Tools of Japan

[avnsteve]

Heres some of the Japanese tools that belong to my family.

those came from an onboard motorcycle kit

 

[Lexus]

So, I ordered the Ko-Ken Z-EAL set 3285Z from Mutsuura (recommended by Cosmik in post #574) via Rakuten marketplace on Saturday night. I sent them an email this morning attempting to verify that they received my order. It's still incomplete pending final shipping details which Rakuten said the seller would contact me to arrange. No reply - it's Tuesday afternoon in Japan. Is this normal?

Item Purchased:
http://global.rakuten.com/en/store/mutsuura/item/10012919/

I bought multiple times from Mutsuura, everything went smooth. Top notch service!

 

[toolmaniac]

I got a MARVEL cable cutter, great quality and ergonomics.

 

[Applesauce]

I bought multiple times from Mutsuura, everything went smooth. Top notch service!

OK, just ordered a pair of Zeal ratchets, some KTC socket-spinner adapters, and two big Lobster combination wrenches to round out my set. Hope it all goes smoothly getting it to Canada!

 

[HalfFlip]

Just got my order in from Frankstools today! The zeal spark plug socket is great and I love the finish on these sockets/extensions

 

[superautobacs]

Applesauce,

Did you get your items yet?



HalfFlip,

I really like Ko-ken's universal, spark plug, and impact wheel sockets.




Scans from 2006 Factory Gear magazine....featuring factory visit to Anex:

 

[Duarte]

My Japanese tools, including a recent order from Levelchrome.com

Mokuba punches, Supertool 3/8" Drive Universal Joint, Engineer PZ56 Screw Gripping Slip Joint Pliers, 10" Long Adjustable Plier With Spring Action and Non-Slip Grip, Supertool GWP250H Supertool GWP250H 10" Long Slot Adjustable Plier, Supertool SZ175 Lineman Pliers, Supertool SN150 Supertool SN150 160mm (6.3") Diagonal Cutting Pliers, Supertool SL150 Supertool SL150 165mm (6.5") Long Nose Pliers.

The Vessel ratcheting screwdriver is from Amazon. The tip is a Phillips, not the OEM tip.

 

[BK13]

Curious if you have any Knipex to compare those pliers to?

 

[Duarte]

I do have some Knipex to compare to, 1000V Insulated Long Nose Pliers, Knipex 8" High Leverage Combination, Knipex 2505140 Chain Nose Pliers and 10" water pump pliers.

I think the Supertool compare very well, maybe not quite the Knipex grade in some respects, but very close or equal. They are definitely worth a look, especially if on sale as these were. The waterpump pliers were under $7 each.

Time will tell how they hold up, but first impressions are very positive.

 

[dede2897234]

Duarte,

Thanks for posting pictures of your LevelChrome and Amazon Japanese tool purchases.

Did it say on the packaging the tooth count of the Vessel ratcheting screwdriver?

If not, is it a coarse or fine tooth ratcheting screwdriver?


Thanks,

Dave

 

[Duarte]

Duarte,

Thanks for posting pictures of your LevelChrome and Amazon Japanese tool purchases.

Did it say on the packaging the tooth count of the Vessel ratcheting screwdriver?

If not, is it a coarse or fine tooth ratcheting screwdriver?


Thanks,

Dave

Packaging said 24 teeth, 15 degrees.

 

[BK13]

I do have some Knipex to compare to, 1000V Insulated Long Nose Pliers, Knipex 8" High Leverage Combination, Knipex 2505140 Chain Nose Pliers and 10" water pump pliers.

I think the Supertool compare very well, maybe not quite the Knipex grade in some respects, but very close or equal. They are definitely worth a look, especially if on sale as these were. The waterpump pliers were under $7 each.

Time will tell how they hold up, but first impressions are very positive.

Thank you sir!

 

[Applesauce]

OK... My Matsuura box arrived today. Pictures should be pretty self-explanatory.

At the very leay, there's a bit of poorly-shot, back-alley Koken Zeal ****! I've got a reasonable collection of ratchets, though I've by no means sampled them all. And I can't comment on durability. But these things are SMOOTH - probably the lowest drag I've ever felt in a 1/4" ratchet, and the 3/8" is right on par with a Dual-80 (but half the price, maybe less). The only thing I'm not overly crazy about is the backwards selection lever to EVERY other ratchet in my box.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[superautobacs]

Duarte,

I'm pretty certain that Supertool doesn't produce those pliers themselves. They aren't listed on their website, so they must've been once offered by them. Looking at the design, I think the OEM for the combination/needlenose/diagonal pliers is Keiba, which is probably my favourite Japanese pliers maker next to 3-Peaks.




Applesauce,

I'm glad you got your stuff. Any import duties you had to pay?

