Tools of Japan

[XCMTB83]

Recently received from Japan: Toyota 09051-1C100, a 16oz/450g ball peen hammer made by One Hand in Japan. Pretty good, simple hammer for $14 from Toyota Japan (before any shipping).

I would bet money this is the exact hammer that Toyota specs for frame inspection by their technicians. Toyota published very specific instructions on how the technicians should hit the frames to check for structural integrity if no rust holes are present. Many of the full frame Toyota vehicles suffer from extreme rust and corrosion to the point that Toyota was/are replacing the frames if the vehicle qualifies. For the early (95.5-98) 1st generation Tacomas they were actually buying them back from the owner at 1.5 x KBB value at excellent condition. I actually went through this process with my '96 Tacoma.

 

[4xdog]

I would bet money this is the exact hammer that Toyota specs for frame inspection by their technicians. Toyota published very specific instructions on how the technicians should hit the frames to check for structural integrity if no rust holes are present. Many of the full frame Toyota vehicles suffer from extreme rust and corrosion to the point that Toyota was/are replacing the frames if the vehicle qualifies. For the early (95.5-98) 1st generation Tacomas they were actually buying them back from the owner at 1.5 x KBB value at excellent condition. I actually went through this process with my '96 Tacoma.

I doubt it's the same hammer today, although it could have been the one they were using when the original guidelines were developed ten or fifteen years ago. The P/N has been discontinued in the USA for some time, yet their frame programs continue.

 

[4xdog]

More fun with Toyota tools from Japan, screwdrivers this time.

These are all from Vessel, of course, although all of the usual logos or imprints are absent. Only the TOYOTA printing and "Japan" as COO. They're exactly like the Vessel-branded ones in all other respects.

1. Vessel Megadora 900 5.5 x 75mm (slotted) driver, 09041-1C511
   
2. Vessel Megadora 930 P2 x 100mm (JIS cross-point) driver, 09041-1C121. The 930 series has a hex bolster, through tang, and striking cap. This is my favorite Phillips/JIS screwdriver type. Note that this is the older 930 style before the toothed "JawsFit" tip was introduced. This one's tip is smooth, and the steel shaft is more satin/blasted than the current Vessel version. Could be older stock in Japan.
   
3. Vessel Megadora 9900 P00 x 75mm (JIS cross-point) micro-driver, 09041-1C560

Click on either image for a big full-size view with more detail than anyone probably needs.

Here's the Toyota version alongside the new-style Vessel-branded version. The Vessel version has the name in the overmolding. The Toyota versions have the name printed on.

 

[GrantCee]

Anyone have the Keiba FC-506 or FC-566 pliers? Looking to find out whether the flat part of the jaws are serrated or simply grooved.

 

[measuredtwice]

Anyone have the Keiba FC-506 or FC-566 pliers? Looking to find out whether the flat part of the jaws are serrated or simply grooved.

I'm not sure what you mean by "serrated or simply grooved". Do you mean parallel or cross hatched?

The FC-506 and FC-566 are parallel.

Although you didn't ask about this one, it may or may not interest you that the FC-106 has cross hatched serrations.

 

[GrantCee]

I'm not sure what you mean by "serrated or simply grooved". Do you mean parallel or cross hatched?

The FC-506 and FC-566 are parallel.

Although you didn't ask about this one, it may or may not interest you that the FC-106 has cross hatched serrations.

Yes, crosshatched (aka checkered) as opposed to parallel grooves.

What brought this up is that I saw on the Keiba site the 106 was crosshatched, but they didn't say anything about the others. Too bad, as I much prefer the jaw configuration on the 506/566 models.

Thanks.

 

[Reed Prince]

Keiba aluminum and stainless steel pliers. https://www.keiba-tool.com/keiba/en/series/033/

 

[Reed Prince]

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[Qualitytools]

^ Thanks for sharing

 

[Kasal]

powerbuilt has similar ratchets, I don't know if they are so big. Can Tone be the original manufacturer?

 

[Fedwrench]

powerbuilt has similar ratchets, I don't know if they are so big. Can Tone be the original manufacturer?

This has been questioned before. As I recall, it came down to maybe. The big difference is that the Powerbuilt Pro series is made in Taiwan while most of the Tone series is stamped Japan. There's also the orientation of the handle too that's different.

The quick release flex head appears very similar though. It also matches carlyle versions.

Powerbuilt Pro does offer a 25 inch long 1/2 drive flex head ratchet that can be a real bargain, if you shop around.

At the end of the day, Tone is another Japanese tool brand that I wish had more presence in the USA but, that's just me.

 

[an963]

They're made by HI-FIVE tools out of Taiwan and can be found in various styles and brands, here's a quick list that I put together, but I believe there are more:
Carlyle
Duralast
Powerbuilt
Blackhawk
Tone

 

[measuredtwice]

I had some of the 1/4 and 3/8 Blackhawk branded ratchets and thought they were unremarkable. I could see the branding on the handle catching someones eye but it's definitely not the best in hand. The ratcheting action is on par with other cheap imports.

