Tools of Japan

[rhandwor]

I'm hunting a 1/4 drive deep 3.5mm socket. KTC Nepros makes a 3.2mm and Koken makes a 3mm and 4mm.
Is anyone familiar of another Japanese company for this socket.

 

[eas311]

For those looking for Cyber Monday deals, it appears that Ebates has 20% cash back on purchases made through the Rakuten global market

 

[ericg]

My instinct from seeing those Engineer files is that it must be made by Tsubosan. Here's a look my Tsubosan's...note the style of grip:

<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/ccassan/15451764798/in/photolist-pxqkkU-pxnDsc-qiqaam-qiwqBk-qzY8g6-dezP4R" title="J2014 Tsubosan"><img src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5613/15451764798_ce23974cfe_b.jpg" width="1024" height="588" alt="J2014 Tsubosan"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>


The surface coating is also a specialty that they've offered for some years now. They can apply the coating in various colours. They offer theirs in silver colour (Bright-900 series).

Engineer's is well packaged. Fancy looking for sure.

edit:
A bit more information about Tsubosan....

Just one of the many file makers based in Hiroshima, Japan.
Been around making files for over 80 years.
They have over a 1000 products.
They hover around 50% of Japanese market share.
They are good at offering innovation to an otherwise mundane segment of the tool industry.
They are the most famous name in Japan, and perhaps the most well known abroad.


website: http://www.tsubosan.co.jp/index.html

The files arrived today. I am blown away by the attention to detail and quality. I cannot vouch for the longetivity of the black coating since it states that it is for corrosion resistance. As for sharpness, these files are much sharper than my Nichelson files. You do not need to apply as much pressure to remove material. The pouch is beautifully tanned leather with perfect stitchimg.

 

[Mikhail]

Thank you, Mikhail - I ask because I just bought these from Franks Tools, but KTC doesn't appear to make an 11mm in the same extra long pattern, and 11mm fasteners are common on my '96 BMW.

I bought the set of three, 8x10, 12x14, 17x19, and filled in with a 13x15.

I recently changed a belt on an Acura TSX. Prior, I just couldn't understand why anyone would need a dedicated serpentine belt tool. I'm embarrassed to say how long that belt change took. Although these are not as fit for the purpose as the serpentine belt tool, I'll get more utility out of them, and if I need more leverage for a belt tensioner, I can easily get a pipe over the double box end.

I changed serpentine belt few times on my Honda Accord with K24 engine (very
similar to TSX engine). I have "homemade tool" for this purpose. But next I'll use my new Tone wrench. See picture.

 

[anetode]

I'm hunting a 1/4 drive deep 3.5mm socket. KTC Nepros makes a 3.2mm and Koken makes a 3mm and 4mm.
Is anyone familiar of another Japanese company for this socket.

Don't know of any deep 3.5mm, but Stahlwille makes a regular one.

 

[SRSemenza]

Tone breaker bars ....... made in Japan? Quality? Finish? Looking at a 24" 1/2" drive.


Seth

 

[gbh]

I saw this stand at my local home center, Engineer brand.
I bought the new vice grips. Here’s a comparison with a pair of similar sized Vice Grips. I think I’ll use the originals when there’s welding involved.

 

[eas311]

For those that have the Koken magnetic socket rails, can you confirm if they are made in Japan? Also, is it possible to mix and match both 1/4" and 3/8" on the same rail (with the correctly sized clips)?

 

[gbh]

For those that have the Koken magnetic socket rails, can you confirm if they are made in Japan? Also, is it possible to mix and match both 1/4" and 3/8" on the same rail (with the correctly sized clips)?

Yes, the rails accept 1/4 or 3/8 clips so you can mix and match.
They are available in approximately 8” and 12” length.
I couldn’t say if they’re actually made in Japan but they’re good quality and the magnetic base is strong!

 

[BK13]

I saw this stand at my local home center, Engineer brand.

I bought the new vice grips.

Man, I’m totally jealous! Just to be able to walk into HD or Lowes and but something other than Irwin, Husky, or Kobalt?

Though I do imagine the cost of living IS a touch higher there...



Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[eas311]

Yes, the rails accept 1/4 or 3/8 clips so you can mix and match.
They are available in approximately 8” and 12” length.
I couldn’t say if they’re actually made in Japan but they’re good quality and the magnetic base is strong!

