Tools of Japan
- Thread starter Frankstools
- Start date
Oplast makes screwdrivers for them. Before it was Witte, Germany. Hazet makes sockets, ratchets, extentions, wrenches. They rebrand pliers, which are also german made. Other stuff, not so. Especially power tools.
BigBoreFan
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- Oct 16, 2010
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Anyone using Tohnichi Torque wrenches?
I'm looking at the QL25N-MH, 5 to 25Nm, and the QL140N-MH, 30 to 140Nm.
These would be for Motorcycle use.
Approx $250 shipped from Amazon.jp.
I'm looking at the QL25N-MH, 5 to 25Nm, and the QL140N-MH, 30 to 140Nm.
These would be for Motorcycle use.
Approx $250 shipped from Amazon.jp.
Yea I do.
I've got two...a Tohnichi SF12N 1/4" flat beam torque wrench and a Tohnichi MTQL70N (10-70 N-m) click type torque wrench.
Both are excellent!
Can't say enough about Tohnichi torque wrenches. When you buy a brand new Tohnichi torque wrench your getting more than just a tool with torque. Your getting quality, durability, precision, accuracy, dependability along with longevity, IMHO.
https://www.tohnichi.com/products/adjustable-torque-wrench-QLMH.htm
No matter what size Tohnichi torque wrench used or for what application you are using it for you won't be disappointed!
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bargainhuntingking
Well-known member
Looks like a well stocked store. I have not seen Tajima before so I was surprised to read that they (or the parent company) is 'Japan’s largest manufacturer of hand tools.' Their website states that Tajima has 'global production facilities.' Does this mean the tools are not made in Japan?
From their website
'Founded in 1909 as a manufacturer of steel tape rules, TJM Design Corporation (formerly Tajima Tool Corporation) is Japan’s largest manufacturer of hand tools and owner of the Tajima brand of professional-grade tools, with global production facilities. A privately owned company, Tajima continues a tradition of excellence in the manufacturing of its tools. Excellence in design, in the selection of materials, and in the production and quality control processes.
The result is a line of tools that offers exceptional features and function at a high level of quality rarely seen in today’s industry.
Tajima tools are marketed worldwide via a network of distributors and professional sales representatives supported by a dedicated team of sales/marketing, inventory management and logistics personnel.
Tajima Tool Corporation (USA), sponsor of this site, is a wholly owned subsidiary established in 2000 to support the North American market with a sales/marketing, warehouse, and freight forwarding operation based in Southern California.'
From their website
'Founded in 1909 as a manufacturer of steel tape rules, TJM Design Corporation (formerly Tajima Tool Corporation) is Japan’s largest manufacturer of hand tools and owner of the Tajima brand of professional-grade tools, with global production facilities. A privately owned company, Tajima continues a tradition of excellence in the manufacturing of its tools. Excellence in design, in the selection of materials, and in the production and quality control processes.
The result is a line of tools that offers exceptional features and function at a high level of quality rarely seen in today’s industry.
Tajima tools are marketed worldwide via a network of distributors and professional sales representatives supported by a dedicated team of sales/marketing, inventory management and logistics personnel.
Tajima Tool Corporation (USA), sponsor of this site, is a wholly owned subsidiary established in 2000 to support the North American market with a sales/marketing, warehouse, and freight forwarding operation based in Southern California.'
Qualitytools
Well-known member
Interesting! I had not heard of them either, in fact I am in Southern California so what's the name of your store that you saw them at? is it something like Ace Hardware or...........
Pretty cool to see this display pop up at my local hardware store:
Whoa, where is this?
Attachments
demarpaint
Well-known member
I bought these from Amazon about a year ago. They're great.
Engineer Neji-saurus RX PZ-59 Screw Pliers
Engineer Neji-saurus RX PZ-59 Screw Pliers
terrapinwheeler
Member
I bought these from Amazon about a year ago. They're great.
Engineer Neji-saurus RX PZ-59 Screw Pliers
They are awesome and cheaper than the Vampire Tools rebrand.
demarpaint
Well-known member
They've been great. The reason why I bought them and not the Vampire was the price. IIRC the only difference was the color of the grips.
demarpaint
Well-known member
I haven't seen them yet, thanks.
Tajima measuring tapes and knives look to be made in China. 
Quote from Tajima facebook posted in 2014...
'Tajima is a Japanese brand now is manufactured in china under quality control from Japan with all Japanese material , now they have four factories in china for producing measuring tape , cutter knives , pliers , socket and wrenches.'
Quote from Tajima facebook posted in 2014...
'Tajima is a Japanese brand now is manufactured in china under quality control from Japan with all Japanese material , now they have four factories in china for producing measuring tape , cutter knives , pliers , socket and wrenches.'
bargainhuntingking
Well-known member
It’s an independent hardware store in Bellingham, WA called Hardware Sales.
Some of the products may indeed be manufactured outside of Japan. I haven’t had a chance to research it.
Some of the products may indeed be manufactured outside of Japan. I haven’t had a chance to research it.
