Not all JIS fasteners have a dot (or cross).
Tools of Japan
- Thread starter Frankstools
- Start date
Not all JIS fasteners have a dot (or cross).
'Ko-ken tools are all manufactured in Japan and therefore all conform to the JIS standard.'
Are Ko-ken screwdrivers made in Japan?
Interesting that the Ko-ken video says that JIS drivers don't fit Phillips screws properly. Goes against pretty much every screwdriver thread on here.
Are Ko-ken screwdrivers made in Japan?
Interesting that the Ko-ken video says that JIS drivers don't fit Phillips screws properly. Goes against pretty much every screwdriver thread on here.
RoundedNut
Well-known member
People commonly think Vessel makes JIS drivers, and the majority of cross recess screwdrivers nowadays are not Philips. Most are closer to the ISO standard, including Vessel. So the Koken video is misleading, more so outside of the USA.
Well, technically they don’t fit, but that’s somewhat of an academic point. The JIS driver makes contact around the outside of the screw, but less contact as you get toward the center. It is still able to generate enough torque to turn the screw without cam out. In practical terms, I don’t think it matters much. It’s not nearly as bad as putting a Phillips head screwdriver onto a JIS screw, which wants to cam out at the slightest amount of force.
Brando_Damo
Well-known member
- Joined
- Dec 15, 2020
- Messages
- 62
Got a haul of Japanese pliers from several familiar manufactures.
This is my first time getting my hands on some of these brands, and overall I'm pleased with them. Here's a little video of my first impressions of these puppies. Now I'm ready to put them to work!
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/-EQAJ7wDD4Q" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>
-Brando
This is my first time getting my hands on some of these brands, and overall I'm pleased with them. Here's a little video of my first impressions of these puppies. Now I'm ready to put them to work!
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/-EQAJ7wDD4Q" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>
-Brando
Great video. The fit/finish on Merry pliers looks to be very good. I'm intrigued about the large teeth on the third pair. I would think that large serrations would be optimal for gripping softer materials rather than metal. Wonder if they are made for something specific.
macgee
Well-known member
Brando,
Thanks for the video, well done and informative. Certainly helps us know more about these Japanese pliers. The finish look very impressive and nicer as any ($$) european versions.
The red rubber handled Merry's look very good as does the Victor and Engineer's. I have a ton of pliers but my next pliers will most likely be one of those. Thanks for showing them.
I've had these red handled Stanley pliers for ages, they were my fathers and only just recently noticed they were made in Japan. They're nice to use, good finish for a typical pair, they've have held up great and always the first pair of needle noses that I reach for. I think some Merry's need to keep it company. Cheers
Thanks for the video, well done and informative. Certainly helps us know more about these Japanese pliers. The finish look very impressive and nicer as any ($$) european versions.
The red rubber handled Merry's look very good as does the Victor and Engineer's. I have a ton of pliers but my next pliers will most likely be one of those. Thanks for showing them.
I've had these red handled Stanley pliers for ages, they were my fathers and only just recently noticed they were made in Japan. They're nice to use, good finish for a typical pair, they've have held up great and always the first pair of needle noses that I reach for. I think some Merry's need to keep it company. Cheers
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paulsomlo
Well-known member
Superautobacs - just a heads up, your inbox is full.
Don't think so. Two completely different companies.
Great question. I looked into it and found this...
Description of business
Engineer Inc. plans, develops, manufactures and sells primarily professional hand tools as a manufacturer of light electrical work tools used in factories. Since its founding 60 years ago, the company has used trading companies in Japan and overseas to expand sales of more than 1,000 products, such as tweezers, nippers, pliers, drivers and aluminum cases. In recent years, the company has enhanced its planning and development functions, marketing and proposing a number of unique idea tools and convenient tools ahead of its competition. Manufacturing is outsourced in partnership with domestic and overseas subcontractors. Based on the notion of MPDP (marketing, patents (intellectual property rights), design and promotion), recently the company has also been increasing merchandise targeted at professionals to hobbyists, such as "Neji-Saurus" and similar tools that remove screws with stripped heads, and "Combination Scissors" that are capable of cutting through a variety of materials.
Maybe I'm way off but the fonts are very similar on these. Take a look at the letter G on both.
