Tools of Japan
- Thread starter Frankstools
- Start date
Pulled up the catalog page from Ko-Ken. On the lower left, it shows the DIN/ISO standard.
The 3/8" adapter works as expected. Broach is deep enough so the ball clicks into the indent. Could be a mistake on the 1/4" then.
bongkar_YES_pasang_NO
Well-known member
how about 1/4 hex to square adapter, any reccomendation?
need it for deep and little gap position bolt.
need it for deep and little gap position bolt.
a small bolt cutter works good....
bongkar_YES_pasang_NO
Well-known member
Do you mean like this?
yes, that one.. any brand reccomendation?
I worried if it going to snapped.
sweet victory
Well-known member
I converted my 911 to wheel studs from lug bolts. I went with a style of stud that has a 22mm bullet nose. The stud, coupled with the design of my wheel I'm running (CCW Corsair C14), requires something deep enough to fit over the bullet nose, and provide enough length so a torque wrench isn't going to touch the fenders. Below is what I'm working with:
I will need to turn the center bore of the socket. Unfortunately, the catalog didn't list the diameter of the thru hole running through the socket, but there is plenty of material there for me to open it up to 5/8". I went with the Tone over the Koken due to the fact it's longer, and has a thicker diameter. Don't ask me why I can't just use an extension on a normal socket. That would be too easy
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Not exactly tools, or even all from Japan. Koken USA hooked me up with a care package of schwiz. The white paper packets contain pens. Seem to be Pentel or something similar. All in all very happy, especially for the price!
The notepad origamis into a stand with a pen holder. Very Japanesey!
The notepad origamis into a stand with a pen holder. Very Japanesey!
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measuredtwice
Well-known member
You forgot to tell us how much it cost and how we can get the same stuff. Does Koken USA do direct sales?
New from KTC. Short handle adjustable wrenches. Contacts a hex fastener in three places rather than the usual two. Not sure if it's a new idea but thought it was interesting.
https://ktc.jp/catalog/index-category/category-list/wms-24__46
https://ktc.jp/catalog/index-category/category-list/wms-24__46
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Dave455
Well-known member
Got some Tsunoda pliers.
Here in the U.K. these are definitely ‘mid price’ pliers. Cheaper even than Knipex, which are good value here, and about a third the price of the Snap On equivalent.
Very nicely made and very nicely finished. I even like the “high vis” yellow handles.
Isn’t really anything I dislike about these!
I also notice that Tsunoda are one of the few manufacturers to offer stainless steel pliers without loading the price too badly.
I understand all the potential downsides of stainless, but given how well my few existing stainless tools have worked (Wera Pozi screwdrivers and Hazet 1/4 drive) I might have to look into these.
Here in the U.K. these are definitely ‘mid price’ pliers. Cheaper even than Knipex, which are good value here, and about a third the price of the Snap On equivalent.
Very nicely made and very nicely finished. I even like the “high vis” yellow handles.
Isn’t really anything I dislike about these!
I also notice that Tsunoda are one of the few manufacturers to offer stainless steel pliers without loading the price too badly.
I understand all the potential downsides of stainless, but given how well my few existing stainless tools have worked (Wera Pozi screwdrivers and Hazet 1/4 drive) I might have to look into these.
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dutchgray
Well-known member
Dave455
Those Tsunoda pliers look quite nice, you source them locally or privately import them from Japan?
Not that I need any more pliers.
Those Tsunoda pliers look quite nice, you source them locally or privately import them from Japan?
Not that I need any more pliers.
Reed Prince
Well-known member
I have those Tsunoda DVP-200 pliers too. A very good value for the money.
This Hakko FX-951 soldering station and FR-301 handheld desoldering tool with holder and extra nozzles came today. All parts are made in Japan except for the holder for the desolderer, which is from China.
This Hakko FX-951 soldering station and FR-301 handheld desoldering tool with holder and extra nozzles came today. All parts are made in Japan except for the holder for the desolderer, which is from China.
Dave455
Well-known member
Yes, they are!
U.K. eBay - about £17, post paid!
Both U.K. eBay and Amazon have these from time to time, but the best deals seem to bounce around as the amazon price goes up and down, and the eBay sellers come and go!
