Reed Prince
Well-known member
Here's a unique Tone/Leatherman hybrid made by a Japanese tool fan. The Tone section is from the BRS20 set; not familiar with that style of Leatherman.
Tools of Japan
- Thread starter Frankstools
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BigBoreFan
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superautobacs
Well-known member
Some new tools from amazon.jp
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/ccassan/41877447571/in/dateposted-public/" title="IMG_20180429_175054"><img src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/870/41877447571_d17d4c2f11_b.jpg" width="1024" height="768" alt="IMG_20180429_175054"></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/41877447571/in/dateposted-public/" title="IMG_20180429_175054"><img src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/870/41877447571_d17d4c2f11_b.jpg" width="1024" height="768" alt="IMG_20180429_175054"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
hautpot
Well-known member
hmm which japanese companies are known for electronic screwdrivers?
superautobacs
Well-known member
I'd say it's a toss between Anex and Engineer, and then Vessel.
Some pictures of precision screwdriver sets available from Amazon Japan:
Anex
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Engineer
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Hozan
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Vessel
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These companies also offer a variety of precision driver sets with other types of bits such as Torx.
hautpot
Well-known member
I don’t like those full metal ones. I was looking at the Anex super fit precision drivers, but ultimately decided on the new PBswiss because there are two official retailers in the USA.
rice rocket
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- Mar 24, 2011
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How are the PB Swiss? Did you get those resin handled ones?
I have a mix of Wera and Wihas, and if I have any overlaps, I pickup the Weras every time. Better tips, better tailcap. Never saw anything from Japan that I think I would like more, until those Vessels posted above...
I have a mix of Wera and Wihas, and if I have any overlaps, I pickup the Weras every time. Better tips, better tailcap. Never saw anything from Japan that I think I would like more, until those Vessels posted above...
hautpot
Well-known member
Mr lemons said the newest PB swiss are better than the various electronic precision they owned. I have the older wiha screwdrivers and chip lifter and don't like the tips.
My order hasn't shipped yet because i ordered MANY sizes.
My order hasn't shipped yet because i ordered MANY sizes.
I use precision drivers a lot at work. Phillips PH0 getting the most use. My previous favourite Wiha (non pico) has now been retired after trying PB Swiss for a week. The PB Swiss has a grippier and more comfortable handle. The fit of the tip is the best I have used and also drives larger PH1 and PH2 screws much better than the Wiha PH0 which comes in very useful when larger screwdrivers are out of reach. Only negative is that the lettering on the handle started to wear off on the first day.
Notes on the other brands.
Wera - imho are not good. Very bendy, too long, unergonomic handle, tips don't grip screws as well as other brands. Don't understand why they are rated highly by other users.
Wiha Pico - Great for fast spinning but difficult to apply much torque. Feel a bit cheap and bendy.
CK - The rotating top of the handle does not rotate well.
Wiha non pico - Tough as nails. Used as a hand drill, scraper, pry bar etc.
My observations are of course subjective.
Here's a link to the latest Koken online catalog. (It's at the Japanese site, but it's the English version.)
All the Attack Drivers and sets are shown on pages 160 and 161. The sizes are clearly indicated.
http://www.koken-tool.co.jp/catalog/KOKEN_201708ENSP.pdf
superautobacs
Well-known member
JJ99SS,
If you're talking about the standard Ko-ken line, it's as low as 20-tooth in 1/4 drive! In 3/8 drive, they are 24-tooth. With the longer overall lengths in 1/2 drive sizes, it can go all the way up to 30-tooth!
In the Zeal range, they all come standard with their latest 36-tooth mechanism, which is soooo smooth, with the lightest backdrag in the market, right out of the box.
Ko-ken is very orthodox conservative, no doubt about that. They are passionate about producing low backdrag mechanisms and I totally appreicate that user-friendly feature, but I also look forward to the next generation of high-tooth count ratchets.
A video showcasing the items I pictured above:
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/vLmmspaiXtQ" frameborder="0" allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen></iframe>
BigBoreFan
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I finally get around to ordering some Nepros tools and the site is not taking orders. Been that for a while. Anyone know anything?
I'm looking to order the attached, 6 point zero offset. Any other sources or other vendors make a similar wrench? I can get it on Amazon.JP, but way pricey.
I'm looking to order the attached, 6 point zero offset. Any other sources or other vendors make a similar wrench? I can get it on Amazon.JP, but way pricey.
