Tools of Japan

[redvalkyrie]

Superautobacs, or anyone else that might know...

I can't seem to find a "set" of Ko-ken 1/2" extensions like they have for the 1/4" and 3/8" drives. I can find them individually but not as a set. Am I missing something? Nepros has a 1/2" set that is actually reasonably priced but it is only three pieces versus the six piece of the Ko-ken.

 

[dutchgray]

Superautobacs, or anyone else that might know...

I can't seem to find a "set" of Ko-ken 1/2" extensions like they have for the 1/4" and 3/8" drives. I can find them individually but not as a set. Am I missing something? Nepros has a 1/2" set that is actually reasonably priced but it is only three pieces versus the six piece of the Ko-ken.

PK4760/5 standard extension set
PK4763/5 wobble fix extension set
These are 5 piece sets

 

[redvalkyrie]

Sweet. Thanks--I don't know how I missed that.

Cheers,
JP

 

[redvalkyrie]

Asahi tool catalogs in English. They have some cool stuff-- torque wrenches and hex keys that feature a ball d'état to keep the bolt you are removing or installing from dropping off.

http://www.asahi-tool.co.jp/catalog/index.html

 

[dutchgray]

^ Thanks for that, Main Asahi catalogue will come in handy for finding what I want to buy.

 

[losvre]

Tools in action:

Combination used to get to the last sparkplug with cordless ratchet.

Hi Superautobacs,

How does the fitment of Nepros extensions when locked to each other compared to the Koken ones?

Would the locking ones be better when attaching them to reach tight spots? E.g. Stahlwile, Wera?

Thanks

Sent from my SM-A510F using Tapatalk

 

[redvalkyrie]

I have another question for you Superautobacs-- I noticed you using what appeared to be a Williams long handle rotating ratchet (yes, I watch all your videos. They're like crack for Japanese tools guys).

Do you have a part number for that ratchet? All I can find online are Stanley, Blackhawk, and some Beta. None of them are long handle.

Thanks,
JP

 

[superautobacs]

Hi Superautobacs,

How does the fitment of Nepros extensions when locked to each other compared to the Koken ones?

Would the locking ones be better when attaching them to reach tight spots? E.g. Stahlwile, Wera?

Thanks

Sent from my SM-A510F using Tapatalk

If you like that reassuring feeling you get when connecting socketry items that fit nice and snug with little play between the peices, then Nepros (in 3/8 drive) and Ko-ken's Zeal stuff (in all drive sizes) are what you're looking for.

Locking extensions isn't a must if the peices attach to eachother nice and snug (like I mentioned above). If you have socketry items that have loose tolerances, then having locking extensions might be more benefitial. I often do use my Wera locking extension with the sleeve ring when doing sparkplugs.

I have another question for you Superautobacs-- I noticed you using what appeared to be a Williams long handle rotating ratchet (yes, I watch all your videos. They're like crack for Japanese tools guys).

Do you have a part number for that ratchet? All I can find online are Stanley, Blackhawk, and some Beta. None of them are long handle.

Thanks,
JP

Sorry, I don't have a part #. They were bought from Princess Auto, the Harbour Freight of Canada. They are longer and have a more compact head dimensions than the giant-headed Stanley versions.

I don't know who the OEM in Taiwan is, but companies like Deen, Sidchrome, and SW-Stahl offers/did offer them at one point.

Check this post out: http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showpost.php?p=3717429&postcount=227

 

[redvalkyrie]

Thank you, sir!

 

[redvalkyrie]

Sorry, I don't have a part #. They were bought from Princess Auto, the Harbour Freight of Canada. They are longer and have a more compact head dimensions than the giant-headed Stanley versions.

That's strange--I did a search on the part number of the Koken model and instantly the Stanley version came up. It looks like Stanley is now having Koken make their rotator ratchet. Exact same head.

