Tools of Japan

[darkzero]

Yes, it provided better access to the foot peg and related brackets that needed removal/replacement after a crash. No harm done, the bike was laid down gently onto the soft grass and picked back up with no additional damage following repairs.

Haha nice. I can't say I've ever seen someone do that before. I just thought it was kind of funny but I'm sure you knew what you were doing & not being stupid.

 

[General Geoff]

Haha nice. I can't say I've ever seen someone do that before. I just thought it was kind of funny but I'm sure you knew what you were doing & not being stupid.

it's not uncommon to also lay a bike on its side when doing a clutch replacement, to avoid spilling crankcase oil

 

[Dave455]

Followup: The new KTC roto ratchet is awesome. The time saved by pivoting the handle parallel to the square drive and utilizing it as a ratcheting screwdriver is something I never thought about till I started using it!

I am so tempted by one of these, but I have zero justification for one - I already have a Snap On and a KoKen!

But, this is GJ…

 

[Pistolero]

I am so tempted by one of these, but I have zero justification for one - I already have a Snap On and a KoKen!

But, this is GJ…

if you got into a really tight spot and have one to use of the tiny one, just this one time the investment to one of these tool will save you so much time and trouble, my best investment is the 3/8 roto head ratchet in a 1/4 handle shank by Titan, and the 1/4 micro rotating head ratchet by Titan, although its not Japanese made, its so worth it rather that taking the entire assembly off a parts before your can get nice snap on or koken can access it. I do have some nice ratchet from Snap on, Hazet, Nepros.

 

[Pexto]

Followup: The new KTC roto ratchet is awesome. The time saved by pivoting the handle parallel to the square drive and utilizing it as a ratcheting screwdriver is something I never thought about till I started using it!

I've got one of those on the way - been checking on the package tracking about every hour!

I really like the roto ratchets for a lot of tasks. Does anyone know if KTC, Koken, or Nepros make one in 1/4" drive?

 

[General Geoff]

if you got into a really tight spot and have one to use of the tiny one, just this one time the investment to one of these tool will save you so much time and trouble, my best investment is the 3/8 roto head ratchet in a 1/4 handle shank by Titan, and the 1/4 micro rotating head ratchet by Titan, although its not Japanese made, its so worth it rather that taking the entire assembly off a parts before your can get nice snap on or koken can access it. I do have some nice ratchet from Snap on, Hazet, Nepros.

The KTC is a really tight package, effectively a 3/8" anvil in a 1/4" sized head. I took a couple pictures comparing it to a 1/4" drive HF Icon roto ratchet, and the KTC's overall head thickness is nearly identical to the Icon, as is its effective width. The packaging is just that much better on the KTC.

 

[Half-fast eddie]

Is that motorcyle literally just laying on the grass?

When it starts off lying on the ground/floor, it’s doesn’t have as far to fall.

 

[four.cycle]

^ The "Titan" units - both the 1/4" hex drive bit driver and the 1/4" square drive ratchet are made in Taiwan. They're both less than $20 bucks retail. The little ratchet is far more impressive when you snap on the 1/4" female x 3/8" male low profile knurled drive adapter.
Not Japanese, but unfortunately nobody else has yet come up with anything like this. YMMV

 

[darkzero]

When it starts off lying on the ground/floor, it’s doesn’t have as far to fall.

That was the same logic I had when I used to race this. "Won't hurt as bad falling off if the ground isn't that far away."

 

[Dave455]

if you got into a really tight spot and have one to use of the tiny one, just this one time the investment to one of these tool will save you so much time and trouble, my best investment is the 3/8 roto head ratchet in a 1/4 handle shank by Titan, and the 1/4 micro rotating head ratchet by Titan, although its not Japanese made, its so worth it rather that taking the entire assembly off a parts before your can get nice snap on or koken can access it. I do have some nice ratchet from Snap on, Hazet, Nepros.

I’ve seen the Titan 1/4” roto head, they seem to be excellent value. I’ve only recently got into the 3/8 in 1/4 body tools, but I use the one I have a lot.

