Tools of Japan

[superautobacs]

holy moly...downloaded the Tsunoda Japanese catalog, these guys are the Koken of pliers.

http://www.tsunoda-japan.com/EN/index.html

For what its worth, a tool store owner in Japan that ran a family business for 6 decades once told me that Tsunoda/King TTC is DIY/Hobby grade compared to professional grade brands like Fujiya, Victor, and Merry. Not meant to put down Tsunoda at all, but that was something that stuck with me over the years. I have noticed that Tsunoda is pretty commonly found in Home Centers in Japan (at least the one's I've been to in central Japan).

Maybe also check Keiba, all they do is pliers and nothing else.

Hozan and 3peaks are also top.

Someone who has a big collection of Japanese pliers recommended me the Keiba and 3peaks.

I suppose you should try yourself in order to verify any claims.


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Yes, both Keiba and 3.Peaks deserve recognition. They are representative of, if I may say so, the Solingen of Northern Japan.

Thank you, I cannot find anything on the net I suppose is for local markets. I saw them first time whilst travelling in China.


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Hrmmm, "Japan Quality" ..... I'd be suspicious of the claim that it's made in Japan.

Same here. I still have my Tamiya, tools, paints, & RC cars from when I was a kid sitting in a box somewhere.

I don't think many of their tools are made by OLFA. Just these hobby knives are & I think maybe one other model.

Yeah, I have a pair of Tamiya pliers from 1989 and they are sourced from Keiba.

 

[jmhinkle]

Same here. I still have my Tamiya, tools, paints, & RC cars from when I was a kid sitting in a box somewhere.

I don't think many of their tools are made by OLFA. Just these hobby knives are & I think maybe one other model.

I still 8 with boxes and a couple without. Only 2 of them are the newer 3 speed repros. All others are my originals from about 10 years old and on. 2 of my Lunchbox's and my Clod are easily 30+ years old now. They were my first models and the others came after that so they are borderline on being 30.

Newer 3 speed Tundra

And for actual Japanese tools, picked up these scissors and found these paint stirs in a box.

 

[darkzero]

I still 8 with boxes and a couple without. Only 2 of them are the newer 3 speed repros. All others are my originals from about 10 years old and on. 2 of my Lunchbox's and my Clod are easily 30+ years old now. They were my first models and the others came after that so they are borderline on being 30.

Ooh very nice! You got some real classics there. Brings back memories!

Tamiya made some of the best RC cars back in the day. Well maybe not the best in chassis design but they were always the most detailed & scale looking. I loved Tamiya & Kyosho in those days.

 

[JBH]

Needed some new mini pliers, went all in on Tsunoda King TTC and I’m not disappointed.

Ignore last question. I found them. Model is MP-115. Very reasonably priced - a little more than $13.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002RDDLXQ/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Overall they're a fine little tool I think. They're a little beefier than the similar Orbis ones. The jaws are notably thicker. Finish is notably nicer than my old, beat up Orbises. Tsunoda's foamed handles are nicer than the slippery dipped Orbis handles.

View media item 97862

View media item 97863
Overall I don't think the extra beef does them any good at this size. The thinner Orbis can fit places these cannot. Unfortunately Orbis are hard to find. They may be long discontinued. Note the "W. Germany on the handles! These Tsunodas are a pretty good, and very inexpensive, ersatz.

 

[mr.lemons]

There's a guy on UK ebay that sells NOS orbis pliers at reasonable prices. Probably not reasonable overseas shipping though.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/anytoolg...hB0AAOSwrfVZRSdz&rt=nc&_trksid=p2047675.l2562

 

[cleeny]

Just FYI, i-tools through Rakuten is having a shipping promo till the end of the month.

 

[mr.lemons]

Anex offset adapter series.

Info here. http://www.anextool.co.jp/files/AOA-1930.pdf

 

[Reed Prince]

I've found that Tsunoda has a remarkably high quality/price ratio. The ones I have are not the equals of my Keiba and 3.Peaks pliers, but sure seem to be worth more than I paid for them.

