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

[RKA]

3725Z is the standard Koken and 3726Z is the long flex head pictured below.

The pictures below show the long flex head Koken and snap on dual 80 ratchets. I didn’t notice until after I took the picture, but the snap on was tilted back because of the direction lever while the Koken was tilted forward. The difference in height is still similar to what is illustrated in the pics. You can clearly see the handle on the snap on goes from one side of my palm to the other. The Koken, not so much. The sockets shown were 13mm. The difference in weight between the two sockets was apparent when I was handling them. I would trust the snap on socket to hold up to abuse, I won’t be so liberal with the Zeal. It feels like it’s made with pot metal (even though we know that’s not the case).

 

[M6erfan]

3725Z is the standard Koken and 3726Z is the long flex head pictured below.

The pictures below show the long flex head Koken and snap on dual 80 ratchets. I didn’t notice until after I took the picture, but the snap on was tilted back because of the direction lever while the Koken was tilted forward. The difference in height is still similar to what is illustrated in the pics. You can clearly see the handle on the snap on goes from one side of my palm to the other. The Koken, not so much. The sockets shown were 13mm. The difference in weight between the two sockets was apparent when I was handling them. I would trust the snap on socket to hold up to abuse, I won’t be so liberal with the Zeal. It feels like it’s made with pot metal (even though we know that’s not the case).

Thanks for the comparison pics!

Man, that S-o ratchet looks huge in comparison to the K-k. I'ts a wonder how mechanics use it in an engine bay???

One of my nits against Ko-ken ratchets are the small handles. They're pretty ridiculous by western standards.

 

[RKA]

One last visualization I thought would be helpful. I clamped each ratchet into a 4.5” vice aligned parallel to the jaws. I moved each ratchet one click to the left. The Koken wouldn’t align parallel to the jaws, so I fudged the picture by compensating for the misalignment at the starting point (I’m sure someone here wants to sue me over this...my lawyer’s name is Ryan). At the other end of ratchet, the snap on moved about an inch, while the Koken moved a little over 2” by my estimation. A smarter person will do the math and tell us the number. Again, not meant to be scientific, just to help you visualize, blah blah blah.

Oh, and about cleaning the snap on handle, just a quick wipe down with a damp rag and back in the toolbox it goes. It doesn’t have to be perfect, but I won’t put it away filthy either.

 

[M6erfan]

One last visualization I thought would be helpful. I clamped each ratchet into a 4.5” vice aligned parallel to the jaws. I moved each ratchet one click to the left. The Koken wouldn’t align parallel to the jaws, so I fudged the picture by compensating for the misalignment at the starting point (I’m sure someone here wants to sue me over this...my lawyer’s name is Ryan). At the other end of ratchet, the snap on moved about an inch, while the Koken moved a little over 2” by my estimation. A smarter person will do the math and tell us the number. Again, not meant to be scientific, just to help you visualize, blah blah blah.

Oh, and about cleaning the snap on handle, just a quick wipe down with a damp rag and back in the toolbox it goes. It doesn’t have to be perfect, but I won’t put it away filthy either.

Great visual. Thanks

 

[giants]

3725Z is the standard Koken and 3726Z is the long flex head pictured below.

The pictures below show the long flex head Koken and snap on dual 80 ratchets. I didn’t notice until after I took the picture, but the snap on was tilted back because of the direction lever while the Koken was tilted forward. The difference in height is still similar to what is illustrated in the pics. You can clearly see the handle on the snap on goes from one side of my palm to the other. The Koken, not so much. The sockets shown were 13mm. The difference in weight between the two sockets was apparent when I was handling them. I would trust the snap on socket to hold up to abuse, I won’t be so liberal with the Zeal. It feels like it’s made with pot metal (even though we know that’s not the case).

Thanks. Does the shorter comfort grip on the Koken cause you discomfort or affect your ability to ratchet?

 

[RKA]

Like I said, I just got it, haven’t put it to use. That said, it’s an odd handle to me. Either I can hold it with my index finger wrapped around the handle and the end of the ratchet in the middle of my palm (which is odd) OR I can put the end of the ratchet near the heel of my palm, which is how I would grip the ratchet when leaning into it, and my index finger would be on the narrower chrome shaft as pictured above. It’s a strange fit to me, but I’ll admit I’m used to this snap on.

