Tools of Japan

[Interceptor]

A Echo chainsaw, made in Japan and one of the best saws out their for the money.

Made in Japan and assembled in USA. Best of both worlds some would say. Love my CS-400.

 

[maico]

OK I give up, what is a spud handled ratchet for ? Koken have quite a few in their pdf brochure...

Are these Keiba pliers worth buying, the price is probably a bit elevated to cover shipping from Japan (£17.88 GBR) but seems reasonable ?

https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B000W9IMHM/?tag=atomicindustr-21

 

[M6erfan]

I have a pair of the Keiba cutters (FC-206) and they are very nice. Very high quality. Also, they have an option for another handle type (FCC-***) in case you didn't know.



Spud Ratchet...https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=91194

 

[DEEBO]

OK I give up, what is a spud handled ratchet for ? Koken have quite a few in their pdf brochure...

Are these Keiba pliers worth buying, the price is probably a bit elevated to cover shipping from Japan (£17.88 GBR) but seems reasonable ?

https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B000W9IMHM/?tag=atomicindustr-21

I think the pointy end on a spud ratchet is for lining the holes up on pieces to be joined such as scaffolding. Don’t quote me though..

 

[dutchgray]

I think the pointy end on a spud ratchet is for lining the holes up on pieces to be joined such as scaffolding. Don’t quote me though..

Steel frame buildings also, stick the spud in a bolt hole to line the steel up and get bolts started in the others, its all about carrying the minimum amount of tools when working up in a structure.

 

[Reed Prince]

After seeing it mentioned here, I ordered the Vessel TD-6700FX-4 72 tooth stubby ratcheting screwdriver. I bought from Japan through eBay, as the price + shipping there was $27.90, and the US Vessel distributor JDV Products wanted $33.18.

Overall it is nicer than the Anex 306-D 60 tooth that was a ￥673 impulse add-on to an amazon.co.jp order last year, but I'm sure the shorter Anex will still come in handy.

And here is a picture of the Mitutoyo 500-196-30 that I bought late last year after camelcamelcamel.com notified me that the Amazon price had dropped below $90. They are an excellent information resource.

I only wish that the case had a piano hinge. Don't feel confident that it won't eventually fatigue and break.

It seems that there a lot of fake Mitutoyo calipers being sold to the unwary, but the top customer review on this page has good advice to help ensure you get a genuine one: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00IG46NL2/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[superautobacs]

I'm looking at buying the Asahi Lightool LVR-3180 and LVR-4252 ratchets. I assumed these were still made in Japan but the seller has the COO listed as Taiwan. Can anyone verify the COO as Taiwan or Japan? I will likely buy them either way, but it would be slightly disappointing to find out they are made in Taiwan.

I suspected they would be using 72-tooth internals coming from Taiwan, so I'm not surprised by the COO being disclosed as being Taiwan.









Don't have a spud ratchet, but got this spud wrench:

<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/ccassan/35200949196/in/photolist-VCA4Pb" title="Supertool Erection or Spud Wrench"><img src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4234/35200949196_e6412085bb_b.jpg" width="893" height="339" alt="Supertool Erection or Spud Wrench"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>







I posted this in the Nepros thread as well:

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/4lPXSkrZC5U" frameborder="0" allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen></iframe>

 

[Reed Prince]

Now this is a nice caliper case. https://0x7d.com/2015/mitutoyo-caliper-case/

 

[BMack37]

Now this is a nice caliper case. https://0x7d.com/2015/mitutoyo-caliper-case/

https://ptpimg.me/612690.jpg
[img]https://ptpimg.me/e7y47u.jpg[/QUOTE]


That is awesome! I want that soo bad...in fact, now I want all my tool trays to be made of wood, I need a CNC :(

 

[kjbenner]

KTC long box wrenches. Got turned on to KTC by suggestions on here. The 17x19 I got sent by accident so it's still in it's bag while I figure out what I'm doing with it.

 

[Interceptor]

Just arrived from Japan via Ninja-tools on Ebay.
Asahi Lightool LVR3180 3/8" and LVR4252 1/2" 72 tooth ratchets. I haven't put them to use yet but first impressions are good, I think I'm going to like these.

edit: I had an opportunity to use the 3/8 ratchet this afternoon. Something didn't seem quite right, then I realized the direction switch operates opposite the standard American ratchets that I'm used to. It's a small annoyance, but I'm still liking them very much. I took them apart and they were completely dry, so I added some light grease. The springs are super light so there is very little drag, and the selector doesn't touch the active pawl so there's very little chance of changing direction unintentionally. Nice design, looks plenty strong. The handles are a bit shorter than typical. If they offered these with longer handles and/or flex heads I'd order them today.