 

[M6erfan]

I've found that Tsunoda has a remarkably high quality/price ratio. The ones I have are not the equals of my Keiba and 3.Peaks pliers, but sure seem to be worth more than I paid for them.

I agree 100%. I have a whole 2 Tsudoda pliers/cutters and while not on par with Merry or Keiba, they are great for the price and being made in Japan.

 

[Fj45builder]

1970s etc industrial 3/4 metric sae combo set, all the pieces are stamped tone Japan, not koken quality

 

[E.T.]

Just FYI, i-tools through Rakuten is having a shipping promo till the end of the month.

Nice, what’s the promo offer? Need a few Koken sets and Frank doesn’t have much left in stock at this point.

 

[Bigblue&Goldie]

Who is the best source for Koken now that Frank is no longer stocking the brand?

 

[E.T.]

Retailers are listed on Koken USA site. Frank definitely had better pricing. Amazon Japan is not bad. That’s where I’ve been getting most of my Koken tools lately.

 

[M6erfan]

Right now Amazon.JP is the best place. Rakuten can be good if/when they have shipping discounts.

Most of the retailers listed on the Ko-Ken USA website are very low on stock when I check, or have outlandish pricing. Too bad about FranksTools.

 

[Jacan]

Wanted a coin blade screw driver. Was looking at the PB Swiss ones but didn't like them too much, thought they were too expensive also. Found these by Anex. Plus they had what they call a faucet driver so I got that as well. I liked these better cause I could use them in a power screwdriver if I ever wanted. Picked up some mini handles by Anex too to go with them. Don't think I'd use them in high torque applications but if I need to I can just use a different handle. They were only $7-$10ea shipped.





I love OLFA stuff, wanted some more snap blade knives. The aluminum handle one is sold here in the US and is exactly the same, just a different model number. Only got the Japanese one cause I found a seller that had em cheaper & in the US. The grey comfort handle one is Japanese market only. Here we only get the yellow ones.

Did you got the anex on Amazon or Rakuten at that price?

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[cleeny]

Nice, what’s the promo offer? Need a few Koken sets and Frank doesn’t have much left in stock at this point.

From the email i got, something like spend $150 or more and get up to 42 bucks off shipping.
Not sure exactly as I haven't yet placed my order.

 

[measuredtwice]

Free shipping details --> https://global.rakuten.com/en/event/freeshipping/
I-tools store --> https://global.rakuten.com/en/store/i-tools/

 

[Jacan]

Free shipping details --> https://global.rakuten.com/en/event/freeshipping/
I-tools store --> https://global.rakuten.com/en/store/i-tools/

Thanks first time ordering from Japan, I was about to jump on it until I saw the minimum order or 150 dollars

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[cleeny]

Thanks first time ordering from Japan, I was about to jump on it until I saw the minimum order or 150 dollars

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Just buy a Tohnichi torque wrench and a Ko-ken ratchet

 

[M6erfan]

Just buy a Tohnichi torque wrench and a Ko-ken ratchet

Could do a lot worse....

 

[CGarage]

Vessel screwdriver set (made for general home use)

Japanese Quality is A-Plus Mazing!

 

[beefcake]

My new ratchet

 

[losvre]

Hello all,

I am wondering if there are any Japanese made Power Tools!

Let’s say Angle Grinder, Drill/ Impact Driver, Planer, Jig Saw, etc.

All Hitachi, Makita, etc.are mostly made in China with a few Feom Germany and England.

Please post Brands and any link of possible

Thank you & Have a good wkd !!!


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[Dave455]

Some of the Makita tools are made in Japan, my angle drill for sure, but this isn’t one of their cheaper tools. Some are made in the U.K. (some of the better cordless drills) but all the cheaper stuff is made in China.

I think Hitachi are basically gone. The Japanese made Hitachi was decent, but all the stuff I’ve seen over the last fewest years is fairly uninspiring Chinese. I think it’s all branded Hokey-Kokey or some such nonsense now anyway.

