Tools of Japan

[CoreyB]

From the Ko-ken USA website: "Koken warrants that each product sold by it shall be free from defects in material and workmanship under normal application, use and service for the life of the product. Koken’s sole obligation under this warranty, in Koken’s sole discretion, is to repair or replace, free of charge, any part or parts found to be defective, provided that the product (i) is delivered, postage prepaid, to Ko-Ken USA, LLC, 10 Kidder Road, Chelmsford, MA 01824; (ii) has not been misused, subject to unusual stress, modified or serviced in any manner."

In short, they'll replace it if it's their fault, but not because it experiences normal expected wear or broke because it was over-stressed. For that kind of warranty, you have to over-pay at the tool truck.

Thanks for the response. I saw that on their website, but was looking more for direct experience with their warranty. Like if the socket gives out/splits a side when loosening a wheel with an impact after a year of use if I should expect to buy a new one. I wouldn't consider that to be misused as it is being used for its intended purpose and is an impact socket. I have over payed for plenty of tool truck items, but the wheel sockets sold on the truck don't compare to these Koken ones. Seriously never expected to be as impressed by a socket as I am with these.

Have finally come across my first of Japanese/Koken tools I feel like are a waste (at least for what I work on). They were on sale for $21, so not too much of a loss. Bought these hoping they would come in handy. It was finally their time to shine, and it turns it was a complete flop. I'm not an expert on DIN vs ISO vs JIS inverted torx fastener design/GD&T, but these won't work on any of the etorx screws found on German cars.



You can see how about half way up the torx feature, there is a significant chamfer built into the head. I imagine this is great for mitigating stress risers. However, this prevents Koken's nut grip etorx sockets from fully engaging. The retention ball in the nut grip socket hits this chamfer, and actually makes it impossible to even have the screw rest in the socket. I imagine if the chamfer angle were smaller, it the koken socket would just spit out screws. Additionally, since there is a leading chamfer on the ID of the socket, you might only get about 30% of actual engagement with the head of the screw. My snap on etorx socket is able to fully engage the same screw.

Thanks for the review. Was looking at these as they would come in handy in a bunch of spots on Porsche engines, but see they suffer from the same issue that Matco's e-torx sockets have. I was having issues with the Matco ones coming off bolt heads and realized that they didn't fully engage the head of the bolt.

FWIW, the Koken universal E10 and E12 sockets I have fully engage German e-torx bolts so it would seem to just be an issue with the nut-grip version. Would be curious if sending Koken an email would get an explanation as to what torx version they are meant to work on.

 

[Speed-Racer]

Thanks for the response. I saw that on their website, but was looking more for direct experience with their warranty. Like if the socket gives out/splits a side when loosening a wheel with an impact after a year of use if I should expect to buy a new one. I wouldn't consider that to be misused as it is being used for its intended purpose and is an impact socket. I have over payed for plenty of tool truck items, but the wheel sockets sold on the truck don't compare to these Koken ones. Seriously never expected to be as impressed by a socket as I am with these.


Thanks for the review. Was looking at these as they would come in handy in a bunch of spots on Porsche engines, but see they suffer from the same issue that Matco's e-torx sockets have. I was having issues with the Matco ones coming off bolt heads and realized that they didn't fully engage the head of the bolt.

FWIW, the Koken universal E10 and E12 sockets I have fully engage German e-torx bolts so it would seem to just be an issue with the nut-grip version. Would be curious if sending Koken an email would get an explanation as to what torx version they are meant to work on.

I have the same koken 4 piece nut grip set, works ok on aluminum bmw bolts. Agree does not fully engage, the old trick to use a tiny piece of newspaper between the bolt and a regular torx socket is a stronger bond for installation. These shine when removing bolts from recessed locations.

 

[gigamel]

Regular E-Torx bolt head vs low profile:



Hence two different socket types:

Regular:


Low profile:

 

[jimmy_]

I'm trying to replace some broken Koken zeal sockets anyone know the best place to buy individual items that ships worldwide?

 

[superautobacs]

I have used those E-torx Nut-grip sockets with mixed results. Really dependent on the type of Torx fastener. Some Torx fasteners are clearly low-profile, then there are some that are in between a standard and low-profile head. It seems to depend on the fastener manufacturer.

