Tools of Japan

[macgee]

Can someone please tell me in regards to Lobtex's adjustable wrenches, what is the difference in meaning between: "W-Zero", "B-Less" and "G-Less" ???? Thnx

I know one of them means the ball bearing feature helping to eliminate slop and backlash, I think that's G-Less? Just not sure what all three mean. I've been wanting a 160mm version with the ball bearing, no slop or backlash.

 

[jaceq]

Can someone please tell me in regards to Lobtex's adjustable wrenches, what is the difference in meaning between: "W-Zero", "B-Less" and "G-Less" ???? Thnx

I know one of them means the ball bearing feature helping to eliminate slop and backlash, I think that's G-Less? Just not sure what all three mean. I've been wanting a 160mm version with the ball bearing, no slop or backlash.

Both G-Less and B-Less are two features reducing the loosen movable jaw.
G-Less reduces the loosen in the direction perpendicular to the moving axis by a steel ball, which (by the spiral) is pushing the movable jaw in the desired direction.
B-Less reduces the loosen in the parallel direction, the knurl is cut into two pieces (ca. 1/3 and 2/3) and there is a spring between them to keep good contact between the knurl and the movable jaw.

W-zero is a combination of both features applied to the wrench.

And there is a X-drive - design of the wrench head allowing the contact of the wrench with the nut in three faces.

Unfortunately I can't find the model with all 3 features in the length of 150 mm. There is only 200 and 250 mm available.

I am also planning to purchase one or two Lobster wrenches 6in long.

 

[pizza]

Can someone please tell me in regards to Lobtex's adjustable wrenches, what is the difference in meaning between: "W-Zero", "B-Less" and "G-Less" ???? Thnx

I know one of them means the ball bearing feature helping to eliminate slop and backlash, I think that's G-Less? Just not sure what all three mean. I've been wanting a 160mm version with the ball bearing, no slop or backlash.

x-drive:

g-less:

b-less:

the model numbers indicate which of these features are used.

the XGB series has all three features and comes in 2 sizes:
http://www.lobtex.co.jp/english/products/tabid/153/pdid/E-UM-XGB/catid/82/Default.aspx
https://www.amazon.co.jp/gp/product/B07W4M3F8L/

they also have XG series (which is b-less-less ) which comes in 4 sizes:
http://www.lobtex.co.jp/english/products/tabid/153/pdid/E-UMXG/catid/82/Default.aspx
https://www.amazon.co.jp/dp/B00762IKEI/

some info:
https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=467209

note that TOP also makes wrenches with the "b-less" feature:
https://www.amazon.co.jp/gp/product/B071RBFT8T/

i have one from TOP and a lobtex XGB-series on the way to compare.
then i'll buy more of whichever i like more.

also, TOP makes some promising-looking thin-jaw adjustable wrenches (straight or angled)

 

[macgee]

Thanks guys,

So B-Less is to help eliminate backlash with spring on threaded spindle. Very nice feature and reduces time and prevents jaws moving around between uses.

G-less is to remove slop/play and to help jaws slide smoother and stay parallel through out range.

Wished they offered both of these features in a 160mm (6") size. Bummer the 200mm size does not close smaller than 8mm (3/8").

Pizza, Looking forward to hearing what you think between the two.

 

[Reed Prince]

My recent Japanese synth mods have involved a lot of repeated low torque removal and fastening of #2 screws, and I've started to use the removable shank from a Vessel ratcheting driver. It gives me all the grip I need, and I can spin the shaft with my thumb and forefinger while my palm and other fingers keep the driver steady. It's almost like having a #2 Vessel 610, which they don't manufacture.

FWIW, as one of the current topics is adjustable wrenches, I'll mention again that I have a Lobtex W-Zero and standard and thin jaw "b-less" TOP models. I'm happy with all of them, though the TOP ones seem to have slightly tighter tolerances.

 

[Vicks]

Both G-Less and B-Less are two features reducing the loosen movable jaw.
G-Less reduces the loosen in the direction perpendicular to the moving axis by a steel ball, which (by the spiral) is pushing the movable jaw in the desired direction.
B-Less reduces the loosen in the parallel direction, the knurl is cut into two pieces (ca. 1/3 and 2/3) and there is a spring between them to keep good contact between the knurl and the movable jaw.

