Tools of Japan

[E.T.]

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

Haven’t seen any blue or black ion in a long time. Guess it was a limited run with no plans on making more.

 

[kanai]

Haven’t seen any blue or black ion in a long time. Guess it was a limited run with no plans on making more.

I would guess they may bring it back when there is a new customer base to purchase them. They're sort of a niche item so I think those who wanted them, bought them in 2018 when they were released. I could see them waiting a number of years and releasing more at some other anniversary event or other way to bring focus back to the brand, etc.

 

[measuredtwice]

I noticed Zoro is selling Vessel. It looks like they are drop shipping for Vessel USA. The prices are all over the place but I did see good values if you use one of the 20% off coupons. When I looked yesterday, a Megadora 900 set in cardboard box would be $50 shipped which is around $10 cheaper than the lowest price I've seen in the USA. Still expensive for screwdrivers but cheaper than most other sources. The prices change over time but it's worth checking especially until the shipping costs from Japan go back down to pre covid 19 prices.

 

[4xdog]

I noticed Zoro is selling Vessel...

And it looks like they've got a lot of stuff from Vessel, too!
https://www.zoro.com/search?q=vessel&fqc:category=10

 

[kapster]

To those that have used Rakuten global express, how are their shipping/handling prices to USA? Reasonable or pretty expensive?

Sent from my SM-T720 using Tapatalk

 

[measuredtwice]

I have used other mail forwarders but not that particular one. It's not as cheap as ordering with free super saver shipping but it can be useful. The cost of shipping will depend on what you buy, of course. You should read through the global express website. You are paying for shipping and fees. Some mail forwarders have storage fees or consolidation fees and other services. Keep an eye out for those when reading their terms. It all adds up.

 

[tanukiboy]

So I recently upgraded my Koken ZEAL ratchet handles to 72 teeth using the upgrade kit (Ko-ken 3725RK-2).

View media item 112140
It only took about 5 minutes, and I couldn't be happier with the results!

So I'm wondering if anyone has heard anything about Koken possibly offering a similar upgrade kit for their non-ZEAL ratchet handles in the future? Man, I'd be all over that in a heartbeat!

 

[DEEBO]

So I recently upgraded my Koken ZEAL ratchet handles to 72 teeth using the upgrade kit (Ko-ken 3725RK-2).



View media item 112140


It only took about 5 minutes, and I couldn't be happier with the results!



So I'm wondering if anyone has heard anything about Koken possibly offering a similar upgrade kit for their non-ZEAL ratchet handles in the future? Man, I'd be all over that in a heartbeat!

Likewise, I’ve just done mine and my son’s. Very straightforward and works really well. Haven’t heard that Ko-Ken will be offering the 72T on their standard range. I know it’ll be a while before it’s offered in 1/4“ and 1/2“ Zeal according to the UK importer...


Sent from my iPhone using Garage Journal

 

[tanukiboy]

Likewise, I’ve just done mine and my son’s. Very straightforward and works really well.

The hardest part was finding an IP8 Torx Plus bit!

 

[E.T.]

I upgraded all of my ratchets as well. I’d say the 72t backdrag is even lighter than the 36t.
Will definitely get 1/4” and 1/2” when they come out

 

[E.T.]

To those that have used Rakuten global express, how are their shipping/handling prices to USA? Reasonable or pretty expensive?

Sent from my SM-T720 using Tapatalk

I’d say it’s absurd. Shipping 5 Koken ratchet repair kits (fairly small package) was $40. I’ve paid less for a large box using Amazon jp.

If you check out their shipping rates to US/ America’s you can see the minimum charge is around $30 and goes up by weight. Once your stuff gets to Rakuten they’ll give you options as to what to pack together and how to ship. Standard shipping is ground/boat with lengthy wait times. For a slight up charge you can choose FedEx air. Package arrived in two days with FedEx

 

[measuredtwice]

It will always be more expensive than shipping direct since you are paying for a service to collect your orders and ship them to you. But the prices have skyrocketed because of shipping suspensions and other disruptions caused by covid19. Hopefully things will get back to normal and the cheaper shipping options will resume delivery to the USA.

Last time I checked Japan post and EMS were still suspended to the USA because of covid19. So more expensive shipping like FedEx is being used until the cheaper options are available again.

Shipping prices are higher from Amazon Japan for the same reason. Before covid and up until the shipping suspensions, I had misc parts shipped for $6 to the USA. The same parts now cost double to ship.

