Yes, though purchased from i-Tools (Japanese tool shop) thru Rakuten.
See my original post #4191 about these.
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Tools of Japan
- Thread starter Frankstools
- Start date
Yes, though purchased from i-Tools (Japanese tool shop) thru Rakuten.
See my original post #4191 about these.
J.C.
Well-known member
Got my first Ko-Ken tools today... very impressed. Did a quick video to celebrate - will be taking some proper pics of them and doing some more comparisons later.
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/8I_BIXu5Aoc" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>
Probably not news to anyone who has hung out in this thread but boy, they're nice... I have only so far used them to put some handles back on a Snap On toolbox but doing so back to back with my usual 12-pt Taiwanese sockets makes it obvious that there's quite a big difference.
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/8I_BIXu5Aoc" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>
Probably not news to anyone who has hung out in this thread but boy, they're nice... I have only so far used them to put some handles back on a Snap On toolbox but doing so back to back with my usual 12-pt Taiwanese sockets makes it obvious that there's quite a big difference.
alcorelli
Well-known member
Thank you.
Now I must have a set.
Sent from my SM-T837P using Tapatalk
Now I must have a set.
Sent from my SM-T837P using Tapatalk
Awesome review, very good video. 
You'll be happy and satisfied with that socket set!
I have that set along with all my other various Koken tool sets, ratchets, etc.
You'll be happy and satisfied with that socket set!
I have that set along with all my other various Koken tool sets, ratchets, etc.
Very nice set[emoji106]
I believe that the only improvement on Koken would be to add some prominent knurling on their sockets. I would then sell all my 10 socket set and buy all Koken!
Sent from my iPhone using The Garage Journal mobile app
I believe that the only improvement on Koken would be to add some prominent knurling on their sockets. I would then sell all my 10 socket set and buy all Koken!
Sent from my iPhone using The Garage Journal mobile app
AceofSpad3s
Well-known member
- Joined
- Oct 1, 2014
- Messages
- 1,808
Revived the shipment yesterday.
The 3753N has several notable internal improvements over the original plomb-proto design. Thankfully unlike what I have heard previously, the screws on this were not peened in place.
Much more support around the bottom of the pawl where it rotates in the head. Proto can pull out or fall out, looks like the Koken can only be removed by sliding it out.
Two teeth engaging the pawl vs only 1 on the proto
The koken has a scallop in the head that restricts movement of the spring from moving back in forth (had this problem in the proto, to be fair it is in need or a rebuild kit I would say)
I can't really say what I was expecting from the size of the head, didn't really think of it but I assumed due to the heritage it would be very similar, but it was much smaller than I expected compared to the very large head on the proto.
Very good internal finishing, did not seem to have any lubrication however.
Due to better support internally, the Koken does not need the little tail on the bottom of the pawl that locates it in the body, which means it does not have the two holes in the head of the ratchet. Also the lever seems like it was pressed instead of peened so it looks very clean and nice.
The fit to the anvil is very good, very little slop in the gear. The proto probably needs a repair kit since it's basically a wobble extension built into the gear it moves around so much. Even with how worn the spring is on the proto, back drag seems about the same (I imagine the koken would be better than a brand new proto, not by much though I would bet), however the koken is much more positive by the virtue of being new.
The knurling is aggressive and clean, better than anything else I have, handle is more of a satin, then once you move to the beam and head, it is chromed. Chrome is good, do see some scratches in the finish on the left side on the side with the operating lever. It's not a problem in any practical sense, but somewhat disappointing given how nicely finished the rest of the item is finished. Overall, I fail to see any good reason to buy the proto anymore when this is only slightly more after shipping.
I would like it to be a little more fine, the zeal version is probably about right tooth count wise, but I prefer metal handles. I use my Sk 45170's most often, and 45 teeth does most everything, but I have run into situations with the proto (or the knock off torque wrenches that share the mech) where I couldn't do something because of the swing arc. Head is smaller than the SK's, which has sometimes caused a problem. Not a knock against it, but I would definitely be interested if they did something finer with a metal handle that still has very low backdrag.
