Tools of Japan

[Vicks]

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 there ratchet kits, but finding them can be a pain. I ordered this case and a few others from Palmac.

Thoughts?

very well thought of !!

 

[Zjenji]

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’ve seen this question posted a few times. My go to are the Centrofix line from Wiha because they hold the longer anvil of the Japanese bits like glue. Virtually no flex. Obviously not Japanese made but if you’re going to invest in Vessel/Anex/Sunflag etc. bits, this is the way to go. They also work with the shorter C6 bits, standard bits, double sided, and dual anvil bits, so very versatile too. In the picture below you can see the anvils it works with.

Additionally, I keep a Centrofix bit adapter in my Felo Smart Handle so that I also have a T Handle available. The Hazet 810BH works with the longer Japanese anvil as well, just not as secure as the Centrofix. Hope this helps.

Pictured below:

Wiha Centrofix 76000
Wiha ESD Centrofix 38701
Wiha Centrofix Adapter 71480
Felo Smart Handle with Centrofix adapter 71480
Hazet 810BH

 

[Dave455]

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.

Yes, Vessel do offer standard bit drivers. There’s quite a choice of handles, but I would prefer either the “Crystaline” or the “Power Grip”. Both come with varying selections of bits.

I own the latter. It’s a decent enough tool, lives in my woodworking box, but I don’t like the sliding plastic sleeve.

I would also suggest the PB Swiss classic bit driver. I love these and use them all the time. Probably Snap On for the ratcheting version, so if you liked yours I’d replace it!

 

[Dave455]

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.

I use both UK Tools and Consolidated Tools for KoKen. Both seem to have good stocks, keen prices and offer excellent service. Usually “next day”!

 

[Moose-LandTran]

I use both UK Tools and Consolidated Tools for KoKen. Both seem to have good stocks, keen prices and offer excellent service. Usually “next day”!

Thank you.

Just had a look at Consolidated Tools, their website has very little on it. I've bought from them before through eBay though.

UK Tools have been really good, i keep going back looking at more to buy.

 

[Dave455]

Thank you.

Just had a look at Consolidated Tools, their website has very little on it. I've bought from them before through eBay though.

UK Tools have been really good, i keep going back looking at more to buy.

The Consolidated website isn’t great, you really have to phone them, but they have given me good service historically.

UK Tools are superb.

 

[Moose-LandTran]

The Consolidated website isn’t great, you really have to phone them, but they have given me good service historically.

UK Tools are superb.

I'll give them a call some time when i have a list.

UK Tools have been great, i recently made 2 orders in quick succession, one qualified for free postage and one didn't. They immediately refunded the postage cost and combined the two, everything arrives next day.

Koken is hard to beat for range and value, i love their stuff.

 

[Mr. Tool]

The Consolidated website isn’t great, you really have to phone them, but they have given me good service historically.

UK Tools are superb.

Care to share this "UK Tools" website and post it here?

 

[Moose-LandTran]

Care to share this "UK Tools" website and post it here?

UKtools.com | The Specialist for Sockets | UKtools Website | UKtools

UKtools Professional Hand Tools, Specialist Socketry from Koken Tools, Facom, Britool, Gearwrench, Signet, Trident, Elora, Knipex, Bondhus and more

www.uktools.com

 

[Moose-LandTran]

A small handful of Koken

 

[Qualitytools]

A small handful of Koken

What is the second photo with the single close up socket used for?

 

[Moose-LandTran]

What is the second photo with the single close up socket used for?

It's for removing delivery valve holders on older inline cam-type Bosch injector pumps. Like P pumps found on older Cummins ISBs and Mercedes engines:

 

[Qualitytools]

It's for removing delivery valve holders on older inline cam-type Bosch injector pumps. Like P pumps found on older Cummins ISBs and Mercedes engines:

Thanks!

 

[ptabatcher]

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 there ratchet kits, but finding them can be a pain. I ordered this case and a few others from Palmac.

