Tools of Japan

[gbh]

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.

Interesting to hear that.
Please don't get me wrong, I am pretty sure that the products supplied by Fujiya that are forged and assembled in Vietnam are the equal of the products that were once forged and assembled in Japan.
It's just that I find it a little disconcerting to see that the package has, "Made in Japan", written in English but I can't see the usual equivalent, 日本製, the equivalent meaning in Japanese. Further, there doesn't appear to be a COO on the tool itself.
As I've said somewhere previously on GJ, there seems to be a bit of this going on in Japan now. A company will state "Product of Japan", if it were made outside of Japan as opposed to the guarantee of "Made in Japan".
Until now I dont think I've seen a product that was made outside of Japan with a Made in Japan label. The consumers here in Japan are super sensitive to that kind of thing and would NOT like being misled.
To further muddy the waters, my recent purchase of a Tone RH3CHS ratchet that has Japan stencilled onto it is from Taiwan? I think it's great but once again....it all seems a bit misleading.

 

[Van Steele]

To further muddy the waters, my recent purchase of a Tone RH3CHS ratchet that has Japan stencilled onto it is from Taiwan? I think it's great but once again....it all seems a bit misleading.

I contacted Tone about this, here is their reply:

海外メール <[email protected]>

00:53 (16 hours ago)

to me

Dear Van Steele,

Thank you for your e-mail and using our ratchet handle as RH3FHX.
The model(RH3FHX) is 100% made in Japan. You can trust the model.

Thanks & Regards,

Toshi

I did ask specifically about the RH3FHX since that one is stamped 'JAPAN'. I'll contact them again to see if the other models with this design are also made in Japan.

 

[tupms1018]

I contacted Tone about this, here is their reply:



I did ask specifically about the RH3FHX since that one is stamped 'JAPAN'. I'll contact them again to see if the other models with this design are also made in Japan.

You might want to ask him to define "Made in Japan" also. I'm not disputing his claim, but I'm also not taking his word for it. The NS line of spinner handles and RH ratchets are all stamped "JAPAN". The CS wrenches look to be the same way.

Bllackhawk has a ratchet that is identical in every way to the RH3H and it is made in Taiwan.

Tone may have won/bought a 2014 Good Design Award for this line, but I believe they outsourced the manufacturing to Taiwan

edit:

superautobacs had previously answered this HERE and HERE.

 

[Pen3]

Somebody asked for some photos of the KTC Flat Type Extra-Long Offset Wrench Set so here they are next to my long Top wrenches for comparison. I do not have a regular camera so you will have to do with my phone's camera.

Click to enlarge.
https://photos.google.com/share/AF1QipPZW-q4Ci31ZAmhhyIFua4ASq3_bIxn9OCa6tuFlPVev0JKblzaJ0vzblcv6Gl3OQ?key=MDBHdTljZ3doZVVOb3JLVzBuZEc2RG5MYm5KVHF3

 

[losvre]

Somebody asked for some photos of the KTC Flat Type Extra-Long Offset Wrench Set so here they are next to my long Top wrenches for comparison. I do not have a camera so you have to do with my phone's camera.

https://photos.google.com/album/AF1QipPcfJPxCEvUKYUQuQruJE8tJ6q7eDSz6iFLJClf

The link does not work for me

 

[Pen3]

Hope this works then.

 

[SantaAna12]

Yeah it works, but the res is wacko for me.

From what I can see.....those look pretty damn nice. Some are satin and some are polished?

 

[Pen3]

The ones on bottom are a different brand and the 17x19 is exactly 16" long. The pictures actually look normal on my tablet. You might have to right click on photo and select "open in new tab" or something along that line to view it correctly.

 

[losvre]

Hope this works then.

