Tools of Japan

[Dave455]

The regular ratchets are pretty much the Japanese equivalent of Snap On. There are a huge number of variations available. Short, regular, long, fixed head, flex, roto, standard or quick release, and a choice of three different handle designs.

I’ve got a fair few of these, and much as I like my Snap On tools, I have to admit that the KoKen are very good. Are they ‘amazing’? No, just very good! Are they as good as Snap On? I would say ‘not quite’. However, here in the U.K. I can get a KoKen ratchet for about a third of the price that I would pay for a Snap On, so perhaps the value is pretty amazing!

The Z Series / Zeal is a special range of tools specially designed for automotive work on modern vehicles. The tools are slightly more compact, and built to tighter tolerances, both between the fastener and the socket, but also between the parts that make up the system.

If you have Z series / Zeal sockets, then you really should be using a ratchet from the same series to drive them. You will find the fit is superb and the tools all work well together.

If not, you’re probably better with a regular ratchet. You don’t get the huge variety of ratchets in the Z series that you do in the regular lineup, and I prefer an all steel handle, which are not available in the Z Series either.

If I was only going to buy one KoKen ratchet it would probably be the 3/8 drive roto head with the knurled handle. Awesome tool. Superb quality, the heavy knurling means you can use it like a ratcheting driver, and has a heft and balance unlike any other tool!

Whichever you get - enjoy!

 

[Handyandy23]

Thanks for the info @Dave455. I like the suggestion because I don't currently own any roto head ratchets, or any with knurled handles, so it's nice to get something different.

That said, I'm seeing that model at just over $100 CAD on amazon.jp. Do you know of any cheaper venues to buy from? Or is this already good pricing for this unit?

 

[tanukiboy]

Can anyone advise on the differences between the "regular" Koken ratchets and the Z-eal line? I keep reading on here about how amazing the Koken ratchets are and how they have almost zero back drag, so was going to order one off Amazon.jp to try.

Just want to make sure I end up with a 'good one' to make future decisions based on.

Hi Handyandy23

I have both the regular and Zeal Koken ratchets in 1/4 and 3/8 drive. You really can't go wrong with either line IMO, but there are some differences.

The regular ratchets have lower tooth counts than the Zeal ratchets (20 teeth for 1/4 and 24 teeth for 3/8 in the regular line vs. 36 teeth for both sizes in the Zeal line). Backdrag is the same (super low) in both lines.

The main advantage of the regular line is that there are many more models to choose from. You can select ratchets with or without quick release buttons and with three different handle styles (soft, smooth traditional "hourglass" shape, and knurled). The Zeal ratchets don't have quick release buttons and are available only with a black rubber-like handle (except stubby).

If you want to look at the entire Koken catalog in English (316 pages), it's available here:

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

(It includes a brief description of the design goals of the Zeal line.)

Good luck!

EDIT: OOPS, looks like Dave455 beat me to the punch while I was writing this post!

 

[Dave455]

Thanks for the info @Dave455. I like the suggestion because I don't currently own any roto head ratchets, or any with knurled handles, so it's nice to get something different.

That said, I'm seeing that model at just over $100 CAD on amazon.jp. Do you know of any cheaper venues to buy from? Or is this already good pricing for this unit?

I’m in the U.K. so probably have different options. I buy from a firm called Consolidated Tools in Manchester who are by no means a big player, but seem to offer very competitive pricing and a quick turnaround.

Having said that, I think the price I paid for this particular tool was close to that. They are much more hefty tools than say a regular ratchet, so have always been more money.

I’ve attached a picture that shows a comparison.

If you like the knurling on the grip, you can get that grip on the regular ratchets!

 

[Mr. Tool]

Received my Tsunoda duck bill pliers in todays mail!

By the way, how does one make the pictures larger on the forum other than having to just click on each one?

Thanks in advance.

 

[Dave455]

EDIT: OOPS, looks like Dave455 beat me to the punch while I was writing this post!

Great minds think alike!

 

[Dave455]

Received my Tsunoda duck bill pliers in todays mail!

Hmm, that’s interesting!

I have a pair of cable cutters with the same line green grips.

Must have bought them ten years ago when I was asked to install a machine in a hurry, but didn’t have any tools.

They weren’t much money as I recall, and have been really decent, but I never knew the maker. Perhaps I do now!

 

[Mr. Tool]

Tsunoda heavy duty nipper pliers PN-200

Started looking more into Tsunoda tools and also found these interesting, especially after reading customer reviews on it.

Also the quality from Tsunoda is really exceptional to say the least. Top quality made in by book as I found this out after using the duck bill pliers that I recently received.

( http://www.tsunoda-japan.com/EN/ )

Ordered a pair and on their way.

 

[Reed Prince]

Hmm, that’s interesting!

I have a pair of cable cutters with the same line green grips.

Must have bought them ten years ago when I was asked to install a machine in a hurry, but didn’t have any tools.

They weren’t much money as I recall, and have been really decent, but I never knew the maker. Perhaps I do now!

