Tools of Japan

[WMS PERFORMANCE]

NT CUTTER L-2000P CARTRIDGE TYPE (NOS)
For heavy-duty cutting operations

 

[biowrench]

NT CUTTER L-2000P CARTRIDGE TYPE (NOS)
For heavy-duty cutting operations

Such great knives... but the olfa heavy duty blades are a worthwhile upgrade.

 

[gbh]

Speaking of Olfa.
This little knife has a spring loaded blade and a magnet on the back. I keep it on the front of my tool cabinet. Recently someone "borrowed" it and I can't believe how many times I needed it, drove me crazy. I bought a couple of 2 packs for about $3 each.

 

[mercucho]

My faithful and old NT cutter... 40 years of age.

 

[mercucho]

Speaking of Olfa.
This little knife has a spring loaded blade and a magnet on the back. I keep it on the front of my tool cabinet. Recently someone "borrowed" it and I can't believe how many times I needed it, drove me crazy. I bought a couple of 2 packs for about $3 each.

gbh, very nice this mini knife OLFA.

 

[RXtacy]

Thanks to gbh for introducing me to the compact Tone ratchets I have a new addition

Also got a Ko-Ken spring clip spark plug socket.

 

[superautobacs]

Looks good, and nice wrenches, too.

 

[BMack37]

Thanks to gbh for introducing me to the compact Tone ratchets I have a new addition

Where'd you pick it up at?

 

[RXtacy]

Where'd you pick it up at?

Mutsuura on Rakuten

 

[espyking83]

You really cant beat Japanese blades.

 

[superautobacs]

Since I liked my first pair, I decided to get another pair of these:

Anex magnet inserts for 1/4" (6.35mm) shafts

It was just enough to lift this 3/8" drive 22mm socket:

This is one of those items that was never a priority, but was in my wish list for a long time. I got a 14 and 17mm to start.


Tone 3/8" drive flare-nut crowfoot flex-head socket:

Nice touch on the chamfering:

 

[Pen3]

Who has the best price on Koken Z-EAL semi and deep sockets right now? Shipped to the US that is.

 

[RXtacy]

Who has the best price on Koken Z-EAL semi and deep sockets right now? Shipped to the US that is.

i-Tools on Rakuten
Mutsuura on Rakuten
FranksTools
Levelchrome

More or less in order of cheapness. You just have to check for the items your interested in and cross reference pricing.

 

[Blitz180]

Here's a couple posts in my blog about a budget tool shop called Astro products, and a short review between their branded spinner and a KTC spinner. On the first link I have a shop review. I'll give you a slight language warning up front.

http://www.exitevideomagazine.com/2015/10/japans-harbor-freight-astro-products.html?m=1

The second link is for the review:

http://www.exitevideomagazine.com/2015/10/tool-review-38-drive-ratchet-spinner.html?m=1

I also have a Lobster offset box end wrench to review, as well as some other Annex equipment, and I'll take photos of everything. I've got some KTC stuff, and I'm in love with Lobster adjustable wrenches as well.

 

[BMack37]

Mutsuura on Rakuten

Thanks

 

[franzdom]

Since I liked my first pair, I decided to get another pair of these:

Anex magnet inserts for 1/4" (6.35mm) shafts

...

Wow I love those!

 

[AmateurMechanic]

i-Tools on Rakuten
Mutsuura on Rakuten
FranksTools
Levelchrome

More or less in order of cheapness. You just have to check for the items your interested in and cross reference pricing.

How much do shipping costs usually run for a small order on Rakutan Japan? For example, a couple of ratchets and wrenches.

 

[superautobacs]

Blitz180,

Welcome to GJ and this thread! Nice to see another person posting from Japan. I think it's only you and another member, GBH, that posts from the "land of the rising sun".

Wow I love those!

It's another one of those often overlooked small things that just makes your job go easier.












Some more SEK/Pro-Auto tools.


1/4 and 1/2 drive round head ratchets. These use the standard Facom style pawl mechanism (72T). The directional switch works like some gearless ratchets, where you have to use both hands to change direction.

They both come with built-in thumb wheels. The idea is good, but being so close to the head makes for a bit of a awkward operation if used one-handed.

COO should be Japan as SEK has been making them for decades (not this model, but 72T round heads). They were at one time OEM sources for a few American tool brands like Truecraft, Oxwall, Wards, and a couple other I can't remember.

They are decent ratchets.

SEK's import brand is Pro-Auto. COO is Taiwan.

