Tools of Japan

[Dave455]

What is behind the polymer rings on the Nepros sockets?
I have almost figured out what brands of sockets to buy to replace lost tools. I am OCD enough to want uniformity for each drive size and type (shallow, standard or deep) but I will probably purchase different brands for 1/4. 3/8, and 1/2 inch drive. I've about decided to get the Nepros in 1/2 inch drive. However I am curious about what they look like behind the polymer rings. Are they as polished behind the ring as they are everywhere else? If I remove the ring, or perhaps don't replace them when they wear out, what will the socket look like?

I can’t speak for the 1/2“ drive, but the 3/8“ drive Nepros that I own are polished behind the rings. You could use the sockets without the rings and they would look just fine.

I think that the reason for the rings is that some corporate customers request colour coding. In some areas of British aviation maintenance, for example, all the tool sets in a hangar will be colour coded, so if a socket is missing from a box, they know which box, and who was responsible for it.

Many industrial tool suppliers offer the colour coding. British made Britool tools used to come with painted rings, in latter years Proto came with plastic rings round the sockets and colour coded handles, and I suspect others do now.

I use different brands for my SAE, Metric and British Standard tools so I can tell them apart at a glance. Colour coding would be another good option, and I might go for this if I get more Nepros!

 

[Ralf11]

ko-ken surface finish (non-Zeal)

 

[M6erfan]

I can’t speak for the 1/2“ drive, but the 3/8“ drive Nepros that I own are polished behind the rings. You could use the sockets without the rings and they would look just fine.

I think that the reason for the rings is that some corporate customers request colour coding. In some areas of British aviation maintenance, for example, all the tool sets in a hangar will be colour coded, so if a socket is missing from a box, they know which box, and who was responsible for it.

Many industrial tool suppliers offer the colour coding. British made Britool tools used to come with painted rings, in latter years Proto came with plastic rings round the sockets and colour coded handles, and I suspect others do now.

I use different brands for my SAE, Metric and British Standard tools so I can tell them apart at a glance. Colour coding would be another good option, and I might go for this if I get more Nepros!

Also, they aid grip for finger spinning.

 

[Dave455]

For example, I can't wait to actually hold some Ko-ken sockets, It's hard to tell from photos, but although they are highly esteemed by many GJ members, they look like they are not machined to a close external "smooth" specification?

KoKen are machined to a very high standard.

The actual finish varies with the type of socket.

The majority of sockets are part polished and part (the part nearest the square drive) a sort of stippled finish. The stippled finish is unique to KoKen I think, and I quite like it. It reminds me of the older Snap On sockets that were part polished and part matte.

The polished part I would describe as normal polishing. They’re brighter than, for example, a satin Stahlwille socket. They’re not a bright as a Nepros “Mirror” finish, but I don’t think anything is!

Some sockets, such as the universal shown, are all polished, some, such as the nut grip, are all stippled, and of course others are all black. Z Series / Zeal are different again.

Regular and universal shown. Bear in mind this is a used tool not new, so has appropriate signs of use. Overall, the finish wears well!

 

[m6z]

Ordered some Ko-ken impact sockets and a couple KTC chrome 3/8 Extensions

 

[Vicks]

here's a few pics of Ko-ken Zeal finishing for comparison..

 

[garfieldzzz]

Ordered some Ko-ken impact sockets and a couple KTC chrome 3/8 Extensions

Those Ko-ken impacts are awesome *** savers as they are the little bit smaller you need sometimes. They are the only impact option I came across which fit the Nissan oem wheels. Also their finish is super nice.

 

[Joe Piro]

if you are so interested in surface finish, i suggest asking for pics of the specific socket sets you're interested in. maybe you'll get them

Pizza... The photos that you linked me to were extremely helpful. I have been looking at photos on lots of GJ posts, websites and product catalogs, and they only provided enough detail for me to guess about my questions. Your photos were crystal clear and I can't thank you enough.

Pizza... Your offer to take a photo without the ring is appreciated, but Dave455's offer quoted below will suffice.

