Tools of Japan
- Thread starter Frankstools
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Fedwrench
ALLIANCE MEMBER
Those aren't sockets per se, they're stud removers. Those snap rings are securing the cover that keeps the jaws together.
Brando_Damo
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- Dec 15, 2020
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- 62
I got some Koken SAE 3/8” drive sockets to keep and use at work. 1/4”-3/4”Interesting about the Zeal rails being found other places… I went out and checked an old Kobalt rail I had in a drawer and lo and behold it had exactly the same clips!
mercifiknow
Well-known member
So I wonder if it’s worth the extra $5-6 to have the Koken name then? Kinda disappointed on that.
mercifiknow
Well-known member
Anyone bought any gear/bearing pullers/installers? Need some and was the typical questions-quality, price, where you got it, etc…
sweet victory
Well-known member
The Koken rails are excellent, and if you like that style rail, they're the best I've come across. I prefer VIM magrails, but it's a bit apples to oranges comparison.
garfieldzzz
Well-known member
Here’s evidence:
Its really heavy for its size but the tab makes the hadle fold nice and constant.
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mercifiknow
Well-known member
Never heard of them until you mentioned them. Looked them up on the internet-machine. I like them but they are sold out in every place that was reasonable. I like them as they are low profile for my SO boxes. Some of the drawers on mine are not deep so this may work.
sweet victory
Well-known member
mercifiknow
Well-known member
I might’ve if I didn’t float like a rock when I tip said kayak over. lolYou just need a kayak to go get them off the ships sitting outside the ports.
I agree with fellow forum member "sweet victory" on his post earlier:
"......The Koken rails are excellent, and if you like that style rail, they're the best I've come across......"
Yes maybe not the best but definitely one of the best out there.
Just my $0.02 but I think it's worth it.
The way I see it is if one is willing to spend the amount of $$$ on Koken tools, etc.....then why not go the extra step and purchase the matching socket rack holder with the Koken" name on it then?
The amount of $ spent for it, at this point, shouldn't really become a factor.
Yes one could maybe purchase a rack for less $ but if one is willing to pay top $ for quality tools, then all of a sudden become a tight-*** reluctant on spending for a simple rack with the brand name on it, is simple minded.
In other words why complain about the amount of $ (what $5-6 bucks more?) that a matching socket rack with the brand name on it, for the tools one just purchased for, that spent a good amount of $ on?
Go all in!
But overall to each their own.
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mercifiknow
Well-known member
Agreed Mr Tool. I was looking for ways to save now if they were Chinese away that way I can get more tools (if you’ve seen my my other threads I don’t have a lot of tools).
I hear ya!
I totally agree with you.
IMHO, everyone's situation is different, everyone's finance's are different, just like everyone's conceived perception is different toward tools.
I am a firm believer of you get what you pay for. You pay cheap, you get cheap. But even with that being stated, just because it's expensive does not always mean that it's the best.
Buy cheap....buy expensive....it's the individual's right on how they wish to spend their hard earned money $.
Years ago, not really caring for or of importance to me, I started off buying cheap tools but then wised up and realized that I was just throwing my money away and put a stop to that. But I am now willing to spend good money for good, quality, durable tools.
I may not always be able to afford all the high quality tools that I'd like to buy all at once but I do buy high quality-durable made tools that I can in small quantities from time to time. Since then I have amassed a good collection of good, durable, high quality tools.
The way I view it is I am not only buying quality tools but durable, dependable tools that will probably last me my life time and then some.
Yes, I even buy not so expensive, cheap tool(s) from time to time as well whenever I see fit.
Again, to each their own because there is nothing wrong with buying cheap tools, it's all up to the individuals decision.
Just my $0.02 about it all.
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mercifiknow
Well-known member
My dad was a mechanic and said roughly what you said. “Buy what you can when you’re on your own, then replace it with better one(s) when you can”. That statement applied to everything. Tools, mowers, cars, houses, etc. What I’m telling my daughters. They’re listening…sorta! Lol
Exactly!
For or me, when it comes to vehicles, mowers, washing machines, dryer's, stove's, microwave's, tv's, etc., etc. I also try to make them last and get the most out of them as long as I can.
Hey I pay/paid my good hard earned money and want to get the most out of them for my money.
I currently drive a 2008 Toyota Tacoma, driven off the lot brand new back in April of 2008 and now has close to 300,000 miles on it and is still going strong to this very day. We had my wife's 2003 Toyota 4Runner also purchased brand new and driven off the lot back in 2003 and well we finally retired it and purchased a brand new 2016 Toyota 4Runner back in December, 2015 and gave the 2003 to my sister, who believe or not still drive's it! (it probably has well over 500,000 miles on it).
Had a riding mower that I had also purchased brand new back in 1997, from Montgomery Wards (old Monkey Wards as I used to call it) remember them? Well I had it, still running till 2016. Though it was on it's last tire but still running and working as it was built to do. Then decided to upgrade to the newer ZT mowers and purchased a brand new one and currently have that running and going (coming up on 7 years now).
I could go on and on with other examples but I guess you get the picture. Pay good money on products that you see fit and keep them going, working as they should for as long as you can.
That's just my way of thinking.
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G1GRANDEUR
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Brando_Damo
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- Dec 15, 2020
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- 62
Got me some KTC SAE combination wrenches up to 3/4. The fit and finish is nice and I love the crisp forging on the logo and size designations. 
wreckdiver1321
Well-known member
I need to take a picture, but I got some Koken sockets to round out the missing ones in my toolbox. Some 1/2 drive, some 3/8, some 1/4. Holy ****, these are nice sockets.