In this photo, which contains several brands (Ko-ken, Nepros, Snap-on, MAC, Hazet, Genius, Gearwrench, Mastercraft), you can see the slight variances in the slope/chamfer.

Custom Socket Holder

 

[superautobacs]

I'm trying to replace some broken Koken zeal sockets anyone know the best place to buy individual items that ships worldwide?

Might try https://kokenusa.com/ I assume they ship worldwide.

 

[sweet victory]

I had no idea different profile etorx heads existed other than maybe some tolerance differences in ASME, JIS, AISO, and DIN standards. Thank you for guys sharing! I guess I can feel better knowing that I own sockets for low profile and regular etorx screws.

 

[mr.lemons]

Tsunoda flush cutters for cable ties.

I wanted to try the other Tsunoda cable tie cutters with the gripping area, but I have seen quite a bit of negative feedback on them. Only heard good things about these.



For anyone who hasn't seen them, their party trick is that they hold on to the waste bit of cable tie after cutting, rather than spitting it out.







The spring can be removed, or popped back in again if you like or dislike sprung pliers. They come with two extra sets of rubber catchers. Made in Thailand.



Tsunoda's other cable tie cutters (KBN-125 / KBN-150) look like they may be a bit more 'premium.' I don't know if there is a difference between Tsunoda branded pliers and TCC branded pliers.

 

[pizza]

I wanted to try the other Tsunoda cable tie cutters with the gripping area, but I have seen quite a bit of negative feedback on them. Only heard good things about these.
...
Tsunoda's other cable tie cutters (KBN-125 / KBN-150) look like they may be a bit more 'premium.'

aren't KBN-125 / KBN-150 the ones with the gripping area? which bad ones are you talking about?

i have KBN-125. i like it so far.

 

[kanai]

Engineer has a new set of Nejizaurus pliers out: Nejizaurus VA

• cable cutting blade
• Nejizaurus bolt grabbing teeth
• zip-tie holding teeth (to tighten)
• earth crimper

The CEO of Engineer and the CEO of Factory Gear discuss the new product:

 

[mr.lemons]

aren't KBN-125 / KBN-150 the ones with the gripping area? which bad ones are you talking about?

i have KBN-125. i like it so far.

Yes. Not saying they are bad. I've only seen pics and reviews of them.

It came up a couple of times while reading/watching reviews that the gripping function is a little awkward to use. I think it was a 'bzeug' or 'lone star mopar' vid on youtube. The price is a little too high on them for me to take a chance without trying them first, so I let this talk me out of buying them. If they come up cheap on an Amazon price watch, I'll definitely grab a pair.

 

[superautobacs]

Tsunoda's other cable tie cutters (KBN-125 / KBN-150) look like they may be a bit more 'premium.' I don't know if there is a difference between Tsunoda branded pliers and TCC branded pliers.

AFAIK, the TTC series items designate pliers that are made at their factory in Thailand.

 

[Dave455]

AFAIK, the TTC series items designate pliers that are made at their factory in Thailand.

Yes, although the “King TTC” with the yellow handles are made in Japan, and seem to be their “top end” tools!

I’ve also seen some TTC pliers with orange handles, which I thought were Japanese made too. Might be wrong.

 

[Joe Piro]

I'm trying to replace some broken Koken zeal sockets anyone know the best place to buy individual items that ships worldwide?

I'm surprised ya'll saw this without a question. Usually an OP tells us how he broke a tool, or someone asks.
With all the praise we place on Ko-ken sockets on Garage Journal, I am eager to hear how they were broken.
Jimmy... can you share that with us?
Also has anyone else broken a Ko-ken socket and how did it happen?

 

[TuRoKKuz]

KNIPEX 82 01 200 и ENGINEER PZ-58))

 

[superautobacs]

I'm surprised ya'll saw this without a question. Usually an OP tells us how he broke a tool, or someone asks.
With all the praise we place on Ko-ken sockets on Garage Journal, I am eager to hear how they were broken.
Jimmy... can you share that with us?
Also has anyone else broken a Ko-ken socket and how did it happen?

