Tools of Japan

[BMack37]

I might have to give the gel version a try. I just got the tang through versions in but I like the heft and feel.


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They're definitely not hefty but that doesn't mean they aren't high quality. They're about the same weight as the green Megadoras and compressed wood Vessels, maybe a little bit heavier.

 

[Duker]

Ordered from JDV Products (US distributor)? It's interesting that they'd bundle the 900 stubbies with the 930 series.

I got these through a seller on eBay as I had some bucks to use up. I have a small OCD when it comes to screwdrivers! They will get a small workout this coming weekend as I have to install a bunch of electrical plugs and switches in my shop this weekend.


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[HazetMatt]

I posted a while ago about the Koken bolt extractors.. well I ended up buying a set from Frank's and they came in the mail today. They come in long and short and I decided to go with the long ones even though they were more expensive because I could foresee situations where the bolt breaks off farther down the hole. As expected for Koken they were flawless out of the package.

Put them to the test on a shock bolt that I've been trying to get out of my car for a year. The bolt was already completely hollowed out and chowdered from previous attempts. With the Koken extractor I managed to get a piece of the bolt which is more progress than I have made before, although I'll still have to tap it. I'm sure it's not advised but I put the extractor on my impact wrench at max torque and it held up just fine.

 

[scubadoober]

I am generally not a Irwin fan, but needed a small flexible saw for a vanity project. I was shocked when at Lowes saw that both of the Irwin pull saws were made in Japan. Possibly all of their pull saws. I just need to figure out who the OEM is for replacement blades. They call it a dovetail/detail saw. I need it for notching drawer boxes for Blum undermount slides.

 

[measuredtwice]

I am generally not a Irwin fan, but needed a small flexible saw for a vanity project. I was shocked when at Lowes saw that both of the Irwin pull saws were made in Japan. Possibly all of their pull saws. I just need to figure out who the OEM is for replacement blades. They call it a dovetail/detail saw. I need it for notching drawer boxes for Blum undermount slides.

Looks like Shark.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00004TBPU/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[scubadoober]

^^^Man you are quick! Thank you! The Irwins look much cheaper than the equivalent Shark. I will look for replacement blades and if I find them may get a couple more of the Irwin pull saws.

 

[measuredtwice]

^^^Man you are quick! Thank you! The Irwins look much cheaper than the equivalent Shark. I will look for replacement blades and if I find them may get a couple more of the Irwin pull saws.

Haha! I recognized it. Amazon still has my order saved. I bought the Shark saw in 2006 for $12.95 shipped. I took a look at mine and it is marked with the replacement blade number "01-2204". I don't know if it will work with the Irwin saw but seems likely.

 

[scubadoober]

After a closer look the blade is not replaceable. I noticed the handle was a little different, and rubberized. Oh well, we will see how it cuts. I am sure it would be hard to buy a replacement blade for what I paid for the saw.

 

[MetricTech]

I posted a while ago about the Koken bolt extractors.. well I ended up buying a set from Frank's and they came in the mail today. They come in long and short and I decided to go with the long ones even though they were more expensive because I could foresee situations where the bolt breaks off farther down the hole. As expected for Koken they were flawless out of the package.



Put them to the test on a shock bolt that I've been trying to get out of my car for a year. The bolt was already completely hollowed out and chowdered from previous attempts. With the Koken extractor I managed to get a piece of the bolt which is more progress than I have made before, although I'll still have to tap it. I'm sure it's not advised but I put the extractor on my impact wrench at max torque and it held up just fine.

I bought the shorter version from frank a year or so ago and Ive enjoyed them as well. I also have some larger koken external extractor sockets that work well 17mm to 25.4mm. They are made like turbo sockets


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[MetricTech]

I was looking at the Irwin and Vaughan pull saws on zoro when i saw they were all manufactured in Japan so i went on amazon and purchased this beauty.


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[measuredtwice]

67d1d4d90ac4fe04b4.jpg[/IMG]
I was looking at the Irwin and Vaughan pull saws on zoro when i saw they were all manufactured in Japan so i went on amazon and purchased this beauty.

Cool!