I bought a new angle grinder a while back and went for a Fein. German made, absolutely superb, and with a hunt around, little more costly than the competition!

 

[losvre]

Some of the Makita tools are made in Japan, my angle drill for sure, but this isn’t one of their cheaper tools. Some are made in the U.K. (some of the better cordless drills) but all the cheaper stuff is made in China.

I think Hitachi are basically gone. The Japanese made Hitachi was decent, but all the stuff I’ve seen over the last fewest years is fairly uninspiring Chinese. I think it’s all branded Hokey-Kokey or some such nonsense now anyway.

I bought a new angle grinder a while back and went for a Fein. German made, absolutely superb, and with a hunt around, little more costly than the competition!

Hello Dave,

Thank you for the feedback.

I haven’t seen any Makita made in Japan the last 5 years or so, the older ones yes.

How Your Japanese feels against the Fein, aside the the safety features like instant sto/ kick back etc.?

I will go to a tool fair in a couple of weeks and try to look into Makita and the others. I own a Bosch and a Metabo and both are very good.

I am thinking to try the Japan quality on a power tool.


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[Dave455]

I think the Japanese tools are getting less and less. I bought my angle drill probably about 5 years ago, so there were probably more around, but think it was about £180 then so not at the cheap end. Same tool is made today (the corded version) so it would be interesting to check where it’s made now.

Both tools feel good, both nice and smooth. I’ve used the Makita angle drill a lot more than the Fein angle grinder, but neither very heavily compared to a pro. No issues with either so far. It’s hard to compare the two as both makers offer quite a range of tools, and you can choose everything from relatively inexpensive to pro grade according to how much you spend.

I have to say, that while I don’t generally buy Chinese tools, I’ve got a couple, and I’ve found that the Chinese Makita seems generally seems to be serviceable. I have a little palm sander that I seem to be using all the time and it’s great!

I use the angle drill a fair amount too. Aside from it’s intended purpose, and I always seem to be drilling through or fixing to joists, it’s a much better balanced tool as soon as you want to use any accessories as you hold it so close to the head!

 

[darkzero]

Did you got the anex on Amazon or Rakuten at that price?

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I got them on ebay from 3 different sellers. Was part of my list of purchases before the CA internet tax kicked in. I can post the sellers I purchased from but they have all raised their prices since. I was worried that they wouldn't show up cause of the prices I paid. Took much longer than usual but they all did finally show up.

 

[CGarage]

Looking to purchase a Vessel TD-6804 and the TD-6808 (made in Japan not Thailand) ratcheting screwdrivers and haven't been able to find the actual shaft length. Is it about 4" /100mm similar?. The main reason I'm looking at it is because the 72 tooth count for a ratcheting screwdriver is only rivaled (from what I saw) with the Proto/Blackhawk Taiwanese COO ratcheting screwdriver (and I think it's discontinued now).

Also looking at the TD-6700 FX-4 and from what I can see it uses a spring-clip to lock in bits on both the flexible extension and on the shaft itself? From another members post I saw that he mentioned it was a spring clip design.

On the topic or subject of Engineer wrenches what is the COO for those and their Vise-Grip style pliers? Same question about the Vessel ratchets and socket sets. eBay sellers list the ratchets as being COO of China but some have said the sockets are made in Taiwan? Not sure why the COO is difficult to find for certain Engineer and Vessel products.

I own most of these and will be able to take measurements for you. Facom has a very nice ratcheting screwdriver (which I also own) but I always reach for my Vessel and like it better due to the handle dimensions and size.

 

[jmhinkle]

I own the 6700 and 6804. One of those is made in Japan and one in Thailand, don't remember which is which. I posted pics a while back when I got them in the mail. They both feel close to identical for the ratchet mechanism in use at work though.

 

[damon18]

Sears 3077 Japan needle nose pliers. Seem very good quality, do the markings
F and BF mean anything?