The Tsunoda cable cutters I bought from Amazon last year have gone up in price a bit there, but have dropped by $1.26 from the place I later found by searching for King TTC instead of Tsunoda. https://www.fasttech.com/product/1260200-king-ttc-ca-38-8-professional-wire-cutter

 

[Mr. Tool]

Thanks for posting this!

For the price on these Tsunoda cable cutters that Fastech offered, again after reading customer reviews and a big plus on "Free Shipping" I quickly purchased a pair, couldn't pass it up.

By the way, what did you do to enlarge the picture when posting it?

The Tsunoda cable cutters I bought from Amazon last year have gone up in price a bit there, but have dropped by $1.26 from the place I later found by searching for King TTC instead of Tsunoda. https://www.fasttech.com/product/1260200-king-ttc-ca-38-8-professional-wire-cutter

 

[tanukiboy]

Thanks for posting this!

By the way, what did you do to enlarge the picture when posting it?

What I do to make a picture display full-size in a post is to upload the picture to my personal picture gallery and then copy-and-paste the "BB code" link (starts with "

 

[BigBoreFan]

Some new screwdrivers. They say product of Japan, not made in Japan. They were not to pricey. They are striking caps. They do have somewhat small handles.

And that red handles is somewhat pinkish. Looks nice.

 

[mr.lemons]

The Tsunoda cable cutters I bought from Amazon last year have gone up in price a bit there, but have dropped by $1.26 from the place I later found by searching for King TTC instead of Tsunoda. https://www.fasttech.com/product/1260200-king-ttc-ca-38-8-professional-wire-cutter

May be ok but I would be carefull buying Japanese tools from China. Assuming Fasttech is Chinese.

 

[Reed Prince]

Thanks for posting this!

For the price on these Tsunoda cable cutters that Fastech offered, again after reading customer reviews and a big plus on "Free Shipping" I quickly purchased a pair, couldn't pass it up.

By the way, what did you do to enlarge the picture when posting it?

I upload my images to a free account at https://imgur.com/ and then copy the BBCode share link.

 

[Mr. Tool]

May be ok but I would be carefull buying Japanese tools from China. Assuming Fasttech is Chinese.

Fastech is a store based out of Hong Kong and yea more than likely Chinese owned but Tsunoda products are actually made in Japan and that is what I find important. (hey unless you haven't heard 95% of Harbor Freight tools are made in China).

If by some chance I never receive my order for whatever other reason it gets lost, etc., etc. hey losing out on $11 bucks and change is OK with me. Believe me I've lost way more than that up to this point in my life time.

So that's no big deal.

Hey I've spent way more than that on beer!




Eventually I know I'd get my money back since payment was made using PayPal.

Oh and just for the record, online giant Rakuten is a Chinese owned company and is China's version of Amazon.

 

[beelsr]

Oh and just for the record, online giant Rakuten is a Chinese owned company and is China's version of Amazon.

Rakuten is Japanese. Based in Tokyo. The Amazon of Japan. Owns ebates.

 

[Mr. Tool]

Rakuten is Japanese. Based in Tokyo. The Amazon of Japan. Owns ebates.

Thank you sir for pointing that out.

I stand corrected.

Yes Rakuten is own and run by a Japanese company.

I meant to point out the online store Alibaba which is owned and run by a Chinese company.

My confusion.

 

[mr.lemons]

Fastech is a store based out of Hong Kong and yea more than likely Chinese owned but Tsunoda products are actually made in Japan and that is what I find important. (hey unless you haven't heard 95% of Harbor Freight tools are made in China).

If by some chance I never receive my order for whatever other reason it gets lost, etc., etc. hey losing out on $11 bucks and change is OK with me. Believe me I've lost way more than that up to this point in my life time.

So that's no big deal.

Hey I've spent way more than that on beer!




Eventually I know I'd get my money back since payment was made using PayPal.

Oh and just for the record, online giant Rakuten is a Chinese owned company and is China's version of Amazon.

Sorry I wasn't criticising or anything. I've ordered from Fasttech a few times without issues. My worry was about fakes not COO. Fasttech, gearbest, bangood offer good prices for Chinese sourced products but I thought it was odd that they also have good prices on Japanese made tools. Tsunoda tools normally ship straight from Japan when buying from the UK. If they turn out to be the real deal (hope they are) I may order some more myself.

Wiki says Rakuten is in Tokyo

 

[Mr. Tool]

Sorry I wasn't criticising or anything. I've ordered from Fasttech a few times without issues. My worry was about fakes not COO. Fasttech, gearbest, bangood offer good prices for Chinese sourced products but I thought it was odd that they also have good prices on Japanese made tools. Tsunoda tools normally ship straight from Japan when buying from the UK. If they turn out to be the real deal (hope they are) I may order some more myself.

Wiki says Rakuten is in Tokyo

Yes that was pointed out to me on an earlier post.

See my previous post #4220

 

[cptn_zippy]

New Z-EAL 1/4” drive set...so tiny. The ratchet is amazing...literally zero drag.



Stanley 99 for scale...