I wish the KTC adaptors came with two magnets instead of one. I use the 3/8->1/2 adaptor for spinning a deepwell 32mm socket that I use for the oil filter housing caps. The magnet isn't strong enough to hold the socket.

My 1/4->3/8 adaptor is long gone after using it on an air ratchet. After some use, the square drive sheared right off. My fault....they are supposed to be for hand use and low torque applications. Don't be an idiot like me.

 

[aussieracer]

So excited - got some proper Koken bits today (via reasonably priced eBay order out of HK to Aus). I'll definitely we getting more as I'm really pleased with the quality. Think a 3/8 ratchet will be next. Either Z series or regular. Not sure? I already have a few 3/8 ratchets (Kincrome + Sidchrome Aussie brands), so taking a bigger leap to Z seems wise, but maybe I'll gain enough pleasure from the regular series. And I say pleasure cause do I really need one - nope, but I want one.

 

[submariner]

My Olfa blade tools:

 

[Skin]

Gutted my Nepros ratchet that I've been using on and off since a I got it about a week ago. Wanted to clean it and lubricate it. There is a very light oil applied inside from the factory but I wiped it down and gave everything a nice coating of super lube. The internals are just as high quality as the external appearance/feel of the ratchet. I did toss the Philips, that I destroyed in the process of opening it, in the trash. I have no idea why they would make such a nice ratchet then use Loctite on Philips screws for the cover plate. They're only a 0 too (I believe) so they cant tolerate any torque. Don't even bother trying to open it unless you have spares. Thankfully they did use a 2mm Hex for the reverse lever screw and the flex joint set screw also uses a hex. Now everything is hex.

 

[neophyte]

Gutted my Nepros ratchet that I've been using on and off since a I got it about a week ago. Wanted to clean it and lubricate it. There is a very light oil applied inside from the factory but I wiped it down and gave everything a nice coating of super lube. The internals are just as high quality as the external appearance/feel of the ratchet. I did toss the Philips, that I destroyed in the process of opening it, in the trash. I have no idea why they would make such a nice ratchet then use Loctite on Philips screws for the cover plate. They're only a 0 too (I believe) so they cant tolerate any torque. Don't even bother trying to open it unless you have spares. Thankfully they did use a 2mm Hex for the reverse lever screw and the flex joint set screw also uses a hex. Now everything is hex.

The screws might have been JIS standard. If you used an actual Phillips screwdriver it would be more likely to strip out the screws.

 

[Skin]

I did use JIS drivers. Loctite + any tiny philips = destroyed on removal.

 

[superautobacs]

Skin,

I mentioned this in the past....probably in the Nepros thread, that KTC doesn't recommend the removal of the cover plate unless you're doing an overhaul (which includes the screws). They say it's maintenance-free. Does it feel any better with the super lube in there?

What's your opinion on their reverse lever. I find that it needs a longer stroke and the stroke action is a bit stiffer than a Dual-80. I wish they could improve on that, but that's probably dictated by the design of the mechanism.

What do you think of the flex hinge on the flex-head ratchet. Smooth, too loose/stiff?

 

[Applesauce]

Skin,



I mentioned this in the past....probably in the Nepros thread, that KTC doesn't recommend the removal of the cover plate unless you're doing an overhaul (which includes the screws). They say it's maintenance-free. Does it feel any better with the super lube in there?

Also curious, smitten by the ratchet-collecting bug as I am...

I think I heard the peened the screws on some ratchets? I can't see if the screws go to the backside of the head or not... I've never had that much trouble using the right screwdriver with blue thread locker, at least. Maybe others should note to get it a bit warm before disassembling?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Skin]

Skin,

I mentioned this in the past....probably in the Nepros thread, that KTC doesn't recommend the removal of the cover plate unless you're doing an overhaul (which includes the screws). They say it's maintenance-free. Does it feel any better with the super lube in there?

What's your opinion on their reverse lever. I find that it needs a longer stroke and the stroke action is a bit stiffer than a Dual-80. I wish they could improve on that, but that's probably dictated by the design of the mechanism.

What do you think of the flex hinge on the flex-head ratchet. Smooth, too loose/stiff?

Well considering the kits are $35, short of breaking it and actually needing a kit, seems like a bit of a waste. I like to be able to open my daily use ratchets and lubricate them from time to time, say once a year.

Only problem with the lever is its so low profile its a little difficult to get your finger onto. I really don't feel its too tight, at least compared to other brands. A new Snap-On, MAC, or Cornwell ratchet is also very snug, certainly when new, only difference being the levers are more meaty. I coated the lever mechanism in super lube also and that has probably had the most effect, the gear drag didn't change much, but it was fine to begin with. Alternately someone could snip a coil or two off the spring to make it easier. Truthfully im really not bothered by the lever at all.

