Tools of Japan

[Jarhead0408]

Thanks man!

 

[superautobacs]

Does any Japanese company make a screwdriver set with the new smaller screwdriver bits like this Wiha system 4
http://www.wihatools.com/700seri/759_microsets.htm

Nothing as comprehensive as Wiha's offering. ...not even remotely.

...unless of course you're only looking for a few select sizes like:


Engineer Part # DK-13

http://www.engineer.jp/products/driver/dv06/item_04/dk-13

Just like the System 4, the shaft/shank is 4mm (instead of 6.35mm/1/4"). The length is adjustable from anywhere between 18 - 90mm. It only has Phillips and flat head. It has a cushion grip and free-turn cap.



There's also Anex Part # 3600 to 3602:

http://www.anextool.co.jp/files/3600-3602.pdf


Also features 4mm shank, cushion grip and free-turn cap.

I just purchased a couple of screw drivers from my local Sears store that reminded me of post #1127. I picked up one slotted and one Philips with interchangeable blades and what do you know they are made in Japan. Can't wait to test them out!

I was pleasantly surprised when I learned that Sears was selling Vessel tools.

Vessel introduced this interchangeable/reversible bit series in August, 2013. : http://www.vessel.co.jp/info/html/2013/08/prokon-driver.html


A Pozidrive #2 and #3 bit is also available too.

 

[The Toolest Guy]

Some items that arrived today.

Ko-ken 3/8" Impacts 9mm-19mm. I also have a Ko-ken 3/8" 8mm Impact socket but that did not come in this set.
Also pictured is a Ko-ken 1/4" extension set. Lengths include: 28mm, 50mm, 100mm, 150mm, 200mm, and 250mm. They feature a patented knurled base designed to ease spinning of the extension by hand for quicker running of the bolts/nuts.

I also bought some Aluminum sockets.

 

[tank4114]

@toolestguy who did you purchase those from?

 

[The Toolest Guy]

LevelChrome because they had them on special. First order from them.
Aluminum sockets on sale for only USD17 and 1/4 extension set for USD48. Cheapest price I could find anywhere.
http://www.levelchrome.com/KO-KEN-SPECIAL-SALE_c_46.html

 

[RXtacy]

LevelChrome because they had them on special. First order from them.
Aluminum sockets on sale for only USD17 and 1/4 extension set for USD48. Cheapest price I could find anywhere.
http://www.levelchrome.com/KO-KEN-SPECIAL-SALE_c_46.html

Really wish they had the wobble/fixed extensions on sale. I would be all over those!

 

[Qualitytools]

Nothing as comprehensive as Wiha's offering. ...not even remotely.

...unless of course you're only looking for a few select sizes like:


Engineer Part # DK-13

http://www.engineer.jp/products/driver/dv06/item_04/dk-13

Just like the System 4, the shaft/shank is 4mm (instead of 6.35mm/1/4"). The length is adjustable from anywhere between 18 - 90mm. It only has Phillips and flat head. It has a cushion grip and free-turn cap.



There's also Anex Part # 3600 to 3602:

http://www.anextool.co.jp/files/3600-3602.pdf


Also features 4mm shank, cushion grip and free-turn cap.












I was pleasantly surprised when I learned that Sears was selling Vessel tools.

Although if you notice the ones I purchased at Sears have a different shank on them compared to the ones you posted. The shank on the Sears ones does not have the reduced diameter before the actual head of the tool.

 

[superautobacs]

Although if you notice the ones I purchased at Sears have a different shank on them compared to the ones you posted. The shank on the Sears ones does not have the reduced diameter before the actual head of the tool.

Yeah, you're right. I missed that detail.

Those shanks serve dual purposes as it can easily be used with power tools by chucking it to anything accepts 1/4 chucks. That's for the Asian market though, as the North American chucks are not machined deep enough to allow the ball in the chuck to secure it in the 'locked' position.

 

[superautobacs]

3-Peaks "Dia" pliers which I've been using for several years now. They've made my life easier by making it easier to pull screws and nails from tires.

The locking pliers version allows you to concentrate your efforts on actually doing the pull/twisting task without having to worry about losing gripping strength.

 

[superautobacs]

For when clearance is an issue, here's their conventional "dia" pliers:

like the pattern of a katana handle :

 

[Qualitytools]

3-Peaks "Dia" pliers which I've been using for several years now. They've made my life easier by making it easier to pull screws and nails from tires.