W-zero is a combination of both features applied to the wrench.

And there is a X-drive - design of the wrench head allowing the contact of the wrench with the nut in three faces.

Unfortunately I can't find the model with all 3 features in the length of 150 mm. There is only 200 and 250 mm available.

I am also planning to purchase one or two Lobster wrenches 6in long.

x-drive:

g-less:

b-less:

the model numbers indicate which of these features are used.

the XGB series has all three features and comes in 2 sizes:
http://www.lobtex.co.jp/english/products/tabid/153/pdid/E-UM-XGB/catid/82/Default.aspx
https://www.amazon.co.jp/gp/product/B07W4M3F8L/

they also have XG series (which is b-less-less ) which comes in 4 sizes:
http://www.lobtex.co.jp/english/products/tabid/153/pdid/E-UMXG/catid/82/Default.aspx
https://www.amazon.co.jp/dp/B00762IKEI/

some info:
https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=467209

note that TOP also makes wrenches with the "b-less" feature:
https://www.amazon.co.jp/gp/product/B071RBFT8T/

i have one from TOP and a lobtex XGB-series on the way to compare.
then i'll buy more of whichever i like more.

also, TOP makes some promising-looking thin-jaw adjustable wrenches (straight or angled)

Wow ! thanks for the description ! I have (temporarily) stopped amzn.jp purchases since shipping costs have gone up atleast 2-3 times (to this part of the world atleast) and will wait until it gets reasonable, or the Japanese start allowing foreigners to enter the country - whichever happens earlier ! LoL

 

[macgee]

Thanks Reed,

Looks like I may need the Top HM-25 wrench.

Too bad they don't offer a G-less of their own

 

[Dave455]

FWIW, as one of the current topics is adjustable wrenches, I'll mention again that I have a Lobtex W-Zero and standard and thin jaw "b-less" TOP models. I'm happy with all of them, though the TOP ones seem to have slightly tighter tolerances.

Those Top adjustables do look nice.

With so many rebrands of, essentially, the same Spanish made adjustables, I wouldn’t mind something that’s a notch up.

 

[ZenkiS14]

Yea, where are you guys getting those nice TOP adjustables? Anything available stateside?

 

[RoundedNut]

Amazon Japan is usually best/reliable source, that's where I got my TOP adjustables. You just have to set the language to English and sometimes use google translate as amazon doesn't translate everything or messes up bad.

For example, amazon translated this awl to "Daigoro Small Thousand *******": https://www.amazon.co.jp/dp/B00KL14QK8/

 

[ChefRex]

LOL!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[SAA44-40]

Can anyone recommend high quality Japanese pruners for the garden? Primary usage will be for roses. Thank you

 

[M6erfan]

Check out ARS. . .

https://www.amleo.com/ars-8-inch-v-series-heavy-duty-pruner/p/VS8XZ?mkwid=|dc&pcrid=510045705290&pkw=&pmt=&plc=&kc=&prd=VS8XZ&utm_source=google&utm_term=&utm_campaign=&utm_medium=cpc&slid=&prd=VS8XZ&pgrid=118765786044&ptaid=pla-1155851974014&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIhrjOztKu8AIVAx6tBh3BMwjnEAYYASABEgLKWfD_BwE



Hidehisa and Okatsune are a couple other names, made in Japan

 

[SAA44-40]

Thanks M6- I also stumbled across Honmamon. They look exceptional as well

 

[ttpete]

Swiss-made Felco pruners are the best.

 

[macgee]

Swiss-made Felco pruners are the best.

+1

Pretty hard to compete against these excellent Swiss made pruners but I'm sure there's also good Japanese ones as well.

 

[M6erfan]

Swiss-made Felco pruners are the best.

Meh, the best for you, I'm sure.

I have Felco, Bahco, and a cheap pair of Coronas. Bahco's are hands down the winner in my book.

I'd love to try some Japanese made pruners.

 

[4xdog]

Can anyone recommend high quality Japanese pruners for the garden?...

Look at some of the tools made for bonsai. They tend to be more artisanal (I don't know of any real "brands") and have ergonomics probably less suitable to extended use. But there's some lovely craftsmanship and usually quite good steel.