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In this video you describe both of those 3400M-24 low profile sockets as "Oil Filter Sockets" but that really can't be the case for them to be used on an engines Oil Filter.
Correct me if I am wrong but I believe they are actually "Oil Drain Plug Sockets". Due to the fact of the sockets actual size and low profile.
Or could it be a special socket to be used on the Oil Filters Cap that fits over the Oil Filters covering, when used to remove or install an actual Oil Filter or for Oil Filters cartridge?
Again I could be wrong though. I looked in an older 2015 Koken catalog, that I have, which list them on page 259 under part number 3400-24 with size's 27, 30, 32 & 36 respectively with only the description: 6 Point Sockets.
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My SEK tools 72t teardrop ratchet & 44t roundhead have the lowest back drag I've encounter on an off the shelf ratchet. I think the Japanese understand focus is needed when choosing the springs they use. I can fix back drag on most ratchets pretty easily but its much better to start with the right spring than to modify or retrofit another. Its one area many tool co's could greatly improve without having to redesign or spend money.
steelespeed
Well-known member
Or could it be a special socket to be used on the Oil Filters Cap that fits over the Oil Filters covering, when used to remove or install an actual Oil Filter or for Oil Filters cartridge?
I believe these are designed for the oil filter covers/caps that can be found on a variety of vehicles. On my 2009 Chevrolet Malibu, you access the filter cartridge on top of the engine by removing the filter housing plastic cap. This cap has a hex nut molded on its top. The socket I have for this task looks like the Ko-ken, except mine is some cheap Taiwanese brand commonly found in many auto parts stores and is black phosphate coated as opposed to chrome.
It works a-ok, but it isn't half as cool as the Ko-ken.
In this video you describe both of those 3400M-24 low profile sockets as "Oil Filter Sockets" but that really can't be the case for them to be used on an engines Oil Filter.
Correct me if I am wrong but I believe they are actually "Oil Drain Plug Sockets". Due to the fact of the sockets actual size and low profile.
Or could it be a special socket to be used on the Oil Filters Cap that fits over the Oil Filters covering, when used to remove or install an actual Oil Filter or for Oil Filters cartridge?
Again I could be wrong though. I looked in an older 2015 Koken catalog, that I have, which list them on page 259 under part number 3400-24 with size's 27, 30, 32 & 36 respectively with only the description: 6 Point Sockets.
Yes, oil filter 'housing' sockets, if you like...
steelespeed
Well-known member
Superautobacs,
I enjoy your Japanese tool videos quite a bit. Please keep posting as you add more tools!
One question for you regarding Ko-ken/Z-eal and KTC/Nepros ratchets. Does the direction selector switch work like an "American" ratchet (see Snap-on), or is it backwards? Not sure if that is clearly stated. Basically, is it move the switch to the left to tighten and to the right to loosen, or is is "backwards?"
I enjoy your Japanese tool videos quite a bit. Please keep posting as you add more tools!
One question for you regarding Ko-ken/Z-eal and KTC/Nepros ratchets. Does the direction selector switch work like an "American" ratchet (see Snap-on), or is it backwards? Not sure if that is clearly stated. Basically, is it move the switch to the left to tighten and to the right to loosen, or is is "backwards?"
superautobacs
Well-known member
I've ended up having to carefully modify the springs on a few ratchets as well, and I agree with you that the manufacturer should be the one tuning them. I've found that when I play around with MAC or Snap-on ratchets on the truck, the backdrag can differ significantly within a given drive size (Snap-on's Dual-80 mechanisms / Mac-axis mechanisms).
I don't have any Japanese SEK ratchets (other than a couple of their 72-tooth round heads that are made in Taiwan) to compare with, but from my experience, Ko-ken has been very consistent. And they ought to be when you consider the fact that Ko-ken prides themselves with producing low-backdrag ratchets....something that long-time Ko-ken ratchet users have consistently wanted and continue to return for.
Thanks, and will do!
That's actually something that I've never ever paid any attention to since whenever I grab a ratchet to use, I simply grab the square and rotate it to determine which direction it's in. But what you said is true though. I just happen to have a Zeal and a Nepros ratchet here so I compared the two, and they are different. The Nepros one is 'standard' (having the switch positioned to the left is for loosening). There's a couple reasons for that difference.
