Tools of Japan
- Thread starter Frankstools
- Start date
Jaysreal
Well-known member
I picked up a set of Vessel screwdrivers a few months ago. Haven't used them yet (or any tools for that matter... still too cold in the garage). The set is "3010PS Ultra Non-Slip Grip Screwdriver Set (10pcs) with Case". I've heard good things about Vessel, and the price was right. They seem very well built and the handle is certainly grippy. The wood/composite material is definitely interesting, I don't think I've seen anything like it on a tool before. It reminds me of the synthetic decking material.
I also picked up a bunch of Koken sockets.
- 1/2" 10-22mm 12 pt
- 3/8" 8-19mm 6 pt
- 3/8" 8-19mm 12 pt
- 3/8" 8-19mm 6 pt deep
- 1/4" 4-14mm 6 pt
- 1/4" 4-14mm 12 pt
- 1/4" 4-14mm 6 pt deep (still waiting on these to arrive)
I was originally going to get Nepros sockets, but the high cost (and pretty finish...) persuaded me to look elsewhere for my full set. I'm planning to build an "essentials" kit with Nepros things specifically for car work/maintenance.
Has anyone contacted Frank in the last week. I emailed him twice in the last week and haven't got a reply. I purchased 3 items and wanted another one. He moved to Dover New Hampshire I think he is working out of the Portsmouth Naval base but I'm not sure.
I am also looking to buy some Ko-Ken but from the website it is not clear if Frankstools deliver outside USA?
I will drop him an email and see revert back if I get a response.
I emailed hit just a couple of hours ago and replied instantly.
Maybe use another email or from another location in case your having issues with the IP.
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American Locomotive
Well-known member
I've had a hard time getting in contact with Frank recently. From what I understand he's having difficulty dealing with backorders from Koken.
dutchgray
Well-known member
Buy it from Consolidated tools here in the UK if they have it or direct from Japan yourself from Rakuten global.
ricleh
Well-known member
I've had no problems reaching Frank with email. I order a lot of Koken tools from Frank and have never had a problem. Koken is a fairly small company though and for some of their tools they wait until they have enough orders to do a production run. This is for tools that they do not sell in large quantities. I've had to wait for several weeks for some tools, but Frank always warned me in advance.
Hi Dutchgray,
I have looked at the Consolidated Tools and bought a few things before. They are nice people and easy to work with and upfront about what is good quality whats not etc. however, the range of Ko-Ken tools is quite limited and could not source certain items.
dutchgray
Well-known member
Thats why I said go direct to Japan if they dont have what you want, Frank is good and I have even ordered from him, but there's no real benefit now he is located in the US again and there wasn't much advantage before for those outside the US.
Rakuten is very easy to use, if you ever used Play.com you already have an account, its just needs activating and some additional info to work.
You order but dont pay until the seller gets back with the total inc shipping, their search is useless so use google and if you browse using Chrome it will auto translate the Japanese text.
I have used a half dozen sellers now without issue.
Jaysreal
Well-known member
Has anyone ever heard of Tone SUS?
Looks like it's an entire line of Stainless Steel tools. https://www.amazon.co.jp/gp/aw/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?__mk_ja_JP=&k=tone+sus
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Looks like it's an entire line of Stainless Steel tools. https://www.amazon.co.jp/gp/aw/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?__mk_ja_JP=&k=tone+sus
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superautobacs
Well-known member
I'm pretty sure someone in the TOJ thread has purchased some Tone SUS tools.
Related topic: http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=116341&page=2
A scan of the back cover from 2007 Factory Gear Magazine
General Geoff
Well-known member
Took this pic after doing some organizing in my truck cabinets.
Jaysreal
Well-known member
Bacs, you always come with the info, Thanks!
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I picked up a 19mm Koken wheel nut socket (pictured center, 4300M-110). It is extra long which helps with hand clearance between the car and breaker bar. I was using the Nepros 19mm deep socket before, and the extra length of this specialty socket is nice.
I also got the Koken 1/2" 600mm breaker bar (4768P-600). It's nicer than the no-name $30 one I have been using for years (better handle contour, detents at 90 deg, better chrome).
The following is for people who haven't used Rakuten/i-TOOLS before. It might help someone decide whether or not to order from them.
