Tools of Japan

[GrantCee]

Looks like the new ratchets are available on Palmac, but their pricing relative to amazon jp looks to be heinous, near x2 even at their sale price. This is comparing to other zeal ratchets as I cant yet find the zeal listing on amazon jp.

I haven't been able to find the new ratchets on Amazon.jp yet either — but I'm also not seeing the excessive Palmac gouging you're seeing.

For instance, on Palmac the 3725Z-280-72T (which is the model I'm most interested in) is the same price as the 36-tooth version ($90.58); on Amazon.jp, the 36-tooth is about $80. That's not a huge difference. The 3726Z-280 (36 tooth) on Amazon.jp is $104 and change; Palmac is actually cheaper at $100.18, 36 or 72 tooth — same price.

 

[pizza]

i have also found the palmac pricing to be very reasonable.
iirc, some stuff on there is even cheaper than what i saw on azjp.

i'm sure there are exceptions though.

5% off with coupon MrSubaru5 btw

 

[GrantCee]

5% off with coupon MrSubaru5 btw

Damn, I keep forgetting that!

 

[noid]

I haven't been able to find the new ratchets on Amazon.jp yet either — but I'm also not seeing the excessive Palmac gouging you're seeing.

For instance, on Palmac the 3725Z-280-72T (which is the model I'm most interested in) is the same price as the 36-tooth version ($90.58); on Amazon.jp, the 36-tooth is about $80. That's not a huge difference. The 3726Z-280 (36 tooth) on Amazon.jp is $104 and change; Palmac is actually cheaper at $100.18, 36 or 72 tooth — same price.

Maybe i'm just bitter that they want 60 USD for shipping to Canada.

But in all seriousness, Amazon JP prices are cheaper when you add to cart; 10% sales tax gets removed for international orders. This reduction generally takes care of the shipping cost.

They are within $10-15 of a majority of Amazon JP prices (not including the tax deduction), but there are some outliers that are x2 the price.

 

[macgee]

Which driver are you referring to?

The Anex 397

 

[Reed Prince]

The Anex 397

The lower part of the grip rotates.


edit: Latest Ko-ken USA YouTube upload.

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/-pbQY23T5I4" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>

 

[kanai]

Factory Gear is noting release dates in mid and late Jan 2021 for the 72 tooth Ko-ken ratchets.

 

[Reed Prince]

Palmac claims to have them in stock right now. Ordered one yesterday.

 

[jptbay]

koken wobble-fix extensions... one extension to rule them all? maybe not.

hoping to replace all the random no-name **** i already have, i bought the full set of them in 3/8" and three sizes of them in 1/4" (50, 100, and 150mm) thinking they'd be my only extensions.

the catalog says they're not as strong as normal extensions, but i decided that i'd start worrying about that if i ever broke one.

build quality is very nice. i love the finish and knurling.

the wobble feature works as advertised, but note that sockets aren't held firmly. unlike on a universal joint, the socket just kind of flops around on the extension when it's in wobble mode.

what i was not expecting, however, is that the compatibility isn't perfect with all kinds of socketry. particularly with zeal stuff where they've trimmed the fat.

the anvil is longer than normal. there's a square portion below the tapered part that needs to be pushed in for it to be fully engaged (not in wobble mode).

i show this here with a red line indicating the point of full insertion:

what are the consequences? unfortunately, i don't have all of my socket stuff here with me rn to test.
but on standard (more like short) zeal 1/4" sockets, it extends into the socket (somthing like a normal extension shown on left, wobble-fix fully inserted shown on right):

this gives less depth to engage a fastener. does it make a difference on this already-short socket? maybe. dunno yet.

on sockets that have obstructions like this smaller 1/4" socket on the right where the square drive isn't broached all the way through, you can't actually lock it in all the way. you can only use it in wobble mode:

so i guess that these wobble-fix extensions are still usable at least in wobble mode with everything i've tried so far, but full insertion is not possible or reliable with some sockets. might want to re-think these as your main set of extensions if you have a lot of zeal stuff.

maybe i'll eventually buy more extensions (either in zeal or just normal koken), maybe not.

