Tools of Japan

[jaceq]

I am a fan of Olfa cutters since 20 years, however don't have many and rather low cost. Have also NT-cutter which is of excellent quality, not only handle but also very smooth sliding. And KTC-Murata, but here some cheap DYI stuff. I don't think NT-Cutters are better than Olfa due to better plastic - in both cases it is usually standard ABS, where you don't recognize the difference. It is more complexed if we take 2-component handles (hard plastic+elastomer) or anti-slip soft touch polymer. I believe NT Cutter is more common in handles made of cast Al. My NT-cutter's handle is made of cast Al.

I have also nice, handy, small Olfa knife. It is really sharp. And it is ok for my small hands.

At the end auto-retractable - I found it - no idea who is the producer - the difference to Olfa SK-4 is 6 ribs (instead of 4) and slightly different color. And no logo nor any writing. Maybe just a copy of Olfa. And Olfa blade fits perfectly well.

 

[Qualitytools]

^ Thanks for sharing. I don't have any OLFA experience but I do have a couple of NT cutters and I am very impressed by their quality. I was introduced to NT from this forum, no regrets

 

[kanai]

it might be cheaper to simply pay a visit and buy all that stuff which would be cheaper than the current estimated shipping cost !!

Hopefully 2021 will bring better news on the health front and those who wish to visit Japan can do so safely.

 

[Qualitytools]

Hopefully 2021 will bring better news on the health front and those who wish to visit Japan can do so safely.

Yes indeed!

 

[Brando_Damo]

Most the time is cheaper and faster to ship from Japan than USA.

It’s amazing just how fast I’ve gotten things from Amazon Japan. Many times in 3-4 days.

 

[tylerg1]

Koken mid sets

 

[E.T.]

2021 planner, nice. My 2020 planner might as well have been scratch paper. Hopefully 2021 will be more stable

 

[Brando_Damo]

Koken mid sets

Hey I never got any koken stickers!

 

[E.T.]

Stickers usually only come with metal case sets. I’ve only got them with Zeal 3/8 set and 4405

 

[Reed Prince]

Not sure if I ever shared pictures of my other Japanese scissors, these Toribe KS-203 for the kitchen.

 

[pizza]

Not sure if I ever shared pictures of my other Japanese scissors, these Toribe KS-203 for the kitchen.

i have those, too. good stuff. https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?p=8234718#post8234718

 

[macgee]

Not sure if I ever shared pictures of my other Japanese scissors, these Toribe KS-203 for the kitchen.

How would you compare them to a KAI 7000 pro series for the kitchen? I believe Kai make the micro serrated version in same size and I think they're cheaper than the Toribe? Both are stainless.

The Toribe do have the all metal non plastic look compared to the KAI and different shape.

 

[Reed Prince]

Looks to me like the Kai equivalent would be the DH-3345. I don't know much about them but they got generally good reviews on Amazon Japan.

 

[Qualitytools]

I have not seen any posts from Superautobacs lately, I hope he is doing OK. Or did I miss some posts?

 

[mr.lemons]

He posted a vid on youtube a few days ago, so still kicking.

 

[macgee]

Here's another video of his with a twist. He posted it a while a ago, a really cool fully stocked hardware store in Japan loaded with PB Swiss and Knipex. Now thats a candy store; Pretty amazing selection.

Located in Edogawa, Tokyo.

 

[rice rocket]

New 72 tooth Koken ratchet.

<iframe width="1163" height="666" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/sbmswkB87Fs" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>

 

[Griff79]

Hey I never got any koken stickers!

I never have either
Griff

 

[4xdog]

^^^ Note that one can use the YouTube settings to auto-translate into English via closed captions. It's not perfect -- kind of goofy in places -- but better than my Japanese...

 

[CentenIJ]

I thought I saw some familiar tools in the newest grand tour special. It looks like Richard Hammond uses Tone tools.

 

[Ralf11]

^^^ Note that one can use the YouTube settings to auto-translate into English via closed captions. It's not perfect -- kind of goofy in places -- but better than my Japanese...

I can only set it for Japanese captions - how do you get translation?

 

[Dave455]

I thought I saw some familiar tools in the newest grand tour special. It looks like Richard Hammond uses Tone tools.

Looks more like Bahco to me!

Generic Taiwanese either way!

 

[GrantCee]

New 72 tooth Koken ratchet.

Great news. If they keep the traditionally low backdrag, it'll be a must-have ratchet.

 

[mr.lemons]

 

[CentenIJ]

Looks more like Bahco to me!



Generic Taiwanese either way!

Ahh, I believe you are correct. The satin finish sockets made me think it was Japanese.

 

[E.T.]

New 72 tooth Koken ratchet.

While this is excellent news it also means I’ll have to buy new set of ratchets. Doh!

 

[toddmorr]

new Koken ratchets are interesting but geez, wanted to see at least 80 teeth. There is a video in another thread that explains the mechanism they're using and the effort to keep low backdrag along with more teeth. Smart move. I'll surely buy one or two.

 

[M6erfan]

The difference between 80t and 72t in real world use in negligible, at best.

I'm glad to see Ko-ken releasing new ratchets!

