theamcguy
Well-known member
Ordered a bunch of tools from this thread just today the TOP adjustable wrench and the Ashai Ratchets. Last week I ordered a ratchet from Koken.
Tools of Japan
- Thread starter Frankstools
- Start date
When I got my confirmation email from i-tools I replied asking if I had any slack in the shipping quantity and that I would be happy to add more small parts to bring it up. This sort of question can sometimes be a nightmare across languages but they knew right away what I was asking, and replied I can add another 150g.
So I added another six small 1/4" drive Koken items which according to their catalog was ~100g. It was obviously ok as I shortly after got an email asking for payment of just the tools value with no shipping. It brought the shipping down from 30% to just under 20% of the tools value for the entire purchase, which is a bit more palatable. Win!
Of course it meant I spent another 75 clams... but think of how much I SAVED!
So I added another six small 1/4" drive Koken items which according to their catalog was ~100g. It was obviously ok as I shortly after got an email asking for payment of just the tools value with no shipping. It brought the shipping down from 30% to just under 20% of the tools value for the entire purchase, which is a bit more palatable. Win!
Of course it meant I spent another 75 clams... but think of how much I SAVED!
Yeah, it's the same for me when I shop at Amazon US. The shipping charge is often more than the price of the item, which seems foolish. But I just think of the US price + shipping charge as the actual price of the item. If I would happily buy the item at that price from a local shop here in Japan, ordering it from the US is a no-brainer.When I got my confirmation email from i-tools I replied asking if I had any slack in the shipping quantity and that I would be happy to add more small parts to bring it up. This sort of question can sometimes be a nightmare across languages but they knew right away what I was asking, and replied I can add another 150g.
So I added another six small 1/4" drive Koken items which according to their catalog was ~100g. It was obviously ok as I shortly after got an email asking for payment of just the tools value with no shipping. It brought the shipping down from 30% to just under 20% of the tools value for the entire purchase, which is a bit more palatable. Win!
Of course it meant I spent another 75 clams... but think of how much I SAVED!
I've had other tools (like folding knives) that used silicone Bronze for pivot bushings, that's why I suspected Bronze here. Also, 'oil impregnated' Bronze supposedly makes good bushing material as well.
theamcguy
Well-known member
ninja-tools off eBay. He will combine shipping and give you a break. Put the items in your cart and request an invoice with combined shipping. His shipping was 50% his regular shipping. Tools come from Japan.
Interceptor
Well-known member
- Joined
- May 31, 2011
- Messages
- 48
My experience with Ninja-tools was good as well. I couldn't find the ratchet I was looking for, I contacted them through Ebay and asked if they could get it, within 24 hours they created a new listing for it and sent me the link. The tools were shipped within 24 hours and delivered 10 days after ordering.
I was going through one of my tool boxes today and found this old hex key set made in Japan. No idea who made it or how old it is, it came with a '68 Toyota I bought about ten years ago which is odd since its an SAE set. There's nothing particularly interesting about the set except that they are cadmium plated. The larger ones are marked Japan, none are marked for size.
I was going through one of my tool boxes today and found this old hex key set made in Japan. No idea who made it or how old it is, it came with a '68 Toyota I bought about ten years ago which is odd since its an SAE set. There's nothing particularly interesting about the set except that they are cadmium plated. The larger ones are marked Japan, none are marked for size.
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Reed Prince
Well-known member
FYI, the predicted arrival time of my amazon.co.jp order is surprisingly soon. I imagine it has something to do with volume.
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Whoa!!!
https://global.rakuten.com/en/store/edenki/item/ed446216/
Koken tools （ Koken ） Ko-ken [TI4261M] titanium alloy socket set
AU$ 2,866.22 (¥ 250,128)
A wee bit pricey, but niiiice!
So who's got one??
https://global.rakuten.com/en/store/edenki/item/ed446216/
Koken tools （ Koken ） Ko-ken [TI4261M] titanium alloy socket set
AU$ 2,866.22 (¥ 250,128)
A wee bit pricey, but niiiice!