Kept my Gear wrench 1/4" sockets for this use case. They are the new semi deep for this situation. Seems to be more pronounced with the smaller sizes.

 

[Qualitytools]

Which driver are you referring to?

I can answer this question if I may. The portion below the grey ring does rotate, yes the portion with the label, and this is how the 2 pieces come together. The grey ring is the selector for the driver to rotate either clockwise or counter. That ratcheting driver comes apart so one can change the lower section (that rotates) with different drivers. Should you need a photo for further clarity I can do so.

 

[macgee]

That ratcheting driver comes apart so one can change the lower section (that rotates) with different drivers. Should you need a photo for further clarity I can do so.

Thanks Quality,

A photo would be great to see come apart. Would love to find a ratchet like the Anex that is high quality and with little play in mechanism. Right now price is around $40 landed in US so I want to make sure its what I'm looking for before pulling the trigger.


I played around with my Vessel made Craftsman to see if I can give it more options than just using the included long double side blades and use non-japanese bits, micro bits and adapters with it. I really like the shape of the ball grip and when a hex bit is held down in place, the driver feels solid and gives a good feel and torque.

I drilled and tapped a set screw 13mm from the front of bit holder to hold bits in place like a I did with the Vessel stubby ratchet (TD-6700W).
EDIT: The 6700W ratchet comes with double ended hex bits and has a deeper insert than typical hex holders, which ended being a plus with the set screw and really hold various length bits very well.

I can now use both as a socket spinner and not have the adapter pull out every time I change sockets. I can also use all of my various PB Swiss bits with it. Chapman hex bits fit well without any mods.

 

[Qualitytools]

Here are a couple of shots showing the Vessel ratcheting screw driver apart, note that once the ball end is disengaged from the various drivers it also becomes a 1/4 drive where bits can be inserted.

 

[macgee]

Here are a couple of shots showing the Vessel ratcheting screw driver apart, note that once the ball end is disengaged from the various drivers it also becomes a 1/4 drive where bits can be inserted.

Thanks Quality for taking the time for doing that but I was asking about the Anex 397 version.

Do regular 25mm/1" hex euro bits fit inside your vessel without going too deep into it to pull out? On the Vessel TD-6700W I need pliers to pull them out of mine (annoying) because of the deeper hex slot to work that accommodates double ended hex bits and longer version Euro/US bits don't lock in place and move inside the shaft becausee they're different than Jap. bits.

 

[superautobacs]

Macgee,

I like what you did with your drivers!

Maybe i'm just bitter that they want 60 USD for shipping to Canada.

For a single ratchet!?

do you have favorite extensions?

Favourite one is the one most suitable for the job.
I do like my Nepros 3/8 drive extensions a lot though.

aww geeze. Just last night I spent way more money than I should on koken wobbles and a couple zeal socket sets! lol oh well, I do like wobbles.

So I guess the zeal extensions have a shorter drive end as well? are there any issues using them with regular sockets?

Drive end is normal and I don't think you'll find any issues using it with other socket brands, unless the location of the ball detents on the X-brand is way off.

In addition to what Dave455 said, if in doubt about compatibility with outside brands, you can be certain the entire Z-series range is fully compatible with eachother.

 

[mr.lemons]

I may be way off with this, but I think there may be Chinese copies of Vessel screwdrivers available. Been looking at Vessel 150mm long precision PH0 drivers. Searches for Vessel P0 150 brings up AliExpress. Not sure if they are copies or the real thing.

Small selection of Vessel on AliExpress.

Vessel pliers on AliExpress. I think the writing on the packaging is Korean? I've seen Vessel drivers on UK eBay coming from Korea, so maybe Vessel make tools for the Korean market.

Also spotted a close copy of a Vessel driver on Amazon with 'Product of China' on it.

A bit of a rambling post with more questions than answers.

 

[mr.lemons]

Megadora 900.