Actually that's a good question. I'd like to know as well.

I think I've broken two sockets so far.
Both are the result of wear and tear/user-abuse
Here's a post I made on the one socket:

Ko-ken Tools -- What Makes this Brand Special !?!?

Any translation available on the ratchet pawls picture? They seem similar in tooth count.

www.garagejournal.com

The other socket I've never talked about. It's a 1/2 -> 3/8 reducer. I essentially sheared the square off from trying to undo an axle nut. That was plain mis-use on my part. The nice thing about that particular event was that it was uneventful. It didn't shatter on me; it just gave way in a safe manner. No surprises.


[Edit]
As for the slim impact wheel sockets, I've since been using them only when the vehicle/wheel requires it.

 

[TJMtl]

Just got my first amazon.co.jp order of Ko-Ken tools. Very happy with the quality.

 

[Notbn]

Just got my first amazon.co.jp order of Ko-Ken tools. Very happy with the quality.

How was the experience ordering to Canada? Any issues? Might make a purchase soon.

 

[Speed-Racer]

I'm trying to replace some broken Koken zeal sockets anyone know the best place to buy individual items that ships worldwide?

If you are looking for other tools from Japan, add extra sockets to the order And save by ordering and shipping from Japan.
You could try koken USA, they will be happy to sell you new ones, but doubt they will warranty any item not purchased from them, they are a recent seller and no telling if they will stick around long term. The first question they ask us where did you purchase them from and the other guy that sells Koken in the US is not an authorized seller.

Use the chrome browser and under settings change translation from Japanese to english

https://www.rakuten.co.jp/

Disappointing thing with this brand, the warranty is not as strong as the USA brands.
Basically, I view as the warranty is on the buyer, so go with the lowest price. This coming from someone who has needed to find a Mac tool truck to warranty a few items for years now and I don’t want to pay to ship them back to Mac tools for a maybe warrant. It is so much easier to order new replacements. Snap-on will definitely take if you are the org purchaser either the dealer or Corp are excellent.

 

[jimmy_]

I'm surprised ya'll saw this without a question. Usually an OP tells us how he broke a tool, or someone asks.
With all the praise we place on Ko-ken sockets on Garage Journal, I am eager to hear how they were broken.
Jimmy... can you share that with us?
Also has anyone else broken a Ko-ken socket and how did it happen?

They are beautiful sockets but I keep getting small cracks in them. I notice they fit fasteners tighter than any of my snap ons or matcos. No one else having this issue? This 15mm was nearly brand new and broke on a drain plug.

 

[GrantCee]

They are beautiful sockets but I keep getting small cracks in them. I notice they fit fasteners tighter than any of my snap ons or matcos. No one else having this issue?

"Keep"? How many have you broken?

No offense intended, but that just sounds a little odd. I can imagine breaking a socket once in a great while (though I've never been able to do so myself), but more than one?

Same size or different sizes?

This 15mm was nearly brand new and broke on a drain plug.

Maybe I'm just not seeing it, but that looks more like a gouge in the chrome than a crack. Can you show us the crack on the inside of the socket?

 

[jimmy_]

"Keep"? How many have you broken?

No offense intended, but that just sounds a little odd. I can imagine breaking a socket once in a great while (though I've never been able to do so myself), but more than one?

Same size or different sizes?


Maybe I'm just not seeing it, but that looks more like a gouge in the chrome than a crack. Can you show us the crack on the inside of the socket?

My 13, 15 and 17 all broke same way. I use the 7 and 8mm all the time and they have served me well.

 

[wreckdiver1321]

In fun news, I got my JIS Vessels! Wait, that sounds wrong....

I ordered a set of new screwdrivers as a little gift to myself. I'm starting on a long road of upgrading the hand tools I have, not that they're bad, but I'm at a place where I can swing for some nicer stuff that will last. I'm planning on Vessel screwdrivers, Knipex pliers, Hazet or Stahlwille metric wrenches, Wright SAE wrenches, Ko-Ken sockets, etc. Keeping my Kobalt ratchets though, because they're great. It's an eclectic collection of manufacturers and designs, because I'm weird and I like stuff like that.