Thanks! I'll need to get some of these on my next order

 

[rhandwor]

Don't know of any deep 3.5mm, but Stahlwille makes a regular one.

I have an Elora standard size socket 3.5mm.

 

[Qualitytools]

I wouldn't say most. Just a small number of Tone tools are sourced from Taiwan (Hi-Five) ie. their "new generation" fine-tooth ratchets, bit ratchets, ratcheting screwdrivers, and ratcheting wrenches. They have some Facom tools, LockJaw locking pliers, some of their electronic torque wrenches are sourced from Eclatorq. But they have hundreds of other tools they actually produce.


Here's the company promo video in English:

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/9i7SfuC3__s" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

Thanks for sharing the video, now I know how to pronounce the name

 

[superautobacs]

The files arrived today. I am blown away by the attention to detail and quality. I cannot vouch for the longetivity of the black coating since it states that it is for corrosion resistance. As for sharpness, these files are much sharper than my Nichelson files. You do not need to apply as much pressure to remove material. The pouch is beautifully tanned leather with perfect stitchimg.

Too bad the photos are soo small.
Does it not mention anything about the coating being anti-clogging even with use on soft metals?

Tone breaker bars ....... made in Japan? Quality? Finish? Looking at a 24" 1/2" drive.


Seth

Shoot them an email regarding COO: http://translation2.j-server.com/LUCTONE/ns/tl.cgi/http://www.tonetool.co.jp/inquiry/products/?SLANG=ja&TLANG=en&XMODE=0&XPARAM=q,code,&XCHARSET=UTF-8&XPORG=,,&XJSID=0





I think this'll be the last episode for the season:

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/fvnprseKP8A" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

 

[ericg]

superautobacs, I believe that the non clogging is more the design of the teeth rather than the coating, but that is my opinion. So far, all of the specs that I can find point to the coating as being a corrosion inhibitor. I can tell you that I used the files yesterday on a delicate bronze casting and the files showed no sign of clogging after repeated use.

 

[cleeny]

How does Tone's overall quality compare to that of KTC and Ko-ken?

 

[superautobacs]

superautobacs, I believe that the non clogging is more the design of the teeth rather than the coating, but that is my opinion. So far, all of the specs that I can find point to the coating as being a corrosion inhibitor. I can tell you that I used the files yesterday on a delicate bronze casting and the files showed no sign of clogging after repeated use.

As far as I understand, the teeth are set in the standard manner. The difference comes from their special plating process.
Tsubosan's coating technology was revolutionary in that it largely prevented the clogging of the file teeth, which in turn allowed the file to perform better, and keep performing for much longer.

How does Tone's overall quality compare to that of KTC and Ko-ken?

Overall quality? I don't think I'm able to answer that since I don't own enough of all three, particularly with Tone. I only have a few 1/2 drive impact and chrome sockets, one ratchet, and a hammer from Tone. Hardly enough to make an objective opinion.

 

[ericg]

As far as I understand, the teeth are set in the standard manner. The difference comes from their special plating process.
Tsubosan's coating technology was revolutionary in that it largely prevented the clogging of the file teeth, which in turn allowed the file to perform better, and keep performing for much longer
I cant read Japanese but I can tell you that the pictures from the specs on the inside of the box show a different style of teeth.
Here is a picture of the inside of the box as well as two close ups of two different files

 

[KoolGrandWizardLuke]

How does Tone's overall quality compare to that of KTC and Ko-ken?

I would rate the overall quality of Tone tools slightly below that of KTC and Ko-Ken tools.

 

[48548]

Wrong forum before.... adjustable is tiwain but that is fine...

 

[Ruxpin]

For those that have the Koken magnetic socket rails, can you confirm if they are made in Japan? Also, is it possible to mix and match both 1/4" and 3/8" on the same rail (with the correctly sized clips)?

The clips themselves are certainly Made In Japan, as is stated on the packaging. I'll try and get a photo up.

The rails (nor clips for that matter) state a COO on the actual item and I no longer have the rail packaging, however I shall be ordering some more in the near future so will look to confirm then (if nobody else does before hand).

 

[FastJ]

My first post on this thread

I got my first new japanese ”toys” today (had only one 3/4 rusty and old tone braker bar before this).