I had a set of these and sold them on, but all the positive comments on here made me curious to try them again. The set I had was the older style Jawsfit.

The teeth certainly grip into screw heads. I wonder if having half the surface area means they wear twice as fast as smooth tips.

 

[16again]

Megadora 900.

I had a set of these and sold them on, but all the positive comments on here made me curious to try them again. The set I had was the older style Jawsfit.

The teeth certainly grip into screw heads. I wonder if having half the surface area means they wear twice as fast as smooth tips.

Alright, just ordered a #2 to see how I like them. will go from there.

 

[16again]

i have also found the palmac pricing to be very reasonable.
iirc, some stuff on there is even cheaper than what i saw on azjp.

i'm sure there are exceptions though.

5% off with coupon MrSubaru5 btw

Thank you for posting the discount code. Ordered one of the new long reach 72T ratchets. Remembered seeing your post and applied the code. Thanks again.

 

[macgee]

i have also found the palmac pricing to be very reasonable.
iirc, some stuff on there is even cheaper than what i saw on azjp.

i'm sure there are exceptions though.

5% off with coupon MrSubaru5 btw

I would also recommend checking out JDV tools, Vessel Japan’s main and orig. US distributor.
They are the only ones who sell the Megadora 900 without the serrated jawfit tips and is closest shape to the older JIS shape (this is according to the rep at to vessel jp. who told me this).

I would call them and ask if they could offer a GJ member discount?

https://www.vesseltools.com/handtools/screwdrivers/megadora/900-series-detail


FYI: JDV is also the only one who sell ratchet drivers with the good Japanese hex bits. They replace the cheap non Japanese ones that come with them with the good Japanese made ones that are higher quality and have higher HRC and hence a slightly high price which I think it’s worth since they’re JIS style versions.

 

[jonshonda]

I've got an intake manifold gasket job coming up on my GX470 that could benefit from the Nut Gripper sockets. Figured I might as well throw some other goodies in the cart while I am at it. Anything you guys would swap out, or add to the cart? I am wanting a socket that protects my wheels/lug nuts but doesn't really have to be impact rated as I always put them on by hand. The one from Koken looks nice.

KOKEN NUT GRIPPER RS3450M/8 | 3/8" Square Drive | 6-Point - 8 Piece Nut Gripper Socket Set

Koken Z-Series 3760Z-125 | 3/8" Sq. Dr. Extension Bar (125mm)

Koken Z-Series 3760Z-250 | 3/8" Sq. Dr. Extension Bar (250mm)

Koken Z-Series 3760Z-75 | 3/8" Sq. Dr. Extension Bar (430mm)

Koken Z-Series 3756Z | 3/8" Square Drive Quick Spinner (33.5 mm)

Koken Z-Series 3771Z | 3/8" Square Drive Universal Joint

Koken Wheel Nut Socket 14145PM-110-19 | 1/2" Square Drive | 6 Point Socket (19mm)

 

[Dave455]

I've got an intake manifold gasket job coming up on my GX470 that could benefit from the Nut Gripper sockets. Figured I might as well throw some other goodies in the cart while I am at it. Anything you guys would swap out, or add to the cart? I am wanting a socket that protects my wheels/lug nuts but doesn't really have to be impact rated as I always put them on by hand. The one from Koken looks nice.

KOKEN NUT GRIPPER RS3450M/8 | 3/8" Square Drive | 6-Point - 8 Piece Nut Gripper Socket Set

Koken Z-Series 3760Z-125 | 3/8" Sq. Dr. Extension Bar (125mm)

Koken Z-Series 3760Z-250 | 3/8" Sq. Dr. Extension Bar (250mm)

Koken Z-Series 3760Z-75 | 3/8" Sq. Dr. Extension Bar (430mm)

Koken Z-Series 3756Z | 3/8" Square Drive Quick Spinner (33.5 mm)

Koken Z-Series 3771Z | 3/8" Square Drive Universal Joint

Koken Wheel Nut Socket 14145PM-110-19 | 1/2" Square Drive | 6 Point Socket (19mm)

Good choices!

