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Tools of Japan

16again

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Nov 25, 2010
Messages
1,950
Location
Boynton Beach, FL.
Well my Koken 1/4” Rtchet Adapter and Sliding T finally arrived late this afternoon!

03AB2757-3D75-4016-92F1-E078CC67B64C.jpeg0415ACF4-8559-4F15-9B7C-53A9AD7F377F.jpeg09A9A3CD-B4CF-4884-8D28-EB13C043D33C.jpegBBE72AB5-E021-4995-9B04-320FE54A26B8.jpeg
My order from PALMAC they sent to wrong address. I got shipping notification and called them right away. They said computer glitch on their part and would call me back. No call back, I just emailed and said refund my money. Not doing any further business with a company that lies to the customer. Needless to say, I'm not happy.
They used to be a great company. Have used them before.
 
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GrantCee

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Aug 23, 2010
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808
Location
Willamette Valley, Oregon
I ordered from Palmac one time (pre-pandemic) because their price was really good. Took months to get my order. I was actually in the process of trying to cancel my order and get my money back when item finally shipped. :(
Not surprising if you ordered something that wasn't in stock.

That being said, at one point Palmac's website didn't show what was and wasn't in stock; you had to inquire. They took customer complaints to heart, and a couple of years ago updated the site to show the number in stock for each item. Solved a lot of issues.
 

Outahere

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Joined
Mar 13, 2021
Messages
874
Location
Idaho
.....Apparently they are a subsidy of Koken USA or associated or affiliated, etc. with them in someway or another?

I also placed my order with them since they did have the lowest price(s) for Koken tools, so I went with them....
Palmac and Koken USA are both located at 10 Kidder Road in Chelmsford. Apparently in the same building, with Palmac in Unit 6 and Koken USA in Unit 7.
 

Souldrop

Member
Joined
Mar 4, 2022
Messages
17
Location
Tennessee
IMSbolt has some koken stuff (typically the cheapest price by a tad) but I think they occasionally drop ship from kokenusa/palmac…at least thats what they did with my 1st order and I’m still waiting on updates on my 2nd order placed last week. No news yet past order confirmation.

In the future I plan to order from DRPD if they have the items in stock. Fast shipment and I believe they only sell what that they have on hand. Just my .02 and experiences for anyone thinking about buying koken sockets.
 

kyrbz

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Joined
Jan 30, 2012
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1,322
Location
midwest US
Not surprising if you ordered something that wasn't in stock.

That being said, at one point Palmac's website didn't show what was and wasn't in stock; you had to inquire. They took customer complaints to heart, and a couple of years ago updated the site to show the number in stock for each item. Solved a lot of issues.
The Gedore item I ordered was shown as "in stock" when I ordered. After more than a month of not receiving my order, I began inquiring about my order by email and never received any response. I finally called and the woman I spoke with said the item was not in stock and they were waiting on shipment from Germany to arrive. I waited another month and then called to cancel order when the same woman advised me their order had arrived and my order had just been shipped. If I remember correctly, it took close to 3 months to receive my order. The price was almost half of what other people were selling the same item for, but I wasn't expecting to wait 3 months. My take away, if you're not in a hurry, they have very good prices. If you need something in a timely manner, I'd look else where. That was just my experience ordering from them.
 

GrantCee

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Aug 23, 2010
Messages
808
Location
Willamette Valley, Oregon
I’ve ordered from PALMAC for a while now and have no issues with them. I’ll keep buying from them until there’s a problem even though they maybe a smidge higher. Had great customer service and to me that goes miles.
Same here. I only wish they were a little faster getting orders out the door — but on the other hand, they're very consistent about their shipping times.
 

16again

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Nov 25, 2010
Messages
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Location
Boynton Beach, FL.
My order from PALMAC they sent to wrong address. I got shipping notification and called them right away. They said computer glitch on their part and would call me back. No call back, I just emailed and said refund my money. Not doing any further business with a company that lies to the customer. Needless to say, I'm not happy.
They used to be a great company. Have used them before.
Josh from PALMAC called me today. They sent out another package to the right address. Package shows scheduled delivery Wednesday. Will be short, the spinner adapter which he said they will send at end of week when their order comes in. Also gave me a discount coupon attached to my account for a future order.
He was very apologetic. Guess they still are a good company.
 

Dave455

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Joined
Mar 19, 2013
Messages
5,832
Location
Sussex, England
Got few items from DRPD. Mike really ships fast and he throws in very nice stickers. My very first KTC tool (BRSW3L) and Koken bit holders.
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Wow!

That looks seriously nice! Looks like an incredibly compact head.

Long handle roto heads are not that common, but I don’t know why, I think they are potentially one of the most useful patterns out there.
 
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midorix

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Jun 27, 2012
Messages
169
Wow!

That looks seriously nice! Looks like an incredibly compact head.

