Tools of Japan

[p90puma]

Here's a link to Koken's PDF catalog (in English).

http://www.koken-tool.co.jp/catalog/KOKEN_201708ENSP.pdf

Well, thanks dude, I now have a wishlist.

Anyone see the TITANIUM socket set?!?!

https://global.rakuten.com/en/store/i-tools/item/4991644239085/

Only 3400 CAD.

 

[mr.lemons]

Engineer (the manufacturer of Vampliers) just uploaded a promotional video for a tool they market as a socket screw extractor.

There is possibly an easier way to remove that bolt.

Had my eye on the Vessel extractors for a while. Wonder how they compare.

 

[mr.lemons]

OLFA A-1 and SVR-2.











The SVR-2 comes with two extra stainless steel blades.



Both 'auto lock' so the blades don't retract when under pressure.



Both have a removable clip with a slot used to snap off the blades when worn.



Blades and knives marked 'Japan' or 'Made in Japan.'

 

[Reed Prince]

Had my eye on the Vessel extractors for a while. Wonder how they compare.

That's a good question. While I have seen some Engineer tools that were of questionable quality, most of their screw extraction products seem to be well made. They sell two different types of extractor bits.



http://www.engineer.jp/en/products/dbz63_64_65e.html

http://www.engineer.jp/en/products/dbz60ge.html

 

[mr.lemons]

Not seen this guy before. Popped up on Youtube Recommended. Pretty long unboxing of some Japanese tools. Says he will be demoing and reviewing the tools in later vids. Could be interesting.

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/UMdm_7N-caM" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>

Testing Vessel Impacta

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ECSRXKkcPa4" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>

 

[Reed Prince]

Here's another Youtuber with two Amazon Japan videos, one uploaded this week.


<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/MNK4SFs-V74" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>


<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/2tx2IHaKo7s" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>

 

[Nickshelby]

Engineer (the manufacturer of Vampliers) just uploaded a promotional video for a tool they market as a socket screw extractor.


<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/AL5JHkkECq4" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>

I’ll have to keep an eye out for these.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

 

[tanukiboy]

A lot of GJ members who have ordered tools from Amazon Japan have commented on how nicely packaged their orders are. So I thought you might find it interesting to see how they wrap packages for customers in Japan. It really is amazing -- and it's also a free service at most shops (even grocery stores).

View media item 91906
Here are links to three YouTube videos showing the completely baffling process:

 

[Qualitytools]

A lot of GJ members who have ordered tools from Amazon Japan have commented on how nicely packaged their orders are. So I thought you might find it interesting to see how they wrap packages for customers in Japan. It really is amazing -- and it's also a free service at most shops (even grocery stores).

View media item 91906
Here are links to three YouTube videos showing the completely baffling process:

This is very interesting, thanks for sharing! I wonder if there is a tutorial on how to perform this wrapping

 

[tanukiboy]

This is very interesting, thanks for sharing! I wonder if there is a tutorial on how to perform this wrapping

Here's a detailed video tutorial of Japanese-style wrapping. (However, I should mention that the presenter is not really that great at it and is also SUPER PERKY. You have been warned!)

 

[Reed Prince]

While we're on this particular tangent, I'll add this.


<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/dNr1oLhZ0zs" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>

 

[superautobacs]

New KTC promotional YouTube video.



Don't recall much discussion here about their screwdrivers. I imagine they are quite good. Maybe I will try out a couple.

man, KTC's Youtube videos are so dry.....

True that there's been hardly any discussion of them, or people purchasing those screwdrivers, with the exception of Mercucho. They just don't speak to me aesthetically, but that's a rather subjective matter.
I'm pretty certain that KTC makes those screwdrivers in-house and they've probably been in their catalogue ever since the inception of their 21c series introduced in the early 2000's.
The square handle profile is suitable for automotive use where high torque transmission is expected.
I have no idea how durable their soft grip is to common shop/automotive fluids.

*[edit]: to my surprise, based on member Gear2's comment on the next page, these KTC screwdriver models may have shifted production to Taiwan (or maybe they were always made in Taiwan?!).

I contacted UKTools and Koken Europe about the aforementioned Koken Sockets. UKTools replied saying that the sockets were made specially for the UK market and are/were manufactured by Koken in Japan. Koken Europe replied saying that they have forwarded my email to 'Ko-KenUK.' Will update if I get more info.