The KoKen roto head is a superb tool, but it is big. Shown below compared to the regular ratchet.

I often use this as my only ratchet when I’m doing non automotive / engineering tasks. Coupled with five metric sockets and a few Imperial it does an awful lot.

But it’s a bit big for automotive work. The KTC looks perfect!

 

[Dave455]

The KTC is a really tight package, effectively a 3/8" anvil in a 1/4" sized head. I took a couple pictures comparing it to a 1/4" drive HF Icon roto ratchet, and the KTC's overall head thickness is nearly identical to the Icon, as is its effective width. The packaging is just that much better on the KTC.

That is compact, that’s a useful comparison. Thanks for posting.

Looks like I won’t be able to exist without one of those now!

 

[General Geoff]

But it’s a bit big for automotive work. The KTC looks perfect!

Comparing the new KTC roto head to my Koken 72t ZEAL ratchet:



It's thicker only because of the selector switch, and only by 1.7mm. The KTC is 3.97mm wider than the Koken as measured with calipers, including the pivot arms. Not too shabby.

 

[jmf535]

I've been very interested in that KTC roto ever since it came out, since it's looks like the perfect size, but just can't bring myself to pull the trigger...it's that handle. A lot of brands use that style, I've never got along with it.

I'm hoping that Nepros will come out with one that utilizes their handle shape. Now, that would be the perfect ratchet.

 

[Vicks]

These are not new acquisitions but I just realized that I never posted these pics earlier…

Firstly - my favorite spinner handle - the gentle persuader of stubborn “over torqued by mechanics using air impact tools” fasteners - 600mm of 1/2” drive goodness


Seen here with the little 150mm 1/2” extension


These KTC extra long M160 DBEs are the ones I reach for when doing shock absorber replacement jobs on the 4x4 especially to loosen the top nuts with barely any room to access. I’ve been trying to find the missing 20x21 but it looks like KTC doesn’t make it in the M160 format.




My only KTC Spinner handle - 3/8” since I wanted to try this handle style - I must say I like & prefer the Ko-ken knurled handles.


Ko-ken 3/8” extensions - fixed (non wobble-fix) type. I was split between the fixed and wobble-fix type of extensions but finally decided to go with the stronger fixed type especially since I also have two Ko-ken 3/8” Universal joint adaptors that I can use where a wobble-fix could have been advantageous


I also like to combine these extensions with my Ko-ken 3/8” sliding handle to make T-handles of varying length. With almost no slop/wobble in the arrangement due to the excellent tolerances, it’s my favorite combination to zip off fasteners after they have been broken loose.

 

[jimmy_]

Yes, it provided better access to the foot peg and related brackets that needed removal/replacement after a crash. No harm done, the bike was laid down gently onto the soft grass and picked back up with no additional damage following repairs.

not afraid of hydrolocking the engine?

 

[silkman]

Was looking for some Koken flexheads (1/4 and 1/2) but 36teeth is too low.

 

[General Geoff]

not afraid of hydrolocking the engine?

Not at all

 

[Vicks]

Was looking for some Koken flexheads (1/4 and 1/2) but 36teeth is too low.

There is always Nepros 90 tooth ratchets…

 

[Dave455]

I received a small delivery of KoKen today. Mostly E Torx. I need the deep E12 and E14 for one job, probably the universal E12 too.

One of the things I like about KoKen is the ready availability of relatively specialised items. Universal or deep E Torx are simply not available from some manufacturers.

KoKen are pretty much my “go to” for anything I suddenly need now. Partly due to the quality, partly the price, but partly due to the decent dealers we seem to have this side of the pond. I ordered this lot late last night, and the order was with me mid afternoon today, in full.

 

[Stormin1]

Just received my Koken metric 3/8” standard & deep sets. Is this normal for there to be such a difference in the finish on the broaching of the inner wells between the standard & deep sets? Thanks.