Tone HPQA-02, was somewhat disappointed from the main body seeming to be out of aluminum and a steel 1/4 anvil pressed in, but it is lighter and only a 1/4 so I think it being light weight might make it easier to use for long periods over it being solid steel. Spinner really makes a difference on the 1/4 ratchet, the SK 1/4 is very small so it is nice to have something a bit bigger on it to speed up the process.
Got a single vessel wood composite handle screwdriver haven't tested it out with oil but with water it seems to work well at keeping grip. Finish has already somewhat worn off the end but it seems to be doing well and the handle is fairly comfortable. I really wish these companies would offer bit handle versions, would get more use out of it.
I have the philips/flat head set of craftsman vessel impact drivers that are being shipped to kmart (found $10 off) so I'll give those a try once I get them.
The 3753N has several notable internal improvements over the original plomb-proto design. Thankfully unlike what I have heard previously, the screws on this were not peened in place.
Much more support around the bottom of the pawl where it rotates in the head. Proto can pull out or fall out, looks like the Koken can only be removed by sliding it out.
Two teeth engaging the pawl vs only 1 on the proto
The koken has a scallop in the head that restricts movement of the spring from moving back in forth (had this problem in the proto, to be fair it is in need or a rebuild kit I would say)
I can't really say what I was expecting from the size of the head, didn't really think of it but I assumed due to the heritage it would be very similar, but it was much smaller than I expected compared to the very large head on the proto.
Very good internal finishing, did not seem to have any lubrication however.
Due to better support internally, the Koken does not need the little tail on the bottom of the pawl that locates it in the body, which means it does not have the two holes in the head of the ratchet. Also the lever seems like it was pressed instead of peened so it looks very clean and nice.
The fit to the anvil is very good, very little slop in the gear. The proto probably needs a repair kit since it's basically a wobble extension built into the gear it moves around so much. Even with how worn the spring is on the proto, back drag seems about the same (I imagine the koken would be better than a brand new proto, not by much though I would bet), however the koken is much more positive by the virtue of being new.
The knurling is aggressive and clean, better than anything else I have, handle is more of a satin, then once you move to the beam and head, it is chromed. Chrome is good, do see some scratches in the finish on the left side on the side with the operating lever. It's not a problem in any practical sense, but somewhat disappointing given how nicely finished the rest of the item is finished. Overall, I fail to see any good reason to buy the proto anymore when this is only slightly more after shipping.
I would like it to be a little more fine, the zeal version is probably about right tooth count wise, but I prefer metal handles. I use my Sk 45170's most often, and 45 teeth does most everything, but I have run into situations with the proto (or the knock off torque wrenches that share the mech) where I couldn't do something because of the swing arc. Head is smaller than the SK's, which has sometimes caused a problem. Not a knock against it, but I would definitely be interested if they did something finer with a metal handle that still has very low backdrag.
Tone HPQA-02, was somewhat disappointed from the main body seeming to be out of aluminum and a steel 1/4 anvil pressed in, but it is lighter and only a 1/4 so I think it being light weight might make it easier to use for long periods over it being solid steel. Spinner really makes a difference on the 1/4 ratchet, the SK 1/4 is very small so it is nice to have something a bit bigger on it to speed up the process.
Got a single vessel wood composite handle screwdriver haven't tested it out with oil but with water it seems to work well at keeping grip. Finish has already somewhat worn off the end but it seems to be doing well and the handle is fairly comfortable. I really wish these companies would offer bit handle versions, would get more use out of it.
I have the philips/flat head set of craftsman vessel impact drivers that are being shipped to kmart (found $10 off) so I'll give those a try once I get them.
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J.C.
Well-known member
Have been playing with a Ko-ken attack driver this past week and put up a short video on it:
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/s5VR1Nh2mw0" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>
By far the most effective handheld driver I have had... means I can ditch the couple of el-cheapo ones I have picked up over the years. The fit and finish is top notch and the bits have dealt with hammering out vice jaw screws that have been stuck for decades with no issues.