The "EXTRA" also reminded me of the "Handy-Endy" sockets that Ko-ken produced. It was brought up some time ago by member "UK Steve":

Monte, the handy endy are still in production with part no's 4401 (6 point) 4406 (12 point) metric & imperial. The standard smooth (none handy endy) part no's 4400 or 4405.
Ko-ken now produce 3 catalogues and they do vary from country to country. The catalogues are......Japanese & English.....Spanish & English......and German, French & English.

Ko-ken have made a 3/8" drive version with Knurling & full polished chrome in the past called the EXTRA sockets........Extra chrome....Extra Knurling....Extra short...


Has anyone come across the LHSTIX sockets as far as I'm aware only Ko-ken has the licence to manufacture this type of socket.

Click here for thread: https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=40719&page=3


As UK Steve mentioned, Ko-ken may produce special items for a particular market, with part numbers not listed in the .jp catalogue.

 

[superautobacs]

Well, thanks dude, I now have a wishlist.

Anyone see the TITANIUM socket set?!?!

https://global.rakuten.com/en/store/i-tools/item/4991644239085/

Only 3400 CAD.

I saw and held them! The wooden case it comes in was wayyy heavier than the tools themselves.

Just a short clip of them:

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/4JYshaz14wc?start=419" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>

 

[superautobacs]

Ahhh, the Japanese gift wrapping.....another intrinsic part of Japanese culture.

It's a love/hate for me...
As a kid, I loved receiving neatly wrapped goods as they gave the item even greater appeal.
The older I get, the more I dislike the overuse of wrapping, both paper and plastic. It can be overdone and it just becomes wasteful.


Hopefully the more traditional method of using furoshiki can be utilized more for wrapping purposes as it's not creating any unneccessary waste and it's re-useable:

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/2W0BajFL6uQ" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>

 

[paulsomlo]

A lot of GJ members who have ordered tools from Amazon Japan have commented on how nicely packaged their orders are. So I thought you might find it interesting to see how they wrap packages for customers in Japan. It really is amazing -- and it's also a free service at most shops (even grocery stores).

What, no box art?

 

[mr.lemons]

The "EXTRA" also reminded me of the "Handy-Endy" sockets that Ko-ken produced. It was brought up some time ago by member "UK Steve":

Wow, ten years ago. Good memory.

 

[mercucho]

True that there's been hardly any discussion of them, or people purchasing those screwdrivers, with the exception of Mercucho. They just don't speak to me aesthetically, but that's a subjective matter.
I'm pretty certain that KTC makes those screwdrivers in-house and they've probably been in their catalogue ever since the inception of their 21c series introduced in the early 2000's.
The square handle profile is suitable for automotive use where high torque transmission is expected.
I have no idea how durable their soft grip is to common shop/automotive fluids.

The truth is that, when I buy a tool, the least I notice is its aesthetics. What really matters to me is the functionality and, in the case of the KTC screwdrivers that we are dealing with, they are very hard tools and suitable for jobs in the worst conditions.
The grip is very good and they transmit a lot of strength and torque. I, honestly, recommend them for extensive use.

 

[_gear2]

New KTC promotional YouTube video.

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/b1MPJAFjk-o" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>

Don't recall much discussion here about their screwdrivers. I imagine they are quite good. Maybe I will try out a couple.

While many think they are ugly as hell, I find their grip in a grease covered workshop great. Also the colour coding is a nice touch when looking for the right tool. That being said not sure of their CCO. The set didn't have made in Japan and the long screwdriver is from Taiwan (as I assume the rest of the set is)

 

[Qualitytools]

Here's a detailed video tutorial of Japanese-style wrapping. (However, I should mention that the presenter is not really that great at it and is also SUPER PERKY. You have been warned!)

Thank you, yes I do see what you mean

 

[Qualitytools]

Ahhh, the Japanese gift wrapping.....another intrinsic part of Japanese culture.

It's a love/hate for me...
As a kid, I loved receiving neatly wrapped goods as they gave the item even greater appeal.
The older I get, the more I dislike the overuse of wrapping, both paper and plastic. It can be overdone and it just becomes wasteful.


