Tools of Japan

[mr.lemons]

OLFA A-1 and SVR-2.

Update on using these. I took the plastic OLFA A-1 to work and it lasted only a couple of weeks. The black end is removable and then used as a tool to snap off portions of the blade when they become blunt. Third time I removed the end the yellow plastic snapped. Too brittle. Currently using the metal SVR-2 in its place which I hope lasts longer.

 

[Reed Prince]

Update on using these...

I recently upgraded from a Kobalt knockoff SVR-2 to an Ltd-01. It was a ￥367 amazon.co.jp add-on item. Has a removable end like the A-1.

 

[Dave455]

Thanks for your comments.

If you own both Koken and Snap-On sockets, would you compare and contrast them?

Sure - some pictures below. Pic 1 shows Snap On to the left, Koken to the right. Pic 2 likewise. And this is a regular Koken socket, not Z series / Zeal.

First impressions, there’s not a lot to choose. I said above that Koken had strong and weak areas, sockets are probably a strong one. Maybe the Snap On has a slightly heftier feel, but not by much. The finish is a maybe a bit better on the Snap On, but even that is a question of taste. The Koken has a slightly matte top half, much like Snap On used to, and I like that.

I think the Snap On chroming might be a little more durable, but I only really notice it on the extensions. The Koken seem to pick up marks more easily than the Snap On. I don’t notice any real difference in the sockets.

From underneath, although I thought the Snap On felt heftier, that’s not really reflected in use. Little wear is visible in either. That Snap On isn’t that old, but it lives in my main tool chest so is pretty much my go to. It doesn’t get abused though, and does get wiped out after use. The Koken lives in my road box, so gets used on any job away from home - automotive, machine setting, even house maintenance (I just used it for driving a load of coach screws). No issues.

The last pic shows, for comparison, an SK on the left, and an older British made Britool on the right. The latter is pretty much my standard for tough sockets, and the Snap On and Koken seem to be as good. The SK by contrast shows a few dinks. No abuse here, just a couple of reluctant bolts, but these don’t seem as tough as the others! The SK are now my scrapyard tools!

 

[giants]

Sure - some pictures below. Pic 1 shows Snap On to the left, Koken to the right. Pic 2 likewise. And this is a regular Koken socket, not Z series / Zeal.!

Thanks. In use, can you tell or see a difference between these two brands of sockets?

 

[jmhinkle]

I recently upgraded from a Kobalt knockoff SVR-2 to an Ltd-01. It was a ￥367 amazon.co.jp add-on item. Has a removable end like the A-1.

This is an all metal body? I got the cheapo's from fastcap for doing my Kaizen foam with and they leave much to be desired.

 

[Dave455]

And just for interest, some Koken specialities...!

Koken spark plug sockets. Really well thought out, and superbly made. The brass insert protects the insulator, and the spring clips hold the plug in place. I have yet to find better.

The ‘extended’ sockets are great for plugs that are buried away - no risk that you leave the socket behind when you try to pull it off a seated plug!

These universals are great, lovely and smooth and don’t get full of crud. The conventional ones are available if you prefer.

I love the hex bits. Many makers seem to really load the price of these but Koken don’t, and replaceable inserts are readily available (Stahlwille don’t like selling the inserts, which makes this design pointless). Good durable bits though!

Finally, a “Nut Grip” socket. The spring and ball bearings grip a nut while you locate it. Now these are “nut grip” not “bolt grip” so if you put a lengthy bolt in, especially a clean chromed one, they won’t hold. Work fine in the real world though!

Also remember that none of this stuff is costly, so I can actually afford to have it around, which has to be a factor!

 

[Dave455]

Thanks. In use, can you tell or see a difference between these two brands of sockets?

Not really, to be honest!

 

[superautobacs]

Great back and forth discussion here!

Mr. Lemons,

Thanks for sharing your user experience. Such information is always valuable.

