warranty they offer, but I'll gladly pay the "intermediate" price on very high quality, well engineered, Japanese made tools moving forward.

 

[Qualitytools]

Dave answered this perfectly. I don't have the tenure of many on this board, but I have used SO/MAC/Matco/some Williams for about a decade. I got into Japanese tools because a co-worker let me use a new at the time, 72t Koken ratchet (damn him!) about 3ish years ago during the pandemic. A week with that ratchet changed things for me and sent me down the rabbit hole. I couldn't make sense of just how good it was for the money compared to my SO and Matco stuff. It actually bothered me how much better it was. I asked to use Koken Zeal deep sockets after that for about a month and I was hooked. Since then, I haven't purchased much SO/MAC/Matco. If I'm honest, it does bother me that I'm not buying American made tools. But honestly, I've paid my dues to them for many years prior and frankly, if we are talking about price vs quality, there is no contest, the Japanese stuff is just better built, higher quality and more durable for the money.

Yes, there really is no service option and warranty, well, your mostly on your own. But in the past 3 years, I've broken one Japanese tool (KTC trim lever tool), that's it.

I do own some Icon/Quinn stuff and I'm happy to have HFT for the warranty they offer, but I'll gladly pay the "intermediate" price on very high quality, well engineered, Japanese made tools moving forward.

Well said!

 

[Fedwrench]

Japan is rapidly changing, but it's still a powerhouse in second hand stores finds. This is not a japanese tool, but I wanted to highlight something that will probably never happened to me in the USA. That is finding a almost complete newish SK USA made SAE set for 14$(¥1900). What's missing is the 1/2 deep socket. Everything else is there and looks like it hasn't been used.

That's a GSA socket set from the early 1990's possibly liberated from a local base. $14 would be a steal even if SAE and incomplete.

 

[Andres26tnt]

That's a GSA socket set from the early 1990's possibly liberated from a local base. $14 would be a steal even if SAE and incomplete.

I know as is local to my base, it's probably old stock that was never used and sold off when we upgraded. We tend to auction off old never used tools we can't warranty. It's only missing the 1/2, super awesome find.

 

[bongkar_YES_pasang_NO]

It is not a magnetic locking design.
After locking, there is a certain amount of axial play, while the side-to-side wobble is minimal.

well said..

fits my Vessel double sided bits
material seems sturdier compared to SK11 equivalent

 

[Bad Mojo]

Time for a little update on the brake wrench question from a while ago. I bought 4 different 10mm ones plus a full replacement set to replace my Craftsman ones that really only brought sadness and worry I was gonna strip something. I have a one stubborn hard to reach brake line that needs replacing on a truck, so I hope one of these will handle it. And yes I think collecting 10mm brake line wrenches might be my thing now.

Things I like about each design thus far.

KTC Nepros NMSZ-10: It has a captured nut feature on one end and angled head on the other end.

KTC MZ1-1x12: Captured nut feature

KTC MZF-10: Flex head and then the standard wrench looks more like a 12 pt than a 6pt much might be nice in really tight applications.

Asahi: Just better fit and finish compared to the Craftsman. I also get a full pass through is handy sometimes. I ended up getting the full set of these to replace my Craftsman ones. Seems like a solid nothing special needed set.

 

[Bad Mojo]

I also picked up a couple extra things. I think most have been scene on this thread before, but I am really excited for the hole diameter measuring tools. There have been a couple times those would have been nice.

 

[Steel_Rain]

to replace my Craftsman ones that really only brought sadness and worry

Asahi: Just better fit and finish compared to the Craftsman. I also get a full pass through is handy sometimes. I ended up getting the full set of these to replace my Craftsman ones. Seems like a solid nothing special needed set.

Yup, I love mine:

 

[rick carpenter]

Amazing zone delivered these Friday to the mail drop but we were out of town and the mail drop was closed Monday. Finally got them today but the delay getting them nearly killed me. The little Kakuri Gikoh pruning saw is awesome in hand. Used it this afternoon to quickly make little branches from big branches. Very sharp, as a scrape across my arm can attest. I'm gonna see about ordering some of their other blades soon!



The Vessel ball grip bit holder (yes, from PRC) will serve as a precision bit handle along with my Anex. Used it this afternoon adjusting my new sprinkler head. The ball grip fits only my fingertips, so the low torque that is all that can be applied is perfect. It likes 13mm anvil Japanese bits best.



Need to order two more MNK-125s, and then I'll replace them for the MTC-22s (made by Tsunoda) in my grandkids' toolboxes. The MTC is rated for 14 awg and the MNK is rated for 10 awg. They're both flush cuts... nice... but never intended for heavy duty use. Perfect for my grandkids whenever their daddies say they're old enough to use them.