I can’t speak for the 1/2“ drive, but the 3/8“ drive Nepros that I own are polished behind the rings. You could use the sockets without the rings and they would look just fine.

here's a few pics of Ko-ken Zeal finishing for comparison..

Vicks.... thanks for your photos as well. Online catalog phots don't compare to the ones GJ members provided.
I am planning to do what Dave 455 describes...

I use different brands for my SAE, Metric and British Standard tools so I can tell them apart at a glance. Colour coding would be another good option, and I might go for this if I get more Nepros!

I believe as one of you said (and I can't find the exact quote, but) "a socket is a socket." Most of the time for most problems this is true. But for those tougher challenges (almost everyday for some of us) we like to have that intangible "confidence" in our tools. I found this video very helpful.

This is a Snap On video about how sockets are made:

I feel a just a little bit judged for being so interested in surface finish, but I'm equally interested in heat treating, quenching, plating, etc, but these are not possible to "see" in the final product so we infer from the brand name and the cost whether or not we are getting a dependable tool. That's why some of us spend extra for Snap-on, Stahwille, Hazet, Proto, Wright, Ko-ken, KTC, Nepros, etc. Thankfully there is a long list of available well made products. Since we can't see all these Q.C.things, we depend on each other for opinion and experience to help decide. Thanks GJ members !!!

I am a detail oriented user and have become interested in the details of "chrome" plating." I can read about the facts and the specifications. What I can't search on the web is your experience and judgement. Thanks for reading this far, so I hope some of you will pile on if i start a thread about chrome plating.

 

[Ralf11]

one thing about a smooth surface finish - it's easy to clean

 

[Joe Piro]

one thing about a smooth surface finish - it's easy to clean

Thanks for the observation Ralf11.
I wish I were a man of few words...

 

[JjKk40]

Picked up this 1/4" Japan imported BonECon metric/SAE set a while back. Its a descent economy set except for 1 thing. The ball detents are extremely weak and there's no notches in the socket drive end to hold them. Heres a few pics...

 

[Mrwrx]

Just received a ktc combo wrench kit. Very nice indeed. Need an offset one next.

 

[Joe Piro]

I need help or advice in opening a Factory Gear account. I have tried diligently to fill out the registration form, going back and forth with copy and paste in a free translation program. However I cannot seem to get it right. I did get the confirmation email with the URL to the application, but I cannot understand Japanese.
Do they have a form or a link for non-japanese customers?
They are advertising a 20% discount for Nepros and I hope to be able to utilize that?
I have been studying the KTC, Nepros, and Ko-ken websites for about a week and have finally figured out how to translate into part numbers that are correct.

I also opened an Amazon Japan account.

Do any experienced buyers have pointers for me?

Thanks in advance for your help.

 

[kanai]

Do they have a form or a link for non-japanese customers?

I have not seen that on their ecommerce site. They don't seem to cater to non-Japanese customers. I would be surprised if it was a blanket 20% discount on everything Nepros... they are doing a summer sale but it's on specific items afaik.

 

[RoundedNut]

...
Do they have a form or a link for non-japanese customers?
...
I also opened an Amazon Japan account.

Do any experienced buyers have pointers for me?

Factory Gear doesn't ship overseas: https://translate.google.com/translate?sl=ja&tl=en&u=https://ec.f-gear.co.jp/ext/guide_top.html

I find buying from amazon Japan to be the easiest/safest/cheapest method for most stuff. Note where/who it is shipped from as you want to group multiple items together to save on shipping costs. Set the language on the amazon web site to English, and most things will translate okay but be warned that there can be really wrong translations.

You won't get the Deen private label stuff on amazon Japan but there are usually equivalents offered by other Japanese brands (like SK11, Pro-Auto). These are usually sourced from Taiwan, good quality and sometimes unavailable from Western brands. Often cheaper as well.

 

[Joe Piro]

Factory Gear doesn't ship overseas: https://translate.google.com/translate?sl=ja&tl=en&u=https://ec.f-gear.co.jp/ext/guide_top.html

The link you posted for me does make it clear. I thought that some of the "tool haul" youtube videos were shipments from Factory Gear, but I guess I heard what I wanted to hear.