Thank you. Might be time to talk my dad into a road trip.
bargainhuntingking
Well-known member
BK13 said:
I think it’d be worth your while. It’s the best hardware store that I’ve ever been too. I feel fortunate to have it in my town. It has an upstairs and other out buildings as well. I’d been visiting it for a couple years without even realizing there was an upstairs to it... it’s a great place just to walk the isles and explore. And yes, it’s extremely well-stocked.
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ex-x-fire
Well-known member
I recently found a 3/8 breaker bar at a thrift store that I took home, It's marked American Continental Japan. This thing is nice, right up there with SK if you ask me.
It may be on the packaging. Worth a look if you go in there again.
terrapinwheeler
Member
1foxracing
Well-known member
^ Pratt-Read use to offer this set but I don' think they offer it today. I think Menards still sells this set as MasterForce.
terrapinwheeler
Member
^ Pratt-Read use to offer this set but I don' think they offer it today. I think Menards still sells this set as MasterForce.
I just ordered two sets. Thanks mate!
Reed Prince
Well-known member
TLCObsession
Well-known member
Pretty cool to see this display pop up at my local hardware store:
Amen to that! I also usually mention Hardwicks in Seattle in the University District. https://hardwickandsons.com/ Lots of Japanese tools there.
Also for the record - the Tajima plumb bobs are favorites of craftspeople - especially carpenters.
terrapinwheeler
Member
Another good one, thank you.
Reed Prince
Well-known member
Here's the TOP FRC-6000 wrench set I bought from Frankstools when I went there to buy the Merry connector pliers that were recently featured in this thread. The wrenches were a "Daily Special", but weeks later they still are, so I guess the they are something that isn't selling well and he is trying to clear out of inventory.
Are they a good deal for $99? More experienced wrench purchasers could probably answer that question better than I can. All I know is that the price was better than anywhere else I found them on the internet. And the ratchets are buttery smooth, with each one having far less backdrag than the other comparable wrenches I have, Wera Jokers and mid-grade "big box" Bostitchs.
This Tajima GS-16/5MBW arrived a few days ago. I've wanted something metric for a while. It really looks and feels like an excellent tool. It is made in China, but as AvE says, the Chinese will make things as good or as cheap as you want them to. Don't have a Japanese-made one to compare it to, of course.
Are they a good deal for $99? More experienced wrench purchasers could probably answer that question better than I can. All I know is that the price was better than anywhere else I found them on the internet. And the ratchets are buttery smooth, with each one having far less backdrag than the other comparable wrenches I have, Wera Jokers and mid-grade "big box" Bostitchs.
This Tajima GS-16/5MBW arrived a few days ago. I've wanted something metric for a while. It really looks and feels like an excellent tool. It is made in China, but as AvE says, the Chinese will make things as good or as cheap as you want them to. Don't have a Japanese-made one to compare it to, of course.
Wiha System 6/Drive Loc VI is another way, with interchangeable 6mm hex blades reverse-studded with ball detents.
View media item 101143
I suspect Sunflag is more reasonably priced. System 6 is a little overpriced for what it offers - this kit is ~$250 with all the blades except the PZ1+PZ2, and metric and AF nutdrivers roughly equivalent to pocket 1/4" drive socket sets.
General Geoff
Well-known member
Does anyone here have any experience with the Ko-Ken ratcheting adapters 3755 and 4755 (3/8" and 1/2" drive respectively)? Thinking about picking them up to turn my venerable beam style torque wrenches into ratcheting beam wrenches. Thanks
Does anyone here have any experience with the Ko-Ken ratcheting adapters 3755 and 4755 (3/8" and 1/2" drive respectively)? Thinking about picking them up to turn my venerable beam style torque wrenches into ratcheting beam wrenches. Thanks
I’ve not got direct experience of these but I’m guessing they’ll be like all other Ko-Ken ratchets, high quality, very low back drag but a low tooth count. Hope this helps.
Sent from my iPhone using Garage Journal
HazetMatt
Active member
I've never ordered tools from Amazon.jp before so I though I'd give it a try. I should have done this before! The transaction was very easy and this all shipped from Japan in like 3 days for $12 shipping. The entire order cost was $65. I picked up 2 pairs of pliers and a Tone ratcheting 21mm wrench. I'll also review the wrench a bit:
Those orange needle nose pliers are a pair of Fujiya (first time getting that brand). The Cutters are made by Keiba and I got them to go with the Keiba needle nose I have. Keiba use oilite bushings for butter smooth motion and these cutters have the nicest "click" I've ever felt when cutting things. The rubber grips also feel great.
I recently posted on GJ searching for the best ratcheting wrench set in my budget. Everyone recommended the Snap-On so that's what I bought, but Snap-On doesn't make the new wrenches in 21mm which is a commonly used size for me. I liked the look of the Tone even though I know they're Taiwan made. Here's the 21mm Tone compared to the 19mm Snap-On:
As you can see the SO is a lot longer, and the head is also much smaller. I do prefer the reversing lever on the Tone. It's just the right size and has the Tone logo stamped on it. You can also see in this pic that there is a retaining ring in the mechanism to hold nuts in place.