 

[Ultradog MN]

Amazing zone delivered these Friday to the mail drop but we were out of town and the mail drop was closed Monday. Finally got them today but the delay getting them nearly killed me. The little Kakuri Gikoh pruning saw is awesome in hand. Used it this afternoon to quickly make little branches from big branches. Very sharp, as a scrape across my arm can attest. I'm gonna see about ordering some of their other blades soon!



The Vessel ball grip bit holder (yes, from PRC) will serve as a precision bit handle along with my Anex. Used it this afternoon adjusting my new sprinkler head. The ball grip fits only my fingertips, so the low torque that is all that can be applied is perfect. It likes 13mm anvil Japanese bits best.



Need to order two more MNK-125s, and then I'll replace them for the MTC-22s (made by Tsunoda) in my grandkids' toolboxes. The MTC is rated for 14 awg and the MNK is rated for 10 awg. They're both flush cuts... nice... but never intended for heavy duty use. Perfect for my grandkids whenever their daddies say they're old enough to use them.

I looked at the photos before I read what you wrote.
When I noticed your toes I thought you had bought all those tools to do industrial grade pedicures. It made me a little squeamish

 

[Steel_Rain]

Lobster (Lobtex) UM36XD & UM49XD:

 

[CR888]

I had some concerns prior to purchasing these Vessel nut setters. I wasn't sure despite being Vessel that they were Japanese made. I knew the short version 5pc set packaging it said made in Chyna. But a fellow in this thread a little bit ago assured me the bigger Long 9pc set he just purchased was made in Japan. So I pulled the trigger recently buying 2 sets. I know the Japanese are VERY proud and will put made in Japan on literally anything they make. The plastic case is made in Japan by Mieho but none of the tools have a coo stamp. Ya I just noticed the packaging in the side has Made in China. I really wanted the TOP brand ones which I KNOW are Japanese and look really nice. But I found a really good deal on these Vessels with an extra discount if I bought 2. So just take note they are Chinese made. Despite that, quality looks pretty decent. Not wonderful but good. But I'll be buying the TOP Industries ones when I find a deal.

 

[Steel_Rain]

I had some concerns prior to purchasing these Vessel nut setters. I wasn't sure despite being Vessel that they were Japanese made. I knew the short version 5pc set packaging it said made in Chyna. But a fellow in this thread a little bit ago assured me the bigger Long 9pc set he just purchased was made in Japan. So I pulled the trigger recently buying 2 sets. I know the Japanese are VERY proud and will put made in Japan on literally anything they make. The plastic case is made in Japan by Mieho but none of the tools have a coo stamp. Ya I just noticed the packaging in the side has Made in China. I really wanted the TOP brand ones which I KNOW are Japanese and look really nice. But I found a really good deal on these Vessels with an extra discount if I bought 2. So just take note they are Chinese made. Despite that, quality looks pretty decent. Not wonderful but good. But I'll be buying the TOP Industries

I heard that some of the Vessel's were made in China. I bought mine from KTC and they are made in Japan (on the box label and roll stamped on the tools themselves):




Even the plastic case they came in is made in Japan:



Very happy with these so far. Excellent durability and quality.

 

[pfbz]

I heard that some of the Vessel's were made in China. I bought mine from KTC and they are made in Japan (on the box label and roll stamped on the tools themselves):




Even the plastic case they came in is made in Japan:



Very happy with these so far. Excellent durability and quality.

Very nice... where did you source them from?

 

[glenng]

I heard that some of the Vessel's were made in China. I bought mine from KTC and they are made in Japan (on the box label and roll stamped on the tools themselves):




Even the plastic case they came in is made in Japan:



Very happy with these so far. Excellent durability and quality.

I really like how those Vessel and KTC nut setters go up to 24mm and 21mm, respectively. I think my Wera hex shank nut setters only go up to 13mm.

 

[Steel_Rain]

Very nice... where did you source them from?

Amazon Japan via Blackship (before the dumb tariffs hit).