 

[Reed Prince]

Vessel posted these new product videos today.

 

[tanukiboy]

Hi guys. This is my first post...

I'm just a home handyman. Unlike most of the folks who post here, when I hear the word "toolbox", I don't think of a huge metal chest of drawers on industrial-strength casters -- I think of a small plastic box with a carrying handle on top. I don't have any particular mechanical expertise to share, but since I live in Japan, I hope I can occasionally contribute information about interesting Japanese tools.

With that out of the way, here is my latest adjustable wrench: a TOP Hyper Monkey Zero!
Here's a pic (I hope):

View media item 80234
What's cool about the Hyper Monkey Zero is that it claims to have no play, thus the "Zero" in the name. In fact, even if you shake it really hard, the jaws don't rattle at all. The trick is that it uses a split worm. The upper silver part is spring loaded, so the threads of the upper and lower parts squeeze on opposite sides of the teeth of the rack. Here's a close-up of the split worm:

View media item 80235
It really does work! The TOP has much less play than in the Bahco (Spain) adjustable wrench that it replaced, and it holds its setting nice and tight. (One funny thing, though -- the worms of the TOP and the Bahco work in opposite directions.)

Well, I hope you guys found this post interesting.

 

[losvre]

Hi guys. This is my first post...

I'm just a home handyman. Unlike most of the folks who post here, when I hear the word "toolbox", I don't think of a huge metal chest of drawers on industrial-strength casters -- I think of a small plastic box with a carrying handle on top. I don't have any particular mechanical expertise to share, but since I live in Japan, I hope I can occasionally contribute information about interesting Japanese tools.

With that out of the way, here is my latest adjustable wrench: a TOP Hyper Monkey Zero!
Here's a pic (I hope):

View media item 80234
What's cool about the Hyper Monkey Zero is that it claims to have no play, thus the "Zero" in the name. In fact, even if you shake it really hard, the jaws don't rattle at all. The trick is that it uses a split worm. The upper silver part is spring loaded, so the threads of the upper and lower parts squeeze on opposite sides of the teeth of the rack. Here's a close-up of the split worm:

View media item 80235
It really does work! The TOP has much less play than in the Bahco (Spain) adjustable wrench that it replaced, and it holds its setting nice and tight. (One funny thing, though -- the worms of the TOP and the Bahco work in opposite directions.)

Well, I hope you guys found this post interesting.

Really nice! Thank you for posting.

Has anyone compared this against the TOP short ones and against the Irega made in Spain?

Have a good wkd all

Sent from my SM-A510F using Tapatalk

 

[paulsomlo]

Very slick - an adjustable wrench with an anti-backlash worm.

 

[outdated]

This thread is going to have a profound effect on my balance of payments.

So, I've been upgrading my 25+ year old hand tool collection in the last year or two. I got mostly German (or outsourced German) in Wera, Knipex, Felo, Elora, etc, but for the Whitworth sockets I found there were only a couple of choices, basically Eurotech (Taiwan) or Koken. I got the Koken, and once I discovered about JIS screws vs Phillips I got a set of Vessel screwdrivers including the Impacta ones. So I at least have some Japan tools already.

Anyhow, after making my way through this thread I just today registered for Rakuten and made an order of some extra long IPS pliers, Koken plug sockets and a uni joint. Already have the shipping confirmation (about 30% of tools value, which is about what I expect with most products) and have made payment. Very easy so far.

Oddly enough, it seems like the Japanese really specialise in unique shifters and these 'screw pliers' which I have never seen before. But they are both basically 'bodgers tools' which seems to me very un-Japanese.

Will post some pix when the booty arrives...

Cheers
Steve

 

[dutchgray]

This thread is going to have a profound effect on my balance of payments.

So, I've been upgrading my 25+ year old hand tool collection in the last year or two. I got mostly German (or outsourced German) in Wera, Knipex, Felo, Elora, etc, but for the Whitworth sockets I found there were only a couple of choices, basically Eurotech (Taiwan) or Koken. I got the Koken, and once I discovered about JIS screws vs Phillips I got a set of Vessel screwdrivers including the Impacta ones. So I at least have some Japan tools already.