 

[M6erfan]

The link you posted for me does make it clear. I thought that some of the "tool haul" youtube videos were shipments from Factory Gear, but I guess I heard what I wanted to hear.

I think I remember some YouTube vids showing Factory Gear tools, but IIRC they were bought while the YouTub'er was in Japan.

 

[1foxracing]

Todays new stuff from Vessel Tools USA.
















The Crystaline series drivers will go along nicely with the rest of my Vessel Drivers.

 

[Dave455]

Todays new stuff from Vessel Tools USA.


The Crystaline series drivers will go along nicely with the rest of my Vessel Drivers.

Very nice! I have long felt that the Crystaline drivers are very underrated. They’re a great “general purpose” driver!

But don’t forget to get some “Power Grip” to complete the set! I notice that Vessel offer many types of driver in this style, including Torx (yellow handles) and ball hex (mauve) but you seldom seem to see these outside Japan.

 

[Kaline74]

I’ve had good experiences with Truecraft ratchets, torque wrenches and sockets. When I found that Wholesale Tools in Warren, Michigan still has a few sets of NOS Truecraft combination wrenches, I bought a set. It is likely the best $9.99 I’ve spent all year.

 

[M6erfan]

. . .

 

[Vicks]

I’ve had good experiences with Truecraft ratchets, torque wrenches and sockets. When I found that Wholesale Tools in Warren, Michigan still has a few sets of NOS Truecraft combination wrenches, I bought a set. It is likely the best $9.99 I’ve spent all year.

must say, i've never heard of these (wouldn't be the first time haha), are these actually made in Japan or just say "Japan" ?

 

[Mark_17]

must say, i've never heard of these (wouldn't be the first time haha), are these actually made in Japan or just say "Japan" ?

Truecraft Tools

Was this brand ever produced in the US, or has it always been overseas?

www.garagejournal.com

Me neither but i found this older thread

 

[Mr. Tool]

Some years back when Vessel first offered them, the red acetate handles really drew my attention. With that, I purchased the complete set of both in common and philip's with the red acetate handles.

Yes not only are they are sweet looking, they are very durable and work smoothly on any type of job.


Also have a variety of brand name tools with different color acetate handles, etc.

Here are a few other tools with red handle acetate handles that I have readily available.

 

[Nachito13]

A few photos of my Nepros tool haul that arrived today.
Also the 3/8 drive ratchet in a 1/4 drive body (shown next to the 1/4 Nepros ratchet).

 

[Joe Piro]

A few photos of my Nepros tool haul that arrived today.

Have you (or anyone else... others please chime in) had to pay US import duties or tariffs on tool imports from Japan?
I have just about figured how to buy from stores such as Factory Gear for example who do not export directly to the US.
The third party buying services make this possible, such as Rakuten or Tenso. I am considering using Tenso, and it was on their website that I first saw import duties mentioned so I thought I would ask the GJ community for actual experience with that from both Japan and Germany as well.
Any experiences or advice?

 

[4xdog]

I've used Tenso a number of times. Once one figures out how it works (and it's really not hard -- mainly getting one's "Japanese address" right) it's a piece of cake. Fast shipping, great packaging as they consolidate your local deliveries, and nothing more on my end than a package delivered to my home.

Tenso (and probably others) had some issues during the earlier days of the pandemic with shipping options. If that's all settled down now (and I'd need to review emails from Tenso -- I think they're mostly back to normal) I would have no problems recommending their service.

 

[Joe Piro]

Thanks for such a quick response.

I would have no problems recommending their service.

Were there any special import taxes or duties you had to pay once your package arrived in US customs before they would release it for delivery?

 

[FMB4]

I purchased a George Sekei (SP?) folding knife directly from Japan without having to pay any special import taxes or duties (shipping was very reasonable). I'm in the US, but those in Australia, the UK, and other parts of W. Europe might need to pay such taxes and duties.

 

[4xdog]

...nothing more on my end than a package delivered to my home...

