NitroExpress
Well-known member
I don’t have access to a printer, but might be able to find something. Don’t go to too much trouble, but if it happens to be readily available I might make an effort.
Many thanks!!!
Tools of Japan
- Thread starter Frankstools
- Start date
Many thanks!!!
@NitroExpress my local library has 3D printers available. Check yours out!
Ohio Andy
Well-known member
That had not occurred to me
NitroExpress
Well-known member
Thank you for that! I checked, and my local library does not have 3D printers. I spoke to my cousin and he has access to “all the printing I could need”! So if the file does show up, I’ll be ready.
Found them. Garage Journal wouldn't let me upload the .stl files so I had to zip them.
NitroExpress
Well-known member
THANKS a million! Really appreciate your time on that.
Steel_Rain
Well-known member
- Joined
- Apr 23, 2024
- Messages
- 1,336
Some nice Japanese ratcheting 1/4" Hex tools... Vessel ratcheting T-handle, Vessel ratcheting stubby with flexible shaft, Anex ratcheting ball grip, and a set of longer Sunflag bits! Impressed with all of them!
Nice!
The only thing I don't own in that pic is the Vessel Manta Ray driver.
How is it?
CGarage
Well-known member
I have one and like it a lot. It isn’t an ultra fine mechanism, but it feels great in the hand.
billdodd
Member
I love it. Morgan silver dollar for scale!
Ohio Andy
Well-known member
Maybe the dollars were in The tackle box and the wrench is for scale
I just watched this review of the some of the newer Koken tools. It was nice to see someone show off and explain the tool a little bit more than just reading about it on the website. The locking wobble extensions and stud tools peaked my interest.
*piqued* 
few doodads recently acquired:
T20 was totally rationalized for a difficult-to-reach fastener on my notoriously leaky DeWalt 20V chainsaw.
After handling both, I decided the regular bent-nose Tsunoda suited me more than the high-leverage model.
Silky, cuz...Silky! My 30+ yr. old Coglan is still chugging along, but this was an oddly good price and just had to.
few doodads recently acquired:
T20 was totally rationalized for a difficult-to-reach fastener on my notoriously leaky DeWalt 20V chainsaw.
After handling both, I decided the regular bent-nose Tsunoda suited me more than the high-leverage model.
Silky, cuz...Silky! My 30+ yr. old Coglan is still chugging along, but this was an oddly good price and just had to.
Last edited:
Nobody-named-Olli
Well-known member
Ko-ken AG112A 1/2” “Attack Driver” (manual impact driver)
I had a hunch when I zoomed into the “pixelsauce” of a picture the supplier provides on their website. I inquired if it was what I thought it was - they said yes, so I ordered it. I like it when suppliers don’t strip tools off their origin and communicate clearly & honest, they even left the stickers inside the box.
And as you wouldn’t expect any other way from Ko-ken, perfect fit & finish on all tools & box.
Kind regards,
Olli
I had a hunch when I zoomed into the “pixelsauce” of a picture the supplier provides on their website. I inquired if it was what I thought it was - they said yes, so I ordered it. I like it when suppliers don’t strip tools off their origin and communicate clearly & honest, they even left the stickers inside the box.
And as you wouldn’t expect any other way from Ko-ken, perfect fit & finish on all tools & box.
Kind regards,
Olli
Steel_Rain
Well-known member
- Joined
- Apr 23, 2024
- Messages
- 1,336
The people that say "There is no such thing as a perfect tool" just haven't purchased anything from Koken yet.
Beautiful Olli.
Steel_Rain
Well-known member
- Joined
- Apr 23, 2024
- Messages
- 1,336
I know these have been posted several times over the years (Looking at your @Dave455 ) ...
BUT....I finally convinced myself to buy them:
I dunno ya'll...these might be, "the one". Best grips ever, beautiful finishing and extremely solid build quality. It's the Japanese version of the SO hard handle, just much more pruuuudy.
Delivered by UPS this morning: Vessel 4500 PH1-75 and PH2-100. Brilliant fit and finish
BUT....I finally convinced myself to buy them:
I dunno ya'll...these might be, "the one". Best grips ever, beautiful finishing and extremely solid build quality. It's the Japanese version of the SO hard handle, just much more pruuuudy.
Last edited:
While I love Snap-On, the QC, fit and finish and dimensional tolerances of Koken absolutely leave Snap-On in the dust.
Qualitytools
Well-known member
I think these are some of the prettiest handles hands down. Enjoy, thanks for sharing.I know these have been posted several times over the years (Looking at your @Dave455 ) ...
BUT....I finally convinced myself to buy them:
I dunno ya'll...these might be, "the one". Best grips ever, beautiful finishing and extremely solid build quality. It's the Japanese version of the SO hard handle, just much more pruuuudy.
Qualitytools
Well-known member
Agree!
Dave455
Well-known member
I’m actually a big PB Swiss fan for metric drivers, and I still think that the PB Swiss tips are the best, by a whisker.I know these have been posted several times over the years (Looking at your @Dave455 ) ...
BUT....I finally convinced myself to buy them:
I dunno ya'll...these might be, "the one". Best grips ever, beautiful finishing and extremely solid build quality. It's the Japanese version of the SO hard handle, just much more pruuuudy.