These look really good and expensive

 

[Pen3]

A set of three (8x10 12x14 17x19) is only $37

I just placed an order for this for $75, it looks like a good set of sizes that include a 7mm http://tone-db.jp/search/detail.php?page_title=%E3%83%98%E3%82%AD%E3%82%B5%E3%82%B4%E3%83%B3%E3%82%BD%E3%82%B1%E3%83%83%E3%83%88%E3%82%BB%E3%83%83%E3%83%88%EF%BC%88%E3%83%9B%E3%83%AB%E3%83%80%E3%83%BC%E4%BB%98%EF%BC%89%20HH412

 

[Peeb]

<a href="http://upic.me/show/57108162" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://upic.me/i/k3/fk011.jpg"></a> <a href="http://upic.me/show/57108165" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://upic.me/i/dy/g7012.jpg"></a> <a href="http://upic.me/show/57108166" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://upic.me/i/gr/ct013.jpg"></a> <a href="http://upic.me/show/57108168" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://upic.me/i/cp/m2014.jpg"></a> <a href="http://upic.me/show/57108169" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://upic.me/i/xq/yr015.jpg"></a> <a href="http://upic.me/show/57108171" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://upic.me/i/xq/yr016.jpg"></a> <a href="http://upic.me/show/57108173" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://upic.me/i/ij/u2017.jpg"></a> <a href="http://upic.me/show/57108174" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://upic.me/i/8o/5w018.jpg"></a> <a href="http://upic.me/show/57108175" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://upic.me/i/ha/xj019.jpg"></a> <a href="http://upic.me/show/57108177" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://upic.me/i/dq/i5020.jpg"></a>

 

[franzdom]

Very nice Peeb, I have not seen those before.

 

[mercucho]

Stunning those pliers Peeb.

 

[ricleh]

Some new tools.

 

[dede2897234]

Some new tools.

ricleh,

What is the name and purpose of the tool between the air impact gun and the Ko-ken lug nut socket?


Thanks,

Dave

 

[ricleh]

ricleh,

What is the name and purpose of the tool between the air impact gun and the Ko-ken lug nut socket?


Thanks,

Dave

It is a KTC AE921 Hose Clamp Tool

 

[Peeb]

<a href="http://upic.me/show/57115925" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://upic.me/i/99/z8005.jpg"></a>

 

[gbh]

I won this KTC tool box on Yahoo auctions Japan last night.
It comes with some tools but I plan to throw out the plastic inserts and fill it with tools more suited to my needs. I kind of like the slide out tray in the bottom. I'll post some more pics after it arrives.
It'll owe me around $40 delivered to my door. I can't say I really needed it but...I couldn't resist.

 

[gbh]

The box measures around 17" long 9.5" wide and 12" high.
I guess it's 20 or 30 years old. The only others I've seen like this ( and they've been discontinued) didn't have the drawer.
It came with the KTC hammer, a center punch, a KTC screwdriver, some hex keys and a variety of sockets from KTC and Proto.

 

[gbh]

Those pliers are very nice Peeb!
I wonder when they were produced?
The font and image seem to be emulating the look of an older time and more Western in nature. I wonder if they were produced for Shell motor oil company or were just appealing to the Western market?

I love those saws ricleh...now I'm going to have to buy some.
The Japanese saws really are a pleasure to use.

 

[mercucho]

Those pliers are very nice Peeb!
I wonder when they were produced?
The font and image seem to be emulating the look of an older time and more Western in nature. I wonder if they were produced for Shell motor oil company or were just appealing to the Western market?

It seems that this brand has nothing to do with the oil company.

http://www.e-osafune.com/

 

[superautobacs]

You might want to ask him to define "Made in Japan" also. I'm not disputing his claim, but I'm also not taking his word for it. The NS line of spinner handles and RH ratchets are all stamped "JAPAN". The CS wrenches look to be the same way.

Bllackhawk has a ratchet that is identical in every way to the RH3H and it is made in Taiwan.

Tone may have won/bought a 2014 Good Design Award for this line, but I believe they outsourced the manufacturing to Taiwan

edit:

superautobacs had previously answered this HERE and HERE.

Thanks! That saved me some time.

....to add to what's already been mentioned...

about 5 years ago, I read from a Japanese tool aficionado's blog, that he once confronted a TONE representative at a Japanese tool convention. This tool aficionado knows the tool industry as he worked for a hand tool shop that sold both domestic brands and the best imported brands from around the world. He questions were very specific. He knew that the Tone 72-T ratchets of then were made in Taiwan and he questioned the Rep. I can't remember what the response was, but I do remember the Rep was put into an embarrassing, awkward moment.