 

[M6erfan]

Look at some of the tools made for bonsai. They tend to be more artisanal (I don't know of any real "brands") and have ergonomics probably less suitable to extended use. But there's some lovely craftsmanship and usually quite good steel.

Ryan started a thread on these ($35k) bonsai scissors a few years ago. . .

https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=402887&highlight=bonsai

 

[mr.lemons]

Limited edition 'Forge Carbon' finish pliers from Fujiya.

https://kohgu.myshopify.com/

 

[measuredtwice]

If I understand the translation correctly, it is a pattern applied to the handles.

Would be good props for the next movie in the Alien series.

Fujiya's eccentric strong nippers are now available with KOHGU limited grips.

The grip is a forged carbon pattern that was overwhelmingly popular in last year's twitter vote.

The pattern is also used for the interior and exterior of luxury cars, so the result is a rich nipper that has never been seen before.

The pattern is painted by hydraulic transfer.

The package uses a canvas pouch with the KOHGU logo printed on it.
After opening, please use it as an accessory case.

 

[mr.lemons]

Yes, handle finish I think. Definitely a bit sci-fi.

Normally black and gold.

 

[mr.lemons]

Anex AK-23N-0 + Engineer DBZ-58 bits for removing damaged screws.

 

[pizza]

Anex AK-23N-0 + Engineer DBZ-58 bits for removing damaged screws.

nice review, thanks. just from looking at them, i assumed that the anex would work better. i was surprised.

do you have a gut feeling about how screw removal pliers (let's say engineer) would compare on small screws like those? one downside to those bits is they're optimized for a particular drive system (cruciform in this case) and size, so you need a whole set of them. by comparison, a set of left hand drill bits goes by size, but it's drive-agnostic. still, if those bits work better, then it could be worth it.

 

[mr.lemons]

do you have a gut feeling about how screw removal pliers (let's say engineer) would compare on small screws like those? one downside to those bits is they're optimized for a particular drive system (cruciform in this case) and size, so you need a whole set of them. by comparison, a set of left hand drill bits goes by size, but it's drive-agnostic. still, if those bits work better, then it could be worth it.

I am surprised how well the Engineer works. Only just grips though, so only good for very mildly torqued screws. Good for electrical stuff, but would probably be useless on anything rusted/seized.

I filmed a bit about using Engineer pliers, but cut it out to lessen the amount of blabbing on. They definitely work on the screws in the vid, but most laptop screws are recessed, so you cannot get pliers on them.

 

[kanai]

Factory Gear has closed their Akihabara location and moved to Tennoz Isle in Shinagawa. They have a "concept store" and a second location that has the largest stock of tools in Tokyo (Takanoura-san claims.)

I'll try and get out there and take some photos soon.

 

[sweet victory]

Taken from the US PBSwiss website:

In 2014 PB Swiss altered the profile of their Phillips screwdrivers slightly. With these modifications our tools can be perfectly used for both JIS and ISO norms.

Left is a Zypher/Snap On PH2 bit, middle is the PBSwiss #2, and the far right is #2. I bought a pack of #2 Vessel bits since I'm not looking for more screwdrivers at this time. The Vessel bit fit and finish is very nice - nicer than the Zypher/SO bits. Just thought I would share since people may already own PB bits, and don't need to buy more Vessel bits under the assumption they don't have JIS spec bits.

 

[mr.lemons]

Factory Gear has closed their Akihabara location and moved to Tennoz Isle in Shinagawa. They have a "concept store" and a second location that has the largest stock of tools in Tokyo (Takanoura-san claims.)

I'll try and get out there and take some photos soon.

That place looks amazing.

 

[pizza]

Factory Gear has closed their Akihabara location and moved to Tennoz Isle in Shinagawa. They have a "concept store" and a second location that has the largest stock of tools in Tokyo (Takanoura-san claims.)

I'll try and get out there and take some photos soon.

That place looks amazing.

lol, did you see that bar?

i'd love to have a few drinks and then shop for tools.

 

[measuredtwice]

Anex AK-23N-0 + Engineer DBZ-58 bits for removing damaged screws.

Nice review You always do a great job with these videos and photos.

