Tools of Japan

[jmf535]

This has been noted by other users in the past.
Ko-ken 1/4 drive Z-series sockets/extensions/accessories may not lock into place when combined with off brand quick-release ratchets.
There's issues even using Z-series and standard Ko-ken socketry. Prime example is compatibility between 1/4 drive Ko-ken wobble-fix extensions with 1/4 drive shallow Z-series sockets. Because of the dimensions on the shallow Z-series sockets, it will not go to the "fix" position.
There are some quirks with the Z-series socketry stuff and I think the series can be considered a specialty series, that performs together as a unified system. The ratchets, on the other hand, are universal.

Thanks for the info.
I did come across one other user's comments regarding the z-series not being an ideal fit on non z-series ratchets, but I didn't see anything regarding their regular sockets. I'm having issues with both (z-series, and nut-grip)...luckily, I only bought a couple sizes, and not complete sets.

Do you know if there are any other brand of ratchets (such as Nepros) that will work with the Koken sockets? The non quick release, and low tooth count of the Koken 1/4 ratchets is a major turn off for me.

 

[M6erfan]

I've been using the regular Ko-ken sockets for a few years now and I've never noticed a compatibility issue with any of my non Ko-ken ratchets. Just to make sure I'm not crazy, I went out to the shop and tried my 1/4" Ko-ken sockets with my QR ratchets, Tekton, Carlyle, & Snap-on. No issues with any of those QR ratchets with regular Ko-ken sockets.

 

[Reed Prince]

Do you know if there are any other brand of ratchets (such as Nepros) that will work with the Koken sockets? The non quick release, and low tooth count of the Koken 1/4 ratchets is a major turn off for me.

The 1/4" Nepros ratchet I own works with Z-series sockets. The quick release button does not extend out as far as it does when other sockets are attached, so you're not getting 100% retention, but it still has a firm grip.

 

[ptabatcher]

Has anyone else run into problems with their koken sockets not working on other, non-koken, ratchets?
I just got a variety of 1/4 and 3/8 sockets (z-series and regular), and the 1/4 are not working with my wera ratchet...the quick release plunger doesn't retract, and the button remains nearly fully recessed. 3/8 fit just fine.

I’ve had a similar problem with my Wera 1/2” ratchet. Fits my Gedore sockets fine. Doesn’t work well with my regular Koken sockets that I just got. The Wera is funky with the couple of Milwaukee sockets I have and Toptul extensions. Even with the quick release not “locked” in though, the sockets all seem to be pretty secure. I need to work to pull them off.

I’ve also found my 3/8 Wera to work with everything I’ve stuck on it. And, my Gedore ratchet works just fine with the Kokens and everything else.

 

[jmf535]

The 1/4" Nepros ratchet I own works with Z-series sockets. The quick release button does not extend out as far as it does when other sockets are attached, so you're not getting 100% retention, but it still has a firm grip.

Have you tried any of the regular sockets on your Nepros ratchet?

I’ve had a similar problem with my Wera 1/2” ratchet. Fits my Gedore sockets fine. Doesn’t work well with my regular Koken sockets that I just got. The Wera is funky with the couple of Milwaukee sockets I have and Toptul extensions. Even with the quick release not “locked” in though, the sockets all seem to be pretty secure. I need to work to pull them off.

I’ve also found my 3/8 Wera to work with everything I’ve stuck on it. And, my Gedore ratchet works just fine with the Kokens and everything else.

The funny thing is, the 3/8 Wera ratchet is the one Wera tool that I don't like. I order a 3/8 Nepros ratchet/sockets to replace it, but also wanted to try out the Koken semi-deep sockets. I love the 1/4 Wera ratchet, but the sockets are extremely tall, so I wanted something smaller. It's a shame that it doesn't play nice with the Koken stuff.

I've been using the regular Ko-ken sockets for a few years now and I've never noticed a compatibility issue with any of my non Ko-ken ratchets. Just to make sure I'm not crazy, I went out to the shop and tried my 1/4" Ko-ken sockets with my QR ratchets, Tekton, Carlyle, & Snap-on. No issues with any of those QR ratchets with regular Ko-ken sockets.