No import taxes, no duties, no paperwork from customs. My Tenso deliveries have arrived at my door as simply as anything ordered within the US. Some of my Tenso consolidated orders have had values of many-hundreds $$.

Thanks for such a quick response.

Were there any special import taxes or duties you had to pay once your package arrived in US customs before they would release it for delivery?

 

[merkyworks]

My experience with international items shipped to US address has been import taxes aren’t applied when it’s “general/lower value” goods. However when shipment reaches a certain value (like + $500 maybe) or is labeled a luxury item (like a wrist watch) US import taxes do get applied.

 

[1foxracing]

Added some new stuff this week.

 

[M6erfan]

Very nice. I like those Wise hex sets. What do you think of the Ko-ken roto ratchet?

 

[1foxracing]

The Koken roto is definitely the lightest back drag model roto I own. It's to damn HOT out here at the moment to put it through a proper trial.

 

[M6erfan]

The Koken roto is definitely the lightest back drag model roto I own. It's to damn HOT out here at the moment to put it through a proper trial.

I hear ya on the heat. Mowed the lawn this morning and even early it was damn hot.

I've had that roto in my cart seemingly forever, I'll pull the trigger one of these days. . .

 

[1foxracing]

Currently on sale for $52.70

Ko-ken Tools 3/8 Sq. Dr. Ratchet 45 teeth Length 200mm Metal

Input Drive Size: 3/8" Drive Shape: Square Length: 200mm Type: Reversible Ratchet Output Size: 45 Teeth Metal Handle: Yes Product Dimension (Refer - Palmac Tools

palmac.net

 

[Dave455]

Currently on sale for $52.70

Ko-ken Tools 3/8 Sq. Dr. Ratchet 45 teeth Length 200mm Metal

Input Drive Size: 3/8" Drive Shape: Square Length: 200mm Type: Reversible Ratchet Output Size: 45 Teeth Metal Handle: Yes Product Dimension (Refer - Palmac Tools

palmac.net

I thought that was a keen price. Unfortunately, that’s not the roto head, that’s the “regular” round head.

I own the roto head too, and although it’s a little more costly than some KoKen ratchet’s, it’s a very high quality tool (and quite substantial). Worth every penny in my opinion.

 

[pizza]

Were there any special import taxes or duties you had to pay once your package arrived in US customs before they would release it for delivery?

the real answer to your question requires more info about what you're ordering and how it's declared.

brief explanation:

• declared total value of under $800: rarely inspected because $800 is the de minimis threshold (no tax due on shipments that small). google usa customs de minimis.
• above $800 but below $1500: sometimes inspected depending on how the package looks and what it was declared as. what it's declared as matters because the contents are taxed accordingly. some things over $800 are not taxed at all.
• above $1500: almost always inspected.

if it's inspected, you're definitely going to have to pay tax if any is due. everything you need to know is here:

Harmonized Tariff Schedule

hts.usitc.gov

also, even if your shipment is assessed at 0% rate, you'll end up paying a Merchandise Processing Fee (MPF) if it gets inspected. plus a convenience fee of about 15usd to the courier.

CBP Customer Service

 

[1foxracing]

I thought that was a keen price. Unfortunately, that’s not the roto head, that’s the “regular” round head.

I own the roto head too, and although it’s a little more costly than some KoKen ratchet’s, it’s a very high quality tool (and quite substantial). Worth every penny in my opinion.

Oops I did goof on that link. I think the roto head was around $80 USD. It really didn't matter to me as I just turned the invoice into my employer and was reimbursed for the purchase.

 

[Dave455]

Oops I did goof on that link. I think the roto head was around $80 USD. It really didn't matter to me as I just turned the invoice into my employer and was reimbursed for the purchase.

Yes, sadly I think the roto head is about the most costly regular 3/8 ratchet that KoKen offer. I didn’t mind given the quality.

If I’m doing industrial work rather than automotive, I often carry the roto head as my only ratchet. I find it’s got decent leverage (and heft) to use on larger fasteners, I can swing it round and use it like a ratcheting driver, or anything in between.

It’s one tool I’d really be lost without!