Tools of Japan

[NightSky]

I was recently searching for spare carbon brushes and a switch for my 25 year old made-in-Switzerland Bosch hammer drill. Bosch has both of these parts listed as discontinued. But I was able to find them online at a small power tool repair shop (Kauffman Family Tool Repair). They had 1 switch in stock, and 3 pair of carbon brushes. But I had no luck finding carbon brushes for my 45 year old Bosch router (model 90099M) which I believe was manufactured in the USA. That's not a problem, because I rarely use it these days.

An option for replacement brushes is to find a "close enough" brush and modify to fit. I had to do this to keep an old paper shredder running. It has been running w/o problem since then.
The old brushes were worn down to nubs:

I found something close and modified. The as received new brush is on top and modified-to-fit brush on the bottom:

It will be interesting to hear opinions on this approach. I assumed that the conductivity of brushes is pretty much the same.

 

[four.cycle]

^ ACE Hardware's "Hillman" bins have a drawer full of assorted brushes. Depends upon what sort of assortment the particular store stocks, of course. The one nearest to me has a good assortment of them.

When I sent the letter to Porter-Cable asking them what sort of lubricant to use and if they might have a set of brushes for my 1939 model B-1 "Take-About" sander, they sent me a set of brushes with a note to the effect of "We no longer carry that part number, but you should be able to get these to work with slight modification."
As far as I know, a carbon brush is a carbon brush is a carbon brush. If it fits in the hole - it will work.

(Now that you brought this back to memory, I recall selling a couple old geezers sets of brushes when I worked up at the Yelm store - they'd come in with an old set worn to the nub and I'd start opening boxes until we found something "close enough" to fit their old tractor.)

 

[Monte]

Maybe measure the carbon brush size and try a carbon brush shop

https://carbonbrushes.us/

Welcome to GraphiteStore.com - supplier of graphite, graphene, carbon-fiber, ceramic products and materials. Graphite machining service provider

Wide-ranging Inventory of Carbon, Graphite, Graphene and ceramic based products made in USA. Store includes: graphite plates, rods and tubes; high temperature adhesives, epoxies and coatings; dry graphite lubricants; carbon fiber rods, tubes and laminates; EDM graphite; carbon rods, bushings...

www.graphitestore.com

www.carbonprostore.com

Helwig Carbon | Carbon Brush Suppliers Since 1928 | USA-Made

Helwig Carbon is the top family-owned, American carbon brush manufacturers and suppliers of graphite brushes, BPKs, brush holders, spring assemblies & more.

www.helwigcarbon.com

 

[cherrybomb]

All I can say is who in the world, and why would anyone use any hex key wrench? Every time I see a picture of the dumb L shape hex wrench regardless of brand that's all I think. Maybe on a 1/16" size or thereabouts, but otherwise why in the world over using a hex socket?

I like the fact that they do the job without over torqueing and the 'L' fits in my shirt pocket, so I don't wonder where I laid it.When you get my age,you'll understand!!!!

 

[rick carpenter]

A few Canary cardboard cutters:

I used the yellow box cutter frequently in my days in the school warehouse breaking down cardboard boxes for recycling or storage. I bought it so I still have it, and I used it today. Very handy!

 

[Steel_Rain]

I used the yellow box cutter frequently in my days in the school warehouse breaking down cardboard boxes for recycling or storage. I bought it so I still have it, and I used it today. Very handy!

Yup, I've used mine the last several weeks to break down large cardboard boxes and they have been great, very handy for certain repetitive tasks.

 

[Steel_Rain]

Has anyone purchased/imported any of the new gen Lobtex stuff?

J-CRAFT99シリーズ｜株式会社ロブテックス

高級感を醸し出すブラック基調 LOBSTER（エビ印）品質を備えたこだわりの工具 仕事への誇りを高める J-CRAFT99（ツーナインズ）シリーズ

j-craft99.com

Could these be made in Japan? They appear to be Taiwan sourced but I own many Lobtex items and they are all made in Japan.