I've been quite satisfied with my NT-Cutter model A-400GR: https://www.ntcutter.co.jp/en/products/detail/311. Die-cast aluminum body, but the pocket clip is plastic. I've been using it for 6/7 years now, daily at work. I've dropped it several times onto the shop's concrete floor, but hasn't failed me yet. Since I have pliers at arms reach, when I do snap a segment off, that's what I use.

If anyone is interested, I once did a feature video on Japan's ubiquitous snap-off blade cutters:

Also, a little teaser video of my latest tool haul:

 

[Reed Prince]

This is an all metal body?

I thought so until I just examined it closely. Outer part is plastic. Seems thick enough to withstand the end being pulled off.

 

[mr.lemons]

Spotted a walnut tool box from Nepros. Just a little bit posh.

 

[tylerg1]

Spotted a walnut tool box from Nepros. Just a little bit posh.

Holy **** that is beautiful!
Someone buy please and make a video



Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

 

[16again]

I'm wondering if the selector switch is stuck due to lack of lubrication of either the pawl or its spring? Can you open up the cover, check, then lubricate?

Pardon any mistakes - I'm just starting my second cup of coffee, LOL.

I'm going to do just that. No time at the moment though.

Thanks.

Yeah, I'd assume it would slip/spin without the set screw.


Same here. I've never noticed any selector jamming or any sort of internal sticking/binding. I've never opened up my Zeal ratchets before as I've never felt the need to.

I think the feel of the selector lever might be due to the fact that the Zeal mechanism is unlike other floating pawl mechanisms, as well as the fact that it uses a really low spring rate.


36-tooth Zeal ratchets were never meant to be "Snap-on killers/replacers"
They aren't marketed as such by Ko-ken and I don't think the users tout them as such either. It would be ridiculous if they did.
There's a place and need for high-tooth count ratchets, but there's still a place where low-tooth count ratchets can perform effectively.


I never thought of this until typing this reply.....
If one were brought up using modern 72-tooth ratchets from the very beginning and nothing lower, I can see why they'd balk at the thought of using a coarse-tooth ratchet. 24 or 36-tooth Ko-ken ratchet probably seems archaic by comparison, and anyone using them today has got to be old.


Oh, FWIW, I had the opportunity to play with probably around 30 Zeal ratchets, 3/8 and 1/4 drive, in all styles. I wanted to do a quality check on the ratchet mechanism of each ratchet that was on display at the store. To my surprise I did find one 1/4 drive Zeal ratchet that had a slight issue.
What I do is free spin the anvil one full turn and note whether the back drag is consistent throughout, and even between eachother.
I can tell you that the back-drag is consistent on each and every ratchet (can't say that with tool truck brands!).
It was just one ratchet that exhibited a slightly higher resistance at one particular section (maybe 10* degrees) of the gear.

The result of my inpromptu quality check was that:
the ratcheting feel was consistent throughout, in both 1/4 and 3/8 drive
Ko-ken products aren't devoid of flaws, as small as it may be, what I noticed was still a flaw

I grew up using Craftsman raised panel ratchets. As a senior citizen now, I've used them quite a lot. Still have a few I bought back in the 80's. Used them exclusively for the 1st 30 years before moving to Snap-on.

I'm very aware of the differences in the products. The lack of back drag on the Ko-ken is fantastic. I'm not looking to replace my snap-on with the Ko-ken, looking to compliment. The quality of the 3/8 Ko-ken is fine. The 1/4 drive selector is just horrible.

 

[giants]

I grew up using Craftsman raised panel ratchets. As a senior citizen now, I've used them quite a lot. Still have a few I bought back in the 80's. Used them exclusively for the 1st 30 years before moving to Snap-on.

I'm very aware of the differences in the products. The lack of back drag on the Ko-ken is fantastic. I'm not looking to replace my snap-on with the Ko-ken, looking to compliment. The quality of the 3/8 Ko-ken is fine. The 1/4 drive selector is just horrible.

Thanks.

What do you see the niche is/are for your Ko-ken ratchet when it complements your Snap-On?

How does the lack of back drag play out practically speaking in your situation?

Thanks

 

[16again]

Thanks.

