Tools of Japan
- Thread starter Frankstools
- Start date
It will be interesting to see what they come up with.
I didn’t see those on Amazon.co.jp. Looks like the part no’s didn’t change.
Do you have a Wiha ultra driver (26-in-1) or Festool/Wiha Centrofix by chance? I wonder if those bits will work in the Vessel. Wiha for some reason has dropped the ball on a ratcheting variant of Ultradriver, which seems like a huge no brainer to me
GrantCee
Well-known member
I recently bought two Ko-ken ratchets, one Zeal and one from the regular line, and if there is a difference in backdrag it's small enough I can't detect it.
If the new 72-tooth matches them, I'll definitely buy.
That Impression
Member
Should I cancel my order on the 36 tooth Zeal, and wait for these new ones?
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Negen
Well-known member
You will still NEED both. Did you forget this is gj?
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Sent from my ONEPLUS A6013 using The Garage Journal mobile app
macgee
Well-known member
No I don't, sorry.
I'm not sure but it could be a good match, they look like the right length? I didn't buy the Ultra driver for that reason, I wanted the bits to also be used in other tools and hex holders. The Vessel could be a good option?
Using the ratchet driver this morning I have noticed that it does not have a magnet, only a spring loaded ball lock; my PB Swiss bit held in there just fine by friction. When using non-japanese bits, you rely solely on the ball lock pressing against the hex wall with friction/pressure to hold the bit in place, it will not lock in place.
I think the Wiha Ultra Driver bits could work well but I doubt it will lock into the ball and will only be held by friction and there's less hex wall area for contact on the ultra bits. My PB Swiss and Felo bits felt much better/tighter in the Vessel than my Wera and Apex bits.
I think you're going to have to get another opinion with someone who has both tools.
dede2897234
Well-known member
A short comparison of 3 stubby ratchets
The Power Torque ratchet is available for purchase at O'Reilly Auto Parts. It has a 72 tooth ratchet mechanism. It is made in Taiwan.
IMG_20201212_150403877 by david_edelman_ohio, on Flickr
IMG_20201212_150539260 by david_edelman_ohio, on Flickr
The Nepros is on the left
IMG_20201212_150738813 by david_edelman_ohio, on Flickr
IMG_20201212_151042851 by david_edelman_ohio, on Flickr
IMG_20201212_151129136 by david_edelman_ohio, on Flickr
The Nepros is on the left
IMG_20201212_151213584 by david_edelman_ohio, on Flickr
IMG_20201212_151313191 by david_edelman_ohio, on Flickr
The model # of the Nepros stubby ratchet
IMG_20201212_151730262 by david_edelman_ohio, on Flickr
I like the Nepros the best out of the bunch. It has a super smooth mechanism. The back drag is similar to the Ko-ken. The back drag on the Ko-ken is great as well. The Power Torque's ratchet mechanism improved after dipping the head in auto transmission fluid. The other end of the ratchet is different. It allows the use of the appropriate length of a female socket extension bar for the job. Very cool!
Dave
The Power Torque ratchet is available for purchase at O'Reilly Auto Parts. It has a 72 tooth ratchet mechanism. It is made in Taiwan.
IMG_20201212_150403877 by david_edelman_ohio, on Flickr
IMG_20201212_150539260 by david_edelman_ohio, on FlickrThe Nepros is on the left
IMG_20201212_150738813 by david_edelman_ohio, on Flickr
IMG_20201212_151042851 by david_edelman_ohio, on Flickr
IMG_20201212_151129136 by david_edelman_ohio, on FlickrThe Nepros is on the left
IMG_20201212_151213584 by david_edelman_ohio, on Flickr
IMG_20201212_151313191 by david_edelman_ohio, on FlickrThe model # of the Nepros stubby ratchet
IMG_20201212_151730262 by david_edelman_ohio, on FlickrI like the Nepros the best out of the bunch. It has a super smooth mechanism. The back drag is similar to the Ko-ken. The back drag on the Ko-ken is great as well. The Power Torque's ratchet mechanism improved after dipping the head in auto transmission fluid. The other end of the ratchet is different. It allows the use of the appropriate length of a female socket extension bar for the job. Very cool!
