Tools of Japan

[Miskin]

also Miskin nice calipers. I like the Mitutoyo vernier, most of the ones I have seen had the holster as well. The only vernier that is smoother in my opinion is my Swiss-made (Etalon) Lufkin-branded set.

I've worked with electronic calipers of Tesa (I think is same company with Etalon) but didn't like the round depth meter. Warped easily. Fortunately the new calipers of Tesa change in squares.
The old one

The new one

Still Mitutoyo are my favourite calipers!

 

[JDSV]

no, those are for pinned chains, the two Hozan/Tsunoda pliers are for "quick-linked" chains like this:

SNIP

depends on what kind of chains you do have on your bikes.

Ahh, thank you for the clarification. Yes, my bike is a pinned chain, so I would need to look into those chain tools I linked earlier. However, I'm liking the idea of having pliers instead of that chain tool, so I may also want to look into changing over my chain to a "quick-link" type!

Thanks for the info cosmik!

 

[cosmik binturong]

Ahh, thank you for the clarification. Yes, my bike is a pinned chain, so I would need to look into those chain tools I linked earlier. However, I'm liking the idea of having pliers instead of that chain tool, so I may also want to look into changing over my chain to a "quick-link" type!

Thanks for the info cosmik!

there's pliers for the pinned type too like the nice Hozan C-320 we have:

(sorry, pic is blurry cause, well, it's blurry... )
you can find them regularly on eBay for a fair price(say less than 30 bucks shipped) or way more if you fall prey to the hipsterical auctions.
there's also the same kind of pliers available from VAR, Park Tool and numerous others for varying prices and qulaity(not always related though).

or those old Sachs-Sedis(from way before the SRAM takeover) that we use for pre-7-speed chains, one for cutting the chain and one for pinning it back and re-instillin' some wholesomeness to it:

they're a bit old though and probably quite rare and expensive now...



edit: oops... posted some french made stuff on the Tools of Japan thread...

 

[dede2897234]

My recent purchases from eBay (datsun-kentigo):

Ko-ken 3300C, 3/8" Drive Spark Plug Sockets with Spring Clips (13,14,16,18,20.8mm)





KTC ATBX13 Disk Parking Tool Set (for below 3/8" Drive Handle)



KTC ABX101 3/8" Drive, Double Male End Handle (purchased a month ago)



KTC AS402 Drive Shaft Boot Band Cutter










Dave

 

[Jason280]

Found this last week...

 

[Monte]

 

[Burgerkong]

Some cable cutters and mini pliers from MTC and shell.

 

[dede2897234]

Brendan,

I like your pliers. Where did you source your MTC and Shell goodies ?


Thanks,

Dave

 

[Burgerkong]

Brendan,

I like your pliers. Where did you source your MTC and Shell goodies ?


Thanks,

Dave

Got them here:

http://www.weclonline.com/eng/productcat.asp?mc_code=12

Picked them up when I went back to Hong Kong a few weeks back. The largest pair of cutters was around $11 Canadian, a mere third of Channellock's 909 equivalent!

 

[superautobacs]

Need info about my locking plier please, because my friend says it "made in japan". But seems i cant found any info on google
Thanks for help

It's no longer listed in their website but it may have once been made by Neturen (Netsuren).

You are exactly right on the obstruction wrench. It can also be used with impact tools. The extension handle is also removeable. The other Merry tool is a small diagonal cutter. It is extremely comfortable to use. Both tools appear to be very fine quality.

180Nm is the maximum they recommend for the YL-2 model like the video below. There's also a 20% reduction in torque output to put into calculation. It would be difficult to control that unless you use an impact with a low-torque working range. The YL-3 model supposedly takes 550Nm which would be more ideal for use with an impact.




<object width="420" height="315"><param name="movie" value="//www.youtube.com/v/7kF6HE7dac4?version=3&hl=en_US&rel=0"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="//www.youtube.com/v/7kF6HE7dac4?version=3&hl=en_US&rel=0" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="420" height="315" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object>

 

[christodav]

Debate me if you will, but as far as I am concerned, these Sunflag screwdrivers are the best screwdrivers available. I love them, I really love them.

 

[superautobacs]

Christodav,

I'm guessing that Sunflag is quite common in Australia?


On a side note...the Sidchromes...I forget that they are part of Stanley...and hence the same handles are used on Mac tools as well.

 

[JonnyMac]

Ive never seen them....

 

[christodav]

Christodav,

I'm guessing that Sunflag is quite common in Australia?


On a side note...the Sidchromes...I forget that they are part of Stanley...and hence the same handles are used on Mac tools as well.

I actually work at a tool retailer in Australia, I lived in Japan for 2 years and I love Japanese tools!

I bought the Sunflag screwdrivers here in Australia. They are not common, but they are distributed through a reasonably well known distributor who deals in many Japanese tools. They also carry vessel and S.E.K. The Sunflags are so comfortable and just work so well.

It's weird, but the only Major Japanese tool brand that you don't see in Australia is KTC. We even have some Super and Ko-ken tools on the shelf at work.

Sidchrome is a very well know brand in Australia and New Zealand. Yes, they are under the Stanley Black and Decker Group along with Dewalt, ABW and of course Stanley and Black and Decker.