The flex hinge is really nice in my opinion. Keeps a nice constant pressure on it. My only real gripe is the length is a bit short for me. My current go-to, for the last year, has been a FHRLF80 and I favor longer ratchets in general. If they made a flex version in their long handle (I have the standard long already) i'd be all over that. I'll also say I generally do not like chrome handles however these Nepros ratchets in general are fantastic. Very meaty to grip. Up until now the only other brand I've favored in chrome versions are Cornwell.

 

[north]

My Koken 3/8 breaker bar bought on Rakuten from tuzukiya.

Cost was 3076 yen + shipping (EMS) at 1800 yen.

Procedure was as follows:

Jan-1: Ordered and received automatic confirmation email.

Jan-3: Received an email of apology from tuzukiya/diy-tools that they were on holiday until Jan-6.

Jan-8: Received email with shipping cost. If I accepted I were to reply to the email and pay the total amount due, to their paypal account. (I chose paypal when I ordered.) I payed the amount, stating the order number in the message box just in case, and replied that I accepted the cost and had paid.

Jan-9: Received confirmation that they had received my payment and would arrange shipping.

Jan-15: Received email stating that the goods would be shipped the next day.

Jan-16: Received confirmation of shipment.

Jan-22: Picked it up at the local post office.

The bar is 15" long, uses a pin in the head and has a ball and spring with detents at zero and 90 degrees. Comfy handle grip that is a little beefier than Snap-on.

 

[jonathan75]

Every time I go to Hong Kong I visit what they call the $10 store. It is like the $1 store here. Anyway it is FULL of tools from Japan! Great quality tools for only $10 HKD each!

 

[Miskin]

Finally my order from Rakuten arrived. Greek customs tear me apart... 73.05 € (100 $) for Customs clearance! Anyway the pliers are awesome!

Merry ZA 185! I blame GJ member cosmik binturong for this "waste of money" in times of economic crisis! No, i'm just joking. I'm a jealous man!
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Hozan P-706 crimping pliers! An excellent tool for my bike electrics!

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[north]

€73.05!!! Dude... How on earth did they arrive at that figure? Is that just for clearance or is VAT involved?

Pliers look good though. How much did you pay for them?

 

[rmsg0040]

I picked this plier up locally yesterday, anybody have info on it? Thanks

 

[Miskin]

€73.05!!! Dude... How on earth did they arrive at that figure? Is that just for clearance or is VAT involved?

Pliers look good though. How much did you pay for them?

To enter the Customs airport 33 € whatever the value package. Other 13 € for storage costs, plus 23 € VAT, plus 4 € fee for DHL to do the custom clearance for me.

The pliers cost 59 € including shipping....

 

[submariner]

To enter the Customs airport 33 € whatever the value package. Other 13 € for storage costs, plus 23 € VAT, plus 4 € fee for DHL to do the custom clearance for me.

That's outrages!

Here in Australia, we have a $1000 tax free threshold for postal imports

Nevertheless good tools are expensive here, hence I import most of mine.

 

[lok]

Greek customs *****.

Miskin awesome pliers, especially that Marry. Now I want one, but without the customs fee.

 

[Miskin]

That's outrages!

Here in Australia, we have a $1000 tax free threshold for postal imports

Nevertheless good tools are expensive here, hence I import most of mine.

If I had the choice of simple mail would not be paid to customs. Unfortunately DHL as all courier companies that are private and not state here in Greece, gets all the packages from customs because they get a commission. For example, if you order something from USA and they send it by USPS does not pass through customs until the amount of 60 € I think.

 

[Miskin]

Greek customs *****.

Miskin awesome pliers, especially that Marry. Now I want one, but without the customs fee.

Should said it earlier to share the customs and shipping costs!
Now it's too late...

Oh wait i think Leverchrome offers Merry pliers. I think it's a USA site. So if they post with USPS, no customs!

 

[Miskin]

Some more from Merry pliers. The jaws differently shaped between them. Probably right jaw has reground a bit more.
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The jaws not in direct contact when closed. Probably so it is by manufacturing

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[cosmik binturong]

My Olfa blade tools:

gotta get one of those yellow pair of scissors, can you compare them to the classic, finnish made, Fiskars(orange handles)?

Finally my order from Rakuten arrived. Greek customs tear me apart... 73.05 € (100 $) for Customs clearance!

welcome to the club!

too bad your admission fee was so high...

Anyway the pliers are awesome!

they do indeed bite like Christopher Lee in a Hammer Films movie.

​

Merry ZA 185! I blame GJ member cosmik binturong for this "waste of money" in times of economic crisis! No, i'm just joking. I'm a jealous man!

i'll take gladly the blame for that "waste", check your mailbox early next month for some toolbox soothing stuff...

View media item 37937
View media item 37941
Hozan P-706 crimping pliers! An excellent tool for my bike electrics!