<a href="http://upic.me/show/57115925" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://upic.me/i/99/z8005.jpg"></a>

My Lobster adjustable that I've had for a couple decades now:


Crab, Lobster, Shell .... I see the trend.

I won this KTC tool box on Yahoo auctions Japan last night.
It comes with some tools but I plan to throw out the plastic inserts and fill it with tools more suited to my needs. I kind of like the slide out tray in the bottom. I'll post some more pics after it arrives.
It'll owe me around $40 delivered to my door. I can't say I really needed it but...I couldn't resist.

Nice score. Is the model # KTC SK43A?
Here's another photo:

If you use it outdoors, in the elements, make sure you don't let any moisture into that bottom drawer. That was the complaint for that series with a bottom drawer...rust.

It seems that this brand has nothing to do with the oil company.

http://www.e-osafune.com/

Ahhh, the "mystical" SHELL brand. I wrote a little bit about this company many pages ago:
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?p=1542685

I did some research on the company Shell.

Shell is also another Japanese brand that I've never heard of before Mr. Tools showed his. Curious about their website I browsed through it: http://www.e-osafune.com/index.php One of the first things I noticed were the pictures that appeared in the slideshow. There were two pictures: city street, and one city scape. Both are not in Japan!!!! What???? It's a Japanese company, but they used pictures of some city in China? After a bit more browsing, I learned that 50% of this company's business is exports and providing OEM services. They have one factory in Japan and the rest are in Taiwan, Thailand, and elsewhere.

If you look at this page: http://www.e-osafune.com/oem/index.html they show 4 photos. It's tagged under: Southeast Asia forging and assembly facility

Curious yet, I decided to search to see where Shell tools are available to purchase in Japan. My search did not result with any hits, and I'm not surprised as I've never heard of the brand before....but I learned something new today.

That was back in 2011. They've since changed their website and to my surprise it looks more legit.... mmmm, more Japanese than before. ...but one thing hasn't changed though... the fact that there doesn't seem to be any Japanese online source (resellers). Next time I visit Japan, maybe I should go to their headquarters in Osaka.








Ricleh,

How do you like that standard sized body 1/2 Kuken? Does it use the same impacting mechanism as the 1600-Spro?

 

[ricleh]

Ricleh,

How do you like that standard sized body 1/2 Kuken? Does it use the same impacting mechanism as the 1600-Spro?

The KW-T160 is the same size as the KW-1600Spro. I have one of each. The difference according to Frank is in the clutch mechanism. The KW-T160 was developed specially for Honda by Kuken. Frank told me that I am the first one in North America to get the gun other than Honda dealers. The clutch in that model was designed to give the gun significantly more torque power. I am going to have a friend of mine test it on some Honda crank bolts to see if it is more powerful than his other 1/2" guns. He usually ends up using a 3/4" gun on those hard to remove Honda crank bolts.

 

[hautpot]

My family is in Japan, they asked if I wanted anything...

Where is a good place to get some Keiba pliers in tokyo?

 

[gbh]

Thanks! That saved me some time.

....to add to what's already been mentioned...

about 5 years ago, I read from a Japanese tool aficionado's blog, that he once confronted a TONE representative at a Japanese tool convention. I can't remember what the response was, but I do remember the Rep was put into an embarrassing, awkward moment.
Wow, that WOULD have been awkward!
I'm glad to hear what's been going on.







Nice score. Is the model # KTC SK43A?
Here's another photo:

If you use it outdoors, in the elements, make sure you don't let any moisture into that bottom drawer. That was the complaint for that series with a bottom drawer...rust.

Thanks, I couldn't find model number but it IS very similar to the one you pictured. The only difference I see is the one you pictured can accomodate dividers in the upper tray and also has a place for sockets. It's probably a later updated version than the one I won. Thanks for the heads up about the drawer and possible rust issues.

I really enjoy this thread, so many awsome brands I wasn't aware of on my doorstep and lots of knowledge passed on about them from you guys.
Cheers

 

[gbh]

My family is in Japan, they asked if I wanted anything...

Where is a good place to get some Keiba pliers in tokyo?

Any of the home centers sell Keiba products. Royal, Kahma, Viva. Not sure which are in Tokyo but I can say that it's NOT necessary to go to a specialist tool store.