 

[superautobacs]

redvalkyrie,

The link I provided was a post from: Show off your "Custom Handled Ratchet" So, all of them were modified. With the exception of the three rotator ratchet, steel handles were modified to fit comfort grips.
In the case of the Stanley rotator, I fitted a 3/8 square drive (I was inspired by the Proxxon version that came with them standard. Here was a thread I started a while ago: http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=48846

The Stanley one has been broken for a few years now.....and I haven't gotten around to disassemble it. I broke it when I tried to operate it with a 18v drill. I think the pinion gears stripped.

 

[redvalkyrie]

Ohh...gotcha.

 

[losvre]

Hi guys,

Could anyone confirms if this Koken bit is round all along its length or some part of it is hex? I need to cut and use the bit in a confined space.

4020- M10 120 mm spline /XZN

View media item 70547

In case you still wonder

 

[losvre]

I also got a couple of 1/4 bits and the fitment to each other is really tight, the play is minimal, nice!


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[Monte]

 

[dutchgray]

I also got a couple of 1/4 bits and the fitment to each other is really tight, the play is minimal, nice!


Sent from my SM-A510F using Tapatalk

Koken stuff impresses me the more I use it, you notice the little details more as well, was using my longest 3/8" wobble fix extension and it made the job I was doing so easy, breaking with a ratchet and then spinning the bolts out using the knurling on the end.

 

[losvre]

Koken stuff impresses me the more I use it, you notice the little details more as well, was using my longest 3/8" wobble fix extension and it made the job I was doing so easy, breaking with a ratchet and then spinning the bolts out using the knurling on the end.

I agree and I will invest in more items from them. These were only for sampling and testing.

I believe they can improve the wobble a bit by having the square part getting a little bit deeper in the socket when used as normal extension. As wobble is perfect though

 

[redvalkyrie]

I've been so impressed by Koken that I have the complete 3/8" and 1/4" Zeal sets, nut grip sockets, and the 3/8" and 1/2" extension sets. The 1/4" will be next along with the 1/2" Zeal set.

 

[Druck Press 79]

Hi there. First time poster long time lurker. I thought i'd show off my Minimax spanners which arrived today. Minimax tools were popular in Australia during the 70s and 80s, but for whatever reason they went bust a while back, and now suddenly they're available again. Everybody's dad or grandad seemed to own a set of Minimaxes at one point, and i've always been curious about this brand so decided to order a few sets.

The interesting thing is that they arrived packaged in well weathered cardboard Minimax boxes, which makes me think they are new old stock and possibly several decades old. I'm looking forward to giving them a good wrenching shortly.

 

[JonnyMac]

Last year i saw an advert selling the minimax name/company and a container full of tools, believe it was located in victoria...
Most likely someone has bought it and selling off the stock... good tools either way

 

[BK13]

Those DBEs look cool...


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Bielio]

Nepros vs top vs lobster adjustable wrenches?
Seems that lobster has an "edge" on gripping the fastener?

 

[superautobacs]

I also got a couple of 1/4 bits and the fitment to each other is really tight, the play is minimal, nice!

If you think those fit together with minimal play, try out Ko-ken's Zeal socketry items and you'll notice that the fitment is even tighter than their standard stuff (as far as fitment/dimensional tolerances go, their standard lineup is industry average, IMO).

Sorry to see that long XZN bit socket wasn't what you had hoped for.

I agree and I will invest in more items from them. These were only for sampling and testing.

I believe they can improve the wobble a bit by having the square part getting a little bit deeper in the socket when used as normal extension. As wobble is perfect though

You mentioned about the depth of the square part....
Depending on how deep the press forging/machining is done on the female square end of a socketry item will dictate how far in that item will go to engage the square.

If you have a super shallow 1/4 drive socket, like a Zeal socket, and you mate it to a Ko-ken wobble-fix extension in the "fix" position, depending on the size of the socket, you'll notice that the square on the extension protrudes into the hex end. If the square portion on the extension was machined to allow for an even deeper engagement, then it'll definitely become an issue. Of course, this totally depends on what socketry item and brand you're mating it onto.