I noticed the Tone ratchets in the Youtube video are marked "Japan" on the handle but they look the same as the Blackhawk ratchets. The Blackhawk ratchets come in a bag marked "Made in Taiwan".

 

[midorix]

I would like to thank you to all GJ members for introducing me to standard JIS that I didn't know it existed, the dot over the screws, that I have been using a wrong tools for past 30 years on my Japanese cars and bicycles with Shimano parts. Even though I managed all those years, apparently this issue had to be resolved immediately by making a hole in my wallet.

 

[GrantCee]

I would like to thank you to all GJ members for introducing me to standard JIS that I didn't know it existed, the dot over the screws, that I have been using a wrong tools for past 30 years on my Japanese cars and bicycles with Shimano parts. Even though I managed all those years, apparently this issue had to be resolved immediately by making a hole in my wallet.

Trust me: you will wonder how you ever managed without them.

 

[M6erfan]

They're made by HI-FIVE tools out of Taiwan and can be found in various styles and brands, here's a quick list that I put together, but I believe there are more:
Carlyle
Duralast
Powerbuilt
Blackhawk
Tone

^Yup. And thanks for posting. The head design is the same but handles (length, shape, soft grip, locking/non-locking) differ between brands. I really like the small head design and crisp 72t mechanism. I have the Carlyle version in 1/4" and it's a great ratchet.

 

[Olafur]

I would like to thank you to all GJ members for introducing me to standard JIS that I didn't know it existed, the dot over the screws, that I have been using a wrong tools for past 30 years on my Japanese cars and bicycles with Shimano parts. Even though I managed all those years, apparently this issue had to be resolved immediately by making a hole in my wallet.
<a href="https://imgur.com/aPQPhiA"><img src="http://i.imgur.com/aPQPhiAl.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" /></a>

Beside the JIS thingy these drivers are very hard to beat. Simply fantastic.

 

[GrantCee]

People have mentioned that the drive levers of some Japanese ratchet brands are "backwards". The only lever-style ratchets I have are Proto; are Japanese ratchets typically the opposite of Proto's operation?

Ko-ken is opposite Proto.

I saw a YT video that I thought showed Nepros being the same as Proto (opposite of Ko-ken.) Any Nepros owners care to confirm or deny?

 

[Reed Prince]

I saw a YT video that I thought showed Nepros being the same as Proto (opposite of Ko-ken.) Any Nepros owners care to confirm or deny?

Just confirmed that my Nepros is the opposite of my Ko-ken.

 

[GrantCee]

Just confirmed that my Nepros is the opposite of my Ko-ken.

Thanks!

 

[GrantCee]

Oooooo...just noticed that Nepros also has a good-looking round head ratchet, model NBRM3. Anyone have or seen one?

 

[Reed Prince]

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[Negen]

Proto is opposite of proto some times.

American brands seem to use " righty loosey lefty tighty" in regards to the lever.

Move the lever to the left for tuning a socket right.
Japan and old proto seem seem to move the lever to the right to turn the socket to the right.

I saw a YT video that I thought showed Nepros being the same as Proto (opposite of Ko-ken.) Any Nepros owners care to confirm or deny?

Sent from my ONEPLUS A6013 using The Garage Journal mobile app

 

[Negen]

Sorry for double post but edit won't allow adding photos here is a better picture with my koken added.

Sent from my ONEPLUS A6013 using The Garage Journal mobile app

 

[GrantCee]

Proto is opposite of proto some times.

Sorry for double post but edit won't allow adding photos here is a better picture with my koken added.

Okay, I just learned something...all of my Proto ratchets are old (have a few Plombs in there too.) Didn't realize they'd changed!

Are all the ratchets in this picture set to tighten (for a RH-threaded bolt, of course)?

 

[Negen]

Yes all set to turn a bolt head to the right. (Regardless if that tightens or loosens the bolt)

Okay, I just learned something...all of my Proto ratchets are old (have a few Plombs in there too.) Didn't realize they'd changed!

Are all the ratchets in this picture set to tighten (for a RH-threaded bolt, of course)?

Sent from my ONEPLUS A6013 using The Garage Journal mobile app

 

[M6erfan]

I'm in the habit of checking lever position/direction of turning that it's second nature to me. So whatever the direction lever design is, is meaningless to me.

 

[Ralf11]

BTW, what does "R" vs. "L" mean on the Ko-ken impact driver?

- doesn't match anything using a Japanese translator

 

[BK13]

Are those Toyota branded drivers available anywhere, or do you have to be a member of a super cool club/Toyota tech?

More fun with Toyota tools from Japan, screwdrivers this time.

These are all from Vessel, of course, although all of the usual logos or imprints are absent. Only the TOYOTA printing and "Japan" as COO. They're exactly like the Vessel-branded ones in all other respects.

1. Vessel Megadora 900 5.5 x 75mm (slotted) driver, 09041-1C511
   
2. Vessel Megadora 930 P2 x 100mm (JIS cross-point) driver, 09041-1C121. The 930 series has a hex bolster, through tang, and striking cap. This is my favorite Phillips/JIS screwdriver type. Note that this is the older 930 style before the toothed "JawsFit" tip was introduced. This one's tip is smooth, and the steel shaft is more satin/blasted than the current Vessel version. Could be older stock in Japan.
   
