Tools of Japan

[turtl631]

Hm, I had ordered Koken from Frank before with no issues. Ordered from him a few months back, paid for in stock items and received them with a pretty big delay. Then he said he had to order the rest. However no replies to recent emails, frustrating. I thought maybe the business shuttered or something.

 

[kb1982]

Don't really know if this fit with the theme of tools of Japan....but the tag clearly says made in Japan. It's a Chicago Pnumatic 860 es .5 up die grinder.

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[rhandwor]

Hm, I had ordered Koken from Frank before with no issues. Ordered from him a few months back, paid for in stock items and received them with a pretty big delay. Then he said he had to order the rest. However no replies to recent emails, frustrating. I thought maybe the business shuttered or something.

I've had a big delay also said he forgot to order. If you can't get an answer email Koken USA and ask if he is still in business.

 

[Tuc04]

I bought some Koken Z-eal sockets and I thought I'd show some comparisons.

The first pic is all 17mm sockets starting on the left is Koken 3/8, Wright 3/8, Koken 1/2 and then Proto 1/2.

The second picture is 24mm Koken 1/2 vs Proto 1/2.

A few weeks ago I would have thought 1/2 low profile doesn't make sense, but then I did some suspension work and realized the low profile would have made the difference in getting a 1/2 torque wrench into some tight areas.

I didn't buy a set of 1/2 sockets. I looked up the max torque for bolt sizes and decided to get 17,18,19,21,22,24 and 27 as those were the sizes that may require my 1/2 torque wrench.

I bought the sockets as well as a bunch of other stuff from i-Tools on Rakuten. I ordered on a Monday morning and the box was delivered the following Monday.

 

[48548]

I have some zeal sockets and they are really nice. Top notch.

 

[AviationTech]

Just some new additions for my home garage. Another smooth transaction with Franktools for the Ko-ken 1/2" attack driver, KTC 10mm x 12mm brake line wrench, and IPS extra long slip joint needle nose pliers. I was also finally able to track down a set of the Kowa Seiki OEM Honda 0 Degree 6pt and 12 pt wrenches and they showed up from Japan on the same day as my Franks order, so that was a pleasant surprise. Very pleased with everything so far.

 

[1foxracing]

Nice haul AviationTech, Those Kowa Honda wrenches are one of the most asked about tools in my youtube videos. A couple years ago when the dollar was stronger against the yen they were fairly cheap through Webike.
https://japan.webike.net/products/1388747.html

 

[victor252]

Those are some unique wrenches since they have 6 and 12 pt for each size. Does anyone make a complete set like that? I hate having incomplete sets.

 

[AviationTech]

Those are some unique wrenches since they have 6 and 12 pt for each size. Does anyone make a complete set like that? I hate having incomplete sets.

As far as I know these are the sizes that this particular style of wrenches are available in, but I'm not 100% sure. There are others on this thread who have these wrenches as well that may know more information.

 

[kblee27]

I got this PROXXON deep socket from Amazon JP.
Not sure COO, but it looks nice, satin finish.
Most of all, I like the label on the socket.

https://www.amazon.co.jp/gp/product/B01A8B1GM6/

 

[losvre]

I got this PROXXON deep socket from Amazon JP.
Not sure COO, but it looks nice, satin finish.
Most of all, I like the label on the socket.

https://www.amazon.co.jp/gp/product/B01A8B1GM6/

I believe these are made in Czech Republic and they will do for most jobs.

I have a couple and I find them good enough although the metal is softer than the premoum brands and if pushed hard they would deform slightly.

 

[theoldwizard1]

So I splurged the other day and bought a Gyokucho 250mm Folding Razor Saw w/812 blade. As Japanese saws go, this is a thick, rough cut blade (1.13mm kerf, 2.5mm pitch). I wanted a folding saw because the traditional style Japanese saws are too big and I am NOT doing "fine" carpentry. Just odds and ends of wood, plastic, heavy non-corrugated cardboard, etc.

That suckers is AMAZING ! A few cuts on some 1x3 and 2x4 and it goes through them like the proverbial "hot knife through butter" ! I was very concerned about the "cut on the pull", but just let the saw do the work (don't force it, no added pressure) and you'll do fine !

For general purpose, save yourself a few bucks and get the 200mm blade with the thickest blade you can find. They do sell replacement blades.

 

[gbh]

So I splurged the other day and bought a Gyokucho 250mm Folding Razor Saw w/812 blade. As Japanese saws go, this is a thick, rough cut blade (1.13mm kerf, 2.5mm pitch). I wanted a folding saw because the traditional style Japanese saws are too big and I am NOT doing "fine" carpentry. Just odds and ends of wood, plastic, heavy non-corrugated cardboard, etc.

That suckers is AMAZING ! A few cuts on some 1x3 and 2x4 and it goes through them like the proverbial "hot knife through butter" ! I was very concerned about the "cut on the pull", but just let the saw do the work (don't force it, no added pressure) and you'll do fine !

