Tools of Japan
- Thread starter Frankstools
- Start date
superautobacs
Well-known member
Of course, the SO is much stronger...yeah, I admit, I'm comparing apples to oranges in that picture...totally different class.
You need an unwieldy beast to tackle the big stuff (crank bolts, axle nuts, frame bolts), but for most other work, the smaller Kuken works just fine. The forward working torque range is more in line with what's needed, unlike the big guns that will easily over-torque a fastener with a quick blip on the trigger. The Kuken, although it's not a heavy-weight hitter, is a good all-around performer with better control over tightening torque.
superautobacs
Well-known member
Some goodies arrived from Japan via a family member coming back, and I had some time to take pictures.
The lot:
Starting with Anex's newly released new bit ratchet:
These were advertised as Made in Japan, but I was really surprised to see "Reverse Gear" on the ratcheting mechanism.
So, Anex essentially buys the mechanism from Hi-Five and then assembles it into their own handle, in their factory, in Japan.
Instead of a forged body, they made this the old school way: laminate body. By doing that it makes the product very affordable at $10 each.
52-tooth mechanism.
Unfortunately the mechanism has more resistance than it should (my older, SEK branded, Reverse Gear bit ratchet is smoother).
15* angle provides finger clearance and better control of pressure against the fastener.
This handle shape on a small bit ratchet is the most comfortable I've felt, and that was the key selling point for me.
It's not too short, skiny or overly compact like the common ones out there.
Each ratchet came with Anex's own stubby PH2 bit.
The lot:
Starting with Anex's newly released new bit ratchet:
These were advertised as Made in Japan, but I was really surprised to see "Reverse Gear" on the ratcheting mechanism.
So, Anex essentially buys the mechanism from Hi-Five and then assembles it into their own handle, in their factory, in Japan.
Instead of a forged body, they made this the old school way: laminate body. By doing that it makes the product very affordable at $10 each.
52-tooth mechanism.
Unfortunately the mechanism has more resistance than it should (my older, SEK branded, Reverse Gear bit ratchet is smoother).
15* angle provides finger clearance and better control of pressure against the fastener.
This handle shape on a small bit ratchet is the most comfortable I've felt, and that was the key selling point for me.
It's not too short, skiny or overly compact like the common ones out there.
Each ratchet came with Anex's own stubby PH2 bit.
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superautobacs
Well-known member
More Anex stuff:
Some bits to further add to my collection:
Magnetized:
I was swinging the bit back and forth and I was surprised how well it held together. And those long bits aren't feather-weight either
Some bits to further add to my collection:
Magnetized:
I was swinging the bit back and forth and I was surprised how well it held together. And those long bits aren't feather-weight either
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NorthCountry
Banned
dede2897234
Well-known member
NorthCountry
Banned
superautobacs
Well-known member
That's cool. We all love a tease and it's not like we're hittin' F5 in hopes of more pics.Tease photos.......unpacking the little Ko-ken box.
*snip*
That's all the photos I took!
k p
Well-known member
I just picked up this vise, it's certainly not brand new but it was made in Japan, so here it is. Eron 6" No.150.
These adjustable wrenches are from the tool kit from a Toyota FJ60 Landcruiser. I sold the cruiser but forgot I had this in the tool box instead of in the vehicle. I kind of feel bad since the new owner doesn't have a complete set of the original Toyota tools, but I hope to get another Landcruiser someday, and if so it will find it's way back into another FJ vehicle.
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superautobacs
Well-known member
That adjustable wrench is in immaculate condition!
I wonder who made them for Toyota.
I just picked up this vise, it's certainly not brand new but it was made in Japan, so here it is. Eron 6" No.150.
Those are quite nice. School and workplace both use Eron vises.
Interestingly, the Eron vise is pretty much a Record knock-off. The good thing is that the Eron vises I've touched have less backlash than alll the Irwin-era, Record branded vises.
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superautobacs
Well-known member
North, here's the contents of that Ko-ken box.
