Thanks for the response. That (compactness of the KTC swivel head) is definitely an advantage but is also the limitation (amount of torque it can handle) when compared to Ko-ken. I might have to get one of these some day haha...
Tools of Japan
- Thread starter Frankstools
- Start date
Thanks for the response. That (compactness of the KTC swivel head) is definitely an advantage but is also the limitation (amount of torque it can handle) when compared to Ko-ken. I might have to get one of these some day haha...
Odd-job
Well-known member
I basically did the same thing this weekend by breaking a bolt trying to change valve cover gaskets. The engineer pliers really saved my bacon. I need to buy more now.Thanks to you guys, I been stocking up on lot of cool Japanese tools for past few months and I finally got to use some of these tools extensively during the timing belt and water pump change for the 2000 Toyota Solara. What surprised me the most was which tools I ended up using the most. Before I started the work, I thought it would be my Koken Zeal series but ended up being the following four from the top:
1. KTC Hose Clip Plier AE932
2. Koken 3/8 Swivel Head Ratchet 3776N
3. KTC 3/8 swivel ratchet long BRSW3L
4. Engineer Nejisaurus PZ-57
Hose clip plier needs no explanation. Made things so much easier than using standard needle nose plier or even compared to Knipex Cobras.
Koken and KTC swivel head ratchet really surprised me. Ability to angle things made so much easier to access the nut and bolts I need it to get to (thanks Toyota for cramming everything in a weird way, unlike Honda). Should of got swivel heads long time ago.
And the one I was most impressed with was the Nejisaurus PZ-57. I was teaching my son how to use torque wrench and allowed him to screw in a 10mm bolt for the back timing belt cover that is screwed into the aluminum engine block, right below the valve cover. He went too fast, wasn't holding the torque wrench correctly, and the bolt snapped (completely my fault.....bad teacher). So I had to stare at this thing to ask myself do I drill, get some bolt extractor tool, etc. knowing that if I chose the wrong method, I can make things worse (bolt gets further stuck, metal shavings going into engine, so forth) I even thought of taking the valve cover off just to get access from the other side which would have been a pain (thanks again Toyota!). 30 minutes has passed. Then I thought of this Nejisaurus. I wish I took a picture before extracting but it looked as if the broken bolt has nothing extended to bite into. Nejisaurus was able to grab what I believe to be 0.1mm of the edge of the bolt and it created enough friction, bite to turn......I mean wholly ****! Had to show it to my son immediately (so he won't feel bad) and my wife because that's how elated I was. Worth every penny and then some.
Honorable mention to Koken nut gripper sockets. They were also handy taking bolts on and off in tight spaces without dropping them into a Black Hole.
Do what I did and what any true GJ member will do. Buy both. Why pick one or the other if you don’t have to. I liked KCT swivel so much, I’m really thinking of getting the shorter handle one as well.
Yea…they earned my money. I currently own PZ-59 and mentioned PZ-57 and now PZ—58 is sitting in my Amazon Japan cart right now.
Odd-job
Well-known member
Woah we must have been separated at birth!
Genuinely curious what people have loaded into their carts right now to take advantage of the $ vs Yen
Here's mine (sorry about some of the non-tool purchases):
Also let me know if I am accidentally buying any non Japanese made stuff. Know the Tone stuff is questionable.
USD 124.76
- Kai Corporation Shun Classic Carving Knife, 7.9 inches (200 mm), Damascus Stainless Steel, Made in JapanKai Corporation Shun Classic Carving Knife, 7.9 inches (200 mm), Damascus Stainless Steel, Made in Japan
- Style: Carving Knife Single
- MP8-150 (150MM)MP8-150 (150MM)
- #1 Best Seller
in Snap-Ring Pliers in Snap-Ring Pliers - Style: Vent type with blade
USD 9.97
- Hario Cold Brew Coffee PotHario Cold Brew Coffee Pot
- #1 Best Seller
in Cold Brew Coffee Makers in Cold Brew Coffee Makers
USD 38.93
- Engineer So Strong Driver DI – 11 Engineer So Strong Driver DI – 11
- Size: (-)6.35×102㎜
USD 3.80
USD 3.61
- Rigid Hex BitRigid Hex Bit
- Size: 150mm5本組セット(ホルダー付)
USD 12.30
- Ball Point Go-sai BitBall Point Go-sai Bit
- Size: 100mm5本組セット
USD 9.21
- M160-22X24M160-22X24
- Only 12 left in stock - order soon.
