Tools of Japan

[Qualitytools]

These two Koken socket sets just arrived this afternoon.

I did not have 17 thru 20 in regular size or in deep socket sizes, so ordered them.

One can never go wrong with Koken !

Interesting that you opted for the 12 points vs the 6 point. I agree with you that one can't go wrong with KOKEN.

 

[kanai]

How are the Keiba pliers? Are they a step up from Knipex and other popular brands in fit/finish?

I would not rate the Keibas higher than Knipex to be honest. I only have the Knipex plierswrenches at the moment but those are amazing tools. The Keibas are good, basic Japanese tools. I think they were like 2000 yen each or so.

re: Keiba- I wanted something well-made but not expensive.

 

[Ralf99]

Looks like the Koken sockets are for low profile E-torx bolt heads.
Snap-on FLCE160 (low profile) vs FLE160A (regular):

The top image looks to be an E-Torx Plus, and will be identified as EP# rather than E#. These are common on Nissan cylinder head bolts and newer Ford F series bed bolts as an example. They have broader ridges and shallower lead in and can withstand higher torque.





The left E-torx socket is Koken, the right E-torx Plus socket is T&E. Full sets of both - would have preferred Koken instead of T&E but couldn’t track any down.
Nissan E-Torx Plus head bolt recently replaced - very high torque angle tightening specs.

 

[pizza]

bling bling!

 

[sweet victory]

bling bling!

Lucky you! Looks like my order isn't going to be shipped until December.

 

[Jack_K]

Old vs new Koken whitworth socket. I have no idea how old it is.

 

[merkyworks]

Pick up some Tsunoda pliers by way of Amazon US. First time using Tsunoda, quality for the dollar is really good.

5” (KBN-125) Zip tie flush cutters


6.5” (RPP-165-SC-S) plastic jaw needle nose


5” (CP-125) side cutter/combination pliers & 8” (DBP-200) duck bill pliers.
Overall fit & finish is very nice. Only negatives are joints were a little tight and handle dip color is not same shade/color match.


For reference Tsunoda compared to Craftsman WF duck bills.




Very happy with purchase and no regrets.

 

[Gregthegadgetguy]

Hey @merkyworks, that is color difference is weird. I have a bunch of Tsunoda pliers including those and none of them have different color handles.

I have been following them on Amazon a little because I felt those 5” (CP-125) were too good to be true at only $10 in April this year. As you can see I made an investment. They out of stock now and I foresee a price increase. The Duckbills are probably my favorite and also out of stock.

 

[gigamel]

The top image looks The top image looks to be an E-Torx Plus, and will be identified as EP# rather than E#. These are common on Nissan cylinder head bolts and newer Ford F series bed bolts as an example. They have broader ridges and shallower lead in and can withstand higher torque.

The left E-torx socket is Koken, the right E-torx Plus socket is T&E. Full sets of both - would have preferred Koken instead of T&E but couldn’t track any down.
Nissan E-Torx Plus head bolt recently replaced - very high torque angle tightening specs.

FLCE160 is for standard (low profile) E-torx bolts - FLEPL160 is the E-torx Plus version.

 

[kanai]

I had some questions about the 3/8" Ko-ken nut grip sockets. They sell two sets with a slight difference so I asked directly.

RS3450M/8 - this one is a set of 8

RS3450MH/6 - this one is a set of 6 and this set can also be turned with a 17mm wrench in addition to the 3/8" ratchet.

 

[Qualitytools]

I had some questions about the 3/8" Ko-ken nut grip sockets. They sell two sets with a slight difference so I asked directly.

RS3450M/8 - this one is a set of 8

RS3450MH/6 - this one is a set of 6 and this set can also be turned with a 17mm wrench in addition to the 3/8" ratchet.

I like the second option of being able to use either the 3/8 or 17mm

 

[Dave455]

Does anyone have a set of Engineer dk-14 nut drivers?

I'm looking for a 5mm magnetic nut driver for VGA and M.2 fasteners. Do these have a small magnet inside the hex part, or are they normal nut drivers that have been magnetized? No point in buying them if I can get the same result from magnetizing a nut driver that I already own.

Still can’t answer the original question, but came across some regular sized Engineer nut drivers that definitely have a separate magnet. It even slides to accommodate different nut thicknesses!

These look to be very practical tools. There’s little I dislike about this design.

 

[merkyworks]

@Gregthegadgetguy figure maybe color dye supply issues or made “Friday end of shift“ IDK. Thought about returning but out of stock, so my set might have been last ones in inventory. Paid $12 for 5” combo & $15 for 8” duck bill, hard to beat.

