Tools of Japan

[M6erfan]

The Zeal is a special line as it has very close tolerances (at least for the sockets). It is by no means a budget line. Thanks for asking!

The ZEAL line also has lower profile sockets, IIRC.

My take is that Ko-Ken Zeal was developed as a low profile solution for todays cramped working space in engine bays, etc.

 

[Negen]

Koken 1/4" ratchet handles compared. Tooth count: how low can you go?

When I first started buying ratchets, I was like most folks and thought that tooth count was the be all and end all of quality. So I got a 72-tooth Tone ratchet and was quite happy with it.

But then after reading all the positive reviews of Koken ratchets here, I decided to try one, so I got the Koken 1/4" Z-EAL 2725Z 36-tooth ratchet. After playing around with the Z-EAL a bit, I understood why people love them so much. The Koken had about 1/3 the backdrag of the Tone. WIN!

The only thing I didn't like about the Z-EAL was the selector lever, which always seemed to get hung up, not switch unless you fiddled around with it, and then fail to engage positively. Frankly, it felt really cheap. So I checked out the Japanese reviews at Amazon Japan, and of the three reviewers, one gave the 1/4" Z-EAL 5 stars due to the lighter action than the KTC ratchet it replaced, but the other two gave it 1 star due the the sloppy and balky selector lever. One guy said he had many other Koken tools, but thought that this particular model was not up to Koken standards. (BTW, this only applies to the 1/4" Z-EAL, the 3/8" Z-EAL [which I also have] is absolutely great.) I also personally don't particularly care for plastic handles.

So I decided to try out the Koken 2753NB 20-tooth ratchet, even though it was inexplicably more expensive than the 36-tooth Z-EAL. The main things I like about the 2753NB are the quick release button and the knurled steel handle. The backdrag is just as low as (or maybe even lower than) the Z-EAL. In addition, the selector lever switches easily and positively and has a high quality feel.

So I guess I'm perfectly happy with a 20-tooth [!!!] ratchet. Admittedly, I might feel differently about the low tooth count if I were an auto mechanic and had to work in crowded engine bays on a daily basis, but I'm only a home handyman, so access is almost never an issue for me.

Here are some pictures. (The Z-EAL is the one with the black handle.)

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On my zeal 3/8 drive ratchet I stretched out the spring a but when I was putting mystery oil it it never really had a issue with the selector. It now it is a bit more tight.

Sent from my G8141 using The Garage Journal mobile app

 

[cbracer]

Yes I had the same problem with my 1/4" Zeal ratchet, where the selector switch seems kinda wonky. Wish it had a quick release..... !

 

[Ruxpin]

My take is that Ko-Ken Zeal was developed as a low profile solution for todays cramped working space in engine bays, etc.

This is correct.

Ko-ken themselves refer to the Z-series (Z-eal) as modern automotive mechanic tools.

See this video:

<iframe width="900" height="506" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/0riLFbrh0_8?ecver=1" frameborder="0" allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen></iframe>

 

[Qualitytools]

This is correct.

Ko-ken themselves refer to the Z-series (Z-eal) as modern automotive mechanic tools.

See this video:

<iframe width="900" height="506" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/0riLFbrh0_8?ecver=1" frameborder="0" allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen></iframe>

Great vid. thanks for sharing! I do Love my 3/8 Zeal socket set.

 

[mercucho]

Vessel battery driver...

 

[gbh]

Thanks for posting that Tanukiboy. Like you, I used to think more teeth in the ratchet equals more better, all the time.
But after reading on Garage Journal of the merits of low count ratchets, the low drag and getting a feel of one I decided to get one of the Koken items...but which one? I asked myself.
My homecentre only had a 3/8 with knurled handle and NO quick release
After reading your comments I decided on the 3753NB and ordered tonight. I think it's the same as you bought except in 3/8 rather than 1/4.
I have a bunch of Tone (low profile, 1/2 in 3/8 body as well as 3/8 in 1/4 body as well as standard) and some Snap on for all my other uses.
Thanks again

 

[M6erfan]

...I decided on the 3753NB and ordered tonight.

I have the flex head version of that one. I love it!

 

[tanukiboy]

After reading your comments I decided on the 3753NB and ordered tonight. I think it's the same as you bought except in 3/8 rather than 1/4.

Thanks for the kind words, gbh. The 2753NB (1/4") has only 20 teeth, but as you probably noticed, the 3753NB (3/8") has a whopping 24 teeth!

 

[M6erfan]

BTW, Vessel has introduced a newer style of their 900 Megadora series. The have the JawsFit serrated tips (Anti cam out). So if you are concerned about serrated tips buggering up the heads of your vintage PH screws, you may want to stock up on the old style while they last...

 

[victor252]

The old style looks similar to the Vessel-made Craftsman Impact screwdrivers (Impacta is the Vessel name, I think) but with knurling on the shaft rather than a striking cap and camming action. I wonder if it's just worth it to buy the Cman re-brand or Impacta at the same price.