- This will be a gift (Sender's name will be displayed)This is a gift Learn more
- Size: 仕様サイズ:22×24mm
USD 21.72
Amazon Points: 29pt (1%)
- Kyoto Tool Co., Ltd. (KTC), BS3L Long Spinner Handle, Insertion Angle: 0.4 inch (9.5 mm), Total Length: 15.7 inches (400 mm)Kyoto Tool Co., Ltd. (KTC), BS3L Long Spinner Handle, Insertion Angle: 0.4 inch (9.5 mm), Total Length: 15.7 inches (400 mm)
- Size: 差込角(mm):9.50
- Style: Total Length: 15.7 inches (400 mm)
USD 24.26
- Tone HPEX20-600 Extension Bar, 1/4 in. (6.35 mm) Drive, Total Length: 23.6 in. (600 mm)Tone HPEX20-600 Extension Bar, 1/4 in. (6.35 mm) Drive, Total Length: 23.6 in. (600 mm)
- Only 2 left in stock (more on the way).
- This will be a gift (Sender's name will be displayed)This is a gift Learn more
- Size: HPEX20-600:全長:600
USD 14.28
Amazon Points: 19pt (1%)
USD 12.85
USD 22.60
USD 15.30
USD 22.37
- ENGINEER INC. Screw removal pliers M2 PZ-57ENGINEER INC. Screw removal pliers M2 PZ-57
- Color: 1. For Φ2-3.5mm
- Pattern Name: Single Item
USD 12.00
- ENGINEER INC. Screw removal pliers GT PZ-58ENGINEER INC. Screw removal pliers GT PZ-58
- #1 Best Seller
in Standard Pliers in Standard Pliers
USD 18.35
![[KTC] Super Long Straight Glasses Wrench, Model: M160 – X], Opens in a new tab](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51Gsh6m+4JL._AC_AA180_.jpg "[KTC] Super Long Straight Glasses Wrench, Model: M160 – X], Opens in a new tab")
- [KTC] Super Long Straight Glasses Wrench, Model: M160 – X][KTC] Super Long Straight Glasses Wrench, Model: M160 – X]
- Size: 仕様サイズ:17×19mm
USD 16.22
USD 13.88
- KTC M160-12X14 Ultra Long Straight Eyeglass WrenchKTC M160-12X14 Ultra Long Straight Eyeglass Wrench
- Size: 仕様サイズ:12×14mm
- M160-8X10M160-8X10
- Size: 仕様サイズ:8×10mm
USD 9.07
USD 13.88
Odd-job
Well-known member
This seems like a cheap thin wrench set, but missing the 15x16 
. Not sure if its made in Japan. Thought searching for "日本製" would help me figure it out, but I guess you can never trust Amazon.
. Not sure if its made in Japan. Thought searching for "日本製" would help me figure it out, but I guess you can never trust Amazon.Moose-LandTran
Well-known member
Is it not all made in Japan? I was looking at some of their sockets to buy, extra long 10mm and 12mm for headbolts. There are some bigger ones too, but tempted to get them from KTC.
Not sure where is best to buy from, Amazon Japan don't have all the things i want it seems. Might try Rakuten or Monotaro if anyone's used them before?
Dave455
Well-known member
If you are looking for thin wrenches the KTC ”Profit” are exceptionally nice.This seems like a cheap thin wrench set, but missing the 15x16
Most Japanese tool sets don't cover those sizes. 16mm is an ANSI size and 15mm isn't very common anywhere that I know of except bicycles. Looks like Top decided to cover the common JIS sizes that might be used on wheel castors and threw in an 11x13 for oddball foreign stuff. Most of the Top stuff is made in Japan but I'm not sure on these, the finish does seem a bit rougher than their regular wrenches.This seems like a cheap thin wrench set, but missing the 15x16
BlitzcrankJapan
Well-known member
Tone is definitely not all made in Japan.
They are quite tricky with their marketing actually. Their quality is quite high but I do not especially like their marketing.
The last few years they have been at many motorsport events here in Australia. Their price here is too high, and their marketing makes it seem like they are all Japanese tools. But many of their tools are made in Taiwan.
No, it's a Japanese company but some of their stuff is manufactured in Taiwan. Doesn't make them bad tools though.
riceaterSLC
Well-known member
- Joined
- Jun 23, 2011
- Messages
- 89
Those characters mean made in Japan. But of course ymmv. Who knows the accuracy of Amazon and COO.This seems like a cheap thin wrench set, but missing the 15x16
Odd-job
Well-known member
Another user mentioned that Tone country of origin can be hit or miss with respect to made in Japan. Sort of like how Wera and Williams have stuff that is made in other Asian countries.
Can't comment on Rakuten and Monotaro. Curious how the shipping stacks up to Amazon JP which seems "reasonable".