What do you see the niche is/are for your Ko-ken ratchet when it complements your Snap-On?

How does the lack of back drag play out practically speaking in your situation?

Thanks

Having grown up with the craftsman low count raised panels, Ko-Ken very comfortable to use. Bonus is ZERO back drag! Snap-on is a high tooth count and when you need it, you just have to have it. I really think this is mainly a question of comfortable feel. Something that each of us has. Really no right or wrong answer/product. Simply a question of what each of us feels.

 

[jimmyin3D]

Thanks.

I'm having a bad experience with my SK 3/8 non-quick release. How hard is it for your to remove sockets from those two Koken ratchets?

I presume you got the 3753SM for tight spaces. If so, please give me some examples, because I'm not sure that my Toyota would benefit from this tool, although I really like the concept in general and that tool in particular.

Thanks

The 3753SM is great for places that are hard to access, spark plugs that are close to firewalls turning an engine over. I’ve even used it a bit under the dash to reach some tricky bolts.

I don’t think I’ve ever had a problem taking sockets off these two ever but I don’t recall ever really having a problem like that with any of my other ratchets maybe 1/4 sometimes cuz of how small the heads are with relation to a smaller socket.

 

[superautobacs]

Spotted a walnut tool box from Nepros. Just a little bit posh.

Man's jewelry box!!!!






Snap-On made this years before Ko-ken started producing them in 2006, but boy, did Ko-ken refine it. It's way better than the SO version.

<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/ccassan/28859687412/in/photolist-KYerBs-KYeruU-KYeryG-VmwRxZ-VmwRYD-ULihfm-L8tM9V-KbNJCU-L5Ec5E-Q72atS-Q9MLFV-GG6v9N-GG6vJL-GG6veC-EZ8GyW-FrGgdi-Fg27YN-Fppq6A-EtMmsG-FiiAjp-EtMmZo-Fg28JL-Eu8PMv-U4YKFA-QTQwgf-QexVAB-QexVxk-QexVyx-ReSJBL-QexVtx-FFRZ7h-ENHk5f-QexVvg-ReSJqy-ReSJou-QexVpV-QexVkg-QexVoc-ReSJjS-QexVez-ReSJeG-QexVin-QbJT63-QbJT6J-ReSJc7-QTQw2N-Rhwzpi-ReSJ8j-QTQw1f-QbJT3h/" title="Ko-ken 3753SM, Snap-on F734A .."><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/8452/28859687412_9969799579_c.jpg" width="800" height="450" alt="Ko-ken 3753SM, Snap-on F734A .."></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>


The Ko-ken 3753SM is multi-purpose. On some occasion it was used like this.
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/ccassan/31573250844/in/photolist-Q9MLFV-Q72atS-GG6v9N-GG6vJL-GG6veC-Fg27YN-FrGgdi-EZ8GyW-Fppq6A-EtMmsG-FiiAjp-EtMmZo-Fg28JL-Eu8PMv-U4YKFA-QexVAB-QTQwgf-QexVxk-PpE3hF-QexVyx-ReSJBL-ENHk5f-FFRZ7h-ReSJqy-ReSJou-QexVpV-QexVoc-QexVkg-ReSJjS-QexVez-ReSJeG-QexVin-QbJT63-QbJT6J-QTQw2N-ReSJc7-Rhwzpi-ReSJ8j-QTQw1f-QbJT3h-QbJSWq-QTQvZ3-QTQvWh-QbJSYj-QTQvUy-ReSJHh-RpGY8N-RpGYab-QexUHK-FJ9R5i/" title="Ko-ken, Nepros, Schley"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/745/31573250844_166c9056c3_c.jpg" width="800" height="450" alt="Ko-ken, Nepros, Schley"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

 

[Mikhail]

Craftsman impact screwdriver made in Japan by Vessel.

 

[jmhinkle]

Craftsman impact screwdriver made in Japan by Vessel.

Awesome! I didn't know they sold those versions as well. I have the ball grip model.