Oddly enough, it seems like the Japanese really specialise in unique shifters and these 'screw pliers' which I have never seen before. But they are both basically 'bodgers tools' which seems to me very un-Japanese.

Cheers
Steve

King **** do Whitworth if you want a British option, here there is so much Whitworth on the used market there is no need to buy new, but we are lucky. I would get the Koken if I was buying new sockets.

Screw pliers are less bodgy at getting stripped screws out than normal pliers or vise grips, and adjustables are only bodgers tools if used in the wrong trade, if your a plumber they are a must have tool.

 

[outdated]

Agreed all round, cheers. As I have the Koken sockets and Elora spanners, I think my modest whitworth requirements should hopefully be met.

As for the 'bodgers tools' that will be my next purchase pending the outcome of the first i-tools one. What are people's take on the best adjustables?
There is the Nepros super-duper beautiful one but it seems too beautiful to use, and only comes in one size.
The TOP SuperMonkeyZero seems worth buying just for the awesome name alone, that it seems to be a very well thought out tool is even better. They come from 6" through to 10" or 12" which is plenty for me, though I'd quite like a 4" too and my OCD means I'd like to have them all one type.
What are the other 'must have' adjustables?

 

[Fretters]

Adjustables aren't a bodgers tool. They're generally either misused, else people use cheap quality ones. IMHO, the best adjustables are the old Bahco ones. Not sure if the quality is the same with the newer ones, as I've never tried a newer one.

 

[Ruxpin]

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).

I ordered some more RSAL300 Ko-ken socket rails, but unfortunately the packaging is simply some clear plastic, tied at one end.
This isn't a slight on the manufacturer at all. I expect that they supply these in quantities of x10 or x20 in a box, and these are then separated for sales.

If a friendly GJ member could ask a supplier such as iTools (or Ko-ken directly) in their native tongue this may help us confirm?

The clips are definitely Made in Japan as stated on the packaging.
The RSAL300 rails feature some matte plastic which appears to be the same material as the clips are manufactured from.

View media item 80269
View media item 80270
View media item 80271
View media item 80272

Hopefully the photographs work (first time using GJ album).

 

[Tenex]

KTC long box wrenches. Got turned on to KTC by suggestions on here. The 17x19 I got sent by accident so it's still in it's bag while I figure out what I'm doing with it.

How do these feel in your hand? Any sharp edges?

 

[superautobacs]

Hrmm, a mirror like polish. A bit atypical of Asahi. Is the identification laser engraved? Thanks for showing detailed photos of them.










TanukiBoy, welcome to GJ, and thanks for posting!

I wrote a bit about TOP adjustables in the past. https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showpost.php?p=4332645&postcount=938
I've had one of their angled "Thin Exact Wrench" models for around 10 years and they've served me well.

I last used mine a week ago so it does get used once in a while, although for a different purpose. Despite having a lot of wrenches, sometimes it's just more convenient to pull out the adjustable to quickly size up the fasteners that you're going to be working with. That way you can save yourself time from having to walk back and forth more than once to figure out exactly what sizes of wrenches/sockets you're gonna need for the task. ...or save yourself from having to carry more than you need.

<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/ccassan/35111209001/in/photolist-VTFyS5-VTFyLy-Q9LjbT-Q9LjpZ-L8tHHg-KbNJCU-L8tM9V-L5Ec5E-GG6w4o-pxsp6C-pxmXJe-pxqigc-pxqhtF-VG8LUB-VG8LUM-VG8LZB-GVwjZA-Hcoz7L-VG8LXx-VuE8br-VrwQL5-VG8LSn-6b51nZ-6gCrWo-5SSpTS-5SN692-5SSpG5-5SSoJf-5SN4Zr-5SSo2W-5SN5sM-5SSpd7-5SN4hi-5SSnEL-5SN3UX-5SN3bB-5SSntS-5SN3nn-5SN2ZB-5SSmHd-5SN28H-5SN2zK-5SSmgS-5SRei7-5SQZGd" title="TOP's thin jaws models are forged. With Bahco's thin jaw adjustables they are ground down."><img src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4287/35111209001_af02185646_b.jpg" width="1024" height="680" alt="TOP's thin jaws models are forged. With Bahco's thin jaw adjustables they are ground down."></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

 

[superautobacs]

What are the other 'must have' adjustables?

Hi Steve,

TOP and Lobster are the two major, long standing (and still surviving) companies that specialized in manufacturing adjustables. I'm happy with TOP, but I've always been curious about Lobster's Hybrid-X adjustables.

