Tools of Japan

[Dave455]

Anyone used the Koken 3/8" swivel sockets? Not sure if they are Zeal or not, pretty sure they ain't but have a line on a metric set 7-19mm. They look nice but I want to know how well they function under operation whether they bind up easy or not.

I don’t think KoKen offer universal/swivel sockets in th Z Series, so they are probably the regular line.

I have a set in Whitworth sizes, and have had no binding issues so far. In all honesty, I don’t need these that often, so although I’ve had them a few years, they havn’t had huge amounts of use.

I’d be totally happy buying anything KoKen though. None of it’s let me down yet!

 

[mr.lemons]

Also posted on 'tools from the old world' but it's rare for me to have a tool from Japan so happy to have something to post here as well. Need to figure out a way of securing the handle in place so I don't lose it.

Engineer TR-01 Taper Reamer. 'Ideal for reaming holes in sheet metal, aluminum and similar material.'

 

[tanukiboy]

Need to figure out a way of securing the handle in place so I don't lose it.

How about using some of that clear vinyl tubing for fish tanks? Get some that will fit snugly and push an inch or so onto each end of the handle.

 

[M6erfan]

How about using some of that clear vinyl tubing for fish tanks? Get some that will fit snugly and push an inch or so onto each end of the handle.

Or O-Rings on either side of the reamer...

 

[dekleijn]

Hello all, found a set of these craft wrenches a while ago. But I have been struggling to find any information about them on the internet. So I was wondering if any of you guys have come across them.

Thanks in advance, Jan



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[Negen]

Hello all, found a set of these craft wrenches a while ago. But I have been struggling to find any information about them on the internet. So I was wondering if any of you guys have come across them.

Thanks in advance, Jan



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No shoes in the shop?

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[dekleijn]

No shoes in the shop?

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Not much of a shop unfortunately. More of a garage but I'm working on it. Normally I would wear more appropriate footwear though. Like these bad boys [emoji123][emoji123]

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[superautobacs]

New Engineer pliers coming soon.

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/YTj0KtGPiHQ" frameborder="0" allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen></iframe>

I got this PZ-33 back in January this year and featured it on a couple of my videos

:

<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/ccassan/39790364611/in/dateposted-public/" title="Engineer Neji-Saurus."><img src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4762/39790364611_19ff844117_b.jpg" width="1024" height="681" alt="Engineer Neji-Saurus."></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/39758680782/in/dateposted-public/" title="Engineer Neji-Saurus"><img src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4619/39758680782_ffa73deb05_b.jpg" width="1024" height="681" alt="Engineer Neji-Saurus"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

 

[superautobacs]

Hello all, found a set of these craft wrenches a while ago. But I have been struggling to find any information about them on the internet. So I was wondering if any of you guys have come across them.

Thanks in advance, Jan

Have any photos of the back side?

It is exactly like the Ko-ken 2759F that makes me think that they even leave the same factory.

The question now is, which factory

 

[mr.lemons]

Thanks for the ideas. I have no imagination and was just going to wrap tape round the handle. 5.5mm pneumatic tube fits perfectly.

 

[dekleijn]

Have any photos of the back side?








The question now is, which factory

I picked some more craft spanners in the weekend just been. And they seem to have foreign on the back of them but nothing on the the other 4.

I did stumble across an old topic on here with a couple of posts suggesting that they were knockoffs but it was mainly aimed at ratchets.

Apologies for the picture quality

Thanks in advance, Jan






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[superautobacs]

Mr.lemons,

That turned out good.

I was going to suggest using a torch to heat the end and once red hot, clamp it down on a vise to make 'ears' on them.








dekleijn,

I'm wondering....knockoffs of what?

What other indications are there to assume that these Craft wrenches are of Japanese origin?

 

[dekleijn]

Mr.lemons,

That turned out good.

I was going to suggest using a torch to heat the end and once red hot, clamp it down on a vise to make 'ears' on them.








dekleijn,

I'm wondering....knockoffs of what?

What other indications are there to assume that these Craft wrenches are of Japanese origin?