Few kelba pliers, one ktc pliers, lobster stubby and anex screwdriver.
I have to say about the pliers, flawless surface, zero play and real smooth action all the way wide open. I actually didn’t need those(some impulse bought from the japanese amazon while waiting for the ko-ken stuff from i-tools), but have to test how they perform with my knipex and hazet pliers .

 

[noid]

Made the same post in the tools of japan thread, but figured it would go well here for others in the future who pull this thread up:

Got a tone and a KTC flex head, ratcheting double box end wrench (non spline), literally the only two companies that make this sort of thing that I could find.

Kind of a bummer on the KTC front, looks like its made in Taiwan.


Verdict: The tone wrench is much nicer, the fit and finish on it is superior, flex is tighter and the matte finish is very well done.

The chrome on the KTC looks good in pictures, but in person leaves much to be desired. The matte on the TONE on the flip side doesn't look that great in pictures; but looks and feels much better in person.

Both are 72 tooth.

Backdrag is almost non-existent on the Tone, and the lever engages firmly.

Backdrag on the KTC is minimal, but existent, the selector button shows casting seams, but engages well.

Initially, im overall very very impressed by the Tone wrench.

 

[superautobacs]

FastJ,

Welcome to the world of Japanese tools.










Noid,

Pictures would be nice to see

Ratcheting wrenches, both KTC and Tone, are sourced from two different Taiwanese OEMs.

 

[losvre]

Noid,

Pictures would be nice to see

Ratcheting wrenches, both KTC and Tone, are sourced from two different Taiwanese OEMs.

Superautobacs,

I can see the photos in Tapatalk but not on the GJ website.

Maybe consider buying a phone next to the tools

 

[noid]

FastJ,

Welcome to the world of Japanese tools.










Noid,

Pictures would be nice to see

Ratcheting wrenches, both KTC and Tone, are sourced from two different Taiwanese OEMs.

I hosted them on GJ, should be able to see them now.

Are you sure on the Taiwan COO of the Tone?

 

[M6erfan]

Interesting, I have a few KTC ratcheting combos (MSR 2A series). They are indeed made in Taiwan but they have a beautiful matte finish along with some checkering on the handle. Fit and finish is top notch on all of the ones I have. I've been pleased with them.

 

[noid]

Tone is confirmed COO Japan.

Proof attached.

 

[superautobacs]

Tone is confirmed COO Japan.

Proof attached.

Thanks for the photo uploads.


I've said this for many years and I still stand by my opinion that Tone has been, and still are deceptive about their COO information (or lack thereof).
I suppose they are "Product of Japan", but not "Made in Japan". KTC is actually transparent in this regard as they clearly state where their products are made in.


I'm happy with the few ratcheting wrenches that I have from KTC, both polished and satin chrome finishes.

Here's a photo that I took in 2010

<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/ccassan/25755924214/in/photolist-Gr51Ht-HfpeTK-HfpeQ8-GeNKhw-GeNKbu-GeNKq7-FJtKzR-GBtUEb-FJtKXp-FJtKM4-FJtLKX-FJtHXc-GeGduS-GDRjYg-GeG8yj-GeG8VS-FJtHqF-FJtH3M-GBtVCy-GeGdLJ-GeGe5Q-GDRmfz-FJtMbB-FJtHBT-FJtJSD-GapPV4-FeXR33-GapPYR-UQxm3T-UQxkZX-EZSmhY-EuSrpi-EuSror-FeXQXd-FeXQWS-GDRjwz-GBtVes-FJtJ9z-FJtJCa-GeG8m5-FJtJpe-FJtKoD-FJtK9F-Ff9zZp-5XYnjK-5Y3BFW-5Y3Cku-5Y3C1Q-5Wjrkb-5XYkjR/" title="KTC"><img src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1596/25755924214_303168e7c5_b.jpg" width="1024" height="571" alt="KTC"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

The one in front is a KTC; back is a Crescent brand. As you can see, the finish of the chrome is great (and way more durable than Gearwrench chrome).

They are both sourced from the same Taiwanese OEM (Kabo). The older RMF series ratcheting wrenches from Tone were also sourced from the same OEM (Kabo), using the same ratcheting mechanism.

 

[noid]

Thanks for the photo uploads.