Maybe it's just the Wera ratchets that have issues, then?

 

[M6erfan]

Maybe it's just the Wera ratchets that have issues, then?

I can't say for certain, I don't own any Wera ratchets. FWIW, today I tried my regular Ko-ken 1/4" sockets on my HF Pittsburg Pro ratchet in my road box and again no issues with QR functionality. That's 4 for 4 winners out of my kit.

 

[Reed Prince]

Have you tried any of the regular sockets on your Nepros ratchet?

Both Z-series and regular Ko-ken sockets work with my 1/4" Nepros ratchet. Neither socket type locks fully when attached to my Wera Zyklop 1/4", but the standard socket requires more force (twice as much?) to remove.

 

[ricleh]

3 Kinki air guns that Frank (Frankstools) sent me to test out several years ago. These are all excellent blow guns.

 

[darkzero]

A couple of more Merry pliers to add to my Merry collection.





I'm not actually trying to start a Merry collection. Just wanted these four. Nothing else from their line is really catching my eye right now so this may be it. I started off with their electrical connector pliers that were made well kown here but didn't like em & ended up replacing them with the KTC ones.

 

[mogandave]

3 Kinki air guns that Frank (Frankstools) sent me to test out several years ago. These are all excellent blow guns.

The top left is a knife attachment yes? We used those in roll-mills to blow the oil off the formed coil.

Is the top right a cold-gun?

What's going on with the one on the bottom?

 

[ricleh]

The top left is a knife attachment yes? We used those in roll-mills to blow the oil off the formed coil.

Is the top right a cold-gun?

What's going on with the one on the bottom?

Yes, the top left is a knife attachment and the top right is a cold gun, The bottom one is a unique design with multiple tiny holes around the circumference of the ring. It puts out a tremendous volume of air.

 

[Steve_P]

I have the Koken Z sockets (edit: and nut grip) in 1/4 and 3/8 drive and they work with all of my ratchets, none of which are QR: SK, Williams, Tekton, etc. The Z series actually take a lot of force to install on any of my ratchets, I assume because their drive end is so precise/smaller than most other brands.

 

[jmf535]

I have the Koken Z sockets (edit: and nut grip) in 1/4 and 3/8 drive and they work with all of my ratchets, none of which are QR: SK, Williams, Tekton, etc. The Z series actually take a lot of force to install on any of my ratchets, I assume because their drive end is so precise/smaller than most other brands.

It does seem to be the QR that ends up being the issue on some ratchets. I have a couple of 1/4 drive T-handles, and the Koken sockets work just fine on those.

Both Z-series and regular Ko-ken sockets work with my 1/4" Nepros ratchet. Neither socket type locks fully when attached to my Wera Zyklop 1/4", but the standard socket requires more force (twice as much?) to remove.

Looks like I'll be ordering a Nepros ratchet, thanks for the feedback.
The Kokens do hold pretty firmly on my Wera, as well. Firm enough that they probably won't slip off, but the fact that the plunger is left sticking out bothers me...it looks like the bolt head could bottom out on it before the sockets is able to fully engage it.

 

[CGarage]

I really appreciated all of you that chimed in on my Trusco compressed air gun/ duster questions. That was a big help!
Now another question, this time about Vessel...
About those sort of "stingray" shaped ratchet screwdrivers: I plan to buy one and they list two and I can't tell the difference.
They only seem to have the TD-80 on Amazon.jp. They have both at Factory Gear.
The TD-80 ( cost is 992 yen or about $8.78 (they call it Vessel T-type ratchet driver set TD80)
and
the TD-81 (801 yen or about $7.08) (they call it Vessel Power Ratchet Driver TD-81R (r for red and they show three colors).
Is there more difference than just the black plastic collars around the ratchet mechanism?
Do any GJ members own one and have feedback to share?

I have the orange handle TD80 and while it is not the most refined ratchet mechanism, I love the tool. I got it as a set with bits and an extension I think.

 

[CGarage]

This is Tone's other one....anewer offering, and currently only sold by Tone it seems

Ordered this with the bits out of Japan and it was something like $55 USD. Great tool. Have not used it yet but it is well made and I’m happy.

