Tools of Japan

[4xdog]

Chisel driver? Looks like it’s made for large slotted screws.

It’s got a sharp point like a cold chisel, and the convenience of a Megadora style handle with striking cap. Not a screwdriver at all, although in smaller images it looks like one.

I’ve beat the living **** out of mine and all its needed is very slight dressing of the edge. It’s made of nice steel.

 

[humpty]

Chisel driver? Looks like it’s made for large slotted screws.

You certainly can use it like a screwdriver but it's more of a forcing, prying, pounding device. You know all the stuff we use screwdrivers for but aren't suppose to.

I use mine all the time for suspension work, pound it in to open stuff up.

 

[ike]

I love my Vessel Chisel driver. Great little demolition tool.

 

[Dave455]

+1
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.

Yes, definitely!

I can’t remember the last time I used “tappet” wrenches for tappets, but there are lots of applications around the machine shop.

What make do you have in SAE sizes? I’ve only got oddments but would like a set, especially in the smaller sizes.

 

[tamaraw]

Chisel driver? Looks like it’s made for large slotted screws.

It actually is a chisel, as described. Metal composition is different than the screwdrivers and it has a sharp pointed tip. Close-up at around 11:50:

There are two sizes, I believe that's the larger one in the video.

I guess you could try to turn a screw with it too but it probably wouldn't work very well with the chisel point unless the slot was really deep.

 

[Dave455]

Chisel driver? Looks like it’s made for large slotted screws.

Definitely a chisel - it’s ground to an edge!

Basically a chisel with a striking cap screwdriver handle. If the steel is decent, which I’m sure it is, I suspect it will see a good deal of use!

I notice Vessel offer trim clip tools in the same style. I might be interested to try these too. Does anybody else have either of these? The more options the better for trim clip tools - I never seem to have one that’s exactly right for the clip!

Edit - crossed with 4xdog and tamaraw.

Second edit - just watched the “Mr Suburu” clip above (he’s caught the Japanese tool condition baaad) and he shows the clip tools too. And the set with the chisel driver, trim tools and hose picks….!

 

[macgee]

Yes, definitely!

I can’t remember the last time I used “tappet” wrenches for tappets, but there are lots of applications around the machine shop.

What make do you have in SAE sizes? I’ve only got oddments but would like a set, especially in the smaller sizes.

Not to get off the topic of this thread but I got very lucky and scored a pristine, very high quality & complete set of Plomb's #34xx made back in the day marked Pratt & Whitney on them and acquired them from Mcdonnell-Douglas, all the flat faces were surface grounded.
If you need a good small set, seach fleaBay for a vintage set Craftsman Midget combination wrench set marked "-V-" series or older set (not stamped). Facom also makes good ones.

Being here the states, it would be great to hear if any Japanese tooling companies are making good straight-forward thin combo wrench sets in metic or imperial sizing. Too bad KTC is not selling theirs as a set and only as individuals and not all sizes. I find 8mm & 10mm sizes very useful and then jumping up to much big sizes. I agree mentioned earlier that 15mm isn't used that much in the shop other than on bicycles and maybe moto's.

 

[4xdog]

...I notice Vessel offer trim clip tools in the same style. I might be interested to try these too. Does anybody else have either of these? The more options the better for trim clip tools - I never seem to have one that’s exactly right for the clip!

Yes, the Vessel clip tool works well -- at least on my two Tacomas and my Lexus RX. It's sized to fit two sizes of clips, and the edges are smooth enough that it doesn't scratch surfaces.

That said, I still usually tape mine when I use it.

 

[Dave455]

Not to get off the topic of this thread but I got very lucky and scored a pristine, very high quality & complete set of Plomb's #34xx made back in the day marked Pratt & Whitney on them and acquired them from Mcdonnell-Douglas, all the flat faces were surface grounded.
If you need a good small set, seach fleaBay for a vintage set Craftsman Midget combination wrench set marked "-V-" series or older set (not stamped). Facom also makes good ones.

