Tools of Japan

[BMack37]

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

Screw the future!

https://www.amazon.co.jp/dp/B0771HXRN5/

 

[superautobacs]

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?

Yes, that brass screw is a dead giveaway, the the satin surface finish, the head design, the directional arrow, and the design of the "fork" on the beam are all identical.



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

No, but I have read a Japanese blog where the writer confronted a Tone rep at a trade show about the COO of their latest fine tooth ratchets (this was roughly 9 years ago when Tone started to introduce 72-tooth mechanisms into the Japanese domestic market). When the writer said, "aren't these made in Taiwan?" he was dumbfounded by his knowledge (this blog writer worked for tool store).


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?


Kabo is an ODM/OEM and patent holder. If memory serves me correct, Bobby Hu, the inventor and patent holder for the modern ratcheting wrench mechanism started Kabo after he left Lea Way (Danaher). At one point they offered their products with their own name on the products in some markets, like Australia, IIRC.




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).


That's because they are probably sourcing it from a different OEM/ODM, like Hi-Five/Newtools, just like KTC and sooo many other tool brands do. Tone, KTC, etc source their ratcheting wrenches from more than one OEM, depending on style (reversible/non-reversible, flex/non-flex...etc)



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.


Look at other major tool brand's promotional/company videos, American or European, and they will echoe with a similar slogan, but of course, they do rely on importing certain tools to make up their entire range of products. At one point in the past, that statement would've been accurate, but that changed with the introduction of innovative, fine-tooth ratcheting mechanisms that were invented in Taiwan by Bobby Hu.


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.

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

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

I communicated in Japanese with i-Tools and they said their ratcheting mechanisms, at the least, would probably be Taiwanese in origin. Afterall, KTC, SEK, TOP ... they are all from Taiwan.

Tone's "new generation" ratchets are obviously sourced from Hi-Five/Newtools in Taiwan. I'd be curious to know whether they say those are made in Japan or not.

 

[superautobacs]

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

I'll take some photos of them this afternoon for a comparison.

 

[shemazar]

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.

That sounds better. How many detents / locking positions are there? With the non-locking ones, I’m always worried with an extension on there it wont stay.

It also kills me they don’t have a locking anything in 1/4 or 1/2 - only in 3/8. Otherwise, love Koken’s sockets so far. Deciding if I want to dip my toes in to their ratchets.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[48548]

I love koken tools but have hard time with the lack of fine tooth ratchets....

 

[48548]

Here are my ratchets....

 

[M6erfan]

I love koken tools but have hard time with the lack of fine tooth ratchets....

Meh. I was a bit concerned when I got my first Ko-ken, I mean... 24T? Are they kidding?

My concerns were put aside after real world use. It is rare that when I'm pulling a long handled flex head out that I have a tight space issue. I really never found the lower tooth count to matter much in the real world. On the other hand this is by far the most comfortable ratchet I own. Almost non existent back drag, great knurling on the handle, and so far it has performed, strength wise, above it's weight class.

Great ratchets

 

[redfusion]

What about the 90T from Nepro?

 

[gbh]

Yesterday’s purchases.
A little plastic box, Tone socket magnets and an adjustable polishing stone holder.

 

[scarrylarry]

Yesterday’s purchases.
A little plastic box, Tone socket magnets and an adjustable polishing stone holder.

You will like the stone holder I hope ! I have it and it's great. There is a bit of a rust issue if you put it away wet . Maybe it's not that great of a stainless steel, if it is at all, maybe it's just a chrome .

scarrylarry

 

[dutchgray]

You will like the stone holder I hope ! I have it and it's great. There is a bit of a rust issue if you put it away wet . Maybe it's not that great of a stainless steel, if it is at all, maybe it's just a chrome .

scarrylarry

I keep the metal parts of my stone holder coated with a light oil to stop it rusting too much and leave it out in the air to dry, I think its just a cheap chrome finish.

