Ko-ken Tools -- What Makes this Brand Special !?!?

[madwi]

Have you checked out the possibility of ordering direct from Amazon Japan? Lots of folks in the USA have reported that Ama JP's international shipping is reasonably priced and amazingly fast. Good luck!

My last order from amazon JP using normal shipping arrived from Tokyo to Toronto in 2 days via DHL.

I can barely get Amazon Canada to deliver within 2 days and they are in the same city!

I have had a good experience buying from AMAZON.JP also

I'll add another good experience. Usually four-ish days to Michigan. Everything has come extremely well packaged and shrink wrapped to a piece of cardboard inside the box.

 

[Qualitytools]

I'll add another good experience. Usually four-ish days to Michigan. Everything has come extremely well packaged and shrink wrapped to a piece of cardboard inside the box.

Indeed, Amazon US needs to learn from JP on how to package properly. The order from Amazon.JP was very well packaged as stated above.

 

[superautobacs]

To compliment this thread:

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<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/u56iKyMoDKI" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>







I got to see for my first time (and maybe last time ever), their titanium socket wrench set which came in this awesome wooden case:


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


This set was featured briefly in this video:


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[Samuel D]

That’s a nice video on Koken’s American connection, superautobacs. Taught me a lot.

Quick question for the connoisseurs: if a Koken product has Z in the model number, does that mean it’s from the Z-EAL range of low-profile tools?

 

[jimmyin3D]

That’s a nice video on Koken’s American connection, superautobacs. Taught me a lot.

Quick question for the connoisseurs: if a Koken product has Z in the model number, does that mean it’s from the Z-EAL range of low-profile tools?

Yes the Z in the product code denotes it’s from the Zeal line. However the Zeal line is not just low profile tools, it’s considered Kokens top tier line.

 

[Mr. Tool]

Could you please post a close up picture, part number, etc. of the "locking adapter" that you are referring to in the video concerning the smaller styled "free turn wrench"?

I already have the larger free turn wrench but now have been contemplating getting the smaller one too.

How is it by the way?

Any Pro's or Con's when actually using it?

 

[jimmyin3D]

Love Koken sockets and the Koken Zeal ratchets. The only thing I regret is not finding out about them sooner.

Very beautiful pieces. They are made precisely and without blemishes. Also a lot of thought goes into their tools. For example their double universal joints and combination quick spinner adapters.

If I were to rate them based solely on their catalogue of sockets they are definitely top tier. And there Koken Zeal ratchets as well.

 

[German Satin]

Easily my favourite tool brand. There's a charm about them; a uniqueness. It's an appeal that I don't really get from other brands.

 

[mr.lemons]

Was working outside in the rain today so my hands and tools were slippy. Thanks for the knurling Ko-ken.

 

[SRSemenza]

I know the answer to this is probably in this thread somewhere but it's a lot of pages to look through and searches are not helping.

What is the difference between Koken 2771 1/4" dr. Universal and 2771Z Universal. I know one is Z-EAL and one is not but I can't find any real info.

Seth

 

[General Geoff]

The Zeal is a bit smaller and shorter. Easier to fit in tight spots.

 

[M6erfan]

Everyone should have the Ko-ken catalog downloaded...

 

[jumbojak]

What were those Pathfinder sockets in the video? They looked cool.

 

[SRSemenza]

Thanks for posting the info.

OK, so 1mm shorter and an unknown diameter. And probably the same articulation.

I will try the catalog download, because that would be handy. But it seems that even the catalog is incomplete.

Seth

 

[Dave455]

What is the difference between Koken 2771 1/4" dr. Universal and 2771Z Universal. I know one is Z-EAL and one is not but I can't find any real info.

Seth

KoKen also say that the Z Series / Zeal tools are made with tighter tolerances and reduced clearances, both between socket and fastener, but also between the parts of the square drive. So, if you are using a Z Series extension and socket, you should really be using a Z Series universal!

 

[superautobacs]

Could you please post a close up picture, part number, etc. of the "locking adapter" that you are referring to in the video concerning the smaller styled "free turn wrench"?

I already have the larger free turn wrench but now have been contemplating getting the smaller one too.

How is it by the way?

Any Pro's or Con's when actually using it?

I can't remember who the American OEM is, but they have been sold by brands like SK, Proto, Wright, Snap-on, even European brands like Stahlwille and others I can't remember.