From left:
1/2" drive impact socket with a double universal
3/8" drive super shallow Zeal socket (21mm)
5/16" bits (T-50 / 55)
1/4" drive Zeal ratchet
ratchet spinner adaptor (1/4" female --> 3/8" male)
ratchet spinner (3/8" drive)
3/8" drive bit socket (9mm)
Zeal extension adaptor (3/8" female --> 1/4" male)
From left:
1/2" drive impact socket with a double universal
3/8" drive super shallow Zeal socket (21mm)
5/16" bits (T-50 / 55)
1/4" drive Zeal ratchet
ratchet spinner adaptor (1/4" female --> 3/8" male)
ratchet spinner (3/8" drive)
3/8" drive bit socket (9mm)
Zeal extension adaptor (3/8" female --> 1/4" male)
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k p
Well-known member
Those are quite nice. School and workplace both use Eron vises.
Interestingly, the Eron vise is pretty much a Record knock-off. The good thing is that the Eron vises I've touched have less backlash than alll the Irwin-era, Record branded vises.
Cool! Thanks for showing your pics!
superautobacs
Well-known member
How cool it would be to find the kit in mint condition.
Must've been something similar to this?
I can confidently say that some of those tools were contracted out exclusively to KTC (Kyoto Tool Company).
superautobacs
Well-known member
A comparison with the commonly available bit ratchet available around the world:
From left to right: SEK / Anex / KTC 10mm ratcheting wrench with TONE 1/4" drive adaptor / 1/4" drive Zeal ratchet
From left to right: SEK / Anex / KTC 10mm ratcheting wrench with TONE 1/4" drive adaptor / 1/4" drive Zeal ratchet
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Rigpig
Well-known member
How cool it would be to find the kit in mint condition.
Must've been something similar to this?
I can confidently say that some of those tools were contracted out exclusively to KTC (Kyoto Tool Company).
I must have a dozen or so of those kits in various conditions, i'll see if I can round them up and snap a pic.
I also have kits that Hitachi mining equipment send along with their shovels for the smaller assembly of modules. I'll get a pic of those too.
Cheers!
Yep, it was pretty close to that, except I didn't have the wheel chock, if that's what it is. Also, the carrier I had was more of a circular duffel bag style. I'll try and remember to get a picture from the home computer.
Thank you sir. That ratchet is tempting...... Maybe I can squeeze it in on 97th place on the want list...North, here's the contents of that Ko-ken box.
*snip*
superautobacs
Well-known member
I'm sure you won't be dissapointed with it. With the drag on the reverse stroke being so light, the ratcheting action is super light, making it such a user-friendly ratchet.
So, I'd strongly suggest moving it up on your to-purchase list.
Here's the rest of the stuff:
Anex flex bit driver with locking collar. Product card says impact-rated, but interestingly the maximum loosening torque is 16nm and 20nm for tightening
Asahi Revowave wrenches:
KTC flex shaft magnetic pickup tool (unexpectedly made in USA):
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I have made a couple of orders from franks tools with success. However, my last order has been a disaster. I received nothing for several weeks after placing the order. I then followed up with frank and he had forgotten to ship it. I received the order a couple of weeks later. However, in my set of several spanners, one was missing and i was given a duplicate. I emailed frank and he suggested it was not worth sending the old one back but he would send me the correct replacement, again i received nothing for a few weeks. I followed up with frank and he suggested he was busy so didn't have time to send but would send it soon. That was months ago. I haven't received my wrench and frank is now ignoring my emails.
I initially gave him the benefit of the doubt but given he is ignoring my emails, i am now beginning to think he is dishonest. My only option now is to lodge a complaint with my credit card company who can hopefully sort this out.
I initially gave him the benefit of the doubt but given he is ignoring my emails, i am now beginning to think he is dishonest. My only option now is to lodge a complaint with my credit card company who can hopefully sort this out.
My recent Frank's order will be my last. Seems that one item is always out of stock or back ordered. Frank says it will come in days which turns into weeks with no communication from Frank. I finally had to demand a refund or contact my credit card company and PayPal.
It's too bad because with him being in Japan I hoped he would have connections to get stuff unavailable from other suppliers.
Fortunately Level Chrome has been able to get some Ko-Ken stuff I want. Not sure how Level Chrome is on special order stuff.
It's too bad because with him being in Japan I hoped he would have connections to get stuff unavailable from other suppliers.
Fortunately Level Chrome has been able to get some Ko-Ken stuff I want. Not sure how Level Chrome is on special order stuff.
katotter
Well-known member
I sell a whole range of Hitachi power tools, and they come from different corners of the globe, and the ones made in Japan are just so much stronger. How can it be that the **** make decent stuff and the Chinese makes ****?
