Hello everyone kinda got a bit of a review on my 1/2” Ko-Ken impact sockets I picked up a few weeks ago. What I have tested them on, well the gun Ingersoll Rand 2235TI Max where at my large machine & tool shop installing large equipment and have also went out of my way to find some really large rusted and worn out nuts and bolts outside to see about this “ surface drive “ there sockets use to help on rounded sockets. Those of you that do not own or havn’t seen these sockets they have a different look too them and I can post pictures if anyone would like to see what im talking about. Anyways back to my thoughts on these sockets, so they seemed to do what is claimed on helping not to round off on rusty or heavily worn nuts. The transfer of torque to socket is really nice with these sockets there steel quality is top notch. Easy read socket size and I was able to purchase these new and a really great price. Remember this is based off heavy use but only for a few weeks so im also looking myself for input from you guys that maybe have had a year or more of equal heavy use on these sockets and what your thoughts are on these Japanese made sockets. Also where do you put them in comparison with the snap ons, mac, Matco ect? Alright guys feed me your input im looking forward to the conversation and thanks everyone at GJ!!
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Ko-Ken Impact Sockets
- Thread starter TMplayers
- Start date
Dave455
Well-known member
I’ve owned the regular KoKen impact sockets (14400M) for maybe 15 years. Superb tools. No complaints. Though I’m not using them all day / every day like some.
As regards fit, durabiliity, overall quality etc, I’d rate them comparable to Snap On (which I own in SAE sizes). The KoKen might be a bit thicker walled, but I’d have to check the specs. There are some differences, so some folks might prefer one or the other.
Koken produce a huge range of these though. There are thin wall, low profile, “Pathfinder”, as well as the “surface drive” you tried, so there’s something for everyone.
As regards fit, durabiliity, overall quality etc, I’d rate them comparable to Snap On (which I own in SAE sizes). The KoKen might be a bit thicker walled, but I’d have to check the specs. There are some differences, so some folks might prefer one or the other.
Koken produce a huge range of these though. There are thin wall, low profile, “Pathfinder”, as well as the “surface drive” you tried, so there’s something for everyone.
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So they have been selling impact sockets in the states for that long huh? A laser tech had came into the place I worked and had a set that was the first time I had seen them and like I said got a great deal on them so figured id give them a shot. Do u know if these sockets are chrome molly?I’ve owned the regular KoKen impact sockets (14400M) for maybe 15 years. Superb tools. No complaints. Though I’m not using them all day / every day like some.
As regards fit, durabiliity, overall quality etc, I’d rate them comparable to Snap On (which I own in SAE sizes). The KoKen might be a bit thicker walled, but I’d have to check the specs. There are some differences, so some folks might prefer one or the other.
Koken produce a huge range of these though. There are thin wall, low profile, “Pathfinder”, as well as the “surface drive” you tried, so there’s something for everyone.
If you liked you Ko-Ken, you'll love this thread too - https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/threads/tools-of-japan.97563/page-166
Dave455
Well-known member
I’m not sure how long KoKen has been imported into the U.S. I’m in the U.K. and it’s been here for a good while.
Back in the 1980’s it was only really the Japanese car enthusiasts that had KoKen, but they really targeted the U.K. market, and offered stuff nobody else could be bothered with, so gradually won people over.
I started buying it probably late 90’s early 00’s and it’s generally served me well. In the U.K. it‘s about a third the price of Snap On so nobody expects it to be as good, but often it is, and some things they even do better.
Back in the 1980’s it was only really the Japanese car enthusiasts that had KoKen, but they really targeted the U.K. market, and offered stuff nobody else could be bothered with, so gradually won people over.
I started buying it probably late 90’s early 00’s and it’s generally served me well. In the U.K. it‘s about a third the price of Snap On so nobody expects it to be as good, but often it is, and some things they even do better.