Tools of Japan

[Rocket1]

I have the KTC and the Gearwrench as well as the Snapon YA9350B. The Gearwrench and Snapon sockets will not work with the KTC wrench. The Gearwrench uses a unique spline drive on their sockets and wrench and the Snapon sockets are a smaller drive size than the KTC sockets even though both are regular hex drive sockets. Snapon used to sell socket drive adapters for use with ratcheting wrenches. You put the adapter in the box end of the ratcheting wrench and then you could attach a socket to the adapter, thus making the ratcheting wrench into a ratchet of sorts. The largest of these adapters works with the KTC wrench although it is not a perfect fit. It is loose and the adapter will fall out. A piece of tape on the adapter to make the fit tight should fix that problem though. Then you could use regular sockets with the KTC wrench.

Edit:
I just looked at the 4 sockets the come with the KTC set and one of them is a 3/8" square adapter. So you can use any 3/8" socket with the wrench, although the adapter does not lock into the wrench like the other sockets. The adapter is loose and will fall out of the wrench unless you put a piece of tape on the adapter to make the fit tighter.

Thanks, that's what I wanted to know. Do you know what size the hex is on the KTC tool? Meaning - if I wanted to use the sockets it came with as a low profile option what size wrench would I need to put on the hex end?

 

[ricleh]

Thanks, that's what I wanted to know. Do you know what size the hex is on the KTC tool? Meaning - if I wanted to use the sockets it came with as a low profile option what size wrench would I need to put on the hex end?

Either a 3/4" wrench or a 19mm wrench will work with the sockets.

 

[superautobacs]

I have a limited selection of KTC offset DBE 6pt wrenches (double box end), a set of Asahi Lightool offset DBE and few of their Revowave combination wrenches.

Fitment-- I haven't taken a vernier caliper to measure things, but I find they are standard, within industry norm.

Strength-- I don't have a standard KTC combination to compare with the Asahi Revowave, but in my experience, the open end on the Asahi wrench (13mm in my case) doesn't have the toughness (HRC might be low?) compared to my Snap-on 13mm (they both have similar thicknesses on the open end). When I use an open end wrench, its almost always for tie-rods and they can be really stuck. I don't even think about using my Revowaves for those tasks. But for air line fittings and fuel line fittings, the Revowaves haven't given me troubles.

Finish-- (for example, grinding on the outside of the ring ends), KTC is definitely better. Asides from that, I like them both, especially the Asahi offset DBEs.











Random shot of (mainly) Japanese tools, all working together to get the job done.

 

[dede2897234]

Superautobacs,

Do you know which Japanese manufacturer produced these cutters for H.K. Porter?








Thanks,

Dave

 

[superautobacs]

Dave,


I assume those H.K. Porters are NOS?

The following manufacturers make their own variation: Taiyo Picus, MCC, Dogyu, 3-Peaks, Fujiya, IPS, Marvel, Keiba (maybe more?).
Looking at the different designs, I would guess either Keiba or MCC to be the OEM.

 

[dede2897234]

Dave,


I assume those H.K. Porters are NOS?

The following manufacturers make their own variation: Taiyo Picus, MCC, Dogyu, 3-Peaks, Fujiya, IPS, Marvel, Keiba (maybe more?).
Looking at the different designs, I would guess either Keiba or MCC to be the OEM.

Superautobacs,

Thanks for the information about the possible manufacturers for the H.K. Porters.

I believe the H.K. Porters are NOS.

I don't recognize the Japanese tool manufacturer, MCC? Can you please provide a link to MCC's website?


Thanks,

Dave

 

[losvre]

Hello experts,

Does anyone has had experience with the following 1/4 ratchet, TONE RH2HS, especially with regards to the backdrag/ smoothness. I am quite sure it would be reliable enough for a 1/4 ratchet

Thanks!!!

View media item 63533

 

[Moto77]

I have both the 1/2'' and 3/8'' versions of this ratchet and they are fantastic, I have the 1/4'' on order. Great for using in those tight spots where you don't have much room to swing.

 

[losvre]

Hi Moto77,

How is the ratcheting resistance/ backdrag?

Thanks

Sent from my HTC Desire 620 using Tapatalk

 

[superautobacs]

Superautobacs,

Thanks for the information about the possible manufacturers for the H.K. Porters.

I believe the H.K. Porters are NOS.

I don't recognize the Japanese tool manufacturer, MCC? Can you please provide a link to MCC's website?


Thanks,

Dave

Dave,

Here's the link to their English site: http://www.mccinter.com/

Hi Moto77,

How is the ratcheting resistance/ backdrag?