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/s5VR1Nh2mw0" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>
By far the most effective handheld driver I have had... means I can ditch the couple of el-cheapo ones I have picked up over the years. The fit and finish is top notch and the bits have dealt with hammering out vice jaw screws that have been stuck for decades with no issues.
Spied these Tsunoda KT-800 chain clip pliers on amazon. I have the Motion Pro master link pliers that I haven't been too happy with, they're kind of cheap in construction and work only so-so. I'm jazzed about the Tsunoda design. Saying they're a step up over the MP's is to put it mildly.
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jimmyin3D
Banned
Tone Maeda Flare Nut universal crows-foot set. Really nice finish, the joints are nice and tight. The strength is amazing, had an 8MM and 12MM from Japan but they’ve gone missing so decided to get the full set.
Attachments
Welcome! Just watch out your wallet whilst you are going through the posts...
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Thanks ! The spree has already begun. I just picked up some Koken stuff, Engineer pliers & Tsunoda side cutters. Not to mention the huge wish list that has been meticulously built up over on Amzn.jp
I wanted to build a nice tool set using German or Japanese COO items. Amzn.de has good pricing on the tools but horrible import duties and shipping rates for where i currently live. Amzn.jp is way better on those aspects plus, the tools cost less with comparable quality.
I enjoy working on my motorcycles and began around 15yrs ago when idint have much money to buy good quality tools brand new. So i used to scour the used tool flea-markets and picked up a few items here n there, like a pair of West German Fit pliers that had such finely finished jaws it was capable of cutting a piece of paper, a koken bit holder in 1/2" drive, a pair of Tsunoda needle nose pliers, 2 pairs of Knipex parallel jaw pliers and a few other things. But i never could find/afford to buy good quality socket sets, wrenches etc so i picked up el-cheapo chinesium stuff which i hated from the get go. They just didn't have the feel and the metallurgy was worse than elephant dung when it has cooled down. One of the 3/8 to 1/4 adapters even sheared during use ! I was disgusted by those tools.
Now i have given or thrown away most of the chinesium stuff and have slowly started procuring good quality bits, starting with the items i mentioned in the beginning. I did however keep some Tawainese made stuff so that they can be used for the real dirty jobs or if someone wants to borrow my tools.
I'd like to share some pics of the older tools i have but seeing how i can't post pics (even hotlink them) until i reach a post count of 5 or 6, i guess we'll have to wait.
cheers
Vicks
here's some pics of the Japanese tools that have now remained after i threw/gave away the chinesium ****
4 weeks ago i bought a set of these flush cutters and Engineer pliers
this Olfa cutter has been with me all around the world on an adventure ride than i did on my KTM. It's taken a beating but still works smoothly. The locking action is still positive and reassuring.
a recent acquisition, thanks to this thread. ordered from amzn.jp, havent used them yet but just holding them in ones hands and admiring the finish and quality brings me joy.
I don't have to say much about this one except that i'm now hooked to Ko-ken tools..
rookie mistake.... i had been using this set of Trusco JIS bits (COO Japan) in various sizes and loved them so much that i blindly picked up a pin punch assuming it would be made in Japan, my mistake....
a recently acquired TSK 1/2" drive wratchet although i'm not 100% sure its COO is Japan ? I wasn't able to find much info about the brand other than a possible hint at it being a sister brand of SK11, can any of you confirm ?
cheers
Vicks
4 weeks ago i bought a set of these flush cutters and Engineer pliers
this Olfa cutter has been with me all around the world on an adventure ride than i did on my KTM. It's taken a beating but still works smoothly. The locking action is still positive and reassuring.
a recent acquisition, thanks to this thread. ordered from amzn.jp, havent used them yet but just holding them in ones hands and admiring the finish and quality brings me joy.
I don't have to say much about this one except that i'm now hooked to Ko-ken tools..
rookie mistake.... i had been using this set of Trusco JIS bits (COO Japan) in various sizes and loved them so much that i blindly picked up a pin punch assuming it would be made in Japan, my mistake....
a recently acquired TSK 1/2" drive wratchet although i'm not 100% sure its COO is Japan ? I wasn't able to find much info about the brand other than a possible hint at it being a sister brand of SK11, can any of you confirm ?
cheers
Vicks
Handyandy23
Well-known member
How do you find the fit on these? I'm looking to replace a really cheap set of line wrenches that have poor fit and spread easily. Hard to find a set that has decent reviews and doesn't cost an arm and a leg.
