Tools of Japan

[Pet Rock]

Is that a spoke socket for a bicycle wheel?

''Tis a spoke wrench. I'd never seen one like this ( as a bike mechanic) and initially thought it might be a motorcycle spoke wrench. However, after a little digging, it is most likely bicycle wrench. I found that this particular profession has a number of unique tools ( some with interesting names).


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[superautobacs]

I checked the product card on the flex magnet and it's made in the USA. I've never been able to find information on the internet on Carica. HJE says Canada, but my product is USA.

 

[ricleh]

Carica was a division of Ken-Tool that was acquired by Mayhew Tools in 2008. The acquisition included the manufacturing facility in New Wilmington, PA.

 

[superautobacs]

Thanks for that info, Ricleh.

 

[M6erfan]

...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.

The MSR2A series I bought a few months ago from iTools are all satin like the top wrench in your pic...

 

[superautobacs]

The MSR2A series I bought a few months ago from iTools are all satin like the top wrench in your pic...

I realized I had these photos from 2014, and they are all polished. My 10mm satin was purchased in either 2012 or 2013 from an online vendor. So, maybe the satin ones are older stock?

 

[M6erfan]

Looking through the KTC catalog recently downloaded from their website, I see no such "LMSR1" prefix to a part #

Current ratcheting box end Part # Prefixes (that I could find):

MR1
MR1A
MR1S
MR15L
MSR2A
MSR2SA
MSR2S

Interesting that searching the KTC catalog for "LMSR" or "LMSR1" brings up zero results...

 

[superautobacs]

It is strange.

I did a google image search with LMSR and MSR.

It clear that the LMSR series, like my photo above, are polished:

Here's an MSR series:

Key difference is the design of the dimples. The MSR has the dimples spread more broadly across the surface of beam. The LMSR series clearly has a defined oblong shaped area where the dimples are.

Actually my own photo of the two stubbies shows that clearly too.

Nonetheless, it's strange that KTC doesn't list the LMSR in their catalogue, even though it's clearly being sold today.

Discrepancies are super common with North American brands (truck brand or not), and I've always found Japanese tool companies' websites reliable (not to mention so much better in content), so it's kinda surprising to see this from a big-name Japanese brand.

 

[superautobacs]

I was going through some older Pneumatic tools and oddly enough some HF stuff I bought in the early 80's is made in Japan.
Motoretro

Not surprising at all.

Of all the Japanese pneumatic tool companies, Shinano had a huge hand in developing the American pneumatic tool brand called Rodac, starting in 1960. They fully developed Rodac air grinders and air drills with the Rodac name on them.

By the early 1970's, Shinano supplied Chicago Pneumatic (CP) with, then Blue-Point branded air tools, and in Europe, to Desota and Pneutec.

By the 80's, they were the OEM for Forida Pneumatic, MAC tools, Chicago Pneumatic, etc.

In the 80's in particular, Shinano had a significant share of the North American air-tool market. They produced the world's first high-powered air ratchet in 1979 for Florida Pneumatic, then in 1984 they produced the world's first mini air ratchet for Blue-Point. Every pneumatic tool maker has since copied their design.

The butterfly impact, swivel couplers, and the world's first impacting air ratchets were also developed by them.

 

[AviationTech]

Just thought I'd pass this information along in case anyone is interested, today through June 30 at the Rakuten Ichiba Mutsuura store there is a 1500 Yen off orders over 10000 Yen coupon that can be retrieved from the home page of Rakuten Global Marketplace. I used it today to place an order for some hard to find pb swiss and vessel screw driver set.

 

[M6erfan]

It is strange.

I did a google image search with LMSR and MSR.

It clear that the LMSR series, like my photo above, are polished:


Here's an MSR series:


Key difference is the design of the dimples. The MSR has the dimples spread more broadly across the surface of beam. The LMSR series clearly has a defined oblong shaped area where the dimples are.

Actually my own photo of the two stubbies shows that clearly too.

Nonetheless, it's strange that KTC doesn't list the LMSR in their catalogue, even though it's clearly being sold today.

Discrepancies are super common with North American brands (truck brand or not), and I've always found Japanese tool companies' websites reliable (not to mention so much better in content), so it's kinda surprising to see this from a big-name Japanese brand.

Perhaps the LMSR is a domestic only PN?

 

[dutchgray]

Another I tools order
View media item 71629Koken Atack driver, the one with the most bits, this delayed the order as they had to get it, I ordered on the 5th and it arrived 28th.
Koken Zeal 3/8" torx bits
Koken 1/4 and 3/8 deep sockets, peg filling in the Hansens, although I will buy the rest of the larger 3/8 ones they make.
Anex stubby hex insert bits
Asahi lightool stubby wrenches, 13, 14 and 17mm

 

[M6erfan]

I have that KoKen attack driver set, love it!

