Tools of Japan

[Reed Prince]

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.

COFFEE BOSCH is the boss
of them all since 1992
​

 

[D-Vice]

Alright I have to throw in some pics of probably the best spark plug socket I have ever used from Koken. By the way, I had to modify the socket to fit in the spark plug tubes of the Honda engines I work on. It was a real shame, but it still works amazing. If you notice there is a nice raised lip on the lower section of the socket, that had to be ground down a bit for clearance.
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[redvalkyrie]

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.

That might be it--sure sounds like it.

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.

That's a well respected brand of files in Japan. I've been looking for their single smooth side files.

 

[losvre]

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.

Many thanks for the info and the pictures.

I think I have to buy a couple of Keiba

 

[Jaysreal]

You are correct. These are genuine PB Swiss products, but they are only distributed to Japan.

Thanks for verifying! You guys are always helpful. I'll take your advise when I go about ordering them.

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.

I appreciate the sentiment Bacs! but your vids have a lot more to offer on the information side of things. So with much respect!

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:

Thanks for checking my channel out These pliers have actually become my goto pair since my NWS pair let me down so much, but I first learned about these from this very thread

 

[ajh88]

I'm looking for a set of Japanese made combination wrenches with ratcheting and have only been able to find these. Any experience with TOP tools?

 

[BK13]

Thanks for verifying! You guys are always helpful. I'll take your advise when I go about ordering them.







I appreciate the sentiment Bacs! but your vids have a lot more to offer on the information side of things. So with much respect!







Thanks for checking my channel out These pliers have actually become my goto pair since my NWS pair let me down so much, but I first learned about these from this very thread

I've watched a few of your vids. Good stuff, man!


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[redvalkyrie]

An-ha! I now know who to blame for my several hour hunt through Amazon.co.jp. Jaysreal!

I couldn't find any dealer on Amazon.co.jp will to ship the black Wise Pierce Hexes or the Ko-Ken 1/4" drive nut grip socket set. I was able to get the brown hex set which doesn't include the 10mm size.

Jaysreal, how long did it take you to get your Wise set from Amazon.co.jp? They're estimating late August for me despite having Prime USA and Prime Japan.

 

[losvre]

Thanks for verifying! You guys are always helpful. I'll take your advise when I go about ordering them.



I appreciate the sentiment Bacs! but your vids have a lot more to offer on the information side of things. So with much respect!



Thanks for checking my channel out [emoji106] These pliers have actually become my goto pair since my NWS pair let me down so much, but I first learned about these from this very thread

Which one of the NWS let you down and how exactly; deformed edge, dull?

I have one leverage side cutter, the black and yellow old style, not fantastico and have done a few cuts on hard nails and seems they hold ok. A spring would have been nice addition but I can leave with out it since I only use it occasionally.

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[M6erfan]

I'm looking for a set of Japanese made combination wrenches with ratcheting and have only been able to find these. Any experience with TOP tools?

Are you sure those are 100% made in Japan? I know that KTC outsources their ratcheting wrenches to Taiwan

 

[redvalkyrie]

Are you sure those are 100% made in Japan? I know that KTC outsources their ratcheting wrenches to Taiwan

I've read that as well but if they are rebranded Gearwrenches they would have to be pretty decent.

 

[losvre]

Guys the Koken USA site is down for me most of the time. Do you experience the same?

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[dutchgray]

The Top ratchet wrenches I have with that style ends are Taiwan (mine are the long double box)

 

[losvre]

These are the pliers I was talking earlier,



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[superautobacs]

ajh88,

AFAIK, there currently isn't any Japanese tool manufacturer making their own modern-style, forged ratcheting wrenches.

The TOP ones are from a Taiwanese OEM....and as far as I can tell are Infar/Geartech rebrands.

I prefer the OEMs that TONE and KTC uses.









Speaking of Keiba's two-component handles....they sourced them from a famous European supplier. I used to wonder who they sourced them from and from a recent mention in the TFTOW thread, the name Oplast was mentioned and that's when I clued in. So, I'm going to guess Keiba sources them from Oplast

I've never actually handled them myself. Do they feel similar to Knipex or NWS's two-component handles?

 

[redvalkyrie]

 

[losvre]

How does the Facom 1/2 impact driver compare to Koken ?

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[redvalkyrie]

Can't tell you without having tried both. I have the Anex version and it's top notch.

 

[mercucho]

How does the Facom 1/2 impact driver compare to Koken ?

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I have not tried the model of Facom but, to the naked eye, I think of more quality my Ko-Ken. Better grip and more ergonomic.

 

[losvre]

I have not tried the model of Facom but, to the naked eye, I think of more quality my Ko-Ken. Better grip and more ergonomic.

It seems like, especially when we don't know the coo of the Facom.

I have got a few Facom lately and the only items that worth are the ratchets, everything else is Hobby DIY quality.

