Tools of Japan

[CoThG]

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.

Great! Thanks. Just like the fit of my Koken sockets (Zeal and Nutgrip) to my Koken ratchets, spinners and extensions... ZERO play.

 

[Lugnutzz]

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.


Hey Bad Mojo, what's the brand and source on these ratchet spinners?

 

[Steel_Rain]

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.

Is this made in Japan? They are very nice and I own a ton of Tsunoda products, but I heard it was made in China? Can you confirm?

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.

Beautiful tools. I own many nutgrip sets, but none of the extra deep ones. I like your idea about use cases for these…hmmm. Do these appear to be really heavy? I know it’s an odd question.

 

[CoThG]

Is this made in Japan? They are very nice and I own a ton of Tsunoda products, but I heard it was made in China? Can you confirm?


Beautiful tools. I own many nutgrip sets, but none of the extra deep ones. I like your idea about use cases for these…hmmm. Do these appear to be really heavy? I know it’s an odd question.

I have a Koken 10mm extra deep nutgrip that I use for blind undertray fasteners on my Toyotas. It's an invaluable tool for that application. I don't find it overly heavy and I use it with my Koken 3/8 on 1/4 body Zeal ratchet.

 

[Steel_Rain]

I have a Koken 10mm extra deep nutgrip that I use for blind undertray fasteners on my Toyotas. It's an invaluable tool for that application. I don't find it overly heavy and I use it with my Koken 3/8 on 1/4 body Zeal ratchet.

Good to know. I have two of those ratchets, one at work and one at home, because I love it so much.

Aren’t the extra deep nut grips available only in 3/8” drive? And in limited sizes?

 

[CoThG]

Good to know. I have two of those ratchets, one at work and one at home, because I love it so much.

Aren’t the extra deep nut grips available only in 3/8” drive? And in limited sizes?

Yes on both points. That's why I use the short 3/8 on 1/4 body ratchet for that application.

 

[CoThG]

Good to know. I have two of those ratchets, one at work and one at home, because I love it so much.

Aren’t the extra deep nut grips available only in 3/8” drive? And in limited sizes?

I wish they came in 1/4" drive.

 

[moemc]

Is this made in Japan? They are very nice and I own a ton of Tsunoda products, but I heard it was made in China? Can you confirm?

it matches the Workpro in every way other than color and saying Workpro on it, which probably tells us where it comes from

 

[moemc]

I am really liking these. Do you think they are Kabo? I saw KTC uses Kabo for some real long non-flex box ends.

I wonder why the LMR1 is half the cost of these MR1A. I really want that 17x19. I feel like it would be the perfect wrench for holding the bolt while I torque the nut on my control arm fasteners.

I’ve got amazon japan orders pending. Thinking of adding one. All 3rd party sellers for these, Amazon Japan doesn’t appear to stock it themselves. EDIT; I take that back, I found an Amazon JP page for them And the prices are better Than I was finding earlier.

 

[Steel_Rain]

I am really liking these. Do you think they are Kabo? I saw KTC uses Kabo for some real long non-flex box ends.

I wonder why the LMR1 is half the cost of these MR1A. I really want that 17x19. I feel like it would be the perfect wrench for holding the bolt while I torque the nut on my control arm fasteners.

I’ve got amazon japan orders pending. Thinking of adding one. All 3rd party sellers for these, Amazon Japan doesn’t appear to stock it themselves.

It “feels” like Kabo or Infar to me, the ratcheting action is high end with very precise feel. The bags they come in do say made in Taiwan, but I have many Taiwan made ratcheting wrenches, but they lack the quality of these somehow.

Same here with AJP, I got mine that way via Blackship and they were all third parties.

 

[moemc]

It “feels” like Kabo or Infar to me, the ratcheting action is high end with very precise feel. The bags they come in do say made in Taiwan, but I have many Taiwan made ratcheting wrenches, but they lack the quality of these somehow.

Same here with AJP, I got mine that way via Blackship and they were all third parties.

Amazon.co.jp: KTC Ratchet Offset Wrench (Double Flex Head Oscillating Type) 17X19mm MR1A1719F : DIY, Tools & Garden

Amazon.co.jp: KTC Ratchet Offset Wrench (Double Flex Head Oscillating Type) 17X19mm MR1A1719F : DIY, Tools & Garden

www.amazon.co.jp

here is the page I just found. Went ahead and got the 17x19 on the way to my blackship. I’m probably most excited about this item now over all the rest of it accumulating there.