I'm pretty sure that the pliers for Vampire Tools and Best Way Tools are rebranded by the same company.
https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/516RPv8decL._AC_SL1000_.jpg
https://www.tsunoda-japan.com/img/products/dbp200.png
I'm pretty sure that the pliers for Vampire Tools and Best Way Tools are rebranded by the same company.
https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/516RPv8decL._AC_SL1000_.jpg
https://www.tsunoda-japan.com/img/products/dbp200.png
jimmyin3D
Banned
Vampliers are the rebadged US version of engineer. Yeah I really doubt that Tsunoda and engineer are rebrands of each other though, you would see overlap of the same pliers just with different logos/colors/etc
I think the reason you don't see the same pliers rebranded is due to the design patents that Engineer holds. As stated above, Engineer designs the tools and outsources their manufacturing.
The Engineer has the same font as the Tsunoda King TTC pliers, has the engravings in the same place and has the same date code format.
The Engineer has the same font as the Tsunoda King TTC pliers, has the engravings in the same place and has the same date code format.
As highlighted above, Engineer are not manufacturers, so some of their pliers may be made by Tsunoda. I asked the same question about side cutters a while ago and got this answer.
Not straight rebrands, but look to be the same manufacturer.
Not straight rebrands, but look to be the same manufacturer.
I traveled to Japan for many years for work (Toyota). I used to go to the Hodaka Pro Shop a lot and look at Japanese tools. I bought several sets of pliers over the years.
Those green handled screw extractor pliers shown in the video really work well. Amazon sells them as "Vampliers" brand.
https://tinyurl.com/y4j3dbg2
RoundedNut
Well-known member
Those Merry pliers look interesting and I've been meaning to get one. Also considering Hozan, Victor and KTC. I've got pliers from Tsunoda, Keiba, Engineer, Fujiya and Tone so far.
superautobacs
Well-known member
The double-ended blades that I have are made in Japan.
The handle is stamped Made in Japan.
Pictures from 2009:
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/ccassan/25982404852/in/photolist-QexUHK-RpGYab-ENHkiw-ENUoMx-FJ9R5i-2d4EiGm-2bKuEND-Gqg3AR-Fzjm1k-Hcgc7s-FzYBnJ-FFRZ1q-FChRgg-FChR7P-FzYBdA-Fj3rkW-FJ9QFx-FzYB9s-Fj3riG-FChQW8-Fj3raA-FFRYKW-RtcXma-RpDGqb-eib1Cd-ei5kyg-eib3m9-ei5ffn-ei5bvK-eiaWWo-eiaTih-RpDGw3-RpDGtN-FJfa9H-GDBPKn-GesHQo-GBGNoh-GyfguZ-FzYBKs-ENUoV8-5XYY2Z-5Y4dvs-5XYXnB-5Y4eh9-5Udccv-5UdaCK-5Udaa2-5Uhy4E-5Uhwso-5Ud8Gr/" title="Ko-ken Tamperproof Torx"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/1714/25982404852_429ef477f3_c.jpg" width="800" height="532" alt="Ko-ken Tamperproof Torx"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/ccassan/25472338913/in/photolist-QexUHK-RpGYab-ENHkiw-ENUoMx-FJ9R5i-2d4EiGm-2bKuEND-Gqg3AR-Fzjm1k-Hcgc7s-FzYBnJ-FFRZ1q-FChRgg-FChR7P-FzYBdA-Fj3rkW-FJ9QFx-FzYB9s-Fj3riG-FChQW8-Fj3raA-FFRYKW-RtcXma-RpDGqb-eib1Cd-ei5kyg-eib3m9-ei5ffn-ei5bvK-eiaWWo-eiaTih-RpDGw3-RpDGtN-FJfa9H-GDBPKn-GesHQo-GBGNoh-GyfguZ-FzYBKs-ENUoV8-5XYY2Z-5Y4dvs-5XYXnB-5Y4eh9-5Udccv-5UdaCK-5Udaa2-5Uhy4E-5Uhwso-5Ud8Gr/" title="Ko-ken Tamperproof Torx"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/1529/25472338913_19ca272ed6_c.jpg" width="800" height="532" alt="Ko-ken Tamperproof Torx"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/ccassan/3217109106/in/photolist-QexUHK-RpGYab-ENHkiw-ENUoMx-FJ9R5i-2d4EiGm-2bKuEND-Gqg3AR-Fzjm1k-Hcgc7s-FzYBnJ-FFRZ1q-FChRgg-FChR7P-FzYBdA-Fj3rkW-FJ9QFx-FzYB9s-Fj3riG-FChQW8-Fj3raA-FFRYKW-RtcXma-RpDGqb-eib1Cd-ei5kyg-eib3m9-ei5ffn-ei5bvK-eiaWWo-eiaTih-RpDGw3-RpDGtN-FJfa9H-GDBPKn-GesHQo-GBGNoh-GyfguZ-FzYBKs-ENUoV8-5XYY2Z-5Y4dvs-5XYXnB-5Y4eh9-5Udccv-5UdaCK-5Udaa2-5Uhy4E-5Uhwso-5Ud8Gr" title="DSC_3059"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/3096/3217109106_5c77f53c18_c.jpg" width="800" height="532" alt="DSC_3059"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
Brando,
A nice selection of plies there
Before making my video on screw extraction pliers, I asked Engineer about who makes their screw extraction pliers. They really weren't keen on giving me answers to my questions.