 

[mrborohachi]

Anyone know if these pliers https://www.garrettwade.com/professional-soft-jaw-pliers-gp.html

are the same as the Tamiya. Thanks, I'd love to hear from anyone that has bought pliers from either of the sites.
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000BN7DJM/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_S_ttl?_encoding=UTF8&colid=2P3B403QZAFP3&coliid=IKND9TR3L2DD9

 

[losvre]

Hello experts - another question,

Is Supadriv more enhanced version of Pozidriv screwdriver or are these the same?

Vessel has both version of this screwdriver.

Many thanks

 

[Nor'Easter]

The timber frame company I work for also operates a large hand tool store. We import everything from chisels to water stones to kitchen cutlery and handsaws from Japan. Some of the nicest stuff you can find in the US... I'd share some of the items but I think I'd get called out as trying to be a salesman.

 

[Dave455]

Hello experts - another question,

Is Supadriv more enhanced version of Pozidriv screwdriver or are these the same?

Vessel has both version of this screwdriver.

Many thanks

Yes, but the differences are very slight, in fact most drivers that are sold now as 'Pozidriv' are actually Pozidriv/Superdriv, but Superdriv is largely forgotten!

Perhaps Vessel never got around to changing their tooling to the new spec, although that was years back now!

The differences in the screws are more noticeable! Superdriv were pretty much the first of the 'modern' pattern of woodscrews with twin thread etc etc!

I think the only reason for the different recess was so that you could pop a plastic cap straight onto a Superdriv recess without needing a special screw!

 

[losvre]

Hi Dave

Thanks for the reply. Should I go for the Vessel Supadriv then as a better fitment? Or any other brand that has has better fitments for Pozi?

So far the Vessel Phillips proven to have the best fitment compared to some other drivers I have, including PBswiss.

I will get back with some pictures of the PBswiss and how some feedback I have experienced.

Many thanks!!!!

 

[Monte]

Anyone know if these pliers

are the same as the Tamiya. Thanks, I'd love to hear from anyone that has bought pliers from either of the sites.

Looks like they´re made by IPS

http://www.ips-tool.co.jp/

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_n...+pliers+ips&rh=i:aps,k:plastic+jaw+pliers+ips

 

[Dave455]

Hi Dave

Thanks for the reply. Should I go for the Vessel Supadriv then as a better fitment? Or any other brand that has has better fitments for Pozi?

So far the Vessel Phillips proven to have the best fitment compared to some other drivers I have, including PBswiss.

I will get back with some pictures of the PBswiss and how some feedback I have experienced.

Many thanks!!!!

You don't see many proper Superdriv screws now (recognise them by 1/2 of the star symbol that you see on Pozidriv) so I'd just get regular Pozidriv, but as I said, tools from most other makers will fit both!

The Vessal Phillips are designed to fit the slimmer JIS 'Phillips' so depending on what you are working on, they are often a better fit! I have a set for working on Jap kit, and they seem to fit better on 'generic asian' Phillips screws, but if you get a screw to proper spec then you're better off with a U.S. made driver! This won't apply to Pozi as there isn't a JIS Pozidriv!

I just popped down to the workshop and dug out a selection of genuine GKN Supadriv screws (from the 80's I think) together with an original 'Supadriver'! To be honest, there is hardly any difference between this and a regular Pozidriv. In fact, there seems to be more variation between brands of driver than Pozidriv to Supadriv!

All the Pozidriv drivers to hand, which includes 80's era British Stanley, Steadfast, C.K, Hazet and PB Swiss fit the Supadriv as well as the original driver!

As a general note, I find PB Swiss among the best fits, but have noticed a bit of wear to the blacked tips on the set I use for woodworking! I traced the problem to some crappy Screwfix screws I was provided with on one job, so don't' assume a misfit is the drivers fault - more likely the screw!

P.S. The only difference between the two seems to be a slight radius where the cross point crosses, on the Supadriv! Thus a regular Pozi driver will fit inside this without probs, wheras the Supadriver may not fit a Pozi!

P.P.S. As I recall, Superdriv were originally made with only a No.2 recess. Small screws had a relatively large recess, and accepted just the point of the driver! This was one of the selling points!

