Tools of Japan

[modifier73]

2 Tone bit sets from Amazon.jp, and a 22mm Ko-ken for my Tahoe. The long bit ratchet has some extra tricks. I suspect the Tone stuff is COO Taiwan, but they have metal cases, and are generally very nice. (Tone BRFS27 black box, Tone BRS20MW white box)

 

[M6erfan]

2 Tone bit sets from Amazon.jp, and a 22mm Ko-ken for my Tahoe. The long bit ratchet has some extra tricks. I suspect the Tone stuff is COO Taiwan, but they have metal cases, and are generally very nice.

Very nice

Yes, Taiwan. And yes, good stuff

 

[measuredtwice]

Anyone know the story about these handles? Not buying one for $40+ (handle only) but they look cool. Haven't seen anything like it from Mac in the USA. The shape of the handle looks more like the old Snap-On hard handles instead of the typical old Mac square red handles. According to auction descriptions they were limited production in 2019. Were they only sold in Japan? What's the COO?

 

[Jack84]

Ko-Ken universal joint, below the conventional type.




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[Reed Prince]

Bought a Makita XDT16 impact driver from Amazon this week. Parts of the case are misaligned. I've heard that the tools sold in Japan are manufactured there and not in China like this one, so I might buy from Amazon Japan if/when I need something else.

 

[Dave455]

I've heard that the tools sold in Japan are manufactured there and not in China like this one, so I might buy from Amazon Japan if/when I need something else.

Makita offer quite a range of tools, of different grades.

I think its not so much a question of where a tools sold, but rather what grade you buy, that determines where it’s made.

Here in the U.K. I have a Makita corded right angle drill. It’s a very decent tool, made in Japan, but they are 4 or 5 times the price of a cheap battery drill, that’s made in China.

Similar deal with other drills I’ve seen, there are pro grade tools made in the U.K. or “DIY” grade made in China, but they’re all available here.

Unfortunately, Makita seem to love complex model numbers with lots of “Z”s and “X”s, and it’s a right puzzle to work out what you want, made where you want, and the appropriate model number.

There are some good tools there, but they could help themselves a lot by making it more obvious what grade of tool is what!

 

[rice rocket]

Either way, that's embarrassing for something that's not Harbor Freight grade.

 

[Skin]

Looks like it was dropped or screwed together with the trigger assembly not seated for the case halves to be that far off.

 

[pizza]

if it were me, i'd either return it or take it apart and try to correctly assemble it.

 

[bmwpowere36m3]

Is Amazon.jp the only method currently to get Koken tools. I have pride form Frank in a while and Rakuten seems down for time being for US customers.

 

[superautobacs]

Has anyone seen this:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B085WYFLFX/?tag=atomicindus08-20
Looks interesting if it's made to the usual Vessel hand tool standard

I've never played with the Vessel, but the specs are pretty similar with the ones sold by DEEN, SKll, Amazon brands, and others. I don't know if they all come from the same source, but from what I recall, they were coming from South Korea (Vessel is made in Japan), but may have since moved production to China. DEEN has been selling them for close to 2 years, now with their second gen version. This type of tool seems to be a hit in Japan.

Anyone know the story about these handles? Not buying one for $40+ (handle only) but they look cool. Haven't seen anything like it from Mac in the USA. The shape of the handle looks more like the old Snap-On hard handles instead of the typical old Mac square red handles. According to auction descriptions they were limited production in 2019. Were they only sold in Japan? What's the COO?

Vessel has been the OEM for those MAC screwdrivers in Japan.

Bought a Makita XDT16 impact driver from Amazon this week. Parts of the case are misaligned. I've heard that the tools sold in Japan are manufactured there and not in China like this one, so I might buy from Amazon Japan if/when I need something else.

Like Dave mentioned, different level can be a determining factor on COO, but not always. Last time I was in Japan, I looked at the Makita stuff and found that all 10.8v (blue) and all Makita green stuff is from China. With Makita blue 18v stuff, COO was mixed: there was Japan, China, and even Romania (for the jig saw).

 

[Reed Prince]

Like Dave mentioned, different level can be a determining factor on COO, but not always. Last time I was in Japan, I looked at the Makita stuff and found that all 10.8v (blue) and all Makita green stuff is from China. With Makita blue 18v stuff, COO was mixed: there was Japan, China, and even Romania (for the jig saw).

