Tools of Japan

[darkzero]

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

Finally I helped someone spend their money here. Usually it's the other way around!

 

[theamcguy]

Nice! Same combo I got & posted not too long ago.

I ordered the same set after your earlier post. The handle and faucet driver arrived, still waiting on the coin driver.

 

[Reed Prince]

Bought a pair of Keiba KMC-307 pliers a few weeks ago, and just received the KMC-307B and KMC-037H. Their thin design makes them ideal for times when I need to pack a number of tools into a compact field service tool kit.

 

[darkzero]

I ordered the same set after your earlier post. The handle and faucet driver arrived, still waiting on the coin driver.

 

[Reed Prince]

Pliers already came in handy.

 

[Trucky]

Bought a pair of Keiba KMC-307 pliers a few weeks ago, and just received the KMC-307B and KMC-037H. Their thin design makes them ideal for times when I need to pack a number of tools into a compact field service tool kit.

Hello RP, where did you order the Keiba pliers from? I am interested in some of their High Grade pliers but availability seems to be pretty spotty in the 'States. Unfortunately on my trip I didn't get a chance to visit any good hardware stores

 

[Reed Prince]

Hello RP, where did you order the Keiba pliers from? I am interested in some of their High Grade pliers but availability seems to be pretty spotty in the 'States. Unfortunately on my trip I didn't get a chance to visit any good hardware stores

I bought them from Amazon Japan. I find that using Google to do a site-specific search (for example, keiba kmc site:amazon.co.jp) often works better than using Amazon Japan's internal search. Even putting in the part number of something I just bought from them sometimes produces zero results.

 

[16again]

Still waiting on one more 1/4” knurled Ko ken ratchet. Should be here tomorrow.



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[giants]

Still waiting on one more 1/4” knurled Ko ken ratchet. Should be here tomorrow.



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Great. What's the model number and link to the deal?

 

[jimmyin3D]

Bought a pair of Keiba KMC-307 pliers a few weeks ago, and just received the KMC-307B and KMC-037H. Their thin design makes them ideal for times when I need to pack a number of tools into a compact field service tool kit.

You will not be disappointed, I got a couple pairs similar to yours in there Precision line with the navy and green handles. The only regret is not finding them sooner, there’s not many choices out there for quality made precision pliers on the cheaper end.

 

[16again]

Great. What's the model number and link to the deal?

No deal, ordered each piece individually from AmazonJP.
I’ll give a review when the last one gets here. [emoji1303]


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[tanukiboy]

I find that using Google to do a site-specific search (for example, keiba kmc site:amazon.co.jp) often works better than using Amazon Japan's internal search. Even putting in the part number of something I just bought from them sometimes produces zero results.

Just a quick tip about searching part numbers at Amazon Japan. If you type in a part number like "34BK87A", for some reason Amazon almost always erroneously "autocorrects" it to something like "34 BK 87 A" and then gives you zero search results. However, there is a little "undo" button for the search autocorrect function. If you click it, you will usually get the product you're looking for. Hope you find this tip helpful.

 

[DEEBO]

Just a quick tip about searching part numbers at Amazon Japan. If you type in a part number like "34BK87A", for some reason Amazon almost always erroneously "autocorrects" it to something like "34 BK 87 A" and then gives you zero search results. However, there is a little "undo" button for the search autocorrect function. If you click it, you will usually get the product you're looking for. Hope you find this tip helpful.

That is priceless! Thanks, I keep searching for Ko-Ken numbers and the algorithm changes them constantly..


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[noid]

Any chance you can take a picture of the inside of the jaws?

 

[Reed Prince]

Any chance you can take a picture of the inside of the jaws?

 

[E.T.]

Good deal for someone. I already picked one up
Koken 1/4” metric socket set w/ metal case and spinner
https://www.amazon.co.jp/gp/aw/d/B004IKQ3MC/ref=ox_sc_saved_image_4?smid=AN1VRQENFRJN5&psc=1

3,728 yen

 

[16again]

Still waiting on one more 1/4” knurled Ko ken ratchet. Should be here tomorrow.



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Last one came in today.



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[Reed Prince]

Don't use a pencil but still want one of these.

Currently out of stock at Amazon Japan, but these are available. Only ¥6,849.

 

[jmhinkle]

White erasers work the best. Wait.....hmm....imagine that...something white good at erasing history.

 

[G1GRANDEUR]

that will last life time for me. lol

 

[1cargarage]

No erasers for me - thank you.

I made a mistake once, but didn't particularly enjoy it, so I just didn't do it again.

 

[Reed Prince]

You will not be disappointed, I got a couple pairs similar to yours in there Precision line with the navy and green handles. The only regret is not finding them sooner, there’s not many choices out there for quality made precision pliers on the cheaper end.