So who's got one??Interceptor
Well-known member
- Joined
- May 31, 2011
- Messages
- 48
It's a shame the Japanese leave out the 13mm, 15mm and 18mm sizes in so many of their sets, and in some cases they don't even make them. Anyone working on GM vehicles in the US knows how important they are to have.
Reed Prince
Well-known member
Order arrived ahead of time, today.
Yeah, I 2ill definitely buy a couple of Keiba pliers and also their toe nail cutters[emoji106]
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Nice!FYI, the predicted arrival time of my amazon.co.jp order is surprisingly soon. I imagine it has something to do with volume.
What are these round kind gadgets that superautobacs also refer to?
Thanks
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Grant Gunderson
Well-known member
Just wrapped a month of work in Japan so decided to swing by Factory Gear in Tokyo on the way to Narrita. Nice selection of only top notch tools. Speaking of wich is anyone familiar with DEEN? They had quite the selection and quality seemed quite good. I believe they are Japanese designed and MFG in Taiwan. Also after comparing the Snapon selection side by side with Nepros there is no comparison. Nepros wins hands down. Going to have to pick up a Nepros selection next trip as long as I can Hide the funds from my wife.
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So how do you like your new Hyper Monkey? (Man, I love that name! Although I guess I should mention that "monkey" is just the common Japanese term for an adjustable wrench, from monkey wrench.)
Found this blurb on the web. It seems that DEEN is the house brand for FACTORYGEAR. Their address is listed as Taichung, Taiwan.
"DEEN is a precision Japanese Tool brand that supplies official tool sets to Honda, Nissan and Subaru. Our parent company, FACTORYGEAR, is a premium tool retailer in Japan and Asia. DEEN was created to address customer feedback and wishes that we have received over the years. Our products are user feedback driven and constantly evolving to meet customer needs. We are seeking a distribution partner in the United States and wish to provide high-quality tools to this market under the DEEN brand."
Here's a link to their online store (in Japanese):
http://ec.f-gear.co.jp/category/DEEN/
Reed Prince
Well-known member
It is truly a beautifully made tool. I can't imagine anyone not being completely satisfied with this series of wrenches.
To answer an earlier question, the round gadgets in my order are little sleeves with magnets in them.
Hi guys. I'm hoping that one of you experts can explain this to me.
I wanted a set of 6-point box wrenches for everyday jobs around the house, like putting together cheap metal racks that come with poor-quality nuts and bolts. So I ordered this set from KTC. (Actually, what I really wanted was a set of 6-point combination wrenches, but they were a pain to order and/or really expensive here in Japan.)
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It's hard to see in the picture, but they are 8-8, 10-10, 12-12, and 14-14. Both ends are exactly the same! Why not different sizes? Why not straight and offset? Why not 6-point and 12-point?
While I was shopping around, it struck me that a surprising number of double-ended box wrenches are designed this way. What's the point? It seems as useful as a pencil that's sharpened at both ends!
I'm hoping to hear a blindingly obvious reason so I can slap myself on the forehead.
I wanted a set of 6-point box wrenches for everyday jobs around the house, like putting together cheap metal racks that come with poor-quality nuts and bolts. So I ordered this set from KTC. (Actually, what I really wanted was a set of 6-point combination wrenches, but they were a pain to order and/or really expensive here in Japan.)
View media item 80510
It's hard to see in the picture, but they are 8-8, 10-10, 12-12, and 14-14. Both ends are exactly the same! Why not different sizes? Why not straight and offset? Why not 6-point and 12-point?
While I was shopping around, it struck me that a surprising number of double-ended box wrenches are designed this way. What's the point? It seems as useful as a pencil that's sharpened at both ends!
I'm hoping to hear a blindingly obvious reason so I can slap myself on the forehead.
66HertzClone
ALLIANCE MEMBER
Are the hex openings indexed differently? With a 6 point wrench and a tight spot, getting the wrench over the nut could be difficult, having the other head indexed at a different angle might solve that.
