Tools of Japan

[mercucho]

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

I did not know this mark. Looks good.

 

[losvre]

A few more to add:

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

Hi Superautobacs,

Wouldn't the torque change due the the offset of the torque meter from the center of the flare nut?

Do you do any ca;calculations/ adjustment for this reason?

Thanks

 

[franzdom]

Hi Superautobacs,

Wouldn't the torque change due the the offset of the torque meter from the center of the flare nut?

Do you do any ca;calculations/ adjustment for this reason?

Thanks

That is a factor if it's at 180 degrees to the wrench beam but if it's 90 degrees there is no delta.

http://www.engineersedge.com/manufacturing_spec/torque_wrench_1.htm

 

[superautobacs]

I did not know this mark. Looks good.

Here's their English website: http://www.bestool-kanon.co.jp/english/index.html



Losvre,

Franzdom covered it.

In that particular scenario, I run into clearance issues with an adjacent fitting. So, i can simply rotated the flex head 180 degrees to engage the fitting from a different angle. Or, I also have the option to actually rotate the extension 180 degrees too. Both options work without having to make any calculations.

 

[mercucho]

Here's their English website: http://www.bestool-kanon.co.jp/english/index.html

Thank you...

 

[superautobacs]

Mercucho,

We can see where Stahlwille sources their 775 series.

 

[mercucho]

Mercucho,

We can see where Stahlwille sources their 775 series.

Yes, this series of Stahlwille I know but its price is very high compared, for example, with Tohnichi.

It is curious that almost equal Stahlwille and Kanon...

 

[Qualitytools]

I just received the new Vessel ratcheting screw-driver with ball end and interchangeable blades. http://i.ebayimg.com/images/i/232332286529-0-1/s-l300/p.jpg

 

[AviationTech]

Just received my order from Mutsuura Japan. Took about 6 days. Very impressive shop with great customer service. This new offering from Vessel is quite nice. Tang Thru wood composite handle screwdrivers. They claim to be very grippy even when covered in fluid, but we'll see. Skydrol is my baseline test for screwdriver handles. Doesn't get much more slippery and corrosive than that. I also couldn't resist and picked up another PB Swiss Hammer since I was already paying for shipping.

 

[gbh]

Today's purchase. Apologies if the pic is small.

 

[Dave455]

Just received my order from Mutsuura Japan. Took about 6 days. Very impressive shop with great customer service. This new offering from Vessel is quite nice. Tang Thru wood composite handle screwdrivers. They claim to be very grippy even when covered in fluid, but we'll see. Skydrol is my baseline test for screwdriver handles. Doesn't get much more slippery and corrosive than that. I also couldn't resist and picked up another PB Swiss Hammer since I was already paying for shipping.

I love that PB Swiss hammer in red! Don't think I could have resisted that either.

I assume that's a 'Japan Special'

 

[AviationTech]

I love that PB Swiss hammer in red! Don't think I could have resisted that either.

I assume that's a 'Japan Special'

I believe that's correct. I think it had something to do with PB Swiss 45th anniversary selling tools in Japan. Never been there but from all the pictures I've seen of Japanese toolstores on GJ they sell alot of PB in Japan. It was not a bad price either, only 6090 Yen, about $50 USD

 

[Jaysreal]

Ain't that somethin' I also have a question about 45th anniversary PB Swiss stuff. I came across these awhile ago: http://global.rakuten.com/en/store/happytools/item/8239flcn

It appears these are/were only available in Japan but my question is of their authenticity. I really want these but not if they're fakes. I've already contacted Count on tools, the USA PB Swiss distributor, who tells me that the product numbers are not official PB Swiss product numbers. But I suspect this is because they are either not produced anymore or simply not available in USA officially. Can anyone verify that these are in fact real PB Swiss products?