There are almost too many options for removing wheel nuts, and the 14145PM is pretty decent,

For hand use, how about the 4300M wheel nut sockets. They are very thin walled, so protect the wheel by avoiding contact.

Anything I’d add to the cart? That’s potentially a very expensive question to ask...!

 

[jonshonda]

Good choices!

There are almost too many options for removing wheel nuts, and the 14145PM is pretty decent,

For hand use, how about the 4300M wheel nut sockets. They are very thin walled, so protect the wheel by avoiding contact.

Anything I’d add to the cart? That’s potentially a very expensive question to ask...!

That 4300M does look like a good choice. This will be my first experience with Koken, so I am more looking for their "home run" or "they knocked it out of the part with this one" tools.

 

[Dave455]

That 4300M does look like a good choice. This will be my first experience with Koken, so I am more looking for their "home run" or "they knocked it out of the part with this one" tools.

Ahh right!

In that case, I would probably be tempted to stick with the regular line up, or the Z series / Zeal, but not mix the two.

If you are buying the nut grip sockets I’d probably get the regular extensions to go with them. They really are superb, the knurling is the best in the industry, and they are not costly. Likewise, get the regular spinner, which is designed for regular ratchets, not the Z series, which is designed and sized for the Z series ratchets.

If you want to go Z series, then get a ratchet and some sockets first, or maybe even a complete set.

I can post some comparative pictures, if you wish!

For me, the real stars of the range (in 3/8 drive) are things like the roto head ratchet 3776N (far heftier than all the others), the regular extensions, the hex bit sockets (superbly tough) and some of the specialist tools such as the 3300C spark plug sockets. Nobody else makes one as good.

 

[AGuinn]

I've got an intake manifold gasket job coming up on my GX470 that could benefit from the Nut Gripper sockets.

I see you mentioned the 3/8" drive nut-grippers - if I could make a suggestion, double check before you order. When I pulled the intake off my IS350, the molded in recesses had *just* enough clearance for a 1/4" drive socket to drop down in the hole and reach the nuts. There was no way of getting a 3/8's drive anything down there, and thankfully everything was low torque and there were no issues with using a 1/4 drive.

 

[GrantCee]

I've got an intake manifold gasket job coming up on my GX470 that could benefit from the Nut Gripper sockets. Figured I might as well throw some other goodies in the cart while I am at it. Anything you guys would swap out, or add to the cart? I am wanting a socket that protects my wheels/lug nuts but doesn't really have to be impact rated as I always put them on by hand. The one from Koken looks nice.

KOKEN NUT GRIPPER RS3450M/8 | 3/8" Square Drive | 6-Point - 8 Piece Nut Gripper Socket Set

Koken Z-Series 3760Z-125 | 3/8" Sq. Dr. Extension Bar (125mm)

Koken Z-Series 3760Z-250 | 3/8" Sq. Dr. Extension Bar (250mm)

Koken Z-Series 3760Z-75 | 3/8" Sq. Dr. Extension Bar (430mm)

Koken Z-Series 3756Z | 3/8" Square Drive Quick Spinner (33.5 mm)

Koken Z-Series 3771Z | 3/8" Square Drive Universal Joint

Koken Wheel Nut Socket 14145PM-110-19 | 1/2" Square Drive | 6 Point Socket (19mm)

My only suggestion is to get the standard extensions, not the Z series. The standard versions have wonderful knurling on the female end, which is a feature I've found invaluable.

 

[sweet victory]

I've got an intake manifold gasket job coming up on my GX470 that could benefit from the Nut Gripper sockets. Figured I might as well throw some other goodies in the cart while I am at it. Anything you guys would swap out, or add to the cart? I am wanting a socket that protects my wheels/lug nuts but doesn't really have to be impact rated as I always put them on by hand. The one from Koken looks nice.