 

[GrantCee]

My 13, 15 and 17 all broke same way. I use the 7 and 8mm all the time and they have served me well.

Please give us details on how they were broken — what were you doing at the time? How much torque were you applying? I can't conceive of one breaking being used on a standard ratchet; did you use a long handle? Cheater pipe? Impact wrench? Hitting it with a hammer?

 

[jimmy_]

Please give us details on how they were broken — what were you doing at the time? How much torque were you applying? I can't conceive of one breaking being used on a standard ratchet; did you use a long handle? Cheater pipe? Impact wrench? Hitting it with a hammer?

Used my 14 inch snap on comfort grip each time. I don't abuse my stuff with hammers and cheater bars and I don't use impacts with my chrome's. I don't even remember how I broke the 13mm but the 15 and 17 were just normal usage.

 

[superautobacs]

Used my 14 inch snap on comfort grip each time. I don't abuse my stuff with hammers and cheater bars and I don't use impacts with my chrome's. I don't even remember how I broke the 13mm but the 15 and 17 were just normal usage.

***** to hear that.
Manufacturers like to see how their tools break. If it were me, I'd send high quality photos to Ko-ken USA, in which they may forward them to headquarters in Japan. They may provide some feedback. I wouldn't expect I'd get anything from Ko-ken in return, but I'd be curious what they might have to say. I did it once with a Nepros socket and they (KTC) explained why the socket cracked.

 

[KnurledNut]

This little guy looks cheap, but is surprisingly repeatably-accurate for what im guessing is 60 years old.
Made in Japan, of course.
I partially disassembled it and the internal components are visibly well machined and in perfect shape.
A threaded brass orifice and a rubber seat (amazingly pliable for its age) make up the chuck.
When a reading is taken, the needle stays put when removed.
There is a reset button on the back that zeros it back out.
A beautifully engineered spring allows for this function.
I think the housing may be nylon instead of plastic.
It seems a lot of thought was put into this gauge.
Ergonomically, its ultra-compact size fits perfectly in the hand allowing the thumb and index finger to cradle it.
(Porsche gauges use a similar side stem design.)
I found some documentation online that states it is accurate enough to use as a master gauge of sorts.
Im not 100% convinced of that yet, but Ive compared it to my most-reliable go-to Bluepoint dial inflator and its dead on.

 

[Joe Piro]

Has anyone had any experience with this company for importing Japanese tools? (see photo of tool catalog below).
I was browsing Factory Gear and noticed that Trusco manufactures regular (non-impact) sockets with what they call an "environmentally friendly" non-chrome finish. I tried to find more information online and it tool me to this company... Japan Agri Trading. They have an English website and catalog. Their FAQ (and other pages) seem to indicate that they ship all over the world including the US. They ship small orders (they used $156.00 in an example on how to calculate your credit for future orders).
I looked through just the "sockets" section of their huge catalog and saw pages for Tone, Ko-ken, Hazet, Nepros, KTC, and more. I was confused because I did not see these names on their "brand" list, but I need to study more.

I am interested in a discussion of chrome plating and I wonder how the Trusco non-chrome (probably nickel) sockets hold up over time. But first things first... I was amazed at what I found at the Japan Agri Trading website. Apparently they are huge and tools are just a small part of what they do.

I don't have a clue how their prices compare to Amazon Japan, Rakuten, Ehime Machine or Factory Gear, but it looks like they make it really simple and easy to buy from them... English language catalog, credit card payments, ship to anywhere.

Has anyone done business with them?

 

[mr.lemons]

Everything from Trusco looks to be made in Taiwan. Not sure if they are a manufacturer or not?

Also interesting in the 'Eco-friendly with non-chrome plating.'

ＴＲＵＳＣＯ　ソケット　６角タイプ　差込角１２．７　対辺１３ｍｍ

ec.f-gear.co.jp

 

[Dave455]

Everything from Trusco looks to be made in Taiwan. Not sure if they are a manufacturer or not?

Also interesting in the 'Eco-friendly with non-chrome plating.'

ＴＲＵＳＣＯ　ソケット　６角タイプ　差込角１２．７　対辺１３ｍｍ

ec.f-gear.co.jp

I believe Trusco are basically a wholesaler, not a manufacturer.