Dave
dede2897234
Well-known member
A comparison of 2 compact head ratchets
The ratchet on the right is the Suekage Pro-Auto with a 72 tooth ratchet mechanism.
IMG_20201212_151929537 by david_edelman_ohio, on Flickr
The Nepros is on the left and bottom
IMG_20201212_152052771 by david_edelman_ohio, on Flickr
IMG_20201212_152324805 by david_edelman_ohio, on Flickr
The model # of the Nepros compact head ratchet
IMG_20201212_151824773 by david_edelman_ohio, on Flickr
I like the Nepros' super smooth 90 tooth mechanism. The back drag is a close tie. I like the Suekage's finger spinner for close quarter work and beefier handle.
Dave
The ratchet on the right is the Suekage Pro-Auto with a 72 tooth ratchet mechanism.
IMG_20201212_151929537 by david_edelman_ohio, on FlickrThe Nepros is on the left and bottom
IMG_20201212_152052771 by david_edelman_ohio, on Flickr
IMG_20201212_152324805 by david_edelman_ohio, on FlickrThe model # of the Nepros compact head ratchet
IMG_20201212_151824773 by david_edelman_ohio, on FlickrI like the Nepros' super smooth 90 tooth mechanism. The back drag is a close tie. I like the Suekage's finger spinner for close quarter work and beefier handle.
Dave
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macgee
Well-known member
After JBH's question above, I went back to look at the Vessel ratchet to see how non-Japanese bits fit and came to the conclusion that tapping a set screw was a worthwhile solution (for me).
I decided to test out if a set screw would work in the Vessel stubby ratchet to hold a bit tight and remove any movement. I hate the slop/play in hex bit sockets, leaving a small hex screwdriver in the bit drawer was no biggie when swapping bits out and its quick to adj. I think it works really well, doesn't hurt the driver and there's plenty of meat in hex socket. Pics below
The depth of the female socket on the driver is 16.35mm deep, much deeper than a standard hex socket. Using a 50mm bit or longer you have plenty of contact and with the set screw, it felt very solid. I sadly used a #8-32 set screw as I didn't have any M4 set screws so I rambo'd it. I hate when people mix standards.
On a different note: The only short 25mm style hex bits that fit well was Wiha's red band impact bits, there slightly longer at 29.3mmm and would lock well in the ball socket mech. With 25mm long ones, it barely sticks out and need forceps or pliers to pull out. Also, japanese ball locks need a shorter divot on the hex bit, when the ball engages a standard locking divot, there's lots of play, in & out.
I decided to test out if a set screw would work in the Vessel stubby ratchet to hold a bit tight and remove any movement. I hate the slop/play in hex bit sockets, leaving a small hex screwdriver in the bit drawer was no biggie when swapping bits out and its quick to adj. I think it works really well, doesn't hurt the driver and there's plenty of meat in hex socket. Pics below
The depth of the female socket on the driver is 16.35mm deep, much deeper than a standard hex socket. Using a 50mm bit or longer you have plenty of contact and with the set screw, it felt very solid. I sadly used a #8-32 set screw as I didn't have any M4 set screws so I rambo'd it. I hate when people mix standards.
On a different note: The only short 25mm style hex bits that fit well was Wiha's red band impact bits, there slightly longer at 29.3mmm and would lock well in the ball socket mech. With 25mm long ones, it barely sticks out and need forceps or pliers to pull out. Also, japanese ball locks need a shorter divot on the hex bit, when the ball engages a standard locking divot, there's lots of play, in & out.
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measuredtwice
Well-known member
Nice! I hope they add 72 tooth to their regular line as well as the Z-eal line.
GrantCee
Well-known member
Negen
Well-known member
This rarely works normally design changes are too great.
Sent from my ONEPLUS A6013 using The Garage Journal mobile app
Sent from my ONEPLUS A6013 using The Garage Journal mobile app
GrantCee
Well-known member
About a month ago I decided to find out why everyone is so excited about the Ko-ken Nut Grip sockets. I ordered the small 1/4" set (RS2450MS/6).
