Ko-Ken would probably be my first choice but I’m having a really hard time finding a 1/4 drive roto head from them.
Tools of Japan
- Thread starter Frankstools
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BlitzcrankJapan
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Two Vessel soft hammers.
They are made by "Vessel (Thailand)". As can be seen by the tag on the bottom.
Of course all of the stickers on the tool just list their head office: Vessel Co Inc, Osaka, Japan.
They are made by "Vessel (Thailand)". As can be seen by the tag on the bottom.
Of course all of the stickers on the tool just list their head office: Vessel Co Inc, Osaka, Japan.
What is the white part on the bottom of the handle, as in does it serve any purpose or just cosmetic? Mine doesn't have that. I didn't know there were other models.Two Vessel soft hammers.
They are made by "Vessel (Thailand)". As can be seen by the tag on the bottom.
Of course all of the stickers on the tool just list their head office: Vessel Co Inc, Osaka, Japan.
Not that it really matters to me but the one I got says made in Japan.
Actually looking into it, I think the Ko-Ken and KTC might just come in 3/8" drive. Vessel definitely has a 1/4" model though, available both on it's own and as part of a set:
Socket Wrench｜Wrenches / Sockets｜HAND TOOLS | PRODUCTS INFORMATION | VESSEL CO., INC
full range of information on product groups ranging from tightening tools such as drivers, bit sockets and air tools to anti-static products in the factory
BlitzcrankJapan
Well-known member
I wasn't actually aware when I bought them either. Good to see atleast some of their hammers are still made in Japan.
The white on the bottom of the handle is for hitting. It specifically says so on the tag.
It is actually a great idea. Because let's be honest, everyone has used the handle of a hammer to hit something.
garfunkle24
Well-known member
^+1. Primarily pistons weirdly enough.
Grant Gunderson
Well-known member
I have a pretty good selection of Snapon and Nepros ratchets. I always grab the Nepros first.
L to R, PBSwiss 3mm, Nepros 2.5mm, Snapon 2.5mm, Snapon 2mm, Nepros 2mm, Snapon T25, Nepros T25.
I've also been testing some of the Nepros hex sockets along side my PB Swiss and Snapon ones, and they are quickly becoming favorites. I dont know if I like them better than PBSwiss, but they do seem to be on par, plus they make some sizes and drive combinations that I need that PB Swiss doesn't. I'm not a fan of the Snapon hex or Torx sockets at all, but haven't found a better brand for inch sizes yet.
Dave455
Well-known member
That’s interesting.
L to R, PBSwiss 3mm, Nepros 2.5mm, Snapon 2.5mm, Snapon 2mm, Nepros 2mm, Snapon T25, Nepros T25.
I've also been testing some of the Nepros hex sockets along side my PB Swiss and Snapon ones, and they are quickly becoming favorites. I dont know if I like them better than PBSwiss, but they do seem to be on par, plus they make some sizes and drive combinations that I need that PB Swiss doesn't. I'm not a fan of the Snapon hex or Torx sockets at all, but haven't found a better brand for inch sizes yet.
I too like the PB Swiss, but I think they are discontinued.
Have you tried KoKen for hex bits? They are pretty much my “go to” now for hex and torx bits, and they offer inch sized bits.
The “new kid on the block” seems to be Wera. They offer a huge selection of hex and Torx bits in different lenghts and different drive sizes. I think the “socket” parts are made in Taiwan, the “bit” part in the Czech Republic.
Haven’t used these enough to determine how they hold up, but early indications are good. I like the colour coding, and also the cases they come in. These are long 1/4” drive. They also have the “holding function”.
Gregthegadgetguy
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That’s interesting.
I too like the PB Swiss, but I think they are discontinued.
Have you tried KoKen for hex bits? They are pretty much my “go to” now for hex and torx bits, and they offer inch sized bits.
The “new kid on the block” seems to be Wera. They offer a huge selection of hex and Torx bits in different lenghts and different drive sizes. I think the “socket” parts are made in Taiwan, the “bit” part in the Czech Republic.
Haven’t used these enough to determine how they hold up, but early indications are good. I like the colour coding, and also the cases they come in. These are long 1/4” drive. They also have the “holding function”.
The only good thing about those Wera sets is the pouch organizers. I used to have those in both long and sort lengths. The ball detent HF function makes them weak. I broke/deformed multiple 6mm working on bicycles. Also, they mar fasteners. If you use the hex HF ones on painted bolts it will leave a scar. The torx fit to fasteners leave something to be desired.
