Tools of Japan

[tanukiboy]

For larger hands maybe this Tone is more suitable. The handle is 22 mm longer than that of ko-ken.

I have that Tone driver handle, and it is a nicely made tool. Small, but you can still get a good grip on it.

Even though this may be the "Tools of Japan" thread, the Stahlwille 400QR is also a very nice 1/4" driver handle. It doesn't have the handy square drive hole at the end of the handle, but it does at least have a hole in the handle to stick a screwdriver through for more leverage. It also has a push button locking tip, which I think is a great feature.

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For 3/8" drive, it's hard to beat the VIM HD375 driver handles / extension bars IMO. Nice and solid, pull-back locking collar, and a square drive hole in the end of the handle.

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I guess we are restricting ourselves to talking about driver handles that also work as extension bars (or at least driver handles that have some other means of increasing torque, like the Stahlwille). So it's probably okay to include this Straight 3/8" wobble driver handle that bends in the middle.

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If we were to expand the discussion to include all types of driver handles, there would be many, many more choices.

 

[Reed Prince]

I bought this 1/4" drive handle and quick spinner direct from KTC about a week ago. They seem to have better prices than resellers. Bought a couple of things from Amazon Japan at the same time, and the Nepros tools arrived only two days after the always swiftly delivered Amazon order.

 

[tanukiboy]

I bought this 1/4" drive handle and quick spinner direct from KTC about a week ago.

I really like that Nepros driver handle, especially because it has BOTH a square drive socket for using a ratchet handle or sliding T-handle on the end and a hex bolster for using a wrench on the shaft. AFAIK, the standard KTC driver handle has neither of these features. The Nepros handle sure looks sweet, but it always takes some hard thinking before I pay Nepros prices.

 

[outdated]

I really like that Nepros driver handle, especially because it has BOTH a square drive socket for using a ratchet handle or sliding T-handle on the end and a hex bolster for using a wrench on the shaft. AFAIK, the standard KTC driver handle has neither of these features. The Nepros handle sure looks sweet, but it always takes some hard thinking before I pay Nepros prices.

Can someone confirm this about the 1/4" female square drive in the end of the handle? From the photos it is not clear as this is the only one of the end:
eg:

This might be a pic of the end of the sutbby version which has no hex bolster and perhaps no 1/4 drive either?

I have something similar to the Koken one linked earlier left over from my previous cheapo socket set. I find it really handy and did not find an obvious upgrade option from any of the German brands, and the Koken one somehow does not really float my boat. If this Nepros has the 1/4" female on the end then I might be buying my first Nepros goodies!

 

[tanukiboy]

Can someone confirm this about the 1/4" female square drive in the end of the handle? From the photos it is not clear as this is the only one of the end:
eg:

Sorry, I think I posted incorrect information. I was basing my comments on this diagram at Amazon Japan, but looking more closely and noting the difference in size, the diagram is probably just showing the square label on the ****. Just wishful thinking on my part I guess. It is kind of a deceptive drawing though.

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[outdated]

Thanks, maybe Reed Prince can confirm when he's around next.

The KTC BD10 does appear to have the female 1/4" socket in the end but is similar in style to the Koken:
https://ktc.jp/catalog/index-category/category-list/bd10

I'd like the Nepros equivalent, or a Wera or Wiha handled one, or perhaps a Vessel Megadora would be best of all, including the great knurled shank. But it needs to have the socket in the end for a ratchet handle.

 

[tanukiboy]

The KTC BD10 does appear to have the female 1/4" socket in the end but is similar in style to the Koken.

The only other Japanese 1/4" driver handles with a 1/4" square socket in the end of the handle that I can think of are the Tone HP115 and the Straight 10-9860 (which looks very similar). I have the Tone, and it's a nice little tool.

 

[mercucho]

Thanks, maybe Reed Prince can confirm when he's around next.

The KTC BD10 does appear to have the female 1/4" socket in the end but is similar in style to the Koken:
https://ktc.jp/catalog/index-category/category-list/bd10

The KTC BD10 is exactly the same as Ko-Ken. The dimensions are the same.