For general purpose, save yourself a few bucks and get the 200mm blade with the thickest blade you can find. They do sell replacement blades.

I have a few of those Japanese saws, both folding and non folding. I can't speak highly enough of them. As you said, they cut like a hot knife through butter. They're relatively cheap here in Japan too.

 

[redvalkyrie]

Those are some unique wrenches since they have 6 and 12 pt for each size. Does anyone make a complete set like that? I hate having incomplete sets.

You might look at what Nepros has to offer.

 

[losvre]

I too have a foldable Silky Pocket Boy 180mm. I was always wondering why all these blades are of one use, cannot resharpened, and how often they need replacement.

View media item 60695
View media item 60694

 

[D-Vice]

Just some new additions for my home garage. Another smooth transaction with Franktools for the Ko-ken 1/2" attack driver, KTC 10mm x 12mm brake line wrench, and IPS extra long slip joint needle nose pliers. I was also finally able to track down a set of the Kowa Seiki OEM Honda 0 Degree 6pt and 12 pt wrenches and they showed up from Japan on the same day as my Franks order, so that was a pleasant surprise. Very pleased with everything so far.

OH MY! I am very intrigued by those IPS pliers. They look very useful. Please, let me know about your thoughts on them after some use.

 

[gbh]

Losvre, I've gotten years of use out of my saws. Most people here would replace rather than try to sharpen because the blades are cheap.
Here's an example of the 130mm Silky I saw at the shops today.

 

[gbh]

Not related to garage tools but here's a pair of pruning shears I bought for my wife yesterday.
Made in Seki city Japan, even the box is nice.

 

[anndel]

Not related to garage tools but here's a pair of pruning shears I bought for my wife yesterday.
Made in Seki city Japan, even the box is nice.

Hey gbh, where's you get it from? I want to get one for my wife as well. Thanks

 

[gbh]

I bought it from a stall at an event. It was an event put on for the weekend by blade makers from Seki city but it's finished now.
Seki city has a history of blade making.

 

[Ruxpin]

Not related to garage tools but here's a pair of pruning shears I bought for my wife yesterday.
Made in Seki city Japan, even the box is nice. ��

They look to be a high quality item.
Do you have any more photographs?

 

[gbh]

They look to be a high quality item.
Do you have any more photographs?

Sure Ruxpin, here's a couple of pics.
The shears are very sharp, the handles seem to be typical pressed mild steel. The box is Washi handmade type of paper.
Japanese really do love their wrapping and boxing!
Regular retail on the box was ¥4752 but these cost me ¥4000, around $42 USD?

 

[Ruxpin]

Very nice gbh!
Thank you for the photos.
I'm sure they will offer many years of service. I have some German made Stihl shears which are perfectly good but I wonder if I can find some similar made in Seki on Rakuten...

 

[TonyCH]

Bought Neji-saurus pliers. Seems nice quality.

 

[BK13]

Hey gbh, where's you get it from? I want to get one for my wife as well. Thanks

Me too, though my interest is purely selfish.


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[losvre]

Losvre, I've gotten years of use out of my saws. Most people here would replace rather than try to sharpen because the blades are cheap.
Here's an example of the 130mm Silky I saw at the shops today.

Many thanks gbh!

I was wondering if all Japanese saws have disposable "Heat Treated" teeth blades. It seems that other woodworking specific saws have these blades as well.

I have a few old saws, western style, from my grandfather and still use them and it takes half an hour to an hour to sharpen them.

 

[Leon67]

Anybody here have a Tone 3/8' ratchet? I am interested in buying one but as they are available only from e-bay to me I thought of asking a few questions:

The claim that they are "made in Japan" but are they made there or somewhere else like Taiwan or -god forbid PRC?
Does anybody have any experience with this Tone RH3VHW ratchet ?

https://www.amazon.co.jp/%E3%83%88%E3%83%8D-TONE-RH3VHW-%E3%82%B9%E3%82%A4%E3%83%99%E3%83%AB%E3%83%A9%E3%83%81%E3%82%A7%E3%83%83%E3%83%88%E3%83%8F%E3%83%B3%E3%83%89%E3%83%AB/dp/B00EY6ALL4

http://www.ebay.com/itm/TONE-3-8-inch-SWIVEL-RATCHET-HANDLE-RH3VHW-MADE-IN-JAPAN-/172821406653

 

[Moto77]

I have a few tone ratchets. They are stamped Japan on the underside. I'd be surprised if they weren't made in Japan. There's always Rakuten for another option to buy.
https://global.rakuten.com/en/store/mutsuura/item/10334573/?s-id=borderless_browsehist_en

 

[anndel]

I bought it from a stall at an event. It was an event put on for the weekend by blade makers from Seki city but it's finished now.
Seki city has a history of blade making.