J

 

[Handyandy23]

New Z-EAL 1/4” drive set...so tiny. The ratchet is amazing...literally zero drag.

J

Nice set! Are the Z-EAL sockets shorter / smaller than regular 1/4" drive sockets? The walls on them look very thin from the pictures, but also wondering how much more shallow they are then a regular socket?

 

[GrayEngineer]

Yes, the Zeal shallow sockets are shorter than just about any other sockets with respect to the drive size. The Zeal sockets are in my opinion the nicest sockets on the market right now. Everything about them is excellent.

 

[cptn_zippy]

Nice set! Are the Z-EAL sockets shorter / smaller than regular 1/4" drive sockets? The walls on them look very thin from the pictures, but also wondering how much more shallow they are then a regular socket?

I just went and looked - wall thickness is slightly thinner than other sockets I have of comparable size, but you could chalk that difference up to just being a different maker. As far as height - the Z-EAL is about 2/3rds the height of your standard socket.

J

 

[AceofSpad3s]

Is there any information about the Vessel ratchets with the wood composite handles? The mechanism, backdrag etc? The concept is interesting but not enough for me to spend $35 on one, I cannot say I know much about their socket drive tools

 

[ChrisLS8]

Any feedback on the Tsunudo pliers? I'm looking to try out some Japanese pliers

 

[M6erfan]

Any feedback on the Tsunudo pliers? I'm looking to try out some Japanese pliers

I have a set of their soft jaw long nose pliers. They seem fine, those happen to be made in Taiwan though.

Keiba, Merry, and 3 Peaks are other MIJ pliers you might want to check out.

 

[ChrisLS8]

I specifically need Lineman/combos and end nippers. It is for a class not that I really will ever need them but figured I can go the CL or Knipex route but am also considering MIJ tools as well

 

[Reed Prince]

I specifically need Lineman/combos and end nippers.

I have a pair of these DF-220s and really like them, but the DP model might be more of what you're looking for.

edit: Tsunoda makes a number of reasonably priced end nippers

 

[Ms6peters]

New Z-EAL 1/4” drive set...so tiny. The ratchet is amazing...literally zero drag.



Stanley 99 for scale...

J

The Zeal 1/4”er is perfect for small HW with a hint of backdrag...my choice for anything interior or not greasy. A friend from Japan just brought me some Koken double-universal joints: 1/4 and 3/8.

 

[shteii01]

New Z-EAL 1/4” drive set...so tiny. The ratchet is amazing...literally zero drag.



Stanley 99 for scale...

J

Thank you for posting. I don't need the whole set, so I found offer on ebay where I can buy individual sockets, they will be great for getting into tight spaces (had some issues with that earlier last week).

 

[Tuc04]

Any feedback on the Tsunudo pliers? I'm looking to try out some Japanese pliers

I just bought the cable tie cutters and I’m impressed with how they work and the lack of sharp stub they leave. I have no review on longevity as I’ve only had them a short time.

 

[TjoFrasse]

Some KTC tools, both older and new.

The breaker bar is interesting, the handle is extendable. You can pull it back to get a longer handle, and you can push it forwards and get a socket to use it as an extension.

 

[AceofSpad3s]

How long does this shipments from amazon.jp usually take? I have been sitting at "Preparing for Shipment" for quite a while.

 

[ChrisLS8]

I have a pair of these DF-220s and really like them, but the DP model might be more of what you're looking for.

edit: Tsunoda makes a number of reasonably priced end nippers

Thanks for the info, I ended up ordering PZ-59s and Tsunudo end cutters

 

[BigBoreFan]

My Amazon Japan orders usually ship very fast, 36 to 24 hours. My last order did take a while to "ship", but once it left Amazon it was 36 hours to my house.

My US Amazon orders seem to follow the same pattern, except some pretty long times before it leaves the warehouse. I am not a Prime member.

 

[MetricTech]

Really? Amazon.JP has those Koken lugnuts for like $60(17.19.21)+ $20(22) for everything you have there. Even when you search in English mode on amazon JP sometimes things don’t come up(what’s usually the case is the English translation is off)


If you guys like Tsunoda check out the zip tie cutters. They’re the best gripper/flush cut I’ve ever used. Highly recommended:

Tsunodahttp://www.amazon.com/dp/B0756YR7XX/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Same I love my tsunoda zip tie cutters


Metric Tech

 

[mr.lemons]

^ Is the gripping area on the zip tie cutters functional for really cinching down zip ties? Sometimes I need to use pliers when my finger are slipping. Would be nice to only have to use one tool.

 

[MetricTech]

^ Is the gripping area on the zip tie cutters functional for really cinching down zip ties? Sometimes I need to use pliers when my finger are slipping. Would be nice to only have to use one tool.

Yep that’s exactly what the gripping area is for


Metric Tech

 

[Mr. Tool]

Just received my order of impact wheel nut sockets from Koken in this mornings mail!

 

[M6erfan]

Just received my order of impact wheel nut sockets from Koken in this mornings mail!

Rakuten?