 

[Dave455]

I had some concerns prior to purchasing these Vessel nut setters. I wasn't sure despite being Vessel that they were Japanese made. I knew the short version 5pc set packaging it said made in Chyna. But a fellow in this thread a little bit ago assured me the bigger Long 9pc set he just purchased was made in Japan. So I pulled the trigger recently buying 2 sets. I know the Japanese are VERY proud and will put made in Japan on literally anything they make. The plastic case is made in Japan by Mieho but none of the tools have a coo stamp. Ya I just noticed the packaging in the side has Made in China. I really wanted the TOP brand ones which I KNOW are Japanese and look really nice. But I found a really good deal on these Vessels with an extra discount if I bought 2. So just take note they are Chinese made. Despite that, quality looks pretty decent. Not wonderful but good. But I'll be buying the TOP Industries

I’m sorry to hear that. I quite liked the look of those and had considered acquiring a set. To be honest, the only reason I’d held off is the lack of 16 and 18mm.

I suppose I shouldn’t be surprised. Vessel are essentially a screwdriver and bit manufacturer, so it shouldn’t be a shock that sockets are outsourced, it’s just a shame that they were not outsourced to a Japanese manufacturer. Especially as they are Japanese money.

Moral - don’t buy sockets from a screwdriver manufacturer, buy them from a socket manufacturer. This policy holds good g
for most tools.

I heard that some of the Vessel's were made in China. I bought mine from KTC and they are made in Japan (on the box label and roll stamped on the tools themselves):




Even the plastic case they came in is made in Japan:

Thanks for posting. Those look really nice.

 

[Jeff]

I've used the Vessel impact sockets and drivers for many years. They aren't 'buy-a-set' and get everything you need. For those of use who work on Japanese cars & bikes they're almost priceless. Vessel use the JIS standard across all their tools. 18v impact rated. I've yet to break one. All made in Japan, and still are.

 

[Steel_Rain]

I also have the Tone 2BNC-700:




Tone claims these are made in Japan, but I’m not sure. They have misrepresented COO in the past and I feel like these could be made in Taiwan.

Good enough quality and they have been durable, but I like the KTC’s better.

 

[CR888]

I heard that some of the Vessel's were made in China. I bought mine from KTC and they are made in Japan (on the box label and roll stamped on the tools themselves):




Even the plastic case they came in is made in Japan:



Very happy with these so far. Excellent durability and quality.

Yeah thanks for checking yours, I'm not sure what the exact story is whether they have switched to China for these or produce in Both countries perhaps for Domestic market and Export. Mine came from AmazonAU but came from Japan warehouse as they took like 10 days to arrive. The quality as I mentioned is very decent but just falls a little short from what I'm used to from Japan. No stamped logos, no stamped part numbers, some imperfections on chrome. I'll keep these but will get the Top Industries ones that have a proper plastic holders in the 5pc sets or get the 10pc case. Propably get the medium length. Thanks for sharing, just thought I'd let folks know.

 

[CR888]

I’m sorry to hear that. I quite liked the look of those and had considered acquiring a set. To be honest, the only reason I’d held off is the lack of 16 and 18mm.

I suppose I shouldn’t be surprised. Vessel are essentially a screwdriver and bit manufacturer, so it shouldn’t be a shock that sockets are outsourced, it’s just a shame that they were not outsourced to a Japanese manufacturer. Especially as they are Japanese money.

Moral - don’t buy sockets from a screwdriver manufacturer, buy them from a socket manufacturer. This policy holds good g
for most tools.

Thanks for posting. Those look really nice.

You can buy singles in the sizes they skip. Only problem with that is the cost of two singles is the same as the 9pc set . There ok when bought on sale but if your into Japanese tools, either buy the Vessels you KNOW are Japanese made or get the KTC's or what I think is the ticket is the Top Industries ones. I kinda don't like supporting Vessels Chinese made products.

 

[Dave455]

You can buy singles in the sizes they skip. Only problem with that is the cost of two singles is the same as the 9pc set . There ok when bought on sale but if your into Japanese tools, either buy the Vessels you KNOW are Japanese made or get the KTC's or what I think is the ticket is the Top Industries ones. I kinda don't like supporting Vessels Chinese made products.

Yes, that’s exactly the problem!

The other issue for me is that I’m in the U.K. so whether tools originate in Japan, or come via Japan, I’m paying Japan money. For that I’d like Japanese made tools.

This particular style of nut runner does seem to an almost exclusively Japanese item. I know I can use an impact socket and an adaptor, but I do quite a lot of “non automotive” tasks, sometimes outside, and this design with the one piece (less small parts to lose) and the chrome sockets has it’s advantages.

I’ve noticed before that the Japanese seem to get a lot more use out of impact drivers than in other countries, so it’s no surprise that they offer the greatest selection of accessories.

 

[KnurledNut]

If I was in the market for these hex shank deep nutsetters, I would go with Koken. I need the 9.5mm connection.

