Tools of Japan

[LWB]

In that case, you would probably enjoy the features of the Z-series more than most of us. The lack of slop is a feature of the Z-series. Their normal sockets have the same amount of slop on the drive end as snap-on and other sockets

Likely, I've only ever used low or mid priced tools so don't have any experience with higher end tools and how they would fit.

Time to visit a pawn shop and try out some Snappy' s. All of my friends are dumpster divers (like me) so they won't have any lol

 

[LWB]

This was MIA for over a week thanks to Fed Ex. Wow, I couldn't believe it actually arrived tonight. The finish on these tools is something. This is my first experience with TONE and I'm impressed. I'm really starting to like the satin finishes.

I present a 14mm spark plug socket with adapters. I hope this makes changing plugs somewhat easier on my BRZ!




ETA Oh and the fit is much better than what I'm used to.

 

[gjusername]

I picked up some more koken extensions on black friday and I notice there are some inconsistencies in the finish and the thickness of the shafts, in comparison to other extensions I own, I wonder if anyone knows the reasoning behind this and can exlpain?

For example, this is a 4763-150, 4760-250, and 4760-400. It might be hard to tell from the photo, but the 250 has a slightly thicker shaft than the 150, and the 400 has a thicker shaft than the 250. The 400 is the only extension I have of theirs with a satin finish (which has a very slight amount of roughness to it, just like at the bottom of their z-series sockets). The thicker ones are longer than the others, and they also have more recent date stamps ('21 for the 250, '22 for the 400).

Has it always been standard for them to increase the thickness with longer extensions? Or is that a recent design change? Same question for the satin finish, why would they do that on only 1 extension? I actually love the satin finish but I love having consistency within my collection even more, so I would prefer that all extensions of the same drive size had the same thickness, and that all extensions had the same finish (or that there was a consistent difference like maybe satin for straight and gloss for wobble)

 

[Dave455]

I picked up some more koken extensions on black friday and I notice there are some inconsistencies in the finish and the thickness of the shafts, in comparison to other extensions I own, I wonder if anyone knows the reasoning behind this and can exlpain?

For example, this is a 4763-150, 4760-250, and 4760-400. It might be hard to tell from the photo, but the 250 has a slightly thicker shaft than the 150, and the 400 has a thicker shaft than the 250. The 400 is the only extension I have of theirs with a satin finish (which has a very slight amount of roughness to it, just like at the bottom of their z-series sockets). The thicker ones are longer than the others, and they also have more recent date stamps ('21 for the 250, '22 for the 400).

Has it always been standard for them to increase the thickness with longer extensions? Or is that a recent design change? Same question for the satin finish, why would they do that on only 1 extension? I actually love the satin finish but I love having consistency within my collection even more, so I would prefer that all extensions of the same drive size had the same thickness, and that all extensions had the same finish (or that there was a consistent difference like maybe satin for straight and gloss for wobble)

Yes, the slightly different design is standard on the longer extension.

I have one probably 15 years old that’s the same! I assumed they wanted to minimise twisting on the longer extension.

The finish on mine is the similar to the shorter extensions though!

 

[teagueo]

I picked up some more koken extensions on black friday and I notice there are some inconsistencies in the finish and the thickness of the shafts...

For example, this is a 4763-150, 4760-250, and 4760-400. It might be hard to tell from the photo, but the 250 has a slightly thicker shaft than the 150, and the 400 has a thicker shaft than the 250.

Has it always been standard for them to increase the thickness with longer extensions?

The longer the extension is, the more it will "twist" when you apply torque. To compensate for that, a thicker extension will twist less.

The engineers at Koken probably did this to increase durability on the longer extensions, with the added plus of less wasted material and lighter weight on the shorter ones.

Koken makes great stuff!

 

[Madjik Man]

Koken 3/8 Extension 14mm Spark Plug Socket 250mm 3300C.250-14
Koken 1/4" Socket Driver 2769N-150
Koken 1/4" Bit Holder Ratchet 2749P-1/4HF
Koken 1/4" Bit Holder 2137
Koken 1/4 to 3/8 Adapter 2233A
Koken 3/8 to 1/4 Adapter 3322A
Koken 1/2 to 3/8 Adapter 4433A
Koken 3/8 to 1/2 Adapter 3344A

 

[Odd-job]

Latest Amazon Japan tool haul. Trying to focus on buying unusual stuff and higher quality higher use items. Commenting to provide more value added info in hopes of convincing fellow members to buy more Japanese tools.