 

[giants]

Like I said, I just got it, haven’t put it to use. That said, it’s an odd handle to me. Either I can hold it with my index finger wrapped around the handle and the end of the ratchet in the middle of my palm (which is odd) OR I can put the end of the ratchet near the heel of my palm, which is how I would grip the ratchet when leaning into it, and my index finger would be on the narrower chrome shaft as pictured above. It’s a strange fit to me, but I’ll admit I’m used to this snap on.

Thanks. Please keep us updated on it.

 

[toddmorr]

Like I said, I just got it, haven’t put it to use. That said, it’s an odd handle to me. Either I can hold it with my index finger wrapped around the handle and the end of the ratchet in the middle of my palm (which is odd) OR I can put the end of the ratchet near the heel of my palm, which is how I would grip the ratchet when leaning into it, and my index finger would be on the narrower chrome shaft as pictured above. It’s a strange fit to me, but I’ll admit I’m used to this snap on.

i have this odd handle in the long flex and the standard 3/8. The black comfort part does look oddly short, but in actual use doesn't seem to be an issue. Maybe because my palm is covered by the comfort part, and the fingers just naturally work with the chromed part. I haven't really noticed it before.

 

[Indexmill]

I have been following this thread for quite a while. Then, I saw the post and picture of the knurled Koken extensions (not the Zeal). For some reason, this knurled extension really appealed to my eye. So, I obtained the 50 mm long 1/4" knurled extension. It is really an awesome tool, the highest quality, aggressive knurling, just amazing. I have to conclude that the Koken is every bit the same or better quality and construction as our beloved Snap On.

I have contacted Koken USA to express my feelings about this product and to encourage them to join this forum to help the Koken brand get visibility to our community. Many of the Koken chrome is available on Amazon. I highly recommend that all of us buy something Koken to evaluate this awesome brand.

Sincerely, Indexmill.

 

[bonneyman]

I have been following this thread for quite a while. Then, I saw the post and picture of the knurled Koken extensions (not the Zeal). For some reason, this knurled extension really appealed to my eye. So, I obtained the 50 mm long 1/4" knurled extension. It is really an awesome tool, the highest quality, aggressive knurling, just amazing. I have to conclude that the Koken is every bit the same or better quality and construction as our beloved Snap On.

I have contacted Koken USA to express my feelings about this product and to encourage them to join this forum to help the Koken brand get visibility to our community. Many of the Koken chrome is available on Amazon. I highly recommend that all of us buy something Koken to evaluate this awesome brand.

Sincerely, Indexmill.

Yeah, the knurling on the Koken stuff has gotten my attention.

 

[giants]

I have been following this thread for quite a while. Then, I saw the post and picture of the knurled Koken extensions (not the Zeal). For some reason, this knurled extension really appealed to my eye. So, I obtained the 50 mm long 1/4" knurled extension. It is really an awesome tool, the highest quality, aggressive knurling, just amazing. I have to conclude that the Koken is every bit the same or better quality and construction as our beloved Snap On.

I have contacted Koken USA to express my feelings about this product and to encourage them to join this forum to help the Koken brand get visibility to our community. Many of the Koken chrome is available on Amazon. I highly recommend that all of us buy something Koken to evaluate this awesome brand.

Sincerely, Indexmill.

Thanks. I can't read the part number. Would you type it?

Where did you buy it and for how much?

Thanks again

 

[Indexmill]

Hi,

The part number for this 1/4" x 50mm one is 2760-50. The 3/8" are 3760-** and the 1/2" are 4760-**.

Sets are on eBay and Amazon. I got the single 1/4" from a friend. A few of us went in together on a set and split it up. I drew the 50 mm one. The 1/4" set is like $75.00 on eBay and a bit more on Amazon.

 

[dinhtuann123]

They look like high quality tools imo.