 

[Reed Prince]

No square drive on the end, but it does nicely complement my also arguably overpriced Zyklop set.

 

[outdated]

Haha, touché!
My 1/4 drive (+random other) drawer. The doubled up Wera sets are because the first one arrived with an imperial set in a metric box, so they (rapidonline - good service!) just sent another.... = win!
View media item 85877I generally like my Wera stuff but the fit of the sockets in the 1/4" is pretty poor. I think I'd have been better off with Koken here, but was not into my GJ tool-phase yet back then.

Here's my chinesium JBS spinner handle that's done 20+ years of home tinkering. I'll replace it with a Koken 2759F at some stage. It's a very versatile and handy device. The Wera roto-head does replace it to some degree but not always since the head gets in the way sometimes.
View media item 85878I definitely want the ability to use a ratchet on it so unfortunately the Nepros is not quite what I want. I presume Nepros do not do the 1/4 female attachment on the NBD12 because it is a derivative of their screwdriver range rather than their socket range.

 

[48548]

Haha, touché!
My 1/4 drive (+random other) drawer. The doubled up Wera sets are because the first one arrived with an imperial set in a metric box, so they (rapidonline - good service!) just sent another.... = win!
View media item 85877I generally like my Wera stuff but the fit of the sockets in the 1/4" is pretty poor. I think I'd have been better off with Koken here, but was not into my GJ tool-phase yet back then.

Here's my chinesium JBS spinner handle that's done 20+ years of home tinkering. I'll replace it with a Koken 2759F at some stage. It's a very versatile and handy device. The Wera roto-head does replace it to some degree but not always since the head gets in the way sometimes.
View media item 85878I definitely want the ability to use a ratchet on it so unfortunately the Nepros is not quite what I want. I presume Nepros do not do the 1/4 female attachment on the NBD12 because it is a derivative of their screwdriver range rather than their socket range.

I am not at home, but i have 3 snapon that are solid and have the ratchet pass through. They are 1/4. I would recommend them...

looking for a pebble 4766 or any 47xx pebble hinged handle

 

[tanukiboy]

Good Cheap Japanese Tools

Reasonably priced Japanese tools that have impressed you with their quality:

In this thread we all love to talk about Japanese toolbox jewelry like Nepros and Koken, but I'd also like to hear about some Japanese brands that you've found to be surprisingly good for the price. I mean the kind of tools you could find at a typical Japanese DIY center, let's say less expensive than brands like KTC, Tone, and Hozan.

For me, the first choice has to be Vessel. I just received a long +2 Vessel screwdriver from Amazon Japan for a total cost of ¥368. That's less than the price of a cup of coffee for a nice big screwdriver!

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My next choice would Anex. I consider them maybe a notch below Vessel, but they are definitely nice tools at a good price. I just got some of their handy screwdriver magnet attachments. They cost ¥446 for a set of two.

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Next is Engineer. Their excellent screw removal pliers cost ¥1522. I just used them today (as pliers, not for removing screws), and I have to say that they impressed me more than the Keiba "High-Grade Series" pliers I was also using.

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Another great brand of reasonably priced tools is TOP. Their Hyper Monkey Zero adjustable wrenches are my absolute favorite, but a bit pricey. Their standard adjustable wrenches are quite reasonable though. This one costs ¥1527.

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Next, Sunflag. I got this great little scratch awl a while ago for only ¥607. It's one of those tools that just feels great in the hand.

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Finally, a company that I only recently started buying tools from: Straight. Just got this handy hinged 3/8" wobble driver today. Nice and heavy, and I was pleased to see that the hinge had a push-to-lock feature to lock the handle in the straight position. The wobble tip is also a push-lock type. Cost ¥1280.

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What brands would you recommend to a Japanese friend who wants to get good-quality tools but doesn't want to spend a lot of money?

 

[BigBoreFan]

We think alike Tanukiboy. These Vessel screwdrivers were not to pricey, they work very well, and they are gorgeous. They are probably my favorite tool in my box as far as aesthetics go.

 

[Reed Prince]

I really like the Tsunoda 8" cable cutters that I featured in this post: https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showpost.php?p=7277349&postcount=3242
Available for less than $13 from some resellers.