Being here the states, it would be great to hear if any Japanese tooling companies are making good straight-forward thin combo wrench sets in metic or imperial sizing. Too bad KTC is not selling theirs as a set and only as individuals and not all sizes. I find 8mm & 10mm sizes very useful and then jumping up to much big sizes. I agree mentioned earlier that 15mm isn't used that much in the shop other than on bicycles and maybe moto's.

Very nice! I have a few Plomb wrenches and they are superb, but they’re not common here in the U.K.

I find that it’s essential that these tappet wrenches are of decent quality. You can maybe save a few cents on a big wrench and it will still be o.k. but not on a small thin one. I think that’s why they’ve always been expensive.

They very seldom turn up used here. An old guy might retire, and maybe sell a 3/4” drive socket set, but when he passes his folks find a box with a bag of sovereigns, a Luger, and a set of tappet wrenches!

I’ve actually got the Facom’s, they’re not bad, but mine are metric.

And I don’t think it’s totally off topic. The top end Japanese tools have much in common with the best U.S. tools. To everybody who beats themselves up about not buying a classic Blackhawk whatever, when they could, I advise that you can go out and buy Nepros now…!

 

[Dave455]

Yes, the Vessel clip tool works well -- at least on my two Tacomas and my Lexus RX. It's sized to fit two sizes of clips, and the edges are smooth enough that it doesn't scratch surfaces.

That said, I still usually tape mine when I use it.

Those are on the wish list then!

Thanks!

 

[mercifiknow]

@mercifiknow The o ring picks do not come in a set. Do yourself a favor and add the Tone one to your next Amazon jp order. I always grab that one first. It feels great and is small and compact.

I thought they came in sets too—various angles/shapes and sometimes thicknesses?

I will at TONE. Not bought any yet but lots here say they are great. I’m going to look at KTC too.

Not to veer off my thread but what about a budget Japanese gear and seal pullers? Not considering HF.

 

[4xdog]

Those are on the wish list then!

Thanks!

Those? The only one I have (and know of) is the Megadora 970. That one can be used on larger and smaller trim clips. But perhaps you meant the clip tool and demolition chisel driver, in which case, yes, they're both useful tools.

 

[Dave455]

Those? The only one I have (and know of) is the Megadora 970. That one can be used on larger and smaller trim clips. But perhaps you meant the clip tool and demolition chisel driver, in which case, yes, they're both useful tools.

Ah yes, so I see! I thought I’d seen two sizes.

 

[mdrawde]

Ah yes, so I see! I thought I’d seen two sizes.

You can get a set with two sizes.

 

[Dave455]

You can get a set with two sizes.

Ahh, then I did see two sizes!

Thanks!

 

[tamaraw]

Those are on the wish list then!

Thanks!

I love my other vessel tools, but just for the sake of variety, there is also a pair of Sunflag ones (CT-610) and Anex makes a whole bunch of different shapes including shorties and right angles.

There are also some pink handled KTC ones but I couldn't find video of them. Plus the Koken ones too.

 

[ricleh]

Pink handled KTC clip tools.

 

[Zjenji]

After completely mauling my bathroom sink plumbing a few weeks ago, figured I’d get some non-marring pliers. IPS had all I need. From top to bottom:

IPS WL-270S
IPS SH-165S
IPS PH-200
IPS WH-250S

PS I was able to order all four from Amazon US, and they each came with an extra set of plastic jaws.

 

[Madjik Man]

After completely mauling my bathroom sink plumbing a few weeks ago, figured I’d get some non-marring pliers. IPS had all I need. From top to bottom:

IPS WL-270S
IPS SH-165S
IPS PH-200
IPS WH-250S

PS I was able to order all four from Amazon US, and they each came with an extra set of plastic jaws.

Those are so nice.

 

[Dave455]

Pink handled KTC clip tools.

Now those I like the look of, despite the pink handles…!

Looks like 3 different sizes, in two styles and two lengths. Very few makers offer the “straight” style, but I’ve certainly had occasions where that would have been useful.

Unfortunately, non Nepros KTC is one of the few makes that’s hard to obtain in the U.K. I suspect Amazon.jp will be the best route.