For example, the 4" belt sander comes from Malaysia, sending them back to the supplier like mad. But my rotary hammer drills comes from Japan, strong as can be
For example, the 4" belt sander comes from Malaysia, sending them back to the supplier like mad. But my rotary hammer drills comes from Japan, strong as can be
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So it seems I'm not the only one. I will contact my credit company on monday.
submariner
Well-known member
Frank has been bad for me too. I requested a quote on a few Koken tools and he responded 3 days later stating that he's away and will get back to me the following day. Today, almost 2 months later still no reply. Lucky I didn't pay him yet.
NorthCountry
Banned
Biomed, I've ordered some special order stuff from Level Chrome twice and had no problems. If they can get it, it just takes a little longer since it will come directly from Japan.
Autoguy
Well-known member
I have used Koken vessel and many others from Japan>>>>>> >Top quality products
OP
Frankstools
Well-known member
- Joined
- Dec 31, 2010
- Messages
- 239
Dishonest? Watch you language mister!
OP
Frankstools
Well-known member
- Joined
- Dec 31, 2010
- Messages
- 239
You would have to understand that when someone places an order and there is a lack of communication on your end it could lead people to believe that dishonest actions were happening on your end. I know that if I were to place an order somewhere there is an expectation that communication is there. People are sending you money for goods and seeing this kind of actions happening on a respected forum can hurt sales for you.
I would like to see things better as a way for people to get their hands on quality Japanese tools. I hope you can deliver on this service.
Actualy that doesn't seem to be produced in Japan at all; the sticker states that Hitachi has its corporate HQ in Japan. You should have a "Made in...." statement somewhere. If not, it could be made anywhere. The good Hitachi stuff I buy around here is made in Ireland. I make sure it's clearly stated on the sticker.
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Applesauce
Well-known member
I don't own too many Japanese tools, but the few I do have, I like a lot. First is a set of Lobster-brand combination wrenches, 6-22 mm. Not sure if they're super high quality or not, but I've never had any issues with rounding, bending, or chrome chipping, etc.
Next is a weird set of KBS Kobayashi metric flare nuts. Not sure why they're numbered the way the are: 19-17, 14-12, 13-11, 12-10, 11-10, 10-8. Anyone have any insight? Maybe I just have a very mixed set?
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Next is a weird set of KBS Kobayashi metric flare nuts. Not sure why they're numbered the way the are: 19-17, 14-12, 13-11, 12-10, 11-10, 10-8. Anyone have any insight? Maybe I just have a very mixed set?
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
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if the "Made in ..." is missing it usually means China. Sometimes the outer package state the COO.
Got my Nepros 1/4 ratchet today, shipping was FAST as it came from Japan. Ordered off of the Nepros.net official site.
This ratchet it pretty much the same size and length as the Snap-on T936 / T72 ratchet. It has 10 degree swing to it thought its not a "fine" tooth ratchet it is very smooth. It is built very solid and has a nice weight to it. The chrome finish is flawless, the shape is uniform. You guys can say I am a Nepros fan!
My Koken Zeal ratchet was supposed to arrive today as well but it missed it connecting flight from the DHL main hub... Cant wait to get that one too.
As a person who uses Snap-on for work use I can say so far you cannot go wrong with Nepros, heck if you can wait two days for it to be shipped from Japan you could save money over the USA brand tools with the same if not better quality. The reason I am ordering up these Japanese tools is to have a set of high quality tools for home use that I dont have to take tools home from work.
This ratchet it pretty much the same size and length as the Snap-on T936 / T72 ratchet. It has 10 degree swing to it thought its not a "fine" tooth ratchet it is very smooth. It is built very solid and has a nice weight to it. The chrome finish is flawless, the shape is uniform. You guys can say I am a Nepros fan!
My Koken Zeal ratchet was supposed to arrive today as well but it missed it connecting flight from the DHL main hub... Cant wait to get that one too.
As a person who uses Snap-on for work use I can say so far you cannot go wrong with Nepros, heck if you can wait two days for it to be shipped from Japan you could save money over the USA brand tools with the same if not better quality. The reason I am ordering up these Japanese tools is to have a set of high quality tools for home use that I dont have to take tools home from work.