I agree with the above...not a fan of Wera's hex/torx stuff.
The color-coding/cases are nice (and I really like the sleeves on the L-keys), but that's about it . The holding function is annoying, and the Hex-Plus is too extreme and just ends up damaging everything that they touch. Especially on the smaller sizes.
Koken, on the other hand, I've been impressed by what I have. Definitely up there with the best of them...and even better than PB Swiss, if you ask me
The color-coding/cases are nice (and I really like the sleeves on the L-keys), but that's about it . The holding function is annoying, and the Hex-Plus is too extreme and just ends up damaging everything that they touch. Especially on the smaller sizes.
Koken, on the other hand, I've been impressed by what I have. Definitely up there with the best of them...and even better than PB Swiss, if you ask me
Grant Gunderson
Well-known member
I also had the same experience with the set of the Wera's I owned and immediately sold them. Was not a fan!The only good thing about those Wera sets is the pouch organizers. I used to have those in both long and sort lengths. The ball detent HF function makes them weak. I broke/deformed multiple 6mm working on bicycles. Also, they mar fasteners. If you use the hex HF ones on painted bolts it will leave a scar. The torx fit to fasteners leave something to be desired.
Grant Gunderson
Well-known member
They are still available for sale, but not easy to find. So far they are the best that I have found. Just wish they made some SAE sizes and more of their range in ¼ drive.
There are very few Wera tools I like, but their Hex Plus stuff is one of the few things I do like. I haven't damaged any internal hex screw ever since I started using them. This is the first time I see any complaints. I only have a set of stainless L-keys with ball ends and no holding function tho.
Dave455
Well-known member
To be honest, that was my concern, but I thought I’d give them a try. There are applications where the holding function is useful. They have been o.k. so far, but I haven’t applied a load of torque to them yet.The only good thing about those Wera sets is the pouch organizers. I used to have those in both long and sort lengths. The ball detent HF function makes them weak. I broke/deformed multiple 6mm working on bicycles. Also, they mar fasteners. If you use the hex HF ones on painted bolts it will leave a scar. The torx fit to fasteners leave something to be desired.
The Torx don’t have the ball detent, instead it’s a tapered tip, and the fit is very good.
I have no complaints about the KoKen bits I own. Wera represent a small saving, but it’s looking like they are a “special purpose” tool, rather than a default choice for every day.
This is pretty much what I found with their hex keys. Superb for using on a deformed screw, but for everyday use, PB Swiss are a better choice.
The Nepros bits are looking very tempting…
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Why not a fan?
Grant Gunderson
Well-known member
I have a set of their stainless L keys in Hex Plus. Save them for removing fasteners where someone rounded the heads. Often times they will get out what nothing else will, but I agree too aggressive for daily use.
agreed 100%. After testing the Nepros I’ll be buying more to fill in around my PBSwiss ones. I still like the PB Swiss best, but I’ve had them longer and just might be more used to them.
Very soft. Tend to deform and twist quite easily. While the business end is replaceable, you gotta track down a Snapon truck and on top of that they don’t stay in the sockets that they are pressfit into. I love the rest of my Snapon sockets, but their hex / torx stuff *****. Im pretty convinced after owning a bunch of both, everything Nepros makes is superior to Snapon.
Daytonaer
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I just made an Amazon Japan order, trying to get all the "little" things to add on as they don't really charge more shipping. I remembered I needed an open 23mm wrench for a camshaft but got by with a cresent wrench. Put a cheap one in my cart (if I have it I will never need it again..) and noticed an odd description after checkout. See if you can spot the translation.
Madjik Man
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I just made an Amazon Japan order, trying to get all the "little" things to add on as they don't really charge more shipping. I remembered I needed an open 23mm wrench for a camshaft but got by with a cresent wrench. Put a cheap one in my cart (if I have it I will never need it again..) and noticed an odd description after checkout. See if you can spot the translation.
I think I’m going to have to start calling mine that. 23mm…
Vessel TD-80 ratcheting screwdriver:
Wasn't expecting much out of this based on the official images but I am pleasantly surprised by the quality in person! The ratcheting mechanism is solid and advances smoothly with a light touch and the clicks subjectively sound pretty nice to me too.
