Except that they both feature long handles, have a flex head, feature quick release and reversible ratchet mechanisms, (which are all just features found on any such product) there is nothing "exact same" about them. Ratchet head dimensions are different, one has a flex-lock other does not, long handle chrome finishing is different, reversible selectors are different...So I know Tone doesn't make their ratchets in Japan even though they are a Japanese company and mark their tools with Japan, but I still have 6 different ones and really like them.
But today I was walking through princess auto (Canada's harbour freight) and the powerfist ratchets caught my eye.
They are clearly the exact same ratchet.
The Tone was $90.44 cad shipped from Japan and the princess auto one was $44.79 cad after tax.
Tools of Japan
- Thread starter Frankstools
- Start date
rawrbot
Member
Picked up a set of Megadora JIS 1, 2,3 and a 220W-3 ball-type screwdrivers from Amazon.co.jp
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rawrbot
Member
Package from DHL also showed up today with a Nepros NBR390 couple of metric sockets and spinner.
Interested to compare with Koken 3725Z-72T and Span-on F80.
Interested to compare with Koken 3725Z-72T and Span-on F80.
I just got one of those Koken's and holy moly it's a nice unit... I like it better than the Nepros I was handling -- but the fit and finish on the Nepros is a cut above.
Koken for me though -- I think they just nailed it with their new 72T ratchet -- and the minute they drop the 3/8 in 1/4" body in 72T -- I'm gonna get one of those too.
Koken for me though -- I think they just nailed it with their new 72T ratchet -- and the minute they drop the 3/8 in 1/4" body in 72T -- I'm gonna get one of those too.
And for shameless self-promotion -- you can see them all in action at:
I do a lot of work on stub-nosed vans -- and I cannot wait to put a 3/8 compact into my kit -- especially since I just picked up a huge set of Astro Nano Sockets...
E350 7.3L Valve covers... here I come!
I do a lot of work on stub-nosed vans -- and I cannot wait to put a 3/8 compact into my kit -- especially since I just picked up a huge set of Astro Nano Sockets...
E350 7.3L Valve covers... here I come!
Gregthegadgetguy
Well-known member
- Joined
- Jun 5, 2021
- Messages
- 67
@winnievan you are comparing the compact Nepros head 3/8 to a full size Koken 3/8. That is not a fair comparison. The Nepros full size 3/8 has a balance that is far above the feel of the compact 1/4 size
SAA44-40
Well-known member
is there a Japanese manufacturer of ratcheting wrench sets anyone recommends? Thank you
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I think I make that awfully clear in the video — i brought the Koken in to test the mechanism — knowing the 72T in the compact is coming.
the full-size Nepros does have good balance — but I like the feel of the Koken personally better!!
gjusername
Well-known member
anybody have any experience using Ko-ken's industrial line of sockets?
I'm looking into getting a set of e-torx sockets, I think I'm going to go with the koken 1/4" chrome sockets for smaller sizes but for the larger ones I was planning to get some of their 3/8" impacts. So I see they have the 13423 line and the 23423 line. The 23423 sockets are a lot thinner, which I like a lot better. But I was confused on why they have both types and why the 2nd would be in a whole separate category of their catalog... Then I found where it says "Industrial sockets are thin walled sockets and to be used on electric or pneumatic nut runners for assembly work only."
So I guess they're saying these sockets are too weak to be used on an impact for normal automotive work... Has anybody done it anyways and had good results?
I'm looking into getting a set of e-torx sockets, I think I'm going to go with the koken 1/4" chrome sockets for smaller sizes but for the larger ones I was planning to get some of their 3/8" impacts. So I see they have the 13423 line and the 23423 line. The 23423 sockets are a lot thinner, which I like a lot better. But I was confused on why they have both types and why the 2nd would be in a whole separate category of their catalog... Then I found where it says "Industrial sockets are thin walled sockets and to be used on electric or pneumatic nut runners for assembly work only."