I purchased a single 12mm ratcheting flarenut wrench some years ago and I've used it a few times now without it falling apart on me yet, so decided to get a 11mm. This time I got their flex head version:

 

[biowrench]

i-Tools on Rakuten
Mutsuura on Rakuten
FranksTools
Levelchrome

More or less in order of cheapness. You just have to check for the items your interested in and cross reference pricing.

Is shipping about the same from all? I keep building up a cart, then thinking ten pounds of tools is going to cost $120 in shipping, erasing any sense of value.

 

[AmateurMechanic]

Is shipping about the same from all? I keep building up a cart, then thinking ten pounds of tools is going to cost $120 in shipping, erasing any sense of value.

I'm curious about this too. According to Rakuten's site, EMS shipping from Japan to North America costs approximately $40 for 5 lbs and $62 for 10 lbs.

https://www.post.japanpost.jp/int/charge/list/ems_all_en.html

The shipping rates from Frank's Tools is more reasonable since they're based in the US, but I think the prices are higher there to account for the fact that he has to import the tools in the first place.

 

[dede2897234]

I'm curious about this too. According to Rakuten's site, EMS shipping from Japan to North America costs approximately $40 for 5 lbs and $62 for 10 lbs.

https://www.post.japanpost.jp/int/charge/list/ems_all_en.html

The shipping rates from Frank's Tools is more reasonable since they're based in the US, but I think the prices are higher there to account for the fact that he has to import the tools in the first place.

AmateurMechanic,

Frankstools is based in Japan. Here is the link to the website's info page with the business address: LINK.

In addition, Frank is in the military and gets access to favorable USPS shipping rates: LINK.


Dave

 

[AmateurMechanic]

AmateurMechanic,

Frankstools is based in Japan. Here is the link to the website's info page with the business address: LINK.

In addition, Frank is in the military and gets access to favorable USPS shipping rates: LINK.


Dave

Interesting. So that's why his shipping rates are so reasonable.

I might pick up the KTC extra-long double box wrench set. The full set of 3 (8x10, 12x14, 17x19mm) costs less than a single Snap-On double box wrench!

http://frankstools.com/ktcfltyexofw.html

 

[Pen3]

Interesting. So that's why his shipping rates are so reasonable.

I might pick up the KTC extra-long double box wrench set. The full set of 3 (8x10, 12x14, 17x19mm) costs less than a single Snap-On double box wrench!

http://frankstools.com/ktcfltyexofw.html

I bought two sets of that, they are worth more than the money. That oiler is also another good buy if you use your own penetrator mix.

 

[rice rocket]

Interesting. So that's why his shipping rates are so reasonable.

Wow, isn't using your discount for your business one of the big no-nos of APO/FPO shipping?

 

[Fedwrench]

Wow, isn't using your discount for your business one of the big no-nos of APO/FPO shipping?

What discount? He's paying regular USPS rates I don't think his business is huge. We're talking about if you select USPS Priority mail, he throws it in a flat rate box and ships it from the post office. it still takes a couple of weeks to reach San Francisco.

 

[ChevyEFI]

Wow, isn't using your discount for your business one of the big no-nos of APO/FPO shipping?

Is having an APO/FPO address considered a discount?

 

[RXtacy]

Is shipping about the same from all? I keep building up a cart, then thinking ten pounds of tools is going to cost $120 in shipping, erasing any sense of value.

Shipping for relatively small orders is quite reasonable and fast. I get most of my orders within a week.

I'm curious about this too. According to Rakuten's site, EMS shipping from Japan to North America costs approximately $40 for 5 lbs and $62 for 10 lbs.

https://www.post.japanpost.jp/int/charge/list/ems_all_en.html

The shipping rates from Frank's Tools is more reasonable since they're based in the US, but I think the prices are higher there to account for the fact that he has to import the tools in the first place.

Here's the EMS shipping estimator.

 

[tupms1018]

Most of my stuff from Frank has come in flat rate USPS boxes. He just has access to the USPS. No discounts to my knowledge.

The yahoo shipping calculator he uses is buggy to begin with (not just his store). If you've ordered from Ash at German-Hand-Tools, you've probably run into the similar issues there too.

Just shoot him an email with any questions about shipping. He's usually quick to reply and you don't even have to use a translator. I usually like the challenge the language barrier presents, but there have been a couple of times that I just had to guess what the Japanese seller meant. A few of them probably think I'm nuts as a result...

My stuff usually takes about a week to 10 days tops from Frank. He does offer Japan EMS now. Some of my Rakuten orders have arrived in 3 days and others can take two weeks. One knife order that shipped EMS from Osaka bounced around for over a month while they tried to deliver it multiple times to Osyka, MS. Seller had entered some of the english info wrong and omitted the zip.

