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    Tools of Japan

    The caliper jaws to measure an interior distance are sharp since they are intended to make line contact on the inside of a cylindrical surface (a hole). When you apply force to the jaws, they will spread out (still parallel to the centerline of the hole) until the two contact lines are as far...
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    Tools of Japan

    I don’t think I’ll be able to measure the flat-to-flat distance of an 8mm socket reliably with my calipers. Maybe if I made a mold of the inside… 🤔
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    Tools of Japan

    The Ko-ken Z-Series 3/8" SAE sockets were an immediate purchase for me. They arrived yesterday, and the first question on my mind was: "Is the 3/4 socket the same as the 19mm?". I've heard that many tool companies simply re-label their 3/4" sockets as 19mm (or vice-versa) since 3/4" = 19.05mm...
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    Tools of Japan

    I'm shopping for a new set of Japanese wrenches to add to a travel tool kit I'm putting together. I have a full set of Nepros, but of course those are too nice to take to autocross and on camping trips. I decided to buy a 14mm from ASAHI, KTC, and TONE to compare before making a decision...
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    Cost of Tools vs Cost of Service

    My primary reason for working on my cars is a lack of trust taking them to a shop. As someone who is a car guy and mechanically inclined, I want to know any work is done “properly”. I can spend the time to get the details right; torque specs, inspecting things as I go, cleaning parts and...
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    Tools of Japan

    Picked up a few Ko-ken things from drpd on the Memorial Day sale. Just got around to opening the box. Finally got one of their ratchets with the quick release button (3725ZB). I like it, the button sticks out quite a bit, unlike Nepros ratchets where the button is flush. Much easier to depress...
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    Tools of Japan

    I think this is the one I got: https://miuraknives.com/japanese-knife/4642-5488-japanese-nakiri-knife-miura-aogami-super-black-finish-brown-handle-size-165cm-id4642-japanese-knife-miura-knives.html#/37-size-165cm_65_inches My receipt says I paid ¥18,163. I had my passport so he was able to...
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    Tools of Japan

    My 4Runner has a long narrow storage compartment behind the rear seats. I’m thinking this is an ideal place for tools.
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    Tools of Japan

    What are your thoughts on the KTC M160 wrenches? I've been eyeing them for my 4Runner travel/emergency tool kit. Are these long enough for suspension work instead of a breaker bar?
  10. C

    Tools of Japan

    I went to Japan for the F1 race in April, and briefly went tool-hunting in downtown Nagoya: Found it! What a maze... but I think you were right... 7th floor. I probably spent longer looking for the tools than I spent actually looking at them. This was it for what we're usually interested...
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    Tools of Japan

    I ordered from Frank 3 times I think, all before he stopped carrying Ko-ken. So this was many years ago. Also my first foray into Japanese tools, before finding this thread and discovering other buying options. First and second orders shipped promptly. Third order had a huge (weeks or months...
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    Tools of Japan

    I'm staying right by the train station, so anything in the department store there would be an easy walk. Thanks, I'll look into it!
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    Tools of Japan

    Can anyone recommend a tool store in or around Nagoya? I'm going to be there in April for the F1 race. I'm primarily interested in hand tools, like KTC/Ko-ken/Tone/etc. Thanks!
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    Tools of Japan

    I have the same one. I've had it for ~6 months now and it makes great rice. One thing I don't like, is it doesn't have a "slow cooker" mode like my old one. It seems that feature is only available on lower-end Zojirushi cookers for some reason.
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    Tools of Japan

    My Nepros neXT (NBR390X) ratchet was delivered today, thanks to DRPD's speedy shipping. Apologies in advance for all of you still on dialup, because I attached 7 MB of images. If you quote this, please do us all a favor and remove the pictures. Here are my first impressions: Packaging I'm a...
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    Tools of Japan

    Yes, that is what I am expecting. The comparison would be more about size/weight, comments on handle comfort, and general impressions. I may even use the thing as a tool :) I didn't mean to imply that the neXT line is replacing the normal nepros ratchets. It was more a comment that nepros is...
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    Tools of Japan

    I just ordered one. I can do a comparison to a 3/8 ZEAL and a NBR390A when it arrives. I'm most excited by the satin finish. However, Nepros practically made their name based on the quality of the chrome, so changing to satin seems an unexpected move for that brand. I guess on the other...
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    Tools of Japan

    Now I have several 32mm Ko-ken sockets to choose from. From left to right: - 3400M-24 (for oil filter changes on my GTI) - 4400MZ - 4405M - 6400M (because why not?) - 14401M I expect the Nepros 32mm will be between the 4400MZ and 4405M in height.
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    Tools of Japan

    Finally got a update from KTC on my order from December 12th... after I sent a second email asking for an update. They expect it will ship mid or end of February. I hope they can figure their logistics out. I like the tools, but 2+ months to get them direct is kinda a deal breaker for future...
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    Tools of Japan

    Anybody buy from neprostools.com recently (from the US)? I placed an order on Dec 12th, and I've had no update. I emailed last week and haven't received a response. This is unlike my previous orders, where I'd get update emails from real people, and the shipping from Japan would arrive in like...
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