Tools of Japan

[pizza]

wow, Reed.
https://global.rakuten.com/en/event/close.html

wtf

 

[rice rocket]

That *****.

Anyone contact i-tools or Kouguyanopro to see how we can order from them on the future?

 

[dutchgray]

That is a great shame Rakuten global market shutting down, it was relatively easy access to pretty much anything Japanese.

 

[C4RBON]

What a disappointment. I hope there will be a way to order from iTools in the future!

 

[Mohawk Dave]

For the guys in SoCal, I just learned about TOOL SHACK. All kinds of Vessel, Tajima, Wera, Knipex, Gedore, Bahco etc..... Here's my haul from the other day.

They have Facebook, Instagram, offer up etc.

I went to the Azusa store, but the internet says there is like 3 or 4 stores in socal.

 

[BlitzcrankJapan]

wow, Reed.
global.rakuten.com/en/event/close

wtf

It's not that bad. You will just have to use Rakuten Global Express. Any tools that were you able to buy before will still be available.

 

[Qualitytools]

For the guys in SoCal, I just learned about TOOL SHACK. All kinds of Vessel, Tajima, Wera, Knipex, Gedore, Bahco etc..... Here's my haul from the other day.

They have Facebook, Instagram, offer up etc.

I went to the Azusa store, but the internet says there is like 3 or 4 stores in socal.

Good to know, how are their prices compared to Rakutan?

 

[Mohawk Dave]

Good to know, how are their prices compared to Rakutan?

I didn't look too hard vs Rakuten, but they're close to good Amazon prices. Example $18 Amazon vs $20 in store.

I was happy to pay a couple extra percent more to support a small business and actually be able to handle the item. And not to mention when he rang me up, he rounded down on most items,then still rounded down the total amount.

 

[measuredtwice]

It's not that bad. You will just have to use Rakuten Global Express. Any tools that were you able to buy before will still be available.

Is i-tools hosted on the regular Rakuten website? Got a link? I've only seen them on the global site.

For the guys in SoCal, I just learned about TOOL SHACK. All kinds of Vessel, Tajima, Wera, Knipex, Gedore, Bahco etc..... Here's my haul from the other day.

They have Facebook, Instagram, offer up etc.

I went to the Azusa store, but the internet says there is like 3 or 4 stores in socal.

In California, there's also the German Tool Truck selling Ko-ken. I'm not in California and I haven't contacted them to see if they'll ship. Anyone tried them?

http://thegermantooltruck.com/

 

[Mohawk Dave]

Measuredtwice, good looking out! I'll end up catching up with that truck.

 

[Negen]

My extra sockets came today

The last two photos are 19mm in next to zeal 19mm. Paid 120$ for both shipped so good deal any ways. The zeal sockets are my only 3/8 drive metric and not always are they they sockets I need.

For 1/2 drive I have 10-32 no skips but 3/8 was always lacking. Also got in the rs2300x/11 set as I only have a single 5mm metric 1/4 drive socket

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[BlitzcrankJapan]

Is i-tools hosted on the regular Rakuten website? Got a link? I've only seen them on the global site.

Yes.
Here is a link to what is probably the 3 Rakuten shops I buy from most. All 3 are available both on Rakuten (Japan) and Rakuten Global.

I-Tools
https://www.rakuten.co.jp/i-tools/
https://global.rakuten.com/en/store/i-tools/

EHIMEMACHINE
https://www.rakuten.ne.jp/gold/ehim...6dlwz-2r-11077d67-d377-4dd0-8081-2e118aa3181d
https://global.rakuten.com/en/store/ehimemachine/

Mutsuura
https://www.rakuten.ne.jp/gold/mutsuura/
https://global.rakuten.com/en/store/mutsuura/

 

[caltemus]

Got some new stuff the last several months, with a couple more on the way:

Anex low profile bit driver, with some extra short bits. Needed this to change out the trunk open button on the back of a toyota sienna. The screws that hold the buton to the trunklid are super tight and at an acute angle to the ground.