This was my first order from i-TOOLS (via Rakuten Global). I ordered on April 6, they shipped on April 7, and USPS delivered on April 10th. Ordering was straight-forward, although there were far more "confirmation" emails from Rakuten/i-TOOLS/PayPal than I am used to receiving from American vendors. I received the following emails (all partially in Japanese):
- "Order Confirmation" from Rakuten, telling me what I ordered and where I want it shipped
- "Payment Notification" from i-TOOLS with a link to PayPal
- Receipt from PayPal
- "Thank you for payment" from i-TOOLS
- Something completely in Japanese from Rakuten. Looks like another order confirmation.
- "Shipping notice" from i-TOOLS
I think it is noteworthy that the shipping isn't calculated/communicated until after you place the order. It was included in the Payment Notification email from i-TOOLs. The have a shipping estimate based on weight, but I didn't see anywhere that lists the weight of a given item. Also, you must sign for the package when delivered; I wasn't home so the mail man left a slip and I had to pick it up at the post office.
The socket was 2580 JPY ($24), the breaker bar was 5380 JPY ($49), and shipping was 4500 JPY ($41) for approximately 2000g. I think shipping is reasonable for 2kg of stuff shipped via air over the Pacific and delivered to me in 3 days. However I would have selected a cheaper/slower option if it were available.
Overall I am satisfied with my experience with i-TOOLS. I'll order from them again if it's something that Frankstools doesn't have.
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cbracer
Well-known member
Yep used i-tools a few times. The shipping has gone up significantly compared to a couple years ago, of course I always order more than I need because the tools seem like a good price then I pay more in shipping because I bought more! I've found it cheaper than most US retailers by a lot.
dutchgray
Well-known member
A little Rakuten (Mutsuura) order
View media item 70074The mini tool box is Taiwan and is actually very nice, im going to use it for all my 1/4" hex bits and handles. It did make the shipping really expensive though.
Lobster adjustable is nice, light, not as soild as an Irega but plenty good enough.
KTC flat short DBE, nice for the money, they are pretty cheap, I was never going to buy the Nepros ones, already got a set of the Hazet offset ones.
Top ratchet wrenches, these are coarse toothed industrial ones, I wanted them for work, Made in Japan.
View media item 70074The mini tool box is Taiwan and is actually very nice, im going to use it for all my 1/4" hex bits and handles. It did make the shipping really expensive though.
Lobster adjustable is nice, light, not as soild as an Irega but plenty good enough.
KTC flat short DBE, nice for the money, they are pretty cheap, I was never going to buy the Nepros ones, already got a set of the Hazet offset ones.
Top ratchet wrenches, these are coarse toothed industrial ones, I wanted them for work, Made in Japan.
Am I reading too much into what you wrote, or is there also a fine-toothed version?
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dutchgray
Well-known member
They have a range of Taiwan made 72 tooth ones, but none like those dbe offsets as far as im aware, their website doesn't work properly for me and searching for anything from Top is near impossible. I have the long flex dbe 72tooth and those are good.
Who wouldn't? Single high-value tool costs $15 to ship, no sweat, but a couple dozen Engineer screwdrivers doubles with delivery.
Hi Dutchgray,
I was wondering if you know how does the Lobster compares to Irega and old Bahco with regards to the tightness and tolerances of the mechanism?
Thanks
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dutchgray
Well-known member
I would say the old Bahco and Irega are a bit tighter, there is slack in the Lobster but its pretty good, especially considering its pretty cheap and it gas a really wide jaw opening, its also really light because of the holes in the handle but that might be why I feel its not quite the quality of a Bahco or Irega, I think the Top ones are better but I only have the short ones.
American Locomotive
Well-known member
Has anyone gotten in contact with Frank's Tools recently? He said he received my tools and would ship them out two weeks ago, and I still haven't gotten them. I e-mailed him two days ago, but have not gotten a response.
redvalkyrie
Well-known member
- Joined
- Nov 12, 2006
- Messages
- 423
I just placed my first order with I-Tools. I picked up the complete Koken Zeal 1/4" drive set and three different Keiba cutting pliers. The total came out to less than I would have paid in the US for just the Zeal set.