Thanks, yeah I know I have a bunch of Spydercos made in Seki City and several kitchen knives as well.

 

[mrborohachi]

Anybody here have a Tone 3/8' ratchet? I am interested in buying one but as they are available only from e-bay to me I thought of asking a few questions:

The claim that they are "made in Japan" but are they made there or somewhere else like Taiwan or -god forbid PRC?
Does anybody have any experience with this Tone RH3VHW ratchet ?

http://www.ebay.com/itm/TONE-3-8-inch-SWIVEL-RATCHET-HANDLE-RH3VHW-MADE-IN-JAPAN-/172821406653

I "kinda of" have this ratchet. I have a VIM's version with a soft grip.
View media item 74601View media item 74600I think it was in this thread one of the guys mentioned what i have is a Generation 1 of what is the TONE gen2 of this ratchet (the one you want to buy). My first "roto" ratchet and I love it. I can't imagine having a non locking pivot root ratchet. The center locking wheel is super easy to use on the fly one handed. VIM is a USA based company that private labels Taiwanese tools (for Truck brands also).

 

[redvalkyrie]

Anybody here have a Tone 3/8' ratchet? I am interested in buying one but as they are available only from e-bay to me I thought of asking a few questions:

The claim that they are "made in Japan" but are they made there or somewhere else like Taiwan or -god forbid PRC?
Does anybody have any experience with this Tone RH3VHW ratchet ?

https://www.amazon.co.jp/%E3%83%88%E3%83%8D-TONE-RH3VHW-%E3%82%B9%E3%82%A4%E3%83%99%E3%83%AB%E3%83%A9%E3%83%81%E3%82%A7%E3%83%83%E3%83%88%E3%83%8F%E3%83%B3%E3%83%89%E3%83%AB/dp/B00EY6ALL4

http://www.ebay.com/itm/TONE-3-8-inch-SWIVEL-RATCHET-HANDLE-RH3VHW-MADE-IN-JAPAN-/172821406653

You can contact Tone directly and ask. I've spoken with their representive several times. They have a catalog larger than Snap-On's. All of my Tone tools are made in Japan. I would bet all of their ratchets are as well.

 

[gbh]

I recall someone on this thread more knowledgeable about such matters than myself who said Tone ratchets were made in Taiwan.
I find myself reaching for my Tone ratchets before my Snap On.
I also prefer the feel of Tone over KTC ratchets which seem a bit agricultutural to me.
Anyway, here's my Nejisaurus I picked up today. It cost around ¥1600 but the identical model in the more common green cost ¥2450, I don't know why.

 

[mercucho]

Mokuba pin punch set.

 

[mercucho]

I recall someone on this thread more knowledgeable about such matters than myself who said Tone ratchets were made in Taiwan.
I find myself reaching for my Tone ratchets before my Snap On.
I also prefer the feel of Tone over KTC ratchets which seem a bit agricultutural to me.
Anyway, here's my Nejisaurus I picked up today. It cost around ¥1600 but the identical model in the more common green cost ¥2450, I don't know why.

Very nice pliers.

 

[scubadoober]

I can't speak to their roto ratchets, but boy Tone's standard ratchets look an awful lot like the Blackhawk.(Made in Taiwan)

 

[Jaysreal]

I can't speak to their roto ratchets, but boy Tone's standard ratchets look an awful lot like the Blackhawk.(Made in Taiwan)

Where are you bacs? I'm pretty sure Superautobacs says in a video on his YouTube channel that Tone ratchets are Taiwanese. I think Tone ratchets just say "Japan" and not "Made in Japan"

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[Brand X]

One more Nitto-Kohki air tool for my collection .. Amazon for $!54.85
These are what they really sell for..

http://www.emaxaction.com/nittokohkib-30b.aspx


https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00NV7KOQY/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[gbh]

One more Nitto-Kohki air tool for my collection .. Amazon for $!54.85
These are what they really sell for..

http://www.emaxaction.com/nittokohkib-30b.aspx


https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00NV7KOQY/?tag=atomicindus08-20

You paid that little? Someone at Amazon screwed up, good work!

 

[Brand X]

You paid that little? Someone at Amazon screwed up, good work!

Happens all the time...
Bought this for.. $136.22

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00NV7KNLA/?tag=atomicindus08-20


$65.95

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00NV7L364/?tag=atomicindus08-20

$64.00

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00NV7KX2Y/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Anyway some of the smoothest, quietest, air tools made..

Ebay has been good to me also..

I am thinking of picking one more sander up, even though the need is really not there.. Never been disappointed in the quality,even at retail..

 

[Brand X]

Was not going too, but you know how that goes..

http://www.emaxaction.com/nittokohkiosv-60a.aspx

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00NV7HICW/?tag=atomicindus08-20


I bought three off of the top line (new in box) from e-Bay for about $50.00 People just don't really know about their stuff. Been posting info to change that..

http://www.emaxaction.com/sanders.aspx