That ius why I keep the ratchets and sell all other to buy Koken, Hazet, mostly with a mix of others depending on the items.

It seems that everyone has some expertise like Gedore in the ratchet wrenches, Hazet sockets, Vessel screwdrivers, PB swiss almost everything they do, etc.

 

[redvalkyrie]

It seems like, especially when we don't know the coo of the Facom.

I have got a few Facom lately and the only items that worth are the ratchets, everything else is Hobby DIY quality.

That ius why I keep the ratchets and sell all other to buy Koken, Hazet, mostly with a mix of others depending on the items.

It seems that everyone has some expertise like Gedore in the ratchet wrenches, Hazet sockets, Vessel screwdrivers, PB swiss almost everything they do, etc.

I'll second this--my tool choices differ on ratchets and sockets but COO is a problem on European tools. Beta--my long time love because of those Orange F1 cars--has a budget line line that is clearly a far cry from the Italy marked tools. I don't have a problem with a budget line but I think people should know what they're really getting.

Seriously, if I want an orange tape measure from China I'll go to Harbor Freight.

 

[Jaysreal]

I've watched a few of your vids. Good stuff, man!

Thanks man!

An-ha! I now know who to blame for my several hour hunt through Amazon.co.jp. Jaysreal!

I couldn't find any dealer on Amazon.co.jp will to ship the black Wise Pierce Hexes or the Ko-Ken 1/4" drive nut grip socket set. I was able to get the brown hex set which doesn't include the 10mm size.

Jaysreal, how long did it take you to get your Wise set from Amazon.co.jp? They're estimating late August for me despite having Prime USA and Prime Japan.

lol sorry bud! This shows as the same place I purchased my brown set http://amzn.asia/e2zrX0m but the WISE website and amazon show that the brown set does include the 10mm http://www.niigata-honmono.jp/wise/pbw.html I also confirmed this as my brown set has it. The Black set includes half sizes 2.5 and 4.5mm sans the 10mm. I believe it took around a month, more or less to get them. I remember it being a pretty long wait.

Which one of the NWS let you down and how exactly; deformed edge, dull?

I have one leverage side cutter, the black and yellow old style, not fantastico and have done a few cuts on hard nails and seems they hold ok. A spring would have been nice addition but I can leave with out it since I only use it occasionally.

Don't get me wrong, the NWS have the most comfortable grips I have felt with their 3 component grips but the pair i have is the 140-49-205. The finish started flaking off in 2mm chunks with the first use so I really stopped using them since I got the Keiba high grade. Maybe a different finish would have worked for me as I hear good things about their "Titan" finish.

ajh88,
Speaking of Keiba's two-component handles....they sourced them from a famous European supplier. I used to wonder who they sourced them from and from a recent mention in the TFTOW thread, the name Oplast was mentioned and that's when I clued in. So, I'm going to guess Keiba sources them from Oplast

I've never actually handled them myself. Do they feel similar to Knipex or NWS's two-component handles?

Wow, Oplast huh? interesting. Oplast makes the screwdrivers for Gedore among others. The plastic on the under side of the Fcc-306 feels just like the plastic on the under side of my 2k Gedore pliers BUT the outer most rubber feels completely different with the Keiba feeling like they have a much denser/stiffer rubber with less "give" than the Gedore.

Also, Infar seems to be gaining popularity. I just saw that Milwaukee is releasing wrench sets with what looks like Infar's open end tooth design. The event presenter said they were made in Taiwan so I assume Infar is the OEM.

 

[drtyler]

Based on ultimate garage listing, Japan is the COO for the Facom 1/2" hand impact driver set in your photo.

It seems like, especially when we don't know the coo of the Facom.

I have got a few Facom lately and the only items that worth are the ratchets, everything else is Hobby DIY quality.

That ius why I keep the ratchets and sell all other to buy Koken, Hazet, mostly with a mix of others depending on the items.

It seems that everyone has some expertise like Gedore in the ratchet wrenches, Hazet sockets, Vessel screwdrivers, PB swiss almost everything they do, etc.

 

[redvalkyrie]

Some new goodies:

Tone Deep Nut Grip Sockets:



Super Tool Brake Line Flaring kit.




Tone Extra Long JIS Phillips and Slotted Screwdrivers.




KTC Mini Files.



Shozaburo Scissors.



Keiba End Nips.



Not Japanese but still rad:

Bondhus Extra Long Ball End Hex Drivers:





Precision Instruments Torque Wrench:



You can see my new Toyotool, PB Swiss Valve Core Tool, Nepros Ratchet Adapter, Shinwa Ruler, Tohnichi Torque Wrench, PI Torque Wrench, Bondhus Set.

Tube Condoms:

 

[ductiena12]

Hello expert !