That’s a sweet kit. Much nicer than the “Benchtop pro” kit my dad got me. Though, in fairness, I don’t think I would have appreciated anything nicer and that kit is still going strong.

For the Wera case from Palmac, how quickly was it fulfilled? I’ve noticed their prices are pretty good on Wera stuff and I’d like to round out some stuff. Always hesitated because they don’t seem to post the stock levels on anything I’ve looked at like they do with Koken stuff.

 

[Moose-LandTran]

UK Tools are superb.

I couldn't help myself..

Thanks!

Not a tool that's used often, but nothing else fits those valve holders.

(Similar sockets are available from Blue Point, Stahlwille, Hazet, etc for those valve holders but i don't know of anything else that uses those splines. Interestingly the splined tool for holding alternator freewheel pullies is a perfect fit inside it.)

The machining and finish is perfect, almost like a piece of industrial art.

 

[Zjenji]

That’s a sweet kit. Much nicer than the “Benchtop pro” kit my dad got me. Though, in fairness, I don’t think I would have appreciated anything nicer and that kit is still going strong.

For the Wera case from Palmac, how quickly was it fulfilled? I’ve noticed their prices are pretty good on Wera stuff and I’d like to round out some stuff. Always hesitated because they don’t seem to post the stock levels on anything I’ve looked at like they do with Koken stuff

Yeah, if it doesn’t say “in stock” then they have to order it in. With the cases order, it took about 2 weeks for them to arrive.

 

[190Octane]

The lack of Victor Plus + in here is very sad.

 

[ptabatcher]

Yeah, if it doesn’t say “in stock” then they have to order it in. With the cases order, it took about 2 weeks for them to arrive.

That isn’t bad at all. Thanks.

 

[Half-fast eddie]

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.

That is a “price point” square, intended to compete with less expensive tools. As long as it stays square you shouldn’t complain, use a ruler to mark distances.

 

[Zjenji]

That is a “price point” square, intended to compete with less expensive tools. As long as it stays square you shouldn’t complain, use a ruler to mark distances.

You seem unpleasant. How does one block someone on this forum?

 

[Moose-LandTran]

You seep unpleasant. How does one block someone on this forum?

Tap their name, hit the box that says "ignore".

I got a few people on that list.

 

[Moose-LandTran]

UK Tools delivery:

 

[Dave455]

UK Tools delivery:

Nice!

One of the things I like about KoKen is that where sockets and bits are concerned, everything is available. Hex, Torx, Torx Plus, XZN, Ribe, the lot!

 

[Moose-LandTran]

Nice!

One of the things I like about KoKen is that where sockets and bits are concerned, everything is available. Hex, Torx, Torx Plus, XZN, Ribe, the lot!

That's part of why i buy more and more Koken now. Not just the range in types but also the different lengths available for bit sockets. Not likely to need a 100mm M16 triple square, but nice to have.

Everything they make is just so perfect and beautifully finished. Can't beat them for value either.

 

[Half-fast eddie]

You seem unpleasant.

Why? Because someone is complaining about a cheap tool, and i pointed out that it was designed to sell at a low price point? He posted at least twice to complain about it … once would have been enough.

And if you have a chip on your shoulder, or thin skin ... not my problem.

 

[Zjenji]

Tap their name, hit the box that says "ignore".

I got a few people on that list.

Thank you so much! It’s like he doesn’t exist anymore.

 

[corn chip]

 

[Dave455]

That's part of why i buy more and more Koken now. Not just the range in types but also the different lengths available for bit sockets. Not likely to need a 100mm M16 triple square, but nice to have.

Everything they make is just so perfect and beautifully finished. Can't beat them for value either.

Yes, totally agree.

I even ended up using some for woodworking this morning..!

I’ve owned a set of their impact sockets for some time, but recently added a set of these nut runners for my impact driver.

They seem to be up to standard!