Here's a size comparison of the Keiba Pro-Hobby, mini EPO, and High Grade long nose pliers. The mini's have a much thinner handle. I am unfamiliar with the Precision line.

Saw this review on Amazon. Curious.

And after (re)watching superautobacs' snap-off blade cutter video I purchased the all-metal NT Cutter A-400GRP-RD. Only $5.15 at Amazon.com. Pictured with Olfa's Ultra Sharp Black blades. I think it's much nicer than the the Olfa knife I recently bought.

 

[RKA]

I bought a Vessel impacta P3 to remove the brake rotor screws on a 2 year old Honda. I feel like most buyers of this tool have this usage in mind. Not only did it fail at the task, it appears to have less turning force than a regular manual impact driver, even when I hit it with a 4 lb sledgehammer. I liked the idea, but for working on brakes, I think it’s a waste of money and more to the point, a gimmick. I would have been better off drilling out the screw.

Now to be fair, my 18v impact driver failed initially as well, then I turned up the speed and it snapped the Makita gold impact bit inside the screw head (screw didn’t move). The next wheel I put a torch on it then the impacta, still didn’t work.

 

[Eric29]

I use a Shake N Break on the rotor screws on my Hondas. Takes about 5 seconds to break them loose.

 

[RKA]

Yeah, I was out in the driveway trying to race what was left of daylight. I only wanted to hit them with anti seize while the tires were off to avoid problems down the road. I’ll get them out in the spring. Thanks.

 

[M6erfan]

I bought a Vessel impacta P3 to remove the brake rotor screws on a 2 year old Honda. I feel like most buyers of this tool have this usage in mind. Not only did it fail at the task, it appears to have less turning force than a regular manual impact driver, even when I hit it with a 4 lb sledgehammer. I liked the idea, but for working on brakes, I think it’s a waste of money and more to the point, a gimmick. I would have been better off drilling out the screw.

Now to be fair, my 18v impact driver failed initially as well, then I turned up the speed and it snapped the Makita gold impact bit inside the screw head (screw didn’t move). The next wheel I put a torch on it then the impacta, still didn’t work.

Those Impacta's don't have the oomph of a proper hand impact. My 1/2" Attack driver is the 'equalizer' for stuck screws.

 

[Reed Prince]

Decided to try out a pair of Japanese "oblique nippers", which I think are often used in telco work. Was first looking at Fujiya, but some Amazon Japan reviews said that they were made of softer metal than the Victor versions, so I bought a pair from Victor.

They were smaller that I would have liked (should have bought the 150mm instead) and also had hard plastic handles that were rather uncomfortable when squeezed tightly. So I decided to swing for the nicer Plus+ ZN70 – 150 ones, which I am more than satisfied with. I can see myself buying more Victor Plus+ tools in the future.

 

[Jambo1981]

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!

Thanks for this, it's really insightful and I must take a look at the Koken offerings.

 

[giants]

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!

Thanks.

What are the model and part numbers for the Koken spark plug sockets?

Are they 6-point or 12-point?

Have you tried magnetic spark plug sockets?

I know that Toyotas use 5/8" spark plugs, but I'm sure Koken lists them in mm. Is 5/8" simply = 16mm?

 

[Dave455]

Thanks.

What are the model and part numbers for the Koken spark plug sockets?

Are they 6-point or 12-point?

Have you tried magnetic spark plug sockets?

I know that Toyotas use 5/8" spark plugs, but I'm sure Koken lists them in mm. Is 5/8" simply = 16mm?

The plug sockets in 3/8 drive, with the spring clips and brass insulator protector, are 3300C, and you need to specify the size - 13, 14, 16, 18 or 20.8. These are 6 point, or hex to be more accurate.

The magnetic ones are 3305P, and these are 12 point, bi-hex! I’ve never tried these. The only advantage I can see is that they pull off the plugs more easily so there’s no risk of plug and extension separating. I don’t have this problem as I have the extended sockets as well.

Rubber insert sockets are 3300S, if you prefer.

Universal sockets are 3340C

Extended sockets are 3340C - 180/250 (according to length) with clips.

..and 3305P (plus a length) with magnets.

Then repeat most of those numbers with a 4 instead of 3 at the front for 1/2 drive!

There are other special plugs for glow plugs and injectors, in appropriate sizes!

 

[giants]

The plug sockets in 3/8 drive, with the spring clips and brass insulator protector, are 3300C, and you need to specify the size - 13, 14, 16, 18 or 20.8. These are 6 point, or hex to be more accurate.

The magnetic ones are 3305P, and these are 12 point, bi-hex! I’ve never tried these. The only advantage I can see is that they pull off the plugs more easily so there’s no risk of plug and extension separating. I don’t have this problem as I have the extended sockets as well.