KOKEN NUT GRIPPER RS3450M/8 | 3/8" Square Drive | 6-Point - 8 Piece Nut Gripper Socket Set

Koken Z-Series 3760Z-125 | 3/8" Sq. Dr. Extension Bar (125mm)

Koken Z-Series 3760Z-250 | 3/8" Sq. Dr. Extension Bar (250mm)

Koken Z-Series 3760Z-75 | 3/8" Sq. Dr. Extension Bar (430mm)

Koken Z-Series 3756Z | 3/8" Square Drive Quick Spinner (33.5 mm)

Koken Z-Series 3771Z | 3/8" Square Drive Universal Joint

Koken Wheel Nut Socket 14145PM-110-19 | 1/2" Square Drive | 6 Point Socket (19mm)

I notice Palmac has the nut grippers on sale. Anyone know what the normal price is?

 

[c5greg]

Looking for a new 1/4" long handle ratchet.

What are your opinions between the standard KTC and Koken (not Zeal or Nepros). Both are about the same cost, ~$45 at Franks.

 

[jonshonda]

In that case, I would probably be tempted to stick with the regular line up, or the Z series / Zeal, but not mix the two.

If you want to go Z series, then get a ratchet and some sockets first, or maybe even a complete set.

After reading through the last few pages, it seems as if the Zeal stuff may be aimed more a specialized work/needs. I was under the impression the socket-> extension-> ratchet interface was tighter and more precise, hence me picking them. I am looking to remove the slop I have in my current Craftsman setup, and hoping the standard Koken is better then the late 90's Craftsman I've got. IT BETTER BE!!

I have Snap on Dual 80 ratchets in 1/2, 3/8, 1/4, and would like to stay with them for now. If I like the stuff I get from Koken, I might think about getting the stubby ratchet to play with if I get the quarter in stuff.

I see you mentioned the 3/8" drive nut-grippers - if I could make a suggestion, double check before you order. When I pulled the intake off my IS350, the molded in recesses had *just* enough clearance for a 1/4" drive socket to drop down in the hole and reach the nuts. There was no way of getting a 3/8's drive anything down there, and thankfully everything was low torque and there were no issues with using a 1/4 drive.

I have the room, already confirmed when I checked that the hardware was tight.

My only suggestion is to get the standard extensions, not the Z series. The standard versions have wonderful knurling on the female end, which is a feature I've found invaluable.

I did swap them out. Hoping they fit better then the Craftsman stuff I have now.

Revised cart!

KOKEN NUT GRIPPER RS3450M/8 | 3/8" Square Drive | 6-Point - 8 Piece Nut Gripper Socket Set

Koken PK3760/6 | 3/8" Sq. Drive, Extension Bar Set

Koken 3756 | 3/8" Sq. Drive, Quick Spinner

Koken 3770 | 3/8" Sq. Drive, Universal Joint

Koken 4300M-19(L60) | 1/2" Sq. Drive Wheel Nut Sockets

Koken RS3400M/12 | 3/8" Sq. Drive, 6-point Socket Set

 

[Reed Prince]

Starting to doubt Palmac's claim of having the new Ko-ken ratchets in stock.

 

[GrantCee]

Starting to doubt Palmac's claim of having the new Ko-ken ratchets in stock.

I take it this is your first Palmac order...they usually take 4-5 working days to fulfill anything, and they don't work weekends or nights. For instance, I placed an order last Thursday and it finally shipped yesterday. That's fairly normal for them.

You ordered on Saturday; they didn't even see it until Monday, so I'd expect it to ship Thursday at the earliest. I wouldn't consider accusing them until at least next week.

 

[Dave455]

After reading through the last few pages, it seems as if the Zeal stuff may be aimed more a specialized work/needs. I was under the impression the socket-> extension-> ratchet interface was tighter and more precise, hence me picking them. I am looking to remove the slop I have in my current Craftsman setup, and hoping the standard Koken is better then the late 90's Craftsman I've got. IT BETTER BE!!

I have Snap on Dual 80 ratchets in 1/2, 3/8, 1/4, and would like to stay with them for now. If I like the stuff I get from Koken, I might think about getting the stubby ratchet to play with if I get the quarter in stuff.