Hopefully the more traditional method of using furoshiki can be utilized more for wrapping purposes as it's not creating any unneccessary waste and it's re-useable:

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/2W0BajFL6uQ" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>

What a great idea, thanks for sharing as usual

 

[superautobacs]

The truth is that, when I buy a tool, the least I notice is its aesthetics. What really matters to me is the functionality and, in the case of the KTC screwdrivers that we are dealing with, they are very hard tools and suitable for jobs in the worst conditions.
The grip is very good and they transmit a lot of strength and torque. I, honestly, recommend them for extensive use.

Thanks for the recommendation.
Function over looks for sure! ....but I still can't get over their looks.

While many think they are ugly as hell, I find their grip in a grease covered workshop great. Also the colour coding is a nice touch when looking for the right tool. That being said not sure of their CCO. The set didn't have made in Japan and the long screwdriver is from Taiwan (as I assume the rest of the set is)

Thanks for the information. I edited my earlier post to indicate the COO.










Some news from Factory Gear / Deen:

Merry's de-coupling pliers can now be purchased rebranded as Deen





The blue grips are the orginal Merry. The red grips are from KTC (they are not identical to the Merry de-coupling pliers).

It's one of those tools I would not want to be left without! Perhaps one of the top 10(?) must-have specialty hand tools for automotive work.


Merry, KTC De-coupling Pliers.... by ChrisCas aka Superautobacs, on Flickr

 

[Qualitytools]

Thanks for the recommendation.
Function over looks for sure! ....but I still can't get over their looks.










Thanks for the information. I edited my earlier post to indicate the COO.










Some news from Factory Gear / Deen:

Merry's de-coupling pliers can now be purchased rebranded as Deen

The blue grips are the orginal Merry. The red grips are from KTC (they are not identical to the Merry de-coupling pliers).

It's one of those tools I would not want to be left without! Perhaps one of the top 10(?) must-have specialty hand tools for automotive work.


Merry, KTC De-coupling Pliers.... by ChrisCas aka Superautobacs, on Flickr

So would you please elaborate on the blue vs red handles ones, as in a comparison or advantages and disadvantages. Thanks

 

[mercucho]

Thanks for the recommendation.
Function over looks for sure! ....but I still can't get over their looks.

The truth is that they are pretty ugly but they work well.
Interestingly, the screwdrivers are made in Taiwan but the Torx are marked as Japan.

 

[p90puma]

It's one of those tools I would not want to be left without! Perhaps one of the top 10(?) must-have specialty hand tools for automotive work.

How do you use these?

 

[ericg]

 

[p90puma]

Interesting, thanks.

 

[superautobacs]

I realized I never uploaded these photos of the titanium socket set:


Ko-ken Titanium Socket Wrench Set by ChrisCas aka Superautobacs, on Flickr


Penta-drive square system:


Penta-drive, Ko-ken Titanium Socket Wrench Set by ChrisCas aka Superautobacs, on Flickr

The truth is that they are pretty ugly but they work well.
Interestingly, the screwdrivers are made in Taiwan but the Torx are marked as Japan.

Maybe only the label is made in Japan , as I've never seen any other manufacturer make that kind of label (the same kind is used on Nepros screwdrivers and drive handles).

How do you use these?

It's truely an extension of your fingers, without the pain often associated with de-coupling connectors. In some situations, it may allow you access to connectors you previously weren't able to with your hands. I cant count the number of times it's made the task easier for me.

So would you please elaborate on the blue vs red handles ones, as in a comparison or advantages and disadvantages. Thanks

I can't point to one being more advantageous over the other. They both serve their purpose very well. I do tend to grab the Merry ones and that might be because I've had them a lot longer than the KTC's.

The KTC one has three different claws to choose from, unlike the Merry ones which only come with the single claw. I prefer the cross-hatch patterned plastic grips of the Merry.



Merry, KTC De-coupling Pliers. by ChrisCas aka Superautobacs, on Flickr











When comparing the length/reach of the claw, between the Merry and fitting the KTC with the equivalent claw, the KTC's have a slightly longer reach. I can only recall one instance where the longer reach of KTC was needed.


Merry, KTC De-coupling Pliers by ChrisCas aka Superautobacs, on Flickr








Merry, KTC De-coupling Pliers... by ChrisCas aka Superautobacs, on Flickr



The serration is different at the tips. I haven't noticed any discernible difference in use.