I'm happy with the Tone overall. The mechanism is definitely not as smooth as the SO and there is a lot more backdrag but the satin finish on the wrench is really nice, no complaints there, and for my 21mm needs it's going to do great.
Those orange needle nose pliers are a pair of Fujiya (first time getting that brand). The Cutters are made by Keiba and I got them to go with the Keiba needle nose I have. Keiba use oilite bushings for butter smooth motion and these cutters have the nicest "click" I've ever felt when cutting things. The rubber grips also feel great.
I recently posted on GJ searching for the best ratcheting wrench set in my budget. Everyone recommended the Snap-On so that's what I bought, but Snap-On doesn't make the new wrenches in 21mm which is a commonly used size for me. I liked the look of the Tone even though I know they're Taiwan made. Here's the 21mm Tone compared to the 19mm Snap-On:
As you can see the SO is a lot longer, and the head is also much smaller. I do prefer the reversing lever on the Tone. It's just the right size and has the Tone logo stamped on it. You can also see in this pic that there is a retaining ring in the mechanism to hold nuts in place.
I'm happy with the Tone overall. The mechanism is definitely not as smooth as the SO and there is a lot more backdrag but the satin finish on the wrench is really nice, no complaints there, and for my 21mm needs it's going to do great.
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Did a double take when looking at these. Had to google how they work. Interesting design.
Reed Prince
Well-known member
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ScvLejPO-w8" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>
rice rocket
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- Mar 24, 2011
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Did a double take when looking at these. Had to google how they work. Interesting design.
Yeah one end is offset 15 degrees from the other, so if you're in a tough spot, you can flip it and get more swing.
Looking at that demo I just keep thinking 100mm bit length attached to a 12v driver
Even if you had to undo that fastener by hand, break it lose with the short end, until you run out of 'room' then switch to the long side. Not much torque needed once it's loosened. IDK, I keep trying to think if I've ever been in a scenario where a tool like that would have saved my bacon.
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superautobacs
Well-known member
Looking at that demo I just keep thinking 100mm bit length attached to a 12v driver
Even if you had to undo that fastener by hand, break it lose with the short end, until you run out of 'room' then switch to the long side. Not much torque needed once it's loosened. IDK, I keep trying to think if I've ever been in a scenario where a tool like that would have saved my bacon.
The demo rig is just for illustrative purposes. I think a real world application might be lathe or machine setup where you run into clearance issues.
Asahi's Daxkey and Wise's StickBall, RepeatWrench, and PierceBall hex keys have all been around for over a decade and are all similar in that they allow a 30° working angle.
Can't say there's much of a merit in automotive applications, so I've yet to get myself a set, with the exception of the PierceBalls. In the 10 years that I've owned them I think I only really needed it once or twice? I assume it might be different if I was a machinist or industrial mechanic working on certain machinery/jigs.
Maybe these are solutions to a problem that doesn't exist?
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/ccassan/27065749031/in/photolist-2b84PUa-2b84Q3M-HeH3en-Hco3Tu/" title="DSC_8406"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/7326/27065749031_0d4b1bf4f8_c.jpg" width="800" height="588" alt="DSC_8406"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
superautobacs
Well-known member
Does anyone here have any experience with the Ko-Ken ratcheting adapters 3755 and 4755 (3/8" and 1/2" drive respectively)? Thinking about picking them up to turn my venerable beam style torque wrenches into ratcheting beam wrenches. Thanks
Good idea.
No experiece myself, but just to add some photos from my vault of old photos saved from the internet:
Ko-ken is 45-tooth, Nepros 72-tooth, and Snap-on is 20-tooth
Comparing a 3/8 drive Snap-on, next to a NKC gearless, and Ko-ken:
General Geoff
Well-known member
Thanks for the photos! I ordered a Proto ratchet adapter for the 3/8". But I didn't even know that KTC made a Nepros version of this! If the Proto one isn't that great, I'll probably order the Nepros as it's within a few dollars of the Koken.
I can't seem to find a Nepros 1/2" ratchet adapter, their website only lists a 3/8" drive version. So I might go Koken on that one.
I can't seem to find a Nepros 1/2" ratchet adapter, their website only lists a 3/8" drive version. So I might go Koken on that one.
rice rocket
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Reed Prince
Well-known member
Some more recent-ish orders, including my introduction to the Ko-ken Z series.
Ko-ken 2763 1/4" 300mm flexible extension bar, and Anex triangular screwdriver set. The Anex is marketed for use disassembling toys, but I have run into them on small appliances. The handle should work nicely with other hex shanks.
Completed my set of KTC pliers too. The PJ-250s have little raised cylinders on the arms that keep them from getting too close together and pinching your palm.
Ko-ken 2763 1/4" 300mm flexible extension bar, and Anex triangular screwdriver set. The Anex is marketed for use disassembling toys, but I have run into them on small appliances. The handle should work nicely with other hex shanks.
Completed my set of KTC pliers too. The PJ-250s have little raised cylinders on the arms that keep them from getting too close together and pinching your palm.
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