Just reading through some older topics now. But they are mainly ratchet socket based some loads are saying they were made in japan.

https://r.tapatalk.com/shareLink?ur...&share_tid=96195&share_fid=20318&share_type=t

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[ChevyEFI]

Not much of a shop unfortunately. More of a garage but I'm working on it. Normally I would wear more appropriate footwear though. Like these bad boys [emoji123][emoji123]https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180903/2cbc874a3c46c0b132a813bd9516b830.jpg

better yet:

 

[dekleijn]

better yet:

I have seen it all now.

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[M_George]

Thanks for the ideas. I have no imagination and was just going to wrap tape round the handle. 5.5mm pneumatic tube fits perfectly.

Looks good too!

 

[Negen]

I was surprised to see ips rebranded by do it best home center. Best way I think is their in house brand.



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[tanukiboy]

Just got this handy tool from Amazon Japan today. It's a sliding T-handle and extension bar for 1/4" hex bits with a magnetic locking bit chuck. It's sold by the Japanese company SK11, but COO is Taiwan. Cost less than $15.

View media item 86576
The cross bar slides, has a nice positive center detent, and can be removed entirely, allowing the tool to be used as an 8" extension bar (1/4" square drive) for 1/4" hex bits. The long green sleeve with the printing on it rotates freely and very smoothly, allowing you to spin screws in or out quickly.

View media item 86577
With the cross bar removed, you can connect the tool to any 1/4" square drive handle.

View media item 86578
View media item 86579
The chuck is magnetic. To release the bit, you pull back on the collar. (I put a P2 bit in the chuck for these pictures, but the tool doesn't actually come with any bits.)

View media item 86580
SK11 sells a couple different versions of this tool. Instead of a 1/4" hex chuck, you can get one with a 1/4" square drive wobble tip (yellow sleeve) and also a 3/8" version (red sleeve).

 

[shemazar]

That looks pretty good, but the tip with the bit holder is pretty wide.

I wish Ko-ken made their version of the 3/8 spinny t-handle in 1/4 size. I’d be all over that like a chicken on a june bug.


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[tanukiboy]

That looks pretty good, but the tip with the bit holder is pretty wide.

I wish Ko-ken made their version of the 3/8 spinny t-handle in 1/4 size. I’d be all over that like a chicken on a june bug.

Just in case you're interested, this is the SK11 1/4" square drive wobble sliding T-handle in the same series.

View media item 86581

 

[Jaysreal]

Just released a new video showcasing $500 Worth of recently acquired Japanese tools. Here is everything featured in no particular order:

Nepros NBR290F - 1/4" Flex Head Ratchet
http://www.frankstools.com/ktcne1flhera.html

Tone BHC-15 - 1.5lb Hammer
https://www.amazon.co.jp/dp/B002TF1CIS/

Tone 3sen-27 - 27mm Sensor Socket
https://www.amazon.co.jp/dp/B002TETMQ8/

Asahi VC3027 - 27mm Crowfoot
https://www.amazon.co.jp/dp/B003PHOW1I/

Tone 4NV12 - 1/2 Dr. 12mm Impact socket
https://www.amazon.co.jp/dp/B004OCQW34/

Tone 4NV14 - 1/2 Dr. 14mm Impact socket
https://www.amazon.co.jp/dp/B004OCQW84/

Tone 4NV17 - 1/2 Dr. 17mm Impact socket
https://www.amazon.co.jp/dp/B004OCQWB6/

Koken 3769-NWF - 3/8 Dr. Wobble hand driver handle
http://www.frankstools.com/ko3dr37.html

Koken RS3300MZ/12 - 6 Pt. 12Pc Deep Zeal Socket set
http://www.frankstools.com/koze3desoser.html

Koken RS3405M/12 - !2 Pt 12pc. Shallow Socket set
http://www.frankstools.com/ko312sosers.html

Koken RS3015M/8-L62 - Inhex socket set
https://www.amazon.co.jp/dp/B009O3X5OM/

Koken 2771Z - 1/4" Universal
http://www.frankstools.com/koz1un27.html

Koken 169/2 - Clip Remover Set
https://www.amazon.co.jp/dp/B004IKOJJQ/

Koken RSAL300-3/8 - Socket Rail
http://www.frankstools.com/kozema3sora11.html

KTC AE921 - Hose clamp socket
http://www.frankstools.com/ktcaehoclto.html

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[Negen]

Nice video but huge it is not. A good haul it is and great tools. Just odd that you tube videos all seem to have some catchy title or something. Good haul for 500$ my last Japan haul was $250 and I got like 6 tools. Maybe. My list od things to buy gets longer every time I read this thread.