First pair I’ve bought online though. My local electrical factor keeps a few, but not these.
I have a cable cutter in the same series I’ve used a fair deal, and it’s lasted very well!
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I bought mine (more traditional US pattern heavy needlenose) from Amazon US. They are comparable to Klein, better made and more comfortable than Snapon. And they were under 20 bucks. I like my Gedores and Facoms and VBWs...but the only ones that I think justify a higher price than these are Orbis EvoTel, and that’s a preference thing.
Reed Prince
Well-known member
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/nU0DA0ftfyk" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>
I emailed Koken UK about the 2137 bit holder not holding bits securely and got this reply.
'Thanks for your feedback,
2137 & 3137 are not made to locate in the indent in the bits.
For your application please see attached 12139 .
12139 has a small internal ring that locates into the indent all around the bit, this will solve your problem.'
I made it clear in the email that I was not complaining and I am not complaining here, just interested in the design. The ball in my 3137 3/8" bit holder definitely looks and feels like it clicks into the indent in bits so I'm still puzzled about the intention of the design on the 1/4"
Anyway, it was good of Koken UK (UKTools) to take the time to reply and to offer a solution especially on such a small/cheap item.
Problem solved.
I picked up a 'Dogyu' brand ~10oz. hammer off amazon.. will post pics when I get home tonight. I whacked a few things with it yesterday and it felt surprisingly solid. Anyone else have experience with those "genno/gennou" hammers?
of this style, anyways: https://www.fine-tools.com/ham7.html
of this style, anyways: https://www.fine-tools.com/ham7.html
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iwantone
Member
Love this thread. Giving me all sorts of terrible ideas for my next Amazon.jp order.
ricleh
Well-known member
I've been using a couple of that style hammer for about 30 years. They are very well balanced and a pleasure to use.
oh yeah.. there are 3 threads on this site that have costed me A Lot of (well spent!) money... new tool arrivals, old world tools, and this very thread... tools of japan! Seems like most recommendations here are pretty spot-on, given that a lot of people here are shop techs, engineers, & DIY types that like to put their own hands to work..
Yeah I was surprised how well I liked the handle on this thing. I am not oblivious to the fact that I bought a relatively "budget" level version of this kind of hammer... $20 is what I spent, pretty cheap, and I see these things all over the net for 20-$120+ based on how much hand-work has been done to them. I'm working on learning Japanese but the written word is still very new to me... from what I can gather from the pictures, these are mostly used for hitting woodworking chisels and finishing nails, but the steel feels pretty good to me. I'm going to try some.. harsher things to see how it holds up. Metal punches, some light sheet work, etc. Regardless, it has held up well so far and I'm really quite pleased with it. I can see myself with a few more in the future
I have all the tools to remove the extra bit of the wedge, but I sort of like it there... (until I smack something with it by accident and put a big gouge in something important)
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"BALL-PEEN HAMMER" from KTC... catalog number: PH45-323
https://ktc.jp/files/pdf/dl_catalog/39/323.pdf
Very nice machining on the face and ball end. I like the grip more than I thought I would. For the price, the quality is absurdly nice... almost makes me forget it has a hollow steel handle!
Next stop... one of these: http://www.ohnet.co.jp/main/index4.html
probably the HK-10 or HK-13 models.
https://ktc.jp/files/pdf/dl_catalog/39/323.pdf
Very nice machining on the face and ball end. I like the grip more than I thought I would. For the price, the quality is absurdly nice... almost makes me forget it has a hollow steel handle!
Next stop... one of these: http://www.ohnet.co.jp/main/index4.html
probably the HK-10 or HK-13 models.
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jimmyin3D
Banned
oh yeah.. there are 3 threads on this site that have costed me A Lot of (well spent!) money... new tool arrivals, old world tools, and this very thread... tools of japan! Seems like most recommendations here are pretty spot-on, given that a lot of people here are shop techs, engineers, & DIY types that like to put their own hands to work..