Sent from my Nexus 6 using Tapatalk

 

[AviationTech]

Ain't that somethin' I also have a question about 45th anniversary PB Swiss stuff. I came across these awhile ago: http://global.rakuten.com/en/store/happytools/item/8239flcn

It appears these are/were only available in Japan but my question is of their authenticity. I really want these but not if they're fakes. I've already contacted Count on tools, the USA PB Swiss distributor, who tells me that the product numbers are not official PB Swiss product numbers. But I suspect this is because they are either not produced anymore or simply not available in USA officially. Can anyone verify that these are in fact real PB Swiss products?

Sent from my Nexus 6 using Tapatalk

You are correct. These are genuine PB Swiss products, but they are only distributed to Japan. I was also interested in the 8239FLCN set, but when I bought my hammer from Mutsuura they did not carry that part number. If you go to the rakuten global site, not the Japanese site and search for that part number you won't get any results if your country is selected to USA. If you change your country in the top right corner to Japan on the rakuten global site and search the same part number, now you will see 10+ stores that carry that part number. The reason for this is because most sellers on rakuten, amazon.jp, and yahoo japan only ship to Japanese mainland and outer islands. The way to get around this is to sign up for white rabbit express or tenso to act as a freight forwarder for you. Basically, when you sign up you are assigned a Japanese address. When you purchase from the vendor who has your product you want you insert the assigned Japanese address as your shipping address. When it arrives white rabbit or tenso will notify you. I can't remember which company, but one even photographs it when it arrives so you know its actually there. The freight forwarder will then ship the package internationally to you. They do add some fees for this service, but they also will allow you to consolidate items into one box and will also show you every possible shipping rate available. For example, if you find 5 tools from 5 different Japanese sellers who won't ship internationally, you send them all to your freight forwarding address, and then request the shipping quotes.

 

[AviationTech]

Ain't that somethin' I also have a question about 45th anniversary PB Swiss stuff. I came across these awhile ago: http://global.rakuten.com/en/store/happytools/item/8239flcn

It appears these are/were only available in Japan but my question is of their authenticity. I really want these but not if they're fakes. I've already contacted Count on tools, the USA PB Swiss distributor, who tells me that the product numbers are not official PB Swiss product numbers. But I suspect this is because they are either not produced anymore or simply not available in USA officially. Can anyone verify that these are in fact real PB Swiss products?

Sent from my Nexus 6 using Tapatalk

One more thought I just had, before you go the freight forwarding route, its best to email the shop directly and see if they will ship directly to you. In my experience most have told me no or just not responded, but Mutsuura for example is a Japanese shop that will ship directly to the states via EMS

 

[Nocuffs]

You are correct. These are genuine PB Swiss products, but they are only distributed to Japan. I was also interested in the 8239FLCN set, but when I bought my hammer from Mutsuura they did not carry that part number. If you go to the rakuten global site, not the Japanese site and search for that part number you won't get any results if your country is selected to USA. If you change your country in the top right corner to Japan on the rakuten global site and search the same part number, now you will see 10+ stores that carry that part number. The reason for this is because most sellers on rakuten, amazon.jp, and yahoo japan only ship to Japanese mainland and outer islands. The way to get around this is to sign up for white rabbit express or tenso to act as a freight forwarder for you. Basically, when you sign up you are assigned a Japanese address. When you purchase from the vendor who has your product you want you insert the assigned Japanese address as your shipping address. When it arrives white rabbit or tenso will notify you. I can't remember which company, but one even photographs it when it arrives so you know its actually there. The freight forwarder will then ship the package internationally to you. They do add some fees for this service, but they also will allow you to consolidate items into one box and will also show you every possible shipping rate available. For example, if you find 5 tools from 5 different Japanese sellers who won't ship internationally, you send them all to your freight forwarding address, and then request the shipping quotes.

You ever see the movie "War Dogs"?

 

[AviationTech]

You ever see the movie "War Dogs"?

