Tools of Japan

[sweet victory]

I notice, and I’ll attach a screenshot of Zjenji’s picture, that the Japanese bits seem to have a slightly different fitting to the European ”E6” style. I seem to recall hearing that somewhere too.
While it seems that you can use European bits in Japanese tools, does the reverse hold good?

I believe @superautobacs mentioned in one of his videos he uses a bench grinder to make his Japanese bits compatible with his non-Japanese bit holders/tools. Basically just grind off some material on the end so the detent is able to be seated in the relief.

 

[Qualitytools]

Not always, sometimes they are about the same size on smaller drivers.

Besides, a 1/4" hex bit is about 6.85mm in diameter and the holder for it is generally around 10.5-11mm in diameter.

Recessed fasteners for electronics could be some distance down a 4-6mm diameter well (and those aren't even particularly small) where just the hex at the end of the bit will restrict access. Fixed blade drivers with beefed up hex shanks can have similar issues.

And large 8 or 9mm diameter wells might let the whole bit in but the holder would still be too large to go down the hole. If you are going to make a long bit, you might as well build it with a decently narrow shank to fit as many applications as possible instead of just stretching the 1/4" hex on the one end. YMMV

Indeed, I see that situation in small printers, electronics and toys often.

 

[4xdog]

A few more JDM Toyota tools. OEM for the drivers is Vessel, of course. KTC for the 36T, 3/8" ratchet. Tajima for the tape measure. Unknown (edit: likely OH Industrial) for the nylon soft-face hammer.

Part numbers shown in the last photo.









Note the 8mm and 10mm nut driver handles are the largest size Megadora, noticeably larger than the flat head and #2 crosshead shown for reference.


Toyota part numbers shown here.

 

[Ton ton]

I'm going to guess Vessel on the hammer.

 

[tamaraw]

Just had these Asahi "strong type" single open wrenches delivered.

They were only a couple dollars a piece (under 5 usd I think?) so I figured I would grab a few in Honda alignment sizes instead of investing some crazy amount in Nepros or Snap-on when they will rarely get used and probably be abused. I chose the single open vs double open because I figured they would be easier to hold and could fit a cheater bar if need be.

Well hot damn, I am impressed! They feel good in the hand, the jaws are certainly beefed up with the raised section, and the finish and broaching quality seem quite nice for the application. I really can't believe these are so cheap, I'm excited to use them!

 

[4xdog]

I'm going to guess Vessel on the hammer.

I'm guessing OH Industrial Co., Ltd. is the OEM for the Toyota soft-face plastic hammer 09051-1C110. They're the guys that make the corresponding Toyota ball pein hammer. I just haven't seen this specific one in the OH hammer catalog yet.

オーエッチ工業_総合カタログVol10

 

[Brian Puccio]

I placed my first amazon.co.jp order a few weeks ago. I figured bundling a bunch of things into one order would spread out the shipping cost so I ordered pretty much anything I thought about buying after reading this thread for a while.



Here's what kicked it all off:



I had some screws in some electronics that were totally stripped and needed to come out and couldn't be drilled out. Could I have just bought vampliers domestically and called it a day? Yes.

I should mention these photos were taken after I used them. The gripping teeth still look good. They worked fantastic.





Also got the "case"/"cover"/whatever since they're spring-loaded and this will keep them closed.



And since most of my tools are on the smaller side dealing with electronics, computers, servers, etc. I got its smaller counterpart:







If it helps give you a sense of scale, each square is a 0.5" x 0.5" (sorry, metric buddies).

 

[Brian Puccio]

I also got flush cutters with the offcut hold feature:



The offcut holders are replaceable and a bit rough around the edges (but whatever):



You can see the holders extend past the cutting edges, which means whatever you're cutting you will first squeeze and hold with the holders (which could be good or bad if you needed what you were cutting to not move):








Low profile screwdrivers have been on my list for a while:



Profile view with quarter for scale (though grid is 0.5" as well):



And a thicker but angled and ratcheting:

 

[Brian Puccio]

And if there's even more room than those will work in, a right-angle driver adapter:



The four bits it comes with are nor the normal length bits. But on the other hand, the shank that goes into the driver has the longer than euro anvil. Here's a comparison with a Wiha impact bit:



I already tested in my 12v and 18v drivers and it doesn't lock in. I'll probably file/grind it down unless you guys have a better idea.

All of your PB Swiss things are pretty (and pretty expensive) and the "coin slot opener" is nifty. Here's the Anex equivalent for much less:







On the opposite end of the driver spectrum these screwdrivers got good reviews and were pretty cheap, so I bought myself a set. And the girlfriend. And my brother. And my sister. And my parents. We all wear glasses so that's what they'll likely be used for by most of them.