Yes, it is. Designed for tight engine bays, and with a tighter fit between the parts too. I find generally that the slop in some setups comes about more because of poor designed detents in the sockets, or poor designed extensions, than the tolerance of the square drive, which is pretty much an industry standard in anything but Z series.

For example, I have some Gedore 1/4 inch drive, and it’s as sloppy as anything. I have some Hazet, same, size same spec, and it locks up rigid.

Yes, standard KoKen is pretty solid. I have a good deal and no complaints. It will probably work better than the Z series / Zeal with your current ratchets.

I can’t fault your revised cart! I have most of those items myself and zero issues. My 3/8 drive sockets live in my road box so get used for everything. I’ll use the same socket for a highly torqued automotive fastener, a rusty industrial one, or even a coach screw. Have lasted well. I probably use my 3771 universal (below) more often than the conventional pattern, but that’s my only comment.

Edit - I just tried a regular KoKen extension on a Snap On ratchet. They work just fine, and were good and solid. I compared to a KoKen ratchet, and the KoKen definitely fits better. The Snap On is harder to get on and off, but is no more rigid. It is a new ratchet though.

A Z Series / Zeal socket on the Snap On ratchet is definitely tight and you can feel that the detent is not right. You would struggle to get this on, and more importantly off, in normal use.

 

[BTJHP]

Is the new 72 tooth a dual pawl? It looks like just a single pawl

 

[noid]

Yes, it is. Designed for tight engine bays, and with a tighter fit between the parts too. I find generally that the slop in some setups comes about more because of poor designed detents in the sockets, or poor designed extensions, than the tolerance of the square drive, which is pretty much an industry standard in anything but Z series.

For example, I have some Gedore 1/4 inch drive, and it’s as sloppy as anything. I have some Hazet, same, size same spec, and it locks up rigid.

Yes, standard KoKen is pretty solid. I have a good deal and no complaints. It will probably work better than the Z series / Zeal with your current ratchets.

I can’t fault your revised cart! I have most of those items myself and zero issues. My 3/8 drive sockets live in my road box so get used for everything. I’ll use the same socket for a highly torqued automotive fastener, a rusty industrial one, or even a coach screw. Have lasted well. I probably use my 3771 universal (below) more often than the conventional pattern, but that’s my only comment.

Edit - I just tried a regular KoKen extension on a Snap On ratchet. They work just fine, and were good and solid. I compared to a KoKen ratchet, and the KoKen definitely fits better. The Snap On is harder to get on and off, but is no more rigid. It is a new ratchet though.

A Z Series / Zeal socket on the Snap On ratchet is definitely tight and you can feel that the detent is not right. You would struggle to get this on, and more importantly off, in normal use.

Some slope is inherently built into ISO standards. The gap of allowable tolerances are purposely larger as to guarantee interchangeability.

In some ISO standards (like sockets) there is a tier 1 and tier 2 tolerance, but near everyone with a brand name (even most cheaper brands) generally work to tier 1. Extra premium brands work no closer to the low end of the spectrum than the cheap guys.

Zeal by design uses tolerances smaller than ISO and therefore will always be tighter.

They can't eliminate their non-zeal line because many industries require procurement to buy tools falling within XYZ ISO/DIN/JIS standards. So in that sense, it is a specialty line.

Is the new 72 tooth a dual pawl? It looks like just a single pawl

It looks like their single pawl essentially got split into two; according to their video they have allegedly patented their design.

 

[gjusername]

Starting to doubt Palmac's claim of having the new Ko-ken ratchets in stock.

I don't think they have anything in stock. Seems like they just drop-ship everything. This is an excerpt from an email I got from them today -

"Since our website does state that “shipping will generally take 7 to 14 business days, plus processing and lead time”, all of the products should have something along the lines of “Ships within 1 week” for availability – not “In Stock”. Our IT department is working on correcting this – and should hopefully have it updated within the next week, since it does apply to over 7,000 items for Ko-Ken product alone."