Ko-ken's standard line of ratchets, from inception, have been based on Proto's dual-pawl mechanism. When Ko-ken designed their latest Zeal 36-t mechanism, they moved to a single-pawl mechanism, but they didn't want to change the orientation of the switch so they intentionally designed the single-pawl mechanism to maintain the same switch orientation as their standard series. They didn't want to confuse users who had been accustomed to using their tried, trued, and tested dual-paul mechanism. In addition to that, despite going to a single-pawl mechanism, they were able to maintain the same backdrag value as their dual-pawl mechanism.
Their illustration:
That's the beauty about these mechanisms...and it's a feature that's not widely recognized/understood/promoted in the market. But Ko-ken ratchet users know exactly what a user-friendly ratchet should feel like.
superautobacs
Well-known member
Speaking of back drag on ratchets.....
It reminded me of when I was browsing the tool isle at the local Home Depot and found this displayed:
a low-profile, 100-tooth, quick-release pear head ratchet in matt black finish
What utter SHITE this thing was. The back drag was so horrible, and as I turned the anvil I felt the poor QC in the machining/milling come through as it almost wanted to bind. I proceeded to do the same thing with the rest of the rachets hung on the peg...maybe five of them and they were practically all the same. It just made me wonder what percentage of consumers think this is acceptable, and sold by the 100-tooth count and low-profile head. This was just screaming JUNK to me.
It reminded me of when I was browsing the tool isle at the local Home Depot and found this displayed:
a low-profile, 100-tooth, quick-release pear head ratchet in matt black finish
What utter SHITE this thing was. The back drag was so horrible, and as I turned the anvil I felt the poor QC in the machining/milling come through as it almost wanted to bind. I proceeded to do the same thing with the rest of the rachets hung on the peg...maybe five of them and they were practically all the same. It just made me wonder what percentage of consumers think this is acceptable, and sold by the 100-tooth count and low-profile head. This was just screaming JUNK to me.
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Interesting. I would consider it standard for the switch to the left to be for tightening. Almost every ratchet I've ever come across is thus, the only one I've used which is opposite is a 'Kraftbox' cheapie set that I bought for a garage I used a couple of weeks a year in Austria. It does my head in. I can fully imagine that good tool companies would want to keep the same sense on all their products, for fear of alienating former customers.
Not unlike the layout of controls on some cars. I notice that BMW and Audi have almost everything laid out differently (or operating differently) on their cars and I'm convinced it is so that a customer who goes and drives the competitor's product when thinking about changing gets so put off by nothing being where they expect it to be that they go back to their original brand.
Not unlike the layout of controls on some cars. I notice that BMW and Audi have almost everything laid out differently (or operating differently) on their cars and I'm convinced it is so that a customer who goes and drives the competitor's product when thinking about changing gets so put off by nothing being where they expect it to be that they go back to their original brand.
Are the KTC pliers worth the extra $20? You get two extra sets of tips, and they look to be slightly different, but have you needed the other tips? I wouldn't think you'd bend the tips if using these for the intended purpose so if you had to recommend one, which brand would you get?
superautobacs
Well-known member
I got the extra tips just sitting in the drawer. ....in other words, I've never swapped them. Save your money, and get the original Merry ones. The grips are way better in my opinion anyway.
You won't bend the tips....rather they are designed to flex when squeezed hard enough (at least that's the case with the Merry ones; not sure with the KTC). You can grasp a peanut bulb and not have to worry about breaking it.
This is illustrated in their (low quality) video. It's narrated in Japanese but you'll get the gist of it:
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/BSG84KGvdWQ" frameborder="0" allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen></iframe>
Comparison between using a low-profile oil filter housing socket versus what I used to use (a KTC low-profile adaptor (3/8 -> 1/2) with a regular shallow 32mm). Now it's less tools, it's lighter, and I get the clearance that I need. WIN!
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/ccassan/41923034402/in/dateposted-public/" title="Ko-ken Low-profile Oil Filter Housing Socket"><img src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/981/41923034402_da68eabd89_b.jpg" width="1024" height="733" alt="Ko-ken Low-profile Oil Filter Housing Socket"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
hautpot
Well-known member
man i know modern manufacturing and engineering has made remarkably durable materials, but grabbing the glass bulbs with those merry pliers don't seem ideal.
BigBoreFan
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- Oct 16, 2010
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AMAZON Japan order.