 

[Brando_Damo]

Aw man I just got a 1/4 in ratchet from them like a month ago. I should have waited

 

[Ralf11]

M6er - did you post before that the lower tooth count ko-ken ratchets had the lowest back drag?

 

[GrantCee]

The difference between 80t and 72t in real world use in negligible, at best.

Agreed.

An increase from 24 to 36 teeth is noticeable; from 72 to 84, the same 12-tooth increase, is virtually unnoticeable in actual use.

It's really about the percentage of change. Anything less than a 50% increase in tooth count is probably more for bragging rights than actual utility.

 

[Brando_Damo]

Went with Nepros for my 3/8 drive needs. I am more than impressed! They are outstanding!

Here’s an unboxing video of part of my recent Nepros haul.

 

[M6erfan]

M6er - did you post before that the lower tooth count ko-ken ratchets had the lowest back drag?

Yup, that'd be me

 

[4xdog]

I can only set it for Japanese captions - how do you get translation?

Try this:

1. Click on settings (gears icon lower right)
2. Select subtitles. The default will be Japanese. Click on the right arrow on that menu line.
3. Select autotranslate. The screen may jump and take you up a few posts. Scroll back down to the YouTube window in the correct post.
4. Select English as the language for autotranslation.


5. Have fun with the results -- sometimes they're off but logical. Other times they're who-knows-where.

 

[Dave455]

Ahh, I believe you are correct. The satin finish sockets made me think it was Japanese.

Only on this website would we narrow it down this far, this fast...!

I think, (not 100% sure) that the majority of Tone tools, and certainly the satin finished ones, are Taiwanese. I think they vary between average Taiwanese and slightly better than average.

I’ve seen people use those ratchets with the slim heads and they don’t seem bad, but there are so many makes available in the U.K. that Tone seem to get lost in the crowd. If I look at a dozen guys using socket wrenches, chances are they are all using something different.

The Bahco that’s commonly found in the U.K. seems to vary between average and below average, but it’s readily available from DIY stores so there’s a lot about.

I have used an older Tone ratchet and that definitely was made in Japan, but that had a polished chrome finish (and a distinctive green dust cover)! Very nice tool as I recall.

 

[Negen]

Why you would still need both.

Aw man I just got a 1/4 in ratchet from them like a month ago. I should have waited

Sent from my ONEPLUS A6013 using The Garage Journal mobile app

 

[macgee]

My Vessell TD-6700W-23 stubby ratchet arrived last night and here's my first impressions. $15.50 delivered on Amazon USA.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01GZEWJ9O/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o03_s04?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I like it, very smooth and the low back drag is nice. But a couple of things I'm noticing when using it and comparing it others. You cant use the typical euro and usa 25mm/1 inch hex bits. Vessel's hex socket is much deeper than normal, you could use those hex's but it barely sticks out and you'll need a tool to pull it out; Pic of small #2 PB Swiss bit in Vessel (pic is zoomed in and it actually sticks out less than it looks in pic); I actually like that you get a more bit contact and deeper, its stronger and less play. I have long 50mm & 75mm PB Swiss bits that I would use and fits really well. The hex bit ball lock wont work either with typical 25mm bits but the mag is strong enough to hold in place and cant pull out with your hand.

The stubby is very stubby with a small short grip handle, I actually prefer my Bahco ($20.50) for that, its more comfortable and ergonomic, can apply more torque and ergonomically I can easily dial/reach and rotate ratchet direction with the Bahco but its overall much longer, with the vessel I have to readjust my grip a lot to turn the direction dial (not easy) but there's not much you can do about that since its such a short stubby which can be very valuable (its a stubby after all). A plus with the Vessel, I can comfortably turn the shaft manually with fingers when needed with the knurled portion, the Bahco doesn't have that nice feature.

Both drivers had the same amount of slop when ratchet is locked (which is noticeable) but the Vessel had a bit less slop overall because the hex bit fits tighter/less play in the deeper hex socket. Pic below shows two identical #2 PB 50mm bits in both ratchets for comparison.

I think I'll try the larger Vessels ball ratchet handle version but I think it has the older mechanism? Not sure which one has the better ratchet?

PS: The Vessel hex bit that came with the ratchet didn't hold up as well as the PB Swiss bit, noticeable difference in wear.

 

[Ralf11]

Try this:

1. Click on settings (gears icon lower right)
2. Select subtitles. The default will be Japanese. Click on the right arrow on that menu line.
3. Select autotranslate. The screen may jump and take you up a few posts. Scroll back down to the YouTube window in the correct post.
4. Select English as the language for autotranslation.


5. Have fun with the results -- sometimes they're off but logical. Other times they're who-knows-where.

Thanks - I was using the other Settings menu (upper LH corner)

 

[Ralf11]

Yup, that'd be me

we'll have to see if they "solved" the back drag vs. tooth count issue

 

[mr.lemons]

Talking of spotting tools on TV. Just been watching 'Bitchin Rides'and spotted this. They mostly seem to use Snap on and craftsman, but this maybe a Zeal?

Edit.. Now I look, it may be a snap on with some rubber tube on the handle. Wish we could delete posts.