Odd-job
Well-known member
Those do look nice indeed. Wonder if they meant to say "Prophet" or if it means KTC profiting off of me these days?!?If you are looking for thin wrenches the KTC ”Profit” are exceptionally nice.
Odd-job
Well-known member
Seems like even the manufacturer websites get a little cryptic on country of origin as well. At least as far as I can tell from the Tone website for example.
Moose-LandTran
Well-known member
Well that's a shame to hear. They have quite an extensive range.
Their marketing sounds similar to Teng Tools, but no doubt better quality as Teng is hideously overpriced for very mediorce stuff with an awful finish.
I still might try those sockets then. KTC make the same type but the Tone ones look slightly nicer.
Wera are a little disappointing in their outsourcing, for what they charge for some items. I have one of their torque wrenches, and while i have no issues with it it cost more than an equivalent Norbar which i find is actually much nicer.
I've not used any of Wera's newer sockets, but i have two older W. Germany Wera bit sockets and they're very nicely made.
Anyone heard of NAC Nagahori Industry?
HOME - NAC - NAGAHORI INDUSTRY CO., LTD. is a quality manufacturer of Quick Couplings, Impact Sockets and Screwdriver Bits.
The high quality leading manufacturing company for "connection tools" such as impact sockets, screwdriver bits and quick couplings. Our long and technical experience as advanced manufacturer will definitely improve many kinds of manufacturing sites.
www.nac-corp.co.jp
They have a quite small specialized product range, seemingly all made in Japan. I might buy a couple of their impact hex drivers:
I think it is actually supposed to be a portmanteau of "professional" and "fit", at least how it is said in Japanese. They are supposedly aimed at professionals and designed to be a bit slimmer to fit into narrower areas. You can see a comparison between the profit combination wrenches and the standard KTC ones here:
humpty
Well-known member
Is there a post anywhere that has a "tutorial" on setting up and buying on Amazon.JP?
Not that I need/want that temptation but...
Not that I need/want that temptation but...
jobo1004
Well-known member
MrSubaru1387 put out a video a few months back.
Odd-job
Well-known member
Thanks for the video. Not that many profit options on Amazon JP.
Yeah, I'm putting together a cart right now and I notice some of their selection is spotty or doesn't ship internationally. Prices still seem better than most other import options in the US though.
This is the full selection of profit if you want to search on part numbers to find other sources. There's a Google translate button near the upper left.
Odd-job
Well-known member
Definitely a limited/specialized line without the Nepros pricing. My issue is nothing in the Profit lineup is 16mm. Most of my access issues where these would be advantageous are on Mercedes.Yeah, I'm putting together a cart right now and I notice some of their selection is spotty or doesn't ship internationally. Prices still seem better than most other import options in the US though.
This is the full selection of profit if you want to search on part numbers to find other sources. There's a Google translate button near the upper left.
macgee
Well-known member
+1If you are looking for thin wrenches the KTC ”Profit” are exceptionally nice.
I agree and can't say enough about having a good tappet wrench set in the collection, especially if you have a machine shop. Every time I need one, I smile when pulling the set out (MM & imperial) knowing how much they just saved my bacon and they've been worth every cent/yen. I just used my 11/32" thin tappet this morning to adjust/dial in a Starrett #98-8 machinist level. I would have been forced spending time grinding down a sacrificial wrench to get the job done.
I use them a lot more than I thought I would. They need to be made with good quality hard steal to work well & last due there inherited thin shape. They're worth the investment.
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Odd-job
Well-known member
I love DRPD, but right now it makes more sense to buy Japanese tools from Amazon JP. DRPD is cheapest on PB Swiss pricing though
Profit wrenches 8-14 on Amazon JP is $68, DRPD is $89. Free shipping, sales tax, customs might impact the spread though.
Either way you’re going to love them! I use them on my 4 wheeler all the time and keep them in my off-road kit. Slim, but tough.I love DRPD, but right now it makes more sense to buy Japanese tools from Amazon JP. DRPD is cheapest on PB Swiss pricing though
Profit wrenches 8-14 on Amazon JP is $68, DRPD is $89. Free shipping, sales tax, customs might impact the spread though.
Odd-job
Well-known member
Am getting so close to pulling the trigger. Trying to get over my phobia of no 16 and 18.
HenryAZ
MEMBER EMERITUS
I got my order delivered in 4 days shipping time. Even though I requested cheapest shipping, they sent it FedEx.
Do you have a part number (if it is made) for a Toyota branded 12mm nutsetter?
Reed Prince
Well-known member
New 3/8" Nepros soon.