Long handle roto heads are not that common, but I don’t know why, I think they are potentially one of the most useful patterns out there.
Yes, very compact. Here’s a youtube from Factory Gear TV about this ratchet. Apparently constantly selling out in Japan after debut in Dec 2021. He thought it should be Nepros lineup but KTC responded they decided not to because it “only” has 72 gears instead of 90 gears. Regardless, finish is very nice, ratcheting mechanism is smooth, and surprisingly light for swivel head.

When DRPD stocked this longer one few weeks ago, it sold out in a day. Hence, I immediately purchased it when it was restocked this time. I also agree that long handled compact head swivel will be useful. KTC explained that they designed it this way so that we can reach tough places from the top when working on cars (i.e. serpentine belt tensioner).

Comparison to Koken 3776N swivel ratchet and Koken 3725Z.

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m6z

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Joined
Sep 13, 2019
Messages
2,325
Location
Missouri
Anyone have a set of KTC combination wrenches or ratcheting combo wrenches? Happy with them?
 

Mr. Tool

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Jan 26, 2013
Messages
1,869
I had never heard of DRPD before until just now, it being the very first time for me.

Checked out the site and low and behold they offer a really good selection of tools from Japan and at very reasonable prices I might add!

Now hopefully they can offer very competitive shipping prices along with quick shipment?

As for stickers coming with an order....well that is a neat little incentive!

Just not as important as pricing and shipping is to me.
 

jmf535

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Joined
Nov 16, 2021
Messages
170
Anyone have a set of KTC combination wrenches or ratcheting combo wrenches? Happy with them?
I picked up a few of the combo wrenches a couple of weeks ago. I haven't really used them, besides testing the fitment when I first got them, but first impression is that they are good.

The fitment seems to be very good, and they are lightweight. My only issue with them is the finish...the edges along the body are very sharp, so it doesn't have the greatest in-hand feel. Other than that, a very good wrench, especially for the price.
 
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Dave455

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Mar 19, 2013
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Sussex, England
Yes, very compact. Here’s a youtube from Factory Gear TV about this ratchet. Apparently constantly selling out in Japan after debut in Dec 2021. He thought it should be Nepros lineup but KTC responded they decided not to because it “only” has 72 gears instead of 90 gears. Regardless, finish is very nice, ratcheting mechanism is smooth, and surprisingly light for swivel head.

When DRPD stocked this longer one few weeks ago, it sold out in a day. Hence, I immediately purchased it when it was restocked this time. I also agree that long handled compact head swivel will be useful. KTC explained that they designed it this way so that we can reach tough places from the top when working on cars (i.e. serpentine belt tensioner).

Comparison to Koken 3776N swivel ratchet and Koken 3725Z.

24A8D56E-F11C-4BFD-B5FE-17CBF698FE6E.jpeg4570E332-9861-4D0B-8FE9-72AC5A030539.jpeg4FE09977-321F-4159-942E-152EFBF57C46.jpeg
Thanks. I found the other Factory Gear review earlier, quite informative.

I also have the KoKen 3776N. Superb ratchet. Maybe one of the best KoKen make. I use it as my “general purpose” ratchet, and tend to carry it everywhere I’m working, whatever I’m doing. I even had it with me repairing a fence last week, and needed it!

If there’s a downside to the 3776N it’s that it does have a bulky head. Perhaps not the tool to go reaching into the depths of an engine compartment with. Absolutely no concerns with the KTC though. That is so neat.

If I did have one concern, it’s that it’s almost a “compact” ratchet (3/8“ drive on a 1/4” mechanism) and I wondered how well it would stand up to high torque. Realistically though, I don’t use 3/8“ drive above 17mm, and most of the time I’m turning 10mm or 13mm (or more likely hex/ Torx bits) so I think it’s a non issue.

A bit like my ultra long handle 1/4” ratchet, it’s all about reach rather than leverage.

I see KTC offer a swivel handle / breaker bar to match.3249FC1E-478E-4EF4-BBBA-BD4C9ED0E163.jpeg

I also notice that the short version has been designed to fit in the same foam cutouts as their regular ratchets. Very cunning!E31D2786-4AD8-4998-9E37-9F93505DE63B.jpeg
 
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midorix

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Joined
Jun 27, 2012
Messages
169
I had never heard of DRPD before until just now, it being the very first time for me.

Checked out the site and low and behold they offer a really good selection of tools from Japan and at very reasonable prices I might add!

Now hopefully they can offer very competitive shipping prices along with quick shipment?

As for stickers coming with an order....well that is a neat little incentive!

Just not as important as pricing and shipping is to me.
You get free shipping if you order $100 or more which is too easy to do. Checkout the DRPD post Mike started in the GJ forum. Kind of gives you background as to who they are. Their pricing is relatively competitive to Palmac and Amazon Japan if you include shipping. Cool thing about DRPD is their inventory system is very good. If it says “in stock”, it is in stock and Mike will ship them out very quickly. They do have lot of cool brands…another dangerous place to hang out financially.
 

midorix

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Joined
Jun 27, 2012
Messages
169
Speaking of reliable but slow Palmac orders, I finally got the 14mm spark plug socket and 1/4 nut grippers that I ordered at end of January. At least I did get nice Koken sticker this time.