I think the stubbies and slim-jaw adjustables from TOP and Lobster are other tools of interest.

Looking forward to seeing your i-Tools haul.








My lastest JTS episode:


<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/86m1i7yu0Hw" frameborder="0" allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen></iframe>

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/OSxSh1CyuDY" frameborder="0" allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen></iframe>

 

[Reed Prince]

I ordered a TOP adjustable today. Here's what it cost at amazon.co.jp.

 

[superautobacs]

Those Anex gadgets are great. I will feature them in my next video. They've quickly become one of my most useful tool purchases.

 

[tanukiboy]

Thanks for the kind welcome, losvre, paulsomlo, and superautobacs.

At the risk of doing further damage to outdated's wallet, I'd like to share some pictures of my small linesman and needle-nose pliers made in Japan by Keiba (Maruto Hasegawa Kosakujo Inc.).

View media item 80282
These are both from Keiba's "High Grade" series, which means that the hinge is fitted with a brass bearing disk to ensure nice smooth operation and also to prevent the hinge from rusting up and seizing. The company claims that even if you neglect your pliers and allow them to become totally rusted, they will still open and close smoothly.

Here are some pictures showing the brass disk in the hinge:

View media item 80283
View media item 80284
View media item 80285
I really love the feel of Keiba pliers. The joints are nice and tight, but also really smooth. According to what I've read, Keiba uses special alloys made to their precise requirements by Kobe Steel. After forging, the pliers are annealed and tempered to achieve a final hardness of 62 HRC without becoming too brittle. If you're interested, you can read a blurb about it at Keiba's website (in English):

https://www.keiba-tool.com/keiba/en/other/marutoloy.php

 

[M6erfan]

I like the Keiba high grade series too. Are you certain that the bushing is brass? I suspected that it might be bronze

 

[tanukiboy]

I like the Keiba high grade series too. Are you certain that the bushing is brass? I suspected that it might be bronze

Hi M6erfan. You may well be right. I really don't know what metal they use. I've seen it described in various ways at different sites, and I suspect that there are translation issues at play. A German tool site I looked at (fine-tools.com) said "brass" in both English and the original German, so I just went with that. Keiba's English website calls it "bullet metal". I've also seen it referred to as "gun metal" somewhere or other on the web. A New Zealand tool website (piranhatools.co.nz) agrees with you and calls it "bronze". Well, whatever Keiba uses, it works!

 

[Reed Prince]

I described it as brass in this post https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showpost.php?p=6613096&postcount=2233 and am pretty sure I did some research before calling it that (can't recall for certain right now). I think "bullet metal" refers to the material used for bullet casings.

 

[Interceptor]

Hrmm, a mirror like polish. A bit atypical of Asahi. Is the identification laser engraved? Thanks for showing detailed photos of them.

I was surprised by the finish as well, the catalog images make them appear to be more of a satin finish. I believe the markings are laser engraved. The switch lever looks like plastic but it is metal. The polishing and chrome is as good as any I've seen, maybe a bit under polished on a few difficult to reach surfaces inside the handles, but that is understandable.

The tag on the 1/2" ratchet is marked JAPAN, the 3/8" is not. The internal mechanisms, switch, and release button appear identical to pictures of Tekton low profile 72 tooth ratchets, I wouldn't be surprised to learn they are from the same manufacturer in Taiwan. I'm going to order a Tekton and see how it compares, if it's the same guts as the Asahi it's an incredible value at only $18.

 

[tanukiboy]

I think M6erfan wins on this one.

Google translate renders the description at Amazon Japan as "gun metal", which is a literal translation of the Japanese kanji, which I'm pasting below as an image in case you guys can't display Japanese on your computers:

View media item 80296
Wikipedia Japan also calls this "gun metal" (because it was used to make cannons), but then gives the composition as 90% copper and 10% tin, so bronze it is.

 

[outdated]

At the risk of doing further damage to outdated's wallet, I'd like to share some pictures of my small linesman and needle-nose pliers made in Japan by Keiba (Maruto Hasegawa Kosakujo Inc.).

Fear not Tanukiboy! Those are certainly beautiful pliers, and if it were 2 years ago I would most likely be buying some, but the pliers were the first upgrade I did, getting a set of three Knipex. As nice as the Keibas are, even I can't justify duplicating nearly new pliers!