 

[kanai]

I see a used Ko-ken TI4261M titanium set on auction for 300,000 JPY.

 

[merkyworks]

That’s roughly $2600’ish, yikes

 

[Mr. Tool]

Still can’t answer the original question, but came across some regular sized Engineer nut drivers that definitely have a separate magnet. It even slides to accommodate different nut thicknesses!

These look to be very practical tools. There’s little I dislike about this design.

I have this same set of Engineer nut drivers.

 

[mr.lemons]

Still can’t answer the original question, but came across some regular sized Engineer nut drivers that definitely have a separate magnet. It even slides to accommodate different nut thicknesses!

Perfect, but unfortunately no 5mm.

I just bought some 5mm magnets to wedge or glue into a Wera nut driver I already have at work. Just tried one in a socket to test, and it works fine. The Wera driver may have deeper broaching than the socket, so it might require a stack of magnets or a something else to fill the space, but it seems to be a workable (and cheap) solution. Not sure if glue will hold the magnet in place over time though.

 

[Brando_Damo]

Got a set of Koken’s SAE 1/4” drive nut grip sockets. Now let’s hope they do a run of 3/8 drive!

 

[Brando_Damo]

Nice haul! How do you like the Deen swivel ratchets? They're clearly an homage to the Snap-On (the CEO, Takanoura-san, said so in a video- that Japanese mechanics wanted the Snap-On but at a more reasonable price.)

I bought the same small Deen hex driver tool. Haven't used it much yet but it's nicely made.

I'm thinking about the Ko-ken wheel lug nut socket too- I need a 22mm for my Toyota.

I have two of them in 1/4” & 3/8” drive, and I’ve liked them very much. Decent backdrag, I like socket retention feature, and it’s fun to have some Deen gear from Factory gear!

 

[silkman]

Thought about asking here, after searching the forum. These Champion brand impact screwdrivers are really popular where I live, really sturdy and very reasonably priced. Made in Japan of course, a 7pc set costs about 20eur in shops, and it also includes a PH3. Anyone know them?

 

[Mr. Tool]

Thought about asking here, after searching the forum. These Champion brand impact screwdrivers are really popular where I live, really sturdy and very reasonably priced. Made in Japan of course, a 7pc set costs about 20eur in shops, and it also includes a PH3. Anyone know them?

Interesting?.......never heard of that particular brand from Japan.

 

[silkman]

Interesting?.......never heard of that particular brand from Japan.

Maybe its a cheaper Vessel; the "Made in Japan" part of the pic is the same... They are clear plastic green and extremely durable, a plumber friend has been trying to destroy a flat blade one for years with no success..

EDIT: If you google "ไขควง fujimoto champion" you get results, nothing otherwise.

 

[JWC86]

My first of a few Japan Tool orders arrived. Koken bit ratchet and a 3/8 Nepros spinner.

I put the Koken Bit ratchet to work right away, very pleased with it. Like others have said the back drag on these Kokens is minimal. Seems like a great addition to the ratchet drawer.

 

[zimm17]

I wanted to check into this thread. I recently got stationed to Japan and can't wait to shop around for some nice tools. It seems like the hardware store tool sections are mostly Chinese stuff (surprise), then the mid grade stuff is Taiwanese, but I can find a few things here and there that are made in Japan.

I already have a ton of sockets sets, so what is the best "Japanese" stuff to get?

Too bad I'm fully invested in Milwaukee M12/M18 stuff, everything here is Makita or Hitachi.

 

[Dave455]

I already have a ton of sockets sets, so what is the best "Japanese" stuff to get?

I travel a fair bit so also tend to buy tools abroad.

Generally, either go for things that are hard to obtain in your own country, or are cheaper where you are.

Personally, I’d be looking at tools from the specialist manufacturers such as Vessel for screwdrivers. I like these “Power Grip” screwdrivers, but some (torx and hex) are hard to find where I am, but inexpensive from Amazon.jp.
I would definitely go for some pliers. Tsunoda “King TTC” are superb general purpose pliers, but many other firms such as Merry, offer unique (but useful) patterns that are hard to find elsewhere.
And you did ask about “the best”? It’s KTC Nepros. If you don’t want to buy more sockets and accessories, buy their wrenches. Personally, even if I had loads of sockets and accessories, I’d buy more Nepros!

 

[Mr. Tool]

........so what is the best "Japanese" stuff to get?