After a closer look the blade is not replaceable. I noticed the handle was a little different, and rubberized. Oh well, we will see how it cuts. I am sure it would be hard to buy a replacement blade for what I paid for the saw.

I think you're probably right. Probably not much difference in price.

 

[mr.lemons]

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.

Been using the SVR-2 at work for a couple of months now. Very Happy with this knife. Not only is the knife body proving to be durable but the stainless blades seem to hold an edge considerably longer than the non stainless blades. Thought stainless would be less durable vs carbon.

 

[Steve_P]

RKA,

Ko-ken has you covered. Part # 179B.12H.M12
You can add that M12 into your toolbox, ready for the next time you need to work on that idler pulley.

Do they sell these or the torx in sets?

 

[tylerg1]

First amazon.jp order
Very nice.



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[jimmyin3D]

First amazon.jp order
Very nice.



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Nice buy! Those are the best socket extensions out there in my opinion. Superior knurling on the ends, the wobble fix and also the price. You can’t go wrong.

 

[superautobacs]

Do they sell these or the torx in sets?

There isn't an all-inclusive set. The closest would be part# 1210E. It's a door hinge wrench set that contains a bunch of bits, but not all of the sizes available.

I found an amazon.co.jp link

 

[Steve_P]

Thanks!

 

[FSUwelder1212]

I’m in the market for some drill bits, any high quality makers out of Japan?

 

[mr.lemons]

Anex No.407 Mini. Screwdriver bit magnets.

Snug fit on PH2 bits but the hole is too big for PH1 bits so they rotate off centre. They do stay in place on PH1 bits so are usable.

Performed a very scientific experiment to compare a freshly magnetized bit to the same bit with the magnet attached. Magnetized bit could not hold larger than a 10mm 1/2" socket. Bit with magnet attached could hold a 19mm 1/2" socket.

Not sure if the extra magnet will help pull out stubborn fasteners or just get in the way. Going to take them to work and find out.

Edit. Relying on Google translate I could not find a COO on the packaging.

 

[nichocha33]

For those ordering from amazon jp, where did you find the Vessel woody screwdriver set, it keeps showing the shipping is unavailable to me on everyone I’ve clicked on. It’s possible that I’m doing something wrong as this will be my first order from there


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[jimmyin3D]

For those ordering from amazon jp, where did you find the Vessel woody screwdriver set, it keeps showing the shipping is unavailable to me on everyone I’ve clicked on. It’s possible that I’m doing something wrong as this will be my first order from there


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No sometimes things just aren’t available, I’ve waited a few days sometimes weeks for it to become available again. It’s kind of random.

If you want them more quickly I’ve ordered through eBay shipped from Japan, a little bit more expensive and sometimes the shipping takes a while. (There’s the 6pc set for about $60 right now estimated shipping time 2 weeks)

I’ve never ordered through global Rakuten but it’s like a Japanese version of amazon, and heard it’s pretty good. More competitive prices but I think shipping price will gouge you.

Good luck, and vessel makes great screwdrivers you’ll be happy with them I’m sure. If not in a rush I would personally wait for amazon.JP





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Check out my for sale listing in the classifieds:
https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=438994

 

[superautobacs]

Anex No.407 Mini. Screwdriver bit magnets.


Edit. Relying on Google translate I could not find a COO on the packaging.

I just looked at photos of the product card and it didn't indicate any COO. To me, that's implying that it's imported. My Vessel one stated "Made in China" on the product card.

I do have the MagCatch mini (part No.408) which is for shaft diameters between 4.5 - 5.5mm

https://www.amazon.co.jp/dp/B00G9IVVQ4/ref=pd_sbs_60_t_2/357-6200981-4178340?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B00G9IVVQ4&pd_rd_r=580a0ca4-0a68-413e-80b4-f27ebaa38e53&pd_rd_w=BessW&pd_rd_wg=ZE67j&pf_rd_p=ca22fd73-0f1e-4b39-9917-c84a20b3f3a8&pf_rd_r=9K1ZY0J3DC9NMFXQVGXF&psc=1&refRID=9K1ZY0J3DC9NMFXQVGXF

 

[tanukiboy]

I’m in the market for some drill bits, any high quality makers out of Japan?