The locking pliers version allows you to concentrate your efforts on actually doing the pull/twisting task without having to worry about losing gripping strength.

Nice! Thanks for sharing I like how the tip is shaped, are those available in the US? I tried Googling the make but all I saw are regular pliers and needle nose.

 

[superautobacs]

Nice! Thanks for sharing I like how the tip is shaped, are those available in the US? I tried Googling the make but all I saw are regular pliers and needle nose.

I bought them from Webike.net back in 2009. I just did a quick google search with the part # and i-tools on rakuten was the first hit: http://global.rakuten.com/en/store/i-tools/item/618702/

The product price is not bad at all, but the shipping cost is more.
Frankstools carries 3-peaks. Inquire with them to see if they can source the DS-130? Shipping should be cheaper from them.


BTW, I found some pictures I once posted in some other threads:

This tool supposedly made the company well known. It sure beats the cheap band strap thingamajigs.

 

[Qualitytools]

I bought them from Webike.net back in 2009. I just did a quick google search with the part # and i-tools on rakuten was the first hit: http://global.rakuten.com/en/store/i-tools/item/618702/

The product price is not bad at all, but the shipping cost is more.
Frankstools carries 3-peaks. Inquire with them to see if they can source the DS-130? Shipping should be cheaper from them.


BTW, I found some pictures I once posted in some other threads:

This tool supposedly made the company well known. It sure beats the cheap band strap thingamajigs.

Thank You for the information and taking the time to look it up, I will check it out.

 

[Frankstools]

Merry Tool Compound Cutters

 

[dede2897234]

Frankstools,

Would you mind posting a close up picture of the following:

- Merry Carbide Tip Diagonal Cutters, CT305-8?


Thanks,


Dave

 

[Frankstools]

Dave, I can do later today.

Frankstools,

Would you mind posting a close up picture of the following:

- Merry Carbide Tip Diagonal Cutters, CT305-8?


Thanks,


Dave

 

[Frankstools]

Frankstools,

Would you mind posting a close up picture of the following:

- Merry Carbide Tip Diagonal Cutters, CT305-8?


Thanks,


Dave

Here you go.

 

[ER70S-2]

Does anyone know anything about this set? I acquired it used around 10-20 years ago. I wonder if the manufacturer's name was on the corner of the label that was cut off...

 

[tupms1018]

New Koken Zeal catalogue is up with semi deeps in 1/4" and 3/8" and the new 1/2" drive tools. No english version yet, but...

http://www.koken-tool.co.jp/imgs/panflets/KOKEN201508_ZEAL4.pdf

 

[General Geoff]

1/2" zeal stuff, awesome!

 

[BK13]

Yep, I may have to actually get off my lazy backside and spend some money....

 

[mercucho]

Ko-ken Attack Driver AG112A (1/2").

 

[Van Steele]

Man that handle on the tone ratchet sure looks very similar to that found on the new Blackhawk pear head ratchets. I think there might be a connection

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B005YSZST6/?tag=atomicindus08-20

That is indeed more than just a mere resemblance.

Tone was one of the early adopters of high tooth-count ratchets in Japan. When they introduced their 72-tooth pearhead ratchets people were led to believe they were a Japanese product, when in fact they were imports from Taiwan.

If the RH3FHX is marked with "Japan", it's a bit deceptive and misleading.

Their new lineup is still imported from Taiwan. Newtools/Hi-Five is definitely one of their sources (probably their primary source).

It is indeed rather misleading, had it not been for these boards I'd be none the wiser.
If it means anything, I've noticed only the flex-head ratchets and knuckle bars are marked Japan.



I'm really liking these KTC oil filter wrenches.

 

[The Toolest Guy]

Really wish they had the wobble/fixed extensions on sale. I would be all over those!

They do right now 23/08.
http://www.levelchrome.com/Koken-PK27636-14-Drive-Wobble-Ext-Set_p_43.html

 

[Negen]

http://global.rakuten.com/en/store/i-tools/item/4991644219339/

$73 here. iTools is where I have bought all my koken tools I have had success with each order and delivery to USA within 1 weeks time frame.

 

[RXtacy]

Got a new arrival. 3/8" Zeal sockets and Nepros 3/8" long ratchet.