It is truly a beautifully made tool. I can't imagine anyone not being completely satisfied with this series of wrenches.
To answer an earlier question, the round gadgets in my order are little sleeves with magnets in them.
Thanks[emoji106]
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chaddles623
Member
- Joined
- Sep 2, 2017
- Messages
- 10
I would just keep it and add it to your tool set.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.
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Wow, thanks for the keen eyes, 66HertzClone and SRSemenza. You guys are exactly right. The points of the hexagons at the two ends are rotated about 30 degrees relative to each other.
However, so as to avoid having to slap myself on the forehead for missing the obvious, I would point out that this design seems to be applicable only to double-ended box wrenches that are both 6-point and offset. If they were 12-point, you'd have twice the angles, and if they weren't offset, you could just flip them over like an open-ended wrench.
Thanks again. I can sleep at night now.
Hi guys. Here's something kind of handy.
These are Engineer PH-55 compact shop scissors. They are quite small at only a bit over 6 inches long, but are surprisingly rugged and tough. I use them all the time to cut open those irritating clear plastic display packages.
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The combination of their compact size and the snap-on blade cover means that they don't take up a lot of space (or flop open) in the toolbox and can also be carried around safely in a pocket. They also feature a half-serrated blade for good grip, a wire cutter behind the hinge, and (even though it's hard to see) a lower blade that has an external semi-sharp edge that can be used to cut open cardboard boxes.
Unlike a lot of Japanese tools, you can easily order these from Amazon US. They cost a bit over $20.
These are Engineer PH-55 compact shop scissors. They are quite small at only a bit over 6 inches long, but are surprisingly rugged and tough. I use them all the time to cut open those irritating clear plastic display packages.
View media item 80564
View media item 80565
The combination of their compact size and the snap-on blade cover means that they don't take up a lot of space (or flop open) in the toolbox and can also be carried around safely in a pocket. They also feature a half-serrated blade for good grip, a wire cutter behind the hinge, and (even though it's hard to see) a lower blade that has an external semi-sharp edge that can be used to cut open cardboard boxes.
Unlike a lot of Japanese tools, you can easily order these from Amazon US. They cost a bit over $20.
Hey Japanfans,
I did some photo and video of my recent arrivals from Japan, but first...
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/PUZdEbfNMa8" frameborder="0" allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen></iframe>
Cheers
Steve
I did some photo and video of my recent arrivals from Japan, but first...
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/PUZdEbfNMa8" frameborder="0" allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen></iframe>
Cheers
Steve
Kasal
Well-known member
Yeah I think that's what's going to happen. It's a little redundant with the 2 17mms so I thought about selling or trading it, but I think it'll just go in the wrench drawer and someday it'll be useful.
superautobacs
Well-known member
Grant,
I browsed through your photos. Very nice!
If you can't wait, and you're OK with online tool shopping, I'd suggest ordering your Nepros items straight from KTC via this site: https://www.nepros.net/
Regarding Deen, see below.
Tanukiboy,
If you google search "Factory Gear Taiwan", you'll get hits for Factory Gear's store in Taiwan (at this current time, they have one in Taiwan, and two stores in Thailand; the rest are in Japan).
That blurb is from the AAPEX 2017 Expo. Apparently Factory Gear's decision to enter the Expo was late and so they were reliant on entrant cancellation. To bypass that, they asked for help from their Taiwanese affiliate to enter the Taiwan Pavillion area.
This was explained in their Youtube channel video (in Japanese):
There's no question that Deen tools are manufactured mostly in Taiwan, in small batches, to Deen's specifications/requirements. Their OEMs include names like Infar, New-Tools/Hi-five, Ru-Shine/Quan Tian. They've also used Japanese OEMs as well, like Anex and Ko-ken. European OEMs have included Orbis (part of Knipex), Wera, and PB Swiss.