Rubber insert sockets are 3300S, if you prefer.

Universal sockets are 3340C

Extended sockets are 3340C - 180/250 (according to length) with clips.

..and 3305P (plus a length) with magnets.

Then repeat most of those numbers with a 4 instead of 3 at the front for 1/2 drive!

There are other special plugs for glow plugs and injectors, in appropriate sizes!

Thanks. Newbie question here: 5/8" = 15.88mm. Is it safe to use a 16mm spark plug socket or do I risk the spark plug slipping and either getting damaged on the hex head or the cylinder head threads?

My Toyota has the spark plug attached deep inside the cylinder head, meaning that I have to use a 12" extension to insert and remove it, unlike my other car which has the spark plugs sticking out of the passenger side of the engine, no extension necessary.

 

[16again]

Left to right
Snap on, standard Koken, Koken Zeal.
I like them all equally, well maybe the “feel” of the standard Koken a little better. BUT... hate the Zeal selector switch.


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[Dave455]

Thanks. Newbie question here: 5/8" = 15.88mm. Is it safe to use a 16mm spark plug socket or do I risk the spark plug slipping and either getting damaged on the hex head or the cylinder head threads?

My Toyota has the spark plug attached deep inside the cylinder head, meaning that I have to use a 12" extension to insert and remove it, unlike my other car which has the spark plugs sticking out of the passenger side of the engine, no extension necessary.

Yes, it’s safe!

Although they call it a 16mm socket, the actual sizes of the hex on spark plugs are obviously standardised, and these sockets are specifically designed for them.

Sounds like they will be perfect for your Toyota! If I work on a vehicle with the plugs in a deep recess then I find the extended sockets work better. The regular length sockets, with the spring clips, hold the plug so firmly that sometimes the extension comes out but the socket stays attached to the plug!

I often find Japanese tools work best on Japanese vehicles. Shouldn’t be surprising really!

 

[RKA]

Alternatively, get locking extensions and get the regular length plug sockets.

 

[Qualitytools]

Here's a size comparison of the Keiba Pro-Hobby, mini EPO, and High Grade long nose pliers. The mini's have a much thinner handle. I am unfamiliar with the Precision line.

Saw this review on Amazon. Curious.

And after (re)watching superautobacs' snap-off blade cutter video I purchased the all-metal NT Cutter A-400GRP-RD. Only $5.15 at Amazon.com. Pictured with Olfa's Ultra Sharp Black blades. I think it's much nicer than the the Olfa knife I recently bought.

Thanks for the post, I had never used those cutters before but was intrigued by the look. I ordered and received my NT today, I like the feel and balance

 

[jack.dios]

Hello! Just wanted to share my recent purchase of Japanese tools. This would be my first round of purchase to replace all of my chinesium tools I had. List as the tools:

1. NT-Cutter L-500 Heavy Duty
2. Ko-ken 1/2” ratchet and 10 12 14 17mm 12-point sockets
3. Vessel Megadora P2 screwdriver
4. Asahi Revowave combination wrench 8 10 12 14 22mm

 

[mr.lemons]

Welcome jack.dios. Nice tools. This forum has an issue with pics hosted on Imgur. They only show if you remove the 's' from https when posting.

 

[mr.lemons]

Watched a feature on a British motoring show called 'Fifth Gear' about 'Torcon Power Lab' which is a Korean tuning company. Apparently car tuning is pretty new there due to recent changes in their laws. Anyway I always try and spot what tools are being used on car shows and spotted these.

 

[giants]

Hello! Just wanted to share my recent purchase of Japanese tools. This would be my first round of purchase to replace all of my chinesium tools I had. List as the tools:

1. NT-Cutter L-500 Heavy Duty
2. Ko-ken 1/2” ratchet and 10 12 14 17mm 12-point sockets
3. Vessel Megadora P2 screwdriver
4. Asahi Revowave combination wrench 8 10 12 14 22mm

Congrats!

What brand/models of chinesium sockets and ratchets do you own?

Did you buy the Ko-ken in a set or separately?

Where did you buy them from?

How have are the Ko-ken ratchet and sockets doing so farm especially when you compare them to your chinesium?

Would you post photos of #2 and let us know the part numbers for the ratchet and sockets?

 

[tomalophicon]

Picked up this NOS 3/8" socket set from a pawn shop - $82 AUD shipped. About $50US.
Nice pieces, very well made, nice deep nurling and very thin walls on the sockets. 6mm-26mm
The extensions have a wobble and a solid setting.
Any idea which company may have made these? Can't guess at the vintage.
You gotta love a tool with an acrostic poem on the tin.