CGarage
Well-known member
These are excellent soft jaw pliers. I own two sets from Japan. Have been very useful around and inside the home as well!
Tools of Japan
- Thread starter Frankstools
- Start date
These are excellent soft jaw pliers. I own two sets from Japan. Have been very useful around and inside the home as well!
CGarage
Well-known member
They also sell the nylon jaws separately and I have bought just the jaws as replacements via Amazon.
NitroExpress
Well-known member
To note - the pair I just received came with an extra set of nylon jaws and their respective screws.
Qualitytools
Well-known member
When I purchased mine last year I too ordered an extra set of jaws but it came with a spare set.
I have several of those IPS pliers with the plastic jaws. IME, they're just not very useful for actually turning anything because the plastic doesn't grip anything other than maybe a hex nut. I've mostly used mine to bend stuff that I didn't want to mark. Still, the price is reasonable, and you'll probably eventually find a use for them. The Knipex Cobra jaw protectors also aren't very useful.
Qualitytools
Well-known member
Good feed back, thanks for sharing.
rick carpenter
Well-known member
Looking for Japanese lineman pliers to augment my Klein J2000-9NEs. I use the **** out of my Kleins (they are a hammer when I'm up on a ladder). My choices are:
Victor SKN175D or Marvel MDH-P200 as the top regarded brands from what I read, or...
Tsunoda PP-225A or PW115; Fujiya 3000N-225BG; or Maruto Hasegawa (Keiba) FC-108
Which ones stand up to abuse best? I'd be tempted with the Marvel MVA-200 with shearing action but I don't want to possibly ruin shears on non-electrical wires.
Victor SKN175D or Marvel MDH-P200 as the top regarded brands from what I read, or...
Tsunoda PP-225A or PW115; Fujiya 3000N-225BG; or Maruto Hasegawa (Keiba) FC-108
Which ones stand up to abuse best? I'd be tempted with the Marvel MVA-200 with shearing action but I don't want to possibly ruin shears on non-electrical wires.
Dave455
Well-known member
I think that Victor part no. you quoted are cutters.
The Victor pliers to go for are probably their “Plus” line, which I think are about the best out there.
The Tsonoda PP-225A are basically combination pliers.
But Tsunoda offer Lineman's pliers if you prefer. I own the CP-175 below. They are very high quality, and superb value. I don’t think there’s going to be much in it regarding taking abuse, both are solid, but the Victor are the higher quality tool, if only as regards finish. They might be too good to be abused!
If you are considering Tsunoda it’s worth looking at the website and getting exactly what you want. Similar models can be combination pliers or lineman‘s, and there are options with wire or cable cutters (shesrs). Many lengths are also available.
There is also the newer range with the bigger grips, and of course different designs again.
These are the 8 inch with cable cutters, which look very useable to me for domestic wiring.
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Qualitytools
Well-known member
I have a couple of Tsunoda pliers and agree they top notch.
rick carpenter
Well-known member
Wow, thanks for the detailed response! Very helpful. I'll go with the CP pliers. Price is good, as with all Tsunoda products. I have a few already. I agree that the PW-DP200TG looks good for resi wiring, but I don't do that much of that at all.I think that Victor part no. you quoted are cutters.
The Victor pliers to go for are probably their “Plus” line, which I think are about the best out there.
The Tsonoda PP-225A are basically combination pliers.
But Tsunoda offer Lineman's pliers if you prefer. I own the CP-175 below. They are very high quality, and superb value. I don’t think there’s going to be much in it regarding taking abuse, both are solid, but the Victor are the higher quality tool, if only as regards finish. They might be too good to be abused!
If you are considering Tsunoda it’s worth looking at the website and getting exactly what you want. Similar models can be combination pliers or lineman‘s, and there are options with wire or cable cutters (shesrs). Many lengths are also available.
There is also the newer range with the bigger grips, and of course different designs again.
These are the 8 inch with cable cutters, which look very useable to me for domestic wiring.
Steel_Rain
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Victor MZHG225:
Tsunoda PP200-ATG & PP175-TG:
Or could I interest you in a lower cost option, the Engineer PD-08:
All made Japan and all amazing attention to detail with quality fit and finish:
Dave455
Well-known member
I don’t think you can go wrong with the Tsunoda!
The yellow handle ones are their “King TTC” range. If you wanted a bit more padding there are similar models with comfort grips.
The selection of Japanese made pliers is huge, and all the different manufacturers seem to have their slight specialities.