 

[Dave455]

I love my other vessel tools, but just for the sake of variety, there is also a pair of Sunflag ones (CT-610) and Anex makes a whole bunch of different shapes including shorties and right angles.

There are also some pink handled KTC ones but I couldn't find video of them. Plus the Koken ones too.

I like the look of the Sunflag (I always like acetate handles!) but that’s a rare maker in the U.K. I remember seeing some of their screwdriver sets years back. Seemed decent.

They seem to be common in Australia and N.Z.

 

[Jack_K]

Is there someone copying the Sunflag 222-C series? (or is it even their design?) I just saw a T10 screwdriver which looked exactly like a Sunflag except that the handle was blue and "Japan" was not moulded into it. The printed writing was too worn to read the brand. If it is in fact the same manufacturer I would like to know as it could be another source for Sunflag products.

 

[Jack_K]

My Koken order which just arrived.
RS3400M/12 6pt 3/8 drive metric
RS3010M/8-L38 inhex 3/8 drive metric
4755 ratchet adaptor

I got the ratchet adaptor to go on my Warren & Brown deflecting beam torque wrench. The SEK inhex sockets do have the advantage of the hex part being replaceable with cut up hex keys however I bought the last imperial set I could find and I haven't seen any metric ones for sale so I bought Koken. I had avoided buying both these metric sets until now (always wanted too) as most of what I work with is imperial however I kept ending up using some poor quality metric sockets. I have an inhex set which got left at my place by a friend but had the size I always seemed to need replaced with an imperial Stahlwille (it is and unbranded "Japan" set which looks identical to my SEK set)

 

[humpty]

I have a bunch of Vessel bits and I am looking for a nice bit driver, any recommendations? Vessel has some stubby ones and one that takes long bits, doesn't look like they have just a standard one.

I had a Snap On ratcheting one I loved, but my step-son fell in love with it and in a moment of weakness I gave it to him.

 

[Moose-LandTran]

I have a bunch of Vessel bits and I am looking for a nice bit driver, any recommendations? Vessel has some stubby ones and one that takes long bits, doesn't look like they have just a standard one.

I had a Snap On ratcheting one I loved, but my step-son fell in love with it and in a moment of weakness I gave it to him.

I never use my Snap-on ratchet screwdriver. I've had it for years and don't recall ever using it.

This is my favourite bit driver:

 

[Mirage]

Pink handled KTC clip tools.

Any more details? I like pink and could use some clip tools. Tried searching and was only getting plier type ones.

 

[4xdog]

After completely mauling my bathroom sink plumbing a few weeks ago, figured I’d get some non-marring pliers. IPS had all I need. From top to bottom:

IPS WL-270S
IPS SH-165S
IPS PH-200
IPS WH-250S

PS I was able to order all four from Amazon US, and they each came with an extra set of plastic jaws.

I have the two smaller versions of those soft-jaw pliers. To be honest, they're not as useful as I'd hoped.

They're beautifully made and the soft jaws do their job. But the polymer Igarashi Pliers chose for the soft jaw is fairly self-lubricating. Likely a polyamide (Nylon) or a polyacetal (Delrin), although sometimes it feels like a polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE, Teflon)! If the work requires the pliers to really grab in addition to being non-marring, they're probably not a great choice. As long as the work fits in a notch in the jaws or otherwise doesn't need grab, they're terrific.

 

[Dave455]

Any more details? I like pink and could use some clip tools. Tried searching and was only getting plier type ones.

They are mostly on Amazon.jp.

Cost works out to about $15 (U.S.) a piece.

I don’t think I saw them all on there, but I was just searching on “KTC trim clip tool”. If you can get the part numbers from the KTC website it’s probably better.

Looks like they use the pink colour for all their trim clip tools. That’s quite a good idea I reckon!

I’d be happy to pay out and get a full set in one go, if that was an option.

 

[4xdog]

...I’d be happy to pay out and get a full set in one go, if that was an option.

There does indeed seem to be a big set of pink KTC trim clip tools on Amazon Japan. But ya gotta pay out for it -- $300+.