21mm lug nut impact socket, as all my previous cars were 19mm. It's got a nice rubber bumper to protect chrome lugs I'll have to get a better shot of.


Picked up this breaker bar with an assortment of things at a tag sale. Stamped 'Truecraft'. It's got the most agressive knurling on the grip, you'll deglove your palm before you drop it.




Trad automatic strippers. COO is taiwan, but 'made to trade specs'. Of all the strippers I came across with this same stamping and design, these had the nicest details. The tension adjustment has a nice knurl, and some nice rings turned into it as indicators, as shown by the key on the side of the tool/back of the retail card. For 25 bucks they're great, and one of the best value strippers in my opinion. I still prefer the pressmaster automatics, but they're an order of magnitude more expensive.

 

[Mr. Tool]

These scissors look awesome and I bet they work just as good as they look too!

Shozaburo ... arguably the quintessential Japanese forged scissors.

The "standard" series models are produced in the traditional manner, and therefore, requires additional production stages to make the end product. The cost is likely higher for the high carbon content on the knife/blade steel that gets laminated onto the "standard" models.

The "hard" model which uses stainless tool steel is more suited for cutting harder/thicker materials and is better able to resist rusting and blade skewing/chipping than the "standard" models.

The "standard" models have a very keen edge that can be maintained through reserving its use for cutting fabric. I've heard that paper products can have hard inclusions such as sand, which will invariably contribute to wearing of that knife edge.




I featured a Shozaburo "standard" model not long ago:

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/6XM3zMim3Rw" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>




If you don't care for a video...some photos:

<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/ccassan/49119330043/in/photolist-2hQxYUq-2hQvpw4-2hQvpwK-2hQyYEX-2hQxYYD/" title="Shozaburo Forged Shears"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49119330043_8c69f50642_b.jpg" width="576" height="1024" alt="Shozaburo Forged Shears"></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/49119832536/in/photolist-2hQxYUq-2hQvpw4-2hQvpwK-2hQyYEX-2hQxYYD" title="Shozaburo Forged Shears"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49119832536_b7514e6d0e_b.jpg" width="576" height="1024" alt="Shozaburo Forged Shears"></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/49119330003/in/photolist-2hQxYUq-2hQvpw4-2hQvpwK-2hQyYEX-2hQxYYD/" title="Shozaburo Forged Shears"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49119330003_dd6de05925_b.jpg" width="1024" height="576" alt="Shozaburo Forged Shears"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>




Traditional laminated steel construction

<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/ccassan/49120026867/in/photolist-2hQxYUq-2hQvpw4-2hQvpwK-2hQyYEX-2hQxYYD/" title="Shozaburo Forged Shears"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49120026867_68367d22bb_b.jpg" width="1024" height="576" alt="Shozaburo Forged Shears"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>




Still hand made in Tokyo, Japan for over a 100 years


<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/ccassan/49119832781/in/photolist-2hQxYUq-2hQvpw4-2hQvpwK-2hQyYEX-2hQxYYD/" title="Shozaburo Forged Shears"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49119832781_6dcc75634d_b.jpg" width="576" height="1024" alt="Shozaburo Forged Shears"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

 

[Mr. Tool]

Anex 21mm lug nut impact socket, as all my previous cars were 19mm. It's got a nice rubber bumper to protect chrome lugs I'll have to get a better shot of.

Koken also makes an excellent set of impact sockets for nut lugs.

 

[caltemus]

Koken also makes an excellent set of impact sockets for nut lugs.

I really wanted the new KTC BP49-21G with the protective sleeve, but I couldn't find one outside sets, and shipping was nuts; in excess of 60 dollars total.



I got a Mac with the protective sleeve to keep in the car. They were both 20 bucks, with the Tone having a 10 dollar shipping charge.


Pic from the ebay listing:

 

[damon18]

Saw this locally for $10, thinking it would be a nice small household set. Decent quality? I like the case.

 

[M6erfan]

Saw this locally for $10, thinking it would be a nice small household set. Decent quality? I like the case.

