Koken Reviews and Photos!

superautobacs · Jun 28, 2011

Here's a couple things I have posted before:

T-handles that don't take up space, spin freely and smoothly. 1/2" for taking off wheel nuts and a 3/8" for all types of jobs. Perfect for doing sparkplugs, whenever space allows. I added a locking adaptor to it for even greater functionality.

Globy · Jun 28, 2011

RKA said:
Something just so Globy doesn't jump out a window...

Wooo nice RKA, very nice :scared:

I even started to count 1,...2,..........

okenk people «, photos and reviews please :drink:

Globy · Jun 28, 2011

Very nice superautobacs :drool:

, they look beautiful man! :bounce:

Amazing

jk47 · Jun 28, 2011

@superautobacs

Wow niiiiiiiiiiice pic's m'man......

jk47 · Jun 28, 2011

superautobacs said:
Unfortunately you can't treat them like the Metrinch. Metrinch's profile is designed to be used on both SAE and metric fasteners, hence there's inherently going to be more slop. At a glance, the profiles look the same, but there are definite differences. Koken fits fasteners with less slop than a Metrinch socket/wrench does in general. I say generally, because it'll depend on what size of fastener you're using with a Metrinch socket/wrench (a 1/2" or a 13mm (M12) head). Hope that makes sense.

Ahh, that's why the abundance of standard sockets.
Where do you purchase your Ko-ken stuff from?

Well, you may not notice too much of a difference between a low/high toothed ratchet in a stubby, but you'll notice a difference the longer the ratchet becomes.
They'll still do the job of a 6pt/12pt socket; I never said that they won't.

I bought all my Koken from Frank @ Frankstools. I originally saw a Koken impact driver listed on ebay and asked if he could get the Zeal set's. He responded very quickly, and we basically had a 3-4 hour conversation through email. He was in Japan and could use military post, so the shipping was very cheap and reasonably quick. He was awesome to deal with, and helped me get anything I wanted from the Koken catalog.

He has a true passion for tools, and an all around great guy to deal with. Although he was recently put back on active duty, he still responds to private messages. He has been swamped with work, helping with the relief effort in Japan.

I have also ordered Vessel screwdrivers from Levelchrome when they were on sale. Also great people to deal with... I bought the blue handled Megadora line, dollar for dollar the best screwdriver for the money hands down!!! Love that knurling!!!

I'm happy I almost finished my Nepros collection before they raised their prices :thumbup:

superautobacs · Jun 29, 2011

jk47 said:
I bought all my Koken from Frank @ Frankstools. I originally saw a Koken impact driver listed on ebay and asked if he could get the Zeal set's. He responded very quickly, and we basically had a 3-4 hour conversation through email. He was in Japan and could use military post, so the shipping was very cheap and reasonably quick. He was awesome to deal with, and helped me get anything I wanted from the Koken catalog.

He has a true passion for tools, and an all around great guy to deal with. Although he was recently put back on active duty, he still responds to private messages. He has been swamped with work, helping with the relief effort in Japan.

I have also ordered Vessel screwdrivers from Levelchrome when they were on sale. Also great people to deal with... I bought the blue handled Megadora line, dollar for dollar the best screwdriver for the money hands down!!! Love that knurling!!!

I'm happy I almost finished my Nepros collection before they raised their prices

Thanks for your input. No wonder why he hasn't posted in a while; he has much more important things do deal with. Hats off to him for his efforts in Japan.
I've been lucky so far with having family/relatives bring back stuff for me over the years, but if the timing is not right I'll definitely consider his outlet.

It's great that Levelchrome came to existance...giving North Americans the chance to buy some Japanese tools. ...and I agree, the Megadora is good product for the price.

I can't say the same with my Nepros wants....I really wish they re-introduce the introductory pricing.

Monte · Jun 30, 2011

@superautobacs
amazing pics like always ! :bowdown:

Koken deep 1/4" sockets

Globy · Jul 3, 2011

Great Monte nice,nice sockets!! :drool:

as always

So people more photos and reviews :beer:

Sick Puppy · Jul 4, 2011

They're coming...

jk47 · Sep 4, 2011

The Koken Japan website has the new 2011 catalog online in english.

http://www.koken-tool.co.jp/catalog/en/

The Zeal line has also been slightly expanded, as well as offering tools individually. Looks like I will be picking up a stubby ratchet and a couple other odds and ends soon :bounce:

http://www.koken-tool.co.jp/catalog/en/#page=123

Olafur · Sep 4, 2011

Raise your hand if you don't "need" the 1/2" drive Titanium socket set from Koken! :shocking:

Linky

jk47 · Sep 4, 2011

Olafur said:
Raise your hand if you don't "need" the 1/2" drive Titanium socket set from Koken!

Linky

Interesting... not a square drive, but pentagon drive :headscrat

spv · Sep 4, 2011

I hope Level Chrome add these items to their website. Would also be good to see them list traditional 6pt sockets instead of just surface drive..

jk47 · Sep 4, 2011

spv said:
I hope Level Chrome add these items to their website. Would also be good to see them list traditional 6pt sockets instead of just surface drive..

