Tools of Japan

[mrborohachi]

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

Did you find that at Hard Off? I got a super awesome NARDI wood 350mm steering wheel from Hard Off in Yokuska. It was in the original box and had the horn ring and horn button.

 

[losvre]

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

For the quality you get is not expensive either!

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[losvre]

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

Bump, I would like to know more for the crabs.

There so many nice tools..

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[superautobacs]

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.

Yup, born and raise in Japan until I was 14, and nope, nothing to do with the military. I can speak and understand verbal communication a lot better than reading and writing. The good thing about Japan is that it's quite a friendly destination for tourists, as it's not too difficult to get by even without knowing the language.

Post the pictures up!






Bigearn86,

Nice score those. I don't think those were very expensive!



GBH,

Your attached photos seem to get smaller and smaller.




gear2,

CRAB.... AFAIK, they never had a website and somehow I have a feeling they are no longer in business, so whatever you see is NOS. I could be wrong though. Maybe Frank can answer?

Somewhere in my stash, I have a CRAB spanner....nothing else, so I can't comment on the puller. The C-clamps look really nice. I've always liked that design. Maybe it's a JIS thing? I say that because I've run across other Japanese-made C-clamps with the same design (TOP and Supertool comes to mind). It's made be wonder if there's one OEM or they make them all in that design.

CRAB is definitely an obscure brand, even in Japan.

 

[ricleh]

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

I've had the SG-80, SG-120 and the SG-160 for awhile now and am very pleased with the quality of these pullers. They are my most heavily used pullers.

 

[espyking83]

Any of you guys have feedback on KTC air tools?

 

[superautobacs]

Any of you guys have feedback on KTC air tools?

Don't have anything to offer other than to say that some of their stuff closely resembles IR's stuff. Never crossed my mind to purchase any, if indeed I was right.

IR makes it to KTC specs? .... and gives them part #'s beginning with JAP

Part #'s starting with JAR are made in Japan (there's only two items, both mini air ratchets).

 

[superautobacs]

Latest upload

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/gox1h8vm__Q?list=PLo65s_DfP857pDVK8S-E9jkkLSEH3Q-DB" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>


Tools in action:


As part of replacing a fuel pump, this large clamp must be unscrewed using a 7mm socket. Using a flexible nut driver is just cumbersome, time-consuming, and frustrating. Even with a 90-tooth ratchet, you can only get 2/3 ratchet clicks per swing, due to the confined space. This is where a rotator ratchet shines.

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/N9DsLhrQTjI?list=PLo65s_DfP855ZeRnQUbYIH1GkPzINPohd" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>


or so I thought....until I thought up of this configuration:



This combination of using three universal joints has been a HUGE time saver over using the rotator ratchet! Mind you, trying this with any standard type of universal joint would be frustrating. This works because of the user-friendly mechanism attained by Nepros' "ground-cross" design and Ko-ken Zeal's ball-joint design. Hands down, the best universal joint in the market, IMO.

 

[superautobacs]

I totally forgot about this purchase for a month. I found it at the bottom of a box I was clearing up in the house.




with torque specs for both ends.....officially approved by KTC




The 10mm that I bought a few years ago was a satin finish, but this one is polished. The OEM in Taiwan dropped the satin finish from production? KTC's official website still shows the satin finish. Hrmm.

Luckily I don't have crazy OCD like many on GJ do.

 

[dutchgray]

Always liked that about Japanese brands ratchet wrenches, listing the torque spec for them, kind of pointless as you'll still end up using them just the same.

 

[Reed Prince]

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

I purchased them through Rakuten, as that was the only place that I could find that sold the shanks separately.

Ball ratchet driver shaft replacement 2200B+2X150 vessel (VESSEL)(2200B+2×150)
Unit Price JPY 443 x 1 pcs = JPY 443 ( tax incl. Shipping fee not incl. )
----------
Ball ratchet driver shaft replacement 2200B+3X150 vessel (VESSEL)(2200B+3×150)
Unit Price JPY 443 x 1 pcs = JPY 443 ( tax incl. Shipping fee not incl. )
----------
Ball ratchet driver No.2200+2X100 vessel (VESSEL)(2200+2×100)
Unit Price JPY 1210 x 1 pcs = JPY 1210 ( tax incl. Shipping fee not incl. )

 

[Ms6peters]

now inspired to procure another one.

my go to universal joint for that past 40 years was a craftsman 3/8 impact ball/socket.....I have now toggled over to the 'skinny cow' Koken version.
Coupled with short Koken metric sockets, ...perfect for metric flange bolts.