The tips look good. The knurling on the handle is great. The rubber grippy part is super soft. And it's all capped off with a cheap looking piece of plastic on the end:

 

[Brian Puccio]

Picked up three different sizes of screwdriver shaft magnets:



My hope was that the larger ones would fit on Wiha Drive-Loc System 6 blades (6mm hex) and the smaller ones would fit on System 4 blades (4mm hex). They fit perfectly:



The third pair are a "one size fits all" deal -- they expand/compress:





Which means they fit both sizes, but are snug on the Drive-Loc System 6 and loose but doable on the System 4:



Olfa just because, including the skinniest knife I've seen:





And since I got an air compressor recently, need an air gun:



I read that this model is good for being able to let out just a bit of air, avoiding the entire "nothing nothing nothing nothing FULL BLAST" no matter how measured your squeeze. Once the filter for the compressor gets here, I'll try it out. Until then, here's the mechanism:



It is most definitely not a "four fingers on the trigger" size. But I do like that the hook to hand it is metal.

 

[Brian Puccio]

Shinto saw rasp (which I didn't know was even a thing until this thread):



It has a coarse side:



And a fine side:



And some lens fluid and lens paper since it was cheaper than B&H:



I didn't spring for the faster of the two shipping options, but after it sat in processing for over a week, it made it from Japan to NY (just outside of NYC) in a few days. The box was a bit beat up, but everything survived, despite there being plenty of room to bounce around inside.

 

[HenryAZ]

A few more JDM Toyota tools.

Where do you source those JDM Toyota tools?

 

[Qualitytools]

A few more JDM Toyota tools. OEM for the drivers is Vessel, of course. KTC for the 36T, 3/8" ratchet. Tajima for the tape measure. Unknown for the nylon soft-face hammer.

Part numbers shown in the last photo.









Note the 8mm and 10mm nut driver handles are the largest size Megadora, noticeably larger than the flat head and #2 crosshead shown for reference.


Toyota part numbers shown here.

That's interesting! Are these tools available thru Toyota's dealership network? Are the tools supplied with certain models in a tool kit of some kind?

 

[4xdog]

Where do you source those JDM Toyota tools?

Same place I've used in the past, as discussed upthread in this post:

Tools of Japan

Recently received from Japan: Toyota 09051-1C100, a 16oz/450g ball peen hammer made by OH (One Hand?) in Japan. Pretty good, simple hammer for $14 from Toyota Japan (before any shipping).

www.garagejournal.com

Once one knows the part number one wants, there are a number of companies that will source them and ship to the US for generally reasonable pricing. I've used this one over the years and have been happy with their service -- great communication, fast shipping, secure packaging.

In fact, you might have forgotten, @HenryAZ, but you and I have had exactly this discussion before!

Tools of Japan

Recently received from Japan: Toyota 09051-1C100, a 16oz/450g ball peen hammer made by OH (One Hand?) in Japan. Pretty good, simple hammer for $14 from Toyota Japan (before any shipping).

www.garagejournal.com

 

[4xdog]

That's interesting! Are these tools available thru Toyota's dealership network? Are the tools supplied with certain models in a tool kit of some kind?

I don't believe Toyota USA bring in any of those part numbers -- but if you have time/interest, give it a try. I believe all of those tools are shop service tools, not toolkits in any vehicle.

 

[Qualitytools]

Just had these Asahi "strong type" single open wrenches delivered.

They were only a couple dollars a piece (under 5 usd I think?) so I figured I would grab a few in Honda alignment sizes instead of investing some crazy amount in Nepros or Snap-on when they will rarely get used and probably be abused. I chose the single open vs double open because I figured they would be easier to hold and could fit a cheater bar if need be.

Well hot damn, I am impressed! They feel good in the hand, the jaws are certainly beefed up with the raised section, and the finish and broaching quality seem quite nice for the application. I really can't believe these are so cheap, I'm excited to use them!

I am very interested in these wrenches, do you mind sharing where you purchased them please? Thanks

 

[1foxracing]

I'm going to guess Vessel on the hammer.

I agree looks identical to the one I have.

 

[m6z]

@4xdog

Where did you order those Toyota items from?

 

[4xdog]

I agree looks identical to the one I have.

Does Vessel actually make hammers? i always thought they bought those in.

The part numbers for the soft face heads on my Toyota hammer refer one to replacements from OH. I'm confident mine -- and probably yours -- were manufactured by OH.

 

[4xdog]

@4xdog

Where did you order those Toyota items from?