Also, these look nice:

 

[C4-621]

Could these be made in Japan? They appear to be Taiwan sourced but I own many Lobtex items and they are all made in Japan.

Your hunch that they are made in Taiwan is on the mark. Seems rather lame of Lobtex to slap "J-Craft" on these particular tools.
(Not my photo)

 

[Steel_Rain]

Your hunch that they are made in Taiwan is on the mark. Seems rather lame of Lobtex to slap "J-Craft" on these particular tools.
(Not my photo)

Thanks C4.

Are you in US? If so, can you tell me how you got these? I don't show any of this stuff on Amazon Japan.

***** they just put the Lobtex name on it when this is just another Taiwan rebrand. The other stuff looks "mostly" made in Japan.

 

[C4-621]

Thanks C4.

Are you in US? If so, can you tell me how you got these? I don't show any of this stuff on Amazon Japan.

***** they just put the Lobtex name on it when this is just another Taiwan rebrand. The other stuff looks "mostly" made in Japan.

Heya,

I didn't buy these and as noted above, that is not my photo. I have a few Lobtex wrenches that have performed
great so far and discovered only because of your post that some products they offer are just relabeled.

 

[moemc]

Those are pretty. I just ordered a red handle one. Wouldnt mine one of these too.

 

[four.cycle]

Lobtex adjustable wrenches are arguably currently some of the best on the market.
I shot a note to the manufacturer asking them for COO on those ratcheting box-end wrenches.
They may or may not reply.
But if I had to guess, I'd say made in Taiwan (ROC)
Pretty sure that's where most all of those are coming from now.

 

[moemc]

Earlier today I finally ordered a Lobtex adjustable to check it out. One of the short 0-24mm ones. I also ordered that Top HY-26S Adjustable too. Its been a long time since I did a BlackShip order. So I have been scrounging up stuff on Amazon Japan trying to build up a worthy freight forwarding shipment.

 

[Steel_Rain]

Lobtex adjustable wrenches are arguably currently some of the best on the market.

Earlier today I finally ordered a Lobtex adjustable to check it out.

Yes:

 

[moemc]

Are they as good as the Bahco? That’s what I’m curious to see. I feel like my Bahco adjustable are about as good as adjustables can get.

 

[YesIHaveAHammer]

Are they as good as the Bahco? That’s what I’m curious to see. I feel like my Bahco adjustable are about as good as adjustables can get.

My thoughts on mine here. The narrowness of the grip and that it doesn't adjust down to zero are the notable things.

 

[Reed Prince]

I've owned Lobster and TOP. Both have mechanisms to reduce play.

 

[NitroExpress]

Are they as good as the Bahco? That’s what I’m curious to see. I feel like my Bahco adjustable are about as good as adjustables can get.

For me, no. I prefer the Bahco…..

My thoughts on mine here. The narrowness of the grip and that it doesn't adjust down to zero are the notable things.

….for these exact reasons.

Not to take away from the obvious quality of the Lobtex. They definitely have positive features.

 

[Reed Prince]

 

[YesIHaveAHammer]

The title translates once you click play - "Process of mass-producing saws. A Japanese factory that makes 600,000 saws a year."

Nakaya - Japanese Saw Manufacturer

They make and supply both saws and machines for making saws, since 1925.

Got to appreciate the craftsmanship and this ethos of business. This video does more for me than anything any tool marketing department ever came up with.

 

[Steve_P]

Are they as good as the Bahco? That’s what I’m curious to see. I feel like my Bahco adjustable are about as good as adjustables can get.

I have a couple of "newer" (~10-year-old) Bahco adjustables and don't find them to be anything special. I've got just about every brand from Bahco to Western Forge, less Snap On, and the most precisely machined I have are by Irega- available in the US from Channellock.

 

[51dueller]

Picked up my first Koken sockets of the sparkplug variety today. Locally there is a small specialty tool store that has KTC Nepros, Koken and Hazet on the shelf. Tried out the Nepros and Koken ratchets when I was there, while they are very nice, I won't quite be upgrading anytime soon.