Here's a video that talks a bit about Deen (in English):
Re. 6pt box wrenches:
Nepros, MAC, and Snap-on have made 0 offset, 6pt box wreches with the hex broaching done 15*. This give it a 30* effective working angle, by flipping the wrench.
I browsed through your photos. Very nice!
If you can't wait, and you're OK with online tool shopping, I'd suggest ordering your Nepros items straight from KTC via this site: https://www.nepros.net/
Regarding Deen, see below.
Tanukiboy,
If you google search "Factory Gear Taiwan", you'll get hits for Factory Gear's store in Taiwan (at this current time, they have one in Taiwan, and two stores in Thailand; the rest are in Japan).
That blurb is from the AAPEX 2017 Expo. Apparently Factory Gear's decision to enter the Expo was late and so they were reliant on entrant cancellation. To bypass that, they asked for help from their Taiwanese affiliate to enter the Taiwan Pavillion area.
This was explained in their Youtube channel video (in Japanese):
There's no question that Deen tools are manufactured mostly in Taiwan, in small batches, to Deen's specifications/requirements. Their OEMs include names like Infar, New-Tools/Hi-five, Ru-Shine/Quan Tian. They've also used Japanese OEMs as well, like Anex and Ko-ken. European OEMs have included Orbis (part of Knipex), Wera, and PB Swiss.
Here's a video that talks a bit about Deen (in English):
Re. 6pt box wrenches:
Nepros, MAC, and Snap-on have made 0 offset, 6pt box wreches with the hex broaching done 15*. This give it a 30* effective working angle, by flipping the wrench.
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Re. 6pt box wrenches:
Nepros, MAC, and Snap-on have made 0 offset, 6pt box wreches with the hex broaching done 15*. This give it a 30* effective working angle, by flipping the wrench.
Thanks for the detailed information, superautobacs. Yeah, I saw some really beautiful Nepros wrenches for sale at Amazon JP while I was shopping around. Actually, the 6-point DBE wrench set below was exactly what I was looking for -- except for the eye-watering 28,000 yen ($260) price tag.
View media item 80600
Although I did spend a fair amount of time drooling over them, I eventually came to my senses and decided that they were way too fancy and expensive for my intended application -- putting together cheap metal racks.
mrborohachi
Well-known member
https://www.facebook.com/pg/FactoryGearTaiwan/community/
The Factory Gear store in Taiwan is in a upper loft of a very nice Yamaha dealer/service center. I did not buy a single thing there. They did not have a wide selection of KTC Nepros tools. It was cool to see all the different european brands Stahlwillie, Hazet, Georde in one place. Crack head prices on Snap-On and Mac tools. I was much more in heaven at a general Hardware/Home improvement store in Japan (full line of KTC wrenches like how a big Sears used to be).
The only thing I regret not buying was a pair of radiator hose clamp vice grips that were small (cheap china quality tho, think HF).
I was way more stoked
about the Caterham dealership in Taichung which is maybe 10min driving away from Factory Gear. That dealership actually mainly sold top of the line German cars AMG/M-series super low mileage cars from California and they were an official dealer for Airstream tow campers. They had an actual display in the show room. http://int.caterhamcars.com/dealership/taiwan
The "electronic supply stores" in Taiwan are the thing to go and visit. I don't think I ever walked out of one with out buying at least 2-3 things. They all stock Annex, Sunflag, Hozan Japanese screwdrivers/hex bits.
Just like how Superautobachs has been going to Japan since he was a kid because of relatives, i've doing the same thing, but going to Taiwan. Both sides of my grand parents are in Taiwan.
superautobacs
Well-known member
The wrenches cost way more than your metal racks. I agree with your decision. There's also this DBE with a 6/12pt pattern from Kowa. Unfortunately Kowa didn't think through in placing an offset on the hex broaching. But if you can fit the 6pt side onto the fastener to break it loose, you can switch wrench end for end to use the 12pt.