Latest upload

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/gox1h8vm__Q?list=PLo65s_DfP857pDVK8S-E9jkkLSEH3Q-DB" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>


Tools in action:


As part of replacing a fuel pump, this large clamp must be unscrewed using a 7mm socket. Using a flexible nut driver is just cumbersome, time-consuming, and frustrating. Even with a 90-tooth ratchet, you can only get 2/3 ratchet clicks per swing, due to the confined space. This is where a rotator ratchet shines.

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/N9DsLhrQTjI?list=PLo65s_DfP855ZeRnQUbYIH1GkPzINPohd" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>


or so I thought....until I thought up of this configuration:



This combination of using three universal joints has been a HUGE time saver over using the rotator ratchet! Mind you, trying this with any standard type of universal joint would be frustrating. This works because of the user-friendly mechanism attained by Nepros' "ground-cross" design and Ko-ken Zeal's ball-joint design. Hands down, the best universal joint in the market, IMO.

 

[losvre]

I totally forgot about this purchase for a month. I found it at the bottom of a box I was clearing up in the house.




with torque specs for both ends.....officially approved by KTC




The 10mm that I bought a few years ago was a satin finish, but this one is polished. The OEM in Taiwan dropped the satin finish from production? KTC's official website still shows the satin finish. Hrmm.

Luckily I don't have crazy OCD like many on GJ do.

Japanese made in Taiwan

Joke aside they look really good. Can you use them to break free the nuts or you need to use a bar?

 

[superautobacs]

Always liked that about Japanese brands ratchet wrenches, listing the torque spec for them, kind of pointless as you'll still end up using them just the same.

Exactly.

now inspired to procure another one.

my go to universal joint for that past 40 years was a craftsman 3/8 impact ball/socket.....I have now toggled over to the 'skinny cow' Koken version.
Coupled with short Koken metric sockets, ...perfect for metric flange bolts.

Ever since I bought the Nepros universal 8 years ago, and purchasing the Ko-ken Zeal universal when they came out, I haven't had the need to purchase any swivel sockets. They are so compact, namely in length, that when combined with their short sockets (especially Zeal sockets), they are still pretty short in overall length. Here's a comparison photo:



What you have on the far left would be what most people will have: a standard design universal, combined with a shallow socket (in this case, it's a Snap-on universal with a shallow 6mm Snappy. Next to that is a Nepros/Nepros combination, then Ko-ken Zeal/Zeal, then a Snap-On swivel socket (which costs about $50).




Here's another comparison between a Stanley, Proto, and the Zeal. These are all holding 8mm sockets:

Japanese made in Taiwan

Joke aside they look really good. Can you use them to break free the nuts or you need to use a bar?

Well, that of course depends on the condition of the fastener. I thankfully don't work on rust buckets, so I've found that I can break them free despite the stubby length.

 

[dede2897234]

Ko-ken 14772-P Impact Universal Double Joint (Made in Japan)







Ko-ken Wobble-Fix Extension Bars (Made in Japan)

I purchased both the Ko-ken universal double joint and the wobble-fix extension bars (3" and 6" long) from Rakuten's i-Tools Japanese store. Here is a link to their store: i-Tools. Everything was in stock; and sent progress e-mails about payment (including air mail shipping fee), date of package pick-up by courier, and tracking number. I will purchase from i-Tools again. The advantage right now for U.S. buyers purchasing from Japan is that the U.S. dollar is stronger than the Japanese Yen. I saved about $7 on my order with the exchange rate late last month. Here are some pictures:








Dave

 

[mercucho]

KTC key to change oil filter on my Yamaha. The coupling to a 3/8" ratchet plus an extension.