They're not the best quality, but serviceable. My BIL found a 'Japan' ratchet just like that and it was locked up solid from sitting outside for who knows how long. I soaked it in some ATF and it loosened right up. Still working AFAIK.

 

[damon18]

They're not the best quality, but serviceable. My BIL found a 'Japan' ratchet just like that and it was locked up solid from sitting outside for who knows how long. I soaked it in some ATF and it loosened right up. Still working AFAIK.

Thanks, I'm not sure why I'd rather have a set like that than the cheapest Harbor Freight set with a lot more pieces.
https://www.harborfreight.com/sae-metric-socket-set-51-pc-63013.html

But... I would.

 

[measuredtwice]

Measuredtwice, good looking out! I'll end up catching up with that truck.

Yes.
Here is a link to what is probably the 3 Rakuten shops I buy from most. All 3 are available both on Rakuten (Japan) and Rakuten Global.

I-Tools
https://www.rakuten.co.jp/i-tools/
https://global.rakuten.com/en/store/i-tools/

EHIMEMACHINE
https://www.rakuten.ne.jp/gold/ehim...6dlwz-2r-11077d67-d377-4dd0-8081-2e118aa3181d
https://global.rakuten.com/en/store/ehimemachine/

Mutsuura
https://www.rakuten.ne.jp/gold/mutsuura/
https://global.rakuten.com/en/store/mutsuura/

Thank you

 

[superautobacs]

interesting. i didn't realize the tool steel was stainless for the hard blade model.
that comparison table from scissors.jp made me assume otherwise. under the maintenance row, it rates the hard blade model and the standard models (possibly made of white steel / hakugami?) equivalently as "medium", and the "stainless smoother model" scissors got the "easy" maintenance rating.

and between the standard and standard-deluxe, i'm assuming standard-deluxe is made entirely of white steel (except the handle)?

stainless or not, i think i'm going for the hard blade tool steel model as my first pair since they'll stand up to some abuse. if it doesn't cut fabric as smoothly as i like, i'll get a standard or standard-deluxe pair later.

thanks for sharing pics, and i have seen your video already. this is how i know about shozaburo.

doesn't get much sexier looking than that. idk why they put that bling bling gold joint on the standard but not standard-deluxe

Pizza,

I think I misinformed you about the hard blade model using stainless steel alloy on the blades. Perhaps the difference between the two is along the lines of white steel used on the standard versus blue steel alloy on the hard model??

Interesting point about the bling factor that's missing on the hard model. They sure are pleasing to the eye, cuts through fabric like a hot knife through butter, and the shearing sound it makes is a pure joy.

 

[kapster]

Those Koken and KTC wheel sockets are sweet, but I like using torque sticks to not go over torque. Anyone use them on a torque stick, seems it would be pretty ridiculous in length? There's a youtube review that claims the koken has a built in torque limiting shaft but their literature makes no claim of that.

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[Negen]

Koken has you covered.

Those Koken and KTC wheel sockets are sweet, but I like using torque sticks to not go over torque. Anyone use them on a torque stick, seems it would be pretty ridiculous in length? There's a youtube review that claims the koken has a built in torque limiting shaft but their literature makes no claim of that.

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[superautobacs]

I think the necked down shaft acts as torsion zone, just like impact-rated 1/4" bits from different manufacturers add "torsion zones".

If you note the specs on the outer diameter of the Ko-ken thin-wall wheel impact sockets (look below), you'll undertand why they've likely decided to neck down the shaft. I'd imagine if they didn't, it'll affect the lifespan of the socket, making it more prone to cracking.

Below are posts from several years ago that is relevant:
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I guess I can chime in a bit about the durability of Koken's impact sockets. I haven't used them for too long though (a little over one year). The 1/2" drive 17mm wheel impact socket deep gets near exclusive use on wheel bolts.