Nepros vs top vs lobster adjustable wrenches?
Seems that lobster has an "edge" on gripping the fastener?

I'd say so. For years, I keep postponing a purchase of the Lobster X-drive adjustable:

 

[Bielio]

Yeah, I was reading over your posts actually and started researching a bit.
They look nice.

 

[Jonathan Davis]

Hi there. First time poster long time lurker. I thought i'd show off my Minimax spanners which arrived today. Minimax tools were popular in Australia during the 70s and 80s, but for whatever reason they went bust a while back, and now suddenly they're available again. Everybody's dad or grandad seemed to own a set of Minimaxes at one point, and i've always been curious about this brand so decided to order a few sets.

The interesting thing is that they arrived packaged in well weathered cardboard Minimax boxes, which makes me think they are new old stock and possibly several decades old. I'm looking forward to giving them a good wrenching shortly.

Would love to get a set of those ring spanners, do you know if any more sets are available?

 

[Reed Prince]

Vessel 100th Anniversary +GEL Ball Grip Screwdriver Set
Vessel 2200 Ball Ratchet Driver with removable 2x100 shank, 2x150 and 3x150 shanks

 

[Druck Press 79]

Would love to get a set of those ring spanners, do you know if any more sets are available?

Not sure, you would have to ask them. As mentioned by somebody else, it looks to be all remainder stock, so once it's gone it's gone.
There is a mobile phone number on their Facebook page, which they will answer. They are not very responsive to emails.

 

[superautobacs]

Yeah, I was reading over your posts actually and started researching a bit.
They look nice.

Not only do they look nice, they have some unique features that aren't found in other brands. You should get them and provide us with a review.




Reed Prince,

Nice, new acquisitions. Have you used ball-grip screwdrivers before? What's your opinion of the ergonomics?

BTW, welcome to GJ and to this thread.

 

[Reed Prince]

Nice, new acquisitions. Have you used ball-grip screwdrivers before? What's your opinion of the ergonomics?

I have been a big fan of the ball grip design ever since I purchased some in a Tokyo hardware store in 2002. They fit in the hand well and also make it easy to apply a good amount of force when necessary. The ratchet and insulated shank of the recently-introduced model 2200 make a great design even better.

 

[BigEarn86]

Gentlemen. Just arrived in Okinawa two weeks ago. Anyone have any idea what stores I should be looking for. Google has produced a Home Depot type store and Astro tools. Neither had decent items except a few Vessel screw drivers. Looking for top end stuff. Thanks

 

[Qualitytools]

Vessel 100th Anniversary +GEL Ball Grip Screwdriver Set
Vessel 2200 Ball Ratchet Driver with removable 2x100 shank, 2x150 and 3x150 shanks

I really like the ratcheting feature and the fact that you can remove the shank and have a stubby! May I ask where did you find them and how much they were? Thanks

 

[superautobacs]

I have been a big fan of the ball grip design ever since I purchased some in a Tokyo hardware store in 2002. They fit in the hand well and also make it easy to apply a good amount of force when necessary. The ratchet and insulated shank of the recently-introduced model 2200 make a great design even better.

Nice to hear that. I recall as a kid living in Japan using a ball-grip driver (I don't know what brand it was), but never really cared for tools and nor was I concious of the concept behind ergonomics. ....until a couple decades later, I came to appreciate the idea behind the design. I'm a happy user as well.

Gentlemen. Just arrived in Okinawa two weeks ago. Anyone have any idea what stores I should be looking for. Google has produced a Home Depot type store and Astro tools. Neither had decent items except a few Vessel screw drivers. Looking for top end stuff. Thanks

Top end stuff....for what though? Automotive? Woodworking? Gardening?