 

[superautobacs]

I'll take some photos of them this afternoon for a comparison.

Merry Tools HS175C and KTC AD101:

<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/ccassan/38929063022/in/dateposted-public/" title="Merry, KTC De-coupling Pliers...."><img src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4533/38929063022_ed0fae9a00_b.jpg" width="578" height="1024" alt="Merry, KTC De-coupling Pliers...."></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/ccassan/38079554815/in/dateposted-public/" title="Merry, KTC De-coupling Pliers."><img src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4552/38079554815_a49928f20c_b.jpg" width="1024" height="578" alt="Merry, KTC De-coupling Pliers."></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>


<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/ccassan/38249883034/in/dateposted-public/" title="Merry, KTC De-coupling Pliers"><img src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4529/38249883034_b12b9ffa9c_b.jpg" width="1024" height="578" alt="Merry, KTC De-coupling Pliers"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>


<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/ccassan/38079555695/in/dateposted-public/" title="Merry, KTC De-coupling Pliers..."><img src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4531/38079555695_15fe27ecf1_b.jpg" width="1024" height="578" alt="Merry, KTC De-coupling Pliers..."></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>


<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/ccassan/38249884224/in/dateposted-public/" title="Merry, KTC De-coupling Pliers.."><img src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4580/38249884224_c0ea475121_b.jpg" width="578" height="1024" alt="Merry, KTC De-coupling Pliers.."></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>








Tool in action:

3.Peaks DS150-TZ Dia Pliers

<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/ccassan/38079557035/in/dateposted-public/" title="3.Peaks DS150-TZ Dia Pliers"><img src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4586/38079557035_f94739f99a_b.jpg" width="1024" height="624" alt="3.Peaks DS150-TZ Dia Pliers"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

 

[mmason7764]

Just received my first shipment from Frank. Transaction went smooth and arrived in good shape.

First up are a Vessel Impacta and Vessel gel grip screwdriver. The Both are comfortable but a little small for my XL hands. The gel grip does have a little bit of cushion, not excessive, but not a particulair advantage for me. It was an inexpensive route to a JIS +1 driver, so a keeper.

Question: for those with the Vessel Woody screwdrivers, how are they in use? Is the surface too rough? Hard to clean? Other impressions. Thinking hard about a purchase.

Mark

 

[mmason7764]

Ko-ken T handles in 1/4" and 3/8". A set of Ko-ken wobble - fixed extensions in 3/8".

Question for you experienced users: when a socket is mounted on these extensions clicked into the fixed position, the hold feels very secure, like a standard extension. Is there any reason to get the standard (non-wobble) extensions? In other words, are these wobbles strong enough to not worry about breaking bolts free with?

Mark

 

[mmason7764]

The attachments manager in JG will only allow 1 photo per posting from the ipad. I think the reason is that I can't find a way to name the photos and if they all have the same generic name the forum server can't tell them apart.

So, here are the Ko-Ken extensions:

 

[mmason7764]

Ko-ken 1/4" ball joint style 'universal'

1/4" spinner

3/8" multi-purpose ratchet.

These are just toooooooooo cool.

 

[superautobacs]

Ko-ken T handles in 1/4" and 3/8". A set of Ko-ken wobble - fixed extensions in 3/8".

Question for you experienced users: when a socket is mounted on these extensions clicked into the fixed position, the hold feels very secure, like a standard extension. Is there any reason to get the standard (non-wobble) extensions? In other words, are these wobbles strong enough to not worry about breaking bolts free with?

Mark

I've had mine for close to 10 years and I've broken fasteners free in the wobble position countless times, especially in 1/4 drive (don't have any in 1/2 drive), but then again, I don't deal with rusted fasteners so they probably haven't been "abused" enough. The chrome has chipped and edges have marred, but they haven't twisted off.