The SK11 scissors I bought for ￥ 1,318 last week are also great. They cut through the three thick pieces of corrugated cardboard they were shipped on with no problem at all. Even my wonderful, expensive Kai 7250s struggled with that. Maybe it has something to do with the grip style and/or the curved edge.

My little Engineer scissors were completely not up to the job. Their compact size and protective sleeve make them great to throw into a tool bag, but the SK11s are going to be used for every tough cut around the house from now on. I consider Engineer to be a company that makes some things really well and other things that are just OK, or are at least only suitable for a restricted number of tasks.

I wouldn't consider the Keiba Pro Hobby line to be a premium price series, and have been very impressed by the various pliers I have bought from them.

I've loved Vessel tools ever since I first encountered them while maintaining professional Japanese 2" tape recorders, and think they can't be beat for value by any other brand I have come across.

 

[tanukiboy]

The SK11 scissors I bought for ￥ 1,318 last week are also great. They cut through the three thick pieces of corrugated cardboard they were shipped on with no problem at all. Even my wonderful, expensive Kai 7250s struggled with that. Maybe it has something to do with the grip style and/or the curved edge.

Those scissors look great! I really like the built-in lock. Guess that's another thing to toss into my Amazon Japan wish list.

I agree that SK11 is another Japanese brand with excellent cost/performance, but I believe a lot (most? all?) of their stuff is made in Taiwan. I was kind of thinking to focus on reasonably priced tools made in Japan -- although I have to confess that I didn't check too carefully, and some of the examples I posted may not actually be Japan made (some Vessel stuff is made in other Asian countries, and I'm sure the same is true for Anex and Straight).

Edit: Hmmm. Just checked the Straight socket driver handle. No COO shown on the tool or the packaging. Probably should drop that one from the list.

 

[mercucho]

Yes. We must bear in mind that this thread is dedicated exclusively to the tools manufactured in Japan.

 

[mercucho]

By the way, I've finally ordered the Tone HP115. He will make company to Koken.

 

[M6erfan]

Funny on the timing of this.

I am looking at putting together a tool set for a friend of mine (who is not a tool guy at all) and need to keep the price down. I was looking at SK11 sockets. They look nice but I dont know anything about them. Anybody with experience to chime in?

Another brand I am looking at is Tone, but they are more expensive than SK11.

I'm thinking SK11 or Tone for sockets/ratchets (1/4 & 3/8 drives)
Vessel screwdrivers maybe Anex
possibly Hozan pliers
not sure on combo wrenches

Mainly for working on motorcycles

 

[tanukiboy]

Funny on the timing of this.

I am looking at putting together a tool set for a friend of mine (who is not a tool guy at all) and need to keep the price down. I was looking at SK11 sockets. They look nice but I dont know anything about them. Anybody with experience to chime in?

Another brand I am looking at is Tone, but they are more expensive than SK11.

I'm thinking SK11 or Tone for sockets/ratchets (1/4 & 3/8 drives)
Vessel screwdrivers maybe Anex
possibly Hozan pliers
not sure on combo wrenches

Mainly for working on motorcycles

It seems you live in the USA, so I'm not sure why you want to get Japanese tools exclusively. Is your friend living in Japan?

Even if that is the case, I'd recommend getting Tekton combo wrenches. Folks in Japan can order a 15-piece metric set (8-22 mm, no gaps) direct from Amazon US for $55.00 + $15.95 shipping and import fee deposit to Japan (about ¥7900 yen total). I think that's cheaper than a set of comparable quality bought locally in Japan. I've personally ordered several sets of Tekton and Gearwrench wrenches from Amazon US and have never had any problems. In addition, I've noticed that Amazon US almost always refunds the entire import fee deposit after delivery. They credit your charge card directly.

If the combo wrenches have to be Japanese, Amazon JP sells a nice 12-piece set by KTC for around ¥11,000, which is is significantly more expensive (especially if you want to fill in the gaps with single wrenches purchased separately). Tone sells a 10-piece set for about the same price.

