Tools of Japan

[superautobacs]

Thank you, that's good to know. I prefer vinyl handles myself over any of those bulky comfort/ergo abominations.

Lots of nice tools you've gotten there.

@ tagging them as "abominations"

My opinion....for the smaller length pliers, or pliers that are used like an extension or companion to your hand/fingers, I prefer the standard grips since it provides greater manual dexterity and feel. Operating those bulky comfort grips is clumsy and cumbersome.

But depending on the particular use, especially the larger/longer pliers, I can see where the comfort grips can provide user comfort. ...but I think it's more for applications where repetitive, hard use is the norm.






These are the last remaining pictures to share...

ANEX magnet for 1/4" bits

<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/ccassan/15542260709" title="J2014 Anex Magnet. by autobacs, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7535/15542260709_9ebe71fa31_o.jpg" width="1200" height="900" alt="J2014 Anex Magnet."></a>


<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/ccassan/15108193454" title="J2014 Anex Magnet by autobacs, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7461/15108193454_1b8180ec45_o.jpg" width="1200" height="1237" alt="J2014 Anex Magnet"></a>


Some freebies I got.

Glass/screen cleaning cloth:

<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/ccassan/15600107077" title="J2014 KTC Fan Club by autobacs, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8397/15600107077_b5fb0ef0c2_o.jpg" width="1200" height="900" alt="J2014 KTC Fan Club"></a>



cotton gloves with rubberized grips:

<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/ccassan/15761581266" title="J2014 KTC Glove. by autobacs, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7552/15761581266_9a8cb87d10_o.jpg" width="1200" height="1453" alt="J2014 KTC Glove."></a>


good quality Nepros paper bag:

<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/ccassan/15600087217" title="J2014 Nepros Bag by autobacs, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7538/15600087217_3b272f591f_o.jpg" width="1200" height="900" alt="J2014 Nepros Bag"></a>

 

[NathanB]

Superautobacs, Do you have an ideas on this by chance?

http://www.muromoto-online.jp/index.php/view/HZP40/
Can anyone help me find a Merry HZP40? I already tried frank and level chrome

 

[mercucho]

Anex compact bits and ratchet:

Comparison with Hazet and Wera:

 

[espyking83]

Those little Anex bit ratchets are great, havent used my Blue Points since mine arrived a couple months ago. Cant beat the price.

 

[superautobacs]

Superautobacs, Do you have an ideas on this by chance?

Merry makes some unique/innovative tools, but their weak point is their poor marketing, even in Japan. They have their own online store, but I can see that they don't have an English site.

My suggestion would be to go on Rakuten and contact a seller. I did a quick search and found this seller: Tokusan-hin.






Mercucho,

Thanks for the comparison shots.

 

[Crown Imperial]

My suggestion would be to go on Rakuten and contact a seller. I did a quick search and found this seller: Tokusan-hin.

Not sure if serious.
Lol @ Snap Ring Pliers.

MERRY Merry guest this iron snaplingpriya HC 175B-190 02P01Nov14

 

[superautobacs]

Not sure if serious.
Lol @ Snap Ring Pliers.

The translation....if you can even call it that! .....is absurd. I've never dealt with global rakuten shopping. I hope the sellers can communicate with a decent level of English??

 

[cosmik binturong]

The translation....if you can even call it that! .....is absurd. I've never dealt with global rakuten shopping. I hope the sellers can communicate with a decent level of English??

out of the three different sellers we ordered from there wasn't any problem with their english skills(well, unless you count a couple engrish words thrown in as a real problem). got way worse english from american sellers though.

 

[Luis Arturo]

Stilson wrench MCC brand

 

[Frankstools]

Tool of the Day. EIGHT T-Handle Hex Wrench

 

[garthg]

So, I made it to the Factory Gear store in Tokyo, Japan. For those who want to know, it's about four blocks east of the Suehirocho station on the Ginza line.

It's a relatively small store, by US standards and of course, like all things in Japan, is very neatly arranged and beautifully displayed. The prices were kind of high. The employees spoke almost no English, but we managed to communicate. They were pushing their "Deen" house line of tools, which looked to me like made-in-China copies of Snap On, although they insisted they were Made In Japan.

I only picked up two items: a beautifully made 1/2" wobble extension by Koken, and a cute key-ring with a 1/4" T-slider attached, by the same maker. There was also a key-ring with a 1/4" ratchet attached, but I thought it was too heavy to actually use as a key ring.

The visit to Factory Gear got me into the Taito neighborhood, and I ended up walking all the way to the Kappa Bashi and Asakusa areas, both of which are of great sight-seeing interest.

Tokyo is a fantastic place to visit, and an easy place to get around by public transport.
https://scontent-b-lga.**.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpf1/v/t1.0-9/1456750_10205384213833109_2702021422030520336_n.jpg?oh=472d2ba460c4420e79b022acd070da80&oe=5514AFAD

 

[Frankstools]

Tool of the Day. Kuken KW1600SProN2 Extended Shaft version

 

[Crown Imperial]

<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/ccassan/15728179575" title="J2014 Nepros by autobacs, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3944/15728179575_e1df6c0f93_b.jpg" width="1024" height="768" alt="J2014 Nepros"></a>

I only have a few Nepros tools and somewhat take issue with their 12 points. I think the flanks have too wide of an angle and aren't deep/tall enough (depending on how you look at them) . It's fairly noticeable on the pic above. I already stripped a couple of hex bolt heads with their 8mm deep well.
Flawless fit and finish at any rate.