The Nachi brand is very highly regarded.

 

[nichocha33]

No sometimes things just aren’t available, I’ve waited a few days sometimes weeks for it to become available again. It’s kind of random.

If you want them more quickly I’ve ordered through eBay shipped from Japan, a little bit more expensive and sometimes the shipping takes a while. (There’s the 6pc set for about $60 right now estimated shipping time 2 weeks)

I’ve never ordered through global Rakuten but it’s like a Japanese version of amazon, and heard it’s pretty good. More competitive prices but I think shipping price will gouge you.

Good luck, and vessel makes great screwdrivers you’ll be happy with them I’m sure. If not in a rush I would personally wait for amazon.JP





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Check out my for sale listing in the classifieds:
https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=438994

I appreciate the input, I will wait for a set on jp seems like I feel more comfortable using it as I’ve never used rakuten. Thanks again


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[theamcguy]

Been using the SVR-2 at work for a couple of months now. Very Happy with this knife. Not only is the knife body proving to be durable but the stainless blades seem to hold an edge considerably longer than the non stainless blades.

Anybody know the part number for the Stainless Steel Olfa blades for the SVR-2? TIA

 

[BK13]

So with Frank's not selling KoKen any more, I've half-heartedly been looking for a couple of sets of the Surface Drive sockets (2310 set and 3310 set) and Tone's stubby silver impact sockets (I can't remember the part number) on Amazon.jp. Is there a secret to search terms? I really expected to be bombarded with results, but my responses seem pretty limited....

 

[scubadoober]

Amazon.jp will auto-correct your search term by adding spaces. There will be an option under the search bar that says something along the lines of search original or did you mean. It has something to do with the translate function on Amazon.jp.

 

[E.T.]

And searching for the exact part number/ model number gives the best results.

 

[RKA]

So with Frank's not selling KoKen any more, I've half-heartedly been looking for a couple of sets of the Surface Drive sockets (2310 set and 3310 set) and Tone's stubby silver impact sockets (I can't remember the part number) on Amazon.jp. Is there a secret to search terms? I really expected to be bombarded with results, but my responses seem pretty limited....

PM me. I know I've got a set of surface drive's buried in the back of a drawer that I've never used. I just don't recall exactly which, but I can check tonight and get back to you.

I was able to find by searching the full part number (RS2310M/11 or RS3310M/12). But at the top of the results, it tells you it tried to translate your search results. Click "Undo" so it will search using the exact string you entered. That should turn up the sets. This may have been your issue...Amazon's smart search engine is unintentionally screwing up your search.

*edit* sorry, I was typing this while the other two responses came through. Anyway, that's your answer.

 

[mr.lemons]

Anybody know the part number for the Stainless Steel Olfa blades for the SVR-2? TIA

SVR-2 takes 9mm blades.

Olfa Stainless Snap-Off Blade 9mm (Pack of 10) = AB10S
Olfa Stainless Snap-Off Blade 9mm (Pack of 50) = AB50S

Link to the different blades here (UK website). The black 25% sharper blades look interesting.
https://www.olfatools.co.uk/products/2-Snap_off_Blades

Please confirm before buying, I have not purchased extra blades yet so this is just what I gather from looking at the website assuming that the SVR-2 takes any 9mm blades.

 

[jimmyin3D]

So with Frank's not selling KoKen any more, I've half-heartedly been looking for a couple of sets of the Surface Drive sockets (2310 set and 3310 set) and Tone's stubby silver impact sockets (I can't remember the part number) on Amazon.jp. Is there a secret to search terms? I really expected to be bombarded with results, but my responses seem pretty limited....

Yeah searching on amazonJP can be tricky, they use a lot of romaji (English words written from Japanese, surface drive= sa-feisusokettore-rusetto)

Here’s the 3/8 shallow:
https://www.amazon.co.jp/dp/B004IKTV5I/

1/2 shallow:
https://www.amazon.co.jp/dp/B004IKTWCU/


Look up the Koken catalogue on their main website it helps knowing which sets you want.