Yeah, I'm not a fan of surface/spline drive sockets regardless of manufacture.

LevelChrome and FranksTools can special order anything in the Koken catalog. It may take 2 weeks extra to come from Japan, but they can get anything.

Actually I just received an order from Frank a couple of days ago.His email response's are a little slower than before, but he is still in business :thumbup:

Some 12 point 3/8" and 1/4" sockets for your viewing pleasure, and a couple + and - 1/4" bits, and wobble extensions. I have 1/4" and 3/8" sliding t-handles and a couple more wobble extensions at the shop, pics later. Basically I'm building a 12 point socket set with Koken.

spv · Sep 4, 2011

jk47 said:
Yeah, I'm not a fan of surface/spline drive sockets regardless of manufacture.

LevelChrome and FranksTools can special order anything in the Koken catalog. It may take 2 weeks extra to come from Japan, but they can get anything.

Actually I just received an order from Frank a couple of days ago.His email response's are a little slower than before, but he is still in business

Yep, I never understood why they did not have the traditional 6pt listed. I understand that they can both special order items, but it makes the shopping experience much easier if they just list the items on their site. Then I am not forced to hunt around for Koken part numbers etc. Takes a lot of the pain out of the purchase. The reason I do not own much Koken is the lack of the 6pt items on the LC site.

In terms of XXXXX (you know who) I can't say I had the best experience. He could not honor prices for items on his website as nothing was in "USA stock". I was then offered Japanese stock at an increase of 60% over his website pricing. It was a bit of a shocker to be honest. Let it be said, I did not buy anything and will not be going back.

jk47 · Sep 4, 2011

spv said:
Yep, I never understood why they did not have the traditional 6pt listed. I understand that they can both special order items, but it makes the shopping experience much easier if they just list the items on their site. Then I am not forced to hunt around for Koken part numbers etc. Takes a lot of the pain out of the purchase. The reason I do not own much Koken is the lack of the 6pt items on the LC site.

In terms of XXXXX (you know who) I can't say I had the best experience. He could not honor prices for items on his website as nothing was in "USA stock". I was then offered Japanese stock at an increase of 60% over his website pricing. It was a bit of a shocker to be honest. Let it be said, I did not buy anything and will not be going back.

Hmmmm... Really. Both get their stock from the Koken USA distibutor in Massachusetts. Oh well, sad to hear that...

More wobble extensions, and 1/4" SAE hex bits. The 1/4" stuff is for my Harley mobile kit.

jk47 · Sep 4, 2011

Here is a link to a Japanese blog that has the Zeal ratchet torn down :thumbup:

http://blogs.yahoo.co.jp/wakaguricom/16681629.html

neonnblack · Sep 4, 2011

Oh lord, i might just buy the industrials or titanium because they look, excuse my language, ******* AMAZING.

jchase63 · Sep 5, 2011

go to www.kokenusa.com for information and news on Ko-ken Tools. I think you will find Ko-ken equal to Snap-On tools but that is a personal choice.

superautobacs · Sep 7, 2011

jk47 said:
Interesting... not a square drive, but pentagon drive

Facom has/had that too (non-titanium).

What's your opinion for the standard 3/8" Zeal ratchet? I think you have a Nepros to compare it with as well?

They new variety looks quite appealing, like the flex-head stubby.

jk47 · Sep 7, 2011

superautobacs said:
Facom has/had that too (non-titanium).

What's your opinion for the standard 3/8" Zeal ratchet? I think you have a Nepros to compare it with as well?

They new variety looks quite appealing, like the flex-head stubby.

Compared to the Nepros the Zeal has less resistance in the ratchet mechanism, and the fit to sockets is tighter, probably due to a non quick release design. Finish Nepros, everyday use Zeal. I ordered another standard ratchet as well as the stubby and a few other odds and ends, pics when they arrive :thumbup:

superautobacs · Sep 7, 2011

Oh nice.

Yeah, I remember reading that the reverse stroke is measureably lighter than the typical Snap-on/Nepros single-pawl design and yet still deliver a more durable mechanism.
:thumbup:

for Ko-ken's ingenuity with their newest single-pawl design.

jk47 · Sep 9, 2011

superautobacs said:
Oh nice.

Yeah, I remember reading that the reverse stroke is measureably lighter than the typical Snap-on/Nepros single-pawl design and yet still deliver a more durable mechanism.
for Ko-ken's ingenuity with their newest single-pawl design.[/QUO

A couple post's down this fella shows a comparison between the 2 ratchets. Interesting stuff. Google translate doesn't do it justice, what is being said about the two?

http://blogs.yahoo.co.jp/wakaguricom/MYBLOG/yblog.html?m=lc&p=56

bimmer630 · Sep 9, 2011

I think a couple BMW factory puller tools were made by Koken, and they seem to be the only company that makes a torx socket (male) with a universal. I may be wrong but thats just because Ive never looked for a set, since there doesnt seem to be a need for them, and they probably would ****.