 

[ricleh]

Received from Frankstools today

Assorted Koken Torx Plus bit drivers, Koken quick release bit holder, Engineer PZ59 pliers and Tokoma GiGaFit Phillips screwholder screwdriver

 

[introvertedtraveler]

frankstools seems overpriced.

 

[AmateurMechanic]

frankstools seems overpriced.

Depends on the item. For the 3-piece KTC long double-box wrenches, Frank's has them for $36.96 whereas Mutsuura on Rakuten has it for $37.52 (and of course shipping will be more expensive on Rakuten).

 

[sam.coll]

Picked these up from I-tools store on Rakuten, first time I have purchased off the site, Koken 1/2dr impact socket set + 18mm and 24mm which were not included in set, and Koken 1/4dr metric surface drive impact sockets and 1/4 hex to 1/4 square adapters. Shipping cost was $60 Aud and goods took 12 days to arrive

 

[RXtacy]

Received from Frankstools today

Assorted Koken Torx Plus bit drivers, Koken quick release bit holder, Engineer PZ59 pliers and Tokoma GiGaFit Phillips screwholder screwdriver

http://i299.photobucket.com/albums/mm311/ricleh/L1010701_zpsmoduxx8m.jpg[IMG][/QUOTE]

Nice! I like that tool mat too, was that part of the box or did you get that separate?

 

[SantaAna12]

frankstools seems overpriced.

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B001EQFLCG/?tag=atomicindus08-20
(85.00$)

Franks: http://www.frankstools.com/ktc-nepros.html
(56.75$)

I have ordered from Rakuten and Franks for my Koken and Nepros tools.

When I ordered a 9 piece Koken Torx set that had a 6 piece price I offered Frank the option to cancel. He stood by it.

I do not know Frank or have a dog in this....

I do appreciate the service and level of respect that I get when buying tools from Franks. I would buy from him again.

 

[ricleh]

Nice! I like that tool mat too, was that part of the box or did you get that separate?

The tool mat is a piece of a Snapon top mat I got from a friend years ago. He gave me a box of drawer liners and top mats that were for 2 large Snapon rollaway boxes. I cut up the top mats to make top mats for some of my Stahlwille and Hazet and Gedore tool trolleys.

 

[ricleh]

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B001EQFLCG/?tag=atomicindus08-20
(85.00$)

Franks: http://www.frankstools.com/ktc-nepros.html
(56.75$)

I have ordered from Rakuten and Franks for my Koken and Nepros tools.

When I ordered a 9 piece Koken Torx set that had a 6 piece price I offered Frank the option to cancel. He stood by it.

I do not know Frank or have a dog in this....

I do appreciate the service and level of respect that I get when buying tools from Franks. I would buy from him again.

I've been buying from Frank since he opened his website. His prices are good and I haven't ever had a problem with any of my orders. I have purchased several thousand dollars in tools from Frank.

 

[gbh]

frankstools seems overpriced.

Seriously?
I live in Japan and frankly speaking (no pun intended) but I've looked at his prices and wondered how he makes a buck.
I wish I could find vendors to sell me ANY American tools here in Japan for close to the retail price charged in the US.

 

[Pen3]

Has anyone tried the impact Surface Contact sockets yet? I work mainly on suspension (ball joints, control arms, tie rod, links, etc.) here in MN and the bolts are usually rusty. Was wondering if you would recommend them on rusty bolts compared to their regular impact sockets in this situation.

Also these stubby impacts are on my next "to buy" list for the Makita TW281DZ http://item.rakuten.co.jp/i-tools/4991644000548/

 

[superautobacs]

Has anyone tried the impact Surface Contact sockets yet? I work mainly on suspension (ball joints, control arms, tie rod, links, etc.) here in MN and the bolts are usually rusty. Was wondering if you would recommend them on rusty bolts compared to their regular impact sockets in this situation.

Also these stubby impacts are on my next "to buy" list for the Makita TW281DZ http://item.rakuten.co.jp/i-tools/4991644000548/

By design, it I believe it would be easier to engage the socket onto rusted fasteners. On rounded out fasteners, the surface drive works better than conventional 6/12pt too.

I really wish they come out with more sizes on those stubby impact sockets!






My first Fujiya pliers.

Using Japanese steel, they are forged and assembled in Vietnam, until they are shipped back to Fujiya in Japan for final edge tuning.
Just like Wiha has opened a manufacturing plant in Vietnam in recent years, Fujiya had opened up a plant in 2007.

A side by side comparison with a Keiba standard type diagonal nippers.

 

[losvre]

Here is some of my Vessel drivers together with the some PBSwiss and old Stanley

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