 

[classicJackets]

Anex compact bits and ratchet

Where did you get this from? Looks awesome.

 

[Frankstools]

Tool of the Day, EIGHT Excellent Series Hex Key Set, TLC-S9N

 

[Frankstools]

Tool of the day, EIGHT Cross Hex Key

 

[Frankstools]

Tool of the day, Tsunoda Hard Wire Cutter

 

[mercucho]

Where did you get this from? Looks awesome.

The supplier is Rakuten.

 

[SantaAna12]

Hello, yes there is warranty coverage on Koken. But they do not break when used professionally.

I am surprised you would say that. Takes the wind out of your pics amigo.
Just saying.

 

[espyking83]

Isnt there a rule against sellers spamming the board with this tool of the day ********? We know where your website is, Frank.

 

[espyking83]

The supplier is Rakuten.

Rakuten is solid, they still have the points system?

 

[Frankstools]

Tool of the Day, Eight Hex Key Set, SAE

 

[Crown Imperial]

Isnt there a rule against sellers spamming the board with this tool of the day ********? We know where your website is, Frank.

This thread was created by Frank.
He has been doing the tool of the day posts for a few years now.

 

[LuckyEddie]

Frank,
The Asahi Lightool open end wrenches that I ordered arrived today. Very nice, I like them alot. Is there a combination set available too? (Preferably with an "on sale" price)
Keep up the good work, we are very fortunate to have a source to obtain such nice items that you offer!

 

[NathanB]

Rakuten is solid, they still have the points system?

http://global.rakuten.com/en/event/point/?scid=me_ich_pcn_20141130-en-main

 

[mercucho]

Rakuten is solid, they still have the points system?

Yes, I do.

 

[mrborohachi]

Recent purchase from Frankstools

how you liking those Japanese car radiator hose clamp pliers? I've seen the Astro ones but they are just too damn bulky and i don't care about having a lock feature. Yours look perfect for quick sliding of rad hoses on Toyotas

 

[ricleh]

how you liking those Japanese car radiator hose clamp pliers? I've seen the Astro ones but they are just too damn bulky and i don't care about having a lock feature. Yours look perfect for quick sliding of rad hoses on Toyotas

It works great on Toyota hose clamps and many others.

 

[christodav]

I own those KTC hose clamp pliers too! They are FANTASTIC!

Chris

 

[Qualitytools]

I ordered the KTC composite pry-bar kit. Needing some soft scrapers too, ones that have a handle and last for A/C aluminum, maybe a composite body spoon if they make them.


I swear, I go out on a limb and try to support Frank and his small business but it ends up coming back to bite me every time. I expect shipment within 3 days of purchase. Not delivery--shipment. 7-10 days turns out to be 2+ weeks.

I am experiencing the same thing, placed my first order from him on 11/26 and have yet to receive it and I live in the same state.

 

[Ms6peters]

I ordered a mix of products from Franks Tools on 11-24, and received 12/4, via USPS. No issues.

 

[SawtoothJL]

Check to see if he has what you want in Stock before you order, otherwise you'll be waiting a few weeks for delivery. It's happened to me both times I ordered from frank, and he let me know the items had to ship to him before shipping to me. In the end frank is still a good guy, but I have a hard time placing orders with him anymore.

 

[Qualitytools]

I have only stated my experience with shipping time and I can't say anything bad about the guy. Beyond the fact that indeed this is my very first order with Frank and it is only one piece! I don't recall that the item was out of stock either but it is the holiday season and things are busy.
Just sharing my experience
Thanks for reading and listening!!

 

[Van Steele]

KTC nippers and Shell pliers

 

[nowlan]

My first order from Rakuten (Daito tools). 5 sets of pliers/cutters for electronics work.

• Top round nose & duck bill plier
• 3 peak sm-01 cutter
• keiba cutter & fc-306 plier

Thu 11 dec - order made + order acknowledged
Fri 12 dec - shipping quote. + confirm
Mon 15 dec - item posted in japan via ems
Fri 19 dec - item recived in australia

I am impressed with shipping speed mon->fri (jp to aus) $12
I am a little disappointed it took over 24 hours to confirm postage etc. Could have been posted last friday.

The TOP branded pliers appear to be the same as these Sidchrome I used in school.
6 Piece Electronic Mini Plier Set. Despite being listed on website, no longer for sale.

Havent inspected the quality as yet. Just unboxed.

 

[Qualitytools]

I have only stated my experience with shipping time and I can't say anything bad about the guy. Beyond the fact that indeed this is my very first order with Frank and it is only one piece! I don't recall that the item was out of stock either but it is the holiday season and things are busy.
Just sharing my experience
Thanks for reading and listening!!

I heard back from Frank at Frankstools and he indicated that he is in Japan traveling and that he would resend my order because it's probably lost.

 

[superautobacs]

...

The TOP branded pliers appear to be the same as these Sidchrome I used in school.
6 Piece Electronic Mini Plier Set. Despite being listed on website, no longer for sale.

Havent inspected the quality as yet. Just unboxed.

Any COO on the product card?

 

[nowlan]

The Top pliers have made in japan on rear card.

I assume they are oem for the discontinued sidchromes.

 

[mercucho]

Newcomer from Japan: long ratchet Tone RH41L (45 cm)

 

[Kaane]

Very nice!