Did a quick google maps search:
https://www.google.ca/search?q=%E6%B2%96%E7%B8%84%E3%80%80%E5%B7%A5%E5%85%B7&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8&gws_rd=cr&ei=X8MyWc3YL9aajwPoxbugBQ#q=%E6%B2%96%E7%B8%84%E3%80%80%E5%B7%A5%E5%85%B7&rflfq=1&rlha=0&rllag=26235897,127728625,5846&tbm=lcl&tbs=lrf:!2m1!1e2!2m1!1e3!3sEAE,lf:1,lf_ui:2

For automotive related stuff:

http://www.marumiya-co.jp/

http://www.e-banzai.jp/

 

[IdahoMan]

Got these the other day, for $13:



Anybody use them before?

 

[richeyc2000]

Sorry. Put this in the wrong section. Moved.

 

[BigEarn86]

Nice to hear that. I recall as a kid living in Japan using a ball-grip driver (I don't know what brand it was), but never really cared for tools and nor was I concious of the concept behind ergonomics. ....until a couple decades later, I came to appreciate the idea behind the design. I'm a happy user as well.






Top end stuff....for what though? Automotive? Woodworking? Gardening?

Did a quick google maps search:
https://www.google.ca/search?q=%E6%B2%96%E7%B8%84%E3%80%80%E5%B7%A5%E5%85%B7&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8&gws_rd=cr&ei=X8MyWc3YL9aajwPoxbugBQ#q=%E6%B2%96%E7%B8%84%E3%80%80%E5%B7%A5%E5%85%B7&rflfq=1&rlha=0&rllag=26235897,127728625,5846&tbm=lcl&tbs=lrf:!2m1!1e2!2m1!1e3!3sEAE,lf:1,lf_ui:2

For automotive related stuff:

http://www.marumiya-co.jp/

http://www.e-banzai.jp/

Thanks, automotive stuff really. Looking for the equivalent to a SNAP ON truck type brick and mortar. I'll give those links a shot and report back.

 

[kball]

Not sure if this has been posted. just wanted to let you know in case you hadn't seen other posts. Sears is now selling these Vessel screwdrivers.

http://www.sears.com/craftsman-2-pc...SellerId=Sears&prdNo=1&blockNo=1&blockType=G1

 

[redvalkyrie]

Nice to hear that. I recall as a kid living in Japan using a ball-grip driver (I don't know what brand it was), but never really cared for tools and nor was I concious of the concept behind ergonomics. ....until a couple decades later, I came to appreciate the idea behind the design. I'm a happy user as well.

Wait wait wait--as a kid in Japan? I know you mention taking trips to Japan but didn't know you had lived there. Was a parent in the military and based in Japan? How long were you there? Can you understand written and/or spoken Japanese? Japan has been one those places I hope to see some day. If my University had a Japanese language program I would have taken it. Instead I took Spanish for two years and was quite good at it. My Godfather and his family speak Spanish fluently. So, I am able to catch the gist of what is being said.

I have several very dear friends there. I would love to see them again. Such good times...

I've slowly ordering more tools from Rakuten. I will try to remember to post pics tomorrow. I also had to buy a red Harbor Freight 30" rolling chest. Stacked a side drawer onto it and then a fold out trey. Then I decided I needed some place to put my drill press and band saw and decided on a Husky unit. It is quite well made--but I would give edge to the Harbor Freight.

 

[BigEarn86]

Found my first tools of Japan. Bought them brand new from a Good Will type store. $15 each. Not cheap but I like them.

 

[gbh]

BigEarn86, you did well, you won't find them any cheaper even in Japan.
I took this pic a few days ago as I'm thinking of buying one or two.
The X type don't close completely, I'm sure they're fine but seems a little odd to me. I couldn't find the black metal finish ones, just the chrome plated ones seem to be in stores at this time.

 

[_gear2]

Any one know anything about crab tools japan? Noticed some pullers on franks tools... Looking to get some mid range pullers