 

[Typhon]

I am really liking these. Do you think they are Kabo? I saw KTC uses Kabo for some real long non-flex box ends.

I wonder why the LMR1 is half the cost of these MR1A. I really want that 17x19. I feel like it would be the perfect wrench for holding the bolt while I torque the nut on my control arm fasteners.

I’ve got amazon japan orders pending. Thinking of adding one. All 3rd party sellers for these, Amazon Japan doesn’t appear to stock it themselves. EDIT; I take that back, I found an Amazon JP page for them And the prices are better Than I was finding earlier.

I was also researching these two KTC models a month ago and compiled some research notes prior to purchase. I happen to have screenshots of some very important and valuable user feedback which I am providing for your reference.

• Key Point 1: KTC officially states on the packaging that this product can withstand tightening torque




My sincere thanks to the buyers for sharing their experience.
May the great and indescribable God of Tools bless them.

 

[moemc]

I was also researching these two KTC models a month ago and compiled some research notes prior to purchase. I happen to have screenshots of some very important and valuable user feedback which I am providing for your reference.

• Key Point 1: KTC officially states on the packaging that this product can withstand tightening torque




My sincere thanks to the buyers for sharing their experience.
May the great and indescribable God of Tools bless them.

I did notice the LMR1 are polished. Its hard to imagine that is the only difference when looking at the price. The LMR1 are not even on KTC’s website.

 

[CoThG]

I have quite an extensive Koken socket collection, 1/4" and 3/8" Zeal and Nutgrip along with their Zeal ratchets and Wobblefix extensions. I want to try some Nepros ratchets, but I'd like to know how the Nepros ratchets interface with the Koken sockets and extensions? Do they maintain the same literal zero play between ratchets, extensions and/or sockets like when using strictly Koken products? Thanks

 

[Typhon]

I have quite an extensive Koken socket collection, 1/4" and 3/8" Zeal and Nutgrip along with their Zeal ratchets and Wobblefix extensions. I want to try some Nepros ratchets, but I'd like to know how the Nepros ratchets interface with the Koken sockets and extensions? Do they maintain the same literal zero play between ratchets, extensions and/or sockets like when using strictly Koken products? Thanks

I frequently watch a Japanese YouTuber who, if I recall correctly, mentioned that Ko-ken Z-EAL Sockets have compatibility issues with Breaker Bars or Extension Bars from other brands, including Nepros.

In my personal experience, the fitment between my 3/8" Ko-ken Z-EAL Sockets and even Ko-ken’s own Breaker Bars or Extension Bars is not always ideal. Therefore, I took advantage of a sale and repurchased the Standard Series [STD].

To emphasize the so-called refined design of the Z-EAL line, Ko-ken deliberately omitted Knurling. This has led me to give up on Z-EAL and begin gradually replacing my current tools with KTC / Nepros and the Ko-ken Surface Series.

 

[Qualitytools]

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.

Thanks 51dueller, appreciate that.

 

[Qualitytools]

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.

Thanks Dave455, appreciate the answer and the included catalog listing.

 

[Qualitytools]

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.

Mr Tool, I don’t have to replace spark plugs often. However, just last week I replaced a set on a BMW M54 engine and after the last one I went to install the coil over plug and it would not fit. Only to realize that the rubber insert had come off the socket and remained in the deep well of the head. Thanks

 

[Qualitytools]

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):

I have the 18V version of this vacuum which I learned about from the Makita thread and my wife and I love it.

 

[CoThG]

I frequently watch a Japanese YouTuber who, if I recall correctly, mentioned that Ko-ken Z-EAL Sockets have compatibility issues with Breaker Bars or Extension Bars from other brands, including Nepros.

In my personal experience, the fitment between my 3/8" Ko-ken Z-EAL Sockets and even Ko-ken’s own Breaker Bars or Extension Bars is not always ideal. Therefore, I took advantage of a sale and repurchased the Standard Series [STD].

To emphasize the so-called refined design of the Z-EAL line, Ko-ken deliberately omitted Knurling. This has led me to give up on Z-EAL and begin gradually replacing my current tools with KTC / Nepros and the Ko-ken Surface Series.

I've seen the similar fitment issues between Zeal sockets and Snap-On ratchets/extensions. I now basically have a dedicated Zeal series setup with Zeal ratchets, extensions and sockets. I haven't found any fitment issues with their Nutgrip sockets and other brands ratchets/accessories.