The handle is an odd shape so that it can function as a sort of hybrid between a palm t-handle and also a fingertip flag driver. Looks weird in photos but makes a lot of sense in person and is comfortable to use with different grips. The black ring is also at the perfect distance to spin with your fingertips while holding the driver in your palm, which is cool. Note that it does actually sit flat on a table or workspace without rolling around, I had to put something underneath to prop it up at an angle in the photos.
The bits feel nice and seem pretty standard Vessel, nothing crazy going on there. The last photo shows a DeWalt extension just for illustration's sake, it's not part of the kit.
For reference, I also have a few other styles of Vessel drivers which I really like but this one is probably going to become my go-to driver for low torque stuff and other non-specialty applications. Size comparisons in the attached images.
EDIT: Also, the holes which I assumed were for holding bits don't actually do that, they just drop right through. I think the holes are probably for installing a drop tether or maybe sticking another screwdriver shaft through for extra torque.
Wasn't expecting much out of this based on the official images but I am pleasantly surprised by the quality in person! The ratcheting mechanism is solid and advances smoothly with a light touch and the clicks subjectively sound pretty nice to me too.
The handle is an odd shape so that it can function as a sort of hybrid between a palm t-handle and also a fingertip flag driver. Looks weird in photos but makes a lot of sense in person and is comfortable to use with different grips. The black ring is also at the perfect distance to spin with your fingertips while holding the driver in your palm, which is cool. Note that it does actually sit flat on a table or workspace without rolling around, I had to put something underneath to prop it up at an angle in the photos.
The bits feel nice and seem pretty standard Vessel, nothing crazy going on there. The last photo shows a DeWalt extension just for illustration's sake, it's not part of the kit.
For reference, I also have a few other styles of Vessel drivers which I really like but this one is probably going to become my go-to driver for low torque stuff and other non-specialty applications. Size comparisons in the attached images.
EDIT: Also, the holes which I assumed were for holding bits don't actually do that, they just drop right through. I think the holes are probably for installing a drop tether or maybe sticking another screwdriver shaft through for extra torque.
Attachments
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Vessel TD-61-2 and TD-61-6:
They make a few of these sort of mini L-keys, I believe also in +1 JIS as well as a few hex sizes. I picked up the +2 and -6 sizes.
The finish is a pleasing satin with a slightly warm almost titanium hue. The beam widens and flattens out around the bend, ostensibly to reduce height and increase strength, but it also gives you somewhere flat to put your thumb and the Vessel logo contributes a bit of grip.
The color-coded comfort grips feel like some sort of silicone material and aren't fixed so they can technically move if you really try, but they do fit surprisingly tightly and it is a bit of a struggle to turn them intentionally; I would not consider this an issue.
I probably won't use these every day but I'm sure I will be glad to have them around when I need them. Nice quality tools!
They make a few of these sort of mini L-keys, I believe also in +1 JIS as well as a few hex sizes. I picked up the +2 and -6 sizes.
The finish is a pleasing satin with a slightly warm almost titanium hue. The beam widens and flattens out around the bend, ostensibly to reduce height and increase strength, but it also gives you somewhere flat to put your thumb and the Vessel logo contributes a bit of grip.
The color-coded comfort grips feel like some sort of silicone material and aren't fixed so they can technically move if you really try, but they do fit surprisingly tightly and it is a bit of a struggle to turn them intentionally; I would not consider this an issue.
I probably won't use these every day but I'm sure I will be glad to have them around when I need them. Nice quality tools!
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Anex 61022T slim offset screwdriver set:
These are even more extreme than the Vessel ones in the last post and are really about as low profile as you can get. Total height of the head is 10mm vs 17mm on the Vessel and they will actually fit inside the curve of the Vessel model (see last photo).
I think Anex gives up some engagement strength with their sort of curved hollow ground fluting but they do still work to turn a fastener and are probably the only tool that will fit in certain situations. If a fastener were really seized though, I would probably try to get better access and use a different tool.
The beams are quite strong at 2.5mm thick and exhibit no flex whatsoever. Anex also makes the interesting decision to offset their + bits at a 45 degree angle compared to the Vessel ones being keyed square to the beam. Not sure that either way really gives an advantage, they are just different. This Anex set is also re-branded and sold by Snap-On, so you may also see it that way too. The Anex version comes packaged with all three on a keychain ring (not pictured).
These are even more extreme than the Vessel ones in the last post and are really about as low profile as you can get. Total height of the head is 10mm vs 17mm on the Vessel and they will actually fit inside the curve of the Vessel model (see last photo).