This was addressed four posts up from your original, @m6z. The link there back to a post from a year ago has everything you're interested in.

 

[Ton ton]

Does Vessel actually make hammers? i always thought they bought those in.

The part numbers for the soft face heads on my Toyota hammer refer one to replacements from OH. I'm confident mine -- and probably yours -- were manufactured by OH.

I have no clue if Vessel actually makes the hammers. But I saw a vessel hammer on Instagram very similar to this one.

 

[4xdog]

Does Vessel actually make hammers? i always thought they bought those in.

The part numbers for the soft face heads on my Toyota hammer refer one to replacements from OH. I'm confident mine -- and probably yours -- were manufactured by OH.

Here's the Toyota plastic hammer next to the Toyota ball pein, Same laser-engraved logo on the handle. And while the OH logo is a lot clearer on the forged ball pein, one can see it on the cast plastic hammerhead, too.

 

[tamaraw]

I am very interested in these wrenches, do you mind sharing where you purchased them please? Thanks

I ordered these from frankstools.com but you can find them elsewhere as well. I think Amazon.co.jp might have slightly better prices.

The full selection with part numbers (5.5mm-200mm!!!) is on page 27 of the catalog here:

Catalog | ASAHI TOOLS

asahi-tool.co.jp

 

[Half-fast eddie]

Interesting that the 2 smaller ones have round ends on the handles, the larger ones are square.

 

[tamaraw]

Interesting that the 2 smaller ones have round ends on the handles, the larger ones are square.

Yes, I noticed that too. I'm not sure if it is a size split or something to do with production date. If you look closely, you can see that the marking on the 22mm is also stamped rather than cast in.

I think there are some slight variations across the range but I don't mind. I plan to grab a 21mm for Honda fuel filter hexes and maybe some smaller sizes as well.

 

[Half-fast eddie]

Any idea why the shaft is dimpled?

Any idea why the shafts are dimpled?

 

[darkzero]

Here's the Toyota plastic hammer next to the Toyota ball pein, Same laser-engraved logo on the handle. And while the OH logo is a lot clearer on the forged ball pein, one can see it on the cast plastic hammerhead, too.

While I'll agree that one looks very similar to the Vessel, the hammer tips remind me of the Vessel I have with the gel grip handle, I believe it more closely resembles the OH, even down to the casting. The Vessel has the Vessel name casted in the head, that Vessel may possibly be made by OH too.

OH PL

 

[darkzero]

Any idea why the shaft is dimpled?

Any idea why the shafts are dimpled?

Seeing the collar on the Wiha handle that's pictured, looks like the dimples are for adjustable length, pull back the collar to adjust like a Wera except Weras don't have so many points of adjustability.

 

[Half-fast eddie]

Seeing the collar on the Wiha handle that's pictured, looks like the dimples are for adjustable length, pull back the collar to adjust like a Wera except Weras don't have so many points of adjustability.

I didn't seee the collar at first. That makes sense.

 

[Brian Puccio]

I didn't seee the collar at first. That makes sense.

Yup, you guys are right — you can pick the length the blade sticks out with a lot of granularity.

 

[Madjik Man]

So I've been involved with a construction project from hell (currently in arbitration if that helps explain things). And I've been without my garage for nearly two years.

All my tools are in a storage unit two miles away. Inconvenient. So a lot of my tools are sitting in the corner of my bedroom and for the past two years I've been buying new tools or upgrades to the tool set I have. In the late 80s I bought the classic Craftsman (USA) mechanic set. I've added to it here and there but for the most part it has served me, and my moderate DIYing, very well.

Early this year I spoiled myself with my first ever ratchet purchase in 30+ years + some extra goodies.

All Koken

Koken Z Series 3/8 Ratchet Flex Head 178mm length (my go to ratchet now, even though I'm still getting used to a flex head)
Koken 2725Z 3/8 ratchet in 1/4 body (when I first opened this I laughed at how tiny it is. But I love this ratchet for smaller stuff.)
Koken 3/8 shallow socket set metric
Koken 3756z3/8 Ratchet Quick Spinner
Koken 16mm spark plug socket

When I put these sockets on the Koken ratchets there's very little wiggle, if any at all. It's really impressive coming from 30+ year old Craftsman ratchets and sockets which almost feel like wobble/universal at this point with how much play the anvil/head has.

I love the texture on the socket base. Knurling is always nice but this texture is more subtle and very grippy.

One note that I'm a little disturbed by is the stamping on the sockets. As you can see in the pictures, the alignment is all over the place. Especially noticeable when they are in the socket rail provided with the set (which is really nice). The size stampings point right, point left, off center left, etc. And trust me, I've tried every 90* orientation to line them all up but to no avail. The stampings are off.