I know this is the tools of Japan thread but here's a few remaining good bits of hand tools after the recent cleansing of my tool chest.
my favourite pair of pliers.. can easily shear a thin sheet of paper with those nicely machined jaws.
with enough caution, these can be used to crimp the hose clamps on a fuel line quick disconnect
a last remaining 1/2" Hex drive from Matador
a US made square shank screw driver from Landmark, i've used this one to pry supension bushings, adjust preload when i lost the tool and many other rough jobs and only managed to slightly bend it once !
not sure of the COO of these Irwin metal snips (hopefully UK ?) but they perform beautifully.
I love CoCaCo tools ! apart from 4 sets of circlip pliers, i also have their analogue vernier calipers.
for larger circlips, i use these Elliott pliers (UK made, i think ?) very smooth and absolutely no lateral play..
a good quality hammer is a must have, i had a few other cheaper (chinesium) ones which i ruthlessly threw away
I also love Knipex pliers, these parallel jaw ones are so good, i have them in 3 sizes.
and a good quality line tester too... i don't even remember when/where i bought these..
cheers
vicks
my favourite pair of pliers.. can easily shear a thin sheet of paper with those nicely machined jaws.
with enough caution, these can be used to crimp the hose clamps on a fuel line quick disconnect
a last remaining 1/2" Hex drive from Matador
a US made square shank screw driver from Landmark, i've used this one to pry supension bushings, adjust preload when i lost the tool and many other rough jobs and only managed to slightly bend it once !
not sure of the COO of these Irwin metal snips (hopefully UK ?) but they perform beautifully.
I love CoCaCo tools ! apart from 4 sets of circlip pliers, i also have their analogue vernier calipers.
for larger circlips, i use these Elliott pliers (UK made, i think ?) very smooth and absolutely no lateral play..
a good quality hammer is a must have, i had a few other cheaper (chinesium) ones which i ruthlessly threw away
I also love Knipex pliers, these parallel jaw ones are so good, i have them in 3 sizes.
and a good quality line tester too... i don't even remember when/where i bought these..
cheers
vicks
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Here are a few Tsunoda pliers that I’ve accumulated over the past week or so. Also just today received a pair of Klein fine point pliers too.
Attachments
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Reed Prince
Well-known member
It's interesting that the PN-200 cutters say they are for plastics, but show ratings for wire on the back of the package.
jimmyin3D
Banned
The fitment has been amazing, I had Snap On flare nut crows feet but the Tone have been so much more useful that I ended up selling the SO. I don’t really use my regular style Flare Nut wrenches anymore because of the Tone.
I would definitely recommend them. The way the Tone are made they are super secure on bolts, I really doubt them ever spreading. I love them haha.
Well made vid. Thanks for posting. Everything I wanted to know (including a practical demo) in less than 4 mins.
Hi Vicks. Welcome to the forum. If you are not aware, there is and 'Old World' thread that would welcome your pics and opinions on your German and UK tools.
https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=28952
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I've also picked up some small Tsunoda cutters. They appear to be impeccably made. The protruding pin stopper that prevents the jaws from over opening is a bit weird. Wrongly thought it was an adjuster of some kind as it sticks out so prominently. Feels like a bit of a crude after thought.
Edit.. Just noticed that the card in the back of the packaging opens out and shows the manufacturing process.
Edit.. Just noticed that the card in the back of the packaging opens out and shows the manufacturing process.
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Well made vid. Thanks for posting. Everything I wanted to know (including a practical demo) in less than 4 mins.
Hi Vicks. Welcome to the forum. If you are not aware, there is and 'Old World' thread that would welcome your pics and opinions on your German and UK tools.
https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=28952
Thanks
J.C.