I don't have a close up photo, but google this and you'll see the part # and where you can buy them: "3/8 SK locking adaptor":
click for google image search

It's use it obviously limited, but if you have the space to operate it and you're not working on corroded fasteners, it's waaay faster than a ratchet or spinning an extension with your fingers.

 

[superautobacs]

What were those Pathfinder sockets in the video? They looked cool.

Yeah, they were once upon a time offered by Hazet.
Suited for assembly/production lines where nut-runners are used.

KoKen also say that the Z Series / Zeal tools are made with tighter tolerances and reduced clearances, both between socket and fastener, but also between the parts of the square drive. So, if you are using a Z Series extension and socket, you should really be using a Z Series universal!

 

[J.C.]

I didn't see that this had been posted already so thought I'd put it here - 2019-2020 catalogue is up in English now:

http://www.koken-tool.co.jp/catalog/en/HTML5/pc.html#/page/1

 

[jimmyin3D]

I didn't see that this had been posted already so thought I'd put it here - 2019-2020 catalogue is up in English now:

http://www.koken-tool.co.jp/catalog/en/HTML5/pc.html#/page/1

Those 3/8 drive nut grip shallow sockets with the hex adapter on it looks awesome. Dual purpose without sacrificing quality.

And the 1/4 drive 2120 magnet attachment, I’m definetley getting that.

 

[Seanny]

Those 3/8 drive nut grip shallow sockets with the hex adapter on it looks awesome. Dual purpose without sacrificing quality.



And the 1/4 drive 2120 magnet attachment, I’m definetley getting that.

What would that be used for? Besides grabbing things stuck way down yonder?


Sent from my iPhone using The Garage Journal mobile app

 

[jonshonda]

I have been frustrated with the amount of slop between the sockets, extensions, and ratchets on my Craftsman 1/4 drive sockets sets. Does Koken' s tighter tolerances eliminate that slop between those interfaces? I already have nice Snap On Ratchets, just looking for a higher standard in sockets and extensions.

 

[mr.lemons]

I have been frustrated with the amount of slop between the sockets, extensions, and ratchets on my Craftsman 1/4 drive sockets sets. Does Koken' s tighter tolerances eliminate that slop between those interfaces? I already have nice Snap On Ratchets, just looking for a higher standard in sockets and extensions.

Definitely yes when fitted on my ratchets and extensions. The fit of the square end is very consistent and does not rattle around. It's one of the things that makes Koken sockets so nice to use. Not tried Koken on a snap on ratchet though.

 

[jonshonda]

Interesting. I was watching some more Koken vids on YT last night and the Zeal lineup looks pretty neat. It doesnt seem like there is much for 1/4" drive sockets and accessories, or am I missing them?

 

[mr.lemons]

Catalogue has been posted on the previous page. I have not tried Zeal stuff. No knurling on the extensions. Anyone use both Z and standard Koken sockets find much of a difference in the fit and finish apart from the shorter sizing?

 

[noid]

Catalogue has been posted on the previous page. I have not tried Zeal stuff. No knurling on the extensions. Anyone use both Z and standard Koken sockets find much of a difference in the fit and finish apart from the shorter sizing?

The tolerances are tighter on the Zeal line; their normal line adheres to ISO tolerance standards.

 

[mr.lemons]

I've seen the marketing but always a sceptic so wondering if it's actually noticeable in use? Standard are very good so curious if there is an obvious step up in fit and finish on the Z.

 

[noid]

I've seen the marketing but always a sceptic so wondering if it's actually noticeable in use? Standard are very good so curious if there is an obvious step up in fit and finish on the Z.

Its not really marketing as much as it is a different tool.

A lot of industries are required to buy tools that adhere to ISO standards, so a zeal line isn't a 'premium' as much as it is a specialty.

Getting a broach that will make a smaller hex shape really isn't that hard. The cost to produce a zeal and a non-zeal socket should be fairly similar.

Finish is about the same, 'fit' is tighter because they are trying to shrink the socket as much as possible (tighter tolerances allow for a smaller socket).

Is it noticeable? Depends where you live, if you're in the rust belt; any help is good help.

 

[jimmyin3D]

What would that be used for? Besides grabbing things stuck way down yonder?

The Nut-Grip would be used for things out of reach or while working under the hood. Where dropping a bolt/nut would be horrible.

I've seen the marketing but always a sceptic so wondering if it's actually noticeable in use? Standard are very good so curious if there is an obvious step up in fit and finish on the Z.