So I guess they're saying these sockets are too weak to be used on an impact for normal automotive work... Has anybody done it anyways and had good results?
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71firebird400
Well-known member
- Joined
- Oct 25, 2016
- Messages
- 142
While Ko-Ken has great form factor, strength is not their strength
I love a lot of their products but if you want a set of sockets for impact use (or just regular use) I'd look elsewhere. Many documented failures, and very little warranty support since they will say you abused the tool.I would not use a thin-wall impact socket, from any manufacturer, for everyday use. They are all weaker than their standard thickness counterparts. Use a thin wall only where there is a space constraint, such as on some alloy wheels.
dutchgray
Well-known member
Those Koken industrial thin wall sockets, I don't believe they are classed as an impact socket, just a black oxide thin wall industrial socket.
I would expect the regular Koken impact socket would be fine.
I have Sunnex impacts and a few others, impact sockets are a consumable item if in heavy use (mine are not) so I don't see the point in spending more on better ones.
I would expect the regular Koken impact socket would be fine.
I have Sunnex impacts and a few others, impact sockets are a consumable item if in heavy use (mine are not) so I don't see the point in spending more on better ones.
SAA44-40
Well-known member
while looking for Koken spark plug sockets, noticed they make a set 3225A. Comes with 2 sockets, a extension and torque ratchet. Does anyone own this kit? Curious about the ratchet as I can’t tell what the values are. Thank you
Ratchet is torque controlled for 25 N m
sweet victory
Well-known member
Picked up a few goodies from @billspreston on drpd.cc
The gold 3/8" nepros ratchet was my first nepros item, and the quality is superb. Had to get a 1/4" version to keep it some company in the toolbox. Also picked up a T30 bit socket to get a feel for the finish/quality...and holy moly. I can't speak to its durability but the fit and finish has to be the best in the world? The ti finish on the bit portion certainly separates it from the typical zinc plating I'm used to with snap on. Not sure how I feel about the rubber ring versus a knurling.
The gold 3/8" nepros ratchet was my first nepros item, and the quality is superb. Had to get a 1/4" version to keep it some company in the toolbox. Also picked up a T30 bit socket to get a feel for the finish/quality...and holy moly. I can't speak to its durability but the fit and finish has to be the best in the world? The ti finish on the bit portion certainly separates it from the typical zinc plating I'm used to with snap on. Not sure how I feel about the rubber ring versus a knurling.
Retroman
Well-known member
I recently snagged the 1/4" gold ratchet as well. I was going to get the chrome 1/4" but it was out of stock so I got the gold which is what I really wanted. Also got a 3/8" 75mm extension Nepros puts out some great finishes on there tools. DRPD is great to deal with nice having a West Coast tool distributor.
gjusername
Well-known member
Wow I didn't know about them. Do they carry the stock they sell at their own warehouse? Or do they just drop-ship everything out of Japan like the rest of the Ko-ken retailers? The only west coast distributor I was aware of was IMSbolt, but they just process the order and then have everything sent from Japan, same as Palmac. Would be pretty cool if DRPD already has the items they show in stock, that would make for MUCH quicker shipping times!
on another note, I was just browing their site and found out that KTC makes a knockoff of the VIM magrails, but they offer them in purple too - https://drpd.cc/tool-shop/storage-organization/socket-storage/ktc-magnetic-socket-holders-ehbm/
just an fyi for anyone that likes magrails and KTC.
True. I think what I will do is get all the 1/4" chrome sizes offered by Koken, and get a set of impacts from Sunex. I was hoping to hear that the thin walled ones would stand up to more abuse than Koken approves them for but I guess I won't take my chances
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Retroman
Well-known member
DRPD has the tools in stock and they arrive to me (Vegas) in about two days. Just wish I could afford more of the Nepros Line.