 

[Timms the Tool Man]

I don't have a picture on hand because it is at work, but NT Cutter Pro is a 9mm Made In Japan box cutter/retractable razor knife and they are nothing short of excellent.

 

[losvre]

Gedore 3/8 8mm vs Koken 1/2 10mm XZN Socket BIT.

Did you see any differences? Which one would you prefer?



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[Frankstools]

Crab is not out of business, they are a small and very traditional Japanese business. They are located in Sanjo, Nigata prefecture. They do not have a web site, only a small 7 page catalog. First class forgings, acme threads. They are about as high end as they come, I sell them at a very reasonable price.

 

[ricleh]

I really like those Crab c-clamps and pullers that I got from you Frank. Thanks.

 

[American Locomotive]

Gedore 3/8 8mm vs Koken 1/2 10mm XZN Socket BIT.

Did you see any differences? Which one would you prefer?



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One important difference is that the Koken's 3/8" female end is a surface drive design, rather than a tip drive. It would be far less likely to damage your ratchet or extension.

 

[mrborohachi]

does anyone happen to have this socket adapter tap holder? I just wanted to see how small of a square end of a tap it can hold.

 

[losvre]

One important difference is that the Koken's 3/8" female end is a surface drive design, rather than a tip drive. It would be far less likely to damage your ratchet or extension.

That is a good point I would jave never thought of, thanks!

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[2ndGearRubber]

does anyone happen to have this socket adapter tap holder? I just wanted to see how small of a square end of a tap it can hold.

I have one, I'll try and measure tomorrow. It's a fantastic little tool, btw.

 

[SawtoothJL]

does anyone happen to have this socket adapter tap holder? I just wanted to see how small of a square end of a tap it can hold.

Have both sizes of these. They are fantastic, HIGHLY Recommended!

 

[mrborohachi]

I finally ran into a situation where I had to use one. It was at my new work assembling a brand new power panel for a tortilla making machine. Had to tap a new hole in the box/enclosure because the tap handle would have struck a wall. Luckily an electrician had a MAC tools set of 2 socket adapters (looked very Chinawanese and i'm sure SO sells the same set)

This Koken adapter looks amazing. It has two types of knurling.

 

[superautobacs]

Thanks for the clarification on Crab tools, Frank.










I measured 5/64" on the "1" tap holder.

Featured in this video:

 

[redvalkyrie]

It took a while but here are my Japanese tools:

Nepros sets, Koken set, Koken nut grip sockets, Nepros medium sockets (if you look closely that tiny ratchet is actually one of Nepros new 3/8" compact flex heads--looks like a 1/4", huh?"
<a href="http://s1288.photobucket.com/user/redvalkyrieone/media/20170615_233503_zps2dq8cykv.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1288.photobucket.com/albums/b496/redvalkyrieone/20170615_233503_zps2dq8cykv.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo 20170615_233503_zps2dq8cykv.jpg"/></a>

The can on the left is an old Japan made hand oiler



Various KTC snap ring pliers, Engineer pliers, and Keiba pliers


Nepros long DBE, Six point wrenches, and a Lobster rivet gun.


Engineer crimpers, Merry strippers, Keiba cutters, and Keiba end cutters


Vessel ratcheting short and long screwdrivers, KTC tie rod nut tool


Various Vessel screwdrivers and an Anex impact driver


Koken extension sets and a Koken 1/4" Zeal set


Various HIT and Fuller adjustable wrenches (along with some Protos and Toptuls)

 

[redvalkyrie]

I also have some Supertool pliers, soft jaw adjustables, and what most would call a pipe wrench despite having no teeth on the jaws. I use it for AN fittings that the soft jaws won't reach.

 

[Pet Rock]

So im certain I have a few other Japanese tools, but this one I keep in my desk. I find something charming about the hex profile. It came with the house 30 years ago and I didn't discover it until I moved out last year.


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[colin39]

So im certain I have a few other Japanese tools, but this one I keep in my desk. I find something charming about the hex profile. It came with the house 30 years ago and I didn't discover it until I moved out last year.


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Is that a spoke socket for a bicycle wheel?