This was really a test run to determine if I wanted to invest in upgrading all of my metric sockets to Koken, and I can say I absolutely do. So over time I'll be making the switch to them. I currently have a set of Stanley from 15 years ago, and they've been solid. I have a ton of USA Craftsman, and some Kobalt, both of which I really like. But these Kokens are in a different league.
This was really a test run to determine if I wanted to invest in upgrading all of my metric sockets to Koken, and I can say I absolutely do. So over time I'll be making the switch to them. I currently have a set of Stanley from 15 years ago, and they've been solid. I have a ton of USA Craftsman, and some Kobalt, both of which I really like. But these Kokens are in a different league.
I’m doing the same, keeping my **** sockets when I need to beat onto a rusty bolt, or lend to someone.
wreckdiver1321
Well-known member
That's a good call. I'm going to build out a "road kit" with all of my other sockets, wrenches, etc. I've been broken down on a trail before and having a good tool kit is a lifesaver. I used to take my home sockets and other stuff out of the box and into a tool roll, but that's a pain and just asking for tools to get lost. So I'm upgrading all of my "core" hand tools so I can have great tools for home and decent tools for the road.
I'm also working on building a "house box", which will have all of the basics for home stuff in it. Since my workshop is detached, it would be nice to have that to keep in the house.
Gregthegadgetguy
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- Jun 5, 2021
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- 67
Nepros ip Gold has arrived
mercifiknow
Well-known member
Definitely pimped out!Nepros ip Gold has arrived
sweet victory
Well-known member
The Koken ratchets do not have a quick release. One Koken ratchet that I think is a must have is their flex head 3/8 anvil in the 1/4 body. I have a 36T and supposedly a 72T is coming out next year. I love this ratchet and the 36T mechanism. I hope the 72T will be an improvement. The Nepro's ratchet I have is superb, but the head is a little thick. I would have a hard time only having one or the other.
Most of my sockets are SO sockets, supplemented with Koken. Stuff like their extra short 1/4" sockets, nut grip sockets, universal hex/torx, etc. Someone more knowledgeable needs to fact check me on this, but I believe all of the z series sockets are thinner wall for tight access. The trade off is strength for size. I would believe the Nepro's sockets are stronger since they aren't designed for maximum clearance. You might find that you'll want Nepro's sockets, supplemented with Koken for their unique stuff.
I guess in short...get a bit of both. There is no advantage to sticking to one brand.
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designer485
Well-known member
Koken has quick release ratchets in the standard line. Regular, long, and flex. You could get a z series set and supplement with one of their quick release models. The non z series is still relatively compact, where the z series is tiny.
Thank you for confirming. What intrigued me the most about the Z-series is that it is a compact design. I mainly work on motorcycles, so I don't really get into too tight of spaces, but I do prefer a smaller ratchet. My 3/8 wera is longer than I'd like and kind of awkward to use (love the 1/4, though), so I'm looking to add something else to the collection. But, I do strongly prefer having a quick release, as trying to pull a socket off with oily hands without one can get pretty frustrating.
The Nepros have very similar dimensions (looks like the head is thinner, actually), and prefer the looks of them. I also think that I'd get along with the handle shape better, but they are very expensive. It also seems that their quality is unmatched, so I don't really mind paying for it, if need be.
The Koken nut grip sockets look mighty interesting, so I will probably get some of those no matter which way I go with the ratchets.
Thanks for pointing that out...I checked it out, but the 24T mechanism is a turn off. I don't really "need" a high tooth count, but they are just so much nicer to use.
A recent Cyber Monday purchase from Koken USA. I called with some questions as this was listed for sale on the Koken USA website but not Palmac and they said this was a special run of 200. Looks like they still have ~ 100 available for sale.
kokenusa.com
RS2450AS SAE Nut Grip Socket Set
kokenusa.com
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four.cycle
Well-known member
can someone please tell me WHO this logo belongs to?
four.cycle
Well-known member
thanks.... wasn't able to determine if it was actually the OE "Toyota" logo or something used by a subcontractor.
this seems to explain it a bit better
this seems to explain it a bit better
KTC has launched a new swivel ratchet in 3/8.
BRSW3 and BRSW3L
Takanoura-san at Factory Gear shows how small the new KTC swivel head is compared to the Deen.
The length of the long one is the same as their spin handle in 3/8.
Why the small head? Because it's what is best for the tool.
Why this grip? Because of how swivel ratchets are used- KTC believes this handle is best.
This swivel ratchet is as strong as their non-swivel ratchet.
Why not Nepros? Because it's not a 90 gear ratchet. Has to be 90 gear for Nepros.
ktc.jp
BRSW3 and BRSW3L
Takanoura-san at Factory Gear shows how small the new KTC swivel head is compared to the Deen.
The length of the long one is the same as their spin handle in 3/8.
Why the small head? Because it's what is best for the tool.
Why this grip? Because of how swivel ratchets are used- KTC believes this handle is best.
This swivel ratchet is as strong as their non-swivel ratchet.
Why not Nepros? Because it's not a 90 gear ratchet. Has to be 90 gear for Nepros.
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That ratchet is beautiful, and I agree with the design philosophy. Any idea if they make it in a 1/4" hex drive version?
four.cycle
Well-known member
^ looks like a re-worked version of the S-K model 3870.
I thought the same and it wouldn't be a bad thing.
Koken 3/4 socket set. Anyone know the purpose of the clips?
Box arrived dented, but bent right back. Not bad for a heavy package travelling from Japan to Canada, in a floppy Amazon box with minimal protection.
Edit: Found my answer, they make u joint's using pin or ball retention.
Box arrived dented, but bent right back. Not bad for a heavy package travelling from Japan to Canada, in a floppy Amazon box with minimal protection.
Edit: Found my answer, they make u joint's using pin or ball retention.
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