 

[4xdog]

I’ve used my Vessel Impacta screwdrivers several times — they work just as intended. I’m a fan of Vessel. Didn’t know they were private labeling for Craftsman. ...And I don’t have a slotted version of those drivers.

 

[mikebaker1129]

They have been on sale at Sears for $12.99 around here.

 

[Qualitytools]

Man's jewelry box!!!!






Snap-On made this years before Ko-ken started producing them in 2006, but boy, did Ko-ken refine it. It's way better than the SO version.

<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/ccassan/28859687412/in/photolist-KYerBs-KYeruU-KYeryG-VmwRxZ-VmwRYD-ULihfm-L8tM9V-KbNJCU-L5Ec5E-Q72atS-Q9MLFV-GG6v9N-GG6vJL-GG6veC-EZ8GyW-FrGgdi-Fg27YN-Fppq6A-EtMmsG-FiiAjp-EtMmZo-Fg28JL-Eu8PMv-U4YKFA-QTQwgf-QexVAB-QexVxk-QexVyx-ReSJBL-QexVtx-FFRZ7h-ENHk5f-QexVvg-ReSJqy-ReSJou-QexVpV-QexVkg-QexVoc-ReSJjS-QexVez-ReSJeG-QexVin-QbJT63-QbJT6J-ReSJc7-QTQw2N-Rhwzpi-ReSJ8j-QTQw1f-QbJT3h/" title="Ko-ken 3753SM, Snap-on F734A .."><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/8452/28859687412_9969799579_c.jpg" width="800" height="450" alt="Ko-ken 3753SM, Snap-on F734A .."></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>


The Ko-ken 3753SM is multi-purpose. On some occasion it was used like this.
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/ccassan/31573250844/in/photolist-Q9MLFV-Q72atS-GG6v9N-GG6vJL-GG6veC-Fg27YN-FrGgdi-EZ8GyW-Fppq6A-EtMmsG-FiiAjp-EtMmZo-Fg28JL-Eu8PMv-U4YKFA-QexVAB-QTQwgf-QexVxk-PpE3hF-QexVyx-ReSJBL-ENHk5f-FFRZ7h-ReSJqy-ReSJou-QexVpV-QexVoc-QexVkg-ReSJjS-QexVez-ReSJeG-QexVin-QbJT63-QbJT6J-QTQw2N-ReSJc7-Rhwzpi-ReSJ8j-QTQw1f-QbJT3h-QbJSWq-QTQvZ3-QTQvWh-QbJSYj-QTQvUy-ReSJHh-RpGY8N-RpGYab-QexUHK-FJ9R5i/" title="Ko-ken, Nepros, Schley"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/745/31573250844_166c9056c3_c.jpg" width="800" height="450" alt="Ko-ken, Nepros, Schley"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Superautobavs the photo you provided for comparison shows the KOKEN to have a QR however, the earlier post up above appears to be without. I have been eyeing that little ratchet for a couple of years now and finally placed an order from Franks Tools. I sure hope it has a QR as I prefer that over the non. Thanks for posting!

 

[measuredtwice]

Superautobavs the photo you provided for comparison shows the KOKEN to have a QR however, the earlier post up above appears to be without. I have been eyeing that little ratchet for a couple of years now and finally placed an order from Franks Tools. I sure hope it has a QR as I prefer that over the non. Thanks for posting!

3753SMB has a button and 3753SM does not. They are on catalog pages 85 and 84, respectively.

 

[Mikhail]

I’ve used my Vessel Impacta screwdrivers several times — they work just as intended. I’m a fan of Vessel. Didn’t know they were private labeling for Craftsman. ...And I don’t have a slotted version of those drivers.

Just for comparison, Crafstman and Vessel. They looks very identical if not the same.

 

[jmhinkle]

Just for comparison, Crafstman and Vessel. They looks very identical if not the same.

Craftsman has been selling rebranded Vessel quite awhile. That's why they say made in Japan. Both Impacta and the ball grip style. I now have both along with the Vessel models also.

 

[Qualitytools]

3753SMB has a button and 3753SM does not. They are on catalog pages 85 and 84, respectively.