In the fixed position, they should hold up fine. Because the wobble-fix versions have a necked-down shaft compared to the standard extensions, you'll feel the extension twist a lot sooner than you would with a standard extension. If you feel the twist getting excessive, you should switch to either a standard extension or if you can, go up in drive size. If you continue to exert more torsional load, either the head will give away (hopefully without snapping) or it'll break the fastener free but you'll probably be met with a harsh reaction through your hands as the extension "springs" back to its static postion.

So, yes, there's still a place for standard extensions.

 

[mmason7764]

Thanks Chris,

After reading your answer I looked again at page 086 of the Ko-ken catalog. It does not give the extension shaft diameters but the photographs and sketchs clearly show the reduced diameter of the wobble extensions.

So, standard Garage Journal directive applies: "get both !"



Mark

 

[FastJ]

New tools just came from i-tools rakuten. Shipment was quite fast, allthought it was stuck at the finnish custom for a week or so...total shipping time 2,5 weeks from Japan to Finland(incl.custom) so not bad.

So only ko-ken stuf first ones for me.

1/4 and 3/8 zeal sets, attack driver with couple of bits, 3/8 wobble extensions and few extra ratchet. The 1/4 and 1/2 stubby ratchets will defenitely come in use.

First expression, finish is awesome, flawless at first sight at least. I’m still wondering about the chrome, because i really like the german satin and kind of robust finish. A bit amazed how shallow the zeal rathet with sockets are. I can imagine that with zeal ratchet, socket and universal joint you can replace the joint socket use in many places..

Overall, must say that the quality of finish seems even better with in hand than in pictures. Ratchets feels real smooth and so little backdrag.

If I compare to my favorites hazet and stahlwille, ko-ken was even with the taxes and fees, at least 1/2 the price. So looking forward of putting them in test

 

[AviationTech]

Merry Tools HS175C and KTC AD101:

<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/ccassan/38929063022/in/dateposted-public/" title="Merry, KTC De-coupling Pliers...."><img src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4533/38929063022_ed0fae9a00_b.jpg" width="578" height="1024" alt="Merry, KTC De-coupling Pliers...."></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/ccassan/38079554815/in/dateposted-public/" title="Merry, KTC De-coupling Pliers."><img src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4552/38079554815_a49928f20c_b.jpg" width="1024" height="578" alt="Merry, KTC De-coupling Pliers."></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>


<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/ccassan/38249883034/in/dateposted-public/" title="Merry, KTC De-coupling Pliers"><img src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4529/38249883034_b12b9ffa9c_b.jpg" width="1024" height="578" alt="Merry, KTC De-coupling Pliers"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>


<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/ccassan/38079555695/in/dateposted-public/" title="Merry, KTC De-coupling Pliers..."><img src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4531/38079555695_15fe27ecf1_b.jpg" width="1024" height="578" alt="Merry, KTC De-coupling Pliers..."></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>


<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/ccassan/38249884224/in/dateposted-public/" title="Merry, KTC De-coupling Pliers.."><img src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4580/38249884224_c0ea475121_b.jpg" width="578" height="1024" alt="Merry, KTC De-coupling Pliers.."></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>








Tool in action:

3.Peaks DS150-TZ Dia Pliers

<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/ccassan/38079557035/in/dateposted-public/" title="3.Peaks DS150-TZ Dia Pliers"><img src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4586/38079557035_f94739f99a_b.jpg" width="1024" height="624" alt="3.Peaks DS150-TZ Dia Pliers"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Thanks for posting these. I ordered the Merry pliers off amazon.co.jp for around 30yen. I still may pick up a pair of the KTC's, but will look around for a decent deal.

 

[AviationTech]

New tools just came from i-tools rakuten. Shipment was quite fast, allthought it was stuck at the finnish custom for a week or so...total shipping time 2,5 weeks from Japan to Finland(incl.custom) so not bad.

So only ko-ken stuf first ones for me.

1/4 and 3/8 zeal sets, attack driver with couple of bits, 3/8 wobble extensions and few extra ratchet. The 1/4 and 1/2 stubby ratchets will defenitely come in use.