It is my go-to socket for wheel bolt removal and it finally bit the dust after extensive use. It was my go-to because of the necked-down shaft, its longer length (longer than standard deepwells), and for its protective sleeve. I must say that 98% of the time I would've been OK with using a standard deepwell socket, but the thin-wall impact was soo much easier to work with that I kept using it even when the situation didn't call for it. So, after 1+ year of use, the broached end now has one hairline crack at the thinnest spot. Keep in mind this socket was used to remove/install a hundred or two hundred sets of wheels.

I've now switched to using their standard deepwell socket about a month ago. The amount of deformation, or the lack thereof, on the square end is impressive.

I'm impressed with their impact stuff and have no hesitation to acquire more.

I posted the above about an year ago.

I finally got my replacement 17mm socket and before I toss it, I decided to take a few shots to show the wear.

I use a 17mm socket almost exclusively for wheel bolts and so it has seen the impact hundreds of times over the course of its life. Considering that, i think the wear is exceptional. The sleeve never became an issue.

Cheap Sunex/GP impact sockets simply can't compare. I have a set of Sunex 3/8" drive impact sockets that I use with my Fuel M18 impact wrench and they show deformation on both drive ends even though they are used less frequently with much less abuse.
Just my observations....YRMV.

The red highlights the wear ..... the arrow points to the crack.

Hmmmm.
Couple of things here.
Can't compare deformation on the drive end between 3/8" and 1/2" sockets. More surface area to transfer torque means lower strain on the material of the 1/2'" drive.
What's the Sunnex socket. Cr Mo or Va? And the Koken?
There is always a compromise between having an alloy that is hard enough not to deform and not too hard that it will crack. Your Koken socket seems might be a bit too hard. The Sunex socket might a tad soft but then again it might not have a propensity to crack.

I understand that my observations are not exactly fair.

I do know that my 3/8 Sunex impacts, which are almost solely used by my cordless M18 Fuel impact, appear to be softer based on the amount use it has seen. I'll see how they hold up.

AFAIK, Ko-ken doesn't list it on their catalogue, but I'd imagine they use CrMo. Though, what's more important than the base ingredient itself is the processing that occurs after the forging--that will greatly influence the durability of the material.



Something that everyone should keep in mind with those Ko-ken lug nut/bolt impact socket is the outer diameter. The specs below is for a 17mm socket:

Standard chrome: 24mm

thin-walled impact: 24.2mm

standard impact: 25.7mm

protective impact with sleeve: 25.2mm

protective impact w/out sleeve: 23.7mm


That should provide a better perspective as to how thin they are.

 

[Reed Prince]

Not really tool-related, so probably not of interest to most people here, but something I found interesting enough that I decided to share. The tool that Amazon Japan sent me a promotional email for today has completely different auto-translated descriptions for the two models. English description for the black tool is nearly perfect, but the white tool has the comparatively poor translation that I'm used to. Guessing that the original text for both was the same but the black pliers description was translated by a more advanced machine learning translation algorithm. I'm impressed.

 

[Jaysreal]

Just received word that Fujiya will begin selling tools on USA Amazon come late June/ early July.

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[modifier73]

Koken sparkplug sockets, the best I have come across:

 

[Mr. Tool]

Koken sparkplug sockets, the best I have come across:

 

[That Impression]

Hi Folks,

I am in need of your expert opinions and knowledge. I am a bit of a rookie so please forgive me on the basics. I currently have a Beta 900M/55 which to my knowledge is made by Koken. I have been interested in purchasing a Koken Zeal 2726z. How similar are these ratchet gear mechanisms feel wise? I know Koken is primarily a low tooth count style.







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[Negen]

Zeal is completely different zeal is a single pawl pear head style ratchet rather than what you have is dual pawl. Both have low back drag and low tooth count zeal has higher tooth count than what you have I believe the numbers are 24&36. Both should feel really smooth and be really tough.

Hi Folks,

I am in need of your expert opinions and knowledge. I am a bit of a rookie so please forgive me on the basics. I currently have a Beta 900M/55 which to my knowledge is made by Koken. I have been interested in purchasing a Koken Zeal 2726z. How similar are these ratchet gear mechanisms feel wise? I know Koken is primarily a low tooth count style.