Yeah I was surprised how well I liked the handle on this thing. I am not oblivious to the fact that I bought a relatively "budget" level version of this kind of hammer... $20 is what I spent, pretty cheap, and I see these things all over the net for 20-$120+ based on how much hand-work has been done to them. I'm working on learning Japanese but the written word is still very new to me... from what I can gather from the pictures, these are mostly used for hitting woodworking chisels and finishing nails, but the steel feels pretty good to me. I'm going to try some.. harsher things to see how it holds up. Metal punches, some light sheet work, etc. Regardless, it has held up well so far and I'm really quite pleased with it. I can see myself with a few more in the future
I have all the tools to remove the extra bit of the wedge, but I sort of like it there... (until I smack something with it by accident and put a big gouge in something important)
I’m pretty sure it just says “please make sure to wear safety glasses” or something similar, I’m fluent but written Japanese has always been hard for me.
measuredtwice
Well-known member
According to Google translation of the catalog description, the handle is press fit and secured with a roll pin. Don't think I've seen a hammer made this way. Interesting.
The head looks similar to a 100 year old Stanley Rule and Level. Classic.
superautobacs
Well-known member
a small bolt cutter works good....
Never thought of that! I'm not sure the Knipex compact Cobolt cutters would be ideal since they appear to be a bit bulky looking at the head. It has to be a one-handed operation as I need my other hand free. Thanks for the suggestion though.
The next time I go to Japan (was supposed to go in April), I'd like to compare the Japanese and European mini bolt cutters side by side. The Japanese ones appear to be more compact at the head.
I converted my 911 to wheel studs from lug bolts. I went with a style of stud that has a 22mm bullet nose. The stud, coupled with the design of my wheel I'm running (CCW Corsair C14), requires something deep enough to fit over the bullet nose, and provide enough length so a torque wrench isn't going to touch the fenders. Below is what I'm working with:
I will need to turn the center bore of the socket. Unfortunately, the catalog didn't list the diameter of the thru hole running through the socket, but there is plenty of material there for me to open it up to 5/8". I went with the Tone over the Koken due to the fact it's longer, and has a thicker diameter. Don't ask me why I can't just use an extension on a normal socket. That would be too easy
Nice wheels. I hope the turning of the bore goes well.
Straight up LOBSTER
I emailed Koken UK about the 2137 bit holder not holding bits securely and got this reply.
'Thanks for your feedback,
2137 & 3137 are not made to locate in the indent in the bits.
For your application please see attached 12139 .
12139 has a small internal ring that locates into the indent all around the bit, this will solve your problem.'
I made it clear in the email that I was not complaining and I am not complaining here, just interested in the design. The ball in my 3137 3/8" bit holder definitely looks and feels like it clicks into the indent in bits so I'm still puzzled about the intention of the design on the 1/4"
Anyway, it was good of Koken UK (UKTools) to take the time to reply and to offer a solution especially on such a small/cheap item.
Problem solved.
The 1/4" bit holder is one of the few Ko-ken tools I've been dissapointed with. I have no issues with their 3/8 and 1/2 drive bit holders though.
Nice of UKTools for the detailed response!
I have the 12140 which is a 1/4 drive for 5/16" bits. Pictured here next to 3138 which is a 3/8 drive 5/16" bit holder:
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/ccassan/49692151446/in/dateposted-public/" title="Ko-ken 5/16" Bit Holder"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49692151446_d5dfcb4079_c.jpg" width="450" height="800" alt="Ko-ken 5/16" Bit Holder"></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/49692151471/in/dateposted-public/" title="Ko-ken 5/16" Bit Holder"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49692151471_feef4b37bb_c.jpg" width="568" height="800" alt="Ko-ken 5/16" Bit Holder"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
A clearer shot of the internal ring. The machined groove on most any standard 1" bit mesh with that internal ring.
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/ccassan/49691611588/in/dateposted-public/" title="Ko-ken 5/16" Bit Holder"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49691611588_8915b20056_c.jpg" width="584" height="800" alt="Ko-ken 5/16" Bit Holder"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
I haven't seen anyone offer a T-55 in a 1/4 drive, so I use this combination to create what I want:
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/ccassan/49692151571/in/dateposted-public/" title="Ko-ken 5/16" Bit Holder with T55 Torx bit"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49692151571_9bb3718c11_c.jpg" width="450" height="800" alt="Ko-ken 5/16" Bit Holder with T55 Torx bit"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
Compared to the 3138 type of retention method, it does exhibit a little bit of play. It definitely holds bit more securely compared to the 2137 bit holder (pictured below).