I have pliers by Tsunoda and Merry. I have used Keiba and Victor. To be honest, none are bad, and all seem excellent value.
The only others I might consider are Keiba “High Grade”. They incorporate a brass bushing and are incredibly smooth in use.
I have a pair of these 10 inch Merry pliers on my wish list, for tasks needing a bit of heft. Merry do the bigger tools very well.
Dave455
Well-known member
Nice!Victor MZHG225:
Tsunoda PP200-ATG & PP175-TG:
Or could I interest you in a lower cost option, the Engineer PD-08:
All made Japan and all amazing attention to detail with quality fit and finish:
Even the regular Victor pliers are nicely finished.
The newer Tsunoda with the bigger grips are growing on me. I suspect that they are a little more rugged than the vinyl dipped.
The Engineer are incredibly good value.
Their “Neji-Saurus” design also incorporate cable cutters like the Tsunoda. If that’s useful.
rick carpenter
Well-known member
I had forgotten about Engineer, thanks. To be honest, I am looking for the most metal in the head, which the Tsunoda CPs and Engineers have. I've got some smaller Tsunoda 'side cutter' pliers and their cutters have held up well. I don't particularly need the crimping function, I have some T&B and Sta-Kon crimpers that I use. If I did more electrical, I'd prolly see about entering the 21st C with crimpers.
I appreciate all the info y'all! Thanks.
Note: Upon second look, I actually have one each Klein J2000 & D213, and Channellock 369 rather than a stable of J2000s which I said.
I appreciate all the info y'all! Thanks.
Note: Upon second look, I actually have one each Klein J2000 & D213, and Channellock 369 rather than a stable of J2000s which I said.
Reed Prince
Well-known member
Don't forget 3.peaks. 
YesIHaveAHammer
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- 831
I'd found those but couldn't find them for sale anywhere.
Standard type FCC-106, 107, 108
High Grade The Pliers 2com. Handle | Product Information | Maruto Hasegawa Works
This is the website of Maruto Hasegawa Kosakusho, a metal processing manufacturer that manufactures "work tools" such as pliers and nippers.
www.keiba-tool.com
High leverage type FCC 118, 119
High Grade The Pliers 2com. Handle | Product Information | Maruto Hasegawa Works
This is the website of Maruto Hasegawa Kosakusho, a metal processing manufacturer that manufactures "work tools" such as pliers and nippers.
www.keiba-tool.com
Dave455
Well-known member
Where are you located?I'd found those but couldn't find them for sale anywhere.
Standard type FCC-106, 107, 108
High Grade The Pliers 2com. Handle | Product Information | Maruto Hasegawa Works
This is the website of Maruto Hasegawa Kosakusho, a metal processing manufacturer that manufactures "work tools" such as pliers and nippers.
High leverage type FCC 118, 119
High Grade The Pliers 2com. Handle | Product Information | Maruto Hasegawa Works
This is the website of Maruto Hasegawa Kosakusho, a metal processing manufacturer that manufactures "work tools" such as pliers and nippers.
Sourcing some Japanese tools, particularly pliers which tend to originate with smaller manufacturers, can be more challenging than some tools, but they are all out there!
Reed Prince
Well-known member
I have never been fully satisfied with the soft jaw pliers I've tried. They all have hard, slick plastic inserts that just don't grip very well. The IPS Neo series uses softer material, and the combination slip joint pliers have two spring-loaded positions and an unsprung center storage position.
^ there is a second generation of the rubber covers for the Cobras- V2 is better than the V1 version that you have, but still not amazing. The issue is obviously a no win situation because if they're soft enough to be useful they'll wear out after a few uses on anything other than a round tube/pipe.
The covers for the plier wrench work well since you're grabbing on flats. I have them but find they're not really necessary since the bare jaws don't mark items if used properly.
The covers for the plier wrench work well since you're grabbing on flats. I have them but find they're not really necessary since the bare jaws don't mark items if used properly.
Steel_Rain
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More evidence of my mega weirdo behavior, another Panasonic electric screwdriver…
Panasonic EY6220:
This “may” complete my collection:
Panasonic EY6220:
This “may” complete my collection:
Reed Prince
Well-known member
rick carpenter
Well-known member
Got these yesterday 
The Kakuri rough cut blade will fit into the single-hand synthetic handle of my Kakuri pruning saw. The rough cut and pruning blades will fit in the wood handle as well, but the 8.2" ryoba blade in the single-hand handle would be nonsensical. Also, a Suizan flush cut saw just for diversity.