But, the blades of the Vessel are very tough and beautifully made, and I don’t think the handles can be bettered.
Vessel also seem to have mastered the art of making a striking cap that doesn’t wreck the balance of the tool. The balance of the smaller drivers in particular (which are probably most used) remind me of some of the early Stanley drivers.
So while the PB Swiss probably win best fit for precision use, I’m coming round to the view that the Vessel 4500 might be best, certainly for general purpose / mechanical use.
Incredible value for such quality too,
CGarage
Well-known member
I think PB Swiss makes the prettiest drivers.
However, the Vessel is the more useable of the two, and at a better price point.
I think Japanese production tolerances and quality control surpass the Americans and the EU manufacturers, note that Switzerland is not in the EU, so they are excluded from this.
However, the Vessel is the more useable of the two, and at a better price point.
I think Japanese production tolerances and quality control surpass the Americans and the EU manufacturers, note that Switzerland is not in the EU, so they are excluded from this.
As a Toyota owner since 1986....yes I appreciate this video.
MR. TOOL APPROVE'S THIS VIDEO!
LordLupulin
Member
That flex shaft came in handy installing a bunch of vfd's with no room above or below the other day!Some nice Japanese ratcheting 1/4" Hex tools... Vessel ratcheting T-handle, Vessel ratcheting stubby with flexible shaft, Anex ratcheting ball grip, and a set of longer Sunflag bits! Impressed with all of them!
Been wanting a locking extension and saw these Koken swivel locks on here, used one for a spark plug change yesterday and worked great, bought the Koken 2769F and just bought the KTC BD10, they are the same...
Don't know if you have one already or not....but if you liked the way the Koken extension worked on spark plugs then you'll love using Koken spark plug sockets.....for me personally.....probably the very best ever spark plug sockets to use!
Search Results
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
Will be in Tokyo area for a business trip in a few months. Can any recommend a tool shop I can visit around Tokyo and Mt Fuji area? I already know of WIT. Just looking for input from anyone whose done some tool shopping in Japan. TY
Factory Gear in Tokyo
new Factory Gear Tokyo store, Seafort Square Mall, Tennoz Isle
Those of you who are fans of Japanese tools, (KTC, Nepros, Ko-Ken, Zeal, Vessel, etc.) know that Factory Gear is one of the top tool retailers in Japan. Factory Gear has a number of stores across Japan and their own house brand, Deen. Factory Gear used to have a store in central Tokyo in the...
www.garagejournal.com
Ohio Andy
Well-known member
I would have to bring an extra suitcase....Factory Gear in Tokyo
new Factory Gear Tokyo store, Seafort Square Mall, Tennoz Isle
Those of you who are fans of Japanese tools, (KTC, Nepros, Ko-Ken, Zeal, Vessel, etc.) know that Factory Gear is one of the top tool retailers in Japan. Factory Gear has a number of stores across Japan and their own house brand, Deen. Factory Gear used to have a store in central Tokyo in the...
Thank you!!! Theres a Factory Gear that's much closer to Tokyo than WIT. Also Consumption Tax Free from information that came up on a search.Factory Gear in Tokyo
new Factory Gear Tokyo store, Seafort Square Mall, Tennoz Isle
Those of you who are fans of Japanese tools, (KTC, Nepros, Ko-Ken, Zeal, Vessel, etc.) know that Factory Gear is one of the top tool retailers in Japan. Factory Gear has a number of stores across Japan and their own house brand, Deen. Factory Gear used to have a store in central Tokyo in the...
Last edited:
LOL. ill be bringing an empty one plus my carryon
Usually best to just buy another once you get there. Good quality for good prices.LOL. ill be bringing an empty one plus my carryon
We grabbed our at the Don Quixote Mega Store. That place is...insane.
Hotels & Kombinis also offer forwarding services for your luggage to your next destination.
Steel_Rain
Well-known member
- Joined
- Apr 23, 2024
- Messages
- 1,336
LOL. ill be bringing an empty one plus my carryon
I've already said this in another thread...
My Wife said I'm not allowed to go to Japan with her to buy tools because I'd bring them back instead of her. I just smiled and said I'd bring back what's most important to me...(and get her on the next flight).
Dude, that's classic!I've already said this in another thread...
My Wife said I'm not allowed to go to Japan with her to buy tools because I'd bring them back instead of her. I just smiled and said I'd bring back what's most important to me...(and get her on the next flight).
Steel_Rain
Well-known member
- Joined
- Apr 23, 2024
- Messages
- 1,336
Tsunoda KBN-150:
Vessel B370:
(Google Translated^)
Vessel B370:
(Google Translated^)
Steel_Rain
Well-known member
- Joined
- Apr 23, 2024
- Messages
- 1,336
Forgot to ask, does anyone have the full set of Vessel 370’s? Damn, it a good handle and perfect fit & finish.
NitroExpress
Well-known member
Not sure if these have been shown before, but I was not familiar with them at all. While placing an order at Harry Epstein, I was browsing the IPS pliers and bought these on a whim. They are unique (to me) in that the middle slip joint is unassisted, but the two outer joins are spring assisted. The angle seems handy and the quality is typically great IPS.