Pretty shocked for how extremely tight the tolerances are on everything Koken.

In the end it won't matter because the eventual socket rails I'll be using for organization will have circular posts to place the sockets vs the standard square anvil-like

 

[Madjik Man]

The previous owner of my truck "bro'd" the hell out of it. I'm removing ridiculously installed stereo head units, brake control units, remote starts/alarms and other electronic junk.

I saw a video on youtube (can't remember if it was MrSubaru or someone else that pimps Japanese tools) that had the Merry electrical connector disconnect pliers. I remember rolling my eyes which was quickly followed up with how much finger pain I've endure throughout the three-plus decades of trying to pry apart wiring harness connectors with multiple tabs on the sides.

So I splurged and bought the Merry HS175C-190. After the first time I used it I was in love

 

[Madjik Man]

And because I have three Toyotas (two 1st gen Tacomas and a 3rd gen Prius) I bought a set of JIS screwdrivers.

Vessel 900s (magnetic) without the jaw fit tips. I've seen the jaws fit tip mangle softer fasteners.

 

[HenryAZ]

In fact, you might have forgotten, @HenryAZ, but you and I have had exactly this discussion before!

My memory rarely goes back past 30 days. Getting old *****. I did get the ball pein hammer at that time, but I forget the process. I do recall having to message them and get an invoice. Not having much luck with the part numbers in your most recent post. I must not be doing it right. I get zero returns on the part numbers.

 

[4xdog]

My memory rarely goes back past 30 days. Getting old *****. I did get the ball pein hammer at that time, but I forget the process. I do recall having to message them and get an invoice. Not having much luck with the part numbers in your most recent post. I must not be doing it right. I get zero returns on the part numbers.

Are you saying you sent jp-carparts.com a note with those part numbers and had no luck?

 

[pizza]

One note that I'm a little disturbed by is the stamping on the sockets. As you can see in the pictures, the alignment is all over the place. Especially noticeable when they are in the socket rail provided with the set (which is really nice).

i agree, it's a bummer that their marking/stamping process is seemingly completely random with respect to square drive orientation.

the square drive must not be involved at all in that operation. i wish they somehow used it for part registration though and aligned the stamping.

 

[4xdog]

And because I have three Toyotas (two 1st gen Tacomas and a 3rd gen Prius) I bought a set of JIS screwdrivers.

Vessel 900s (magnetic) without the jaw fit tips. I've seen the jaws fit tip mangle softer fasteners.

I have two Tacomas (Gen 1 and Gen 2) and a Gen 2 Lexus RX. So I'm with ya on Vessel crosspoint drivers -- my favorites by far.

Yes, the JAWSFIT tips can indeed mark a fastener. I'll use them sometimes, but more often than not I'll go for the non-JF "smooth" style.

 

[Madjik Man]

I have two Tacomas (Gen 1 and Gen 2) and a Gen 2 Lexus RX. So I'm with ya on Vessel crosshead drivers -- my favorites by far.

Yes, the JAWSFIT tips can indeed mark a fastener. I'll use them sometimes, but more often than not I'll go for the non-JF "smooth" style.

Love your garage

I love the 1st gen Tacomas. I've owned my '98 xtra cab (230,000 miles) since '99 (10,000 miles) but outgrew it when my daughter got too big to fit in the tiny back.

So I bought an '04 Double Cab, which is great, but still working on some things that the previous owner "bro'd" out. I wish it was stock so I can build upon it that way like I did my '98.

Might sell my '98 (it would rip my heart out) to buy my daughter a newer/safer used car as her first.

 

[darkzero]

And because I have three Toyotas (two 1st gen Tacomas and a 3rd gen Prius) I bought a set of JIS screwdrivers.

I've got a 1st gen Tacoma also (01' DCab 270k mi), I find that not all the cross/phillips screws are "JIS", it's mixed, at least that's what it really seems like to me. After all it is made in the USA, assembled in Fremont, CA. A number of parts are actually US made. But of course the JIS are a better fit for phillips screws anyway.

 

[Madjik Man]

I've got a 1st gen Tacoma also (01' DCab 270k mi), I find that not all the cross/phillips screws are "JIS", it's mixed, at least that's what it really seems like to me. After all it is made in the USA, assembled in Fremont, CA. A number of parts are actually US made. But of course the JIS are a better fit for phillips screws anyway.

Yeah, I'll have to try and find the list of fasteners that are JIS. I know I researched it when I only had my 98 so I don't know how much it applies to my 04 Dcab.