The same thing with ordering from Germany. Before covid19, I had some tools shipped through a mail forwarder and it cost me €14.39. Now it would cost around double because of the disruptions from covid19. I got some great stuff for dirt cheap so the €14.39 was worth it but I would not find it worthwhile at the current prices.

 

[measuredtwice]

Btw, there's a calculator for an estimate on their site:
https://globalexpress.rakuten.co.jp/estimate/

Click on "pricing calculator" on the front page.

 

[Brando_Damo]

After really liking the 1/4” drive Koken nutgrip sockets, I went ahead and got me some in 3/8” drive. (Plus a little 3/8”-1/4” adapter/extension)

View media item 112172

 

[kanai]

Because shipping is being discussed, I note that Japan will re-start EMS shipping to the US from June 1, 2021. This should drop shipping pricing for those shippers who choose that route.

https://www.post.japanpost.jp/int/information/2021/0513_01_en.html

 

[measuredtwice]

Because shipping is being discussed, I note that Japan will re-start EMS shipping to the US from June 1, 2021. This should drop shipping pricing for those shippers who choose that route.

https://www.post.japanpost.jp/int/information/2021/0513_01_en.html

Good news

 

[macgee]

Welcome back to the new forum look. Thought I would try the new easy pic posting feature. It's a pic of my Mitutoyo outside micrometer with carbide tip with a mirror finish reflecting the Mitutoyo logo on a ruler.
I've have a large amount of Mitutoyo (Japan) tooling and could post more of them if anyone is interested seeing?
.

 

[darkzero]

I've have a large amount of Mitutoyo (Japan) tooling

I'm a big fan of Mitutoyo, I have quite a few myself. Nice pic BTW!

 

[macgee]

I'm a big fan of Mitutoyo, I have quite a few myself. Nice pic BTW!

Thanks Dark,

I'm also happy with the pic, amazing what new good lighting does to improve a pic.

Here's another pic of a Mitutoyo, Absolute digital dial indicator, pretty incredible how accurate these are (lots of zero's) and how nice to use..
Using it here to check and compare each end to see how straight this rod is and also to test this 750 B&S v-block trueness; I would say this one is a keeper? (1/20th of a human hair) The other end was zero.

I have many other dial indicators from the US, UK and Swiss but for some reason I'm always reaching for my Mitutoyo's, Japan.

 

[Vicks]

believe i haven't shared these ... made some handles for my Tsubosan metal files.

 

[mercifiknow]

Nice work!


Sent from my iPhone using Garage Journal

 

[Vicks]

I recently ordered some goodies from Amzn.jp among which were a Tsubosan wood rasp file and Shozaburo tailoring scissors/snips. I'm disappointed by the lack of quality control. The Tsubosan file has inconsistent rasp teeth and the scissors have a chip/nick in the blade. I have bought Tsubosan metal files earlier and impressed with the quality but not so much with this one. The Shozaburo scissors i have no previous experience but ordered based on reviews posted here as well as by Superautobacs.













Did any one else have similar experience with Tsubosan or Shozaburo products or Am i being unreasonable in my expectations ? Surely, the bad quality of teeth patterns on the wood rasp file cannot be acceptable ? or does it really not matter ?

edit:added Tsubosan file picture highlighting the problem area.

 

[pizza]

Did any one else have similar experience with Tsubosan or Shozaburo products or Am i being unreasonable in my expectations ?

i was rather disappointed with my shozaburo shears. my thoughts are here:

Tools of Japan

Yeah the ball grip is pretty comfortable. I basically just wanted stubby handles for my Anex bits. But I like these Vessel drivers, thinking about picking up another set.

www.garagejournal.com

try kai next time

 

[Vicks]

i was rather disappointed with my shozaburo shears. my thoughts are here:

Tools of Japan

Yeah the ball grip is pretty comfortable. I basically just wanted stubby handles for my Anex bits. But I like these Vessel drivers, thinking about picking up another set.

www.garagejournal.com

try kai next time

I remember reading your review !! (and thanks for that) and being confused whether to buy the Shozaburo or the Kai and in the end decided in favour of the traditional look.

Well, i now have an excuse (like we ever needed one) to go on a shopping spree on amzn.jp !!

 

[macgee]

Bummer to hear about the files and the scissors, I heard recently about the Tsubosan files being so-so lately; I was hoping to try some out.

I have the KAI 10" Professional shears and have to say they are for sure worth every penny and then some.