 

[M6erfan]

The old style looks similar to the Vessel-made Craftsman Impact screwdrivers (Impacta is the Vessel name, I think) but with knurling on the shaft rather than a striking cap and camming action. I wonder if it's just worth it to buy the Cman re-brand or Impacta at the same price.

The 'Impacta' (980 series) and the 900 series shown above are different. But you are correct, Craftsman rebrands the Vessel 980 Impacta.

 

[cleeny]

Are the new tips and their "bite" really that aesthetically damaging to screw heads?
This isn't the first time I've heard concern regarding the newer Vessel drivers damaging the looks of screw heads... Hoping it isn't true
Been using my Impacta for regular driving needs; I'll soon try out a new one to really see.

 

[M6erfan]

Are the new tips and their "bite" really that aesthetically damaging to screw heads?
This isn't the first time I've heard concern regarding the newer Vessel drivers damaging the looks of screw heads... Hoping it isn't true
Been using my Impacta for regular driving needs; I'll soon try out a new one to really see.

I haven't tried the new Vessel JawsFit yet but I have used other brands with 'anti cam out' ribs and they can leave marks or worse. It depends on how stuck the fastener is. I do some restoration on 40-50yo bikes so maintaining the original fasteners is important to me. Some of them are unobtanium...

 

[cleeny]

North American distributor JDV actually has Vessel make standard, non-marring Megadora drivers for those that don't want to mark up their screws.
https://www.vesseltools.com/handtools/screwdrivers/megadora/900-series-detail#description

Carefully read the description for more info.

 

[M6erfan]

I wonder why the picture I posted, from the JDV website says, "Old/Discontinued Style" in regards to the standard tip 900 series?

They may be available until current stock runs out?

I actually emailed JDV with this question last week and I have heard nothing from them. Yet...

 

[cleeny]

Which picture sorry?
I dont see anything about it being discontinued.
It says in stock, and you're even able to put them in cart.
I actually recently ordered their moto repair set and it included these non-JAWSFIT drivers. I just havent used them yet.

 

[M6erfan]

Which picture sorry?
I dont see anything about it being discontinued.
It says in stock, and you're even able to put them in cart.
I actually recently ordered their moto repair set and it included these non-JAWSFIT drivers. I just havent used them yet.

A few posts up. See post #3296

If you go to the main Megadora page on Vessel's website, at the top there is a hyperlink "New Look and Design". That brings you to the pic I posted.

 

[cleeny]

Oh, I thought that was just notifying us of design changes only. Like grey to black and the addition of nonslip mesh, etc. But I can see the cause for confusion...

 

[M6erfan]

Oh, I thought that was just notifying us of design changes only. Like grey to black and the addition of nonslip mesh, etc. But I can see the cause for confusion...

Did you see the 'JAWSFIT' part of the design changes?

Perhaps they are keeping the standard tip 900 series, confusing indeed. Like I said, I reached out, waiting to hear back...

 

[tanukiboy]

Here are some cool little gizmos from Tone: the RA2, RA3, and RA4 ratcheting wrench socket adapters.

View media item 84606
They convert a ratcheting wrench into a ratcheting socket handle. The RA2 is a 1/4" square drive and fits into a 10mm ratcheting wrench. The RA3 is 3/8" and fits into a 13mm wrench. And the RA4 is 1/2" and fits into a 19mm wrench.

What I like about these adapters is that they snap into the wrench and stay in place pretty tight. What looks like a little rubber grommet is actually a steel retaining spring. Of course, the socket also holds the adapter firmly in place because of the quick release button (which operates very smoothly, BTW).

As you can see from the side-on shots, they are very low profile. The RA2 in a Tekton 10mm ratcheting wrench is actually about as deep as my 1/4" Koken Z-EAL ratchet handle, which is designed to be extremely compact. But putting the adapter in the Tekton wrench gives me a 72-tooth ratchet with surprisingly low backdrag.

I don't know how useful these things really are, but they are defintely pretty cool. They're reasonably priced too. The biggest one costs around $5.

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[gbh]

Those Tone adapters look good. I have some no name ones (they might be Gisuke)
I don’t have the larger one but I have one that accepts 6mm bits.
Handy to have when there’s little room.

 

[gbh]

Here’s a Vessel swiveling adapter I picked up quite cheaply from memory.
It’s Vessel but not sure if it was actually made in Japan, probably not.

 

[cleeny]

Oil Change Assistance

I previously used a strap wrench on my 2.0TFSI Audi motor, and a huge long 36mm double ring (an old VBW German one from I don't recall where) for the BMW M54. Both are much more easily accessed from above by a socket and extension bar.