 

[michael murder]

I know Koken, Vessel and Anex, all make pretty decent screwdrivers. I bought a set of Tone strike-throughs that have held up really well for what I paid for them, but I really have no idea of the quality of some of the other Japanese brands.

Being abroad I see a lot of unfamiliar names like Edison, Sunflag, Toolmate and Koiko.

Has anybody used these brands, had good luck with them, or know their American tool-brand equivalent?

I can get them relatively cheap ($3-5 a driver) and am hoping someone could point me in the right direction distinguishing what's junk from what's decent.

Edison

Toolmate

Koiko

Sunflag

 

[dede2897234]

I know Koken, Vessel and Anex, all make pretty decent screwdrivers. I bought a set of Tone strike-throughs that have held up really well for what I paid for them, but I really have no idea of the quality of some of the other Japanese brands.

Being abroad I see a lot of unfamiliar names like Edison, Sunflag, Toolmate and Koiko.

Has anybody used these brands, had good luck with them, or know their American tool-brand equivalent?

I can get them relatively cheap ($3-5 a driver) and am hoping someone could point me in the right direction distinguishing what's junk from what's decent.

Sunflag

michael murder,

I have only heard of Sunflag. I own several of their strike-thru screwdrivers. One model is the "888" and the other is the "215-P" cross recess screwdrivers. They are of good quality. Here is a past thread I wrote about them (post# 73): LINK.


Dave

 

[losvre]

You don't see many proper Superdriv screws now (recognise them by 1/2 of the star symbol that you see on Pozidriv) so I'd just get regular Pozidriv, but as I said, tools from most other makers will fit both!

The Vessal Phillips are designed to fit the slimmer JIS 'Phillips' so depending on what you are working on, they are often a better fit! I have a set for working on Jap kit, and they seem to fit better on 'generic asian' Phillips screws, but if you get a screw to proper spec then you're better off with a U.S. made driver! This won't apply to Pozi as there isn't a JIS Pozidriv!

I just popped down to the workshop and dug out a selection of genuine GKN Supadriv screws (from the 80's I think) together with an original 'Supadriver'! To be honest, there is hardly any difference between this and a regular Pozidriv. In fact, there seems to be more variation between brands of driver than Pozidriv to Supadriv!

All the Pozidriv drivers to hand, which includes 80's era British Stanley, Steadfast, C.K, Hazet and PB Swiss fit the Supadriv as well as the original driver!

As a general note, I find PB Swiss among the best fits, but have noticed a bit of wear to the blacked tips on the set I use for woodworking! I traced the problem to some crappy Screwfix screws I was provided with on one job, so don't' assume a misfit is the drivers fault - more likely the screw!

P.S. The only difference between the two seems to be a slight radius where the cross point crosses, on the Supadriv! Thus a regular Pozi driver will fit inside this without probs, wheras the Supadriver may not fit a Pozi!

P.P.S. As I recall, Superdriv were originally made with only a No.2 recess. Small screws had a relatively large recess, and accepted just the point of the driver! This was one of the selling points!

Having read all these expertise info I think I go for the Vessel Megadora Pozi as I have already one and i am really happy with it.

From personal experience when ordered pozi from both Vessel and PBswiss I have to say that Vessel has a much better fitment.


I will follow up with some photos when I get around it.

For the Phillips i cannot comment on brand as yet but I have a few different brands and I will do a test drive. I however have a feeling that the Phillips bits in general fit better on the screws than the screwdrivers.

Thank you for all your time and help
Nik

 

[michael murder]

michael murder,

I have only heard of Sunflag. I own several of their strike-thru screwdrivers. One model is the "888" and the other is the "215-P" cross recess screwdrivers. They are of good quality. Here is a past thread I wrote about them (post# 73): LINK.


Dave

Thanks for the info!

 

[Frankstools]

Newest release from IPS, Lightweight water pump pliers

 

[kblee27]

Rubicon T6~T10...missing that T10 somewhere.

 

[Dave455]

Having read all these expertise info I think I go for the Vessel Megadora Pozi as I have already one and i am really happy with it
Nik

Doubt you will be disappointed, they're good tools!

In case you weren't aware, Only Quality Tools in the U.K. often have (very good) offers on these!