I'm new here. I've recently got these items from KTC. The ratchet and hex key set itself marked Made in Japan so it clearly made in Japan. But i wonder where all of the sockets and screwdriver made from, sockets stamp Japan on it, and screwdrivers doesn't have any stamp on it.

The ratchet and sockets

Screwdrivers

Allen hex key set.

Thanks very much for the info.

 

[redvalkyrie]

KTC sockets and screwdrivers are made in Japan. I think only KTC's ratcheting wrenches are made in Taiwan.

 

[losvre]

Why almost all ratchet wrenches are from Taiwan and rebranded? This is also the case with all German brands except Gedore.

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[ductiena12]

@redvalkyre: OMG, I was mark "Made in Japan" so i think it was good. Did not think about rebranded or something like that. The one i "invested" most was the one that not made in Japan. So disappointed

@edit: oh, just carefully read your comment again, and you said "ratchet wrench made in taiwan", that is not my ratchet, right ? ratchet wrench was like this

Phew, so i am safe. Happy again

 

[Skin]

Why almost all ratchet wrenches are from Taiwan and rebranded? This is also the case with all German brands except Gedore.

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Few reasons, primarily patents and established manufacturing. Why spend a bunch of money to make your own when you can just contract it out? Its not like the Taiwan ones lack quality. Most people wont know the difference either like with the Hazet ones where they even go so far to use identical beam forgings.

The Gedore ones aren't very good....coarse and the lever is plastic and merely pressed in.
Snap-On are nice but a bit wide. SK are also nice but the design has no provisions for a reversible design. Point is Taiwan still makes the most styles and are arguably not inferior to any competitors except their own (cheapo GW vs Kabo for example).

 

[losvre]

Few reasons, primarily patents and established manufacturing. Why spend a bunch of money to make your own when you can just contract it out? Its not like the Taiwan ones lack quality. Most people wont know the difference either like with the Hazet ones where they even go so far to use identical beam forgings.

The Gedore ones aren't very good....coarse and the lever is plastic and merely pressed in.
Snap-On are nice but a bit wide. SK are also nice but the design has no provisions for a reversible design. Point is Taiwan still makes the most styles and are arguably not inferior to any competitors except their own (cheapo GW vs Kabo for example).

Hi Skin,

What do you mean the "Lever is plastic and merely pressed in?"

I have seen a few Gedore, the ones made in Germany, and although with less teeth, "coarse", they seemed very strong and stout.

Haven't experience them on the field so no feedback in practice.

Thanks

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[mercucho]

I have KTC screwdrivers that come marked with "Japan". Some will be made in Taiwan and others in Japan.

 

[ductiena12]

@mercucho: mine doesn't have Japan or Taiwan, so any suggestion where does it made ? tks for the info.

 

[mercucho]

@mercucho: mine doesn't have Japan or Taiwan, so any suggestion where does it made ? tks for the info.

When it does not put coo what is certain is that it is not Japanese. And, most likely, it is of Taiwanese origin.

See if any partner knows for sure.

 

[M6erfan]

Based on ultimate garage listing, Japan is the COO for the Facom 1/2" hand impact driver set in your photo.

Correct. I looked into this a few years ago and remember thinking that the Facom hand impact was a rebranded something. Maybe Vessel?

 

[Monte]

lever is plastic and merely pressed in.

mine are metal

 

[Skin]

mine are metal

I don't have mine in front of me so im sure you're right. Is it someones ratchets that use plastic levers? Anyway my main gripe is that its snapped on top though so they can pop off and disappear and im not sure Gedore even sells repair kits still. At least not that I've found.

 

[Monte]

I don't have mine in front of me so im sure you're right. Is it someones ratchets that use plastic levers? Anyway my main gripe is that its snapped on top though so they can pop off and disappear and im not sure Gedore even sells repair kits still. At least not that I've found.

The Hazet ratchets use plastic levers.

 

[_gear2]

When it does not put coo what is certain is that it is not Japanese. And, most likely, it is of Taiwanese origin.

See if any partner knows for sure.

I have the same ktc set and it didn't come with any cco markings, though I did get an extra long screwdriver in the same style and the packaging stated taiwan will try to get a photo

 

[dede2897234]

Some new goodies:

Tone Deep Nut Grip Sockets:

redvalkyrie,

How do you like those Tone sockets? Which metric sizes do they come in 3/8" drive?

Do you own any Ko-ken deep nut grip sockets? If yes, which brand do you like better and why?


Thanks,

Dave

 

[Davefr]

Picked up this little Anex #316 thumbwheel ratchet set for hex bits. (made in Japan but the only supplier I found was in Korea. It seems very well made and could be a lifesaver in hard to reach spots. Each side accepts std. 1/4" hex bits and is magnetized. It includes a spinner ring and a handle that can be used to increase torque. The ratchet mechanism is very fine action. Around $20.

I added the Wiha 4mm to 1/4" bit adapter to use the Wiha System 4 micro bits.