Nope, can't say that I have

 

[superautobacs]

"45 years in Japan" anniversary, Japan only, limited edition models:

http://www.worldimporttools.com/staff_blog/blog/2015/11/29.htm
Scroll through the page and you'll see limited quantities of six different nano-coated screwdriver shafts and six different coloured CAB screwdriver handles that PB Swiss fans can mix and match and actually press-fit the two to make their own unique screwdriver.


Nano-coated parallel pin punches:

BTW, just made this video. It ended up being way longer than I had thought! ....probably put many of you to sleep.

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/nCnR4DylTRk?rel=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

 

[redvalkyrie]

You ever see the movie "War Dogs"?

The one with a very young Chris Walkin?

Note--whenever I'm unable to find something I know I "should" be able to find on Rakuten, I'll ask one of the conciegre service and they will quickly find what I'm looking for. It's a neat little benefit.

Now a question-- does anyone know of a Japan made brake line flare tool? There must be at least one Japanese company that carries a flaring tool as most Japanese cars use the Japanese style flares and metric lines.

 

[losvre]

Yup, only one length offered.

Some tools in action:


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

Hi Superautobacs,

Any link where we can buy the Tone Flex-head?

Thanks

 

[superautobacs]

Now a question-- does anyone know of a Japan made brake line flare tool? There must be at least one Japanese company that carries a flaring tool as most Japanese cars use the Japanese style flares and metric lines.

A 5 min search gave me KTC and Supertool.

VS31

Hi Superautobacs,

Any link where we can buy the Tone Flex-head?

Thanks

I got mine through Amazon.co.jp

 

[redvalkyrie]

You're a ninja. I looked all over the KTC site with no luck.

 

[losvre]

More than Ninja[emoji106]

 

[48548]

Nice video....

 

[redvalkyrie]

More than Ninja[emoji106]

Yeah, thanks to that ninja I now have a Supertool tubing flare kit coming, a set of Tone long shaft screwdrivers with striking caps (the Vessel version has been discontinued), Tone deep set nut grip style sockets (included one more socket than the Ko-ken version), Keiba "American Style" end nips, and the KTC sinker small file set. The prices of the tools and the service is great. I fill like I got dinged on the shipping at about $90 US. Obviously, I knew going in the shipping was based on total money spent on the order but yikes!

I also got the Nepros 3/8" 72 tooth gear ratchet adaptor-- seems like it would be useful to use with a t-handle and a tap holder for--of course-- tapping holes. Nepros USA is the way to go for Nepros tools. Fast delivery, good service, and they're way cheaper than ordering from a place like Rakuten.

Finally, a few weeks ago I ordered Shozaburo shears/scissors. Ridiculously priced but well worth the money. They are the best made highest quality scissors I've ever laid hands on. Should be the last scissors I ever need. They can even be taken apart for sharpening--something I enjoy with my pocket knives. I do a lot of template cutting so a good pair of scissors was becoming mandatory.

For those curious, I order through Global Rakuten at this store:

工具屋のプロ 楽天市場店 Also known as https://www.rakuten.co.jp/mutsuura/

 

[redvalkyrie]

BTW, the comment about Superautobacs was in good fun. I find his knowledge extremely useful and he is a big help.

And here's actually another question for anyone that might know--is Nabeya/Eron the only Japanese company making made in Japan vises? I see even some, if not all, are made in China or Taiwan. I believe KTC makes some but those appear to be imported as well. With such a long history of metal work and forging you'd think vises would be one of the things Japan would take pride in making themselves.

I know KTC used to make vises for the US market under the Fuller name but those seem to be mostly limited to 3.5" home vises.

Thanks
John

 

[DEEBO]

BTW, just made this video. It ended up being way longer than I had thought! ....probably put many of you to sleep.

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/nCnR4DylTRk?rel=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

Interesting video, more of the same please! Pity I've only got the standard universals from Ko-Ken...

 

[redvalkyrie]

Subscribe to his channel. He has more videos that will make you want to buy even more Japanese tools.

