dutchgray
Well-known member
Sockets are part satin and part ground, which is smoother but not a high polish.
Ko-ken Tools -- What Makes this Brand Special !?!?
- Thread starter superautobacs
- Start date
Sockets are part satin and part ground, which is smoother but not a high polish.
dutchgray
Well-known member
Nice, longer ratchets will be nice to have in the Z-EAL range and I will probably get those double universals, even though they will be expensive.
xin
Well-known member
What is the direct link to the short metric socket (set) for 1/4 and 3/8 along with the mini-1/4 rachet?
As I am trying out my new smoker at 2:00 am az time.... I really like these and they way they swivel...
As a joke the probe is sitting on the pellet feeder...
As a joke the probe is sitting on the pellet feeder...
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1foxracing
Well-known member
Chris do you have a source for ordering this stuff from a N America supplier? I'd love to add some of this stuff myself but only have experience ordering stuff direct from Japan at Webike.
I got my stuff from franks... the old days I got my stuff from Rob. He says he still sells koken...
[email protected]
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[email protected]
Sent from my SM-G955U using Tapatalk
Ign
Well-known member
Realizing the thread is over 4 years old.........
The Emperor's New Clothes
That's what makes any brand loyalty/marketing special.
The Emperor's New Clothes
That's what makes any brand loyalty/marketing special.
OP
superautobacs
Well-known member
There was a sneak preview of a small sample of the newest ratchets, presented by a Ko-ken representative in this video:
2285ZE is the basic set of 1/4 drive sockets, with a quick spinner, and a standard ratchet.
Never too late to smoke some meat.I was surprised to see you post those double-swivels from a couple weeks back. Frank somehow got a hold of them before the official release?
After you posted them, I had to get the 1/4 one from him.Like 48548 mentioned, in the US, Frankstools and The Tool Network. I only have experience with Frankstools.
Thanks for chiming in.
davethorik
Well-known member
Anyone here have a Ko-ken 2753 1/4 stubby ratchet? Looking to buy one as a usable novelty gift for a friend, who is a Japanophile and a technician, specifically the 2753PSKR variant with keychain. curious if anyone here has one. Not much on the web about these.
https://global.rakuten.com/en/store/i-tools/item/4991644800300/
https://global.rakuten.com/en/store/i-tools/item/4991644800300/
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OP
superautobacs
Well-known member
I don't have one, but what were you wondering about?
Here's some images I snagged from google images:
Here's some images I snagged from google images:
theamcguy
Well-known member
Bought my Ko-ken lug nut socket set years ago, nice thin wall sockets perfect for clearance on custom wheels. Have a 3/8" ratchet on order from Frank's tools this is the flex head one with the offset handle. Nice for clearance issues.
Dave455
Well-known member
I don't have one, but what were you wondering about?
Here's some images I snagged from google images:
Why do I suddenly find myself wanting one of those?
Probably because, when I think of some of the **** that folks attach to their keys, that could actually be quite useful!
OP
superautobacs
Well-known member
Sooo, pleased to see Ko-ken Japan/USA open up their own Youtube channels.
So far, they've highlighted their most distinct features/aspects about their brand and products. This link will show all the videos they've uploaded:
This one is a quick overview:
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/reG14rCLcc8" frameborder="0" allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen></iframe>
So far, they've highlighted their most distinct features/aspects about their brand and products. This link will show all the videos they've uploaded:
This one is a quick overview:
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/reG14rCLcc8" frameborder="0" allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen></iframe>
Dave455
Well-known member
Some good footage there. I'm glad KoKen have realised that there wasn't much about them on YouTube, and done something about it. Shame about the monotone commentary though!
I'm glad that they have chosen to highlight some of their specialist tools, such as their stud pullers, spark plug sockets and attack driver, all of which I own, and consider to be the best in their class.
The only thing they havn't really shown is the quite huge range of stuff they offer!
They don't seem to have mentioned their Whitworth universal sockets yet either..!
OP
superautobacs
Well-known member
Dave,
I did a quick comparison on one video, between the English and Japanese version and it's literally a straight translation. I think the monotone-like commentary is pretty standard for many Japanese companies...at least the orthodox ones.