I've said this for many years and I still stand by my opinion that Tone has been, and still are deceptive about their COO information (or lack thereof).
I suppose they are "Product of Japan", but not "Made in Japan". KTC is actually transparent in this regard as they clearly state where their products are made in.


I'm happy with the few ratcheting wrenches that I have from KTC, both polished and satin chrome finishes.

Here's a photo that I took in 2010

The one in front is a KTC; back is a Crescent brand. As you can see, the finish of the chrome is great (and way more durable than Gearwrench chrome).

They are both sourced from the same Taiwanese OEM (Kabo). The older RMF series ratcheting wrenches from Tone were also sourced from the same OEM (Kabo), using the same ratcheting mechanism.

A few questions pop to mind:

1. Are you saying the mechanisms are from the same OEM because of the brass screws? If not, other than that similarity what makes you think they came from kabo?

2. Have you confirmed the COO of the RMF series wrenches with Tone directly?

3. Is it possible Kabo copied Tone's design, or both kabo and Tone used the same patented design but made the wrenches in different facilities?

4. I don't own an RMF wrench, but from the images im seeing, the RMAL lines is substantially different, both in form (stamping/shape/etc) and in mechanism (ratcheting mechanism is completely different).

One interesting thing I noticed from the Tone video, is that their slogan was something to the effect of "To make high quality tools with our own hands". So at least at sometime that was part of the company culture.

I agree Tone should get better at actively displaying the COO of their tools. But at least they are fast at replying by email; took about a day for them to respond.

 

[noid]

Email attached (one I sent to them, and their reply).

Certifying the RMAL wrenches are 100% made in Osaka Japan.

 

[shemazar]

Hey guys, what's the experience like with any of the Koken non-locking flex ratchets like? I'm trying to get a sense of how floppy they are, or if they have detents in there to lock at pre-defined spots. From pics I've found, I can't really tell -- and I can't find anything on YouTube.

I really like this one 3774NL, which locks (yay), but no Quick-Release. I'd like one with Quick-Release, so they have 3774NB. Wish I could get my cake at eat it too, but...

So any experience with the non-locking ones? How's the head held in place to prevent flop?

 

[cleeny]

Hey guys, what's the experience like with any of the Koken non-locking flex ratchets like? I'm trying to get a sense of how floppy they are, or if they have detents in there to lock at pre-defined spots. From pics I've found, I can't really tell -- and I can't find anything on YouTube.

I really like this one 3774NL, which locks (yay), but no Quick-Release. I'd like one with Quick-Release, so they have 3774NB. Wish I could get my cake at eat it too, but...

So any experience with the non-locking ones? How's the head held in place to prevent flop?

Take a look at the attached.
I found the image online and it's of the 3726ZS ratchet.
I assume all their ratchets use the same mechanism.

I have a Ko-ken 3785 sliding t-handle and it also uses the same detent/sprung ball.

 

[noid]

The rest of the crew showed up today.

 

[Reed Prince]

New Engineer promotional video just uploaded. I don't believe I've seen this particular tool before.

 

[Kasal]

I have the models 57, 58, 59, play to expand the collection

 

[Reed Prince]

Looks like this is model PZ-63

 

[M6erfan]

Hey guys, what's the experience like with any of the Koken non-locking flex ratchets like? I'm trying to get a sense of how floppy they are, or if they have detents in there to lock at pre-defined spots. From pics I've found, I can't really tell -- and I can't find anything on YouTube.

I really like this one 3774NL, which locks (yay), but no Quick-Release. I'd like one with Quick-Release, so they have 3774NB. Wish I could get my cake at eat it too, but...

So any experience with the non-locking ones? How's the head held in place to prevent flop?

I own the Ko-ken 3774NB, I've had it for about a year and it's pretty much become my go to in 3/8" drive (Where I have the room for a longer handle).



As pointed out above, there is a ball/detent to help hold the head from flopping around. But even without, it seems pretty tight. Not super tight, but not "floppy" either.

A couple of things I wish Koken did a bit different which would be a serviceable hinge pin on the head/handle interface and a locking version of the quick release with knurled handle.

But it's just about the perfect ratchet as is, IMO.

 

[AviationTech]

Anyone have any experience with either one of these connector pliers? I was looking into buying a pair. The part numbers are the Merry Tools HS175C and KTC AD101

 

[Skin]

They're pretty much identical, the KTC one just comes with additional tips.