Bought some Koken tools from South Bay Tools

[Monte]

ps:

 

[Chreese]

Monte, I think I've seen this pic before but I have absolutely no clue where.
So please, enlighten me, what's the advantage of this socket design?

Thanks,

Chreese

 

[superautobacs]

...Would you consider this to be a reason to stay away from Ko-Ken inch sockets? Or is the standard Ko-Ken flat drive style a good choice as well?

I don't see how you should shy away from their AS (American Standard) stuff just for that reason. Metric has been, and will continue to be the standard system in Japan.
Most standard sockets in the market are, using Ko-ken's terminology, uses the flat drive style. So, it's still the common choice.

BTW, what's the deal with the Ko-Ken Handy-Endy (TM) sockets? What's the goal of the Handy-Endy feature? Does it help to get a better grip (as the knurlings that can be found on, e. g., Hazet sockets do)?

Hopefully Monte can chime in on the Handy-Endy socket features as I can not find any Japapese information on them. But, like you say, it appears like it's just a feature that allows better grip when hand tightening. You have better choices though: Hazet or Gedore.

 

[FiftyCalAl]

I am about done with this. He has contacted me a few times in response to my queries; but never follows up completely and leaves me hanging. I have been trying to order from him for almost 3 months without success.

I do not mean to slam the guy, but nobody is THAT busy: and I planned on spending plenty of money of my initial $100+ order was what I (we) all thought it would be.

Has anybody heard from him lately? I have tried patience, but this is getting a little ridiculous.

I have contacted him about placing an order. I am going to order at least $100 worth of extensions in 1/4 and 3/8 drives, with some wobble extensions as well. He is checking on some prices for some Knipex items as well-if he can beat Chad's prices...

The only difficulty so far is that he does not seem to have as much time to devote to the internet- he is fairly slow at getting to his emails-but he said that to me up front-so no worries. If the Koken stuff looks as good in person and holds up- I can see myself spending A LOT!

 

[Monte]

But, like you say, it appears like it's just a feature that allows better grip when hand tightening.

I think thats it !
I prefer the knurling though

ps: it seems they are discontinued. koken part nr. was 4401M for 6 point and 4406M for 12 point "Handy Endy"

 

[Chreese]

As usual, superautobacs, I appreciate your contribution. Thanks a lot.

Ok, so I won't overrate the surface/flat/whatever drive style as it's probably not that important as "marketing gurus" tend to put it.

Hopefully Monte can chime in on the Handy-Endy socket features as I can not find any Japapese information on them. But, like you say, it appears like it's just a feature that allows better grip when hand tightening.

I assume Monte likes the traditional knurlings better.

You have better choices though: Hazet or Gedore.

I see. Actually, I'm mainly deciding between Ko-Ken and Stahlwille.
Reason: Currently, Stahlwille and Ko-Ken are underrepresented in my collection. I don't even own a single Ko-Ken tool, yet. I do like Hazet but I'm still in need of a good dealer.

Greetings from Europe,

Chreese

 

[scottmlew]

I am about done with this. He has contacted me a few times in response to my queries; but never follows up completely and leaves me hanging. I have been trying to order from him for almost 3 months without success.

I do not mean to slam the guy, but nobody is THAT busy: and I planned on spending plenty of money of my initial $100+ order was what I (we) all thought it would be.

Has anybody heard from him lately? I have tried patience, but this is getting a little ridiculous.

Unfortunately, this is precisely my experience, and another GJ'er is in the same boat. So that makes at least 3 of us

 

[jlenander]

Yes, I am also waiting to hear back from Rob. Too bad since he seems to have the only stock of Koken in the US. His selection is limited, but the prices seem OK. I have written him 4 times in the last month or so with no response. Not sure I want to send him money for an order if his responses are so intermittent. Rob, are you out there??????

 

[Monte]

Ko-Ken`s NA distributor:

Stahlwille Tools N.A. Inc.
PO Box 5034
Sarasota, FL 34277
Tel: 800-695-2714, 941-922-5434

 

[UK Steve]

I think thats it !
I prefer the knurling though

ps: it seems they are discontinued. koken part nr. was 4401M for 6 point and 4406M for 12 point "Handy Endy"

Monte, the handy endy are still in production with part no's 4401 (6 point) 4406 (12 point) metric & imperial. The standard smooth (none handy endy) part no's 4400 or 4405.
Ko-ken now produce 3 catalogues and they do vary from country to country. The catalogues are......Japanese & English.....Spanish & English......and German, French & English.

Ko-ken have made a 3/8" drive version with Knurling & full polished chrome in the past called the EXTRA sockets........Extra chrome....Extra Knurling....Extra short...


Has anyone come across the LHSTIX sockets as far as I'm aware only Ko-ken has the licence to manufacture this type of socket.

 

[rhandwor]

I think he deals in older Koken tools. He didn't have any listing on the newer items. But that means you are getting a good deal.

 

[rhandwor]

Monte, the handy endy are still in production with part no's 4401 (6 point) 4406 (12 point) metric & imperial. The standard smooth (none handy endy) part no's 4400 or 4405.
Ko-ken now produce 3 catalogues and they do vary from country to country. The catalogues are......Japanese & English.....Spanish & English......and German, French & English.

Ko-ken have made a 3/8" drive version with Knurling & full polished chrome in the past called the EXTRA sockets........Extra chrome....Extra Knurling....Extra short...


Has anyone come across the LHSTIX sockets as far as I'm aware only Ko-ken has the licence to manufacture this type of socket.

I have a Toyota Altis socket. http://www.ebay.com
And a Vim V622 socket for Isuzu.
This is the first I'm aware of them Koken.