A set of Eight sae hex keys. The ball ends are claimed to be able to be used for 'final tightening' (my metric Wise ball-end set claims the same) but I'm not gonna test that. Need some regular-end stubbies in metric and sae to complete.
The Kakuri rough cut blade will fit into the single-hand synthetic handle of my Kakuri pruning saw. The rough cut and pruning blades will fit in the wood handle as well, but the 8.2" ryoba blade in the single-hand handle would be nonsensical. Also, a Suizan flush cut saw just for diversity.
A set of Eight sae hex keys. The ball ends are claimed to be able to be used for 'final tightening' (my metric Wise ball-end set claims the same) but I'm not gonna test that. Need some regular-end stubbies in metric and sae to complete.
I wonder if they sell something in between in Japan: locking extensions with the knurling but without the wobble.
They come at 7.5cm (2.95"), 12.5cm (4.92") , 25cm sizes (9.84"). Would be nice if they started selling individual at some point
Also (prices as of 27 December 2025)
DRPD price: $177.40
KOKEN USA price: $221.49
Palmac price: $177.36
I wonder how much it costs in Japan...
Addendum: Palmac sells individual size (only 1 found)
12.5cm for 49.99
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Has anyone compared these with the PB Swiss Tools set?A set of Eight sae hex keys. The ball ends are claimed to be able to be used for 'final tightening' (my metric Wise ball-end set claims the same) but I'm not gonna test that. Need some regular-end stubbies in metric and sae to complete.
Steel_Rain
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Eh, that’s a tough comparison. I have my PB set at work, but damn, this stuff from Eight is extremely high quality and the ball ends are just machined to perfection:
I threw my PB Swiss punches in there for eye candy
:
Dave455
Well-known member
”Eight” hex keys get a mention in the hex keys thread.A set of Eight sae hex keys. The ball ends are claimed to be able to be used for 'final tightening' (my metric Wise ball-end set claims the same) but I'm not gonna test that. Need some regular-end stubbies in metric and sae to complete.
Hex Keys - The Whole Story
I have mostly Bondhus for ball end, but my pet peeve is hex socket bits. I have suffered with reasonable service with a few brands, but when faced with really silly overtorque for stuck fasteners, my go to is Proto. I have 5/8 UNC SHCS punch clamping bolts in my press brake and they get...
www.garagejournal.com
They are not a manufacturer I have experience of, but they are obviously highly regarded by the membership here, and I can think of no higher accolade!
They are respected for fit, and they have put a great amount of effort into the design of the ball end. I’ll probably acquire some at some point and update the thread, but if anybody else is able to, feel free!
One of the things that comes out of the hex keys thread is that there is rarely an all round “best “. Instead, different makers tend to excel in different areas, hence it’s desirable to have a selection of keys for different applications.
Well, that’s my excuse anyway!
Eh, that’s a tough comparison. I have my PB set at work, but damn, this stuff from Eight is extremely high quality and the ball ends are just machined to perfection:
Nice!
I would be interested in how the coloured finish holds up.
None of these finishes seem to be uber durable. I’m starting to think the Vessel (Rainball) might be about the best, but comparisons are useful!
My 30 plus year old Craftsman slip joint pliers, on the right have lost their grip so I bought a pair of Wilde 8 inch G263FP.NP/CC Flush pliers and I am not impressed, the jaws are crooked and the finish is poor.
Any recommendations for a Japanese slip joint around 8 inches?
Any recommendations for a Japanese slip joint around 8 inches?
Madjik Man
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- Dec 3, 2015
- Messages
- 1,523
What I've learned from buying a set of Koken wobble-fixed extensions.. I should have just bought their 32mm wobble-fix and used it at the end of the array of lengths I have in their regular extensions.
So for the wobble-fixed locking... I'd just buy the 32mm version (if that's the smallest length offering) and just pair it with my regular extensions to achieve a multitude of lengths at a fraction of the cost.
Edit: pre-coffee posting is dangerous. I see the lengths and individual socket sold length above. Nevermind my rambling above, lol
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Tsunoda Slip Joint Pliers https://a.co/d/1RJgiLtMy 30 plus year old Craftsman slip joint pliers, on the right have lost their grip so I bought a pair of Wilde 8 inch G263FP.NP/CC Flush pliers and I am not impressed, the jaws are crooked and the finish is poor.
Any recommendations for a Japanese slip joint around 8 inches?