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/ccassan/15729716652/in/photolist-pVKnz1-pFvvuf-pXYUKf-pFvwBA-pXYSoS-Fx2BR5-F7KY9Q" title="J2014 Kowa 3"><img src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3937/15729716652_4b3dc49ff1_b.jpg" width="1024" height="509" alt="J2014 Kowa 3"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
wouldn't have thought there would be a market over there.You're like another member on GJ, Hautpot, who also goes to Taiwan and enjoys going to the tool shops there.
Hey guys,
My first attempt at a tool review, with apologies to chris if I have inadvertently emulated his style.
Hold on tight, it is twelve and a half minutes of white knuckle action!
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/EB7-FzpIZIU?rel=0" frameborder="0" allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen></iframe>
Cheers
Steve
My first attempt at a tool review, with apologies to chris if I have inadvertently emulated his style.
Hold on tight, it is twelve and a half minutes of white knuckle action!
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/EB7-FzpIZIU?rel=0" frameborder="0" allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen></iframe>
Cheers
Steve
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superautobacs
Well-known member
Steve,
Cheers!
Cheers!
There's also this DBE with a 6/12pt pattern from Kowa. Unfortunately Kowa didn't think through in placing an offset on the hex broaching. But if you can fit the 6pt side onto the fastener to break it loose, you can switch wrench end for end to use the 12pt.
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/ccassan/15729716652/in/photolist-pVKnz1-pFvvuf-pXYUKf-pFvwBA-pXYSoS-Fx2BR5-F7KY9Q" title="J2014 Kowa 3"><img src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3937/15729716652_4b3dc49ff1_b.jpg" width="1024" height="509" alt="J2014 Kowa 3"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
Thanks again for the helpful information, superautobacs. However, now that I understand the importance of angling/offsetting the hexagonal corners, I'm happy with the small KTC set that initially confused me. In fact, with my newfound knowledge, the non-offset/angled 6-point end of the Kowa wrenches that you pointed out would probably really bug me now
. The other thing I like about the KTC set is that the openings have only a minimal amount of chamfer, which I figure is an advantage for getting as much contact as possible on cheapo nuts and bolts. The Kowas look to have a lot more chamfer on them.
Trying to cut it together and remove some of the dullest bits, jeeez the Windows10 video editing capabilities are nowhere near the old Win7 one where you could split, trim and fade in and out quite easily and had a bit of control over it.
I downloaded Lightworks but it's got a bit of a steep learning curve at first so I'll just post this one for now...
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/SMlwDz3QALM?rel=0" frameborder="0" allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen></iframe>
I downloaded Lightworks but it's got a bit of a steep learning curve at first so I'll just post this one for now...
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/SMlwDz3QALM?rel=0" frameborder="0" allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen></iframe>
I just returned from a trip to Hong Kong and picked up a couple of small items. I searched long and hard for Japanese tools shops in Hong Kong and the best place I found was a place called Chup Kee Tools & Hardwares. They had a pretty good selection of Koken and prices were quite reasonable, but you have to dig around to find items in this tiny shop.
Koken wobble extension ($45 HKD or about $5.75 USD)
Force (Taiwan?) E10/E12 combo wrench ($45 HKD or about $5.75 USD)
King TTC pliers ($60 HKD or about $7.70 USD)
Koken wobble extension ($45 HKD or about $5.75 USD)
Force (Taiwan?) E10/E12 combo wrench ($45 HKD or about $5.75 USD)
King TTC pliers ($60 HKD or about $7.70 USD)
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Good advice for sure. My first purchase was a set of KTC 12-point combination wrenches. However, many jobs around the house and yard involve dealing with poor-quality and/or corroded nuts and bolts: assembling steel shelving, storage cabinets, barbecues, and firewood stands, removing sheet metal covers from water heaters and air conditioners, tightening up rain gutters and spouts, fixing chainsaws and weed whackers, and so on. For such jobs, I think it's sensible to use 6-point wrenches. But as I mentioned in a previous post, it would be pretty silly to use fancy Nepros wrenches!