This what I do know though...
Engineer is a company that specializes in procuring tools that meet Engineer's requirements and provides them to the electronics industry and associated trades. The "Nejisaurus/Vampliers" pliers are produced to Engineer's own specs/patented design by one of the few pliers manufacturers currently operating in Japan, then inspected/packaged by Engineer.
superautobacs
Well-known member
Thanks for the info mr.lemons
Here's a couple more rebrands
Just from looking at the packaging I was wary of its authenticity.
When it comes to pliers, I'm a bit wary of rebrands as there's knockoffs/fakes in the market that are coming from China.
I hadn't heard of Best Way Tools so I looked into it and learned that Mayhew acquired the Florida-based company. Just did a quick google image search and found that they source some pliers from not only Tsunoda, but from IPS as well. Seems legit then.
All the pics I could find online for standard drivers just say 'Japan' on the handle and there are a few non-Japanese brand drivers that have the same handle (think this has come up a few times). Got my spider sense tingling, but maybe Ko-ken are made in Japan and the others are copies.
macgee
Well-known member
Seriously, all of you need to stop posting about these pliers! I already have 26 pairs of pliers and can not/should be be thinking about getting more but damn, those are really nicely made and very usable pliers.
You now have me wondering who made my Fan Out pliers? Even though they're grozer pliers for glass work, they're so nice to use that I use them all the time for other types of jobs.
The Pliers you guys have listed above with such well finished milled surfaces really make them perform much better compared to typically pairs we get here in the US. I think I would much rather have a pair of these Japanese pilers than a pair from Knipex or Erem with the same shape?
The Engineer's screw removable pliers should be in every DIY tool box.
You now have me wondering who made my Fan Out pliers? Even though they're grozer pliers for glass work, they're so nice to use that I use them all the time for other types of jobs.
The Pliers you guys have listed above with such well finished milled surfaces really make them perform much better compared to typically pairs we get here in the US. I think I would much rather have a pair of these Japanese pilers than a pair from Knipex or Erem with the same shape?
The Engineer's screw removable pliers should be in every DIY tool box.
I've had Engineer pliers and the only pair I still own are the slip joint screw pliers PZ-56. They are all high quality but I'm just not a fan of the stylized grips on most of them. I prefer standard grips, which is part of the reason I started looking at the rebranded pliers.
If you want a nice pair of slip joint pliers or screw pliers, take a look at KTC. Notice how the model that comes without slip on grips has a slightly different handle shape.
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macgee
Well-known member
Totally agree with you BTJHP,
I too much prefer the old school rubber handles over the molded harder plastic grips. I realized this when buying Knipex Multi-grips, didn't feel the need to invest more in them. Of course this is a personal opinion of mine like preference of a screwdriver grip over another.
EDIT: I think it might be time to eBay a bunch of my Knipex, Erem, Klein, Xcelite....etc. to make room for some of these. Although Knipex does state a higher HRC (61) than a lot of the japanese pliers (HRC 57+)
I too much prefer the old school rubber handles over the molded harder plastic grips. I realized this when buying Knipex Multi-grips, didn't feel the need to invest more in them. Of course this is a personal opinion of mine like preference of a screwdriver grip over another.