3 Peaks screw removing locking pliers (see pic below). Haven't seen these before.

SunFlag small clip remover, have a Lisle but it couldn't handle the smaller clips

KTC clip pliers, hard to find a non Chinese made version of these. Gladly paid 2X based on experience with past KTC tools.

KTC electrical pliers, comes with 3 different tips. Some of the tips are waffled offering better grip than the Merry's in theory. Have to see if the tips are compatible with the Merrys.






Nothing too special in the above.

Engineer stripped hex cap removers to hopefully bail me out if my RBRT set can't get something out.

Anex stubby hex bits, they don't seem stubby enough though.

Tajima tape measure, initial impression is that this is better than my FatMax tape measures. Might need to go for an SAE version next time around.



I don't need any more pocket knives, but the 3 above were together only ~$30 so I couldn't help myself

 

[Madjik Man]

Damn you Wordle. You're no fun.

 

[four.cycle]

VAMPLIERS are still on sale for $20 bucks including shipping
The 'Vampliers' are actually made in Taiwan.
The "Super Solder Sucker" and those teeny-tiny 5-inch needle-nose pliers were Made in Japan and the entire product line is on sale right now.

I'm sure my buddy will be delighted with his new Christmas toys.

 

[190Octane]

VAMPLIERS are still on sale for $20 bucks including shipping
The 'Vampliers' are actually made in Taiwan.
The "Super Solder Sucker" and those teeny-tiny 5-inch needle-nose pliers were Made in Japan and the entire product line is on sale right now.

I'm sure my buddy will be delighted with his new Christmas toys.

That’s interesting… the Engineer PZ-22 which I believe is the equivalent to those Vampliers is made in Japan,

 

[Shelbylex]

Pro Linesman version is made in Japan

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00LMOAYR2/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[4xdog]

VAMPLIERS are still on sale for $20 bucks including shipping
The 'Vampliers' are actually made in Taiwan.
The "Super Solder Sucker" and those teeny-tiny 5-inch needle-nose pliers were Made in Japan and the entire product line is on sale right now.

I'm sure my buddy will be delighted with his new Christmas toys.

Vampire Tools Screw Extraktor pliers (Taiwan) alongside Vampliers (Japan).

 

[four.cycle]

^ well... for sure now I'm going to have to go find that other pair I lost in the garage, because they were marked "Japan".

The discount on the 8.5 inch VT001-8 isn't as deep as on the other models. (9% on the VT001-8 vs. 24% on the smaller "Vamplier" model. Discounts on the other items vary.)

 

[FloorPaint]

^^^ The Vamplier Pro Linesman pliers (i.e., VT-001-8) are the same as Engineer PZ-59’s. The Engineer version is significantly less expensive. The only difference is the color of the handles.

I just bought two* PZ-59’s at $25.80 each on Amazon as Christmas presents. They’re niiiice! I also bought a pair of the VT-001-8’s a month or so ago. At $40 a pop, I decided to only buy one - - also as a present. (*Note: I have to confess, I actually bought three PZ-59’s, but one isn’t leaving my possession!)

 

[Jack_K]

I had to order an MC4 crimping die (Taiwan made "designed by germany") and like all good members I had to order some extra tools.



I am not sure who makes the screwdriver bits but I have been using some for work and they have been good. They have survived dumb co-workers borrowing them.

 

[Bmxkelowna]

Ordered a couple of things from Amazon Japan for the first time since the spring. I saw bzueg's video on YouTube about the limited edition Japan wera drivers and had to get them. Threw a couple other things I've been watching into my cart as well
I've always wanted the purple lobster hand tools, I needed a 12mm ratchet wrench to replace my broken Milwaukee and this little pb swiss soft face hammer will come in handy as well

 

[Bmxkelowna]

Here is part two of that same order that showed up a day later!