Today they earned their keep. I was replacing an A/C expansion valve on my wife's Saab; it's in the middle of the firewall, below the intake manifold. I had to work one-handed, left-handed (I can't even feed myself left-handed), with the palm outward instead of inward, while laying across the fender and engine.
The retaining bolt for the high and low pressure lines is between them, with very little space. I couldn't see the bolt hole, and I couldn't put it in with my fingers because there wasn't enough room around the big (low pressure) line.
Luckily I had the Nut Grip set. I pulled out the 10mm socket, set it on a short 1/4 extension, and easily installed the bolt. I might have been able to jury-rig something with tape and a regular 10mm socket, but this was quick, easy, and sure.
I'm now a believer. I just wish they made a 9mm.
Today they earned their keep. I was replacing an A/C expansion valve on my wife's Saab; it's in the middle of the firewall, below the intake manifold. I had to work one-handed, left-handed (I can't even feed myself left-handed), with the palm outward instead of inward, while laying across the fender and engine.
The retaining bolt for the high and low pressure lines is between them, with very little space. I couldn't see the bolt hole, and I couldn't put it in with my fingers because there wasn't enough room around the big (low pressure) line.
Luckily I had the Nut Grip set. I pulled out the 10mm socket, set it on a short 1/4 extension, and easily installed the bolt. I might have been able to jury-rig something with tape and a regular 10mm socket, but this was quick, easy, and sure.
I'm now a believer. I just wish they made a 9mm.
Brando_Damo
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I have been eyeing them for a bit but haven’t pulled the trigger. I know they’ll be worth it. I need to just get them and remove that segment of frustration from my life
GrantCee
Well-known member
I have been eyeing them for a bit but haven’t pulled the trigger. I know they’ll be worth it. I need to just get them and remove that segment of frustration from my life
It took me many months to click the buy button, but as far as I'm concerned they paid for themselves today. I just wish I hadn't waited so long to get them!
BlakeTheCarGuy
ALLIANCE MEMBER
h~moto
Well-known member
bongkar_YES_pasang_NO
Well-known member
as well
Attachments
slodat
ALLIANCE MEMBER
Ah I like mine, as well as the set of Kuromaku (aka Shapton) 1000, 5000, and 12000 stones. They are wonderful for putting a razor edge on knives.
Attachments
slodat
ALLIANCE MEMBER
I have 1000, 5000 and 8000 Kuromaku stones. Still learning about sharpening.
Brando_Damo
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Got in some beautiful Nepros sockets! Wow! I wasn’t able to find much info on them so I recorded my thoughts and impressions for posterity. 
-Brando
-Brando
I use my Atoma 140 for most of my Japanese wetstones starting from 400grit, Works great
Attachments
Some new Ko-ken tools in the last few months from Amazon Japan.
1/2 450mm flex ratchet, 5/16 bit flex ratchet, 1/4 flex ratchet, 3/8 nut grip sockets, 3/8 100mm torx sockets, quick spinner and couple of other adapters and extensions.
I don't know how I have survived without a 1/4 flex ratchet so far. The head compared to Z-eal 1/4 is only 2mm higher and 2mm wider.
1/2 450mm flex ratchet, 5/16 bit flex ratchet, 1/4 flex ratchet, 3/8 nut grip sockets, 3/8 100mm torx sockets, quick spinner and couple of other adapters and extensions.
I don't know how I have survived without a 1/4 flex ratchet so far
. The head compared to Z-eal 1/4 is only 2mm higher and 2mm wider.Attachments
GrantCee
Well-known member
Where did you find these? Looks like Amazon.jp, but I haven't been able to find them.
Factory gear website.
https://ec.f-gear.co.jp/item_list.html?siborikomi_clear=1&keyword=KO-KEN +Z-EAL+3/8sq+72ギア
One of their youtube vids looks to go into detail about the new 72t mechanism. I need to learn Japanese.
GrantCee
Well-known member
Factory gear website.
https://ec.f-gear.co.jp/item_list.html?siborikomi_clear=1&keyword=KO-KEN +Z-EAL+3/8sq+72ギア
One of their youtube vids looks to go into detail about the new 72t mechanism. I need to learn Japanese.
