Tools of Japan

[Roundhouse]

Nice! I need to add some of those to my next order.

But can you pound on the handle with a hammer ?

 

[mr.lemons]

 

[measuredtwice]

The composite wood grips are available on both. 330 is tang thru. 300 is standard.

 

[mr.lemons]

Limited colours from KTC.

https://sk.ktc.jp/toolset/color?fbclid=IwAR3Xc-czteyrX52mhywGLrD7vDRZGqxC-jH6yiESkIrwahdF3DukEMQkwOM

Thought it was a toaster at first glance.

 

[superautobacs]

@ toaster

Looks great as a standalone interior decor, too!!

 

[General Geoff]

I just ordered two full 8-piece sets of these. They look awesome.

 

[HazetMatt]

Has anybody tried these Koken bolt extractors? I have a bolt I’ve been fighting with and it looks like you could put one of these on an impact wrench and get better results than my attempts with an easy-out and a tap wrench have netted:

https://www.frankstools.com/koscexsers.html

 

[48548]

Has anybody tried these Koken bolt extractors? I have a bolt I’ve been fighting with and it looks like you could put one of these on an impact wrench and get better results than my attempts with an easy-out and a tap wrench have netted:

https://www.frankstools.com/koscexsers.html

No, but they look cool. I have bought from Frank many times as well.

Sent from my SM-N975U using Tapatalk

 

[darkzero]

Finally I found one. Been looking for one for a while, was able to get more than one, & brand new. OLFA 68B in Japan & CS-2 in other countries. These were discontinued & were replaced by the CS-5.

Handle is extruded alumnium, blades slide much smoother than the stamped housings. Double blade, other one is a saw.

Also picked me up some LBD blades (looks like these aren't sold in the US?). I normally use the LBB ultra sharp black blades. These LBD blades have twice the amount of break off sections as normal LB blades.

And a new cutting mat (my first OLFA) & a 6 pack of the saw blades for cheap. Got these 2 in the US though.

 

[E.T.]

I just ordered two full 8-piece sets of these. They look awesome.

Where’d you order from? I’ve ended up getting a set 1-2 at a time from Amazon.jp, just no snazzy carrying case.

 

[darkzero]

Don't know why but I really like that. That animation alone would make me want to buy those. And now I do want to buy them.

 

[General Geoff]

Where’d you order from? I’ve ended up getting a set 1-2 at a time from Amazon.jp, just no snazzy carrying case.

From a vendor on ebay:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/VESSEL-Non...-5-5-6-8-1-2-3-75-150mm-NO-B-330/253475005588

I couldn't find the through-tang drivers available from any seller that ships to the US on amazon.jp, sadly.

 

[davethorik]

I had to join the Olfa cutting mat club, too! Just kidding...i picked up this 18×24 and the matching Olfa 6×12 quilting ruler as Christmas gifts for my sister. Don't mind the Knipex, they are a gift for BIL's dad.

 

[E.T.]

From a vendor on ebay:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/VESSEL-Non...-5-5-6-8-1-2-3-75-150mm-NO-B-330/253475005588

I couldn't find the through-tang drivers available from any seller that ships to the US on amazon.jp, sadly.

You can choose the sizes individually, unfortunately I haven’t seen full sets outside of Rakuten and even those are backoreded now

https://www.amazon.co.jp/dp/B01BHQEMKO/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?keywords=vessel%2B330&qid=1577033882&sr=8-3&th=1&psc=1

 

[Slkay944]

When I tried ordering the vessel woody screw drivers from amazon japan, I keep getting they will not ship to my us address. How did you get past this?

 

[Davefr]

When I tried ordering the vessel woody screw drivers from amazon japan, I keep getting they will not ship to my us address. How did you get past this?

I just placed an order for all 8 B-330 thru tang drivers.

You need to make sure you're selecting Amazon as the seller.

The eight drivers comes to $55 + $18 shipping.