EDIT: I think it might be time to eBay a bunch of my Knipex, Erem, Klein, Xcelite....etc. to make room for some of these. Although Knipex does state a higher HRC (61) than a lot of the japanese pliers (HRC 57+)
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superautobacs
Well-known member
I browsed through my 2019 print catalog and noticed that most only say 'Japan' while there's some that say 'Made in Japan'.
Yes, this was topic that Monte and I discussed about a long time ago over at the TFTOW thread. The handles being a product of Ko-ken is definitely debatable. Ko-ken have had those handles since at least 2007.
There's a large OEM/ODM in Taiwan called Lancer: https://www.lancer-yctools.com/. If you browse through their catalog you'll surely notice some familiar looking handles/tools.
There are knockoffs of this type of handle design (most likely coming from China). You can tell that they aren't produced to the same standard that Lancer produces them. My local tool store used to sell Lancer branded screwdrivers (in a different handle style).
In Japan, you won't see that handle design offered by any other brand (except for cheap knockoffs).
There was a Factory Gear video from a while ago that briefly mentioned about Ko-ken's handles. I tried searching for that video but couldn't locate it. I don't remember the specifics, but it suggested that they are made in Japan.
There's no question that some Taiwanese tool companies engage in reverse engineering. This may be one such example?
I recall Dave (member: dede) had some.
Tokoma, a small Japanese screwdriver manufacturer, had screwdrivers with a similar concept where you strike the shank into the marred fastener in an attempt to re-shape the recess.
Tokoma 'GiGaFit' and 'Aerobics' have a patented tip profile. They unfortunately folded as a company a few years back. What you'll find now would be NOS.
beelsr
Well-known member
NOOB!
also enabler! since I bought a pair of the Fan Outs after you posted about them. I'm so weak....
macgee
Well-known member
NOOB!
also enabler! since I bought a pair of the Fan Outs after you posted about them. I'm so weak....
Awesome, lets us know what do you think of them?
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Just a short think in case someone has the same idea that I had.
I have been thinking about the Anex AOA-19 for a while, and how it should work with my Bahco go-though sockets since they're also 19mm. So I bought just the base tool and hoped to save on not having to buy their sockets!
And they fit as expected. But the thing I didn't think about was retention. On the Bahco the retention is in the ratchet with a spring, and on the Anex it's in the sockets with a lock ring. So there's nothing holding the sockets in place, making it usable but annoying...
I have been thinking about the Anex AOA-19 for a while, and how it should work with my Bahco go-though sockets since they're also 19mm. So I bought just the base tool and hoped to save on not having to buy their sockets!
And they fit as expected. But the thing I didn't think about was retention. On the Bahco the retention is in the ratchet with a spring, and on the Anex it's in the sockets with a lock ring. So there's nothing holding the sockets in place, making it usable but annoying...
beelsr
Well-known member
only used them once so far: pulling terminal leads off some motor caps. worked a treat - don't think i need to worry about these tips spreading.
I could see utility with another pair that was more needlenose-y but I'm not going to buy another pair to grind down.
Dave455
Well-known member
I like that big knob for setting the torque. Some of the setting handles you find are a bit fiddly if you have to keep winding them.
bongkar_YES_pasang_NO
Well-known member
Thanks for the info. Looks like Lancer make Toptul handles. I actually really like the 'Fresh' handles. They are a comfortable soft rubber.
I'd be surprised if Proxxon (who also use the ******* handle) knowingly use a handle design ripped off from Ko-ken. There must be more to it.
Just had a read through the discussion on the old world thread. Some great info on this forum if you dig enough. You must see the same discussions coming up again and again. Sorry about that.
Very nice. I like your Irega and Ridgid wrenches too.
bongkar_YES_pasang_NO
Well-known member
Interesting find at TJ Maxx. There were wood handle as well but didn’t look quite as sturdy. Felt sharp to the touch but it struggled with an avocado skin. My Zwilling/Henckels are definitely sharper. What do you expect for $15?! Made in Japan.
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