 

[Outahere]

palmac predates koken usa.

sounds like this jim chase guy has a hard-on for koken stuff. i don't blame him. i do, too.

he manages to get a deal with them and even basically becomes the defacto, sole official usa distributor.

palmac has pre-existing business channels selling koken and other tools. he's not going to pull koken tools from palmac.

the newly secured Koken USA is too good to pass up. who wouldn't want to sell an imported brand X under the name "X USA"? obviously sell them out of that as well. and advertise it hard at trade shows and stuff. it is much more authoritative sounding than palmac.

as for the price discrepancy between palmac and koken usa, idk what the strategy is.

Koken tools from KokenUSA are more expensive compared to Palmac, but shipping is free in the USA. Koken tools from Palmac are less expensive, but shipping is not free.

But KokenUSA has this to say about shipping tools to residential addresses:

Orders being shipped to your home will require an adult signature (ages 18+). Orders to residential addresses must be signed at the delivery address; no signature will result in the package being returned to our facility.

Shipping policy

We are the North American Source of Ko-ken Tools from Japan. Our parent company, Ko-ken Tools, is a fourth generation family owned and operated business in Japan, with 140+ employees. The focus of the business is entirely on Sockets and Socket wrenches.

kokenusa.com

 

[rick carpenter]

Is there anywhere to get the magnetic Vessel Screwdriver Rack SRM-16510 besides JDV? I find their UPS shipping excessive. I didn't see this rack on the Amazon Japan or Vessel Japan websites. Hopefully it's not an exclusive item for JDV.

Welcome to VESSEL TOOLS

. Read more

www.vesseltools.com

 

[m6z]

 

[Dave455]

Nice!

I’ve been considering a pair of those Engineer scissors.

So much of the stuff I need to cut seems to need a tool somewhere between conventional scissors and snips.

I’ve been using some medics “trauma shears” with some success, but they are designed for specific applications, and a bit cumbersome sometimes. The Engineer scissors are a better solution

I like the red handles, I only see them in dark green here.

 

[darkzero]

Nice!

I’ve been considering a pair of those Engineer scissors.

So much of the stuff I need to cut seems to need a tool somewhere between conventional scissors and snips.

I like the red handles, I only see them in dark green here.

Those Engineer PH-55 scissors are awesome, very sharp too. Before I got them, for tougher stuff I used to use kitchen shears, the serrated kind for cutting bones or a pair of fiber optic scissors (also serrated), Jonard are the ones I have I think. I have a pair of Milwaukee scissors, the larger offset blades, that also has a serrated edge but it's a bit to large for my liking & I don't like the offset that much. I love their straight version but they're not serrated.

The Engineers used to only come in dark green or red for the Vampliers branded ones. The red ones from Engineer are new (darker red than Vampliers) and also come in black & white now from Engineer. I still prefer the dark green ones though. For the new colors the plastic look glossy, I'm not sure if they're made of a different type of plastic, just speculating.

 

[Dave455]

Those Engineer PH-55 scissors are awesome, very sharp too. Before I got them, for tougher stuff I used to use kitchen shears, the serrated kind for cutting bones or a pair of fiber optic scissors (also serrated), Jonard are the ones I have I think. I have a pair of Milwaukee scissors, the larger offset blades, that also has a serrated edge but it's a bit to large for my liking & I don't like the offset that much. I love their straight version but they're not serrated.

The Engineers used to only come in dark green or red for the Vampliers branded ones. The red ones from Engineer are new (darker red than Vampliers) and also come in black & white now from Engineer. I still prefer the dark green ones though. For the new colors the plastic look glossy, I'm not sure if they're made of a different type of plastic, just speculating.

Thanks.

I can get the Engineer versions relatively inexpensively, the Vampire less so, so it’s looking like green for me. I haven’t seen the red Engineer ones in the U.K. yet.

I normally like green, but for tools I prefer a brighter shade, or brighter colour!

 

[Half-fast eddie]

Do the different colors mean anything on the scissors?

 

[Dave455]

Do the different colors mean anything on the scissors?

I don’t think so, I just like bright colours on tool handles. Makes ‘em easier to find if I drop them, and generally prevents me leaving them in vehicles or at jobs!

