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Tools of Japan

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jonshonda

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superautobacs said:
I'm assuming the shortage only relates to the ratchets?
I don't know what AvE's viewership is like, but I have a feeling that the demand might be a frivolous novelty thing....it makes for a cool stocking stuffer for the coming Christmas season. :lol:
Only time will tell. :dunno:
Click to expand...

If Nepros was the stocking stuffer, I want to know what's under the tree!! :shocking:
 
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FuzzyTiger

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superautobacs said:
I disagree! :D ...unless you're talking about the limited edition stuff like the leather/wood/urushi clad tools.
Click to expand...


They definitely seem to be marketed as such but maybe that's just due to the limited marketing we see here. I guess marketing is different in Japan.

I wonder with all this new exposure, Nepros will adjust their pricing so that it's in line with Japanese pricing! :sad:
Click to expand...

I really hope not. With the currency conversion rate, taxes, surprise duties etc they come out essentially about the same price as my local Mac dealer or a little cheaper on on some items. If they increase their prices, then after all the extras, it'll add up to being significantly more and at that point I think I'd just settle for snap on/Mac. Not that there's anything wrong with either, they just don't feel special the same way.

... I wonder what the wholesale pricing is on some of these things... I'd consider becoming a distributor if the numbers made sense and if it would help pay for my tools haha.
 
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username2

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superautobacs said:
I wonder with all this new exposure, Nepros will adjust their pricing so that it's in line with Japanese pricing! :sad:
Click to expand...

everything on nepros.net used to be about 1/2 of what it is now.

It's kind of like PB Swiss prices on Amazon I think, I have an established price in my head and now can't buy any of the stuff. It shows the problem with deep discounting.
 
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FuzzyTiger

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username2 said:
everything on nepros.net used to be about 1/2 of what it is now.

It's kind of like PB Swiss prices on Amazon I think, I have an established price in my head and now can't buy any of the stuff. It shows the problem with deep discounting.
Click to expand...

It doesn't seem like it's just a discount or sale that they are running on that website. I suspect it has more to do with currency conversion rates, taxes and I also suspect that Japan must somehow incentivise products for export since it's such a big part of their economy

How long ago were things 1/2 the current price? Long enough that things like inflation, long term forex rates etc would factor in?
 
M

m6z

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The Nepros stuff certainly looks nice, but I'll never pay Snap-on prices for import tools.

That said, I do have some KTC stuff on order. It was reasonably priced and I was placing an Amazon Japan order anyways.

Sent from my Pixel 4 XL using The Garage Journal mobile app
 
S

Skin

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BlitzcrankJapan said:
Just order from Rakuten, Yahoo, or Japanese websites and you will get Nepros for less than half Snap-On prices.
Click to expand...

Rakuten global shut down back in June. Maybe you get a better selection in Aus but short of the occasional decent price drop on Amazon you may as well just order direct in the States. "Cheap" Nepros hasn't been a thing since they bumped their prices some years back.
 
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Negen

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Does the global site shut down effect the app or .com shutdown ?
Skin said:
Rakuten global shut down back in June. Maybe you get a better selection in Aus but short of the occasional decent price drop on Amazon you may as well just order direct in the States. "Cheap" Nepros hasn't been a thing since they bumped their prices some years back.
Click to expand...

Sent from my ONEPLUS A6013 using The Garage Journal mobile app
 
B

BlitzcrankJapan

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Gold Coast, Australia
Skin said:
Rakuten global shut down back in June. Maybe you get a better selection in Aus but short of the occasional decent price drop on Amazon you may as well just order direct in the States. "Cheap" Nepros hasn't been a thing since they bumped their prices some years back.
Click to expand...



I said use Rakuten. Not Rakuten Global.

Here in Australia we have less access to shipping methods. Shipping is generally more expensive, and also generally takes longer. Even though we are often closer....
If you are still having difficulty this may help you.
https://globalexpress.rakuten.co.jp/?lang=en

Nepros has never been cheap. Even KTC is not cheap. They are high quality tools at a reasonable price.

P.S. If you are using Nepros.net as your price guide then I can assure you that you will find cheaper prices (shipping included) on Rakuten, Yahoo, or local Japanese shop sites.
I personally mainly use Rakuten.
 
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M

m6z

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Odd request/long shot..

I'm looking for a small hard sided storage case to hold my precision screwdrivers that I plan to keep in my Trusco box. Needs to be 7" long x 3"-4" wide, 5/8"-2" deep. Any ideas or brands to search for?
 
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D

Dave455

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m6z said:
Odd request/long shot..

I'm looking for a small hard sided storage case to hold my precision screwdrivers that I plan to keep in my Trusco box. Needs to be 7" long x 3"-4" wide, 5/8"-2" deep. Any ideas or brands to search for?
Click to expand...