Thanks for clarifying, I hope I am not too late to order the correct one

 

[measuredtwice]

Thanks for clarifying, I hope I am not too late to order the correct one

Just for comparison, Crafstman and Vessel. They looks very identical if not the same.

I like the hollow ground slotted. Wish there were more sizes hollow ground... with or without the impact feature.

 

[tomalophicon]

Received this today. It's really quite ingenious.

 

[giants]

Having grown up with the craftsman low count raised panels, Ko-Ken very comfortable to use. Bonus is ZERO back drag! Snap-on is a high tooth count and when you need it, you just have to have it. I really think this is mainly a question of comfortable feel. Something that each of us has. Really no right or wrong answer/product. Simply a question of what each of us feels.

Thanks.

I'm wondering if anyone owns a Cornwell 30 tooth (JR-3, JR-30, JR-301, etc) and a Koken to discuss pros and cons of each and compare back drag.

 

[giants]

Craftsman impact screwdriver made in Japan by Vessel.

Thanks. I have the individual Vessel version which says it's JIS.

Are those Craftsman standard Phillips or JIS?

Anyone know of a Vessel or Craftsman JIS screwdriver kit?

 

[measuredtwice]

I assumed that all Vessel drivers followed the Japanese Industrial Standard but I am certainly not an expert on Japan's standards. I do have the Vessel and Craftsman-branded drivers and recommend them.

 

[giants]

Received this today. It's really quite ingenious.

Wow!

I can't see the part number. Please provide it and let us know where you bought it.

 

[mfewtrail]

Wow!

I can't see the part number. Please provide it and let us know where you bought it.

S-026 Dual Snap Ring Plier from KEIBA. He'll have to answer the second question though.

 

[giants]

Superautobavs

I can't open the second link, "The Ko-ken 3753SM is multi-purpose. On some occasion it was used like this." I also did a YouTube search, but couldn't find it.

Would someone provide a hyperlink here?

 

[giants]

S-026 Dual Snap Ring Plier from KEIBA. He'll have to answer the second question though.

Yikes! It's like $45 + shipping on amazon japan. Anyone find a lower price?

 

[Mr. Tool]

Yikes! It's like $45 + shipping on amazon japan. Anyone find a lower price?

Try Ebay?

https://www.ebay.com/itm/163900472674


If you don't trust Ebay then how about this place?

https://us.misumi-ec.com/vona2/deta...DM0001586973122300574911411|15"}&Tab=codeList

Or even straight from Japan?

https://global.rakuten.com/en/store/i-tools/item/4962537411406/

 

[tomalophicon]

Yikes! It's like $45 + shipping on amazon japan. Anyone find a lower price?

Yes they're dear. I recently lost half my tools, including 3 sets of circlip pliers. If they do really negate the need for multiple sets of pliers then hopefully it's yen well spent.

 

[jmhinkle]

Latest acquisitions on the slow boat through Ebay. Both bits from the same seller, but each handle was from totally different sellers.

Have some more things arriving tonight from Amazon.jp that only took 3 days to arrive.

 

[jmhinkle]

An assortment of Olfa cutters for doing Kaizen foam. First Amazon.jp order arrived in 3 days. Total order was cheaper and faster than ordering from Ebay as well.

And the Vessel Impacta Craftsman bundle from Ebay.

 

[darkzero]

Latest acquisitions on the slow boat through Ebay. Both bits from the same seller, but each handle was from totally different sellers.

Have some more things arriving tonight from Amazon.jp that only took 3 days to arrive.

Nice! Same combo I got & posted not too long ago. They've came in really handy so far. Wish the faucet driver was only 15mm wide. Briefly thought about buying another one to grind down but don't want it to rust.

 

[jmhinkle]

Nice! Same combo I got & posted not too long ago. They've came in really handy so far. Wish the faucet driver was only 15mm wide. Briefly thought about buying another one to grind down but don't want it to rust.

Your post made me grab them. Didn't realize they were out there before that. Thanks!