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nice, gotta get some more Hozan too...

I picked this plier up locally yesterday, anybody have info on it? Thanks

i might still have one like this somewhere from a wrecked first model Lexus tool kit. nice find.

To enter the Customs airport 33 € whatever the value package. Other 13 € for storage costs, plus 23 € VAT, plus 4 € fee for DHL to do the custom clearance for me.

The pliers cost 59 € including shipping....

that's what, 50€ for DHL?

Oh wait i think Leverchrome offers Merry pliers. I think it's a USA site. So if they post with USPS, no customs!

well, thnaks to Levelchrome i had to order from Rakuten/Mutsuura to replace the one i ordered from them which disappeared from the package before delivery... better ask them to tape the package correctly before or you might never see some of your order.

 

[Miskin]

they do indeed bite like Christopher Lee in a Hammer Films movie.

This is the most impressive about this tool! It can be used as a defense weapon (if you are Warden Dwight McClusky)!!

i'll take gladly the blame for that "waste", check your mailbox early next month for some toolbox soothing stuff...

you spoil me too much.

nice, gotta get some more Hozan too...

It's nice if you have small hands. Would prefer it a little bigger.

that's what, 50€ for DHL?

That's right! If my order was above 60 €, the fee is 100 € for DHL!! If you choose to make the clearance DHL instead of you. Believe me some people prefer to pay 100 € to avoid confusion with the Greek customs.

well, thanks to Levelchrome i had to order from Rakuten/Mutsuura to replace the one i ordered from them which disappeared from the package before delivery... better ask them to tape the package correctly before or you might never see some of your order.

That *****! Where this site located?

 

[cosmik binturong]

This is the most impressive about this tool! It can be used as a defense weapon (if you are Warden Dwight McClusky)!!

even used it to get a firm hold on some stubborn mangled titanium bolt heads.
(NBK? heh heh heh... )

you spoil me too much.

no, it's just that i've been pretty busy since last time to do some of the things i wanted to do and am starting to get back on track now that we're back home after all those stays in various hospitals(we've just been out of the sixth one since we started a year or so ago ). i have something like five or six parcels that need finishing touches/miss a thing or two that i would like to send before Spring to nice people.

It's nice if you have small hands. Would prefer it a little bigger.

they look thin but since they're not supposed to be used for heavy crimpin' that's fine with me... and price is quite good too for that quality.

That's right! If my order was above 60 €, the fee is 100 € for DHL!! If you choose to make the clearance DHL instead of you. Believe me some people prefer to pay 100 € to avoid confusion with the Greek customs.

reminds me of why i hate DHL so badly...
too bad that getting a parcel shipped SAL by Mutsuura is not always possible.

That *****! Where this site located?

Texas of all places. looks like they do not treat their foreign customers when there's a problem like they do treat US-based ones. too bad for them since we wanted to order more stuff from them and did so but from Mutsuura instead and for cheaper so we bought way more stuff than planned.

they seem to still be a good place to buy quality japanese tools when they're doing sale/clearance if you're ordering from the lower 48. if you're in Europe or elsewhere outside DHS/ICE continental borders and there's a mishap in shipping you're pretty much hosed. bucks forgotten, tools bought elsewhere and lesson learned.

 

[Miskin]

even used it to get a firm hold on some stubborn mangled titanium bolt heads.
(NBK? heh heh heh... )

no, it's just that i've been pretty busy since last time to do some of the things i wanted to do and am starting to get back on track now that we're back home after all those stays in various hospitals(we've just been out of the sixth one since we started a year or so ago ). i have something like five or six parcels that need finishing touches/miss a thing or two that i would like to send before Spring to nice people.

I hope you and your family are in good health and doing well.

 

[jonathan75]

I found this box end wrench in my customers tool box today. I was working on the machine and was checking for spare parts. Not sure why they have it since the machine I was working on is Japanese and uses all metric. The wrench is SAE.

But it says Sears and Made in Japan. Must be very old.

 

[Miskin]

After light use of Merry pliers noticed that some teeth were flattened with relatively little pressure. This got me thinking and I decided to measure the hardness of the pliers. The result surprised me unpleasantly. HRC 15!
I can't measure the hardness of the jaws but how much difference to have?
Is this measurement normal for pliers?

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[cosmik binturong]

After light use of Merry pliers noticed that some teeth were flattened with relatively little pressure. This got me thinking and I decided to measure the hardness of the pliers. The result surprised me unpleasantly. HRC 15!
I can't measure the hardness of the jaws but how much difference to have?
Is this measurement normal for pliers?

View media item 38040

oops, that's scary...

looks like bad hardening of the jaws, no?

are you going to contact Merry?

mine are still toothy-toothy, almost like new, even after working on those damn seized Ti rotor bolts though.