First expression, finish is awesome, flawless at first sight at least. I’m still wondering about the chrome, because i really like the german satin and kind of robust finish. A bit amazed how shallow the zeal rathet with sockets are. I can imagine that with zeal ratchet, socket and universal joint you can replace the joint socket use in many places..

Overall, must say that the quality of finish seems even better with in hand than in pictures. Ratchets feels real smooth and so little backdrag.

If I compare to my favorites hazet and stahlwille, ko-ken was even with the taxes and fees, at least 1/2 the price. So looking forward of putting them in test

Nice haul you'll be very pleased. Which size attack driver did you go with? I purchased the 1/2 drive. Great tool, but looking back I wish I would gotten the 3/8 drive. More uses for my type of work personally. That's not the tools fault though, hehe.

 

[FastJ]

Nice haul you'll be very pleased. Which size attack driver did you go with? I purchased the 1/2 drive. Great tool, but looking back I wish I would gotten the 3/8 drive. More uses for my type of work personally. That's not the tools fault though, hehe.

I took the 3/8 drive, figured i have more 3/8sized sockets for the use than 1/2.

Only wish that i would bought the version with more bits on it...it was only 30€ more and there would be 10-20 bits more(the 4 bits that came with the driver, looks that you can really put some force into it )..

 

[48548]

A couple of new tools from franks..

 

[M6erfan]

I took the 3/8 drive, figured i have more 3/8sized sockets for the use than 1/2.

Only wish that i would bought the version with more bits on it...it was only 30€ more and there would be 10-20 bits more(the 4 bits that came with the driver, looks that you can really put some force into it )..

I thought only the 1/2" drive Attack came with the larger assortment of bits. Do you have a part # for the Ko-ken 3/8" attack driver with the larger bit assortment?

 

[Reed Prince]

Garrett Wade brings you the high quality, Japanese tools, Woodworking Tools, Japanese Carving & Gardening Tools supplies that make your workshop complete. Satisfaction guaranteed.

Intrigued by this post, I went to their site and, well, their motto should be "for those who can afford to pay the very most". Steep prices for Knipex pliers wrenches on an information-poor page that omits things like the name of the manufacturer. http://www.garrettwade.com/parallel-moving-jaw-adjustable-wrench-set.html

After seeing that I didn't continue to look for other tools. Perhaps there is a good deal or two hidden somewhere.

 

[McRae]

I've had mine for close to 10 years and I've broken fasteners free in the wobble position countless times, especially in 1/4 drive (don't have any in 1/2 drive), but then again, I don't deal with rusted fasteners so they probably haven't been "abused" enough. The chrome has chipped and edges have marred, but they haven't twisted off.

In the fixed position, they should hold up fine. Because the wobble-fix versions have a necked-down shaft compared to the standard extensions, you'll feel the extension twist a lot sooner than you would with a standard extension. If you feel the twist getting excessive, you should switch to either a standard extension or if you can, go up in drive size. If you continue to exert more torsional load, either the head will give away (hopefully without snapping) or it'll break the fastener free but you'll probably be met with a harsh reaction through your hands as the extension "springs" back to its static postion.

So, yes, there's still a place for standard extensions.

Yes, absolutely correct and I've tested this in real life. As I work on race cars I always use the smallest possible tool, for several reasons, and all our fasteners are machined down heads and k-nuts, so we use much smaller sockets than you would expect from that size bolt.

The square will snap off at the base of the wobble, where it's the thinnest diameter. FYI, a 1/4" extension can tolerate 50Nm, 60 is too much...

It'll also do exactly as Superautobacs says, when not enough to break it you'll get that shock reaction as it relases the built up tension.

 

[FastJ]

I thought only the 1/2" drive Attack came with the larger assortment of bits. Do you have a part # for the Ko-ken 3/8" attack driver with the larger bit assortment?