Well-known member
Well made vid. Thanks for posting. Everything I wanted to know (including a practical demo) in less than 4 mins.
Hi Vicks. Welcome to the forum. If you are not aware, there is and 'Old World' thread that would welcome your pics and opinions on your German and UK tools.
https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=28952
Thanks! I find it hard to watch videos that take ages to get to the point so I tried to make it succinct. I have to do some more on other stuff from Ko-ken, Keiba, Engineer, Wise and Nepros...
I've also picked up some small Tsunoda cutters. They appear to be impeccably made. The protruding pin stopper that prevents the jaws from over opening is a bit weird. Wrongly thought it was an adjuster of some kind as it sticks out so prominently. Feels like a bit of a crude after thought.
Here's mine.. and i'm in awe of the finishing and precision with which this tool has been made.
i too noticed that the card folds out and shows the details of their manufacturing. My thoughts were that they must be massively proud of their metal working heritage to put the details on each and every product they sell.
Thought i'd share some more close up pics of the Engineer pliers
And here's my old King TTC needle nose pliers with a few extra features
like the wire stripper feature which comes in real handy sometimes. The pliers had a spring between the jaws just like the Engineer pliers but i remoed them for ease of storage in a tool roll, otherwise they would spring open and take up more space. Havent missed that feature ever since.
And here's my old King TTC needle nose pliers with a few extra features
like the wire stripper feature which comes in real handy sometimes. The pliers had a spring between the jaws just like the Engineer pliers but i remoed them for ease of storage in a tool roll, otherwise they would spring open and take up more space. Havent missed that feature ever since.
and here's a Hisatomi solder gun - well made when it comes to the mechanical feel, grip and build quality but the heating element failed within a week of purchase and the store i bought it from would not honour the warranty. So i kept it and replaced the element from a cheap chinese solder gun i had laying around. This was back in 2008 and it has run perfectly well ever since ...
I had purchased this Koken 3/8' set few weeks ago but never found the time to open it up and give it a thorough look. So now i un-boxed it once again, held each item in my hands, inspected the features closely and came to have a new sense of admiration for the skills of the Japanese who have.. should we say.. breathed life into steel alloy and made it a beautiful yet functional tool. I'll let the pics do the talking...
I had purchased this Koken 3/8' set few weeks ago but never found the time to open it up and give it a thorough look. So now i un-boxed it once again, held each item in my hands, inspected the features closely and came to have a new sense of admiration for the skills of the Japanese who have.. should we say.. breathed life into steel alloy and made it a beautiful yet functional tool. I'll let the pics do the talking...
While looking for some of the Tsunoda cutters discussed in this thread, I happened upon these Tsunoda RP-200 and bought them:
View media item 93069
There aren't too many 200mm Japanese needlenoses. These seem to fit somewhere between a traditional DIN pattern 200mm needlenose and an American pattern 8" needlenose (e.g. Klein).
Jaws are somewhat longer than Klein
View media item 93071
but shorter than DIN (here, Gedore).
View media item 93072
Thickness is also more or less halfway between DIN and American:
View media item 93073
These have one other unique feature: a gripping surface under the joint. I'm not sure if it is of any value, or if it's just a more painful pinch point if you grip them too high. But it's there:
View media item 93070
I've only used them once, but I'm impressed. They're definitely more like Kleins or quality DIN than a third-rate design/execution (e.g. Snapon). The joint is carefully machined, the handles aren't splayed too widely, and the gripping surfaces (on the jaws) grip as well as anything else I've used. Grips are a little slick. I usually prefer "comfort" type grips.
At all of $16.50 on Amazon right now they're a staggeringly good value proposition, too. In the 8" needlenose roundup I've been meaning to finish for months now, I suspect these pliers will punch well above their cost - and not only because they're the cheapest ones I've bought!
View media item 93069
There aren't too many 200mm Japanese needlenoses. These seem to fit somewhere between a traditional DIN pattern 200mm needlenose and an American pattern 8" needlenose (e.g. Klein).
Jaws are somewhat longer than Klein
View media item 93071
but shorter than DIN (here, Gedore).