All of my Zeal sockets, both 1/4" and 3/8" are semi-deep to alleviate the problem of the broaching not being deep enough to fully encapsulate the fastener.

 

[CHI_Tool&Die]

I've seen the similar fitment issues between Zeal sockets and Snap-On ratchets/extensions. I now basically have a dedicated Zeal series setup with Zeal ratchets, extensions and sockets. I haven't found any fitment issues with their Nutgrip sockets and other brands ratchets/accessories.

All of my Zeal sockets, both 1/4" and 3/8" are semi-deep to alleviate the problem of the broaching not being deep enough to fully encapsulate the fastener.

Yep. All my Z series stuff would not fully engage with my Snap-on ratchets. I didn’t have that problem with any other brand and the Koken stuff, just Snappy.

 

[shibertus]

I have quite an extensive Koken socket collection, 1/4" and 3/8" Zeal and Nutgrip along with their Zeal ratchets and Wobblefix extensions. I want to try some Nepros ratchets, but I'd like to know how the Nepros ratchets interface with the Koken sockets and extensions? Do they maintain the same literal zero play between ratchets, extensions and/or sockets like when using strictly Koken products? Thanks

Most of my sockets are non-Zeal Koken and my ratchets are Nepros. I have a set of Zeal sockets in 1/4" drive. Zeal and non-Zeal sockets both work well on Nepros ratchets. The Zeal sockets have a tighter fit to the anvil. You can still wiggle a Zeal socket a tiny bit but I feel the movement is coming from the anvil itself moving within the ratchet head.

I used to have a mix of Koken Zeal and Nepros ratchets but most of the time found myself reaching for the Nepros. The low backdrag on the Koken's is phenomenal when you need it, but for regular use I preferred the more positive feeling action and the chrome grip of the Nepros. Both are top tier ratchets and I'm really splitting hairs on preference and feel.

 

[CoThG]

Most of my sockets are non-Zeal Koken and my ratchets are Nepros. I have a set of Zeal sockets in 1/4" drive. Zeal and non-Zeal sockets both work well on Nepros ratchets. The Zeal sockets have a tighter fit to the anvil. You can still wiggle a Zeal socket a tiny bit but I feel the movement is coming from the anvil itself moving within the ratchet head.

I used to have a mix of Koken Zeal and Nepros ratchets but most of the time found myself reaching for the Nepros. The low backdrag on the Koken's is phenomenal when you need it, but for regular use I preferred the more positive feeling action and the chrome grip of the Nepros. Both are top tier ratchets and I'm really splitting hairs on preference and feel.

Thanks. That's good information.

 

[Bad Mojo]

Is this made in Japan? They are very nice and I own a ton of Tsunoda products, but I heard it was made in China? Can you confirm?


Beautiful tools. I own many nutgrip sets, but none of the extra deep ones. I like your idea about use cases for these…hmmm. Do these appear to be really heavy? I know it’s an odd question.

I found the packaging for the pliers, and good question. China for those ones. So be it.

Weight wise when I pick them up I don't think of them as heavy. I would say my 3/8" deep in those sizes are heavier.

Good to know. I have two of those ratchets, one at work and one at home, because I love it so much.

Aren’t the extra deep nut grips available only in 3/8” drive? And in limited sizes?

Those are all 1/4" drive, but yes limited in size.

 

[Bad Mojo]

Tone makes them and QA-03S is the item number. They make them also in 1/4" and 1/2" drive.

 

[CoThG]

More Koken stuff came today.
3/8 Zeal 280mm ratchet.
Zeal spark plug socket
3/8 to 1/4 extension
3/8 and 1/4 dual universals
3/8 and 1/4 bit holders & bits
3/8 and 1/4 adapters

 

[Steel_Rain]

More Koken stuff came today.
3/8 Zeal 280mm ratchet.
Zeal spark plug socket
3/8 to 1/4 extension
3/8 and 1/4 dual universals
3/8 and 1/4 bit holders & bits
3/8 and 1/4 adapters

You son of a *****! You’re a SO and Koken fan?

Maybe you’re my long lost brother.

Love them both, but I buy much more Koken then SO these days.

 

[Typhon]

More Koken stuff came today.
3/8 Zeal 280mm ratchet.
Zeal spark plug socket
3/8 to 1/4 extension
3/8 and 1/4 dual universals
3/8 and 1/4 bit holders & bits
3/8 and 1/4 adapters

I impulsively bought these three bit holders a while back. However, after using them, I found the grip on the bits to be insufficient, which caused some wobbling, so I stopped using them.