 

[Ko-kenUSA]

I have been following this thread for quite a while. Then, I saw the post and picture of the knurled Koken extensions (not the Zeal). For some reason, this knurled extension really appealed to my eye. So, I obtained the 50 mm long 1/4" knurled extension. It is really an awesome tool, the highest quality, aggressive knurling, just amazing. I have to conclude that the Koken is every bit the same or better quality and construction as our beloved Snap On.

I have contacted Koken USA to express my feelings about this product and to encourage them to join this forum to help the Koken brand get visibility to our community. Many of the Koken chrome is available on Amazon. I highly recommend that all of us buy something Koken to evaluate this awesome brand.

Sincerely, Indexmill.

Hi There,

Glad to hear about the success/satisfaction that you have had with our tools!

We thank you for reaching out to us and we look forward to assisting you with any future orders and to answers any questions that you or any other members may have about our product.

--
Ko-ken USA

 

[giants]

Hi There,

Glad to hear about the success/satisfaction that you have had with our tools!

We thank you for reaching out to us and we look forward to assisting you with any future orders and to answers any questions that you or any other members may have about our product.

--
Ko-ken USA

Ko-Ken USA, please take a look at Tekton.com, a competitor, as to their warranty that is very popular on Garage Journal and consider following their best practices.

Tekton DIRECTLY warranties all of their products, regardless as to where purchased. In other words, if I have a defective tool that I bought from a third party, say Ebay, I don't have to go through the third party to warranty it. This warranty makes me more inclined to buy Tekton over other brands that I have to go through the seller to warranty.

 

[Indexmill]

Hi Ko-ken USA!

Welcome to the GJ forum. I am very pleased that you joined our community.

While Giants' comment is good, perhaps we should give you a chance to tell us about the Koken brand, the warranty policy and perhaps most importantly - WHERE we can purchase these awesome tools here in the USA.

Thanks again, Indexmill.

 

[OMMP]

Welcome. Though I can not acquire your products right now, I really eagerly wait on informations and knowledge on this amazing brand.

 

[toolmutt]

Hi There,

Glad to hear about the success/satisfaction that you have had with our tools!

We thank you for reaching out to us and we look forward to assisting you with any future orders and to answers any questions that you or any other members may have about our product.

--
Ko-ken USA

Welcome to Garage Journal! Great to have you aboard!

 

[scubadoober]

Hi There,

Glad to hear about the success/satisfaction that you have had with our tools!

We thank you for reaching out to us and we look forward to assisting you with any future orders and to answers any questions that you or any other members may have about our product.

--
Ko-ken USA

Welcome to Garage Journal! I hope you will take the time to answer questions, and interact with our community. I have yet to purchase any Ko-ken products, but it has been mainly based on domestic availability.

 

[superautobacs]

Hello Ko-ken USA! If there's anything I can add/edit (or omit due to misinformation) from the original post, please let me know.

Ko-Ken USA, please take a look at Tekton.com, a competitor, as to their warranty that is very popular on Garage Journal and consider following their best practices.

Tekton DIRECTLY warranties all of their products, regardless as to where purchased. In other words, if I have a defective tool that I bought from a third party, say Ebay, I don't have to go through the third party to warranty it. This warranty makes me more inclined to buy Tekton over other brands that I have to go through the seller to warranty.

Giants,

Tekton as a competitor?
Hrmm, I suppose I could consider it.


To inject some perspective regarding product warranty...
With the exception of a clear manufacturing defect, there's no such thing as a no-questions-asked-life-time warranty in Japan.
This is pretty much a blanket statement that will apply to many, if not all, handtool manufacturers in Japan.
Warranty isn't a concern for buyers in Japan.
Purchasing Japanese tools continually over the course of 10 years, I've never had to contact a manufacturer/retailer due to a manufacturing defect.
I've broken a few socketry items over the years, but they were from my own abuse/misuse; not a fault of the product.
I don't prioritize my tool purchases based on a manufacturers warranty. If I have to rely on a warranty I feel like I'm somehow purchasing from an inferior brand that produces/sources an inferior product.

 

[16again]

Hi There,

Glad to hear about the success/satisfaction that you have had with our tools!