This may seem obvious, but how about Trusco again?

I have a couple of these T190 boxes with smaller tools in and they’re great. Just about makes your size requirements, and probably available to match your other Trusco box too!

I find I need to hunt around to find the best deal on these, as price and shipping cost can vary a lot. They generally cost me the equivalent of about $20 delivered and I’m very happy with them for that. They’re nicely made and finished.

I use the smaller T150 boxes for storing things like taps and dies, which they are perfect for. I keep some things in plastic boxes, but plastic boxes all seem prone to breakage if you store heavy stuff in them.
 

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C

cbracer

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Costa Mesa, CA
midorix said:
Speaking of pliers, I got myself a "Screw"saurus "Rex".

IMG-3968.jpg
Click to expand...
I purchased this and some engineer brand wire strippers. The wire strippers wore out in no time at all, and even the linesman pliers weren't as strong as my old Klein ones. So when it comes to those two tools, I can say from experience don't buy them. I do use a pair of Tsunoda MNK-125 diag cutters from japan that are very good.
 
D

dede2897234

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Feb 1, 2008
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Northern, Ohio
Hey Guys,

Here are my purchases from the last several months:

Ninja-tools (eBay)

IMG_20201025_173850206 by david_edelman_ohio, on Flickr

Both the Top and Vessel (right) swivel drill bit adapters do not work with 1" screwdriver bits.

IMG_20201025_174818787 by david_edelman_ohio, on Flickr

The Top and Vessel swivel drill bit adapters are compatible with 2" screwdriver bits. The 2" screwdriver bits that I used for demonstration were made by Wiha.

IMG_20201025_175133800 by david_edelman_ohio, on Flickr
 
M

mr.lemons

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Oct 24, 2017
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Location
UK
cbracer said:
I purchased this and some engineer brand wire strippers. The wire strippers wore out in no time at all, and even the linesman pliers weren't as strong as my old Klein ones.
Click to expand...

I've read a few comments and reviews saying that Engineer pliers are a bit soft :sad:. Their screw removing pliers are useful if kept just for that task though. I really like the small PZ-57s.

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/tT-Pgf83wkI" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>

^ Edit.. those power bit, universal joint thingies look nice. Are they Japan fit only?
 
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dede2897234

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Nile Merry Tools (OH, U.S.A.)

These plastic nippers cut cable ties like butter. Better than any 5" diagonal cutters from Facom or Snap-on!

IMG_20201018_181750140 by david_edelman_ohio, on Flickr

IMG_20201018_181809853 by david_edelman_ohio, on Flickr

IMG_20201018_171107594 by david_edelman_ohio, on Flickr

IMG_20201018_171131390 by david_edelman_ohio, on Flickr

IMG_20201018_171155651 by david_edelman_ohio, on Flickr

IMG_20201018_170640125 by david_edelman_ohio, on Flickr

IMG_20201018_170712672 by david_edelman_ohio, on Flickr

IMG_20201018_170740247 by david_edelman_ohio, on Flickr
 
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D

dede2897234

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Idaka America (KY, U.S.A.)

As an alternative to Frankstools, Idaka America is awesome. Jeremy is a pleasure to communicate on the phone and finalize the order via email. They ship the order before an Idaka representative calls you to obtain your payment method! Idaka specializes in Tone. However, they can import to America from Japan hand tools from any make in 2 weeks or less. The hand tool prices are very competitive and the shipping charges are very cheap (as of this past summer).

To find out more about Idaka America, please click on this Chris Cas YouTube video about ratchet head sizes:

YouTube.

Under the video, click the "Show More" link to find out all about Idaka.

IMG_20201018_174301988 by david_edelman_ohio, on Flickr

IMG_20201018_174353503 by david_edelman_ohio, on Flickr

IMG_20201018_174438221 by david_edelman_ohio, on Flickr
 
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D

dede2897234

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Idaka America

IMG_20201031_175043588 by david_edelman_ohio, on Flickr

IMG_20201031_175235101 by david_edelman_ohio, on Flickr

Tone 10 and 13mm socket adapters installed in Proto USA spline ratcheting wrenches

IMG_20201031_175612528 by david_edelman_ohio, on Flickr

Height comparison between SK 90-tooth ratchet (on the left) with low profile Proto 15mm socket; 13mm Proto ratcheting wrench with Tone adapter; and 14mm low profile Proto socket

IMG_20201031_180411626 by david_edelman_ohio, on Flickr
 
S

superautobacs

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Oct 31, 2008
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Vancouver, BC
In addition to Dave's large haul of tools :thumbup:, I'm gonna share my latest haul (a quick preview) from Rakuten Japan. Stuff from Ko-ken, KTC, IPS, Anex, Asahi, Engineer, SEK

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ipZOkTqY834" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>
















I realize some may not care for a video, especially an unboxing type video so here's a few photos to show what's inside the box, minus several items I took to the work box already.
*click to enlarge*


20201101_143414.jpg
20201101_143458.jpg
20201101_143537.jpg
20201101_143551.jpg
 
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D

dede2897234

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Hi Superautobacs,

I enjoyed watching your preview video about your tool haul! :beer: I can't wait for your future break down video(s).