Thanks! I didn't see a new 2725Z-3/8, which I've been wanting. I think I'll hold off on buying until I see if it'll be upgraded as well.
4xdog
Well-known member
Factory gear website.
https://ec.f-gear.co.jp/item_list.html?siborikomi_clear=1&keyword=KO-KEN +Z-EAL+3/8sq+72ギア
One of their youtube vids looks to go into detail about the new 72t mechanism. I need to learn Japanese.
See a page or so earlier in the thread where we talked about using YouTube's translation/closed captioning to get a little closer to what they're saying.
GrantCee
Well-known member
Factory gear website.
One of their youtube vids looks to go into detail about the new 72t mechanism. I need to learn Japanese.
I had to watch it several times before I could really "get" what they were saying. In fact, I just watched it again and realized at the end they were talking about the 1/4 drive version, which the engineer said he was still working on and for which there was no timeline. Which means the 3/8 in the 1/4 body is a long way off yet.
One of the things I think I got from their conversation was they hadn't done higher tooth count ratchets before because the finer mechanisms wouldn't pass Ko-ken's own strength and durability testing requirements. (I'm not sure, but it seems as though they implied that the Nepros 90-tooth wouldn't meet Ko-ken's standards. A little rivalry between them and KTC?)
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Brando_Damo
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macgee
Well-known member
This Tajima 9mm blade cutter arrived the other day, I ordered it because it had the dial knob to lock in the blade in place with no play to try out as NT does not offer this option. Pretty disappointed by the quality, finish and loose fit, it was advertised as made in Japan but actually it was made in China and not nearly as nice as an NT made in Japan even though the Tajima is more expensive.
I'm sticking to NT's, they're so nice,
I'm sticking to NT's, they're so nice,
Qualitytools
Well-known member
I have a couple of NT ones that I discovered from this forum and I love them
Interceptor
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Olfa makes some cutters with a locking knob. The Olfas I have are made in Japan and very good quality.
macgee
Well-known member
Thanks interceptor but I don't think Olfa makes a low profile all metal 9mm verison (like the NT AD-2P) with a locking dial knob. I only see ones I see with a knob have a larger plastic body? Olfa does make nice cutters.
I love the NT "AD-2P" cutter that you can hold like a drawing pencil, right now its my favorite.
I highly recommend you trying out NT's 30 Degree, Black carbon "BA15P" extra sharp blades. I've been very impressed by there edge and durability and they're economical on amazon. I think you'll be happy with them.
My second favorite cutter is the NT A-400GRP-RD
I grabbed a few Olfa cutters on clearance from Lowes last year and I can't be happier with their quality. Lowes still carries them.
Qualitytools
Well-known member
I had to have a look at which NT cutters I have and here they are: My first purchase was the NT A-400GRP as mentioned earlier this was due to a posting recommendation on this forum and I was gifted an NT A-301RP. I can't believe the quality for the price. Both Great!
Brando_Damo
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Ko-ken Zeal!
I’m very happy to get my hands on some 1/4 Ko-ken Z-series stuff!
I really like the low back drag on the ratchet, plus it’s extremely compact. I am very impressed and Koken will see me knocking on the door for more items soon.
Here’s a little unboxing with initial impressions.
-Brando
I’m very happy to get my hands on some 1/4 Ko-ken Z-series stuff!
I really like the low back drag on the ratchet, plus it’s extremely compact. I am very impressed and Koken will see me knocking on the door for more items soon.
Here’s a little unboxing with initial impressions.
-Brando
pizza
Well-known member
nice vid
looks like you (accidentally?) grabbed the 2771 instead of the 2771z 1/4" universal joint?
aside from how the lower part looks, i'm guessing the only difference is there will be a bit of extra slop/wiggle where it connects to the ratchet. curious if that's the case.
i see you have the zeal 3/8" universal joint. would you mind seeing if there's any difference in feel between how they connect up (nonzeal vs zeal joints on zeal ratchets)?
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