 

[M6erfan]

It seems you live in the USA, so I'm not sure why you want to get Japanese tools exclusively. Is your friend living in Japan?

I do live in the USA and so does my friend. I just like Japanese tools

 

[tanukiboy]

I do live in the USA and so does my friend. I just like Japanese tools

In that case, I'd probably recommend KTC for the combo wrenches. They are definitely made in Japan. I agree with your choice of Vessel screwdrivers -- I think they are hard to beat wherever you live. SK11 sockets, though a Japanese brand, will probably be made in Taiwan. I just checked, and all my Tone and KTC sockets are marked "Japan". I also have a pair of Hozan pliers. They are stamped JIS, but no indication of COO. KTC pliers are pretty reasonably priced, and are stamped "Japan".

 

[M6erfan]

In that case, I'd probably recommend KTC for the combo wrenches. They are definitely made in Japan. I agree with your choice of Vessel screwdrivers -- I think they are hard to beat wherever you live. SK11 sockets, though a Japanese brand, will probably be made in Taiwan. I just checked, and all my Tone and KTC sockets are marked "Japan". I also have a pair of Hozan pliers. They are stamped JIS, but no indication of COO. KTC pliers are pretty reasonably priced, and are stamped "Japan".

Thanks. I have KTC, Ko-ken, Anex, Vessel, etc. for my own personal use and I like them all. Was hoping for less expensive made in Japan alternatives which is why I was looking at SK11, but I think you're right, probably made in Taiwan. TOP makes combo wrenches but not positive on COO...

 

[BFroa]

Here's a handy little tool from Straight.

It's a compact roto head ratchet that has a neat trick. The driver-style handle is hinged in the middle and can be swiveled to make a T-handle for applying more torque.

Overall length is 4.5", so it's about the size of a corkscrew. It has a 72 tooth ratchet. No COO indicated on the tool or packaging, so you can guess where it's made.

The green one is 3/8" drive.

View media item 85803
View media item 85804
Also available in red for 1/4" drive with the same overall dimensions.

View media item 85805

Where can I get one of these?

 

[tanukiboy]

Where can I get one of these?

Amazon Japan. Price $27 + $7 for 3-6 day global priority shipping to US.

https://www.amazon.co.jp/gp/product/B00L274C5E/

 

[BFroa]

Thank you my friend! There goes another order to Amazon Japan!

 

[tanukiboy]

TOP makes combo wrenches but not positive on COO...

I'm not sure either, but even their standard grade adjustable wrenches are stamped "Japan". The price for a set of combo wrenches is about the same as KTC though.

Another Japanese company you might want to check out is Trusco. Also not sure about the COO of all their tools, but they are good quality and pretty reasonably priced. Trusco seems to make (or sell) just about everything from air compressors to tool belts, and their stuff seems to be intended for working carpenters and mechanics.

The price of a set of 10 Trusco combo wrenches is about half that of KTC.

 

[M6erfan]

tanuk, I saw those Trusco wrenches on Amazon.jp and they look interesting.

Pretty sure Tone is making at least some stuff in Taiwan. Their ratchet heads look exactly like the Carlyle and PowerBuilt Pro Tech ratchets that are excellent but made in Taiwan.

 

[Brad Lamb]

This product looks good

 

[BigBoreFan]

I have a Tone 1/4 ratchet, in standard length. It's a little longer than most 1/4 ratchets, which I like. It is stamped Japan on the handle. They have a 3/8 drive in 1/4 body also.

The Tone combo wrenches look nice also. And the KTC. Nice thing about motorcycles you don't need a full set.

Here's a cool hammer that would be nice for MC work.

https://www.amazon.co.jp/dp/B004SD372S/

 

[BigEarn86]

Leaving Japan on Saturday for the foreseeable future. Picked up a few things from my wish list. Sadly leaving so many others behind.

 

[tanukiboy]

tanuk, I saw those Trusco wrenches on Amazon.jp and they look interesting.

Pretty sure Tone is making at least some stuff in Taiwan. Their ratchet heads look exactly like the Carlyle and PowerBuilt Pro Tech ratchets that are excellent but made in Taiwan.