At the very least, these videos help to provide people with an idea on what type of company Ko-ken is.
I thought it was peculiar to see that Ko-ken USA's channel had uploaded their videos on January 14th of this year while Ko-ken Japan's channel uploaded their videos just a few days ago, on March 1st. The video production was all done in Japan, from what I can tell.
I was also surprised when member 48548 got the double-swivel universal joints way before the release date for the Japanese domestic market.
Ko-ken USA seems to release things faster than Japan?
I did a quick comparison on one video, between the English and Japanese version and it's literally a straight translation. I think the monotone-like commentary is pretty standard for many Japanese companies...at least the orthodox ones.
At the very least, these videos help to provide people with an idea on what type of company Ko-ken is.
I thought it was peculiar to see that Ko-ken USA's channel had uploaded their videos on January 14th of this year while Ko-ken Japan's channel uploaded their videos just a few days ago, on March 1st. The video production was all done in Japan, from what I can tell.
I was also surprised when member 48548 got the double-swivel universal joints way before the release date for the Japanese domestic market.
Ko-ken USA seems to release things faster than Japan?
AceofSpad3s
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Does any pictures of the Koken 3753 N ratchet?
I dont have that one, closest I have is the flex head version, but many pics out there. Just google it...
AceofSpad3s
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400x200 low res marketing photo's don't do much for me.
I was more hoping someone would have one side by side with some other ratchets so I could get an idea of the proportions and size of it compared to other stuff I have.
Well you really don't have to look any further than this very thread. Start at the beginning and scroll through. Lot's and lots of comparison pics...
I absolutely love my koken. I have a tool box loaded with hundreds of dollars worth of koken. Only mechanic in the dealer with them. Snap on guy gives me a little grief about them. But whatever.
I've had one ratchet from them. Bought one to see if I liked it. I loved it, until it prematurely broke. I've also broke koken 3/8 Phillips bit sockets. So now i just stick to only their sockets and extensions. Maybe i got a one in a thousand defective ratchet. Not sure. But my facom and gear wrench ratchets serve me just fine.
I've had one ratchet from them. Bought one to see if I liked it. I loved it, until it prematurely broke. I've also broke koken 3/8 Phillips bit sockets. So now i just stick to only their sockets and extensions. Maybe i got a one in a thousand defective ratchet. Not sure. But my facom and gear wrench ratchets serve me just fine.
Dave455
Well-known member
Here in Sussex, England, I’m seeing more and more KoKen. My dealer sells KoKen ratchets to the local farmers (you know the type - ratchet and club hammer rather than breaker bar) and reckons they are the only make he can sell without getting returns!
You can get ratchet repair kits, which I reckon it’s worth doing in your case!
I’ve got 4 3/8 drive ratchets and have had no issues so far. Regular length has seen a lot of use, and the long flex lives in my road box so has done a couple of jobs that were asking a lot!
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Lets see if I got this right...
YUP! Ask and Ye shall receive! It's the only Koken piece I have oddly enough. I wanted to test out a ratchet before I purchased anything else. Wobble extensions may be my next toe in the water.
I actually didn't even know there were rebuild kits for them, Kinda angry at myself now, I finally chucked it in the garbage about a month ago. Thinking about giving another ratchet a go after I gift myself a nepro.
Wow. Result of the old 'mary jane' being legal in CO?
If that Nepros ever gives you trouble and you want to throw it away, PM me...
Ha ha ha no, and I am actually allergic to the mary jane. The blasted ratchet was sitting in my tool chest for almost 8 months before I chucked her out. I did feel remorse when I did that.
AceofSpad3s
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Thank you. Looks like it actually has a handle that is made for someone larger than a 12 year old . My biggest gripe with most knurled ratchets is the actual knurled portion is only a 2 1/2 inches long, leaving my index finger hanging off.
How sharp is the knurling? Looks well defined and pretty aggressive, which I prefer.
How did it break?
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The bits sheared off. Haven't had a problem with my vessel bits. I am a bit hard on my bits at times though, surprised they held up as long as they did.
The ratchet was the gears. Free spun when I took it to a bolt.
