Tools of Japan

[mrborohachi]

I found these Japanese semi robo-grips about two weeks ago for $1

View media item 41588you fully open them up and the pawl unlocks, slide the jaws fully open, then go to your nut/bolt and push up on the lower handle and it clicks to the desired jaw width

View media item 41586View media item 41585I love the design as it doesn't want to spring open all the time like Robogrips

 

[928'er]

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.

To be fair, that was for two knives plus a cutting board - but still completely insane - and that auction was 3 years ago....

 

[cosmik binturong]

this little reddish screwie followed me home from a bin where i dumped some rotten plywood:

the Stahlwille PH1 is there 'cause i had used it a few minutes before to unscrew the soon to be binned old plywood panels...

sorry, japanese text is shown aussie-style in the frist pic...

here it is in a more Northern Hemisphere-correct position(still SFW though, albeit with his? her? hole showin' ):

yes, it does indeed say "Makita" on the handle!

(and 10000V on the other side but i won't test it, no way! )

 

[christodav]

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

Adam, Total Tools Braeside.

Chris

 

[superautobacs]

To be fair, that was for two knives plus a cutting board - but still completely insane - and that auction was 3 years ago....

Crazy!
I guess anything with his name sells for a pretty price.

sorry, japanese text is shown aussie-style in the frist pic...

They probably read it "takima" down there.

I found these Japanese semi robo-grips about two weeks ago for $1

View media item 41588

I think the OEM is Lobster:

 

[cosmik binturong]

(not much to contribute right now except maybe a good laugh and that i love penguins )



(well, not in some kind of biblical sense, i'm not a kiwi, eh! )




(or is that a wiki down there? )




(gotta get lamb-***-ted for these methinks... )

 

[JDSV]

Well I ended up not going back to Okinawa last month. My wife stayed in Japan and just returned on the 4th. She brought back the Koken Zeal 3/8 Deep Socket set I bought from Factory Gear. They look great and I couldn't be happier.

I also asked her to check out some places to find a 10MM Anex Nut Driver. Turns out Astro Products can order out from Anex, with either the Anex markings or the Astro markings. I opted for the OEM markings. It is a very hefty nut driver and I am really happy with that aspect. The handle is a dual material handle; the red is hard plastic while the grey is a rubberized material. The only issue I have with it is the broaching is not what I hoped. Half the driver has broaching the other half does not. Hopefully the photos show that clearly. While it may or may not affect how the tools functions, I was hoping for a well machined tool, broaching or no broaching. I am going to see what my options for warranty are with Astro and if no luck I'll try to contact Anex and see what happens from there.

Now the broaching on the Koken is impeccable; I am extremely happy with all my Koken products thus far.

 

[superautobacs]

Well I ended up not going back to Okinawa last month. My wife stayed in Japan and just returned on the 4th. She brought back the Koken Zeal 3/8 Deep Socket set I bought from Factory Gear. They look great and I couldn't be happier.

I also asked her to check out some places to find a 10MM Anex Nut Driver. Turns out Astro Products can order out from Anex, with either the Anex markings or the Astro markings. I opted for the OEM markings. It is a very hefty nut driver and I am really happy with that aspect. The handle is a dual material handle; the red is hard plastic while the grey is a rubberized material. The only issue I have with it is the broaching is not what I hoped. Half the driver has broaching the other half does not. Hopefully the photos show that clearly. While it may or may not affect how the tools functions, I was hoping for a well machined tool, broaching or no broaching. I am going to see what my options for warranty are with Astro and if no luck I'll try to contact Anex and see what happens from there.

Now the broaching on the Koken is impeccable; I am extremely happy with all my Koken products thus far.

I actually wouldn't mind that at all. Just like how I prefer sockets that don't have the hex formed 3/4 of the way down.

The picture is out of focus, but it appears like the hex forming/machining(?) isn't very clean.

 

[JDSV]

I actually wouldn't mind that at all. Just like how I prefer sockets that don't have the hex formed 3/4 of the way down.

The picture is out of focus, but it appears like the hex forming/machining(?) isn't very clean.

Agreed. It looks like it was suppose to have it, but it only goes half way around. The machining is very rough, and would of preferred if they decided to either follow through with the broach or not have it at all. If the warranty attempts don't lead me anywhere or if I have to ship it back, I'll probably just hold on to it and use until it wears out. I'm complaining more on aesthetics than I am functionality, I'm sure it will work just fine.

 

[Crown Imperial]

Are there any soft shell tool bags made by Japanese hand tool makers? Would be nice if there was a 22" brand name nylon bag or so.
What's common in Japan for carrying tools? Metal tool boxes or other?