I have some Trusco breaker bars, but they have no COO stamp. The only other Trusco thing I own is a steel cantilever toolbox, which is stamped MADE IN JAPAN.

My Tone ratcheting combo wrenches have no COO marking. My Tone socket ratchet handles are all stamped JAPAN, but a more knowledgeable member of GJ informed me that despite the JAPAN stamp, they are actually made in Taiwan.


Update: I found a Japanese mechanics' site, and they clearly state that the Trusco combo wrenches are made in Taiwan.

Further Update: As an interesting alternative, how about a set of Asahi (ASH) Lightool combo wrenches? Unique design, and definitely made in Japan. This small set is only around ¥4000, and matching individual wrenches to fill in the gaps are available and aren't too expensive.

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Even Further Update: Speaking of ASH, Amazon Japan is also selling this nice set of conventional combo wrenches for around ¥6000. Also made in Japan.

View media item 85966

 

[scubadoober]

^^^^They are showing a Revo wave set on their website, but I can only find the DOE on Amazon.jp.

 

[M6erfan]

^^^^https://www.amazon.co.jp/%E6%97%AD%E9%87%91%E5%B1%9E%E5%B7%A5%E6%A5%AD-CPS1010-ASH-%E3%82%B3%E3%83%B3%E3%83%93%E3%83%8D%E3%83%BC%E3%82%B7%E3%83%A7%E3%83%B3%E3%82%B9%E3%83%91%E3%83%8A10%E6%9C%AC%E7%B5%84%E3%82%BB%E3%83%83%E3%83%88JIS8-24mm-%E3%83%91%E3%83%8D%E3%83%AB%E3%82%BF%E3%82%A4%E3%83%97/dp/B00HLBSPA8/ref=sr_1_6?s=diy&ie=UTF8&qid=1534425552&sr=1-6&keywords=asahi+wrench+set

 

[toddmorr]

bigearn86 is that Koken flex ratchet a locking flex?

 

[scubadoober]

^^^^https://www.amazon.co.jp/%E6%97%AD%E9%87%91%E5%B1%9E%E5%B7%A5%E6%A5%AD-CPS1010-ASH-%E3%82%B3%E3%83%B3%E3%83%93%E3%83%8D%E3%83%BC%E3%82%B7%E3%83%A7%E3%83%B3%E3%82%B9%E3%83%91%E3%83%8A10%E6%9C%AC%E7%B5%84%E3%82%BB%E3%83%83%E3%83%88JIS8-24mm-%E3%83%91%E3%83%8D%E3%83%AB%E3%82%BF%E3%82%A4%E3%83%97/dp/B00HLBSPA8/ref=sr_1_6?s=diy&ie=UTF8&qid=1534425552&sr=1-6&keywords=asahi+wrench+set

My Amazon.jp searching skills are weak. I can search part numbers and get nothing. There must be something lost in translation.

 

[M6erfan]

My Amazon.jp searching skills are weak. I can search part numbers and get nothing. There must be something lost in translation.

NP. If you have issues like that, right click on the picture and select "search google for image". That's what I did...

 

[Negen]

I tend to have good luck with the Japanese amazon searching the brand and tool name that is on a manufactures website. I change the language to English of course. Item numbers or part numbers are not so accurate.

Sent from my G8141 using The Garage Journal mobile app

 

[tanukiboy]

My Amazon.jp searching skills are weak. I can search part numbers and get nothing. There must be something lost in translation.

Amazon Japan's auto-translate system can be annoying sometimes. You will type in a part number like "DEG-450CTA", and it will be auto-translated to something bizarre like "dog 450 cat" and then give you no hits. However, there is an "UNDO" button, and if you click it, it will often display the item you need.

 

[tanukiboy]

NP. If you have issues like that, right click on the picture and select "search google for image". That's what I did...

Sorry, M6erfan, I should have provided a link. Glad you found the item though.

 

[M6erfan]

Sorry, M6erfan, I should have provided a link. Glad you found the item though.

Links or the item # is helpful, if not shown in the pic. That said it took me less that 4 seconds to find it...