 

[Vicks]

Ko-Ken items price increase ?

Recently I acquired a Metabo impact wrench for the harder to loosen stuff and decided to buy the Ko-Ken 14245M-6P impact socket set. In September my local distributor gave me a price quote but did not commit to a shipping date (they don’t stock many items and get them shipped from Japan only after order confirmation but that’s ok for me since I’m rarely in an urgent need of a tool). A week ago after several follow ups, they gave me a new price quote which is 35% higher than the last one. They’re claiming that the factory has increased prices all round. While I’m aware of delays and price increases in electronic components world wide, I don’t think they’re being honest in this case.

Any body else faced such price increase of late from the tool manufacturers ?

 

[Outahere]

............ they gave me a new price quote which is 35% higher than the last one. They’re claiming that the factory has increased prices all round. While I’m aware of delays and price increases in electronic components world wide, I don’t think they’re being honest in this case.

Any body else faced such price increase of late from the tool manufacturers ?

There seems to be a pandemic of pandemic profiteering, and not just in tools.

 

[mogandave]

If I placed an order, got jerked around for three months and then was being told the price was going up by 35% I would cancel the order and never do business with them again.

 

[Dave455]

Christmas present to myself!

Makita offer a huge range of tools, sometimes including many different “grades” of similar tools. What isn’t always apparent, is that when you buy the better tools, the country of origin often changes for the better.

Even the most basic of these angle drills are made in Japan. Lovely tools, superbly designed, perfect switch, smooth, and very compact.

 

[Steve_P]

I have that same Makita right angle drill; mine is also made in Japan

 

[mogandave]

As I understand it Makita tools are only made in 10 plants in the world including Japan, China, Thailand., Germany. Mexico, Romania, Dubai, United Kingdom, Brazil and the United States. I've seen Makita tools on sale in Thailand made in Thailand,. China, Japan and Germany.

I would guess the the low volume stuff is made in Japan.

 

[Steve_P]

I don't know how they decide what to make where, that's a good question; but other huge brands like Bosch do similar. I have three Makita 120V tools I've bought in the last 10 years. Right angle drill is Japan; 1/2" drill is USA w global components; 5007MGA circular saw is China. The quality is flawless on all of them, no difference at all.

 

[Dave455]

I don't know how they decide what to make where, that's a good question; but other huge brands like Bosch do similar. I have three Makita 120V tools I've bought in the last 10 years. Right angle drill is Japan; 1/2" drill is USA w global components; 5007MGA circular saw is China. The quality is flawless on all of them, no difference at all.

Some of it seems to be determined by the quality of the tool. I have a (relatively cheap) palm sander, made in China. My GA4530 750W angle grinder is made in Romania. My 9564 1400W angle grinder in Japan.

There are differences in quality. How much due to the COO, and how much due to the different spec, I couldn’t say. I am entirely happy with the quality of each tool though, given the price paid.

I think sometimes some products are made in different countries for different markets, either for financial reasons, or maybe because of how the brand is perceived?

 

[Dumber than lumber]

Nepros ip Gold has arrived

Those gold Nepros. For When you have pimps or rappers that need work on their ride?

 

[mogandave]

Some of it seems to be determined by the quality of the tool. I have a (relatively cheap) palm sander, made in China. My GA4530 750W angle grinder is made in Romania. My 9564 1400 angle grinder in Japan.

There are differences in quality. How much due to the COO, and how much due to the different spec, I couldn’t say. I am entirely happy with the quality of each tool though, given the price paid.

I think sometimes some products are made in different countries for different markets, either for financial reasons, or maybe because of how the brand is perceived?

I assume it's determined mostly by markets & volume. Anything you plug is pretty market specific.

Makita also has a "B" product line (Maktec) that they market here in Thailand but not (as far as I know) in the US. I believe the Maktek name is going away and is being replaces with "Makita MT".

My wet-saw, drill-driver, hammer-drill-driver, impact-driver, multi-tool & jig saw are all 12V battery and were all made in China.

My plug-in hammer-drill was made in Thailand.

 

[HenryAZ]

Even the most basic of these angle drills are made in Japan. Lovely tools, superbly designed, perfect switch, smooth, and very compact.