General Geoff
Well-known member
I don't speak Japanese but from skimming through the video, looks like it's been heavily redesigned and miniaturized. Looks promising. I don't own any NEPROS tools yet but this might finally get me to try one out. Smaller = better for ratchet heads that actually see use.
macgee
Well-known member
This little guy arrived today; Tsunoda # MNK-125 made in Japan. Can't yet speak about durability or edge hardness but has a velvety feel, nice spring, perfectly sharpened edges (test cuts individual human hairs) w/no gaps and almost a flush cut, tidy finish and coated grip feels good.
Zero complaints for $15.50, quickly delivered to my front door. Should be good for smaller typical copper cuts, perfect for electronics work and low voltage. Time will tell how well they hold up but I like.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B002RDDM0I/?tag=atomicindus08-20
Zero complaints for $15.50, quickly delivered to my front door. Should be good for smaller typical copper cuts, perfect for electronics work and low voltage. Time will tell how well they hold up but I like.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B002RDDM0I/?tag=atomicindus08-20
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Model will be NBR390a. Release date is August 1st, 2022. This puts it closer, dimensionally, to the Koken Zeal. Can’t wait to order this!
That's a lot of changes after 10 years. Size, how the gear interacts between peak and valley, weight (including more hollowing out of the handle). Takanokura-san made it clear that these new models will ship out of KTC factory on 8/1/22 so probably won't see in retail until few days later.
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Just watched the Nepros video. I have no idea what he was saying but I had no idea Nepros ratchet handles were hollow. First thought was how is that possible, then I saw where it looks like the end is a cap where the black ring is. Then I tried to take the ring off mine to have a look but it's still on tight so I didn't bother & no need anyway.
New Nepros looks tempting with 4° now but my mine are still pretty new with very little use still so no upgrading for me.
New Nepros looks tempting with 4° now but my mine are still pretty new with very little use still so no upgrading for me.
rick carpenter
Well-known member
Anyone heard of NAC Nagahori Industry?
HOME - NAC - NAGAHORI INDUSTRY CO., LTD. is a quality manufacturer of Quick Couplings, Impact Sockets and Screwdriver Bits.
The high quality leading manufacturing company for "connection tools" such as impact sockets, screwdriver bits and quick couplings. Our long and technical experience as advanced manufacturer will definitely improve many kinds of manufacturing sites.
They have a quite small specialized product range, seemingly all made in Japan. I might buy a couple of their impact hex drivers:
Click on the link then watch the youtube vid.
4xdog
Well-known member
I don't believe there's a Vessel Megadora/Toyota 12mm nut driver (or socket driver, to use Toyota's terminology). My guess is Toyota expect one to use a socket/ratchet or box wrench by that point.
There are two other Vessel/Toyota nut drivers, but they're less common sizes than the 8 mm or 10 mm.
5.5 mm Toyota (Vessel) socket driver: 09041-2C100
7 mm Toyota (Vessel) socket driver: 09041-2C110
Dave455
Well-known member
If you click on youtube subtitles, then the “tools” symbol, you can select english subtitles, which helps (sort of)!
The hollow handles are needed for balance.
I saw a picture once, showing how it was done. If I recall correctly, they are welded on near the front of the hollow part. The area with the black ring is one piece.
It’s an awful lot of trouble to go to, but typical of the way KTC have approached the Nepros range.
That's the 1st thing I tried. I only get the option for Japanese subtitles both on my TV & phone. I'm not running the official YT app on my TV or phone though & they are 2 different apps (I really only watch YT on my TV). Well I suppose I could try on my computer but whatever, maybe if I get bored.
Dave455
Well-known member
Received a few Vessel items this morning.
I don’t really need more Pozidriv’s, but I use them daily and one of the U.K. dealers is closing down and selling these really cheap (A No.2 Pozi is the equivalent of $2). If you view them as semi consumable, stocking up seems like a plan!
The chisel driver wasn’t on such a discount, but I’ve wanted to try one for a while. It’s a tool for all who ignore the “Don’t use as a pry bar or chisel” warnings, as that’s what it seems to be designed for! Seems very nicely made.
I don’t really need more Pozidriv’s, but I use them daily and one of the U.K. dealers is closing down and selling these really cheap (A No.2 Pozi is the equivalent of $2). If you view them as semi consumable, stocking up seems like a plan!
The chisel driver wasn’t on such a discount, but I’ve wanted to try one for a while. It’s a tool for all who ignore the “Don’t use as a pry bar or chisel” warnings, as that’s what it seems to be designed for! Seems very nicely made.
Half-fast eddie
Well-known member
Chisel driver? Looks like it’s made for large slotted screws.