 

[Qualitytools]

Picked up my first Koken sockets of the sparkplug variety today. Locally there is a small specialty tool store that has KTC Nepros, Koken and Hazet on the shelf. Tried out the Nepros and Koken ratchets when I was there, while they are very nice, I won't quite be upgrading anytime soon.

I was looking to find a KOKEN 5/8 spark plug socket as I am tired of my Craftsman rubber insert staying on the plug during install but can’t find the listing.

 

[51dueller]

I was looking to find a KOKEN 5/8 spark plug socket as I am tired of my Craftsman rubber insert staying on the plug during install but can’t find the listing.

Your looking for 3300CZ-16 as Koken doesn't list them in SAE sizes, only metric. Like the 20.8mm socket above is the 13/16.

 

[Steel_Rain]

Global Saw GAP-13L centerpunch:






Crab Tool MX-400:






There is very little information about Crab Tools on GJ. @superautobacs , can you shed some light on this unknown brand?

 

[four.cycle]

Crab / Crab Tool, Sanjo, Nigata Pref., Japan / (no website 11/11/21) /

^ this is all I've got.

 

[Steel_Rain]

ANEX ADSK-2065, ANEX ADSK-1065, ANEX ADSK-2150 & ANEX ADSK-1100 bits:




KTC MR1A-1317F, MR1A-1113F, MR1A-1315F & MR1A-1012F (I know they aren't made in Japan ((Taiwan)):



This completes my set (I love these):



Makita CL002GZCW Stick Vac (40v XGT):

 

[shibertus]

Makita CL002GZCW Stick Vac (40v XGT):

Curious to hear your review on the vacuum.

 

[Steel_Rain]

Curious to hear your review on the vacuum.

My wife loves these, this is our 3rd and we have them @ every level in our home.

I'll circle back when I use it over the next few weeks. First impressions are that it's way overkill for a stick vac, so perfect for me.

 

[Dave455]

I was looking to find a KOKEN 5/8 spark plug socket as I am tired of my Craftsman rubber insert staying on the plug during install but can’t find the listing.

The KoKen catalogue is generally quite well laid out, but things like spark plug sockets are right at the back, listed under “Automotive Tools” rather than with the other sockets.

As 51dueller says, you need to look for 16mm rather than 5/8, but there is quite a selection.

I like the ones with the spring clips. They hold the plug very positively and there’s no risk of a rubber insert getting pulled out.


There are different options for a rubber insert if you wanted, or magnetic. 12 Point too, if needed.

I must admit I also have the extended versions, and find they work well with the clips.


They also offer universal. And different universal for 12 point etc.


Finally, there are the “Z Series”. I don’t own these, but would if I was tight for space. Might opt for these if I had Z series accessories already. Again, there are other options.

 

[51dueller]

The Z series spark plug socket aren't much more than the regular ones. I would have only saved $5 cdn or $3.50 usd on the 16mm one.

 

[Mr. Tool]

I was looking to find a KOKEN 5/8 spark plug socket as I am tired of my Craftsman rubber insert staying on the plug during install but can’t find the listing.

Spark Plug Sockets

We are the North American Source of Ko-ken Tools from Japan. Our parent company, Ko-ken Tools, is a fourth generation family owned and operated business in Japan, with 140+ employees. The focus of the business is entirely on Sockets and Socket wrenches.

kokenusa.com

Although I must say that....be prepared to pay a small fortune $$$ if you are looking to buy more than just one because they are not cheap!


As fellow GJ member Dave455 posted....I've got various sets, lengths, styles, etc. of those Koken spark plug sockets and yes love using them all!
Like yourself...years ago (way before Covid) I also got tired of using my old Craftsman spark plug with it's rubber insert. Back then it was good to use but the wear on the rubber insert just wasn't doing it for me anymore.

 

[moemc]

I’ve got a Koken 16mm spark plug socket that was sent to me by mistake, 2 actually. It’s a magnetic one, part number starts with 3305 something. They are very nice but I don’t have any vehicles that use this size.