AceofSpad3s
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Sounds like it must have been bad luck. The Koken ones should be stronger than the old Plomb/Proto designs because the pawl has two teeth engaged where as the Plomb only has one, and even then those aren't by any means considered fragile.
GrantCee
Well-known member
Thanks to this thread I bought my first Koken items: 3/8" Zeal universals, both single and double. I've been looking for really short universals that actually work, and the Koken appeared to be the ticket.
I'm in the middle of some significant work on one of my vehicles, and have been repeatedly frustrated by the conventional universals I have. I decided to take the plunge and ordered these from Frank's Tools.
Ordered on Tuesday; arrived today and were put to work within a few minutes of opening the package. They're exactly what I needed; I'm impressed with how well they work. They also fit my ratchets and sockets (all Wright tooling) like they were made for each other.
Superb product.
I'm in the middle of some significant work on one of my vehicles, and have been repeatedly frustrated by the conventional universals I have. I decided to take the plunge and ordered these from Frank's Tools.
Ordered on Tuesday; arrived today and were put to work within a few minutes of opening the package. They're exactly what I needed; I'm impressed with how well they work. They also fit my ratchets and sockets (all Wright tooling) like they were made for each other.
Superb product.
OP
superautobacs
Well-known member
Agreed on the Ko-ken ball-joint universals.
All of mine have been going strong for a few years of hard use, especially in 1/4 drive variety.
The double-swivel is an ingenious idea and has proven to be very handy.
Huge thank you to Ko-ken to bringing these to the market.
I think every automotive technician or DIY'r that tinkers on cars should have them in their box.
All of mine have been going strong for a few years of hard use, especially in 1/4 drive variety.
The double-swivel is an ingenious idea and has proven to be very handy.
Huge thank you to Ko-ken to bringing these to the market.
I think every automotive technician or DIY'r that tinkers on cars should have them in their box.
GrantCee
Well-known member
After my experience with Koken universals, I started looking at their other offerings. One of the items that caught my eye were their wobble extension; I've wished for that kind of knurling on extensions for many years, and decided to try them out. Ordered the 6-piece set.
They arrived yesterday and I put them to work today. I'm amazed how much better the knurling on the end is over knurling on the shaft. My SK thumb ratchet has just been put out of a job, because I can get more applied torque with the Koken extension's aggressive knurling than I can the flattened, almost smooth, knurling on the SK ratchet.
The wobble-fix feature is wonderful; I no longer have to choose between fixed and wobble. One of the best tool purchases I've made in a long time.
They arrived yesterday and I put them to work today. I'm amazed how much better the knurling on the end is over knurling on the shaft. My SK thumb ratchet has just been put out of a job, because I can get more applied torque with the Koken extension's aggressive knurling than I can the flattened, almost smooth, knurling on the SK ratchet.
The wobble-fix feature is wonderful; I no longer have to choose between fixed and wobble. One of the best tool purchases I've made in a long time.
It's actually very nice. If you have greasy hands you will still get a good grip. I have held others where the knurling is knocked down or flattened out providing texture but little extra grip. This is not that. It won't tear your hands up either. But it's a 3/8" ratchet so not really going to be putting a lot into it.
EDIT:
I just read this. This is the type of knurling I was talking about as well. You can really get a grip on this type.
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Ko-ken has the best knurling in the business as far as I'm concerned. I just wish they would add it to their sockets, why they leave that out is a shame
And maybe a band of knurling on their extension shafts. Man, that would be perfect!GrantCee
Well-known member
I hope they don't, because I'd be too tempted to buy them when I already have a wonderful set of Wright sockets!
Dave455
Well-known member
I have the round head / roto head version. Ordered it with the knurled grip so I had the option of using it like a ratcheting screwdriver.
I love this tool - what you don’t realise when you see pictures, is how hefty these things are, or for that matter how well made! Think these round head ratchets are among KoKens best offerings!
Yes, the knurling is a lot more aggressive than some, and it’s 3 1/2 inches long!
Here’s a picture, compared to the regular head ratchet with the smooth handle. Both 3/8 drive.
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So what makes this brand so special?
Even Mr. Pagani uses it
Which part in the video are you referring to?