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[mikebaker1129]

Great video,the Nepro ratchet looks awesome!

 

[GrantCee]

I occasionally have a need for a thin ("tappet") wrench when dealing with locknuts and the like. I've been picking up the occasional one at the flea markets, but they're always SAE and I only have a few.

The most recent task, a cable clamp on a carburetor, was a size that that didn't have and metric to boot. I almost resigned myself to buying a thin metric wrench when I learned that there are such things as thin-jaw adjustables. One of the brands I found was TOP.

So naturally I checked the Tools Of Japan thread, found (like most Japanese tools) that they're well thought of, ordered one, and sure enough - nicely made, zero jaw slop, and got the job done.

Now I'm looking askance at my Wright, Proto, and Irega adjustables and thinking "gee, they're not as nice as the TOP..."

 

[Reed Prince]

The previous post led me to look at various Amazon Japan TOP offerings, and I found this apparent bargain, at least if you live in Japan and the shipping is free. The more than $40 shipping to the US made the deal less than irresistible.

 

[Jaysreal]

Nice video but huge it is not. A good haul it is and great tools. Just odd that you tube videos all seem to have some catchy title or something. Good haul for 500$ my last Japan haul was $250 and I got like 6 tools. Maybe. My list od things to buy gets longer every time I read this thread.

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I will acknowledge that. Buzz words are generally used to grab the interest of people who other wise wouldn't have looked, kind of a necessary evil when it comes to YT. Thanks for watching but what did you add to your list if I might ask?

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[Negen]

I will acknowledge that. Buzz words are generally used to grab the interest of people who other wise wouldn't have looked, kind of a necessary evil when it comes to YT. Thanks for watching but what did you add to your list if I might ask?

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Sorry if I sounded like a jerk didn't mean to. Anything to get good tool brands exposed is good in my mind.

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[GeoRoss]

Hello all,

I’m in the market for a set of metric 0 offset extra-long handle double box end wrenches. I mostly work on Japanese cars so I don’t need a complete set, JIS works for me. Two sets I’m considering is a Kyoto Tool Company set and piecing together a similar set of Nepros.

I can’t post links yet, but the KTC set (8x10, 12x14, 17x19) from Frank’s tools for about $50 is one and a pieced together set of Nepros Metric Flat Type Box-End Wrenches - Extra Long (12pt.) for about $120.

It looks like I’d spend about twice as much on the Nepros, but they look to have a higher quality finish. I’m curious about where these two sets rank in quality compared to the US tool market and current ordering advice/experiences.

Thanks for any help. I’m not a pro, just a driveway hack looking for some good quality tools. I wish I could justify tool truck quality, but not in the cards. I’m already Vessel junky as is.

 

[paulsomlo]

Thanks for any help. I’m not a pro, just a driveway hack looking for some good quality tools. I wish I could justify tool truck quality, but not in the cards. I’m already Vessel junky as is.

I have the KTC set from Frank's - do yourself a favor; order these and spend the extra $70 on other tools you need - they'll be fine.

 

[tanukiboy]

Hello all,

I’m in the market for a set of metric 0 offset extra-long handle double box end wrenches. I mostly work on Japanese cars so I don’t need a complete set, JIS works for me. Two sets I’m considering is a Kyoto Tool Company set and piecing together a similar set of Nepros.

I can’t post links yet, but the KTC set (8x10, 12x14, 17x19) from Frank’s tools for about $50 is one and a pieced together set of Nepros Metric Flat Type Box-End Wrenches - Extra Long (12pt.) for about $120.

It looks like I’d spend about twice as much on the Nepros, but they look to have a higher quality finish. I’m curious about where these two sets rank in quality compared to the US tool market and current ordering advice/experiences.

Thanks for any help. I’m not a pro, just a driveway hack looking for some good quality tools. I wish I could justify tool truck quality, but not in the cards. I’m already Vessel junky as is.

The Japanese company TONE makes a full lineup of long zero-offset DBE wrenches. You can order them from Amazon JP. For example, the 17x19 is less than $13, and 3-6 day shipping from Japan to the US is around $8.50. (Of course, shipping would be proportionally cheaper if you ordered multiple items at one time.)