 

[espyking83]

Anyone have a Koken 3/8" or 1/4" speed handle?

 

[superautobacs]

Agreed. It looks like it was suppose to have it, but it only goes half way around. The machining is very rough, and would of preferred if they decided to either follow through with the broach or not have it at all. If the warranty attempts don't lead me anywhere or if I have to ship it back, I'll probably just hold on to it and use until it wears out. I'm complaining more on aesthetics than I am functionality, I'm sure it will work just fine.

You got me there....
Can you take a better picture that's not blurry?

Are there any soft shell tool bags made by Japanese hand tool makers? Would be nice if there was a 22" brand name nylon bag or so.
What's common in Japan for carrying tools? Metal tool boxes or other?

Ring Star has been around for a while. They aren't a hand tool maker, but they make a lot of metal boxes, plastic containers/organizers, and some textile bags. They've been making metal toolboxes since 1963.


They don't have anything really fancy to wet your mouth, but here's some examples:

This one is 22" long: LINK

Not as long: LINK

This MB-3 model is 19.5" long: LINK

There's also Marvel. I'm not sure if they make them or not, and I don't think I've seen this design from China/Taiwan. Someone correct me if I'm wrong.

LINK

Anyone have a Koken 3/8" or 1/4" speed handle?

Not a speed handle, but I do have a 3/8" drive T-handle that's pretty nifty.

 

[Crown Imperial]

Oh. Thanks.
I like the MDP-724. Looks solid.

 

[franzdom]

...
Not a speed handle, but I do have a 3/8" drive T-handle that's pretty nifty.

Is that one tool in 2 different configurations, or what P/N are we looking at?
They do look really cool!

 

[escuchopeliculas]

Hi all,

I've read both here and in the Koken thread about some of you guys buying Japanese tools from Mexico. Google isn't helping...

Would one of you mind sharing the distributor name or where you're ordering from?

Thanks a bunch

-A

 

[ricleh]

Hi all,

I've read both here and in the Koken thread about some of you guys buying Japanese tools from Mexico. Google isn't helping...

Would one of you mind sharing the distributor name or where you're ordering from?

Thanks a bunch

-A

Use advanced search in ebay and search for seller "datsun-kentigo".

 

[mrborohachi]

Use advanced search in ebay and search for seller "datsun-kentigo".

I've personally ordered from him. If you compare his prices to Japan Rakuten he's a deal. Unfortunately his stock is dwindled down with all the mentions of him here on GJ. He's the single largest seller of Ko-Ken on Ebay. I would love to hear his story on how he got into importing/distributing Ko-Ken and KTC tools in central Mexico

 

[ttpete]

Here's a unique KoKen set: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B004IKS32K/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[cosmik binturong]

I've personally ordered from him. If you compare his prices to Japan Rakuten he's a deal. Unfortunately his stock is dwindled down with all the mentions of him here on GJ. He's the single largest seller of Ko-Ken on Ebay. I would love to hear his story on how he got into importing/distributing Ko-Ken and KTC tools in central Mexico

short version of our experiences with dantsun-kentigo is grab what you can from his stock before it's gone. you won't regret it.

best prices ever on NOS Ko-ken(and some KTC too), great packing, fast shipping and a very nice guy to be dealing with online.

 

[JDSV]

You got me there....
Can you take a better picture that's not blurry?

Hopefully these are better. I can not do any better zoomed in that close to catch the fine details with my camera.

In the first pic the really bright/light areas are the broaching. The flash is making it bright, if I do not use flash you can not see down into the driver very well.

In the second pic the bright/light areas are very small (compared to the first pic) and not even present on the flats of the hex. Whereas in the first pic there is a very fine line of broaching present on the flats of the hex. I hope that makes sense?

 

[Coolguy83]

http://ep.yimg.com/ay/yhst-128669497614690/ktc-gasket-scraper-long-kz3l-18-2.jpg

Do any of you guys own this ?

 

[michael murder]

Here is a Toyo toolbox and Koken screwdriver I recently bought.

I'm very pleased with the construction of this box!

The screwdriver feels sturdy and well-made also.

 

[Crown Imperial]

Nice looking tool box. Me likeey.
White tool roll is nice too but high maintenance as far as keeping it clean. Only black tool rolls for me.

 

[superautobacs]

Is that one tool in 2 different configurations, or what P/N are we looking at?
They do look really cool!

They are two different models.

One is a 1/2" free-turn cross wrench (4711X)
The other is a 3/8" T-handle/extension with free-turn handle (3715SLK)

Hopefully these are better. I can not do any better zoomed in that close to catch the fine details with my camera.

In the first pic the really bright/light areas are the broaching. The flash is making it bright, if I do not use flash you can not see down into the driver very well.