 

[mrborohachi]

Can I get a part# for the KOKEN 1/4"dr male 3/8"s female extension for the nut grip sockets.

Thanks on a cell phone right now

 

[superautobacs]

Perhaps the LMSR is a domestic only PN?

Maybe?

....
Koken 1/4 and 3/8 deep sockets, peg filling in the Hansens, although I will buy the rest of the larger 3/8 ones they make.

those Hansens

Nice, those are the newly released Asahi wrenches.

The Attack driver is great. I had to use it last week and I'm so glad I had it and thought of using it. It was the only way of getting a turbo/extractor socket onto a completely butchered wheel lock bolt to bite properly. Without it, I would've been SOL.

 

[superautobacs]

Can I get a part# for the KOKEN 1/4"dr male 3/8"s female extension for the nut grip sockets.

Thanks on a cell phone right now

This one?

3322AZ-75

 

[DEEBO]

Another I tools order
View media item 71629Koken Atack driver, the one with the most bits, this delayed the order as they had to get it, I ordered on the 5th and it arrived 28th.
Koken Zeal 3/8" torx bits
Koken 1/4 and 3/8 deep sockets, peg filling in the Hansens, although I will buy the rest of the larger 3/8 ones they make.
Anex stubby hex insert bits
Asahi lightool stubby wrenches, 13, 14 and 17mm

Did you get charged UK duty? I've only bought Ko-Ken from Consolidatedtools in the UK, not sure of the procedure for a foreign order..

 

[losvre]

Did you get charged UK duty? I've only bought Ko-Ken from Consolidatedtools in the UK, not sure of the procedure for a foreign order..

Also, how much was the shipping?

Thanks!

 

[losvre]

Did you get charged UK duty? I've only bought Ko-Ken from Consolidatedtools in the UK, not sure of the procedure for a foreign order..

Also, how much was the shipping?

Thanks!

 

[SantaAna12]

Another I tools order
View media item 71629Koken Atack driver, the one with the most bits, this delayed the order as they had to get it, I ordered on the 5th and it arrived 28th.
Koken Zeal 3/8" torx bits
Koken 1/4 and 3/8 deep sockets, peg filling in the Hansens, although I will buy the rest of the larger 3/8 ones they make.
Anex stubby hex insert bits
Asahi lightool stubby wrenches, 13, 14 and 17mm

Nice Dutch!

Question: Did you receive a pre-shipping quote for shipping? If so, how is this done?

 

[dutchgray]

Answers
Tools were ¥ 34,510
Shipping ¥ 7,400
I used a bunch of points so it cost me a little less.
I didn't get charged duty and Vat, although I was expecting to, but it snuck in, previous order did to, I normally allow 25% of the total and its not far wrong usually.
When you order from Rakuten Global, the retailer will email you to confirm the order, then a couple days later usually they will email the total with the shipping cost, and a payment link, then you can pay.

I use Rakuten as Consolidated tools hasn't got the Zeal range, but if they have it they are definitely easier and faster.

 

[DEEBO]

Interesting, thanks, I'm thinking I wouldn't be that lucky, always seem to get charged for duty and customs.
If you email Derick at [email protected] he'll email you the current Ko-Ken price list of what's available in the U.K. It's a spreadsheet file and there's over 8000 items on it and lots of Zeal. I've no affiliation by the way just a happy customer, love my Ko-Ken stuff..

 

[superautobacs]

Do you guys use universal joints?
If yes, what do you like/dislike about them?
If not, what are your reasons for not using them?

 

[mercucho]

My last two Japanese...

 

[losvre]

I have never had to use a universal joint. I am only work on my car and bikes though.

When working professionally years ago it was on marine diesel from 25.000 HP onwards so space was not an issue[emoji16].

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[losvre]

Answers
Tools were ¥ 34,510
Shipping ¥ 7,400
I used a bunch of points so it cost me a little less.
I didn't get charged duty and Vat, although I was expecting to, but it snuck in, previous order did to, I normally allow 25% of the total and its not far wrong usually.
When you order from Rakuten Global, the retailer will email you to confirm the order, then a couple days later usually they will email the total with the shipping cost, and a payment link, then you can pay.

I use Rakuten as Consolidated tools hasn't got the Zeal range, but if they have it they are definitely easier and faster.

If I am right, £50 for shipping is way too much.

Thanks for the info

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[dutchgray]

If I am right, £50 for shipping is way too much.

Thanks for the info

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Its ¥6,600 on the EMS paperwork so they charged me an extra ¥800
It was 3Kg, I have never found international shipping to be cheap.

 

[dutchgray]

Interesting, thanks, I'm thinking I wouldn't be that lucky, always seem to get charged for duty and customs.
If you email Derick at [email protected] he'll email you the current Ko-Ken price list of what's available in the U.K. It's a spreadsheet file and there's over 8000 items on it and lots of Zeal. I've no affiliation by the way just a happy customer, love my Ko-Ken stuff..