DRPD apparently have their own warehouse. The website clearly shows what's in stock and what isn't. My order was shipped the next day, arrived two days later, and was very nicely packed. I'm definitely a satisfied customer and plan to shop there again.
There's a separate DRPD thread: https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/threads/howdy-from-drpd.488837/. The first post in that thread states that they have a warehouse in San Luis Obispo, CA.
sweet victory
Well-known member
They have their own warehouse and the website will only let you purchase what's in stock. I've ordered from them several times and its been a terrific experience each time. I see myself only ever buying from palmac or count on tools if I can't get what I need from drpd.
billspreston
Well-known member
Hey fellas, stoked to see you're enjoying the nepros! Puts a smile on my face seeing those photos and comments.
@gjusername – as others have kindly pointed out, we (DRPD) do have our own warehouse in SLO, California where we stock everything we sell. We opened the shop due to a lot of personal frustrations we had with purchasing tools online ourselves – drop shipping being a major one.
Our inventory situation kind of ***** right now, but I'm confident that we are learning and making big improvements on this moving forward. The goal is to have all of these tools consistently in stock so those of you who depend on it for work can actually feel comfortable investing more fully in these great brands.
@gjusername – as others have kindly pointed out, we (DRPD) do have our own warehouse in SLO, California where we stock everything we sell. We opened the shop due to a lot of personal frustrations we had with purchasing tools online ourselves – drop shipping being a major one.
Our inventory situation kind of ***** right now, but I'm confident that we are learning and making big improvements on this moving forward. The goal is to have all of these tools consistently in stock so those of you who depend on it for work can actually feel comfortable investing more fully in these great brands.
Jeff
Well-known member
Picked up some tools to make working on my Japanese bikes a tad easier.
sweet victory
Well-known member
Do you have any timeline for when you think you'll have the pbswiss ratcheting t handles again?
rawrbot
Member
Any opinions on Koken Z-series vs 'regular' hex bit sockets?
Looking to purchase a full set of 1/4, 3/8 and 1/2 drive metric hex sockets. Can't decide if it's worth splurging on the 1/4 and 3/8 Z-series set. I use a variety of ratchet brands and wouldn't necessarily be paired with a Z-series ratchet.
Looking to purchase a full set of 1/4, 3/8 and 1/2 drive metric hex sockets. Can't decide if it's worth splurging on the 1/4 and 3/8 Z-series set. I use a variety of ratchet brands and wouldn't necessarily be paired with a Z-series ratchet.
Dave455
Well-known member
The critical part of a hex bit socket is the actual hex bit, and I’m not convinced they are vastly different in the Z series.
Given that there’s a far greater selection of both lengths, and styles, in the regular range, that’s probably what I’d go for. Especially if you’re not using a Z Series ratchet.
billspreston
Well-known member
@sweet victory – I'll answer that in the other thread so we don't gum up this one!
the Z series sockets also become harder to remove from a non-QR ratchet towards the smaller sizes. For eg., the Zeal 6mm Hex Socket (not Hex bit socket) is a little more difficult to remove from the 3/8 drive ratchet especially if i have oily hands. Maynot be an issue on Hex bit sockets since you have the Hex bit for more leverage.
Link that thread -- you guys have a great store and I'd like to be part of that conversation!
rawrbot
Member
Here’s the thread:
Howdy from DRPD!
Hey guys, sorry for the lack of updates, we've been busy busy busy working to expand our offerings! Some quick things to note: Teamed up with KTC/nepros to offer a bunch of exclusive socket and bit socket sets that offer improved size coverage with little-to-no sizing gaps. Not sure about you...
www.garagejournal.com
Agreed DRPD has such a great selection of different brands. Would love to see more Japanese tools sizes for general use and automotive/motorcycle applications!
I've been on the lookout for 18" or 24" calipers -- and was going to settle on some cheap Verniers or even cheapish digital jobbies like iGauging (I have one of their DROs and it's pretty decent) -- but always held back at fear of not living by my moniker of "do it mo' better"...