Of late I’ve been interrogated, by my elderly mother, regarding the whereabouts of my Grandmothers hall table. I denied all knowledge, but then realised I’ve had a bench drill sitting on it for a decade! A proper stand needed to be hastily constructed…!

 

[Half-fast eddie]

I even ended up using some for woodworking this morning..!

I’ve owned a set of their impact sockets for some time, but recently added a set of these nut runners for my impact driver.

Nothing fancy, but have you tried these threaded nut runners for inserting hanger bolts?

 

[Dave455]

Nothing fancy, but have you tried these threaded nut runners for inserting hanger bolts?

I haven’t, but I can see their potential.

To be honest, when I visit my local fastener supplier, I get so overwhelmed with choice I end up coming out with what I know, assuming I don’t have it “in stock”!

 

[Madjik Man]

Got my first Amazon Japan order today.

Koken Koken 4711X Free Turn Cross Wrench
Koken 4300PMZ.65-21 Z-EAL 21mm Lug Nut Socket
Anex 6102-T Slim Offset Screwdrivers

Really wish Amazon Japan has the Z-EAL series free turn cross wrench but for the (hopefully) limited use it will get I'm fine with the non Z-EAL. Plus the price on Amazon Japan was half of Palmac or Koken USA.


The Koken combo is in my truck as part of the emergency kit. Far better lug nut wrench solution than the awful stock one.

 

[Moose-LandTran]

Gratuitous Koken photo:

 

[190Octane]

I’ve spent way too much money on japamazon and the germamazon lately, but at least I have some really quality hand tools that will probably last for my kid’s kids, like the whole toolbox full of craftsman I have from my grandfather.

If my desk job doesn’t work out, I can always fall back on handyman work… and I can justify the spends because I used some of those tools to change out my door lock actuator which would’ve been a $400-$500 job at the dealership but only cost me $50 for the actuator and an hour or two this last Sunday morning.

 

[oldpliers1]

Marvel now.

Marvel MVA-200N Pliers.

Hands down my favorite pliers. Better that Knipex Linesman or any Klein variety. I’m making a video about how special they are.

I don’t like the catch when you strip with these , but very popular with the younger electricians, pliers are very personal, each hand is different . But this style is not a new idea the European electricians have used them since the 1960s

 

[macgee]

For the past two years I’ve been using the Felo and Knixpex automatic wire strippers almost exclusively and can happily say I’m never going back, except for the odd situation or limited space.
I do now have to carry two tools because they don’t really cut but I’m totally ok with that.

 

[Reed Prince]

I don’t like the catch when you strip with these , but very popular with the younger electricians, pliers are very personal, each hand is different . But this style is not a new idea the European electricians have used them since the 1960s

The profile of a Knipex "American style" WireStripper looks closer to Japanese pliers than the Knipex Lineman's that I own, which are also called "American style" on their website.



These are the other strippers I currently use. They're all excellent doing some things and poor doing others.

 

[macgee]

Does Japan make a worthy automatic wire stripper like the Felo style?

EDIT: I just noticed the Merry’s in the above post but wondering if there’s any others?

 

[Zjenji]

Does Japan make a worthy automatic wire stripper like the Felo style?

EDIT: I just noticed the Merry’s in the above post but wondering if there’s any others?

Lobster makes some. They’re on my wishlist, but I’ve never tried them.

Lobster LS55 Wire Stripper

 

[Odd-job]

Lobster makes some. They’re on my wishlist, but I’ve never tried them.

Lobster LS55 Wire Stripper

Doh. Another item added to my cart . Who doesn't like good strippers?!?

 

[cbracer]

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

I have bought over 10 of these through the past 6 years. They are my favorite, and I use them every day at work. Hence mine last about a year, but only because I use them literally every work day and I have one other employee and a travel bag, so 3 are in use throughout a year. They must be the manufacturer for the "engineer" brand, but at $15 compared to $25 !!