I ordered an extension in a various order of Koken items, and it arrived. I shrugged and put it in my toolbox. Next Koken order I added the same extension I wanted, and another 16mm spark plug socket arrived.

i can look up the part number for the extension I gave up trying to get if you want to try your luck lol

 

[autobon7]

Got to appreciate the craftsmanship and this ethos of business. This video does more for me than anything any tool marketing department ever came up with.

Indeed

 

[Professor Gascan]

Koken 3/8 to 1/4 extension and the new Klein locking bit driver.

 

[Bad Mojo]

The next splattering of tools from Japan made it in.
The smallest water pump pliers I now own. It has turned out be a quite the fidget toy on my desk the last couple of days.

Next is all the angled tip adjustable wrenches. These are flagged as gifts. I like having something on hand to celebrate small events and its nice having something practical and a bit unique.

These little spinners that go between a ratchet and socket have become my favorite thing. I got 2 more because I find I am always swapping them between my ratchets and its rare I don't want them on. They are great for snugging down a fastener quickly and then using the leverage from the ratchet to snug it up.

Next up is some 1/4" drive nut grip sockets in both deep and extra deep. Had a project were a dropped fastener added an extra hour of work to pull panels off to find the bolt. Sometimes you have to pay the tool tax so that doesn't happen again.

Last, but not least by any means. Knipex! But why because they are a limited edition for Japan with the blue handles! I might of justified them as because I have been wrapping up some plumbing work which has turned in a bigger project than I expected. You know water is "blue" and the handles are blue so they are bit symbolic. Also just a nice reminder of that work being accomplished when I pull them from my tool bag.

 

[CoThG]

Does anyone know if the Koken "Phillips" screwdriver are JIS or standard Phillips?

 

[Typhon]

Does anyone know if the Koken "Phillips" screwdriver are JIS or standard Phillips?

From what I recall, the JIS certification is no longer in effect（
The issuance of JIS certification has been discontinued.）
I once looked into whether I should exclusively use JIS certified screwdrivers by watching tool reviews and automotive/motorcycle maintenance YouTube channels run by Japanese creators. As it turns out, brands like “PB Swiss / Wera,“KTC, Vessel, Ko-ken are all being used. Furthermore, some YTers have explained that using a screwdriver requires "70% of the force applied as downforce and 30% of the force for rotation."

I have used KOKEN alongside VESSEL in actual tasks, and I didn't notice a significant difference in performance.


However, in terms of feel, KOKEN seems to be more durable.
I believe Ko-ken screwdriver sets are a highly underrated product. They are affordable and tough; furthermore, they provide a perfect fit when used on my Toyota 、Kawasaki Honda Yamaha motorcycles—no issues were found 。

Update: I've refined my wording to ensure the message is clear and not misinterpreted.

 

[CoThG]

From what I recall, the JIS certification is no longer in effect. If you follow Japanese automotive or motorcycle maintenance channels on YouTube , you'll notice they no longer specifically promote JIS screwdrivers 。
I have used KOKEN alongside VESSEL in actual tasks, and I didn't notice a significant difference in performance.


However, in terms of feel, KOKEN seems to be more durable.
I believe Ko-ken screwdriver sets are a highly underrated product. They are affordable and tough; furthermore, they provide a perfect fit when used on my Toyota 、Kawasaki Honda Yamaha motorcycles—no issues were found 。

Thanks for the info. How tight do the Koken bits fit in the Koken handles? I have a set of Vessel and I love how they feel in the hand and the fit on the fastener. I just received my first Koken driver, a 6IP Torx. It's a tiny handle but I really like how it feels. I'm going to order a full set of Koken screwdrivers as a result.

 

[Typhon]

Thanks for the info. How tight do the Koken bits fit in the Koken handles? I have a set of Vessel and I love how they feel in the hand and the fit on the fastener. I just received my first Koken driver, a 6IP Torx. It's a tiny handle but I really like how it feels. I'm going to order a full set of Koken screwdrivers as a result.

Manufacturing precision is exceptional. There is zero tolerance and no play, so the bit doesn't wobble at all. On the flip side, the fit is so tight that it's difficult to remove the bit.