I've been eyeing the 18" and 24" Mitutoyo Carbon fiber units -- as people say they really are a joy to use -- and the light weight in this form factor actually matters a fair amount, apparently -- 1350G on the stainless ones vs. 790G on the Carbon Fiber.
I turned to the eBay today to look for Mitutoyos and lo-and-behold found a SCREAMING deal on these 552-313 24" Carbon Fiber units... $325 shipped to my door...
I expect deals like this at yard sales -- not on eBay -- it was open for Best Offer -- and I went to submit one for a bit below asking at $275 -- and the ticker read -- "you have 10 competing offers on this item"...
I cancelled the offer and checked out immediately -- this is about as lucky as pulling floor seats for Phish tickets for New Years at Madison Square Garden.
I enjoy this part of my side-hustle as it grows -- it gives me reason for buying tools like this -- and I love the hunt -- so tickle me pink.
I've been eyeing the 18" and 24" Mitutoyo Carbon fiber units -- as people say they really are a joy to use -- and the light weight in this form factor actually matters a fair amount, apparently -- 1350G on the stainless ones vs. 790G on the Carbon Fiber.
I turned to the eBay today to look for Mitutoyos and lo-and-behold found a SCREAMING deal on these 552-313 24" Carbon Fiber units... $325 shipped to my door...
I expect deals like this at yard sales -- not on eBay -- it was open for Best Offer -- and I went to submit one for a bit below asking at $275 -- and the ticker read -- "you have 10 competing offers on this item"...
I cancelled the offer and checked out immediately -- this is about as lucky as pulling floor seats for Phish tickets for New Years at Madison Square Garden.
I enjoy this part of my side-hustle as it grows -- it gives me reason for buying tools like this -- and I love the hunt -- so tickle me pink.
Attachments
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CHI_Tool&Die
Well-known member
GrantCee
Well-known member
Fuji makes a lot of specialty gages and are well regarded. Not cheap, either. I've never seen their radius gages, but they're no doubt a good tool.
Toolman_TX
Member
- Joined
- Mar 5, 2022
- Messages
- 8
Hi,
New member here. Got a question for those that have the Nepros 1/4" 90t ratchets. I bought one based on the various reviews on Youtube and forums regarding its superb fit and finish. The finish is second to none, however, I noticed there are much more slack/play when fitted with the Nepros extension bar and a hex bit socket. I tried it on the Wera/Craftsman/Ko-Ken sockets and have the same amount of play. It actually doesn't fit the Ko-ken z-series sockets all that well to my surprise. I love the Ko-ken z-series as it has such good fit with virtually no play when used with other ratchets.
I contacted Nepros Japan and they said if I was concerned, they'll send me the instructions to return it for inspection. I had assumed it would be on my own dime so I asked them to take a video of whatever they had at the factory to see if this much play was normal. They sent me a video of a 3/8" 90t ratchet with a socket and showed roughly the same amount of play (actually slightly less than mine).
So the question I had was if everyone had the same experience or I just got a defective one? Seems like everything I've read/watched barely showed any slack on the drive gear. Thanks.
New member here. Got a question for those that have the Nepros 1/4" 90t ratchets. I bought one based on the various reviews on Youtube and forums regarding its superb fit and finish. The finish is second to none, however, I noticed there are much more slack/play when fitted with the Nepros extension bar and a hex bit socket. I tried it on the Wera/Craftsman/Ko-Ken sockets and have the same amount of play. It actually doesn't fit the Ko-ken z-series sockets all that well to my surprise. I love the Ko-ken z-series as it has such good fit with virtually no play when used with other ratchets.
I contacted Nepros Japan and they said if I was concerned, they'll send me the instructions to return it for inspection. I had assumed it would be on my own dime so I asked them to take a video of whatever they had at the factory to see if this much play was normal. They sent me a video of a 3/8" 90t ratchet with a socket and showed roughly the same amount of play (actually slightly less than mine).