 

[superautobacs]

redvalkyrie,

Nice collection!

Do you know if the KTC inspection mirror said "made in USA" on the product card?

Also, what's inside the Wiha box...a hand impact driver?

 

[redvalkyrie]

Thank you! My mirror said Japan on the box. That may be assembled in Japan with foreign parts...or vice versa.

The Wiha box is a bit set with a quick change chuck for use with an impact.

redvalkyrie,

Nice collection!

Do you know if the KTC inspection mirror said "made in USA" on the product card?

Also, what's inside the Wiha box...a hand impact driver?

 

[confidence]

I've recently been bit by the Ko-ken bug thanks to this thread/forum.
I've noticed that none of the Z-eal sets have a 9mm socket. Any idea why they all skip 9mm?

 

[dutchgray]

Because 9mm is not a standard size, they exist because engineers have designed 9mm hex heads into things when they really shouldn't have. The Z-eal range is specifically designed for modern automotive use and you wont need a 9mm, apart from brake bleeding on some German stuff I believe.

 

[2ndGearRubber]

Thanks for the clarification on Crab tools, Frank.



I measured 5/64" on the "1" tap holder.

Featured in this video:

The "2" tap holder, 3131A, has a minimum size of 4mm. Max size which can fit through the upper hole is 11.25mm. 10mm is likely the max size to properly engage the jaws.

 

[redvalkyrie]

Can anyone recommend a good set of large water pump pliers? I have several Knipex but nothing massive--and I do love Knipex but we're all Japan made guys here. I think Supertool might have some. Unfortunately, Keiba--the absolute best pliers I have ever used ( even better than Knipex). Don't make water pump pliers.

-JP

 

[superautobacs]

Thank you! My mirror said Japan on the box. That may be assembled in Japan with foreign parts...or vice versa.

The Wiha box is a bit set with a quick change chuck for use with an impact.

I have a flexible type magnetic pickup that's made in the USA:

KTC offers this 5pc set:

I think Carica is the OEM in US:

Because 9mm is not a standard size, they exist because engineers have designed 9mm hex heads into things when they really shouldn't have. The Z-eal range is specifically designed for modern automotive use and you wont need a 9mm, apart from brake bleeding on some German stuff I believe.

Agreed.

...and 9mm brake bleeder screws on BMWs are common. I use a wrench though.

I think the lack of a 9mm socket screws with the minds of those that must have a complete set with no skips...or those that can't stand having the 9mm peg on their socket holders empty.

Can anyone recommend a good set of large water pump pliers? I have several Knipex but nothing massive--and I do love Knipex but we're all Japan made guys here. I think Supertool might have some. Unfortunately, Keiba--the absolute best pliers I have ever used ( even better than Knipex). Don't make water pump pliers.

-JP

If you want XL sized WP pliers (18" and up), Japan doesn't offer them. From a quick search, 12" seems to be max length you can find from Japanese manufacturers. Your best place would be, as you already know, are big three German plier manufacturers (Knipex/NWS/VBW), or the Spanish Bahco. Knipex definitely offers the largest sizes.


Since we're talking WP pliers in this thread.....


Tsunoda (TTC) released these European pattern pliers (made in Thailand):
http://www.tsunoda-japan.com/itempage/TH-250WP.html

IPS is now offering German (Orbis) WP pliers. Orbis has been making these Speedy pliers for, AFAIK, at least 5 years or so and sold under private labels (like Roebuck, Kamasa, Atorn, Unior, Deen, and now IPS).

 

[dutchgray]

Those Carica inspection mirror sets, Harry J Epsteins had a whole bunch as closeouts, pretty cheap.
https://www.harryepstein.com/index.php/catalogsearch/result/?q=Inspection+kit
Its good stuff.

 

[superautobacs]

Those Carica inspection mirror sets, Harry J Epsteins had a whole bunch as closeouts, pretty cheap.
https://www.harryepstein.com/index.php/catalogsearch/result/?q=Inspection+kit
Its good stuff.

Nice find!
...wait, COO = Canada. Hrmm, I'm gonna have to dig up my product card for my magnet.