Koken, Tsunoda, Vessel, Nepros, KTC, Engineer, Kuken, Asahi, Koyoto, Anex, Merry,

 

[silkman]

I wanted to check into this thread. I recently got stationed to Japan and can't wait to shop around for some nice tools. It seems like the hardware store tool sections are mostly Chinese stuff (surprise), then the mid grade stuff is Taiwanese, but I can find a few things here and there that are made in Japan.

Same everywhere, all the brick and mortar small and big hardware stores only carry chinesium **** (imagine their profit %). You have to look hard or buy online. But the actual stores that sell the good brands are cheaper than online.

 

[mercifiknow]

My tools and swag arrived (not the candy!)

I have to say PALMAC rocks and so does Koken!!

 

[TJMtl]

Some new amazon.co.jp items arrived today. One item lost in the mail though.

 

[victor252]

A tool box is a tool, too. This tool from Trusco will keep my electric tools more organized. It's the ST-350, a cantilever tool box that just about 14 inches long on the outside. I like that the dividers are removable and there are slots for storing them at the ends of the upper shelves. It's more than I'd normally want spend on a tool box but it was a birthday gift. My fuzzy pictures don't do it justice, but I wanted to give an idea of how things fit in there.

 

[mercifiknow]

I have

A tool box is a tool, too. This tool from Trusco will keep my electric tools more organized. It's the ST-350, a cantilever tool box that just about 14 inches long on the outside. I like that the dividers are removable and there are slots for storing them at the ends of the upper shelves. It's more than I'd normally want spend on a tool box but it was a birthday gift. My fuzzy pictures don't do it justice, but I wanted to give an idea of how things fit in there.

I have that box too. Fantastic!

 

[espyking83]

I had my eye on that little box. Anyone have a set of the eight t-handle Allen wrenches?

 

[silkman]

Thought about asking here, after searching the forum. These Champion brand impact screwdrivers are really popular where I live, really sturdy and very reasonably priced. Made in Japan of course, a 7pc set costs about 20eur in shops, and it also includes a PH3. Anyone know them?

Hate to quote myself but the mystery has been solved from another forum.
Their website is only in japanese...

チャンピオンツール株式会社 大阪府の作業工具製造会 – チャンピオンツール株式会社は、作業工具、主にスクリュードライバー（ねじ回し）の専業メーカーとして生まれ、最高級品質を備えたドライバーを廉価に供給することを本旨とし、今後も日本の工具産業の発展に寄与してまいります。

チャンピオンツール株式会社は、作業工具、主にスクリュードライバー（ねじ回し）の専業メーカーとして生まれ、最高級品質を備えたドライバーを廉価に供給することを本旨とし、今後も日本の工具産業の発展に寄与してまいります。

championtool.co.jp

Apparently this Japanese company has been making screwdrivers since 1930s and still is but is so introvert that you can't even find them on google. Their green impact screwdrivers are very high quality and you can hammer them for years. Knockoffs exist here in Greece where I am based.

" A work tool manufacturer in Osaka
Champion Tools Co., Ltd.
From home to professional specifications
Our company was established in Higashinari-ku, Osaka in 1930 as a specialized manufacturer of work tools, mainly screwdrivers (screwdrivers).
From prewar military demand to the postwar period of rapid economic growth, we have continued to support the manufacturing industry from the perspective of tools, and in recent years we have continued to change our corporate structure and sales system in response to the current of the times while also engaged in trade in exports to Asia and Europe.
With the aim of "supplying products with the highest quality as "drivers' champions" at low prices, which is our trademark but philosophy, we have contributed to the benefits of users and customers, served society, and have been working to develop the company soundly.

We are proud to have continued to contribute to the development of the Japanese tool industry with the times while firmly inheriting the tradition, and we believe that it is our mission to continue to disseminate "Made In Japan" to the world as a public instrument of society.

We look forward to you, Champion Tool Co., Ltd., and ask for guidance."

 

[sweet victory]

She's here. Purchased from @billspreston over at drpd.

 

[garfieldzzz]

Some new amazon.co.jp items arrived today. One item lost in the mail though.

Thanks for get me to open the nepros site an order a short flex head 1/4…

 

[TJMtl]

She's here. Purchased from @billspreston over at drpd.

Bill S Preston, Esquire! I love that movie.

 

[four.cycle]

Gentlemen:

This is a work in progress. Kindly take a look and let me know what I've missed. Thanks very much.