 

[RKA]

You don’t. It looks like the two sets that come up won’t ship to the US. But the individuals drivers are available for Amazon global.

 

[E.T.]

Don’t forget the stubs. Had to order the flat tip on eBay at over twice the price. Not having a complete set would drive me crazy.

https://www.amazon.co.jp/dp/B0160V5F9S/ref=aw_pd_cart_vw_1_1?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B0160V5F9S&pd_rd_r=H1Q9DB56PF8Z3J22XJZW&pd_rd_w=F8O4R&pd_rd_wg=7I246&pf_rd_p=629bbf2d-a8e2-4899-b35e-82aee2d35a08&pf_rd_r=H1Q9DB56PF8Z3J22XJZW&psc=1&refRID=H1Q9DB56PF8Z3J22XJZW

 

[mercucho]

Vessel & Anex Torx/hex bits.

 

[mr.lemons]

^ I would like to try some Vessel power bits. Is the power bit end (end that fits into a driver) the same as standard non Japanese power bits?

 

[mercucho]

I use bits of PB Swiss, Vessel and Anex and the connection format is not the same. Japanese screwdrivers should be used for Japanese bits.

The PB Swiss format bits are obviously not suitable for Japanese screwdrivers, although it can be used.

 

[FSUwelder1212]

So I am about to try my hand at ordering from amazon.jp . What are some must haves from you japan tool experts? So far I plan to buy koken zeal spark plug sockets and a pair of connector pliers.

 

[mr.lemons]

I use bits of PB Swiss, Vessel and Anex and the connection format is not the same. Japanese screwdrivers should be used for Japanese bits.

Thanks mercucho.

 

[CGarage]

The Vessel ratcheting screwdriver is my favorite...

 

[JiminAZ]

So I am about to try my hand at ordering from amazon.jp . What are some must haves from you japan tool experts? So far I plan to buy koken zeal spark plug sockets and a pair of connector pliers.

For me these have been a win:

KoKen wobble extension set 3/8 (with the knurled end) 3763/6
KoKen Zeal low profile 3/8 socket set RS3400MZ/8
KoKen Nut grip socket set 3450M/10
Vessel JIS "Phillips #2" screwdriver
KoKen non pinned swivels (the double jointed ones) both 1/4 and 3/8 3772Z, 2772Z
Koken non pinned swivels (the single jointed ones 1/4 and 3/8) 3771Z and 2771Z
KoKen 1/2" double jointed impact swivel 14772-P
KoKen 3/8 flex spinner (expensive but super useful to me) 3769H
I don't know the part no for the 1/4 flex spinner but I want one.

many people swear by the KoKen ratchets. I tried out the 3725Z which is quite inexpensive and very nice 3/8 but for some reason I don't use it very often. YMMV

 

[measuredtwice]

^ I would like to try some Vessel power bits. Is the power bit end (end that fits into a driver) the same as standard non Japanese power bits?

Vessel makes both. Here's an example of the ones compatible with American drivers.

They're on pages 69-72 of the catalog. --> https://www.vessel.co.jp/english/download/pdf/general-catalogue_E.pdf

 

[jimmyin3D]

For me these have been a win:

KoKen wobble extension set 3/8 (with the knurled end) 3763/6
KoKen Zeal low profile 3/8 socket set RS3400MZ/8
Vessel JIS "Phillips #2" screwdriver
KoKen non pinned swivels (the double jointed ones) both 1/4 and 3/8 3772Z, 2772Z
Koken non pinned swivels (the single jointed ones 1/4 and 3/8) 3771Z and 2771Z
KoKen 1/2" double jointed impact swivel 14772-P

I would also get:
Koken spinner adapters
KTC magnetic low profile adapters
Anex Trim Clip tools with the anti-scratch rubber
KTC universal hose grip tools
TOP Zero Monkey wrench
Koken T-handles
KTC Oil Filter Cups

 

[mercucho]

Vessel makes both. Here's an example of the ones compatible with American drivers.