I really like my TONE tools. About the same (good) quality as KTC, IMO. Nepros tools are amazing, but you definitely pay for the amazement!

View media item 86730
View media item 86731

 

[M6erfan]

KTC makes great wrenches. The Nepros are indeed very nice but IMO, they're like jewelry. No way I'd ever use Nepros wrenches in my shop, the first time they got scratched I'd be bummed. I have and use the standard KTC wrenches and they are hard to beat.

Kowa makes this set. Interesting in that it's 6 point box on one side and 12pt box on the other...https://japan.webike.net/products/1388747.html

I've never used Tone but they look nice

 

[CR888]

GeoRoss, you can certainly get 'tool truck quality' without stepping foot on a truck with a months wages. The brands you seek are great Japanese tool co's that make top shelf tools that easily meet/exceed US tool truck quality. Don't let price always be an indicator of quality, often it is but one reason we gather here is to share knowledge and perspective often on tools that are as good as the 'best' with a much nicer price tag. If I was you knowing that good Japanese wrenches are what you seek I'd seriously consider tanukiboy's advice above^^^! You could walk into 10 tool stores and struggle to find a person with 10% of his knowledge on Japan tools, he lives there & is like a professor of all tools made in Japan. KTC/Nepros are top shelf, no doubt about it they make some of the BEST hand tools on the globe but you pay dearly for the privellige & in this case you may end up with just as good quality at a fraction of the cost if you take the good advice. Spending big bucks to get quality is easy, doing it on a budget takes skill/knowledge.

 

[Negen]

KTC makes great wrenches. The Nepros are indeed very nice but IMO, they're like jewelry. No way I'd ever use Nepros wrenches in my shop, the first time they got scratched I'd be bummed. I have and use the standard KTC wrenches and they are hard to beat.

Kowa makes this set. Interesting as is is 6 point box on one side and 12pt box on the other...https://japan.webike.net/products/1388747.html

I've never used Tone but they look nice

I only own a few nepros and I use them just as hard as any other tool and they hold up nice. Pretty strong and difficult to scratch. It is a tool and made to fix broken things that normally cost more than the tool.

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[M6erfan]

I only own a few nepros and I use them just as hard as any other tool and they hold up nice. Pretty strong and difficult to scratch. It is a tool and made to fix broken things that normally cost more than the tool.

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Nothing wrong with Nepros, I own and use a few pieces too. But personally I'd never spend the money on their wrenches or sockets. Just too damn pretty and I've found that the "normal" line of KTC turn bolts just as well as my Nepros

 

[mercucho]

Nothing wrong with Nepros, I own and use a few pieces too. But personally I'd never spend the money on their wrenches or sockets. Just too damn pretty and I've found that the "normal" line of KTC turn bolts just as well as my Nepros

I totally agree with you. The tools of Nepros are of high quality, that is indisputable, but its price is also very high.

For someone who is looking for their money, the tools of KTC or Tone are perfectly valid to work without problems and their price is much lower than the tools of Nepros.

In summary: if money is not a problem, you will get great quality buying Nepros but, if you search more for your pocket, with the KTC or the Tone you have very valid tools of proven quality.

Detail of my set of KTC extra long keys:

 

[GeoRoss]

I have the KTC set from Frank's - do yourself a favor; order these and spend the extra $70 on other tools you need - they'll be fine.

The Japanese company TONE makes a full lineup of long zero-offset DBE wrenches. You can order them from Amazon JP. For example, the 17x19 is less than $13, and 3-6 day shipping from Japan to the US is around $8.50. (Of course, shipping would be proportionally cheaper if you ordered multiple items at one time.)

I really like my TONE tools. About the same (good) quality as KTC, IMO. Nepros tools are amazing, but you definitely pay for the amazement!

KTC makes great wrenches. The Nepros are indeed very nice but IMO, they're like jewelry. No way I'd ever use Nepros wrenches in my shop, the first time they got scratched I'd be bummed. I have and use the standard KTC wrenches and they are hard to beat.

Kowa makes this set. Interesting as is is 6 point box on one side and 12pt box on the other...