 

[BK13]

OK, thanks, fellas.

RKA, I'll shoot you a PM later today when I have more time.

 

[RKA]

Anyone have any feedback on the vessel 1/2” impact driver? It looks to be around $5X shipped from the US Amazon site. I didn’t find much when searching this thread, which was a bit surprising. Alternatively, a Koken AG112H, however than would ship from Japan, so I’m looking at around $125 shipped, which isn’t too appealing for a once in a blue moon tool.

 

[Dave455]

Anyone have any feedback on the vessel 1/2” impact driver? It looks to be around $5X shipped from the US Amazon site. I didn’t find much when searching this thread, which was a bit surprising. Alternatively, a Koken AG112H, however than would ship from Japan, so I’m looking at around $125 shipped, which isn’t too appealing for a once in a blue moon tool.

I have the Vessel 1/2” impact driver. Mine is quite old, but I don’t think the design has changed much. It’s an o.k. tool, and has survived repeated use on brake discs over the years, but it’s nothing special.

The Koken Attack Driver is in a different league, probably the best impact driver on the market. I bought one despite owning the Vessel. If I didn’t own either, I’d go for the Koken.

Although you might think that you won’t use one of these much, you tend to find uses once you have one. If you have a stuck screw to remove, these tools put everything in your favour. The hammer blow ensures the driver doesn’t slip out, the shock alone seems to help loosen things, and the sharp twist usually does it’s job. Great on glued or bonded screws too.

Bear in mind that the Koken set you have chosen includes a fair selection of impact bits, which add to the price.

 

[FSUwelder1212]

FYI Frank does still sell Koken. He just isn’t dealing with Koken USA anymore. I emailed him a week or 2 ago asking for clarification because I’m looking for some koken items I can’t find on Amazon.JP

 

[M6erfan]

I don't own the Vessels but they've been making those Impact drivers for a long time and have a good reputation.

I do own the Koken AG112H set and use it often, I like that it comes with an assortment of bits but I did add some long 8mm impact bits. It is a beast for stubborn fastener removal. For me the Koken AG112H was money very well spent.

If it's going to be a 'once in a blue moon tool' for you why not pick up any one of the $35 domestic jobbers that are available?

 

[M6erfan]

FYI Frank does still sell Koken. He just isn’t dealing with Koken USA anymore. I emailed him a week or 2 ago asking for clarification because I’m looking for some koken items I can’t find on Amazon.JP

Is that right? So he can still get the full Ko-ken catalog? That would be great!

 

[mr.lemons]

One week at work and I'm sold on the bit magnets. They don't get in the way if you keep them up on the hex part of bits next to the chuck and they provide a good bit more magnetism on the tip.

Surprisingly they got a bit of attention at work. A few guys came over to ask about them and want to get some for themselves.

I see Makita sell one similar as well as some of the Chinese websites.

 

[RKA]

I don't own the Vessels but they've been making those Impact drivers for a long time and have a good reputation.

I do own the Koken AG112H set and use it often, I like that it comes with an assortment of bits but I did add some long 8mm impact bits. It is a beast for stubborn fastener removal. For me the Koken AG112H was money very well spent.

If it's going to be a 'once in a blue moon tool' for you why not pick up any one of the $35 domestic jobbers that are available?

Thanks Dave, FSU and M6! I reached out to Frank to see what he could do. He has the other variation with 4 bits but I definitely want the set with the torx bits included.

Getting an inexpensive Taiwan set...yes, that would be the smart thing to do. I was wishfully thinking someone would give good feedback on the Vessel and that difference was not justifiable. Were it not for Dave's comment, I would have settled for the Vessel and left it at that. But having an obsession with good tools sometimes pushes me in the wrong direction.

 

[1foxracing]

^ I have the 250001 Vessel model, works outstanding for Honda brake rotors and old Japanese motorcycles with JIS crosspoint screws holding the side engine covers. This a family owned business that stocks Vessel products in the USA.

https://www.vesseltools.com/handtools/screwdrivers/impact/250001-detail
They also stock the replacement bits.
https://www.vesseltools.com/handtools/screwdrivers/impact/431801-detail