I have the 3/8" Zeal set and several Keiba pliers so I'm sure I will be pleased.
I also picked a few Vessel Megadora flathead screwdrivers to round out my line of Vessel Megadora philips, along with some Mitutoyo rulers, Shinwa squares, and a stainless Shinwa protractor--all from Amazon. I find metric so much easier to use than SAE...I have a Beta metric tape measure that's a joy to use. However, I do have plenty of SAE tape measures and the Mitutoyo ruler has metric on me side and SAE on the other.
I have the 3/8" Zeal set and several Keiba pliers so I'm sure I will be pleased.
I also picked a few Vessel Megadora flathead screwdrivers to round out my line of Vessel Megadora philips, along with some Mitutoyo rulers, Shinwa squares, and a stainless Shinwa protractor--all from Amazon. I find metric so much easier to use than SAE...I have a Beta metric tape measure that's a joy to use. However, I do have plenty of SAE tape measures and the Mitutoyo ruler has metric on me side and SAE on the other.
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Thank you! I am between new Irega, old Bahco or Top then for size 6" to 10".
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I've had a pair of the Keiba FC-206 side cutters with the "gunmetal" bushing. Not a ton of use but they have held up like new in the year that I've had them. Really nice pliers!
cbracer
Well-known member
Yes I found my Lobster pliers great, but with a bit more slack than would have been preferred. Lightweight is surely nice, but tighter tolerances is also on my wish list. Overall I'm happy, bought two Lobster wrenches.
redvalkyrie
Well-known member
- Joined
- Nov 12, 2006
- Messages
- 423
I picked up a 19mm Koken wheel nut socket (pictured center, 4300M-110). It is extra long which helps with hand clearance between the car and breaker bar. I was using the Nepros 19mm deep socket before, and the extra length of this specialty socket is nice.
I also got the Koken 1/2" 600mm breaker bar (4768P-600). It's nicer than the no-name $30 one I have been using for years (better handle contour, detents at 90 deg, better chrome).
The following is for people who haven't used Rakuten/i-TOOLS before. It might help someone decide whether or not to order from them.
This was my first order from i-TOOLS (via Rakuten Global). I ordered on April 6, they shipped on April 7, and USPS delivered on April 10th. Ordering was straight-forward, although there were far more "confirmation" emails from Rakuten/i-TOOLS/PayPal than I am used to receiving from American vendors. I received the following emails (all partially in Japanese):
- "Order Confirmation" from Rakuten, telling me what I ordered and where I want it shipped
- "Payment Notification" from i-TOOLS with a link to PayPal
- Receipt from PayPal
- "Thank you for payment" from i-TOOLS
- Something completely in Japanese from Rakuten. Looks like another order confirmation.
- "Shipping notice" from i-TOOLS
I think it is noteworthy that the shipping isn't calculated/communicated until after you place the order. It was included in the Payment Notification email from i-TOOLs. The have a shipping estimate based on weight, but I didn't see anywhere that lists the weight of a given item. Also, you must sign for the package when delivered; I wasn't home so the mail man left a slip and I had to pick it up at the post office.
The socket was 2580 JPY ($24), the breaker bar was 5380 JPY ($49), and shipping was 4500 JPY ($41) for approximately 2000g. I think shipping is reasonable for 2kg of stuff shipped via air over the Pacific and delivered to me in 3 days. However I would have selected a cheaper/slower option if it were available.
Overall I am satisfied with my experience with i-TOOLS. I'll order from them again if it's something that Frankstools doesn't have.
Did you use EMS or another of the offered shipping services?
redvalkyrie
Well-known member
- Joined
- Nov 12, 2006
- Messages
- 423
Do any of the Japanese brands offer a long reach diagonal cutter similar to this Blue-Point?
https://store.snapon.com/Long-Reach...agonal-Long-Reach-11-Blue-Point--P647211.aspx
https://store.snapon.com/Long-Reach...agonal-Long-Reach-11-Blue-Point--P647211.aspx
I used EMS. I did not see any way to select another option. The shipping quote was not provided at the time I placed the order. As I recall, it was included when they sent the email to pay using PayPal.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/TAJIMA-Alum...ting-Body-5-5M-GRAY-Official-New/111742289283
$100 tape measure lol