 

[Vicks]

Bummer to hear about the files and the scissors, I heard recently about the Tsubosan files being so-so lately; I was hoping to try some out.

I have the KAI 10" Professional shears and have to say they are for sure worth every penny and then some.

Don't get me wrong, i have half a dozen Tsubosan metal files which are of fantastci quality and this is the first (wood rasp file) one where i have seen this defect. I would have returned it if not for the return shipping costs. I will however, email Tsubosan directly and let them know my feedback.

Did you guys notice the irregular rasp pattern on the wood file picture that i posted ? just want to confirm if the defect clearly shows up in the picture or not ?

So i went ahead and ordered a set of Pferd metal files to see how they compare, again after reading about them here, with many of the inmates reviewing/speaking highly of these files.

 

[macgee]

I'll admit its hard to tell in the pics but I understand what you're speaking about. One way to confirm is to place the the file on a flat surface plate and see if there's any rocking.

Pferd files are excellent, you made a good decision getting them. You'll love them and will last a long time.

 

[Duke74]

The first tool that popped into my mind was my Eron vise. It’s the blue one in the middle of the picture

 

[macgee]

Eron are excellent vises and if not better than it’s made in England counterpart made by Record.

 

[Vicks]

My Pferd files set came in last night and I must say that the stitching (hope that’s the right term) of rasp teeth is more consistent than on the Tsubosan rasp files. The soft grip handles that are on the files are an added bonus but I would have made my own wooden handles if they didn’t come with any.

And I also received a reply from the sales department of Tsubosan which basically said that the files are hand made and there could be variances in the quality, since these are wood rasp files, the variance is higher than on their steel files and these files pass their quality check. They also offered to send me some gifts/goodies if I sent them my postal address. I’m probably gonna respond with a photo of the Pferd wood rasp file and ask them to keep the gift. I didn’t give them my feedback because I wanted a gift !!

 

[macgee]

Vicks,

Those Pferd's look beautiful, thanks for sharing. Yes stitching is the correct term.

In Tsubosan's defense, there is quite a bit of merit in what they said. Handmade files, especially handmade rasp will vary in pattern and in some height.

LIOGIER in France is one of the most respected rasp file makers and they're still making them by hand today. I just didn't know Tsubonsan was still making their rasp's by hand so I was incorrectly a little critical. Handmade rasp's will vary in the stitches

Here's a video below of Liogier making a file by hand, pretty amazing. These do not come cheap (approx. over $100+ USD for each).

And here is another cool one by Auriou. So cool to still see quality tools being made by hand and alive and well.

 

[mercucho]

I'm waiting for my Z-Eal box.

 

[Vicks]

I'm waiting for my Z-Eal box.

from Amzn.jp ? I was impressed with the 4 days delivery i got (from Japan to Dubai, thats pretty much halfway around the world) on my last order.

 

[mercucho]

Yes from amazon.jp
I already received my Ko-Ken toolbox and in just three days.

 

[mercucho]

A few photos:

 

[toddmorr]

fascinating to see the handmade process. I would have thought that kind of repetitive work could be done better by machines though.

 

[mr.lemons]

Nice looking set.

 

[Dave455]

A few photos:

”Beautiful piece of work. Really excellent!”

 

[FuzzyTiger]

Haven’t seen any blue or black ion in a long time. Guess it was a limited run with no plans on making more.

I'm honestly not sure what the deal is with the special editions.

They pop up on their website in very limited quantities from time to time.

If you go right now and click under tool sets then master sets, they have a menu option for ion plated sets. Nothing shows up under there but they may have recently had some special edition master sets for sale or maybe they're planning to have them in stock on a more regular basis?

What I do know about Nepros stuff in general (I'm sure there are exceptions) is that it's not in continuous production. They will make them in batches. So if something is sold out for example, restocking could be months away depending on their production schedule. I'd guess for each run they will have a few that will get the special platings. The other possibility is that when they do their production runs, they likely ship out a lot of inventory to various retailers and distributors. There may be cases where unsold inventory makes its way back to Nepros and that's where you get the random sets for sale in tiny quantities.

I do hope that they fix their inventory issues though because as it stands a single YouTuber (AvE) seems to have gotten them enough publicity to increase their sales multiple times over (I forgot the exact number their rep mentioned in their email but it was pretty crazy). And for that matter they probably owe AvE a full master set at least.

 

[Gregthegadgetguy]

Set of Asahi Lightools for my Hazet 166N. Painted to match Wera kraftform sets.