Thanks

Sent from my HTC Desire 620 using Tapatalk

Losvre,

If you want the lightest backdrag, straight out of the box, look no further: Ko-ken Zeal
Out of all the ratchets I've played around with in this world, including used, I don't think anything compares with Zeal ratchets in that regard.

 

[losvre]

Hi Superautobacs,

Thanks for the advise. My only concern is that Koken has only 36 teeth and it not QR which is handy if using the ratchet a lot or in tight places.

Thanks again for your time


Sent from my HTC Desire 620 using Tapatalk

 

[Moto77]

Losvre,

Superautobacs is right, the Koken zeal has lighter back drag than the tone. Where the tone gets the zeal is in head size and getting into those tighter spaces. I really like the tone for that reason. Given a bit more space I wouldn't hesitate using the Koken zeal ratchet, but as you said it has the quick release which is really nice. Best to try for yourself and see how you like it.

 

[Rileysan]

I have a ratchet that I acquired at a swap meet this summer. The only marking on it is the word "Japan" stamped into the handle. I wouldn't normally purchase an unknown foreign tool, but this was interesting because of the 'V' selector - which is similar, if not identical, to the Craftsman ratchets from the 60s.

Does anyone recognize this ratchet or the manufacturer?

Brian

 

[AndeiH]

my buddy brought me a screwdriver with 30 bits back from his trip to japan.

the back of the package says made in taiwan

 

[Monte]

 

[losvre]

Hey Monte ,

You continue surprising with these items you find?

Where did you buy this from? Is there any specific shop like Bauhaus that stocks these kind of items?

Thanks

Sent from my HTC Desire 620 using Tapatalk

 

[losvre]

Losvre,

Superautobacs is right, the Koken zeal has lighter back drag than the tone. Where the tone gets the zeal is in head size and getting into those tighter spaces. I really like the tone for that reason. Given a bit more space I wouldn't hesitate using the Koken zeal ratchet, but as you said it has the quick release which is really nice. Best to try for yourself and see how you like it.

Thanks Moto77,

I am sure best is to try, and that cost a lots of money to test so many nice things

Have a good day

 

[Monte]

Hey Monte ,

You continue surprising with these items you find?

Where did you buy this from? Is there any specific shop like Bauhaus that stocks these kind of items?

Thanks

There are several garden stores where you can buy Takagi products:
https://garten-von-ehren.de/k/gartenbewaesserung-1416/
https://www.olerum.de/takagi-giessbrausen-schlauchtrommel
https://www.meingartencenter24.de/takagi-g601ex-premium-brause-blau-weiss/a-68943/
http://www.knauber-freizeit.de/Gart...ungsgeräte/Takagi-Brause-Premium/p/6532120030
http://www.hobbyweb.de/Garten/Garte...ungsgeräte/Takagi-Brause-Premium/p/6532120030

or on Amazon + Ebay:
https://www.amazon.de/s/ref=lp_3424...31&h=bdd055022edf63f6159e2e0f7c910e74705c8f72
http://www.ebay.de/sch/Garten-Terrasse/159912/i.html?_from=R40&_nkw=takagi

 

[losvre]

There are several garden stores where you can buy Takagi products:
https://garten-von-ehren.de/k/gartenbewaesserung-1416/
https://www.olerum.de/takagi-giessbrausen-schlauchtrommel
https://www.meingartencenter24.de/takagi-g601ex-premium-brause-blau-weiss/a-68943/
http://www.knauber-freizeit.de/Gart...ungsgeräte/Takagi-Brause-Premium/p/6532120030
http://www.hobbyweb.de/Garten/Garte...ungsgeräte/Takagi-Brause-Premium/p/6532120030

or on Amazon + Ebay:
https://www.amazon.de/s/ref=lp_3424...31&h=bdd055022edf63f6159e2e0f7c910e74705c8f72
http://www.ebay.de/sch/Garten-Terrasse/159912/i.html?_from=R40&_nkw=takagi

Monte
Amazing- Thank you!!

 

[losvre]

Losvre,

Superautobacs is right, the Koken zeal has lighter back drag than the tone. Where the tone gets the zeal is in head size and getting into those tighter spaces. I really like the tone for that reason. Given a bit more space I wouldn't hesitate using the Koken zeal ratchet, but as you said it has the quick release which is really nice. Best to try for yourself and see how you like it.

Moto77, where did you buy the TONE ratchet from I can only find a set in Ebay but I have lots of sockets/ bits, I am only looking into the ratchet.