If you can accept some tolerance, you might want to consider this one. It could also be used in the future if you decide to purchase a cordless impact wrench (Impact Wrench).




I bought a different version.

 

[CoThG]

You son of a *****! You’re a SO and Koken fan?

Maybe you’re my long lost brother.

Love them both, but I buy much more Koken then SO these days.

I have Koken Zeal and Nutgrip in both 1/4 and 3/8 along with the Z 72T ratchets and wobble-fix extensions. I really love their 3/8 in 1/4 body ratchets. Most everything else is SO.

 

[rick carpenter]

I've added a little to my Japanese mechanical pencil collection. On top are the Tombow Mono Zero eraser refills, next is the Tombow Mono Zero eraser, next is the wooden-body Kitaboshi W07 mech pencil, next is the Pentel P207 mech pencil, and finally are the Pentel Super HB 0.7mm leads. At right are the Pentel Ain Stein HB 0.7mm leads. All for woodworking.

The P207 is a drafting pencil, purchased from Target. I got it for the slim, tapered drafting cone as well as the bright green color. The gray W07 keeps getting "lost" on the workbench top among other similarly-colored tools. The red paracord pigtail doesn't help it enough. The Ain Stein leads are supposed to be among the most break-resistant leads.

 

[rick carpenter]

I've added a little to my Japanese mechanical pencil collection. On top are the Tombow Mono Zero eraser refills, next is the Tombow Mono Zero eraser, next is the wooden-body Kitaboshi W07 mech pencil, next is the Pentel P207 mech pencil, and finally are the Pentel Super HB 0.7mm leads. At right are the Pentel Ain Stein HB 0.7mm leads. All for woodworking.

The P207 is a drafting pencil, purchased from Target. I got it for the slim, tapered drafting cone as well as the bright green color. The gray W07 keeps getting "lost" on the workbench top among other similarly-colored tools. The red paracord pigtail doesn't help it enough. The Ain Stein leads are supposed to be among the most break-resistant leads.

I just had this Pentel GraphGear 500 from before 2004 added to my collection this morning. Wife found it while cleaning up.

 

[YesIHaveAHammer]

I'm surprised to see Japanese tools are so much cheaper on Amazon Japan. I see it on many brands, but let's take as an example the Koken RS3450M/8 3/8" nut grip 8pc socket set (8-19mm):

Prices without taxes as far as I can see.

Amazon Japan: 5535 JPY = $35

Koken USA: $106
Amazon US: $78

And a different western country to show it's not just about tariffs:
UKTools 57 GBP = $76

 

[Daytonaer]

I'm surprised to see Japanese tools are so much cheaper on Amazon Japan. I see it on many brands, but let's take as an example the Koken RS3450M/8 3/8" nut grip 8pc socket set (8-19mm):

Prices without taxes as far as I can see.

Amazon Japan: 5535 JPY = $35

Koken USA: $106
Amazon US: $78

And a different western country to show it's not just about tariffs:
UKTools 57 GBP = $76

Put it in your cart and check out. Over the past couple of years I have got some real bargains.

If you ship to the US there will be shipping cost.

Also Amazon JP has now added "import charges"


I think the days of low amazon jp prices justifying paying shipping are mostly over, I have found sometimes amazon US will let you select seller "amazon japan" and will occasionally qualify for free shipping making for a good deal, but you have to keep an eye on individual price fluctuations.


Happy hunting

 

[YesIHaveAHammer]

Put it in your cart and check out.

Interesting. Some things say on the product page they can't be shipped to your address, others only say that when you go to check out, and you also get a ~10% price increase going between the basket and checkout.

Also Amazon JP has now added "import charges"

I've seen other Amazon sites charge an "import fees deposit". This is when they handle any taxes/fees on your behalf if they're set up to do that in your country. JP doesn't seem to have this for my country, so I think the logistics company would do it and add on their own processing fee.

Perhaps a smallish trial order is the only real way to find out.

 

[Dave455]

I'm surprised to see Japanese tools are so much cheaper on Amazon Japan. I see it on many brands, but let's take as an example the Koken RS3450M/8 3/8" nut grip 8pc socket set (8-19mm):

Prices without taxes as far as I can see.

Amazon Japan: 5535 JPY = $35

Koken USA: $106
Amazon US: $78

And a different western country to show it's not just about tariffs:
UKTools 57 GBP = $76

It’s always been the case that the further a tool has to travel, the more expensive it becomes.