I based my previous post on this YouTube video, which features the same driver I have, but with a different Japanese model number. So it seems that at least some internally identical tools are made in different factories.

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/cn9QR66P4lE" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>

I might eventually remove the housing and try to re-align it, but on Saturday I wrote Makita USA and sent them a picture of my driver and I'm waiting to see if they will respond.

Just noticed that someone in Japan is selling housings on eBay. Not that I would spend $95 for one, lol.

 

[American Locomotive]

Yah, none of my Makita stuff is like that. Definitely something wrong there. Real shame they let it out the doors though.

 

[fxc3700]

That Makita XDT16 is their top of the line not sold in stores, pro gun, and one could argue the impact driver is a power tool companies MVP. Makita makes some nice tools, hopefully your alignment issues get worked out.

 

[measuredtwice]

Vessel has been the OEM for those MAC screwdrivers in Japan.

Thanks

 

[superautobacs]

From my favourite home center store when I go to Japan:


In 2014 I see they had different colored casings available for their BL impacts:

<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/ccassan/15620749288/in/photolist-2iUhkEk-2iUk6iS-2iUmGaK-GjfN59-GjfNb1-GjfNcd-pNngmB-pNmbkC-pNmqxA-q5JBsD/" title="Home Improvement Store in Japan"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/5604/15620749288_81d95ef5b7_h.jpg" width="1600" height="1200" alt="Home Improvement Store in Japan"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>



From 2016:

BL 18v in gold

<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/ccassan/26460854540/in/photolist-2iUhkEk-2iUk6iS-2iUmGaK-GjfN59-GjfNb1-GjfNcd-pNngmB-pNmbkC-pNmqxA-q5JBsD/" title="Home Improvement Store in Japan"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/1609/26460854540_8578d02378_h.jpg" width="1600" height="1200" alt="Home Improvement Store in Japan"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>




Corded jig saw from Romania
18v jig saw from UK

<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/ccassan/26460854610/in/photolist-2iUhkEk-2iUk6iS-2iUmGaK-GjfN59-GjfNb1-GjfNcd-pNngmB-pNmbkC-pNmqxA-q5JBsD" title="Home Improvement Store in Japan"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/1571/26460854610_04cf4a5594_h.jpg" width="1600" height="1200" alt="Home Improvement Store in Japan"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>


As of 2019 November:
all green and 10.8v items: China

<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/ccassan/49818403323/in/photolist-2iUhkEk-2iUk6iS-2iUmGaK-GjfN59-GjfNb1-GjfNcd-pNngmB-pNmbkC-pNmqxA-q5JBsD/" title="Jumbo Encho"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49818403323_c2c0e6964a_h.jpg" width="1600" height="900" alt="Jumbo Encho"></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/49818940376/in/photolist-2iUhkEk-2iUk6iS-2iUmGaK-GjfN59-GjfNb1-GjfNcd-pNngmB-pNmbkC-pNmqxA-q5JBsD/" title="Jumbo Encho"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49818940376_0f0982aab2_h.jpg" width="1600" height="900" alt="Jumbo Encho"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>




blue corded and 14.4/ 18v cordless with mixed COO:

<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/ccassan/49819252757/in/photolist-2iUhkEk-2iUk6iS-2iUmGaK-GjfN59-GjfNb1-GjfNcd-pNngmB-pNmbkC-pNmqxA-q5JBsD/" title="Jumbo Encho"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49819252757_03879f3790_h.jpg" width="1600" height="900" alt="Jumbo Encho"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

 

[Reed Prince]

From my favourite home center store when I go to Japan...

I see the 40 volt impact driver in that last picture, as yet unreleased outside of Japan (I think). The person who uploaded the video I embedded earlier has one of those too.

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/jJw7I8K8QBU" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>

 

[Reed Prince]

Not impressed by the response from Makita USA.

Decided to return the tool to Amazon. They will have another one delivered in two days, and I have a month to take this one back to a local Kohl's. I won't even need to provide a box or label.

 

[powerstrokin]

Some new pick ups.. Starting to fall in love with Japanese tools, it may just be my new addiction. These hammers are some of my favorite I have ever used.


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[Reed Prince]

Today's Factory Gear video features these recently released KTC relay pliers.