Mine is from 10 years ago, and appears to be spec'd the same as yours, built in 2018.
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/ccassan/49692151421/in/dateposted-public/" title="Ko-ken 1/4 drive 1/4" bit holder"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49692151421_99d85f951a_c.jpg" width="579" height="800" alt="Ko-ken 1/4 drive 1/4" bit holder"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
Your solution in the end is
. I really like my 1/4 drive Torx and in-hex bits from them. They look good, and for a "standard height" variety, the Ko-ken's are more shallow than other "standard height" bit sockets from most other manufacturers/brands.I was more so talking about the information on the websites themselves, especially because they tend to put things in graphics instead of text that you can copy/paste into translation software, but thanks regardless
Yeah that's part of what made me want to purchase one.. I had a hard time accepting that a company would actually try to secure a hammer head with a roll pin, but I see it's just more of a security feature than anything. Also, please do note that the handle grip itself is also held on with a pin! So the handle "pipe" is just that.. a pipe with two sets of thru-holes in it, one on each end... one to secure the head after the press fit, and a second to secure the handle. I am unsure if the pipe is flared to prevent the handle from spinning or if it's glued on.. I may have to investigate this a little more later. Either way, the hammer seems fantastic.. now I just have to whack some things with it and see how it holds up!
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jimmyin3D
Banned
I was more so talking about the information on the websites themselves, especially because they tend to put things in graphics instead of text that you can copy/paste into translation software, but thanks regardless
Of course lol.
——————————————————————-
Check out my for sale listing in the classifieds:
https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=438994
My new favorite adjustable wrench. Well I never had a favorite since I don't use em much, also never owned any stubby ones.
The common Engineer stuff.
Ordered the cap too but it's on the slow boat from Japan.
Some more Vessel JIS screwdrivers. Small set was so useful for me I purchased another set to keep in my room.
And finally my first fail. Was only $10 so I wasn't expecting much but I didn't expect the damn things to be made out of aluminum!
The common Engineer stuff.
Ordered the cap too but it's on the slow boat from Japan.
Some more Vessel JIS screwdrivers. Small set was so useful for me I purchased another set to keep in my room.
And finally my first fail. Was only $10 so I wasn't expecting much but I didn't expect the damn things to be made out of aluminum!
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These pliers are awesome. The gripping cuts in the nose really work.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002L6HJAA/?tag=atomicindus08-20
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002L6HJAA/?tag=atomicindus08-20
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superautobacs
Well-known member
I just might pull the trigger on those.I like how the jaw rack doesn't stick out even when they are adjusted to their widest setting.
And finally my first fail. Was only $10 so I wasn't expecting much but I didn't expect the damn things to be made out of aluminum!
Yeah, at that price I wouldn't expect it to be a Japanese made aluminum motor wrench (that's what they call them in Japan).
Four examples at center right area (two Supertool ones and two TOP ones):
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/ccassan/15620773328/in/photolist-VCA4Pb-pNk899-pNmxG5" title="Home Improvement Store in Japan"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/7468/15620773328_0ce928b45d_b.jpg" width="1024" height="768" alt="Home Improvement Store in Japan"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
Speaking of TOP.....