List of Manufacturers and Brands of Mechanics Hand Tools Manufactured in Japan

Anex / Anex, Koyo Industries Co. Ltd., No. 101 Tojuso-Kokumachi Bldg, 2-2 Kokumachi 2Chome, Chuo-Ku, Osaka, Japan / http://www.koyo-industries.jp/index.html / est. 1973 /

Ars / 476-3 Handaiji-cho, Naka-ku, Sakai-shi, Osaka 599-8267 Japan / https://www.ars-edge.co.jp/ / incorporated 1964 / pruners and edge tools /

Asahi / Asahi Tool / https://www.asahi-tool.co.jp/ / http://alloy-artifacts.org/japanese-tool-makers.html#asahi /

Champion / Champion Tool Co. Ltd., Higashinari-ku, Osaka, Japan / https://championtool.co.jp/ / est. 1930 /

Crab / Crab Tool, Sanjo, Nigata Pref., Japan / (no website 11/11/21) /

Daido / "Allenite" "Truecraft" / https://www.did-daido.co.jp/en/ / http://alloy-artifacts.org/japanese-tool-makers.html#daido /

Dogyu / Doushi Sangyo Co., Ltd., 38, Bessho- cho, Miki-shi, Hyogo, Japan / https://www.dogyu.jp/ / est. 1972 /

Eight / Eight Tool Co. Ltd, 4-9-43, Minami-Tasumi, Ikuno-ku, Osaka-city, 544-0015, Japan / http://www.eight-tool.co.jp/en/ / est. 1958 /

Engineer / Engineer Inc., Osaka, Japan / https://www.engineertools-jp.com/ / est. 1948 as Futaba Tools, renamed 2002 /

Flag / (see Hata Mfg. Co. Ltd.) /

Fujiya / Fujiya Co. Ltd., 2-6-32, Matsubara, Higashi-Osaka City, Osaka Pref. 578-0922, Japan / http://www.fujiya-kk.com/en/ / est. 1923 /

Hata / Hata Mfg. Co. Ltd., 4-10-15 Kano, Higashiosaka-shi, Osaka-fu 578-0901 Japan / http://flagtool.co.jp/ / "Flag" brand tools / incorporated 1971 /

Hit / (see Toho Koki) /

Hozan / Hozan Tool Industries Co. Ltd., 1-2-12 Saiwaicho Naniwa-ku Osaka, Japan / https://www.hozan.co.jp/ / est. 1946 /

IPS / Igarashi Pliers Co. Ltd., 1-4-3 Sakaimachi, Mitsuke City, Niigata Prefecture 954-0104 Japan / https://ips-tool.co.jp/ / est. 1958 / pliers /

Keiba / Keiba Tool, Maruto Hasegawa Kosakujo Inc., Head Office/Factory: 16-1, Doba, Sanjo City, Niigata Pref., Japan / https://www.keiba-tool.com/keiba/en/ / est. 1924 /

Kimba / Fong Song Co. Ltd., Japan /

King TTC / (see Tsunoda Co. Ltd.) /

Koken / Ko-Ken Tool Co. Ltd., 656 Nakaho, Kakegawa-City, Shizuoka-Pref., 437-1402 Japan / https://www.koken-tool.co.jp/en/index.html / est. 1959 /

KTC / (see Kyoto Tool) /

Kyoto / Kyoto Tool Co. Ltd., 128 Sayama-Shinkaichi, Kumiyama-cho, Kuse-gun, Kyoto, 613-0034, Japan / https://en.ktc.jp/ / "KTC" "Nepros" / est. 1950 / http://alloy-artifacts.org/japanese-tool-makers.html#ktc /

Lobster / (see Lobtex) /

Lobtex / Lobtex Co. Ltd., 12-8 Shijocho, Higashiosaka, Osaka, Japan / https://www.lobtex.co.jp/ / "Lobster" "New Lobster" / est. 1923 / http://www.lobtex.co.jp/english/company/history/tabid/144/Default.aspx / http://alloy-artifacts.org/japanese-tool-makers.html#lobster /

Maeda / Maeda Metal Industries Ltd., 2-6-32, Matsubara, Higashi-Osaka City, Osaka Prefecture 578-0922, Japan / / "Tone" / http://alloy-artifacts.org/japanese-tool-makers.html#tone /

Maruyoshi / Maruyoshi Mfg. Co. Ltd., 930-1 Kasa, Miki, Hyogo, 673-0402, Japan / http://www.maruyoshi-mtc.co.jp/ / saws, edge tools, garden tools /

Merry / (see Muromoto Tekko Co. Ltd.) /

Mitoloy / https://www.mitotool.com/ / http://alloy-artifacts.org/japanese-tool-makers.html#mitoloy /