I’ve seen quite a variety of products with the Trusco name on. Most of those I see (such as their toolboxes, manufactured by Toyo steel) are made in Japan.

Never seen Trusco sockets before. Perhaps intended for the Japanese market where the name is better known?

 

[Gregthegadgetguy]

I have a Trusco air blow gun that is made in Japan. It is a nice unit for sure.

 

[superautobacs]

@Gregthegadgetguy I've got a couple of those blow guns too, with built-in regulator, and interchangeable tips. I forget who the manufacturer is.


Trusco is not a manufacturer, but sources tools/equipment/supplies. They are like Grainger or Hoffmann.
They sell both OEM and PB (private brand) stuff. I think the majority of their PB stuff is imported, but I have seen some tools made in Japan.

Never heard of Japan Agri. If they are selling what Trusco's Orange Book offers, that's A LOT of stuff!!
As for the sockets you're talking about, I believe Mr.Lemons found it. It's made in Taiwan. It's probably like the electro-less nickle plating that some 1/4" bit manufacturers do.
It does also remind me of Tone's impact sockets:




A look at Trusco's logistics/distribution centre:

[edit]
just found a newer video...features the "just fit box" machine which will create the perfect sized box for any order. Reduces unneccesarily large boxes and saves space for transport:

 

[tungas123456]

If comparing between anex and vessel, which brand makes a better screwdriver?

 

[Vicks]

Used my 14 inch snap on comfort grip each time. I don't abuse my stuff with hammers and cheater bars and I don't use impacts with my chrome's. I don't even remember how I broke the 13mm but the 15 and 17 were just normal usage.

Holy **** ! thats a lot of failures and i'm quite sure very few on here have experienced so many socket failures with normal usage. You should definitely send details to Ko-ken and see what they have to say about it. I have used a 19mm socket with a long handle (600mm) to break free a stubborn brake caliper bolt with not even as much as a mark on the inside face of the Koken socket, so you would probably understand why most of the ppl on here are surprised you are breaking not just one but 3-4 sockets.

 

[Dave455]

If comparing between anex and vessel, which brand makes a better screwdriver?

Generally speaking, I think Vessel.

With the proviso that you compare “like against like”. I don’t generally like soft handle screwdrivers, so most of my Vessel are the “power grip” style shown.

If it was a choice between soft handle Vessel or hard handle Anex, it would be a harder call.

 

[jonshonda]

I have a Trusco air blow gun that is made in Japan. It is a nice unit for sure.

Any links or info on this? What made you choose it over others?

 

[Gregthegadgetguy]

What makes a blow gun special? Two reasons. First, it has a solid metal ring that I use to hang on the wall. My previous Flexzilla blow gun broke at that location. Second, the trusco has a linear trigger which allows you to lightly blow with a soft press of the trigger.

I purchased another brand from my wholesale hose supply source but unfortunately cannot remember the brand. Literally threw it in the trash recently. It was either full power or nothing.


Edit: for purchase search by part number TD-80-1

 

[superautobacs]

@Gregthegadgetguy Looks like the Amazon link isn't correct?

Mine is branded Seednew. I've gotten a few more tips in recent years (rubber tip, shorter flex, and short stiff nozzle like yours).
The flex tip is so awesome for cleaning up soiled component. Doing automotive work, I find it a lot more effective than working with stiff nozzle tips.

J2014 Seednew XL Flexible Air Blow Gun Nozzle


KTC has been selling CEJN blow guns for years now. They are a pretty well regarded Swedish name and sold under different names, including truck brands, I think.

Swedish CEJN supplies KTC

Swedish CEJN supplies KTC

 

[1foxracing]

I got some new goodies this week.

 

[Gregthegadgetguy]

@superautobacs I wish they made the flex tip in a smaller length. I really only work on bikes and found that type of flex tip to be a bit long and cumbersome. Mine has the 100mm length.

Check out this needle size tip, I use it to slide on off handlebar grips.



All 6 bikes are setup for fun in the dirt. I keep myself busy with constant maintenance, repair and upgrades.