 

[midorix]

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:

Dave455 and tamaraw. Please stop posting cool KTC tools with pictures and video. I have no self control.
…..yes, just ordered KTC profit combination wrench from Amazon Japan and to take advantage of the consolidated shipping, I had to order more of other stuff.
I like to blame others for my problems.

 

[Dave455]

There does indeed seem to be a big set of pink KTC trim clip tools on Amazon Japan. But ya gotta pay out for it -- $300+.

That doesn’t show up when I search, but I’m shown vendors who ship to the U.K. first.

I don’t mind paying out for a set, and I accept that with Japanese tools there isn’t usually a huge saving by doing this (which is another way of saying they don't load the prices of individual tools) but that set looks like it might be more expensive than buying the tools individually.

Thanks for pointing it out though!

 

[Dave455]

Dave455 and tamaraw. Please stop posting cool KTC tools with pictures and video. I have no self control.
…..yes, just ordered KTC profit combination wrench from Amazon Japan and to take advantage of the consolidated shipping, I had to order more of other stuff.
I like to blame others for my problems.

I think, despite some of us being in different countries, we have similar requirements.

It seems to me that many Japanese manufacturers are very good at seeing that need and making appropriate tools, but also going beyond just making them “functional”!

 

[midorix]

I think, despite some of us being in different countries, we have similar requirements.

It seems to me that many Japanese manufacturers are very good at seeing that need and making appropriate tools, but also going beyond just making them “functional”!

I think working on Hondas, Toyotas, Mazdas, along with Shimano bicycle components are much easier with Japanese tools no matter where you live. And quality/price ratio is much better with Japanese tools than a typical truck tools along with attention to details. (Born in Japan, grew up in US so I really appreciate the differences).

Will post pictures once I receive them so you can see the damage you caused .

 

[Madjik Man]

Must. Delete. Thread.

 

[Dave455]

I think working on Hondas, Toyotas, Mazdas, along with Shimano bicycle components are much easier with Japanese tools no matter where you live. And quality/price ratio is much better with Japanese tools than a typical truck tools along with attention to details. (Born in Japan, grew up in US so I really appreciate the differences).

Will post pictures once I receive them so you can see the damage you caused .

Yes, in most countries the tools evolve to suit the work.

I’ve got British, American, German, French as well as Japanese tools. Don’t get me wrong, I love the U.S. tools I own, but I bought most of them at times when currency fluctuations favoured doing so.

For probably the last 5 years or so I’ve been using Japanese tools, particularly KoKen, as my “go to” if I need something. Partly due to the quality, partly the range available, partly the dealer service, but price has to play a part.

I recently sourced a rail of 1/4” drive sockets for a colleague. The Snap On are gorgeous, probably the best, but faced with £160 for Snap On or £40 for KoKen, guess what he chose.

I’ve never had “buyers remorse” with Japanese tools. I’ve never felt I’ve paid over the top, and the tools have always met, or exceeded, the expectation.

As Daniel Craig said in Layer Cake “Give the customer what he wants, don’t rip him off, and he’ll keep coming back”. He was talking about cocaine not tools, but it still applies!

 

[Moose-LandTran]

For probably the last 5 years or so I’ve been using Japanese tools, particularly KoKen, as my “go to” if I need something. Partly due to the quality, partly the range available, partly the dealer service, but price has to play a part.

Koken and Stahlwille are my go-to now, i think they have the best quality/price ratio. Koken especially, and their range is hard to beat. Recently bought quite a bit of Koken and they're just faultless, consistent in everything being perfect and top quality.

Do you use UK Tools for Koken? That's where mine comes from and i find them very good and priced very reasonably.

 

[Vicks]

Latest Amzn.jp order came in today, Taking advantage of the currency exchange rates and combined shipping, i went ahead and bought some stuff that i have been wanting for a while but never justified the purchase, alongwith some stuff that i needed.