 

[redvalkyrie]

Shopping online after a few gin and tonics is never a good idea. In addition to my Nepros and Rakuten haul--I now have a Tohnichi torque wrench, a PI torque wrench, a terminal removal kit, and a Toyotool Valvemaster. I had a Valvemaster years ago when I was doing a lot of Toyota head work and then I gifted it to a friend. I soon realized I needed another.

And I can't say I wasn't looking for some new torque wrenches...but I hadn't planned to buy all of this at one time--especially considering I participated in Epstein's Day.

Oh well, that's why I work my *** off and I stay single. I get to do what I want to do. Plus, my son will inherit all of these tools if he wants them and I know with the quality of the tools they'll still be good when it comes time to pass them on.

 

[Reed Prince]

Received these Keiba FCC-306 pliers in the mail recently. They feature a pair of unique brass bearing plates. First learned about them from this Garnett-Tools YouTube video:

 

[losvre]

Nice one![emoji106]

How is the feel of these new handles compared to the usual soft comfort handles? Netter grip, softer, thicker? Thanks

Sent from my SM-A510F using Tapatalk

 

[redvalkyrie]

Keiba pliers are just as good if not better than Knipex. You'll love those.

 

[superautobacs]

Yes!! I'm glad that there is a small niche of tool geeks that would appreciate that sort of content




Reed Prince,

Garnett is a member here (Jaysreal) and he sure puts a lot of effort in making his product videos, which are entertaining, informative, and concise to the point.

AFAIK, people who have voiced an opinion about the Keiba high-grade series over the years have nothing but positive things to say about them. I have a set of three, but I don't use pliers too often so I can't say too much about their durability. Having said that, they've all worked great so far.




Redvalkyrie,

I hope I've been a positive influence.



RE: vises

I've thought about that too. It is strange that Nabeya/Eron has been the only Japanese made vises that I've come by. I'm going to guess that Eron was more of a export line as I've seen several Eron vises here (at school, at work...even sold at home improvement stores in the 60-70's).

This is a photo I took at KTC's own Monozukuri Museum. It was a stout looking Nabeya vise on display:



This Eron one is from a school I went to (same one is used at work) Interesting to note is that the design is a knock on British made Paramo vises. Both made in Japan:



If you look at Nabeya's website, they still offer them: http://www.nabeya.co.jp/search.php?action=List&Parm=369

No indication of change in COO on either Nabeya or Eron line though. There's gotta be some in the used market for the Japanese made ones. They were probably exported in hundreds of thousands during the 60-70s.



Speaking of scissors, I thought you might enjoy this:

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/U_UjVNK9L_o?rel=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

 

[Reed Prince]

Nice one![emoji106]

How is the feel of these new handles compared to the usual soft comfort handles? Netter grip, softer, thicker? Thanks

The handles feel quite similar to Knipex multi-component grips. You can make a temporary indentation with your thumbnail, but the material doesn't really give at all when you squeeze it with your hand.

They also have very flat sides, with a much less curved edge than any of my hand tools from various European manufacturers. My Japanese KTC PJ-200 combination pliers and assorted Engineer pliers also have flat sides, so maybe this is just the way they design things. That being said, the KTCs and Engineers have a more comfortable, less severe edge, and if Keiba eventually comes out with an improved 2nd generation multi-component grip model I'll probably buy them.

 

[redvalkyrie]

I hope I've been a positive influence

Of course! It's fantastic to have somebody and a forum of people interested in Japanese tools and keeping the Japanese crafts alive

I've thought about that too. It is strange that Nabeya/Eron has been the only Japanese made vises that I've come by. I'm going to guess that Eron was more of a export line as I've seen several Eron vises here (at school, at work...even sold at home improvement stores in the 60-70's).

This is a photo I took at KTC's own Monozukuri Museum. It was a stout looking Nabeya vise on display:

That's a vise! I my have to breakdown and splurge on an Eron vise. They look like they could survive a--cringe warning-- a nuclear attack. That made me uncomfortable just writing that but I think it's true...