Personally, I’m of the opinion that the Amazon US price, or the U.K. price are fair, considering that tool has already been imported.

The KoKen USA price is typical of a lot of importers. They like to fix a price, and they generally fix it high to allow for currency fluctuations. Also, although I don’t know about this case, many importers set a high price so that resellers can sell against it.

Many importers only want to distribute to trade and not get involved with the end user. KoKen U.K. don’t sell retail at all, although KoKen are much longer established in the U.K. than the U.S, so it’s a different situation.

I don’t know how many other KoKen sellers there are in the U.S. It maybe that the importers have to sell directly for now, but hope not to when the tools become better known, and they have more dealers. As always, the best advice is to shop around before purchasing.

Amazon Japan have always had awesome pricing, but the tools are close to source, so they should be. But also bear in mind, that the domestic taxes in Japan are quite considerable, so the locals are not getting the deal that export customers are, and I suspect everybody tries to keep the base price of goods low.

 

[Steel_Rain]

I think the days of low amazon jp prices justifying paying shipping are mostly over, I have found sometimes amazon US will let you select seller "amazon japan" and will occasionally qualify for free shipping making for a good deal, but you have to keep an eye on individual price fluctuations.

THIS. I've gotten some amazing deals over the last 2-years, but it takes effort and time. AJP will have random (to me at least) "Smile Sales", or the like, and there a good deals on Vessel, Koken, KTC and Engineer mostly. I will buy items during those sales and since I use Blackship, I'll accrue them in there warehouse until I have a big enough order to justify the shipping back to the USA.

I'll use my Koken nut grips for example. I've purchased all three drive sizes in standard length from AJP using the above method and I was able to STILL save about 23% off the pricing listed on the Koken USA official site. That includes the Blackship fee's, tariffs and shipping charges when combined with a larger order:

 

[CoThG]

THIS. I've gotten some amazing deals over the last 2-years, but it takes effort and time. AJP will have random (to me at least) "Smile Sales", or the like, and there a good deals on Vessel, Koken, KTC and Engineer mostly. I will buy items during those sales and since I use Blackship, I'll accrue them in there warehouse until I have a big enough order to justify the shipping back to the USA.

I'll use my Koken nut grips for example. I've purchased all three drive sizes in standard length from AJP using the above method and I was able to STILL save about 23% off the pricing listed on the Koken USA official site. That includes the Blackship fee's, tariffs and shipping charges when combined with a larger order:

If you're not in a hurry to get them, you could wait till Koken/Palmac has one of their 20% off sales.

 

[CoThG]

Latest Koken... 2725Z(3/8)-160

 

[Pinne]

Amazon Japan have always had awesome pricing, but the tools are close to source, so they should be. But also bear in mind, that the domestic taxes in Japan are quite considerable, so the locals are not getting the deal that export customers are, and I suspect everybody tries to keep the base price of goods low.

I believe it’s 10%. I’ve shipped a bunch of Amazon purchases to my hotel(s) in Japan and that’s always been the case.

I’d pay about the same in sales tax where I live so the Amazon Japan price is substantially better even with the tax factored in.

 

[pfbz]

THIS. I've gotten some amazing deals over the last 2-years, but it takes effort and time. AJP will have random (to me at least) "Smile Sales", or the like, and there a good deals on Vessel, Koken, KTC and Engineer mostly. I will buy items during those sales and since I use Blackship, I'll accrue them in there warehouse until I have a big enough order to justify the shipping back to the USA.

I'll use my Koken nut grips for example. I've purchased all three drive sizes in standard length from AJP using the above method and I was able to STILL save about 23% off the pricing listed on the Koken USA official site. That includes the Blackship fee's, tariffs and shipping charges when combined with a larger order:

If you're not in a hurry to get them, you could wait till Koken/Palmac has one of their 20% off sales.

As @CoThG pointed out... 23% with the hassles is no great deal when Kokenusa.com regularly has 20% off free shipping sales about every major holiday. Plus any grey market tools will probably not qualify for warranty, not that I have ever had an issue with one of my Ko-kens.

I've found some good deals on Ko-ken through Zoro (coupled with a 20% off coupon), and Zoro is an authorized kokenusa reseller so no warranty issues. In fact every time I've ordered Ko-ken from Zoro, it is just drop shipped directly from Koken USA.

And not that 10% off is a great deal, but you can get that every day from koken usa with kokenusa.com/discount/toolsandtwisties.