I can't find where it says that shipping takes 7-14 days but just fyi, if you order Koken tools you need to be patient.

 

[16again]

Real quick used the Vessel AND my Wiha. I prefer the Wiha handle, but like the bite of the Vessel on the screw head.
The bits are no name. Just needed the long reach of them.


Sent from my iPhone using Garage Journal

 

[superautobacs]

Looking for a new 1/4" long handle ratchet.

What are your opinions between the standard KTC and Koken (not Zeal or Nepros). Both are about the same cost, ~$45 at Franks.

I have a KTC 21st century 36-tooth mechanism Digiratchet in 3/8 drive. Their mechanism is pretty orthodox and has a moderately high backdrag to it.
If I were to pick betwen the two, I'd go for the regular Ko-ken ratchet instead.





@Jonshonda,

Have you looked at Ko-ken Z-series wheel nut sockets, like the 4300PMZ.65-19 ?







Some tool vids:

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/g8Gwy2tj_mg" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>


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


<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/fVmsyyn9NGw" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>


<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/BF5WiZopncM" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>

 

[noid]

Guys, imagine for a moment if koken made their new 72t zeal ratchet with a quick release and knurled handle.

 

[macgee]

Real quick used the Vessel AND my Wiha. I prefer the Wiha handle, but like the bite of the Vessel on the screw head.

16,

Today I decided to use my new Vessel gel grip PH #1 screwdriver while rebuilding a
Daedal Parker 2 axis linear positioning stage on a optical device which are pretty touchy to work on and very expensive. Hands down, the Vessel tip was better than my PB Swiss soft grip #1 driver tip on the same fasteners. The fit in the fasteners head was perfect and was instantly noticeable while working on the linears and could apply a ton of torque if I wanted to without ever feeling like I would cam out or deform the head. Not sure how long the tip will last, will need more time with them but I think I'm a total Vessel convert.

The gel grip feels a bit gimmicky but actually worked well and not my favorite but didn't mind it all and I think I prefer this grip to my PB Soft Grips. I'll be trying the Megadora version soon.

FYI: Little tidbit I learned yesterday, Hozan JIS screwdrivers are made by Vessel.

 

[Dave455]

They can't eliminate their non-zeal line because many industries require procurement to buy tools falling within XYZ ISO/DIN/JIS standards. So in that sense, it is a specialty line.

I can suggest another reason why KoKen would not want to eliminate their non-zeal line.

Out of 322 pages of socket wrenches and accessories in their catalogue, just 16 are Z Series / Zeal tools! However, I don’t think KoKen are into eliminating any lines. Unlike some companies that are ever looking to streamline / reduce / simplify their ranges, KoKen seem to be dedicated to offering every variation you could think of, and some you couldn’t.

If anybody is interested in KoKen it’s worth going to their website and downloading the catalogue.

 

[jonshonda]

Edit - I just tried a regular KoKen extension on a Snap On ratchet. They work just fine, and were good and solid. I compared to a KoKen ratchet, and the KoKen definitely fits better. The Snap On is harder to get on and off, but is no more rigid. It is a new ratchet though.

A Z Series / Zeal socket on the Snap On ratchet is definitely tight and you can feel that the detent is not right. You would struggle to get this on, and more importantly off, in normal use.

Hey thanks a lot for giving me some reassurance on the Snap On, Koken interface. I think what I might do if I like the regular Koken in 3/8", is try going with the Zeal line in the 1/4" stuff. I feel like with the smaller fasteners and generally tighter locations they are used, that the Zeal might be more beneficial?

Zeal by design uses tolerances smaller than ISO and therefore will always be tighter.

That is what I am most interested in. For example, putting a long extension on a ratchet, with a deep well socket, and how tight those are as an assembly. It is always a juggling act when you are trying to get a fastener back in its location with long extensions.

@Jonshonda,
Have you looked at Ko-ken Z-series wheel nut sockets, like the 4300PMZ.65-19 ?

D@MN YOU!!!!!