Speaking of scissors, I thought you might enjoy this

Awesome! Thanks buddy. I've watched a lot of Begin Japanology with Peter Barukan in preparation for a trip there in fall. And of course I've watched all of the videos of Westerners living there. I know it won't be the wonderland non-Japanese residents make it out to be but it should be enjoyable.

Scissors--I actually have a pair of U-shaped scissors that are great for delicate work. There's just something about anything with a sharp edge made in Japan. They seem to excel in that department.

Maybe you can answer this question-- I was watching one of those sword making videos and the American host mentioned that there is one particular steel used in swords that is not allowed to be exported. The Japanese government has forbidden its export. Swords made of other materials are allowed to leave Japan--just not this mystery steel. There was no mention of what the mystery steel was or why it's so special. Have you heard of this? I don't think most residents of Japan have heard of this.

 

[Ruxpin]

Maybe you can answer this question-- I was watching one of those sword making videos and the American host mentioned that there is one particular steel used in swords that is not allowed to be exported. The Japanese government has forbidden its export. Swords made of other materials are allowed to leave Japan--just not this mystery steel. There was no mention of what the mystery steel was or why it's so special. Have you heard of this? I don't think most residents of Japan have heard of this.

Are you thinking of tamahagane?
It's basically a type of iron-sand, historically used in sword making (bear in mind there is a lot of..."mystique" surrounding sword makers in Japan).

The raw steel made from (with) tamahagane in Japan is somewhat controlled - I don't think it can be exported in it's raw format, but rather has to be worked and manufactured before export.

 

[Ruxpin]

Loving your work Sir!

I'm pretty certain I need one of those.

 

[losvre]

Yes!! I'm glad that there is a small niche of tool geeks that would appreciate that sort of content [emoji481]




Reed Prince,

Garnett is a member here (Jaysreal) and he sure puts a lot of effort in making his product videos, which are entertaining, informative, and concise to the point.

AFAIK, people who have voiced an opinion about the Keiba high-grade series over the years have nothing but positive things to say about them. I have a set of three, but I don't use pliers too often so I can't say too much about their durability. Having said that, they've all worked great so far.




Redvalkyrie,

I hope I've been a positive influence.



RE: vises

I've thought about that too. It is strange that Nabeya/Eron has been the only Japanese made vises that I've come by. I'm going to guess that Eron was more of a export line as I've seen several Eron vises here (at school, at work...even sold at home improvement stores in the 60-70's).

This is a photo I took at KTC's own Monozukuri Museum. It was a stout looking Nabeya vise on display:



This Eron one is from a school I went to (same one is used at work) Interesting to note is that the design is a knock on British made Paramo vises. Both made in Japan:



If you look at Nabeya's website, they still offer them: http://www.nabeya.co.jp/search.php?action=List&Parm=369

No indication of change in COO on either Nabeya or Eron line though. There's gotta be some in the used market for the Japanese made ones. They were probably exported in hundreds of thousands during the 60-70s.



Speaking of scissors, I thought you might enjoy this:

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/U_UjVNK9L_o?rel=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

The link fo the scissors doesn't work or is it me?

Sent from my SM-A510F using Tapatalk

 

[gbh]

A chain tool store called Hodaka opened near my home recently. I'll post a walk through video sometime soon. Anyway, I bought some Tsubosan files there yesterday and they had a store opening gift with a purchase, a small can of coffee. These are a brand called Boss but they must have had some collaboration with Bosch.

 

[gbh]

The link fo the scissors doesn't work or is it me?

Sent from my SM-A510F using Tapatalk

I had the same issue on my laptop but on my iPhone I could see the link.
It's an interesting video, if you go to Youtube and search the term "Japanology scissors", it'll show up. There are also other interesting videos in the series.
Thanks for posting that Superautobacs.