 

[C4RBON]

This was MIA for over a week thanks to Fed Ex. Wow, I couldn't believe it actually arrived tonight. The finish on these tools is something. This is my first experience with TONE and I'm impressed. I'm really starting to like the satin finishes.

I present a 14mm spark plug socket with adapters. I hope this makes changing plugs somewhat easier on my BRZ!




ETA Oh and the fit is much better than what I'm used to.

I'd be curious to hear how plugs went with the Tone tools. I used my Nepros tools on my BRZ, and it wasn't too bad. I loosened the engine mounts and raised the engine a few inches on each side to increase access. I loaned the tools to a buddy with a FRS and he said the worked well and he didn't jack his engine up.

 

[DIYNY]

I was noodling around on Amazon Japan last night and noticed that almost everything I had saved in my shopping cart is "no longer available". Hozan, Engineer, KTC, Vessel, Ko-ken, FPC, etc. Screwdrivers, sockets, wrenches, bits.

I've no idea why the shortage but it was disappointing

Amazon Japan is trying to stop us combine shipping fees.

For example, Koken PK3763/6 wobble fix extensions got listed on US Amazon, seller is Amazon Japan:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004IKMIGM/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Once they listed it on US amazon, they blocked that item on amazon.co.jp for delivery to the US. When you go to the listing on japanese amazon with delivery to the US it says temporarily out of stock. Once you change your location to japanese zip code, it shows it is available from amazon japan.

So effectively they killed the ability to combine shipping fees making buying of small stuff economically infeasible. As an example, Koken 3763-32 sells for $7.47 on amazon.co,jp and $22.40 on US amazon. $15 delivery fee for a small extension with no chance to combine shipping kills the deal.

Koken Offset Extension Bar 3763-32 - - Amazon.com

Koken Offset Extension Bar 3763-32 - - Amazon.com

www.amazon.com

 

[ronkz650]

I noticed similar amazon japan vs usa amazon on Nepros tools. Amazon japan is the seller if you buy via regular Amazon.com, but go to the Japan site they don't even sell them.
Some things such as the smaller Koken items are still a good buy at Koken USA with the free shipping. The 3763-32 can be bought for $11.00 with free shipping.

 

[rick carpenter]

Here is part two of that same order that showed up a day later!

You're going to like the 700 series. I have a +1, a +2, a +3, and a -6. The gel handles do not rotate when torquing on them. The markings do wear off though.

 

[M6erfan]

Amazon Japan is trying to stop us combine shipping fees.

For example, Koken PK3763/6 wobble fix extensions got listed on US Amazon, seller is Amazon Japan:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004IKMIGM/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Once they listed it on US amazon, they blocked that item on amazon.co.jp for delivery to the US. When you go to the listing on japanese amazon with delivery to the US it says temporarily out of stock. Once you change your location to japanese zip code, it shows it is available from amazon japan.

So effectively they killed the ability to combine shipping fees making buying of small stuff economically infeasible. As an example, Koken 3763-32 sells for $7.47 on amazon.co,jp and $22.40 on US amazon. $15 delivery fee for a small extension with no chance to combine shipping kills the deal.

Koken Offset Extension Bar 3763-32 - - Amazon.com

Koken Offset Extension Bar 3763-32 - - Amazon.com

www.amazon.com

I noticed that too. The same items that were showing as NLA in my AMZN.jp cart were showing as available on the AMZN.us site, shipped from Japan.

 

[toddmorr]

so, effectively Amazon is taking some of the profit from the exchange rate situation for themselves, by doing this blocking thing. I noticed it with Norbar torque wrenches in Amazon UK also. No doubt the OEMs also support. I guess it was just a matter of time.

 

[Pinaud]

Has anyone used a consolidation/reshipping service that provides an address in Japan? If so what service was used and how did it work?

V/r

 

[m6z]

Well, If Amazon is going to be difficult I'll just look at US retailers like Zoro, DRPD, Kokenusa, etc.

 

[4xdog]

Has anyone used a consolidation/reshipping service that provides an address in Japan? If so what service was used and how did it work?

V/r

I talked about my experience with Tenso upthread a couple of months ago.

 

[Madjik Man]

Well, If Amazon is going to be difficult I'll just look at US retailers like Zoro, DRPD, Kokenusa, etc.