1B8A0C1E-07A0-4443-A435-C2DEF506E03C.jpeg
 

GirchyGirchy

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Joined
Nov 14, 2011
Messages
9,949
Location
Central Indiana
Speaking of reliable but slow Palmac orders, I finally got the 14mm spark plug socket and 1/4 nut grippers that I ordered at end of January. At least I did get nice Koken sticker this time.

1B8A0C1E-07A0-4443-A435-C2DEF506E03C.jpeg
Huh...that's a pass for me. Frank's Tools already fucked me out of enough money with that business model, I'm not interested in helping another business with a temporary loan while they order items which might show up, someday. Or not, and they keep my money anyway.
 

midorix

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Joined
Jun 27, 2012
Messages
169
I notice it just says "Japan" instead of "Made in Japan". Any info on the box or packaging to indicate COO?
The "candy wrapper" it came in did not have COO.

I also searched, including KTC brochure and it didn't show COO.

DRPD site states COO as Japan.

Factory Gear site states KTC 3BRSW and 3BRSWL are all made in Japan. They even comment that some manufactures only "assemble in Japan" but this one is all made in Japan is their comment.

And the labeling of "KTC Japan" is consistent with Nepros so I'm sure it's manufactured in Japan.

The quality and finish is really good as well.
 
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midorix

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Jun 27, 2012
Messages
169
Did they show as "in stock" when you ordered them?
One had one unit, other said 2 weeks (don't remember which is which). Probably that one unit was sold before my order since their inventory status is bit lagged.
 

midorix

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Jun 27, 2012
Messages
169
Huh...that's a pass for me. Frank's Tools already fucked me out of enough money with that business model, I'm not interested in helping another business with a temporary loan while they order items which might show up, someday. Or not, and they keep my money anyway.
Understand you may not wait long as I have. But Palmac has been very communicative, always responded when I pinged of status, and aware of some stock/supply chain/manufacturing challenges these days. You'll also notice that items out of stock by Palmac is also out of stock at Amazon Japan and other reliable sites....hence, I didn't mind the wait. I still have one more tool back ordered from the March order but waiting patiently.
 

corn chip

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Jul 15, 2021
Messages
672
nepros must be having hard time keeping accurate website inventory which kind of ***** if your expecting a tool right away. my last order was near 2mon ago and not one item said out of stock or low stock. right away the next day that japanese guy sent a email saying my order wouldnt ship for quite a while. was atleast six weeks if not more before i received the items. luckily i didnt need the tools right away but they need to get their **** together and provide more accurate inventory
 

Mr. Tool

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Jan 26, 2013
Messages
1,869
Sounds like it basically all comes down to "getting your business" because we all know that business is $$$$.

Of course a website or business will list or say that it is "In Stock" when it actually is not. Once they get your order placed and $$ then they will notify the customer or if the customer inquires about their order, that there is a delay (weeks, months, etc.?) on their order.

It's all done to get your business. It they were to state that they actually do not have it in stock or "Out of Stock", they know that you will go and shop some place else.

Believe me I've had this happen to me several times. I would just end up cancelling my order and getting my $ back.

Though not all businesses operate like that so buyer beware and inquire or confirm, etc. prior to ordering is what I do now.
 
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Toolman_TX

Member
Joined
Mar 5, 2022
Messages
8
Got my KTC BRSW3 recently. Here is a shot of it next to my Wera. I test fitted with my Ko-Ken and Wera sockets/extensions and fits perfectly with little play. I did have to loosen the hex screw slightly more than one turn as it was difficult to rotate the ratchet head. I do like the finish and the size of it though do wonder how well it will hold up. Guess time will tell.
 

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jonshonda

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Jul 17, 2017
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Wisconsin
You guys just clearly don't have a good grasp of what is happening with supply chain issues right now, and honestly at first I thought it was just being uniformed. Now I just don't know what to think. It is going to take a very long time for suppliers to correct these issues, so for the next few years EXPECT issues, and be delighted when there aren't any problems.
 

four.cycle

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Oct 19, 2015
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Tacoma, Washington
* VESSEL deal of the month *

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Vessel (JAPAN) 31-piece Impact Torsion Bit Set in case
$39.99 incl. shipping
Vessel 31-pc 1.4 hex bit set.jpg
Currently Bowers has 59 different Vessel items listed on Ebay which range from $8 to $110 - lots to choose from. :thumbup:

Thanks Nelson! ;)
 

Retroman

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Jan 21, 2018
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Mojave Desert
You guys just clearly don't have a good grasp of what is happening with supply chain issues right now, and honestly at first I thought it was just being uniformed. Now I just don't know what to think. It is going to take a very long time for suppliers to correct these issues, so for the next few years EXPECT issues, and be delighted when there aren't any problems.
Ya were just a bunch of Rubes that fell off the turnip truck. Thanks for enlightening us.
 
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