Cheers!

 

[M6erfan]

Hey guys. Anyone have thoughts/experience with the Ko-Ken 24t ratchets? If so, what are your thoughts?

I'm a huge fan of Koken sockets and extensions and was thinking about adding their QR flex ratchet with knurled handle, 3/8", but the 24t has me doubting my decision...

Thanks in advance

 

[superautobacs]

I have a ratchet that I acquired at a swap meet this summer. The only marking on it is the word "Japan" stamped into the handle. I wouldn't normally purchase an unknown foreign tool, but this was interesting because of the 'V' selector - which is similar, if not identical, to the Craftsman ratchets from the 60s.

Does anyone recognize this ratchet or the manufacturer?

Brian

Looks like a product made by SEK (Suekage Tools). They were a big OEM back in the late 70/80's.

Hey guys. Anyone have thoughts/experience with the Ko-Ken 24t ratchets? If so, what are your thoughts?

I'm a huge fan of Koken sockets and extensions and was thinking about adding their QR flex ratchet with knurled handle, 3/8", but the 24t has me doubting my decision...

Thanks in advance

I have experience with them. I have a 3753SMB (my first Ko-ken ratchet) and a 4774P-450.








If you're constantly working in confined spaces, where you don't have a lot of swing room because of the length of the handle, then I'd rather have a fine(r) tooth rachet. With the 4774P-450 being a long handle, it can be restrictive, but again, it depends on the work environment.
In a stubby form, like by multi-purpose ratchet, I haven't experienced much of an issue with it being a low tooth count ratchet. For the most part, ratcheting feel trumps ultimate tooth count. According to Ko-ken, they still produce these low-tooth count ratchets because their loyal users prefer the low backdrag aspect of these mechanisms.

 

[M6erfan]

I have experience with them. I have a 3753SMB (my first Ko-ken ratchet) and a 4774P-450.

If you're constantly working in confined spaces, where you don't have a lot of swing room because of the length of the handle, then I'd rather have a fine(r) tooth rachet. With the 4774P-450 being a long handle, it can be restrictive, but again, it depends on the work environment.
In a stubby form, like by multi-purpose ratchet, I haven't experienced much of an issue with it being a low tooth count ratchet. For the most part, ratcheting feel trumps ultimate tooth count. According to Ko-ken, they still produce these low-tooth count ratchets because their loyal users prefer the low backdrag aspect of these mechanisms.

Thanks, beautiful ratchets! I'm looking at the 3774NB. I really like the knurling on the handle and Ko-Ken in general. However, doing some looking around I can find the Snap-On FRLF80 (used) for about the same price as the Ko-Ken (shipped to the U.S.). The S-O is about 25mm longer in length, which would be a plus for me, & 80 teeth. I find the dual 80's have fairly light backdrag so in this instance I may go the S-O route...

Appreciate your feedback, thanks again!

 

[superautobacs]

Thanks, beautiful ratchets! I'm looking at the 3774NB. I really like the knurling on the handle and Ko-Ken in general. However, doing some looking around I can find the Snap-On FRLF80 (used) for about the same price as the Ko-Ken (shipped to the U.S.). The S-O is about 25mm longer in length, which would be a plus for me, & 80 teeth. I find the dual 80's have fairly light backdrag so in this instance I may go the S-O route...

Appreciate your feedback, thanks again!

If you can source a used one for around the same price it's hard to not go with that option. Although, nothing compares to the feel of Ko-ken's knurled handle and with SO's hard handle not being my cup of tea, it would be a hard choice to make. Speaking of backdrag on Dual-80s.... On one ocassion, on the SO truck, I went through probably close to 30 ratchets (1/4, 3/8, 1/2 drive sizes) and was shocked to feel the variances in backdrag even amongst the same style ratchet. It really was a hit or miss. Perhaps it owes to the fact that SO hand tools are mass-produced. I don't recall experiencing that when playing around with Ko-ken ratchets, and perhaps that owes to the fact that Ko-ken's production is much smaller in scale.


Oh, I should've shown this photo as well. Ko-ken's flex joints come with a sprung steel ball to provide a positive engagement of the head in the "straight" position. It's not in focus, but you can see the blurry steel ball. This does aid in providing a consistent resistance throughout the range of motion.



Here's a breaker bar / hinge handle, but it shows the ball more clearly. I'll also add that the groove on the square anvil is for positive engagement at a 90* angle (for both sides). You don't see this type of attention to detail from other brands:

 

[ttmiller]

Hey guys. Anyone have thoughts/experience with the Ko-Ken 24t ratchets? If so, what are your thoughts?