For the larger sizes, I would get this set, as the drive shank is replaceable and will likely wear faster than the socket.
https://www.koken-tool.co.jp/en/panflets/KOKEN202012EN_4.pdf

 

[Steel_Rain]

or what I think is the ticket is the Top Industries ones.

I also have a small set of the TOP tools version of these:





These are made in Japan. I've looked at many sets of these from TOP and they all appear to be made there by them.

 

[Stubby1743]

On a smaller scale is this set from Vessel. It clearly states "Made in Taiwan" on the reverse of the cardboard.

Available on Amazon UK for £23.48 and not worth it in my opinion. I paid 1474yen on Amazon Japan which is £7.25. Of course there is postage on top, but that is not so bad if part of a larger order.

My latest order from Amazon Japan was placed on Friday afternoon and received by me in the UK on Monday afternoon. DHL did themselves proud. What helped was that the package went from Tokyo straight to London. In the past I have had shipments that went from Tokyo to Hong Kong first rather than directly to London.

 

[Qualitytools]

I heard that some of the Vessel's were made in China. I bought mine from KTC and they are made in Japan (on the box label and roll stamped on the tools themselves):




Even the plastic case they came in is made in Japan:



Very happy with these so far. Excellent durability and quality.

Nice but a quick search came back pricey, enjoy.

 

[INSP380]

I picked this set up a few weeks ago and am very surprised with the quality. This is made by Craft and stamped Japan. Perfect SK knock-off. Not entirely sure what year they were made, but they are vintage.

Steve

 

[four.cycle]

^ I have only seen "Craft" in ebay listings, and I didn't buy it.
It is a dead-on match to the S-K 45170 RHFT.
So... how many clicks on the ratchet? I'll bet they even got that part down right too.

I did have a 1/4" drive set that was a knock-off of (of all things) a Walden-Worcester! Only difference you noticed between the Japan-made ratchet and the 3150 Walden was the selector lever was different.

Nice find. Came from an era when Japan was cranking out top-notch stuff super cheap.
And you even got the Tommy bar!

 

[INSP380]

^ I have only seen "Craft" in ebay listings, and I didn't buy it.
It is a dead-on match to the S-K 45170 RHFT.
So... how many clicks on the ratchet? I'll bet they even got that part down right too.

I did have a 1/4" drive set that was a knock-off of (of all things) a Walden-Worcester! Only difference you noticed between the Japan-made ratchet and the 3150 Walden was the selector lever was different.

Nice find. Came from an era when Japan was cranking out top-notch stuff super cheap.
And you even got the Tommy bar!

I can’t overstate how pleased I was to find this. I’m going to do some comparisons to my SK & SK Wayne soon. It’s extremely close. Without looking for the name, and going by feel, there’s no difference.

Steve.

 

[CR888]

I also have a small set of the TOP tools version of these:





These are made in Japan. I've looked at many sets of these from TOP and they all appear to be made there by them.

Nice, and tbh I mainly wanted them for my little 10.8v Makita impact for around the house. I've made a 'All Japanese' toolbox for around the house. The main sizes I really need are 8/10/12/13/14 so those 5pc sets are neat. I'm not sure how often when dealing with 21 or 24mm fastener I'd want to use hex bits . But for 10mm hex screws, small engine 8/10/12mm fasteners they will be great. TOP have some nice proper deep 1/2" drive impact sockets that look quite nice too. I'd like to try them.

 

[GeoBruin]

Just received an ebay delivery. I've always thought these TOP/Truecraft ratcheting wrenches look cool. The metric TOP models are still for sale out there but I think the SAE models are no longer avaialble so when I saw this small collection of Truecraft wrenches, I had to pull the trigger.

 

[Steel_Rain]

I've always thought these TOP/Truecraft ratcheting wrenches look cool

I agree. Not enough Truecraft reps on this thread. I was also able to score a full set of these on Facebook Marketplace in SAE and love how heavy duty they are:

 

[GeoBruin]

I agree. Not enough Truecraft reps on this thread. I was also able to score a full set of these on Facebook Marketplace in SAE and love how heavy duty they are:

I believe it was one of your earlier posts that got me interested in these. Didn't you score a full set of the TOP metric versions as well?

Now that I see your picture I'm going to have to go on a hunt for the big boy 3/4"-7/8"

 

[00 Scrub]

Anyone know where to source a replacement spring for a Nepros 3/8" ratchet direction selector? Mine shot across the shop when I was trying to take it apart to fix a binding issue. I've emailed Nepros, but haven't heard back yet.

 

[225]

I agree. Not enough Truecraft reps on this thread. I was also able to score a full set of these on Facebook Marketplace in SAE and love how heavy duty they are:

Those are slick.