We thank you for reaching out to us and we look forward to assisting you with any future orders and to answers any questions that you or any other members may have about our product.

--
Ko-ken USA

Glad to see you here on GJ. [emoji1303] As I said, (in another thread) just received a few of the Zeal products you offer, sockets and ratchets. Really like your sockets! They really are awesome! The ratchets however are not great at all, they feel cheap. No other way to really explain that.


Sent from my iPhone using Garage Journal

 

[Loscaldazar]

Got a question for those who have a lot of Koken sockets - is there any reason to get the standard sockets over the Zeal/Z-series sockets? Or should I just buy the Zeal sockets? Price difference is not a factor in my book.

I'm looking at getting a full line up of sockets, this time from Koken. My plan is to buy all the Zeal socket they offer and then supplement missing sizes I need from their regular line up. The Zeal sockets seem really short and just want to make sure I'm not buying a lineup that is exclusively meant for access over things like fully engaging nuts/bolts and screwing myself over in high torque situations where I might need a bigger socket with deeper engagement. I will primarily be doing automotive repair.

 

[Ralf11]

i have this odd handle in the long flex and the standard 3/8. The black comfort part does look oddly short, but in actual use doesn't seem to be an issue. Maybe because my palm is covered by the comfort part, and the fingers just naturally work with the chromed part. I haven't really noticed it before.

I wonder what the hand sizes of the avg. Japanese vs. American are?

 

[16again]

Got a question for those who have a lot of Koken sockets - is there any reason to get the standard sockets over the Zeal/Z-series sockets? Or should I just buy the Zeal sockets? Price difference is not a factor in my book.

I'm looking at getting a full line up of sockets, this time from Koken. My plan is to buy all the Zeal socket they offer and then supplement missing sizes I need from their regular line up. The Zeal sockets seem really short and just want to make sure I'm not buying a lineup that is exclusively meant for access over things like fully engaging nuts/bolts and screwing myself over in high torque situations where I might need a bigger socket with deeper engagement. I will primarily be doing automotive repair.

The ZEAL line is for tight quarters in modern Japanese vehicles. I find them to be a great product, but a PITA if you need a normal depth socket. These things are shallow.

 

[Fedwrench]

Got a question for those who have a lot of Koken sockets - is there any reason to get the standard sockets over the Zeal/Z-series sockets? Or should I just buy the Zeal sockets? Price difference is not a factor in my book.

I have Ko-Ken metric sockets in 1/4 & 3/8 drive Zeal and regular six points.
To me, the Zeal are strictly an access tool. As long as you were using them on bolt heads, Zeal would work fine but, if you were removing nuts with more than a couple of threads above the nut, the Zeal might not be deep enough to fully engage the nut. Ko-Ken standard 1/4 drive sockets unlike most sockets coming out of Asia, don't use a one inch length. Ko-Ken uses 22 mm for 4-13 mm and 24mm for their 1/4 drive 14 mm standard socket.

I got the regular Ko-Ken shallow sockets just because, I like their fit, half satin finish, along with their firm engagement on drive tools. It really depends on what you're using now. If what you currently have works for you, I wouldn't recommend swapping everything out for Ko-Ken but, that's just me. If you need short sockets for access, definitely grab the Zeal.

 

[Loscaldazar]

Thank you both! That is exactly the information I needed. I'll be buying the regular Koken sockets instead and then getting Zeal where/when I need them for tight access.

EDIT: I just can't get over how cheap Koken tools are for the quality. Probably pretty controversial to say, but the small amounts of Koken I've ordered have been more consistent and better quality than Snap-On, SK, Matco, and many others. Every piece just seems flawless!

 

[richfinn]

Thank you both! That is exactly the information I needed. I'll be buying the regular Koken sockets instead and then getting Zeal where/when I need them for tight access.

EDIT: I just can't get over how cheap Koken tools are for the quality. Probably pretty controversial to say, but the small amounts of Koken I've ordered have been more consistent and better quality than Snap-On, SK, Matco, and many others. Every piece just seems flawless!