Can you please explain how Rakuten Global Express works to purchase from i-Tools and Ehime Machine? What is the central website for international customers to start purchasing from multiple Rakuten vendors?

How did your purchases from both Rakuten outfits end up in one shipping box?

Thanks,

Dave
 
S

superautobacs

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I forgot to mention that process in the video so here we go...

I'm not sure why Rakuten got rid of the Global Rakuten storefront. Perhaps it wasn't popular enough to maintain when AmazonJapan became increasingly convenient for overseas shoppers.

With Global Rakuten gone, unfotunately there isn't a central website with a platform for an English language storefront. So, the only way to shop from Rakuten Japan is through the same page Japanese shoppers would use. That leaves international shoppers that don't have any understanding of the Japanese language out in the cold. My only advise then is to use a web browser like Google Chrome and enable automatic translation of the Japanese web pages (its far from perfect, but it does lessen the confusion).

The Global Rakuten Express aka RGX is basically an international shipping service. Once you register with RGX, you'll receive your own address (like a PO Box). The address is unique to you, and is your hub for receiving goods you purchase online. You also have the ability to purchase stuff not only from Rakuten, but also from places like Yahoo Auction, Ebay Japan, Amazon Japan, etc.

You asked why my purchases from two stores, i-Tools and Ehime Machine came in one single box to me. Let me explain:
I purchased from i-Tools like usual and had it sent to my unique address issued by RGX. I did the same with my order with Ehime Machine. Two separate orders, but with the same shipping address.
Once the items are received at the RGX shipping center in Japan, you'll get notifications and you can verify it through your online account's 'My Page'.
I then selected an option to have them combine the two boxes for final shipment, to my home address.

They will re-pack your stuff neatly and provide you with a shipping fee quote.
You pay off the shipping fee and within a day or so, you'll get an email with a tracking number. By that time, it's likely already on the plane.
 
P

pizza

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superautobacs said:
You asked why my purchases from two stores, i-Tools and Ehime Machine came in one single box to me.
Click to expand...

i'm looking at RGX now, and it looks like they automatically factor in package consolidation in their shipping fees. they don't have a separate option without consolidation. that's very interesting...

also, have you tried other proxy/buying agent services other than RGX for japan? i've been using buyee for yahoo auctions (for other hobbies, not tools). i'm not convinced package consolidation actually saves you money with buyee. also, i think they're bumbling idiots, so i don't trust them to re-pack anything fragile. i've learned the hard way to leave it how the original seller packed it.

i wonder who the best/cheapest agent is. i'm guessing it depends on a lot of things. size/weight of the items, if you need things consolidated, etc.

after looking on RGX, i don't actually see where they say what they charge for an auction for example. is it a fixed fee? a percentage?

for buyee, it's a fixed fee of 1000 jpy (or 500 jpy if you don't want insurance). plus shipping.
 
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4

4xdog

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I use Tenso as a consolidating/forwarding service in Japan. Works about the same as RGX, I'd guess -- a private address for stuff I buy online in Japan to be sent to, and then a group that gets it all to me. Those services are super -- very efficient, super communication, not all that expensive, and fast.
 
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pizza

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just fyi, buyee is part of tenso.

also, is it just me, or are the savings from buying stuff overseas (rakuten, amazon.co.jp, amazon.de) drying up? from a usa shopper's perspective anyway. idk about canada.

for koken stuff, i'm actually seeing lower overall prices on palmac for everything i've looked at recently.
 
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pizza

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4xdog, do you use tenso as a general purpose buying agent for more boutique things? or do you use it for big things like rakuten?

just wondering because it never even occurred to me to look at tenso for stuff like rakuten and auctions. i wonder if one is cheaper than the other...
 
4

4xdog

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pizza said:
4xdog, do you use tenso as a general purpose buying agent for more boutique things? or do you use it for big things like rakuten?

just wondering because it never even occurred to me to look at tenso for stuff like rakuten and auctions. i wonder if one is cheaper than the other...
Click to expand...

I've mainly used tenso for camera gear (Canon stuff). I've used it for Amazon jp in the past for things that wouldn't ship to the US. I think I've used it for Rakuten and/or auctions, but that would have been rare.

I haven't looked at pricing differences, but tenso has always seemed pretty reasonable. A shoebox-sized package is around $35, if my memory isn't wrong.
 
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