 

[dede2897234]

Got a new arrival. 3/8" Zeal sockets and Nepros 3/8" long ratchet.

RXtacy,

Congrat on the new arrivals!

Which internet stores did you purchase both items? If you don't mind, how much was the Nepros ratchet?

Do you own another set of low profile 3/8" drive sockets? If yes, would you mind taking comparison shots of a few sockets from that other set with the corresponding sockets sizes from the Ko-ken Zeal set?


Thanks,

Dave

 

[RXtacy]

RXtacy,

Congrat on the new arrivals!

Which internet stores did you purchase both items? If you don't mind, how much was the Nepros ratchet?

Do you own another set of low profile 3/8" drive sockets? If yes, would you mind taking comparison shots of a few sockets from that other set with the corresponding sockets sizes from the Ko-ken Zeal set?

Thanks,

Dave

Thanks Dave! I got both from Mutsuura on Rakuten. The NBR390L was $107 + shipping.

The process was much quicker through i-Tools but they don't carry the Nepros line.

I don't have another set of specific low profile sockets. I have standard craftsman and gearwrench sockets if you want that comparison.

 

[dede2897234]

Thanks Dave! I got both from Mutsuura on Rakuten. The NBR390L was $107 + shipping.

The process was much quicker through i-Tools but they don't carry the Nepros line.

I don't have another set of specific low profile sockets. I have standard craftsman and gearwrench sockets if you want that comparison.

RXtacy,

Thanks for sharing your source for the Nepros ratchet. I think Mutsuura has the cheapest price for the NBR390L (compared to Frankstools and Nepros.net).

Thanks for offering to do a picture comparison between the 3/8" Ko-ken Zeal sockets and Gearwrench. I do not think it would be necessary. It would just put the Apex brand to shame due to competing in different leagues!


Dave

 

[eurocycle01]

Received Koken breaker bar(600 mm long) and 1/4" ratchet(160 mm long) from Levelchrome.
Very easy to deal with and both items received in a few days from Japan.
Pics

 

[Frankstools]

New Item, Merry Compound Action Nippers

 

[Skin]

Frank, any word on the new Nepros ratchets? Saw a release pdf back at the start of the year but the ratchets seem nearly non-existent. Its the new long flex (NBR390FL) and stubby flex (NBR390FS).

 

[superautobacs]

I'm really liking these KTC oil filter wrenches.

Great item indeed. I've been using mine for about 3 years.


















Compact 1/2 next to high output 1/2:

next to a (not very practical) ultra-stubby 1/2:

 

[kblee27]

Not sure if this is Made In Japan.
It has a JAPAN stamped on the handle of wrench and a whole bunch of Jap words.

 

[superautobacs]

Push Hard brand. ...brilliant.

Yup, Japan is COO. Care to take some photos of the inscriptions or the front face of the ratchet?

Based on the shape of the ratchet handle, and the "A" circle logo on one of the sockets, I'm going to guess it's made by Asahi.

 

[kblee27]

Push Hard brand. ...brilliant.

Yup, Japan is COO. Care to take some photos of the inscriptions or the front face of the ratchet?

Based on the shape of the ratchet handle, and the "A" circle logo on one of the sockets, I'm going to guess it's made by Asahi.

Asahi...thanks. Learn something today.

 

[superautobacs]

Asahi...thanks. Learn something today.

Be aware of knock-offs and brand logo theft. This was taken at my local Princess Auto (Canadian version of Harbour Freight) a few months back.


First is this Multitec nippers. I was drawn to the logo ... it's the logo from Japan's most famous pliers company, Keiba. I've only read about how the Keiba name is slapped onto fake products. This just confirms it.

The authentic one:

Next is this Powerfist brand plier. A complete knock-off. The design of the jaw is originally from 3-Peaks. They even copied the design of the handle too, but these are made of cheap plastic. Having the authentic one myself, these felt and operated like garbage...some poor replica.

The authentic one:

In the past, I've also seen a Powerfist brand set of hex keys that were imitations of this set from Anex:

 

[Ratchet Guy]

I also saw both at Princess Auto. saw also that they carry Vessel Megadora screwdriver

 

[Monte]

Damn imposters...

 

[Frankstools]

The 1/2dr line will not be released until the beginning of 2016...few more months of waiting