What would these date to?

 

[MetricTech]

Hello Dave,

Thank you for the feedback.

I haven’t seen any Makita made in Japan the last 5 years or so, the older ones yes.

How Your Japanese feels against the Fein, aside the the safety features like instant sto/ kick back etc.?

I will go to a tool fair in a couple of weeks and try to look into Makita and the others. I own a Bosch and a Metabo and both are very good.

I am thinking to try the Japan quality on a power tool.


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My high torque 1/2” dr 18v Makita impact was made in Japan. I posted it up here awhile back. I do love my Makita 18v tools but most are made in China now like most other brands.

I recently bought the Kuken die grinder from Frank’s (always wanted to try kuken but was always expanding on pliers and socket collections). Anyway wow I’m impressed with the quality, compact size, power, finish, and accessories that were included.

 

[Reed Prince]

I got a shaft length with the ratchet of about 65mm (177mm - 112mm). Any recommendations on a good bit holder extension? I'd like to extend it to a similar length like the Wera 27 or the Bahco 808050/P.

I have these Wiha extensions and they are very nice. https://www.wihatools.com/bits/bit-...nch-drive/retaining-ring-magnetic-bit-holders

The Wera Hexagon 889/4 R Standard Rapidaptor is another option. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B003KN3FK6/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[jmhinkle]

6700 FX-4 is made in Japan along with the 6804MG and the 6808TX. The other 6808MG and 6816 versions are made in Thailand. They're all 72 tooth designs.

From what I found here:

https://www.vessel.co.jp/english/userfiles/handtools/TD6800_fl_E.pdf

I got a shaft length with the ratchet of about 65mm (177mm - 112mm). Any recommendations on a good bit holder extension? I'd like to extend it to a similar length like the Wera 27 or the Bahco 808050/P.

Yeah, here's my post. My 6700 is Japan and I have the 6816 from Thailand not a 6804. I knew they were both 72, just couldn't remember which ones were which. Like I said, they do feel very close. I'd have to check again, but it seems like I remember the Thailand version being slightly smoother feeling out of the package.

 

[mr.lemons]

Spotted on ebay. The handle looks more in proportion compared to the woody pear head ratchets.

VESSEL 1/4" NON-SLIP WOODY SWIVEL RATCHET HANDLE HRH2-SW

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/VESSEL-1-4-NON-SLIP-WOODY-SWIVEL-RATCHET-HANDLE-HRH2-SW-/174062697241

Also available in sets. The 3/8" ratchet looks to be the same size as the 1/4" just with a larger square drive.

I assume made in Taiwan.

 

[rijndael]

More details here:
https://www.vessel.co.jp/english/userfiles/handtools/HRWSW_fl_E.pdf

 

[mr.lemons]

On the topic or subject of Engineer wrenches what is the COO for those and their Vise-Grip style pliers?

I have a pair of the locking pliers. Was told on here that they are 'not made in Japan.'

https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showpost.php?p=7630232&postcount=30082

 

[Steve_P]

I have a pair of the locking pliers. Was told on here that they are 'not made in Japan.'

https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showpost.php?p=7630232&postcount=30082

I have two sizes of the Three Peaks locking screw extractor pliers and they are made in Japan.

 

[Jacan]

Thanks first time ordering from Japan, I was about to jump on it until I saw the minimum order or 150 dollars

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I'm impressed, placed an order on Amazon.co.jp 4 days ago and today I got the products
I buy so many things from AliExpress that I forgot what is to get a fast shipping [emoji23][emoji23][emoji23]

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[honcho]

What's the forum consensus on Asahi tools? I'm interested in their lightool wrenches though I'm not sure they're worth obtaining since they claim only a 16% reduction in tool weight Their catalog at the link below has some interesting things, lightools on pages 21-26

https://www.asahi-tool.co.jp/img/catalog/catalog192_english.pdf

 

[losvre]

Very nice and sharp and the plastic is special antibacterial for the kitchen work.........///Made in Japan







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