I've never used Tone but they look nice

GeoRoss, you can certainly get 'tool truck quality' without stepping foot on a truck with a months wages. The brands you seek are great Japanese tool co's that make top shelf tools that easily meet/exceed US tool truck quality. Don't let price always be an indicator of quality, often it is but one reason we gather here is to share knowledge and perspective often on tools that are as good as the 'best' with a much nicer price tag. If I was you knowing that good Japanese wrenches are what you seek I'd seriously consider tanukiboy's advice above^^^! You could walk into 10 tool stores and struggle to find a person with 10% of his knowledge on Japan tools, he lives there & is like a professor of all tools made in Japan. KTC/Nepros are top shelf, no doubt about it they make some of the BEST hand tools on the globe but you pay dearly for the privellige & in this case you may end up with just as good quality at a fraction of the cost if you take the good advice. Spending big bucks to get quality is easy, doing it on a budget takes skill/knowledge.

I totally agree with you. The tools of Nepros are of high quality, that is indisputable, but its price is also very high.

For someone who is looking for their money, the tools of KTC or Tone are perfectly valid to work without problems and their price is much lower than the tools of Nepros.

In summary: if money is not a problem, you will get great quality buying Nepros but, if you search more for your pocket, with the KTC or the Tone you have very valid tools of proven quality.

Detail of my set of KTC extra long keys:

Thank you all so much for the advice. I'll definitely add the Tone set to my list.

 

[tanukiboy]

I'll definitely add the Tone set to my list.

Hi GeoRoss. Just FYI, the Tone wrenches in the three sizes you mentioned in your original post will set you back $57.10 from Amazon Japan, including 3-6 day shipping to the US.

I'm sure you'll be perfectly satisfied with either Tone or KTC. OTOH, if you want to really indulge yourself, Nepros may make you weep tears of wrench-induced joy.

 

[GeoRoss]

Hi GeoRoss. Just FYI, the Tone wrenches in the three sizes you mentioned in your original post will set you back $57.10 from Amazon Japan, including 3-6 day shipping to the US.

I'm sure you'll be perfectly satisfied with either Tone or KTC. OTOH, if you want to really indulge yourself, Nepros may make you weep tears of wrench-induced joy.

Thanks, I'm going to include a 22x24 as I do use these sizes on occasion.

I am tempted to indulge.

Nepros set (NTM11L06 )of 8x10, 10x12, 12x14, 14x17, 17x19, 22x24 will set me back $355+shipping. Or more realistically I could piece one together without size duplicates for $245 + shipping. Dang they are nice looking.

KTC M160 in 8x10, 12x14, 17x19 and 22X24 would be about $63 + shipping.

Tone HPM05 in 8x10, 12x14, 17x19 and 22X24 would be about $60 + shipping.

Once I decide to exclude the Nepros (likely) I may just have to flip a coin on the KTC vs Tone.

 

[M6erfan]

Thanks, I'm going to include a 22x24 as I do use these sizes on occasion.

I am tempted to indulge.

Nepros set (NTM11L06 )of 8x10, 10x12, 12x14, 14x17, 17x19, 22x24 will set me back $355+shipping. Or more realistically I could piece one together without size duplicates for $245 + shipping. Dang they are nice looking.

KTC M160 in 8x10, 12x14, 17x19 and 22X24 would be about $63 + shipping.

Tone HPM05 in 8x10, 12x14, 17x19 and 22X24 would be about $60 + shipping.

Once I decide to exclude the Nepros (likely) I may just have to flip a coin on the KTC vs Tone.

I've never used Tone wrenches but i am VERY happy with my KTC's. Heck, you could get both sets and still be ahead vs Nepros...

 

[mercucho]

Thanks, I'm going to include a 22x24 as I do use these sizes on occasion.

I am tempted to indulge.

Nepros set (NTM11L06 )of 8x10, 10x12, 12x14, 14x17, 17x19, 22x24 will set me back $355+shipping. Or more realistically I could piece one together without size duplicates for $245 + shipping. Dang they are nice looking.

KTC M160 in 8x10, 12x14, 17x19 and 22X24 would be about $63 + shipping.

Tone HPM05 in 8x10, 12x14, 17x19 and 22X24 would be about $60 + shipping.

Once I decide to exclude the Nepros (likely) I may just have to flip a coin on the KTC vs Tone.

With the KTC keys you will not regret it.
My set of KTC M160 (Includes 22x24) :