3. Vessel Megadora 9900 P00 x 75mm (JIS cross-point) micro-driver, 09041-1C560

Click on either image for a big full-size view with more detail than anyone probably needs.

Here's the Toyota version alongside the new-style Vessel-branded version. The Vessel version has the name in the overmolding. The Toyota versions have the name printed on.

 

[Dave455]

Oooooo...just noticed that Nepros also has a good-looking round head ratchet, model NBRM3. Anyone have or seen one?

Yes, I’ve got one!

I bought it before they introduced the 90 tooth ratchet.

The head is very compact. It feels similar to using one of those 3/8 drive ratchets built on a 1/4 drive body, except that you have a lot more handle to grab.

I love the direction selector. Very well thought out. Easy to change, even with greasy hands, but doesn’t get caught up if you’re working among hoses and cables.

 

[Negen]

Which tool are you asking about ?

what does "R" vs. "L" mean on Japanese tools BTW?

Sent from my ONEPLUS A6013 using The Garage Journal mobile app

 

[GrantCee]

Yes, I’ve got one!

I bought it before they introduced the 90 tooth ratchet.

The head is very compact. It feels similar to using one of those 3/8 drive ratchets built on a 1/4 drive body, except that you have a lot more handle to grab.

I love the direction selector. Very well thought out. Easy to change, even with greasy hands, but doesn’t get caught up if you’re working among hoses and cables.

It reminds me of the Indestro "A" series ratchets (2875A, 4575A, etc.) with the star selector — one of my favorite ratchet designs, which is why the Nepros caught my eye.

 

[Dave455]

It reminds me of the Indestro "A" series ratchets (2875A, 4575A, etc.) with the star selector — one of my favorite ratchet designs, which is why the Nepros caught my eye.

I think I know the one you mean.

Yes, similar to a degree, (though Facom used to make one that was much closer - one of their “aerospace” models from the era when everything else had a rubber handle).

The handle on the Nepros is all thier own design though. It’s hollow, so the balance is just perfect. (If it was solid, it would be all wrong that size).

If you like round head ratchets generally, you will probably love the Nepros!

 

[measuredtwice]

Anyone know how Nepros manufactures the hollow handle on the ratchets? Just curious.

Any problems with the handles breaking?

They look nice... I'm tempted to try one.

 

[Dave455]

Anyone know how Nepros manufactures the hollow handle on the ratchets? Just curious.

Any problems with the handles breaking?

They look nice... I'm tempted to try one.

They are made in two pieces, then welded, then machined.

You can’t see the join. In fact, when you first pick them up you don’t realise they are hollow. It’s only when you think about it that you realise they are. I saw some pictures somewhere showing how they were made. Might have been the KTC website.

There’s a lot of metal there. I don’t think you would break one, or at least I wouldn’t...!

Their handles are generally very comfortable, and the tools seem to have had all the sharp corners designed out. You can work in a tight space in comfort, and if you put a tool in your pocket it doesn’t wear it’s way out again!

If I was buying again I’d go straight for the regular length 90 tooth!

 

[measuredtwice]

Thanks for the info

 

[Skin]

BTW, what does "R" vs. "L" mean on the Ko-ken impact driver?

- doesn't match anything using a Japanese translator

I dont own one to check but I imagine its right and left turn.

 

[GrantCee]

I’ve got a pretty good handle on, and have acquired some, socketry and screwdrivers from Japan — but I don’t yet have any of their better pliers. Trouble is, there are so many from which to choose!

From reading through this thread, it would seem that the top pliers makers in Japan are (in no particular order):
Keiba
3 Peaks
Fujiya
Merry

If you think there are any others who are in the upper tier, please feel free to comment.

Now, what I’d like to know is: what single item should I get from each of these makers if I want an example of their best work?

 

[midorix]

Speaking of pliers, I got myself a "Screw"saurus "Rex".

 

[Dave455]

I’ve got a pretty good handle on, and have acquired some, socketry and screwdrivers from Japan — but I don’t yet have any of their better pliers. Trouble is, there are so many from which to choose!

From reading through this thread, it would seem that the top pliers makers in Japan are (in no particular order):
Keiba
3 Peaks
Fujiya
Merry

If you think there are any others who are in the upper tier, please feel free to comment.

Now, what I’d like to know is: what single item should I get from each of these makers if I want an example of their best work?

There are a couple of other makes to consider.

KTC offer pliers. Some are, I think, rebrands, but many seem to be unique patterns so I assume they are the made in house. Good tools, and the prices are reasonable. I own the little slip joints shown, and they’re nice.

Another maker is IPS. They seem to offer a lot of specialised tools such as soft jaw pliers for various connectors. I don’t own any of these, but I’m tempted by the long reach pliers shown. They also offer “mirror polished” chromed pliers, which I also like the look of!