I've had that same drill for about 40 years. When you need it, it's the only one that works.

 

[snowblindb]

Some of it seems to be determined by the quality of the tool. I have a (relatively cheap) palm sander, made in China. My GA4530 750W angle grinder is made in Romania. My 9564 1400W angle grinder in Japan.

There are differences in quality. How much due to the COO, and how much due to the different spec, I couldn’t say. I am entirely happy with the quality of each tool though, given the price paid.

I think sometimes some products are made in different countries for different markets, either for financial reasons, or maybe because of how the brand is perceived?

You probably know this but there is difference (in same tool) between made in japan and made in prc. Japanese usually leaves best stuff for themself.

YouTube

 

[mogandave]

You probably know this but there is difference (in same tool) between made in japan and made in prc. Japanese usually leaves best stuff for themself.

YouTube

Like most companies everywhere, I imagine they ship their best products to the US.

Makita likely only produces smaller volume stuff, and perhaps Japanese market specific stuff in Japan.

That said, Japanese manufacturing facilities are generally run by Japanese regardless of where they are in the world.

 

[CGarage]

I've had that same drill for about 40 years. When you need it, it's the only one that works.

Milwaukee makes a small right angle drill as well as Sioux Tools (iirc).

 

[mogandave]

Milwaukee makes a small right angle drill as well as Sioux Tools (iirc).

Sioux air-tools seem to be often underrated. Great, production quality screw-guns and drills. The screw-guns with the reverse-button on the top pretty much the hands-down favorite for running in tek-screws. Sadly I think the button-reverse configuration was discontinued, but is/was still available for special order.

 

[CGarage]

Sioux air-tools seem to be often underrated. Great, production quality screw-guns and drills. The screw-guns with the reverse-button on the top pretty much the hands-down favorite for running in tek-screws. Sadly I think the button-reverse configuration was discontinued, but is/was still available for special order.

They also made an electric right angle drill as well iirc

 

[Jeff]

Two new screwdrivers for frequent use outside the box.

 

[snowblindb]

Like most companies everywhere, I imagine they ship their best products to the US.

This was a joke, right?

 

[jonshonda]

My elcheapo Craftsmen sockets/extension sloppy interfaces have driven me very close to Koken zeal a few times, but my Snap On Ratchets are here to stay and not sure if they will play nice together.

 

[CGarage]

My elcheapo Craftsmen sockets/extension sloppy interfaces have driven me very close to Koken zeal a few times, but my Snap On Ratchets are here to stay and not sure if they will play nice together.

Why not buy Williams if you are so obsessed with American brands? Amazon offers it at a decent deal. Personally, Gearwrench locking flexhead is the way of the future and they come in a 3 piece set off of Amazon. I ordered it an love it. And I have about 30 other ratchets from Snap-On, Facom, Stahlwille, Hazet, etc, etc

 

[mogandave]

This was a joke, right?

No, why? Do you have some example of companies that manufacture great products that they save for tiny markets and build cr*p and ship it the the largest, most profitable market in the world?

 

[cweidert03]

Ordered this with the bits out of Japan and it was something like $55 USD. Great tool. Have not used it yet but it is well made and I’m happy.

Do you happen to have a link for that ratchet?? I looked briefly.. and couldn’t locate it

 

[CGarage]

Do you happen to have a link for that ratchet?? I looked briefly.. and couldn’t locate it

They raised the price and it is out of stock temporarily.
BRFS27 is the part number. Made by Tone.

https://www.amazon.co.jp/dp/B083WCCGXN/

 

[cweidert03]

They raised the price and it is out of stock temporarily.
BRFS27 is the part number. Made by Tone.

https://www.amazon.co.jp/dp/B083WCCGXN/

Thanks… I will keep an eye out!

 

[CGarage]

Do you happen to have a link for that ratchet?? I looked briefly.. and couldn’t locate it

They raised the price and it is out of stock temporarily.
BRFS27 is the part number. Made by Tone

https://www.amazon.co.jp/dp/B083WCCGXN/

Thanks… I will keep an eye out!

It’s a fantastic tool set!