True. In my case I use the Japanese standard because I have Vessel screwdrivers in this format.

 

[measuredtwice]

True. In my case I use the Japanese standard because I have Vessel screwdrivers in this format.

You've got some nice drivers!

 

[mercucho]

You've got some nice drivers!

Thank you.

 

[mr.lemons]

Vessel makes both.

Thanks measuredtwice. Strange, it's easy to find the Japanese bits for sale here but I'm having trouble finding the 'international' bits.

 

[Reed Prince]

Thanks measuredtwice. Strange, it's easy to find the Japanese bits for sale here but I'm having trouble finding the 'international' bits.

The only place I am finding them is the USA distributor JDV Products https://www.vesseltools.com/industrial-bits. Even tried search with Vessel written in katakana (ベッセル). I guess it's not too surprising that there isn't much of a Japanese market for these products.

 

[measuredtwice]

Thanks measuredtwice. Strange, it's easy to find the Japanese bits for sale here but I'm having trouble finding the 'international' bits.

I have seen them on Amazon Japan in packs of 10. Likely intended for industry rather than consumers. I haven't seen them available in sets of different sizes.

The Japan market seems to be their focus. I noticed Amazon USA is starting to sell some Vessel direct (in addition to the 3rd parties shipping through Amazon). Hopefully that relationship will grow.

Here's a link to the B35 bits on Amazon Japan. That's just one of the model numbers. I haven't done much shopping for them. I ended up just buying the insert bits and use an adapter.

https://www.amazon.co.jp/s?k=ベッセル(VESSEL)+b35&i=diy&page=3&qid=1577562233&ref=sr_pg_3

 

[Reed Prince]

An Amazon Japan search for "ベッセル(VESSEL) j" lists a number of the torx versions. Seems I should have been searching for the category found in the PDF instead of for particular part numbers.

 

[measuredtwice]

Good addition, RP.

Just saw this parallel tip driver from Tone. The tip has a parallel profile similar to PB Swiss. Sounds like the Phillips also has a new shape.

"The original shape of the plus screwdriver’s end can fit the bottom exactly. Then end of the minus screwdriver is parallel shape which is difficult to hurt the ditch.”

 

[superautobacs]

!!! HAPPY NEW YEAR !!!





I've been using ANEX bits with the 'Japanese' standard (13mm groove depth as opposed to the 'International' standard 9mm) for about 6 years. I have tamper proof T10-T40 in the 65mm and 150mm lengths, ball-hex bits in 100mm length from 3-8mm, and some miscellaneous bits.

The T-20, 25, 30 Torx bits have been my work horses during that time. I don't think a day goes by without using one or more of these sizes.
Their "Magcatch" is pretty much a permanent fixture on each of these bits. I have a few other standalone "Magcatch" inserts that I user interchangeably with other bits.

<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/ccassan/49311132551/in/photolist-2i8srJx-2i8srKp-2dY9b1S-2e3LGTM-2e3LGKk-2e16hyK-2dVviV5-2dVvj89-23zkCRm-228aDBG-23Niz7L-ZmudQn-21BYzty-ZbbuQq-ZbbuDy-Zbbut3-SdExkw-TgnedW-Raavju-PpE3r8-NMCY19-NvnHVu-MeDehK-MeDeFk-LhpTgr-p24ry3-pFq9Ce-oT4bWV-pPW4mN-oT1gGy-GVoJG1-Hcgc7s-Fzjm1k-HcfSjs-HcfSgG-GVo1Zo-GVo1UU-GqeXRx-HhFmPj-HhFmUE-GVo24S-GVo2bq-GVo2pm-HhFn1w-GVo2hC-LhpTec-MeDeBx-MeDezt-2bKuEND-2d4EiGm" title="The Work Horses: ANEX Torx Bits"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49311132551_bffcf3ebc1_b.jpg" width="546" height="1024" alt="The Work Horses: ANEX Torx Bits"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>