Merry, KTC De-coupling Pliers.. by ChrisCas aka Superautobacs, on Flickr

 

[Andres26tnt]

Recently went to Factory Gear in Osaka, great little store. Didn't buy much as I already have everything I need for the most part. I came back to the hotel with a T-55 koken socket and a small 3/8 koken ratchet. The T-55 I needed for my 97 cobra front control arms, I bought some MM aftermarket control arms came with low profile bolts.

I was really impressed by Koken and just drooled over the nepros ratchets/tools(quality), I was hard to Justify the prices tho. They also had some interesting coveralls. Didn't take many pics(did not want to be rude) more will come, will be traveling to Tokyo and look at some other stores.

 

[Fedwrench]

Factory Gear Store

It's a good thing it's really far away from me

Thanks for sharing, kind of makes walking on a fill in the blank tool truck dull by comparison.

 

[Fluelikesymptoms]

Frankstools, ever heard of NAC- nagahori industries? Have used there tools and are pretty good, didn't see them on your site worth looking into in my opinion. Keep it up, Japanese tools are often overlooked

 

[superautobacs]

Andres,

Thanks for the report. Next time I go, I plan on looking at some coveralls. Japan has an awesome selection of them.

I'm curious where you plan to go in Tokyo.

 

[superautobacs]

Sears wrenches inherited from my late FIL. "BL" stamped. KTC is my guess for OEM. Not quite standard length combination wrench, but slightly shorter in overall length. That was probably to keep retail costs down for the Sears brand handtools.


Sears Combi Wrenches by ChrisCas aka Superautobacs, on Flickr


Sears Combi Wrenches by ChrisCas aka Superautobacs, on Flickr



Sears Combi Wrenches by ChrisCas aka Superautobacs, on Flickr

 

[Dave455]

I realized I never uploaded these photos of the titanium socket set:

Penta-drive square system:

Awesome looking sets!

I’ve seen these in the catalogue for years, but never seen an actual set, or the price! I’m guessing ‘Uber nice’ and “Uber high’ respectively!

Love the wooden case! The Japanese don’t just make nice tools, they take the trouble to ‘present’ them nicely! Although that’s a really practical case too!

 

[mercucho]

Awesome looking sets!

I’ve seen these in the catalogue for years, but never seen an actual set, or the price! I’m guessing ‘Uber nice’ and “Uber high’ respectively!

Love the wooden case! The Japanese don’t just make nice tools, they take the trouble to ‘present’ them nicely! Although that’s a really practical case too!

2,631 € or $2,951

https://global.rakuten.com/en/search/?k=ko-ken ti4261m&sid=mutsuura&l-id=shop_header_search_regular

Put me 2.

 

[Dave455]

2,631 € or $2,951
l

That’s about what I expected!

Actually, that’s not too bad when you look at what a Beryllium Copper set will cost you, should you need one!

The Titanium is probably better to use too!

 

[nichocha33]

Fellas,
I ordered a bunch of Nepros from franks over a month ago, I was sent an update email a day or so later stating my items would ship in 1-2weeks, I still have no confirmation of shipment or anything. I’ve emailed frank and had no return email, any other forms of contact to try?


Sent from my iPhone using The Garage Journal mobile app

 

[BigBoreFan]

I don't have any contacts for you, but check you spam filter. One poster on here was getting emails from Frank, but his spam filter was intercepting them. I've only ordered from Frank once. It went very smoothly, but I think all my items were in stock.

 

[paulsomlo]

Fellas,
I ordered a bunch of Nepros from franks over a month ago, I was sent an update email a day or so later stating my items would ship in 1-2weeks, I still have no confirmation of shipment or anything. I’ve emailed frank and had no return email, any other forms of contact to try?

This happened a few months ago, different forum member, email was going to Frank's spam. Try calling or texting at 603-395-7719.

By the way, this is my 1,000th post - do I get anything? A T shirt? Ratchet of my choice? Certificate suitable for framing? Good swift kick in the pants?

 

[nichocha33]

Thanks fellas will try contacting them


Sent from my iPhone using The Garage Journal mobile app

 

[guy48065]

... Didn't take many pics(did not want to be rude)...

Rude picture taking...in Japan...seriously??