Or Tsunoda Pliers https://a.co/d/9dKRkGk
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I had recently commented on pliers.......with these being the replacement..I haven't ordered yet ..hopefully they are just a one time issue. It doesn't appear that tsunoda makes flush fastener ones... their pricing is greatMy 30 plus year old Craftsman slip joint pliers, on the right have lost their grip so I bought a pair of Wilde 8 inch G263FP.NP/CC Flush pliers and I am not impressed, the jaws are crooked and the finish is poor.
Any recommendations for a Japanese slip joint around 8 inches?
Steel_Rain
Well-known member
- Joined
- Apr 23, 2024
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- 1,363
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rick carpenter
Well-known member
Until a few years ago, I was in the Bondhus and Eklind hex key camp. I often used their hex key products, moreso Bondhus, in the print shop pre-press area. I sometimes was nearly shoulder deep in chemicals with a Bondhus acetate handle hex driver. They never gave me a lick of problems. We had Heidelberg presses and they came with their own wire loop handle hex key sets. I rarely touched them. I ran the bindery for 2 years before moving to pre-press and our Baumfolder folders also had their own long shank wire loop handle hex key drivers. I helped out in the bindery often, as I could run anything there. The Baumfolder keys were used heavily daily and in the 30+ years I was there I don't remember needing to replace any. In the pressroom and bindery, all fasteners were socket head screws/bolts.
I have a hodge-podge of Eklind and Bondhus drivers in the garage, and I know they are still quality tools. But I've been on a Japanese tool kick for quite some time and I wanted all new Japanese sets of metric and sae hex keys. So I went with Wise Super Ball for metric, up to 10mm, and Eight Excellent Series (taper ball head) for sae, up to 3/8". Both came with cheater bars.
I have a hodge-podge of Eklind and Bondhus drivers in the garage, and I know they are still quality tools. But I've been on a Japanese tool kick for quite some time and I wanted all new Japanese sets of metric and sae hex keys. So I went with Wise Super Ball for metric, up to 10mm, and Eight Excellent Series (taper ball head) for sae, up to 3/8". Both came with cheater bars.
kyrbz
Well-known member
I have a BMI tape and also the rebranded Festool version of it. They are definitely more suited to cabinet and furniture making than general construction and fabrication. I like the inside dimension feature, but the tape is very narrow and flexible. Good for casework but not good for construction where you might need a lot of rigid extension and durability. The BMI case is compact which is nice, but it’s also a little wimpy. I doubt it would survive a fall from the top of a ladder. Fine for in the shop, but I doubt it would last long on a job site. Nothing against BMI. I use mine regularly in the shop, but I use different tapes for construction and metal working.Tajima make nice tapes. Nice stuff generally in fact. I have one of their sealant guns and it’s superb.
Other options for decent tapes are Fisco and BMI.
Fisco are made in the U.K..
BMI in Germany.
Like Tajima, both offer “ Class I” tapes without loading the cost.
A Class II tape can be 2mm out over 10m, so I’m happy to pay a small premium for a better tape.
I picked up these Tsunoda PLC-200 pliers, thank you for the recommendation on these, they are just what I needed.
I also want to thank the forum, this thread and all the participants for directing me to all these fine Japanese tools since I found this thread.
I was blown away by the way the JIS screw drivers hold the carburetor bowl screws from the motorcycles I work on daily.
I also want to thank the forum, this thread and all the participants for directing me to all these fine Japanese tools since I found this thread.
I was blown away by the way the JIS screw drivers hold the carburetor bowl screws from the motorcycles I work on daily.
Reed Prince
Well-known member
I'm a little late contributing to this, but KTC makes very nice slip joint pliers too.
I have an old pair of TOP pliers as well. Gemini AI helped confirm that I bought them at Radio Shack around 1990. The jaws still align perfectly.
I have an old pair of TOP pliers as well. Gemini AI helped confirm that I bought them at Radio Shack around 1990. The jaws still align perfectly.
genog
Well-known member
I'm a big fan of the early Mikita power tools (corded) from the early/mid 80's
During those days, I bought a 3/8 drill and grinder that I am very fond of....and used with a high degree of frequency
And also......this little 110mm trim saw
....ignore the Skil77
During those days, I bought a 3/8 drill and grinder that I am very fond of....and used with a high degree of frequency
And also......this little 110mm trim saw
....ignore the Skil77
Looks like they’re still available in Japan.I have an old pair of TOP pliers as well. Gemini AI helped confirm that I bought them at Radio Shack around 1990. The jaws still align perfectly.