<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/ccassan/49311132601/in/photolist-2i8srJx-2i8srKp-2dY9b1S-2e3LGTM-2e3LGKk-2e16hyK-2dVviV5-2dVvj89-23zkCRm-228aDBG-23Niz7L-ZmudQn-21BYzty-ZbbuQq-ZbbuDy-Zbbut3-SdExkw-TgnedW-Raavju-PpE3r8-NMCY19-NvnHVu-MeDehK-MeDeFk-LhpTgr-p24ry3-pFq9Ce-oT4bWV-pPW4mN-oT1gGy-GVoJG1-Hcgc7s-Fzjm1k-HcfSjs-HcfSgG-GVo1Zo-GVo1UU-GqeXRx-HhFmPj-HhFmUE-GVo24S-GVo2bq-GVo2pm-HhFn1w-GVo2hC-LhpTec-MeDeBx-MeDezt-2bKuEND-2d4EiGm/" title="The Work Horses: ANEX Torx Bits"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49311132601_8a8a02e789_b.jpg" width="1024" height="576" alt="The Work Horses: ANEX Torx Bits"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>


When I initially bought these bits, I wasn't aware of the different standards, so to get by it I simply ground them down with a bench grinder to make them fit. Because you can control how much to grind, you can end up with a slop-free fitment (no fore-aft play)....at least with my Wera Rapidaptors.



Over the years I've come across some bits that are 'Japanese' and 'International' standard compatible, such as these ENGINEER nut-setters with a built-in fastener holding device, and this EIGHT "Taper Head" bit.

<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/ccassan/49311132456/in/dateposted-public/" title="ENGINEER & EIGHT Bits with Japan/Int'l Standards"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49311132456_54d21e09e4_b.jpg" width="586" height="1024" alt="ENGINEER & EIGHT Bits with Japan/Int'l Standards"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>


<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/ccassan/49311132506/in/dateposted-public/" title="EIGHT In-Hex Tools with Japan/Int'l Standards"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49311132506_01689c170c_b.jpg" width="576" height="1024" alt="EIGHT In-Hex Tools with Japan/Int'l Standards"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>



<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/ccassan/49311132486/in/dateposted-public/" title="EIGHT In-Hex Tools with Japan/Int'l Standards"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49311132486_d642cab8d1_b.jpg" width="639" height="1024" alt="EIGHT In-Hex Tools with Japan/Int'l Standards"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

 

[Van Steele]

Based on some of the GJ feedback, I ordered 6 Vessel Woody screwdrivers direct from Amazon Japan. I mainly wanted the phillips but decided to add a couple slotted since they were so cheap.

They just arrived. All I can say is WOW!! They look very well made and I love the wood/resin handles.

As good as they are, I just can't get on with them not being colour-coded. One of the reasons I got the cross-recess Megadoras through Toyota.

Some new arrivals:
Gisuke coin driver, Anex screw extractor bit and clip tool, Engineer crimper and wire strippers, Tsunoda pliers, Ko·ken regular and Z-eal sockets, Crab Tools thin open jaw spanners, Tone M-44 offset double ring spanners and M46 stubby offset double ring spanners.

Due to Amazon's weird pricing the 3/4" drive 32mm socket was the cheapest of the lot.

Happy New Year.

 

[mr.lemons]

!!! HAPPY NEW YEAR !!!

Some guys at work have small magnets permanently attached to their power bits. I've tried it but find magnetizing the bits works just as well. They do become demagnetized every now and again but not enough to be a problem. Does keeping the Anex magnets on bits have any benefit over using a magnetizer?

 

[scarittagle]

Asahi 3/8 lightweight Ratchet

I tried to buy a few Asahi lightweight combination wrenchs but sadly they dont make the ratcheting one.

 

[scarittagle]

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.


Tamiya Tools are over priced, you can find better ones & also made in Japan.