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Sent from my ONEPLUS A6013 using The Garage Journal mobile app

 

[Dave455]

Hi Folks,

I am in need of your expert opinions and knowledge. I am a bit of a rookie so please forgive me on the basics. I currently have a Beta 900M/55 which to my knowledge is made by Koken. I have been interested in purchasing a Koken Zeal 2726z. How similar are these ratchet gear mechanisms feel wise? I know Koken is primarily a low tooth count style.

The ratchet you have is from the regular lineup, albeit rebranded. They offer a huge number of different variations including short, standard and long handles, flex head and quick release. There are 3 different handle styles, and basically two different head designs, with 24 and 45 teeth. I have the 45 tooth roto head and it’s one of my all time favourites.

As Negen has quite correctly said, the zeal is totally different, and there are not the variations. For most uses you are better off with the regular tools. If you have zeal sockets, the zeal ratchets are designed to be used with them, so I would!

 

[superautobacs]

That Impression,

You're Beta ratchet in Ko-ken equivalent is a 2753P, a 2-step dog, with a 20-tooth mechanism.

The Zeal 2726Z you're interested in is a single-pawl, 36-tooth mechanism, with a very compact head profile.

Backdrag is really light on both styles.

I like your Trusco box .... and I even spot a Daiso purchase there.

 

[Jack84]

My 3/8 ratchet.



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[Salmanslim]

That Impression,



You're Beta ratchet in Ko-ken equivalent is a 2753P, a 2-step dog, with a 20-tooth mechanism.



The Zeal 2726Z you're interested in is a single-pawl, 36-tooth mechanism, with a very compact head profile.



Backdrag is really light on both styles.



I like your Trusco box .... and I even spot a Daiso purchase there.

Superautobacs has a similar trusco box .


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[superautobacs]

Superautobacs has a similar trusco box .


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[That Impression]

Thank you everyone for your wisdom and knowledge! Forgive me if I am flogging a dead horse with this question, but to all the Zeal owners; Do you feel the 36 tooth count being a hindrance compared to high count ratchets? To be honest the swing arc on the Beta is quite large. It feels strong but I always seem to use another ratchet.

Here is my small collection of Trusco and Toyo mini boxes! You can even fit a large multimeter in them, minus the leads.

 

[Jack84]

I have the 45 tooth 3752N and 3776N and experience no real issues with the larger swing. The low back drag makes up for it ten times over. Even my 24 tooth Beta/Ko-Ken 1/2 is a joy to use because it’s so smooth.


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[measuredtwice]

Thank you everyone for your wisdom and knowledge! Forgive me if I am flogging a dead horse with this question, but to all the Zeal owners; Do you feel the 36 tooth count being a hindrance compared to high count ratchets? To be honest the swing arc on the Beta is quite large. It feels strong but I always seem to use another ratchet.

What is your use? Professional engine surgeon? Indentured servant to the wife, working your way through the honey do list to earn your freedom?

If you are working in a cramped conditions, then high tooth count can be handy. If you are working in a wide open space, it is unimportant.

The Z-eal's (36) has a few more teeth than their regular tear drop ratchets (20 for 1/4 and 24 for 3/8) but fewer than their round head ratchets.

You could also get a new Snap-On 1/4 or a Bahco 1/4 with Snap-On internals on Ebay for similar money to the Ko-ken 1/4.

 

[That Impression]

My primary usage will be Subaru engine bay work. I am just a home gamer and so far I have gotten away with using my 3/8 with flex extensions. Attached are the ratchets I currently have.

 

[measuredtwice]

Personally, I skipped the 1/4 and got the 3/8 from Ko-ken. For 1/4, I do prefer higher tooth count. Also, you might take a look back at prior posts since some complained about the selector on the 1/4 Z-eal.

The Bahco 1/4 is around $30 shipped and the Snap-on 1/4 is $40 (FOD) - 55 on Ebay. The Z-eal is $42 shipped from Amazon Japan.