 

[RKA]

Those look like interchangeable jaws? Are they?

 

[mercifiknow]

Did Frank’s Tools every open his new website up?

Checked the other on his old (current) site the other day and no change.


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[Reed Prince]

Those look like interchangeable jaws? Are they?

It looks like they can be purchased separately and attached to KTC snap ring pliers, but they cost almost as much as the complete tool.

 

[superautobacs]

It looks like they can be purchased separately and attached to KTC snap ring pliers, but they cost almost as much as the complete tool.

Was thinking of using it on the AD101 pliers that I already have, but nevermind!

 

[noid]

Was thinking of using it on the AD101 pliers that I already have, but nevermind!

Speaking of the AD101 but unrelated to the relay jaws; do the regular jaws touch when fully closed?

The Merry's leaves a tiny gap when fully closed; and ive always wondered if the KTC's were the same.

 

[measuredtwice]

Is the selector on the Ko-ken round head ratchets plastic or metal? How does it hold up? I'm interested in the swivel (3776). The red part is probably plastic but I'm not sure if the black part is metal or plastic... looks like it's plastic to me.

 

[Jack84]

The black ring is made from steel.


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[measuredtwice]

The black ring is made from steel.


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Thank you, Jack84

 

[modifier73]

A little surprised to se my new bolt-breaker being made, or atleast assembled in the USA

 

[Jack84]

Thank you, Jack84

Good choice by the way. Love my Ko-Ken ratchets. Also have the 3/8 swivel you mentioned.


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[Dave455]

Is the selector on the Ko-ken round head ratchets plastic or metal? How does it hold up? I'm interested in the swivel (3776). The red part is probably plastic but I'm not sure if the black part is metal or plastic... looks like it's plastic to me.

Can only second what Jack84 said in respect of these ratchets.

Superb tools. Very rugged.

I think they are probably the best 3/8 ratchets KoKen make.

I have one, pictured below next to the regular 3/8 drive ratchet, so you can get an idea what a serious tool these are.

My only tip, go for the knurled handle. Most of my KoKen ratchets have the smooth handle, but on these you need the knurled one if you are to use it ‘screwdriver style’!

 

[Hytekrednek]

Has anyone seen this:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B085WYFLFX/?tag=atomicindus08-20
Looks interesting if it's made to the usual Vessel hand tool standard

I have this and I love it. Good power for what it is. Use it every couple days

 

[measuredtwice]

Can only second what Jack84 said in respect of these ratchets.

Superb tools. Very rugged.

I think they are probably the best 3/8 ratchets KoKen make.

I have one, pictured below next to the regular 3/8 drive ratchet, so you can get an idea what a serious tool these are.

My only tip, go for the knurled handle. Most of my KoKen ratchets have the smooth handle, but on these you need the knurled one if you are to use it ‘screwdriver style’!

Good choice by the way. Love my Ko-Ken ratchets. Also have the 3/8 swivel you mentioned.


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Thank you for the helpful comparison photo and recommendation

 

[Hytekrednek]

Can only second what Jack84 said in respect of these ratchets.

Superb tools. Very rugged.

I think they are probably the best 3/8 ratchets KoKen make.

I have one, pictured below next to the regular 3/8 drive ratchet, so you can get an idea what a serious tool these are.

My only tip, go for the knurled handle. Most of my KoKen ratchets have the smooth handle, but on these you need the knurled one if you are to use it ‘screwdriver style’!

I too have a roto koken 3/8'' knurled. AWESOME tool. I really want a 1/4'' version of it. PLEASE!

 

[Jack84]

I too have a roto koken 3/8'' knurled. AWESOME tool. I really want a 1/4'' version of it. PLEASE!

Ko-Ken doesn’t offer the 1/4 swivel. Got a 1/4 flex instead.


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[Jack84]

[emoji847]


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[richfinn]

Koken Nut Grips

 

[mr.lemons]

Koken Nut Grips

When you have used them please report back how they compare to magnetic sockets. Thanks.

 

[Qualitytools]

I too have a roto koken 3/8'' knurled. AWESOME tool. I really want a 1/4'' version of it. PLEASE!

Any recommendations on where to buy that ratchet, the 3776N at a good deal?

 

[richfinn]

When you have used them please report back how they compare to magnetic sockets. Thanks.

No problemo