View media item 93072
Thickness is also more or less halfway between DIN and American:
View media item 93073
These have one other unique feature: a gripping surface under the joint. I'm not sure if it is of any value, or if it's just a more painful pinch point if you grip them too high. But it's there:
View media item 93070
I've only used them once, but I'm impressed. They're definitely more like Kleins or quality DIN than a third-rate design/execution (e.g. Snapon). The joint is carefully machined, the handles aren't splayed too widely, and the gripping surfaces (on the jaws) grip as well as anything else I've used. Grips are a little slick. I usually prefer "comfort" type grips.
At all of $16.50 on Amazon right now they're a staggeringly good value proposition, too. In the 8" needlenose roundup I've been meaning to finish for months now, I suspect these pliers will punch well above their cost - and not only because they're the cheapest ones I've bought!
jimmyin3D
Banned
Some universal joint adapters I’ve acquired in the last couple months. The Nepros I just got them in today:
1/4 universals (from left to right)
Craftsman pinless impact, Koken Zeal double universal, Koken Zeal Universal, KTC Nepros Universal, and a Snap On 6MM Universal for comparison
3/8 universal:
Koken Zeal double Universal Impact, Craftsman USA pinless Impact, Koken Double Universal, Koken Universal, KTC Nepros universal
1/2 universal:
Koken double universal Impact, Craftsman USA pinless Impact, Koken Zeal Universal
Sent from my iPhone using The Garage Journal mobile app
1/4 universals (from left to right)
Craftsman pinless impact, Koken Zeal double universal, Koken Zeal Universal, KTC Nepros Universal, and a Snap On 6MM Universal for comparison
3/8 universal:
Koken Zeal double Universal Impact, Craftsman USA pinless Impact, Koken Double Universal, Koken Universal, KTC Nepros universal
1/2 universal:
Koken double universal Impact, Craftsman USA pinless Impact, Koken Zeal Universal
Sent from my iPhone using The Garage Journal mobile app
Attachments
toolaholic
Well-known member
toolaholic
Well-known member
toolaholic
Well-known member
toolaholic
Well-known member
Koken 14mm socket on a master mechanic 1/2 drive ratchet . Dedicated set up to remove the 14mm blade bolt on a Ariens professional self propelled lawn mower with a Honda GVX-160’engine.
Attachments
toolaholic
Well-known member
toolaholic
Well-known member
928'er
Well-known member
Conestoga.
The Conestoga Creek (now the Conestoga River) formed the northeastern boundary of my Grandparent's farm in Millersville, PA (the land has long since been swallowed up by Millersville State University under eminent domain). The Conestoga was my backyard. Spent most of my childhood in, or around, the Conestoga.
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BarryWells
Well-known member
I have some KTC, a few Nepros pieces, some Makita originals. Japan makes great tools............and utter garbage too......like evryone else.
redvalkyrie
Well-known member
- Joined
- Nov 12, 2006
- Messages
- 423
What are the part numbers for the Koken double universals?
jimmyin3D
Banned
1/4 double universal #2772Z
3/8 double universal #3772Z
3/8 impact double universal #13772-P
1/2 Impact double universal #14772-P
toolaholic
Well-known member
I grew up in birdsboro pa. My step dad loves to fish . We used to go to Holtwood pa where the dam and power plant was. I believe the conestioga river flowed into the Susquehanna there. Birdsboro has haycreek. Lots of good times at rustic oicnuc area at the creek.
J.C.
Well-known member
Picked up a 3756z quick spinner:
Has already been worth the asking price by making a couple of jobs way easier. Should have got something like this years ago... More pics here:
https://motofaction.org/tool-review...eries-zeal-quick-spinner-9.5-3-8-inch-review/
Also did a short video on it:
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/5m3v4b9_0cM" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>
Has already been worth the asking price by making a couple of jobs way easier. Should have got something like this years ago... More pics here:
https://motofaction.org/tool-review...eries-zeal-quick-spinner-9.5-3-8-inch-review/
Also did a short video on it:
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/5m3v4b9_0cM" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>