I own a few Sidchrome tools - mainly when they are on special and we get a good deal for a sale. My top cab tool chest is a Snap-on and the trolley is a Sidchrome.

I brought a few KTC tools back with me from Japan, mainly sockets and a 3/8 ratchet. I also bought some Denko and Fujiya pliers.

I love this thread!


Chris

 

[superautobacs]

Chris,

Cool!

Could we possibly see some of your purchases, and perhaps some photos of this tool shop along with the Japanese-made merchandise?












I don't think I posted these before:



Keiba pliers (high-grade series with European type handles (the 2-component handles are sourced from a European company, then hand-assembled in Japan)):

Engineer:

 

[superautobacs]

I decided to upload a video to show what the KTC slim LED light is like:

<object width="560" height="315"><param name="movie" value="//www.youtube.com/v/oCd6uyW4n2E?version=3&hl=en_US&rel=0"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="//www.youtube.com/v/oCd6uyW4n2E?version=3&hl=en_US&rel=0" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="560" height="315" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object>



This cordless LED light emits a soft white light that's very uniform in colour temperature and casts the light with a very wide angle, without any unwanted rings/halos. There are no hues of purple or blue light that you typically see on cheaper LED lights. Therefore, it's ideal in areas where proper colour rendition is needed, like under the dash, working with different colours of wires.

It has two output settings to suit different lighting needs and the slim profile gets into tight spots other lights simply can't fit into.




[update] Here's a comparison shot with a Skinny Light (MAC Tools version (Matco also sells them). It has more 12 LED's instead of 8 on the KTC. It has three settings for light intensity. At [high], it's brighter than the KTC, but throws a more commonly seen bluish hue, and because it has a transparent PC lens, the illumination has more glare and the light is less natural looking. The KTC has a frosted lens which helps to cut the glare, creating a soft, natural looking light.

The angle of illumination is equal on both (around 160 total degrees).
Recharge time is the same (2 hours)
Run time is the same at [high] setting (2 hours, IIRC)
Both will run at 100% output all the way until it ultimately shuts down (unit will alert low charge)
LED manufacturer: Skinny Light = Nichia (Japan) / KTC = Nichia as well??
COO as listed on package: KTC = China / Skinny Light = Malaysia

Construction/design:
KTC has a round handle; Skinny Light is flat throughout -- both has its pros and cons.
Skinny Light is constructed more ruggedly and the composite body allows for the unit to bend to a degree.
KTC has a better overall finish, IMO, but seems more fragile from flex.
Skinny Light is water resistant; KTC isn't.

 

[nesw20]

I was over in Japan for work last week and took a couple quick shots of two of the tools we were using.

 

[Blown V2]

Debate me if you will, but as far as I am concerned, these Sunflag screwdrivers are the best screwdrivers available. I love them, I really love them.

I had a set of Sunflag screwdrivers, but I dislike the way the handle runs down the shank of the driver. Not my thing so I traded them in, but the bits themselves are nice.

I have a set of Sunflag Torx Drivers and love them.


Where abouts do you work?
Cheers,
Adam

 

[mrborohachi]

Found this last week...

KTC? like all the Fuller wrenches?

 

[mrborohachi]

Debate me if you will, but as far as I am concerned, these Sunflag screwdrivers are the best screwdrivers available. I love them, I really love them.
]

Amen brother! my father got me one in Taiwan for no more than $4, #2 JIS cross. It's got the best handle profile/material. Makes Wera look like a copycat.

 

[user.nr.1]

My recent order from datsun-kentigo
Tools made in Japan are sold in Mexico and shipped to Germany, welcome to the modern World...

and i got myself a nice retractable cutter
NT cutter A-300GR

 

[marcone]

My recent order from datsun-kentigo
Tools made in Japan are sold in Mexico and shipped to Germany, welcome to the modern World...

Let us know how the nut twister sockets work out for you.

 

[superautobacs]

My second order from Frankstools:



KTC tie rod-end jam-nut wrench

Large surface area for good ergonomics

Ko-ken socketry

 

[superautobacs]

Magnetic sparkplug socket:

got this to compliment my 10mm variant--an 8mm nut setter with nut-grip:

1/2" drive quick-release bit holder for 11mm impact-rated bits:

11mm bits:

 

[senator52]

Picked up some Vessel screwdrivers and Koken 1/4" sockets.

Sent from my HTC_PN071 using Tapatalk

 

[ricleh]

Latest purchase from Frankstools

 

[dede2897234]

ricleh,

Can you please provide some information about the multiple shaft screwdriver on the far right in your picture?


Thanks,

Dave

 

[dede2897234]

My second order from Frankstools:

superautobacs,

What is the purpose of that Ko-ken socket?


Thanks,

Dave

 

[ricleh]

ricleh,

Can you please provide some information about the multiple shaft screwdriver on the far right in your picture?


Thanks,

Dave

The screwdriver is made by Switz+Tool. It was a freebie that Frank included with my order. I believe it is made in Taiwan, but I am not sure. It has six shafts that are contained in the handle and you rotate the top part of the handle to select the driver you want. The shaft slides out of the handle and you then center it in the handle and push it to the rear to lock it in place. This one has 3 phillips tips and 3 flat tips. It is well made and a unique design that I have not seen before.