Here's the entire purchase, i'm also impressed + happy with the way Amzn/jp does their packaging - no excessive use of materials, just enough to ensure the contents dont move around or get damaged in transit. Imagine that this shipment was delivered halfway around the world to my home in a brown paper bag and not one single item was dinged/damaged !!



A set of Niigata Seiki squares (carpenters) was something that i needed ever since the ****** German made one (yes, you read it correct, German made tools can be crappy too !) suffered from missing markings on the tri square (i will try to grab pics later...). At first i wanted to order Shinwa and then i remembered that most of Shinwa production is now in china (looking at product pictures confirmed it, AND the protractor i bought last time was indeed made in China). So i went with NS this time and i'm happy i did. This square has marking that are engraves/stamped as well as painted so it should last a long time with my occasional usage. The vertical/depth gauge is a nice touch too (see end of longer arm)



While ordering the steel tri-square i also noticed the black coloured ones (also metal, not plastic) and since it cost only 4$ i added it to my cart, pleasant surprise when i opened this package to find a set of 5 squares ! i double checked my order and the product listing again and it nowhere says that it is a pack of 5, but i'm not complaining... I guess these squares will last the rest of my life now haha...


So i have the Wera Rapidaptor bit extension while is very nice, i wanted to have either the Anex or Vessel 100mm extension as backup in case the Wera breaks or wears out eventually. While ordering the Anex bit extension, i ordered two, just so i have a backup for the backup.



KTC M160 extra long DBE 12x14mm - i have the M160 in 16x18, 17x19 and 22x24 sizes so i just had to buy the 12x4 for the heck of it.


Ever since i started ametuer wood working at home, i have been wanting to experience using a Japanese pull saw (currently using a Stanley western style saw) and finally ordered a Kakuri Ryoba saw (actually two) - but only ordered the blades since i will make my own handle for it.


These Ryobas are beautiful



I have a decent (sufficient for home garage use) collection of Tsubosan files but noticed that the prices for these "Extreme" version files had dropped a bit (4-5$ each IIRC) so i picked up a couple, these are the first "Extreme" files i have bought and will have to see how these differ from the Regular and Bright versions of Tsubosan files.


Of late i've been using more and more PZ screws for woodworking projects and most PH are limited to the cars and motorcycles. The Wera bit collector set does have a few PZ bits but i wanted to have a couple of Vessel bits as backup since i know Vessel make one of the best bits around.. these are magnetized too

 

[Zjenji]

My son recently bought his first car, so I built this ratchet kit for him to keep in the glovebox. It’s a Nissan Sentra SE-R and the engine compartment is about as small as I’ve ever seen (I’m used to my roomy Ram and Jeep). So I assembled this kit with size in mind. Includes:

Koken 3725Z 3/8” 72 tooth ratchet
Koken 3760-150, 75, and 32mm 3/8” extensions
Koken 3756Z 3/8” Quick spinner
Koken 3771Z 3/8” Universal joint
Koken 3772Z 3/8” Universal double joint
Koken 3400MZ Zeal sockets, sizes 10-18
PB Swiss C6 bits: Phillips 1-4, Slotted 10-8-6-5.5mm, Hex 10-8-6-5mm, and Security Torx 30-27-25-20
Wera case item# 9462
Wera 784B/1 3/8”x1/4” adapter

Wera sells empty cases for all their ratchet kits, but finding them can be a pain. I ordered this case and a few others from Palmac.

Thoughts?

 

[jaceq]

That's what my wife received yesterday. No doubt - a tool from Japan:

 

[Vicks]

Last set of items from the Amzn.jp order

ARS pruning shears - never used these but have heard a lot of good things


Now i know why they are highly rated, the aluminium handles are well built and weighted, the cutting jaws are fine and extremely sharp, they make a beautiful sound when you actuate the spring loaded handles... the locking mechanism is well designed and operable by one hand. And no, i didnt order 2 for having a backup, i made a mistake while adding this to my cart and must have added it twice...





Here is the Suki tri-square (not sure of the OEM) on which the markings are wearing off with hardly 2 years of usage. I bought the Niigata Seiki to replace these. Very disappointed that these are "Made in Germany" - they are definitely not worthy.