I might pick some up the next time I order from Japan. It looks like Engineer has 2 types. Press and turn. And strike and turn for more heavily damaged fasteners.

https://www.engineertools-jp.com/dbz5165

In addition to the t-handle (DBZ-50B), they also have a Go-through Driver Handle with 13mm Hex Bolster (DZ-70). It also looks sci fi.

Looks like the press and turn works by being larger than the fastener and wedging into what remains of the screw head.

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

 

[maxhub]

Well made and reasonable priced. Available at AliExpress.


Gesendet von iPhone mit Garage Journal

 

[macgee]

Meh, the best for you, I'm sure.

I have Felco, Bahco, and a cheap pair of Coronas. Bahco's are hands down the winner in my book.

I'd love to try some Japanese made pruners.

Sorry, I've been away and just saw this. Totally agree that Bahco's get high praise and lot of people like them, Corona's not so much. I will say I prefer my Felco's over Bahco, one key thing is to tune your Felco, I sharpen mine myself at a slight sharper angle and they cut all day long with ease and last a long time. I gave my mom a pair of Bahco's as she has arthritis; I used them but always go back to my Felco's.

I am actually very interested in hearing about any ergonomic worthwhile pruners from Japan?
It's a country totally crazy about horticulture and as mentioned earlier, its a country where people pay $35K for a pair so safe to say they take pruner a wee bit seriously.

 

[M6erfan]

Sorry, I've been away and just saw this. Totally agree that Bahco's get high praise and lot of people like them, Corona's not so much. I will say I prefer my Felco's over Bahco, one key thing is to tune your Felco, I sharpen mine myself at a slight sharper angle and they cut all day long with ease and last a long time. I gave my mom a pair of Bahco's as she has arthritis; I used them but always go back to my Felco's.

I am actually very interested in hearing about any ergonomic worthwhile pruners from Japan?
It's a country totally crazy about horticulture and as mentioned earlier, its a country where people pay $35K for a pair so safe to say they take pruner a wee bit seriously.

Saying any pruner is "the best" is just silly. I know Felco is highly regarded, I own a pair, I happen to prefer my Bahco's.

Whatever you use, enjoy them.

 

[FuzzyTiger]

I've done it! I've ordered a set of Nepro's 3/8" sockets with the special Ion blue coating! Fingers crossed I get mine. I placed the order within minutes of getting confirmation that they had 2 sets remaining.

If someone sees this quick enough they may have a shot for the last one. They're listed under Toolsets on the Nepros.net website:
https://www.nepros.net/index.php?cat=1&grp=3

 

[kanai]

i'd love to have a few drinks and then shop for tools.

Takanoura-san has done a number of videos where he invites guests to a bar in one of his retail stores where they chat about tools.


https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLjoQ5-UgcOw_V9Wcuk3Z4Q7rcGwkY4H8_

 

[pizza]

i would also like to learn about jp pruners.

I've done it! I've ordered a set of Nepro's 3/8" sockets with the special Ion blue coating!

sweet!

 

[RoundedNut]

Well, I got a pair of ARS scissors: https://www.amazon.co.jp/dp/B004UPQC3A/

and they are one of the finest scissors I've used, very sharp and clean. ARS also offers highly rated pruners.

 

[darkzero]

A couple of Merry pliers showed up today, ordered from Nile Merry USA. The nail in tire removal pliers & the screw removal pliers. I love the rounded off shape of the screw removal pliers.

 

[tmshort]

I've done it! I've ordered a set of Nepro's 3/8" sockets with the special Ion blue coating! Fingers crossed I get mine. I placed the order within minutes of getting confirmation that they had 2 sets remaining.

If someone sees this quick enough they may have a shot for the last one. They're listed under Toolsets on the Nepros.net website:
https://www.nepros.net/index.php?cat=1&grp=3

Did you somehow set in stock notifications? I cannot see how to do so...

 

[tmshort]

I have a pair of these:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001Y54F88/?tag=atomicindus08-20

In addition to Felco's and Corona. I like the Okatsune a lot, the only thing I don't like is the lock mechanism on the bottom. It flips into place with a lot of force and hurts when it hits your hand on the handles. Otherwise, from a blade / cutting standpoint they are great. I would probably use them more if they fit into my leather Felco holster...