 

[Reed Prince]

I noticed that your KTC pliers are finished slightly differently than the ones I bought a few years ago...



... so I did a quick image search and found this:




I bought a pair of "Japanese style diagonal cutters" when I wanted to try a Victor Plus+ tool, but I never really warmed to them. They don't seem to do anything better than "Western style" ones do, and I find the different cutting angle to be awkward, but maybe I'm just not used to them. Do you like your Hozans?

 

[pizza]

i think the older KTC slipjoints look cooler. love that red accent. the first time i saw them, i had to do a double take.

the new ones are far less distinctive and interesting looking.

 

[m6z]

The scissors are the same, only the handle color is different. Red for the garage, black for the house.

It all arrived today so I haven't used any of it. Everything looks and feels top quality though.

 

[Two Speed]

I bought a pair of "Japanese style diagonal cutters" when I wanted to try a Victor Plus+ tool, but I never really warmed to them. They don't seem to do anything better than "Western style" ones do, and I find the different cutting angle to be awkward, but maybe I'm just not used to them. Do you like your Hozans?

For working on circuit boards the extra angle is great, keeps your knuckles away from the leads coming through the circuit board. As a carry it in your pocket to cut tywraps and wire, yes, I also find the extra angle awkward.

 

[Reed Prince]

For working on circuit boards the extra angle is great, keeps your knuckles away from the leads coming through the circuit board. As a carry it in your pocket to cut tywraps and wire, yes, I also find the extra angle awkward.

I like that style sometimes for electronics work and have a few examples, but haven't found it to be an advantage yet for a larger electrician's tool.

 

[jobo1004]

Picked up a few Koken items from Amazon.jp.

 

[macgee]

Is there anywhere to get the magnetic Vessel Screwdriver Rack SRM-16510 besides JDV? I find their UPS shipping excessive. I didn't see this rack on the Amazon Japan or Vessel Japan websites. Hopefully it's not an exclusive item for JDV.

Welcome to VESSEL TOOLS

. Read more

www.vesseltools.com

Rick,

That doesn't look like an actual orig. Vessel Japan part and maybe aftermarket that JDV is sourcing themselves and placed their Vesseltools.com website sticker on it.
I would contact Vessel USA (in CA) and ask them; they're really good helping with things like this. They should quickly be able to tell you if its something they made and if so, where else it is in stock in the US. I'm betting it's an aftermarket item that works with Vessel Megadora drivers.

 

[Zjenji]

Hey everyone, I ordered a set of these the other day from Amazon.co.jp because I liked the look. Problem is, I have no idea who or what GranGear is. Looks like there is a few different GranGear colabs on other tools too. Anyone know who they are? Thanks!

ps Google was no help either.

 

[Reed Prince]

Hey everyone, I ordered a set of these the other day from Amazon.co.jp because I liked the look. Problem is, I have no idea who or what GranGear is. Looks like there is a few different GranGear colabs on other tools too. Anyone know who they are? Thanks!

ps Google was no help either.

The katakana for GranGear is グランギア. I found some information here: https://diamond-rm.net/sales-promotion/60843/

 

[Zjenji]

The katakana for GranGear is グランギア. I found some information here: https://diamond-rm.net/sales-promotion/60843/

That is definitely it. Thank you!

 

[Ton ton]

Followup: The new KTC roto ratchet is awesome. The time saved by pivoting the handle parallel to the square drive and utilizing it as a ratcheting screwdriver is something I never thought about till I started using it!

If I had a motorcycle, that's how I would fix it too.

 

[tamaraw]

Just got this cool Ko-Ken spark plug socket and spent more than I'd like to think about on a single socket.

3300C.250-16
This is the longer 250mm version for 16mm (5/8") plugs, I believe there is also a shorter 180mm version.

The knurling and the fact that it is a single piece should be nice for threading plugs in by hand; less slop or wobble than a jointed connection. Length comparison next to the generic parts store socket and old craftsman extension I was previously using.


It also uses spring clips to hold the plug (quite securely might I add), so no more mucking about with a rubber washer that keeps falling out or won't seat right.