This. I was fading on using Amazon Jp before they were catching on with all the consolidated shipping to the US.

But after my excellent experience with DRPD I’ll always look to them first for anything Made in Japan.

 

[toddmorr]

Well I just placed an order with Amazon j last night and used Tenso, for some koken impacts. Even with shipping it was cheaper than palmac, koken USA, and dprd didn't have stock. Will update later but I don't expect any issues. I have several japanese friends that use it all the time

 

[4xdog]

Well I just placed an order with Amazon j last night and used Tenso, for some koken impacts. Even with shipping it was cheaper than palmac, koken USA, and dprd didn't have stock. Will update later but I don't expect any issues. I have several japanese friends that use it all the time

Tenso's service has been flawless for me. Their repackaging is terrific -- nothing like the awful reports from Amazon Japan lately in this thread.

 

[tamaraw]

Ko-ken 22mm lamba sensor socket:




Nicely broached, lots of contact area on the hex, 1/2" drive input, and plenty of clearance for wires on different sensors.

 

[tamaraw]

Ko-ken 1/2 to 3/8 extension and plug socket:



Good for using various 3/8" specialty sockets (ex: crows feet, spark plug sockets, rear caliper winders, etc.) with a 1/2" tool. The shaft has their nice brushed chrome finish.



And this one is for using a 1/2" tool to crack stubborn/stuck square drive drain plugs. There is no ball detent on the 3/8 end, so it slides easily into drain plugs. Ko-ken also makes a few of these in metric square sizes too (ex: 10mm, 13mm).

 

[Qualitytools]

Ko-ken 22mm lamba sensor socket:




Nicely broached, lots of contact area on the hex, 1/2" drive input, and plenty of clearance for wires on different sensors.

That looks very nice, thanks for sharing. My first thought is that it might be too long to fit in tight spots.

 

[tamaraw]

That looks very nice, thanks for sharing. My first thought is that it might be too long to fit in tight spots.

Probably would be, I believe this is the longer of two versions Ko-ken makes. For really tight applications, you would want one of those offset crow foot/flare nut type sockets. KTC makes a few different ones, an example over here:

O2センサレンチ

●全長が短く、狭い場所でも使用可能です。配線を逃がすためのスリット幅を従来品の5mmから8mmに変更し、...

ktc.jp

Luckily mine are pretty exposed near the top of the manifold, so I should have plenty of room there:



Also, bear in mind that the example I showed in the previous post is an 80's style single wire unheated sensor, so modern heated ones or wideband sensors can be a little longer.

 

[silkman]

Amazon Japan is trying to stop us combine shipping fees.

For example, Koken PK3763/6 wobble fix extensions got listed on US Amazon, seller is Amazon Japan:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004IKMIGM/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Once they listed it on US amazon, they blocked that item on amazon.co.jp for delivery to the US. When you go to the listing on japanese amazon with delivery to the US it says temporarily out of stock. Once you change your location to japanese zip code, it shows it is available from amazon japan.

So effectively they killed the ability to combine shipping fees making buying of small stuff economically infeasible. As an example, Koken 3763-32 sells for $7.47 on amazon.co,jp and $22.40 on US amazon. $15 delivery fee for a small extension with no chance to combine shipping kills the deal.

Koken Offset Extension Bar 3763-32 - - Amazon.com

Koken Offset Extension Bar 3763-32 - - Amazon.com

www.amazon.com

Noticed that on Amazon de too. Shipping almost doubles for qty 2 of the same small item. Evil amazon

 

[BigLeagueSmoes]

Fuller pliers I bought second hand with little to no wear for relatively cheap (maybe $10?) and they live in my grab tool bucket and have been quite handy and feel like they're of solid quality.


====================================================================================================


I don't know anything about the Westline slip joint pliers but I got those at a local pawn shop for 50 cents and they're my nicest slip joints (funny how that works! ) The teeth on them have held up really well.