Mitutoyo / Mitutoyo Corp., 20-1, Sakado 1-Chome, Takatsu-ku, Kawasaki-shi, Kanagawa 213-8533, Japan / https://www2.mitutoyo.co.jp/eng/ / https://www.mitutoyo.com/ / est. 1934 / precision measuring tools /

MTC / (see Maruyoshi Mfg. Co.) /

Muromoto / Muromoto Tekko Co. Ltd., 1-2-3, Takanomichi, Hirakata-shi, Osaka, 573-1131, Japan / https://www.muromoto.co.jp/ / "Merry" brand hand tools, "Nile" brand power tools / est. 1927 /

Nepros / (see Kyoto Tool Co. Ltd.) /

Netsuren / Miki Netsuren Industrial Co. Ltd., Japan / http://www.neturen.co.jp/index.html /

Nile / (power tools see Muromoto Tekko Co. Ltd.) /

Okada / Okada Metal Industry Co., Ltd., 673-0404 561 Omura, Miki City, Hyogo Pref. Japan / https://z-saw.co.jp/ / est. 1945 / saws /

Razorsaw / (see Tamatori Sangyo Co.) /

S.E.K. / (see Suekage Tool) /

Shell / Shell Tool, Osafune Industry Co. Ltd., 3-chome-10-2 Oimazatonishi, Higashinari Ward, Osaka, Japan / http://e-osafune.com/ / http://www.shell-tool.com/ /

Showa /

Silky / Silky Saws, Ono, Japan / https://silkysaws.com/ /

Suekage / Suekage Tool Co. Ltd., 1-15-26, Suehiro, Miki-shi, Hyogo, Japan / (also dba Suekage Sangyo Co., Ltd.) / http://www.suekage.co.jp/ / est. 1952 /

Sunflag / Shinke Mfg. Co. Ltd, 1-9-36, Sumida, Higashi-Osaka City, Japan / https://www.sunflag.co.jp/english/index.html / est. 1952 /

Super / Super Tool Co. Ltd., 158, Minoyama, Naka-Ku, Sakai-City, Osaka Pref., Japan / https://www.supertool.co.jp/ / "Supertool" / est. 1960 / http://alloy-artifacts.org/japanese-tool-makers.html#supertool /

Supertool / (see Super Tool Co. Ltd.) /

Tamatori Sangyo / Tamatori Sangyo Co., Ltd., 58-14 Omura, Miki City, Hyogo Prefecture 673-0404 / https://www.gyokucho.co.jp/ / est. 1975 / "Razorsaw" saws /

Tamiya / Tamiya Inc., 3-7 Ondawara, Suruga-Ku, Shizuoka 422-8610 Japan / https://www.tamiya.com/ / est. 1946 / modeling and craft tools /

Three Peaks / Three Peaks Giken Co. Ltd., 2171 Tsukanome, Sanjo City, Niigata-Pref., Japan / http://www.3peaks.co.jp/company/index.html / est. 1952 / http://alloy-artifacts.org/japanese-tool-makers.html#three-peaks /

Toho Koki / Toho Koki Co. Ltd., 2500, Koizumi, Yamatokoriyama, Nara 639-1042, Japan / "Hit" / http://www.hittools.co.jp/eg/main.html / est. 1938 / http://alloy-artifacts.org/japanese-tool-makers.html#toho-koki /

Tokoma / Tokoma Co. Ltd., 1438, Shikiji-Cho / screwdriver /

Top Kogyo / Top Kogyo Co., LTD / https://www.toptools.co.jp/ / http://alloy-artifacts.org/japanese-tool-makers.html#top /

Tsunoda / Tsunoda Co. Ltd., 1535-5 Yoshida shimo nakano, Tsubame City, Niigata 9590215 Japan / https://www.tsunoda-japan.com/EN/index.html / est. 1972 / "King TTC" /

Vessel / Vessel Co. Inc., 17-25, Fukae-Kita 2-chome, Higashinari-ku, Osaka 537-0001 Japan / https://vessel.co.jp/english/ / est. 1962 /

Yanmar /

Z Saw / (see Okada Metal Industry) /

 

[sweet victory]

My contribution to the list; tried to follow your format.

Tsubosan / TSUBOSAN FILE CO., Ltd, 1511-26 Nigata-Sanbashidori, 737-0154 Japan / https://tsubosan.co.jp/english/info/product04.html / est. 1928 /

 

[sweet victory]

We need a bat signal for @superautobacs

 

[four.cycle]

sweet victory - thank you.

I'm a bit out of my element on the offshore stuff.

The "format" is just how I have the list set up so it's easy to use as a reference source.