I just go with the regular stuff also have a few "nutgrips" in popular sizes and spark plug sockets

You can't knock the quality and price, I always look to Ko-ken first now as USA tools are ridiculously overpriced in the UK, I've bought some good stuff from Japan over the years especially tools/clothing/cars/food and motorcycles

 

[Outahere]

I think there is more to the Zeal sockets than just access in tight quarters. After all they are available as deep and semi-deep in addition to short. The Zeal sockets have tighter dimensional tolerances on both ends of the socket, compared to their standard sockets, and they have different "ball holding groove". All of this is spelled out on page 22 of the Koken catalog.

 

[Qualitytools]

I think there is more to the Zeal sockets than just access in tight quarters. After all they are available as deep and semi-deep in addition to short. The Zeal sockets have tighter dimensional tolerances on both ends of the socket, compared to their standard sockets, and they have different "ball holding groove". All of this is spelled out on page 22 of the Koken catalog.

+1, well said! I have a set of 3/8 Zeal and a set of 3/8 deep Zeal and I am very happy with both as it covers my needs for working on my cars.

 

[Jim C.]

A couple years ago I bought a 1955 MG. The fasteners on the car are almost entirely Whitworth sized. I didn’t have a single Whitworth socket. When I turned to the internet to find a set of 3/8” drive and 1/4” drive, I found some extremely expensive vintage Snap-On singles and a set or two that were cost prohibitive. Somewhere during my search, I came across various sets of Whitworth sized sockets made by Koken. They were available in abundance. The prices were less than the few and far between Snap-On sockets I found. I bought one set of Koken 3/8” drive. When they arrived, I gotta say that I was really impressed with the quality and finish of the sockets. After using the sockets for a couple days, I ordered another set and was equally impressed. In my opinion, Koken makes better than average quality sockets at a price that’s just little more affordable than Snap-On.

Jim C.

 

[Loscaldazar]

I think there is more to the Zeal sockets than just access in tight quarters. After all they are available as deep and semi-deep in addition to short. The Zeal sockets have tighter dimensional tolerances on both ends of the socket, compared to their standard sockets, and they have different "ball holding groove". All of this is spelled out on page 22 of the Koken catalog.

I ended up getting the standard Koken for the shallow (I might get the Zeal shallow at a later date) but Zeal for the Deep since they do appear to be pretty much the same overall length but smaller outside dimensions in the deep variety.

Zeal in shallow for everyday use still makes me nervous since they are almost as small as my low profile Snap Ons, and I've run into issues with those and nut/bolt engagement (i.e., they should only be used when absolutely necessary because they are so shallow and won't always fully engage a bolt due to being too shallow).

 

[3baygarage]

These are pics of the NOS Koken set I bought on ebay. The seller said that these were from the 70's, there are a few specks of rust. But not too bad.
These were about $45. and I think that they are worth that. Maybe not as nice as the new stuff, especially the zeal line, but not bad at all.

Needed some metric sockets in a pinch the other day and grabbed the closest ones. This Koken set was purchased a few years ago from a friend at the steam show. They’re in poor cosmetic condition from previous owner but work fine.
I was happy to see your shiny set posted here, it backs my guess on what the age might be.
Other than these, only have a couple used Koken sockets and a couple ratchets I purchased new that are quality.

 

[48548]

Looks great.....

 

[superautobacs]

@3baygarage thanks for posting closeups on those! Nice to see some old, no-hyphen Koken sockets.
We can only wonder what the numeral "1" signifies.
There aren't any part numbers on the sockets?

 

[merkyworks]

Maybe numeral “1” is tied to a year manufacturing symbol/mark?

 

[superautobacs]

I would assume that as well...just wishing that it was more obvious, like they've been doing for decades.

I don't have old Ko-ken tools other than a set of nut-grips from the 90's and a single socket that has a two-digit date code which I guess indicates 1967:

 

[3baygarage]

No, no part numbers. Most have that “1“symbol, but there are two or three other symbols used. Maybe I can get a photo.

 

[3baygarage]

The different symbols.

 

[superautobacs]

@3baygarage thank you for sharing that! I have no idea what those symbols mean, but interesting to see that such symbols existed.

 

[ToolPolisher]

Those might not be "symbols." They might be words.