I think Anex gives up some engagement strength with their sort of curved hollow ground fluting but they do still work to turn a fastener and are probably the only tool that will fit in certain situations. If a fastener were really seized though, I would probably try to get better access and use a different tool.
The beams are quite strong at 2.5mm thick and exhibit no flex whatsoever. Anex also makes the interesting decision to offset their + bits at a 45 degree angle compared to the Vessel ones being keyed square to the beam. Not sure that either way really gives an advantage, they are just different. This Anex set is also re-branded and sold by Snap-On, so you may also see it that way too. The Anex version comes packaged with all three on a keychain ring (not pictured).
So I guess you can expect some solid engagement.
Finally placed my first order for some Japanese tools. Needed some Triple squares, so ordered a bunch from Palmac of Koken's XZN's 1/2 and 3/8", need them for my Passat Tdi. Then I was bored at work and ordered a bunch of Vessel stuff and a couple Koken rails for the sockets. Hope to show them off soon!
Oh, and I love the magnetic bottom of the Ko-ken Z-eal socket holder. It's just beautiful, solid and also has a foam layer on the bottom. Not as time saving as a Hansen-type holder, but I'm not working flat-rate out of my garage.
yeah, those Ko-ken Zeal socket rail magnetic are really strong !
I agree with you 100%. Ordered some Koken, KTC, and PB Swiss tools from them. Fast shipping (free with $100 order) Packaging was top notch!Just wanted to say how satisfied I am with my shopping experience with drpd.cc. Ordered a Ko-ken 3/8" deep socket set along with some universal joints, and DRPD packed them as if they came straight from Japan. Definitely recommend them.
Saw this on Reddit today. I'm not exactly sure how best to take advantage of it, but it seems like it's a good time for those of us stateside to buy some Japanese tools.
This goes for Germany, or anything out of Europe too.
General Geoff
Well-known member
Just adding some pics of these fantastic tools being put to good use, during a cooling system refresh I did today on my old TJ Wrangler
A 13.5mm square Koken socket, 1/2" drive, from KokenUSA. Cost me a grand total of $12.72
kokenusa.com
1/2 Sq. Dr. Bit Socket 13.5mm Square Length 32mm For Drain Plug -
Input Drive Size: 1/2" Drive Shape: Square Length: 32mm Type: Bit Socket for Drain Plug Output Size: 13.5mm Output Shape: Square Product Dimension - Ko-ken USA
kokenusa.com
So that 1/4" Z-eal set was around $130 and change. Then each of the ratchets was around $80 and change each. All including priority shipping. 
The 3/8" flex (11" long) will be my first Ko-ken with 72 teeth!
Not really necessary but anyone know if Ko-ken's planning to make their 1/4" line in 72-tooth versions as well? Actually, I don't want to know.
The 3/8" flex (11" long) will be my first Ko-ken with 72 teeth!
Not really necessary but anyone know if Ko-ken's planning to make their 1/4" line in 72-tooth versions as well? Actually, I don't want to know.
Yes. It was supposed to be available in 2022. Only 3 months left and it will be 2023.
PCMusicGuy
Well-known member
Pretty sure those are the same as the Ares rails. I bought one for testing before SK and Koken started selling them and they looked identical last I checked. Not sure who the actual OEM is but because other companies use them, you can get them in different colors.
Madjik Man
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A 13.5mm square Koken socket, 1/2" drive, from KokenUSA. Cost me a grand total of $12.72
1/2 Sq. Dr. Bit Socket 13.5mm Square Length 32mm For Drain Plug -
Input Drive Size: 1/2" Drive Shape: Square Length: 32mm Type: Bit Socket for Drain Plug Output Size: 13.5mm Output Shape: Square Product Dimension - Ko-ken USA
Does that fit the Toyota/Lexus 14mm drain plugs better than a regular 14mm socket?
Madjik Man
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I keep logging on to Amazon.jp to see what I can buy that I "have to have."
But I keep struggling for some reason.
I was going to buy the KTC 45* offset DBE 6-piece set. But I think I'm just going to end up going with Tekton. Tekton is completely fine enough for my DIY needs and their sets are more complete a lower price or much larger for a moderately more expensive price.
Have you looked at Stahlwille? They've got some nice offset DBE's for reasonable money.
I've also seemingly run out of stuff I "have to have" from the Amazon.jp. That's probably a good thing honestly.
Madjik Man
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