But in what I gather is the true spirit of GJ, I did already put in another order this morning, this time with amazon.co.jp. Once again, very smooth and easy online experience, and the shipping cost was VERY reasonable at under 13% of goods value.


Steve

 

[outdated]

Adjustables aren't a bodgers tool. They're generally either misused, else people use cheap quality ones. IMHO, the best adjustables are the old Bahco ones. Not sure if the quality is the same with the newer ones, as I've never tried a newer one.

Apologies to all those who use adjustables in their line of work, did not mean to offend.

I had look at the current Bahco 'Ergo' adjustables in a local tool store and was not particularly impressed. For the money they did not seem all that good, although I can't remember exactly why I formed that opinion. But I put it back on the shelf and started searching for alternatives... ending up here.

Edit:
PS in defence of Bahco, I also bought one of their 250 piece socket and spanners sets for work. Although not as drool-worthy as some of what you'll see here, the range of sizes and types is huge, quality seems to be extremely good and the price was insanely cheap. And to their credit, they clearly state Made in Taiwan on the packaging, which I respect.

 

[Reed Prince]

Both customer reviews on the page of the TOP wrench I just ordered mentioned how this tool was better than the Bahco version, so perhaps the quality of this particular Bahco tool is not what it used to be.

 

[tanukiboy]

Both customer reviews on the page of the TOP wrench I just ordered mentioned how this tool was better than the Bahco version, so perhaps the quality of this particular Bahco tool is not what it used to be.

Although I didn't leave a review at Amazon Japan after receiving my order, I had exactly the same experience. I had bought two Bahco adjustable wrenches (made in Spain) based on all the positive reviews I read here at GJ, but was rather disappointed. They were definitely better than my previous ones (a KTC and a cheaper model from TOP), but not a whole lot better. So I got the TOP Hyper Monkey Zeros in the same sizes. Yeah, WAY better!

 

[losvre]

New Bahco adjustables are really not good at all. I have checked a few in several shops and is of course better than some imports but not where near the old ones.

If you are looking for another brand look at Irega from Spain. Lots of people rave about them and I am between Irega and TOP.

However I have quite a few adjustables including the knipex pliers and I am looking to some specific reviews I order to decide.

I have quite a lot of tools for DIYER and I only buy the best to replace old stuff or new as needed for jobs around the house, car, bike, etc.

Sent from my SM-A510F using Tapatalk

 

[Kasal]

New Bahco adjustables are really not good at all. I have checked a few in several shops and is of course better than some imports but not where near the old ones.

If you are looking for another brand look at Irega from Spain. Lots of people rave about them and I am between Irega and TOP.

However I have quite a few adjustables including the knipex pliers and I am looking to some specific reviews I order to decide.

I have quite a lot of tools for DIYER and I only buy the best to replace old stuff or new as needed for jobs around the house, car, bike, etc.

Sent from my SM-A510F using Tapatalk

Irega manufactures for many brands including some of E.E.U.U.

Even if your Bahco is manufactured in Spain it may be Irega.

 

[gbh]

Although I didn't leave a review at Amazon Japan after receiving my order, I had exactly the same experience. I had bought two Bahco adjustable wrenches (made in Spain) based on all the positive reviews I read here at GJ, but was rather disappointed. They were definitely better than my previous ones (a KTC and a cheaper model from TOP), but not a whole lot better. So I got the TOP Hyper Monkey Zeros in the same sizes. Yeah, WAY better!

By coincidence I saw your post just a few hours before I went to the homecentre this afternoon. I saw a TOP Hyper Monkey Zero for the first time. It was in its box hanging on the hook at the store, it was the only one that had an anti theft device on it and I couldn't take it off the hook
I do have a 200mm TOP with the two piece thumbwheel and it is beautiful.

 

[dutchgray]

Got the Kowa wrenches from Webike, also got some KTC profit wrenches and Anex off set screwdrivers
View media item 80319

 

[ttpete]

I think M6erfan wins on this one.

Google translate renders the description at Amazon Japan as "gun metal", which is a literal translation of the Japanese kanji, which I'm pasting below as an image in case you guys can't display Japanese on your computers:

View media item 80296
Wikipedia Japan also calls this "gun metal" (because it was used to make cannons), but then gives the composition as 90% copper and 10% tin, so bronze it is.

"Gun metal" is bronze. It is originally the metal cannons were cast from.

Cartridge cases are commonly brass or steel.

Bullet jackets can be gilding metal which is an alloy of tin and copper. Some were made of copper-nickel and others of steel.