I dont know why but I can't be bothered with emailing a business to find out what they sell, if Its not on their website I look elsewhere. It also wouldn't help with the Asahi, Anex, Top, IPS, KTC, Keiba or any of the other Japanese brands stuff I have.

 

[mrborohachi]

Superautobachs is there only one length that's available in?

BTW guys someone is selling TONE on eBay. I searched TONE RATCHET JAPAN

This one?

3322AZ-75

 

[DEEBO]

I dont know why but I can't be bothered with emailing a business to find out what they sell, if Its not on their website I look elsewhere. It also wouldn't help with the Asahi, Anex, Top, IPS, KTC, Keiba or any of the other Japanese brands stuff I have.

True enough! I'm a big fan of browsing the catalogue and having the price list to match means I can see whether my budget matches my desires.. Seldom does..

 

[gbh]

Its ¥6,600 on the EMS paperwork so they charged me an extra ¥800
It was 3Kg, I have never found international shipping to be cheap.

When you ordered they probably estimated the weight at over 3k which would put it into the 7400yen category of 3 -3.5kg. If you contact the seller I'm sure they'll apologize profusely and immedietely refund the 800 yen overcharge.
Trust me, 2.999kg would be 6800 yen....3.000 kg WILL be 7400 yen.
I once peeled a couple of grams of packing tape from a package in order to drop into the cheaper shipping category. They are strict on this.

Something to know when ordering from Japan is that EMS includes 20,000yen insurance coverage at no extra cost. Extra insurance can be topped up at 50 yen per 20,000yen of insurance required.

 

[wafrederick]

The Vampliers made by Vampire Tools.They are worth the money breaking loose stripped out screws.A set is not cheap and they are getting a good name out there now.Drawback is the warranty,a 4 year warranty that should be lifetime

 

[superautobacs]

Superautobachs is there only one length that's available in?

BTW guys someone is selling TONE on eBay. I searched TONE RATCHET JAPAN

Yup, only one length offered.












Some tools in action:


KTC 1/4" drive sliding T-handle came in handy for replacing a pair of anti-roll bar endlinks. A torx L-key would work just as well though.





The 14 and 17mm Tone flex-head flarenut socket to work the high-pressure
fuel line fittings:





mated with any suitable length of extension in 3/8" drive:










and I found another use of the 3-Peaks Dia pliers...removing valve stem seals:





The diamond pattern worked really well to grab multiple points on the round surface of the valve stem seals:





and surprisingly, it actually worked a lot better than the supplied tool that came with the kit:


a

 

[losvre]

Yup, only one length offered.












Some tools in action:


KTC 1/4" drive sliding T-handle came in handy for replacing a pair of anti-roll bar endlinks. A torx L-key would work just as well though.





The 14 and 17mm Tone flex-head flarenut socket to work the high-pressure
fuel line fittings:





mated with any suitable length of extension in 3/8" drive:










and I found another use of the 3-Peaks Dia pliers...removing valve stem seals:





The diamond pattern worked really well to grab multiple points on the round surface of the valve stem seals:





and surprisingly, it actually worked a lot better than the supplied tool that came with the kit:


a

Nice tools, photos and write up, thank you!

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[Waterh20]

Yup, only one length offered.












Some tools in action:


KTC 1/4" drive sliding T-handle came in handy for replacing a pair of anti-roll bar endlinks. A torx L-key would work just as well though.





The 14 and 17mm Tone flex-head flarenut socket to work the high-pressure
fuel line fittings:





mated with any suitable length of extension in 3/8" drive:










and I found another use of the 3-Peaks Dia pliers...removing valve stem seals:





The diamond pattern worked really well to grab multiple points on the round surface of the valve stem seals:





and surprisingly, it actually worked a lot better than the supplied tool that came with the kit:


a

Nice pics and details.

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[mercucho]

Yup, only one length offered.
Some tools in action:

 

[dutchgray]

Got to get me some of those Tone flex flair nut wrenches.

 

[SantaAna12]

+1!

 

[superautobacs]

A few more to add:

A KTC Digiratchet used with the Tone Flex-head Flarenut Socket to torque down the fuel line fittings:







A Kanon cN.m torque driver (shop tool used for setting the pre-load when tensioning the timing chain guides using a SST):






Just a couple shots of the top shelf of the tool cart:

 

[losvre]

A few more to add:

A KTC Digiratchet used with the Tone Flex-head Flarenut Socket to torque down the fuel line fittings:







A Kanon cN.m torque driver (shop tool used for setting the pre-load when tensioning the timing chain guides using a SST):






Just a couple shots of the top shelf of the tool cart:

Superautobacs, you could probably carry out a surgery with the tools you have there[emoji1] [emoji106]

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