In the second pic the bright/light areas are very small (compared to the first pic) and not even present on the flats of the hex. Whereas in the first pic there is a very fine line of broaching present on the flats of the hex. I hope that makes sense?

Thanks for the photos.

It does look like the hex was created by rotary broaching (not commonly done in the hand tool business IFAIK); not by cold forming.

To me, the likely explanation is that the broaching was set off-center in relation to the pre-drilled hole. So, it would be an operator error.

Like you said though, it wouldn't affect the function of the tool.

http://ep.yimg.com/ay/yhst-128669497614690/ktc-gasket-scraper-long-kz3l-18-2.jpg

Do any of you guys own this ?

I think member Richleh does?
I do have their ceramic scraper though:

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showpost.php?p=2026366&postcount=273





Michael Murder,

Nice hip roof box. The colour great too.

 

[Coolguy83]

Excellent thanks for the info.

 

[michael murder]

White tool roll is nice too but high maintenance as far as keeping it clean. Only black tool rolls for me.

I agree, but it came with the wrench set, so it'll just have to get nice and dirty.

 

[Monte]

cool tool box !!!

 

[Crown Imperial]

My modest orders.

Nepros Mirror 5GQ (Excuse my mango and bulgogi sauce (I love that ****)).










And some small stuff from Frankstools.
The Koken magnetic socket rails are probably the highest quality rails I have ever seen. Super badass and not too expensive.

 

[superautobacs]

Crown Imperial,

I use that same metal unit on my cart to hang tools.

The thing I don't like about it is the spacing between the holes..can't use standard pegboard hooks.

 

[Crown Imperial]

Not sure we have the same one.
Mine is standard size. Standard pegboard hooks is what you see in the pics.
The board is from here:

http://www.mygaragestore.com/detail.aspx?ID=1368

And the hooks I buy at the Home Depot.

 

[cosmik binturong]

the fine folks at Mutsuura have informed me that they won't ship SAL no more to France...

so 'am looking for a well placed price-wise japanese seller that will either ship SAL or accept to send stuff with Rakuten' small packet service pricing(or less, eh! ).

i'm on a small binge in some sense, lot's of change coming tool-wise: slim down on 1/2" stuff and bigger, more small hammers and pliers coming in and a renewed emphasis on -japanese of course- quarter inchies rats and socketry(zem Z-eal ztuff iz purty-purty! ).

 

[Van Steele]

KTC magnetic bowls and caliper rewind set along with Ko-ken 3/8" drive short bolt twister set.

 

[cosmik binturong]

KTC magnetic bowls and caliper rewind set along with Ko-ken 3/8" drive short bolt twister set.

another satisfying order fulfilled by datsun-kentigo?

good job, we're reducing the trade balance with Mexico everyday!


now, where did you find the KTC bowls?

 

[Van Steele]

another satisfying order fulfilled by datsun-kentigo?

good job, we're reducing the trade balance with Mexico everyday!


now, where did uyou find the KTC bowls?

yep, although he seems to be running low on crac ...errr tools. Good job my next order is on it's way already.

Got the bowls from Webike.

btw, have you tried Monju on Rakuten, they have the small packet service option.

 

[cosmik binturong]

Vielen Dank

am, mmmm, gonna hit Monju for some more now...

 

[cosmik binturong]

oh noes... no Ko-ken Z-eal stuff nor Top RM-14x15L at Monju's global shop.


i now feel new tool withdrawal syndrome...

 

[silVINNYa]

My second order from Frankstools:



KTC tie rod-end jam-nut wrench

How do you like your tie rod-end jam nut wrench so far? I have one for myself but want to know some opinions on this tool before I give mines.

 

[Van Steele]

KTC camshaft pulley locking tool

 

[michael murder]

I wasn't sure where the heck else I should post this, but figured it might get some appreciation here.

Please don't boot me for being off topic.

I was at a market here (South Korea) and saw what I thought were a set of Ko-ken magnet sockets. They were decently priced so I picked them up. I must not have eyeballed them too closely because when I got them home I did a double take and realized they were a brand called Hexa. I did a little research and found they were a Taiwan company.

Does anyone know if Ko-ken and Hexa have anything to do with each other. Are they like a Tawain subsidiary company like Bluepoint is to Snap-on? Their logos are extremely similar, like copyright infringing similar. Are they Ko-ken knock-offs?

Sorry if this GIF causes anyone a seizure but I thought it was the best way to compare the logos.

Seems like they copied a lot of the logo design lines.

 

[Crown Imperial]

The English on their web site is so bad, I'd be surprised if they were in any way associated with Koken.
Probably just a knock off.
The sockets are pretty though.