Yes, you are right, only 1/2 drive comes with larger bit assortment...

 

[rhandwor]

Japanese 8-point sockets.Tone 3E-5.5mm to 3E-13 miss 9mm and 12mm Koken I have 6-8-10-12 in 3/8 drive. Tone 4E-14 to 4E-21 are 1/2 drive. I wanted a 12mm 1/2 drive 8-point. Both Koken and Tone start at 14mm for the 1/2 drive sockets. Does any other companies make an 8-point in this size. I found a 1/2 US made 8-point will fit on a male 13mm pipe plug square. My Wizard ( Western Auto) USA fits the best but a worn Proto will also work.

 

[mrborohachi]

rhandwor are you using these 8-point sockets on Japanese car ****** drain plugs???

 

[Strouty]

I had no idea they made metric 8 point sockets, I just figured they were too smart to make square fasteners.

 

[michael murder]

Picked up some KTC box end wrenches for cheap. Really dig the fit and finish of these!

 

[rhandwor]

rhandwor are you using these 8-point sockets on Japanese car ****** drain plugs???

That's what I purchased them for. Nissan Pickups use a 17mm and a 14mm older ones These I don't use anymore.

Subaru uses a 13mm male 4 point. I purchased these newer ones to match the square drain plug socket.
I don't have all of them but sizes that are usually used.
I noticed on the forum someone was asking about them.

 

[KoolGrandWizardLuke]

Tohnichi Torque Wrench CL10NX8D
It has a range of 2-10NM and is accurate at both end points. Those that say a torque wrench is not accurate at its bottom and top 10% must be using inferior products.
I also bought some ring and open-end wrench fittings to fit the torque wrench.
Ring in 6, 8, 10, 12, 13 and open-end in 6, 8, 10, 12, 13, 14
There is also a reversible ratchet head with 1/4" square drive fitting for sockets.

 

[superautobacs]

Tohnichi Torque Wrench CL10NX8D

Cool! What do you intend to use them on, and where did you source them from?

 

[KoolGrandWizardLuke]

Cool! What do you intend to use them on, and where did you source them from?

This torque wrench will mainly be used for suspension components of motorcycles and mountain bikes. The internal damping components.

I bought them from Mutsuura (Honten) on Rakuten Global.
Shipping to Australia generally takes 3-7 working days.

P.S. I enjoy watching your YouTube channel superautobacs.

 

[ajh88]

Interested to know your experience with the Tochini. I'm in the market for a new torque wrench for automotive purposes and scoping out a few of the Japanese ones.

 

[superautobacs]

This torque wrench will mainly be used for suspension components of motorcycles and mountain bikes. The internal damping components.

I bought them from Mutsuura (Honten) on Rakuten Global.
Shipping to Australia generally takes 3-7 working days.

P.S. I enjoy watching your YouTube channel superautobacs.

Ah, I had a feeling it would be for bicycle applications.

Thanks! I'm happy to know that there are people around the world who enjoy geeking out on tool videos.

 

[hautpot]

your videos are very informative.

 

[Al67ss]

Interested to know your experience with the Tochini. I'm in the market for a new torque wrench for automotive purposes and scoping out a few of the Japanese ones.

Tochini is all we use at my work. They are checked often for quality purposes and rarely are out of spec. We use almost the full range of their adjustable wrenches and they all hold up. We even ship the larger ones in poster tubes stuffed with bubble wrap and have very few issues. If you don’t mind converting from English units, you can’t go wrong with these.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[KoolGrandWizardLuke]

Tochini is all we use at my work. If you don’t mind converting from English units, you can’t go wrong with these.

Tohnichi torque wrenches are available in SI Model (N-m), Metric Model (kgf-cm), and American Model (lbf-in). These options are available across their entire range.

See this page and select the type of torque wrench you would like. If you scroll down half way you will see the available options for system of measurement and torque range.
https://www.tohnichi.com/torque-wrench.htm