I have both the Koken standard and the Zeal sockets. I don’t think there is too much difference in the fitment or quality. Both are very nicely made. However I only got the Zeal shallow sockets (1/4 and 3/8) for how extra shallow they are. In that sense for how small they are, the quality is amazing.

I wouldn’t hesitate to get either Koken standard or Zeal.

 

[toddmorr]

was doing the rear pads on my Lexus LX470 the other day. Using a Craftsman USA socket required me to remove a metal shield first in order to seat the socket squarely on the caliper bolt. Tried a Zeal socket and it's smaller size fit exactly right, such that I didn't need to take the time to remove the metal shield. Very impressed.

 

[Mr. Tool]

was doing the rear pads on my Lexus LX470 the other day. Using a Craftsman USA socket required me to remove a metal shield first in order to seat the socket squarely on the caliper bolt. Tried a Zeal socket and it's smaller size fit exactly right, such that I didn't need to take the time to remove the metal shield. Very impressed.

That's because Lexus, made by Toyota, being a product made from a Japanese manufacturer, same as Koken.

Koken, a Japanese tool company that sets itself apart from other Japanese companies by specializing in producing only high precision products in their tools.

Koken tools are all that I use when working on my Toyota Tacoma or my wife's Toyota 4Runner, perfect fit each and every time, without any problems.

 

[jonshonda]

What you guys are is is that as a Lexus GX470 owner i should be using nothing but Koken. Bye bye cheap craftsmen junk, hello Zeal!

 

[tanukiboy]

What you guys are is is that as a Lexus GX470 owner i should be using nothing but Koken. Bye bye cheap craftsmen junk, hello Zeal!

Don't get me wrong, I love my Koken ratchet handles, drivers, extensions, and sockets, but I always thought that the "official" tool brand at Toyota factories in Japan was KTC.

 

[Mr. Tool]

 

[tanukiboy]

I didn't see that this had been posted already so thought I'd put it here - 2019-2020 catalogue is up in English now:

http://www.koken-tool.co.jp/catalog/en/HTML5/pc.html#/page/1

If you want to download a PDF file instead of looking at the online catalog, here's the link (67 MB):

http://www.koken-tool.co.jp/catalog/KOKEN_201908ENSP.pdf

 

[Samuel D]

Hey, thanks, tanukiboy. I struggled for ages trying to find a PDF, print to PDF from the daft smart catalogue, etc.

So many companies are moving away from PDFs. No idea why. They work much better than alternatives for things like this.

 

[superautobacs]

Don't get me wrong, I love my Koken ratchet handles, drivers, extensions, and sockets, but I always thought that the "official" tool brand at Toyota factories in Japan was KTC.

Toyota and KTC have had a loooong standing relationship.
When Toyota was in Formula 1 racing, Nepros hand tools were used to service them.

 

[Fluelikesymptoms]

That's because Lexus, made by Toyota, being a product made from a Japanese manufacturer, same as Koken.

Koken, a Japanese tool company that sets itself apart from other Japanese companies by specializing in producing only high precision products in their tools.

Koken tools are all that I use when working on my Toyota Tacoma or my wife's Toyota 4Runner, perfect fit each and every time, without any problems.

I dont mean to sound like a douche here but other than stating that koken makes quality tools i dont understand the point your trying to drive here.

Koken tools dont fit better on your toyota better because there both japenese. Koken isnt coordinating their standards with toyota. Toyota isnt even making the fasnters that go on the vehicle.

I work for an undisclosed auto manufacturer here in the U.S. and we use koken sockets too. They are simply just great sockets, there tolerances are great, sometimes too good. Yes the japenese make good products, like toyota and koken. But that doesnt somehow mean that koken is the best tool brand to efficiently work on toyota.

 

[M6erfan]

I only use Ko-ken on my Japanese vehicles and Hazet on my German vehicles...

JK! As far as I can tell, my vehicle's fasteners can't tell the difference between which socket is turning them.

 

[giants]

From what I can tell, Z-EAL only comes in 36 teeth, non-Z-EAL in either 20 or 24 teeth.

Does Koken make any higher tooth ratchets?

Anyone have issues going from higher tooth count ratchets to the lower-tooth Kokens?

Has anyone had to warranty their Koken tools? If so, what was that like?

 

[M6erfan]

Ko-ken round head/swivel ratchets (3776P for instance) are 45t. That's as high as they go.