I'm a huge fan of Koken sockets and extensions and was thinking about adding their QR flex ratchet with knurled handle, 3/8", but the 24t has me doubting my decision...

Thanks in advance

24 teeth is not a problem for me most of the time. My Koken ratchet is so smooth and has so little backdrag that I prefer it to my Snap On F80 much of the time. I think it's a joy to use and a great value.

 

[M6erfan]

Man, you guys are makin' this tough!

Autobacs, I have the Koken 600mm 1/2" breaker bar and agree that the ball detent is a great design feature.

I believe that Koken puts a lot of thought into and executes their tools extremely well. Just wish they were easier to obtain in the states...

 

[PureLeaf]

Man, you guys are makin' this tough!

Autobacs, I have the Koken 600mm 1/2" breaker bar and agree that the ball detent is a great design feature.

I believe that Koken puts a lot of thought into and executes their tools extremely well. Just wish they were easier to obtain in the states...

Lots of easy ways to buy Koken. Frankstools, Levelchrome, Rakuten, even Amazon has some stuff!

 

[M6erfan]

Yep several places to buy but sometimes have to wait weeks for delivery and shipping can make a smallish order cost prohibitive.

 

[M6erfan]

One other point I need to consider in rebuild-ability. Are the Ko-Ken ratchets field repairable with a rebuild kit? I seem to remember something about peened faceplate screws?

 

[superautobacs]

One other point I need to consider in rebuild-ability. Are the Ko-Ken ratchets field repairable with a rebuild kit? I seem to remember something about peened faceplate screws?

Ko-ken has repair kits for all ratchets and breaker bars. The repair kit for the 3774 series ratchet will be 3753BRK

When I did this ratchet 5 years ago, I don't think I came across peened screws:

 

[M6erfan]

Yeah, my research has shown conflicting info on this. Here's Levelchromes description of the 3774NB:

Description
Koken's high quality 3/8" drive all steel reversible ratchet with quick release mechanism. This is the long reach flex head model giving greater access and leverage. Made in Japan.

NOTE: DO NOT OPEN COVER TO LUBE MECHANISM - Ratchet is lubed for life and the cover screws are peened at the ends. Removal will shear the screws and require a replacement kit.


But they have this disclaimer on all their Koken ratchets so it may be a general statement. I'll ping Ko-Ken directly and see what they have to say.

EDIT: Maybe this means that the repair kit includes new screws to replace the sheared screws? Anyway, it's not very clear...

 

[Jonathan Davis]

Yeah, my research has shown conflicting info on this. Here's Levelchromes description of the 3774NB:

Description
Koken's high quality 3/8" drive all steel reversible ratchet with quick release mechanism. This is the long reach flex head model giving greater access and leverage. Made in Japan.

NOTE: DO NOT OPEN COVER TO LUBE MECHANISM - Ratchet is lubed for life and the cover screws are peened at the ends. Removal will shear the screws and require a replacement kit.


But they have this disclaimer on all their Koken ratchets so it may be a general statement. I'll ping Ko-Ken directly and see what they have to say.

EDIT: Maybe this means that the repair kit includes new screws to replace the sheared screws? Anyway, it's not very clear...

Koken repair kits do come with new screws.

 

[superautobacs]

M6erfan,

I opened up my 1/2 ratchet yesterday and the screws came out without any fuss:

 

[TheFarmer]

Received my first ever Japanese made tools!

 

[M6erfan]

I believe those are made by Anex

 

[owm]

My new Engineer PZ-59:
https://scontent-kul1-1.**.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/14390983_702924339858738_5398417211580440219_n.jpg?oh=4efa2b93158febae84691daf1e7fbdd8&oe=58752BB9

Really nice build quality and feel

 

[M6erfan]

Look what I got Today!







Ko-Ken 3774NB & 3300c-250

Indeed it does look like the ratchet's faceplate is peened, hmmmm. This is by far the smoothest ratchet I've handled. backdrag is nearly non existent and I really dont think the 24t mechanism will limit me very much. Looking forward to putting it to good use!

 

[mercucho]

Newly arrived from Japan.

 

[losvre]

Newly arrived from Japan.

Looks Greeeat!!!

Some details please!

How is the play on the jaws of these two whrenches, how easy it is to adjust and a general feeling.

Thank you!!!

 

[_gear2]

Was looking at upgrading my torque wrench - was thinking of the TOHNICH QL200N4 - the only problem is its a clicker - is there an electronic type anyone would recommend.