 

[ricleh]

superautobacs,

What is the purpose of that Ko-ken socket?


Thanks,

Dave

It looks like it might be a twister for removing rounded or damaged nuts or bolts.

 

[mrborohachi]

ricleh what specific tasks are those air guns for?

 

[ricleh]

ricleh what specific tasks are those air guns for?

Nothing specific. I just got them to check them out. They are good quality air guns but don't do anything better than my Typhoon air guns. The smaller guns are also metric threaded for the air fitting so I had to carefully retap them so I could install the style of air fittings that I use. These are the first air tools that I have seen that did not have a 1/4" NPT thread for the air fitting. I contacted Frank to advise him of this problem for buyers not residing in Japan.

 

[Monte]

what is that red thing ?

 

[Crown Imperial]

The first picture contains a set of differential and transfer case drain plug sockets in the metal box. On the far right is a door hinge tool with various drivers. There are 2 metal spoons for bicycle tires and a KTC hubcap removal tool. KTC pliers and cutters, Koken socket adapter kit, 3Peaks needle nose and angled needle nose pliers (blue handles), several different Anex ratcheting bit drivers and assorted sockets and bits. Various drum brake adjusters, Koken 3/8 and 1/4 socket drivers with wobble ends (gray handles), 2 Phillips and 1 flat T-handle drivers and several Koken 1/4 extensions. The ratchets are 1/4 and 3/8 Koken Zeal. There is also a Koken flexible shaft driver, a Koken window molding tool, and an Asahi mini wrench set.

The second picture shows a master blind hole bearing puller set and a set of KTC stainless parts trays.

I have purchased a whole lot more stuff from Frankstools in the last few months. Most of it had to be special ordered since it was not listed on his website. A lot if it is over at my Dad's house where I am doing a lot of work prior to selling the house. It is spread over a couple Hazet tool trolleys and 5 Veto toolbags. I think I bought about 20 Koken extensions in 1/4, 3/8 and 1/2 from 25mm to 1200mm length. I also got some Koken Zeal ratchets and sockets and some Nepros ratchets along with a bunch of prybars and other stuff. I'll try to get some more pics when I have it all back home.

You seem to have a wide collection of ratchets from all countries.
Which one do you like best. Both 1/4 and 3/8.?
In other words, which one do you use the most?

Something different...

3 Peaks Alutool pliers:

Model: AN-190 - made from duralumin

cutters made from CroMo
jointed by a metal bearing

HRC 55~62 - cuts 1.9mm steel; 2.6mm copper

These are full of awesome sauce. Can Level Chrome or Frankstools source these?

what is that red thing ?

+1

 

[ricleh]

You seem to have a wide collection of ratchets from all countries.
Which one do you like best. Both 1/4 and 3/8.?
In other words, which one do you use the most?

My most used ratchets are Snapon and Nepros although I use all of them at times. Koken Zeal are also very good.

 

[ricleh]

what is that red thing ?

It is a very high volume air blower. It is great for drying things quickly. I have no idea how it works though. It looks sort of like the Dyson air multiplier.

 

[superautobacs]

It looks like it might be a twister for removing rounded or damaged nuts or bolts.

For wheel lock bolts/nuts:

These are full of awesome sauce. Can Level Chrome or Frankstools source these?

Probably, yes.

 

[Crown Imperial]

They are about $80.
May be some day.

 

[928'er]

Although I have an untrained eye and lack of knowledge on knives, I'd have to say your assortment looks like top-tier items!

Do you happen to be a chef by trade?

Thank you for sharing the interesting facts on Murray Carter's training--that's pretty cool!

Sorry for not replying sooner - I hadn't looked at this tread for a while...

No, not a chef, just a home cook who appreciates a good sharp knife.

I had been a Wusthof devotee for many years and my introduction to Japanese knives was a three piece set of Shun single bevel knives I bought online on a whim. I was amazed at the "out-of-the-box" edge - far sharper than anything I'd known before. Started asking some questions on kitchen knife forums and got laughed at when I mentioned that I'd bought a 180mm (I think) yanagiba. A short yanagiba (sashimi slicing knife) is pretty much useless. A "proper" yanagiba blade is often 270 - 300mm.

After educating myself, I sold the Shun set on ebay and started picking up individual knives - usually used as other aficionados were "thinning the herd" to raise funds for a new purchase. Most of my collection is indeed top-shelf, if not top-tier - you can spend crazy money on Japanese or Japanese style knives!

I think the only knife in my collection that I purchased new was the Shun Kramer parer. I rarely use a parer, but I figured the Shun was as close to a "real" Kramer as I was likely to ever come - so, I justified owning it.

http://www.kitchenknifeforums.com/showthread.php/1746-Kramer-Auction-June-2011

 

[Crown Imperial]

51K for a kitchen knife. And that KB really wasn't that pretty IMO.
Seeing the cost of that knife makes me feel a bit better about the money I spend on tools.
Thank god I am not a knife collector.