Tone ratchet seems interesting. Perfect length IMO.
KTC spinner is a little disappointing, the handle is a little small.
For comparison: SK, Tekton, TONE, Craftsman Pro, and long Toptul ratchets
Call me weird but I love that Craftsman Pro. perfect size. The TONE is just a few MM's longer. I'm hoping I like it.
Tone ratchet seems interesting. Perfect length IMO.
KTC spinner is a little disappointing, the handle is a little small.
For comparison: SK, Tekton, TONE, Craftsman Pro, and long Toptul ratchets
Call me weird but I love that Craftsman Pro. perfect size. The TONE is just a few MM's longer. I'm hoping I like it.
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Strouty
Well-known member
I am still mad that the TONE stuff is not made in Japan, I do enjoy my stubby flex 1/2" ratchet, but I will most likely not buy more of them as it appears the marketing department has flat out lied about where they are manufactured.
BigBoreFan
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I wasn't sure where the TONE ratchet was made. It wasn't super expensive, so I thought it was worth a try.
Oh boy, I've got to have a set of those. I've always resulted to using my small channel locks which works great except in those instances where the connector is deeply recessed, those are perfect.
Strouty
Well-known member
LX, you are really late to the party, those pliers are great. First the M12, now this, what’s next, you ever heard of Trusty Cook?
View new items from amazon japan.
-Vessel 220w screwdriver handle with 3 blades, came with magnetizer.
-Anex and vessel screwdriver magnets and anex bit magnet(this is a real good one, picks up quite heavy stuff).
-Vessel stubby srewdriver bit holder( I’ve used wihas stubby ones with bits inside, but the vessel is about 1,5 cm shorter). Only minus comes, the handle is a bit too thin so you cant apply much force with it
-Ko-ken 3/8 socket rail. This one feels really great, it’s light, the magnet strong enough and sockets sit tight but easy to remove. Need to buy more of these.
-Ko-ken 3/8 roto/swivel ratchet. Was a bit expensive, but so far I am very happy with Ko-ken quality in general so why not. I usually prefer comfort etc. handles but the knurling with this one is really agressive and nice. 45 teeth and zero back drag or so little that makes no difference. 28cm long.
And by the way Superautobacks I like a lot your videos. Thanks to you there was and is a several tools I didn’t know I needed
-Vessel 220w screwdriver handle with 3 blades, came with magnetizer.
-Anex and vessel screwdriver magnets and anex bit magnet(this is a real good one, picks up quite heavy stuff).
-Vessel stubby srewdriver bit holder( I’ve used wihas stubby ones with bits inside, but the vessel is about 1,5 cm shorter). Only minus comes, the handle is a bit too thin so you cant apply much force with it
-Ko-ken 3/8 socket rail. This one feels really great, it’s light, the magnet strong enough and sockets sit tight but easy to remove. Need to buy more of these
.-Ko-ken 3/8 roto/swivel ratchet. Was a bit expensive, but so far I am very happy with Ko-ken quality in general so why not
. I usually prefer comfort etc. handles but the knurling with this one is really agressive and nice. 45 teeth and zero back drag or so little that makes no difference. 28cm long.And by the way Superautobacks I like a lot your videos. Thanks to you there was and is a several tools I didn’t know I needed
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More Ko-ken love!
Just got a pair of Ko-ken Z-EAL ratchets: 3/8" and 1/4". The Z-EAL series ratchets are only 36 teeth, but the backdrag is amazingly light (Ko-ken claims the backdrag is 1/4 to 1/3 that of other ratchets).
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When the 1/4" ratchet arrived, I was surprised at how tiny it was, especially since it actually cost more than the 3/8". But I figure the small size is a good design choice, since 1/4" drive tends to be used in cramped spaces.
Stamped "MADE IN JAPAN".
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Just got a pair of Ko-ken Z-EAL ratchets: 3/8" and 1/4". The Z-EAL series ratchets are only 36 teeth, but the backdrag is amazingly light (Ko-ken claims the backdrag is 1/4 to 1/3 that of other ratchets).
View media item 83182
View media item 83183
When the 1/4" ratchet arrived, I was surprised at how tiny it was, especially since it actually cost more than the 3/8". But I figure the small size is a good design choice, since 1/4" drive tends to be used in cramped spaces.
Stamped "MADE IN JAPAN".
View media item 83185
View media item 83184
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