So the question I had was if everyone had the same experience or I just got a defective one? Seems like everything I've read/watched barely showed any slack on the drive gear. Thanks.
I have the 3/8 and 1/4 Nepros ratchets/sockets and do notice a fair amount of play with the anvil, as well...more so on the 1/4.
I also have Wera and Koken (regular and z-series) sockets, and the Wera and regular Koken have the same amount of play, but there is less (almost none) with z-series.
Then all of my sockets have next-to-zero play on my 3/8 z-series ratchets.
If you can, post the video that Nepros sent you. I'm curious to see what they consider normal
I also have Wera and Koken (regular and z-series) sockets, and the Wera and regular Koken have the same amount of play, but there is less (almost none) with z-series.
Then all of my sockets have next-to-zero play on my 3/8 z-series ratchets.
If you can, post the video that Nepros sent you. I'm curious to see what they consider normal
are you talking about when you put the socket on the ratchet you can push/pull the socket a bit in/out on the anvil ? if so i believe thats normal. if you look at the anvil ball it can be compressed alittle into the anvil even in the lock position.
i believe this is intentional for a specific reason ill explain.
if you you look at any brand socket and notice the ball detent. i dont believe theres any industry standard for how wide /tall/deep the detent has to be. so detent dimensions vary by brand.
the slightly compressible ball on the nepro ratchet allows it to still lock ,even on a socket with very shallow detent.
stahlwille on the other hand doesnt have any compression in the ball and it wont lock on to some brand sockets with shallow detent.
it was a smart and well thought out move on nepros part if you ask me as they have no idea what brand sockets you may be using.
they could of made no compression in the ball so it fit very precise into their sockets , but of course everyone would complain now it wont lock onto husky , craftsman ,sk and perhaps many other sockets , like stahlwille. lol not to throw jabs at stahlwille , as i fell their at the top of the heap but they over looked this small detail and nepro got it right
i believe this is intentional for a specific reason ill explain.
if you you look at any brand socket and notice the ball detent. i dont believe theres any industry standard for how wide /tall/deep the detent has to be. so detent dimensions vary by brand.
the slightly compressible ball on the nepro ratchet allows it to still lock ,even on a socket with very shallow detent.
stahlwille on the other hand doesnt have any compression in the ball and it wont lock on to some brand sockets with shallow detent.
it was a smart and well thought out move on nepros part if you ask me as they have no idea what brand sockets you may be using.
they could of made no compression in the ball so it fit very precise into their sockets , but of course everyone would complain now it wont lock onto husky , craftsman ,sk and perhaps many other sockets , like stahlwille. lol not to throw jabs at stahlwille , as i fell their at the top of the heap but they over looked this small detail and nepro got it right
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Toolman_TX
Member
- Joined
- Mar 5, 2022
- Messages
- 8
@jmf535, I was trying to post the video but I couldn't select the file. Not sure if it was the video format or if this forum require more posts before I can post videos.
@corn chip, not how much you can push/pull the socket but there is a wider range of movement in all axis. I took some images from the video that I sent Nepros and their comment was that this is due to the QR mechanism and I assume they were talking about the depth/size of the detent. Maybe hard to tell from the pics but will try to upload the video...
@corn chip, not how much you can push/pull the socket but there is a wider range of movement in all axis. I took some images from the video that I sent Nepros and their comment was that this is due to the QR mechanism and I assume they were talking about the depth/size of the detent. Maybe hard to tell from the pics but will try to upload the video...
gjusername
Well-known member
what you're talking about is normal. If you're using a Koken Z-series ratchet and socket, then that's the only situation where you won't notice any of this play. It's a feature of the Z-series, it was designed to eliminate this normal play. (which imo is a pointless feature other than maybe making them feel higher quality - I am attracted to the Z-series for their size and thinness, not for this feature.)