Why buy a crappy pressed bit of junk from China, when you can have a nice die cast (?) one from Japan for the same money?
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For the COO fanatics (yes I am one now):
View media item 83911
A very nicely finished product, it fits perfectly on the filter:
View media item 83912

I just used one of these for my SUV filter and did it do a fantastic job.
Such a great feeling when a tool fits and works perfectly.

 

[Negen]

I have a ktc 3/8" drive adaptor that I got for free as a gift when I ordered some stuff from Japan a while back never knew what it was until just now. From the above posts.

Sent from my G8141 using The Garage Journal mobile app

 

[BigBoreFan]

Anyone ever use these wrenches? I cannot read Japanese, the reviews looks mixed.

https://www.amazon.co.jp/dp/B00SXQ9ZFO/

 

[Qualitytools]

Here are some cool little gizmos from Tone: the RA2, RA3, and RA4 ratcheting wrench socket adapters.

View media item 84606
They convert a ratcheting wrench into a ratcheting socket handle. The RA2 is a 1/4" square drive and fits into a 10mm ratcheting wrench. The RA3 is 3/8" and fits into a 13mm wrench. And the RA4 is 1/2" and fits into a 19mm wrench.

What I like about these adapters is that they snap into the wrench and stay in place pretty tight. What looks like a little rubber grommet is actually a steel retaining spring. Of course, the socket also holds the adapter firmly in place because of the quick release button (which operates very smoothly, BTW).

As you can see from the side-on shots, they are very low profile. The RA2 in a Tekton 10mm ratcheting wrench is actually about as deep as my 1/4" Koken Z-EAL ratchet handle, which is designed to be extremely compact. But putting the adapter in the Tekton wrench gives me a 72-tooth ratchet with surprisingly low backdrag.

I don't know how useful these things really are, but they are defintely pretty cool. They're reasonably priced too. The biggest one costs around $5.

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Thanks for sharing those look very useful to me and the price you indicated is worth it. I see that you're in Japan but do you know if they are available in the US and from whom?

 

[cleeny]

Anyone ever use these wrenches? I cannot read Japanese, the reviews looks mixed.

https://www.amazon.co.jp/dp/B00SXQ9ZFO/

I haven't used them. They look nice. Probably same level as KTC (non-Nepros)? Just my guess.

Superautobacs probably has experience with them.

 

[cleeny]

View media item 84610

Ooh, nice waffle weave microfiber

 

[BigBoreFan]

I have a set of those wrench adapters, mine are Toptul.

 

[tanukiboy]

I cannot read Japanese.

You can use Google Translate to translate either selected text or entire web pages from Japanese to English. The results are usually a bit rough, but understandable.

 

[Qualitytools]

I have a set of those wrench adapters, mine are Toptul.

Would you post a photo of them when you have a chance please?

 

[tanukiboy]

Would you post a photo of them when you have a chance please?

Not BigBoreFan, but here's a link.

https://www.toptul.com/en/2-2179-11...uick-Release-For-Ratchet-Wrench-id325492.html

 

[M6erfan]

Here are some cool little gizmos from Tone: the RA2, RA3, and RA4 ratcheting wrench socket adapters.

Those look pretty slick

 

[48548]

Mine, one set was a toptul...

Sent from my SM-G955U using Tapatalk

 

[Qualitytools]

Not BigBoreFan, but here's a link.

https://www.toptul.com/en/2-2179-11...uick-Release-For-Ratchet-Wrench-id325492.html

Thanks Tanukiboy, much appreciated! I like that the size of the wrench is right on it does your Tone set have that?

 

[tanukiboy]

Thanks Tanukiboy, much appreciated! I like that the size of the wrench is right on it does your Tone set have that?

Yes, but it's pretty tiny. (You can see the markings on the first picture of my original post if you look really close.) I have to say that I like the ball retainer (for holding the adapter in the wrench) on the Toptul adapters better than the spring retainer on the Tone ones. Seems less fiddly.

 

[Qualitytools]

Yes, but it's pretty tiny. (You can see the markings on the first picture of my original post if you look really close.) I have to say that I like the ball retainer (for holding the adapter in the wrench) on the Toptul adapters better than the spring retainer on the Tone ones. Seems less fiddly.

Oh! I see it now, yes a bit small compared to the Toptul

 

[superautobacs]

I haven't used them. They look nice. Probably same level as KTC (non-Nepros)? Just my guess.

Superautobacs probably has experience with them.

No experience with Tone's wrenches other than a single quad-box ratcheting wrench that I have. I'm pretty certain that they are supplied by Hi-Five, in Taiwan.




Ratcheting wrench adaptors:

I got a Toptul 3/8 and a Tone 1/4 drive adaptor for the road box.

Gearwrench have had those adaptors for at least 10 years now, so that's another choice.

 

[gbh]

My Koken 3753NB 24 tooth ratchet arrived today. I really like this heavily knurled handle and of course very low back drag. ¥3880 delivered. It came with a sticker and a flyer. Thanks for the heads up on these ratchets Tanukiboy.