====================================================================================================


By far the most exciting tool of Japan I have is my Makita TD172D impact driver, made in Japan (and purchased from Japan). Immediately out of the box the quality is noticeably better compared to the chinese made Makita tools I have. My first performance impressions are A++. I don't know what all power tools you can buy from Japan but I will certainly look for more Japanese Makita in the future. I have only had it for a few days but have used it to drive Tapcons into concrete and it was a dream to use. I plan to use it for light automotive mechanic use for when I don't need the bigger impact wrench but just want something to turn the nut or bolt faster than I can by hand. Can't wait to see what else I can throw at it!

 

[rick carpenter]

Vessel replaceable bit Ball Grip Screwdrivers: 220W-BC3C vs 220W3J1 vs 230W-2 ...

Looking at these on Amazon, the 220W-BC3C comes with insert-style bits while the 220W3J1 and 230W-2 come with 13mm anvil bits. Is that because the W3J1 and W-2 positively retain the anvil bit while the BC3C does not positively retain the insert bit, or are none retained and these are just the bits they decided to include in the kits?

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01N4G7AA8/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Amazon.com

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06XP6XPCY/?tag=atomicindus08-20

EDIT: The JDV Products website for the 220W-3 says "The handle’s spring-leaf bit retainer design securely holds the reversible bits in place" while showing both style bits included in that kit.

 

[Qualitytools]

Fuller pliers I bought second hand with little to no wear for relatively cheap (maybe $10?) and they live in my grab tool bucket and have been quite handy and feel like they're of solid quality.


====================================================================================================


I don't know anything about the Westline slip joint pliers but I got those at a local pawn shop for 50 cents and they're my nicest slip joints (funny how that works! ) The teeth on them have held up really well.


====================================================================================================


By far the most exciting tool of Japan I have is my Makita TD172D impact driver, made in Japan (and purchased from Japan). Immediately out of the box the quality is noticeably better compared to the chinese made Makita tools I have. My first performance impressions are A++. I don't know what all power tools you can buy from Japan but I will certainly look for more Japanese Makita in the future. I have only had it for a few days but have used it to drive Tapcons into concrete and it was a dream to use. I plan to use it for light automotive mechanic use for when I don't need the bigger impact wrench but just want something to turn the nut or bolt faster than I can by hand. Can't wait to see what else I can throw at it!

Where did you purchase the Japan made MAKITA does it use the same 18V battery that other MAKITA’s use. Or does it require a special battery and charger?

 

[BigLeagueSmoes]

Where did you purchase the Japan made MAKITA does it use the same 18V battery that other MAKITA’s use. Or does it require a special battery and charger?

eBay. There were multiple sellers for this impact driver, I just went with one of the highest rated that shipped for free. It's cheap enough that you don't have to pay an import tax. No currency exchange fee or anything like that for the buyer. The seller I bought from was very friendly and good with communication, and like I said, he shipped it to my door in 4 days, halfway across the world, for FREE. It was $160 on eBay and local Home Depot price for their Makita 18v brushless impact driver tool only (Chinese) is $150. So for $10 more you get higher quality, an origami crane, and a cool story to go with it! And yes, same 18V platform for the Japanese made driver as any other 18V cordless tool you can purchase, which also means same chargers, nothing special or unique.

 

[Qualitytools]

eBay. There were multiple sellers for this impact driver, I just went with one of the highest rated that shipped for free. It's cheap enough that you don't have to pay an import tax. No currency exchange fee or anything like that for the buyer. The seller I bought from was very friendly and good with communication, and like I said, he shipped it to my door in 4 days, halfway across the world, for FREE. It was $160 on eBay and local Home Depot price for their Makita 18v brushless impact driver tool only (Chinese) is $150. So for $10 more you get higher quality, an origami crane, and a cool story to go with it! And yes, same 18V platform for the Japanese made driver as any other 18V cordless tool you can purchase, which also means same chargers, nothing special or unique.

Thanks

 

[LWB]

TONE 1800M

Received this set yesterday. There's a lot going on in this kit. There's an extension under the "breaker bar" and a spinner handle under the ratchet. The sockets have a very thin wall. It has an all metal box with a good latch. I was looking for something well made a compact and it fits the bill. It was $123 US off of Ebay. More than I would normally spend but not as pricey as some. I hope to have it a very long time.

One thing that surprised me is when it's closed and you shake it you can't here a single rattle but the pieces are easy to get out. Not like some where you have to pull on them to get out of the case. Just more attention to details.