These have been serving me well to this day:
"Thin Exact Wrench"
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/ccassan/49714166277/in/dateposted-public/" title="TOP Thin Exact Wrench"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49714166277_287282909a_b.jpg" width="576" height="1024" alt="TOP Thin Exact Wrench"></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/49713310978/in/photolist-2iJZHnm-VTFyS5-VTFyLy-Q9LjbT-Q9LjpZ-L8tHHg-L8tM9V-KbNJCU-L5Ec5E-GG6w4o-2i47WXP-2i47WXZ-2i4amKH-pxsp6C-pxqhtF-pxqigc-pxmXJe-pNk899-pNnW87-p8YFtV-q5RyFu-p8W2tb-pNmEF4-q3Cw8L-q5ym9Z-p8Z9h4-pNmxG5-Hcoz7L-VG8LUB-VG8LUM-VG8LZB-GVwjZA-VG8LXx-VuE8br-VrwQL5-VG8LSn-6b51nZ-6gCrWo-5SSpTS-5SN692-5SSo2W-5SSoJf-5SN4Zr-5SSpG5-5SN5sM-5SSpd7-5SN4hi-5SSnEL-5SN3UX-5SSntS" title="TOP Thin Exact Wrench with Thin Jaws and Angled Head"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49713310978_4137f170e6_b.jpg" width="576" height="1024" alt="TOP Thin Exact Wrench with Thin Jaws and Angled Head"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
This one has an angled jaw (photo from when they were new):
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/ccassan/35111209001/in/photolist-GG6w4o-2i47WXP-2i47WXZ-2i4amKH-pxsp6C-pxqhtF-pxqigc-pxmXJe-pNk899-pNnW87-p8YFtV-q5RyFu-p8W2tb-pNmEF4-q3Cw8L-q5ym9Z-p8Z9h4-pNmxG5-Hcoz7L-VG8LUB-VG8LUM-VG8LZB-GVwjZA-VG8LXx-VuE8br-VrwQL5-VG8LSn-6b51nZ-6gCrWo-5SSpTS-5SN692-5SSo2W-5SSoJf-5SN4Zr-5SSpG5-5SN5sM-5SSpd7-5SN4hi-5SSnEL-5SN3UX-5SSntS-5SSmHd-5SN2ZB-5SN3nn-5SN3bB-5SN28H-5SN2zK-5SRei7-5SSmgS-5SQZGd" title="TOP's forged thin jaws. Bahco's thin jaws are ground down."><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/4287/35111209001_af02185646_b.jpg" width="1024" height="680" alt="TOP's forged thin jaws. Bahco's thin jaws are ground down."></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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I like how the jaw rack doesn't stick out even when they are adjusted to their widest setting
I forgot to mention in case it was not obvious, they do not fully close to zero so to speak. The ones I got only close down to 7mm, not sure about the larger sizes. May be odd if one is not used to that but it does not bother me. I'm happy with them.
measuredtwice
Well-known member
Questions for the Ko-Ken aficionados who have the quick spinners and knurled extensions. Do you find the spinners useful or do the knurled extensions make the spinners an unnecessary extra part that seldom gets used? Do you prefer spinning with the spinner or the extensions?
Damn!....I sure hope this hammer works as good (or even better) than it looks.
Thanks for posting and sharing Trucky.
https://www.fine-tools.com/ham7.html
Thanks for posting and sharing Trucky.
https://www.fine-tools.com/ham7.html
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Sometimes you use the extension, sometimes just a spinner. It depend on the job, like if there isn’t enough room for the extension.
Personally I find myself using the spinners more often.
Just get both!
measuredtwice
Well-known member
J.C.
Well-known member
Extensions 2/3, spinners 1/3 of the time for me. Glad to have them in addition to the extensions as there are times that they really help.
superautobacs
Well-known member
Valid point. It's a sacrifice ... but like you, I see the super wide opening in a really compact form far outweighs the con.
For those out there wondering what the minimum opening specs are for the rest of the Short EcoWide series:
Model: Opening:
HY-26S: 7～26
HY-30S: 8～30
HY-38S: 8～38
HY-49S: 12～49
Not a matter of preference, but a decision based on the particular task at hand. The quick spinner has merits other than what meets the eye...like easily clocking the square anvil on the ratchet to an end of an extension that's already resting in the spark plug tube.
jimmyin3D
Banned
I have the 49S and I got it for the same reason. Small sizes are not what it was designed for, it was made for getting access to larger sizes.
The TOP exact wrench is my most favorite adjustable because of it’s worm-screw design. It doesn’t wobble and is super secure. I saw you posted some pics of yours on an earlier page. I wish the 49S had the same design but it’s not too bad.
——————————————————————-
Check out my for sale listing in the classifieds:
https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=438994