Moose-LandTran · Sep 9, 2011

bimmer630 said:
They seem to be the only company that makes a torx socket (male) with a universal. I may be wrong but thats just because Ive never looked for a set, since there doesnt seem to be a need for them, and they probably would ****.

They're not, Snap-on among others also make them. They don't ****, and for some jobs are essential.

(Audi 40v cam cover removal comes to mind.)

superautobacs · Sep 10, 2011

jk47 said:
A couple post's down this fella shows a comparison between the 2 ratchets. Interesting stuff. Google translate doesn't do it justice, what is being said about the two?

Pretty much stating the obvious with what the naked eye can see. Namely, the difference in gear size, and the similarity in shape between the Nepros and Ko-ken.

Greasing the two provided no noticeable difference.

Moose-LandTran said:
They're not, Snap-on among others also make them. They don't ****, and for some jobs are essential.

(Audi 40v cam cover removal comes to mind.)

+1 for VW Beatle TDI cam cover removal too.

jk47 · Sep 10, 2011

superautobacs said:
Pretty much stating the obvious with what the naked eye can see. Namely, the difference in gear size, and the similarity in shape between the Nepros and Ko-ken.

Greasing the two provided no noticeable difference.

+1 for VW Beatle TDI cam cover removal too.

I would beg to differ with regards to the Nepros ratchet, then again I tried different lubricants. Marvel mystery air tool oil, produced a sharp sounding click-click, and Super lube a more muted sound with a smoother ratcheting action.

Didn't open the Zeal, as it was already butter smooth...

ricleh · Sep 10, 2011

jk47 said:
I would beg to differ with regards to the Nepros ratchet, then again I tried different lubricants. Marvel mystery air tool oil, produced a sharp sounding click-click, and Super lube a more muted sound with a smoother ratcheting action.

Didn't open the Zeal, as it was already butter smooth...

I agree. After I lubed my Nepros 3/8" ratchet with some Mobil PTFE grease the ratcheting action was very comparable to the Zeal 3/8" that I have.

superautobacs · Sep 11, 2011

That's good to know. I guess there is a difference in the type of lubricant you use.

To be more specific in what he said:
He's using some type of molybdenum grease (doesn't say what type exactly). He did mention that with the older SODH Ko-ken ratchets, the molybdenum grease did make the ratcheting smoother, but with these single pawls, it didn't make any difference.
So, perhaps his choice isn't the most ideal? Viscosity is too high :dunno:

Do you guys have both Nepros and Zeal sparkplug sockets to compare? I'm leaning heavily towards the Zeals.

jk47 · Sep 11, 2011

superautobacs said:
That's good to know. I guess there is a difference in the type of lubricant you use.

To be more specific in what he said:
He's using some type of molybdenum grease (doesn't say what type exactly). He did mention that with the older SODH Ko-ken ratchets, the molybdenum grease did make the ratcheting smoother, but with these single pawls, it didn't make any difference.
So, perhaps his choice isn't the most ideal? Viscosity is too high

Do you guys have both Nepros and Zeal sparkplug sockets to compare? I'm leaning heavily towards the Zeals.

Not yet... thanks for reminding me :lol_hitti

I would like to get a set of the Zeals, because they are non-magnetic.

ricleh · Sep 11, 2011

superautobacs said:
Do you guys have both Nepros and Zeal sparkplug sockets to compare? I'm leaning heavily towards the Zeals.

I have a regular Koken spark plug socket that is very nice. It is extended length and uses a spring clip to clamp to the plug. It works very well. The Nepros plug sockets use a very powerful magnet to hold the plug and also work very well. I don't think you will be disappointed with either one. I use the extended length Koken or KTC spark plug sockets for my own applications and both work very well. The extended length Koken socket has better plug retention, but the KTC socket has a very nice rubberized plastic ring on the socket shaft for quick tightening or loosening of the plug using your fingers. I do not, however, have a Zeal spark plug socket for comparison.

ND400 · Sep 12, 2011

I have the 410mm 1/2 ratchet. Stud pullers, and euro sump plug kit. I'll post pics/ review when I get home

superautobacs · Sep 13, 2011

jk47 said:
Not yet... thanks for reminding me

My pleasure.

I would like to get a set of the Zeals, because they are non-magnetic.

ricleh said:
...
I do not, however, have a Zeal spark plug socket for comparison.

I don't think there's any changes with the retaining mechanism on the Zeal versions so I don't think you really need to get the Zeals.

....unless you've fallen in love with the design of the Zeals like I have.

It's more compact as well.

Standard model:

Zeal model:

ricleh · Sep 13, 2011

superautobacs said:
I don't think there's any changes with the retaining mechanism on the Zeal versions so I don't think you really need to get the Zeals. ....unless you've fallen in love with the design of the Zeals like I have.
It's more compact as well.

I am putting in an order for some Koken tools this week and will be getting some more Zeal items including the spark plug sockets. I like the low profile design.

superautobacs · Sep 13, 2011

Uh-oh. I have a suspicion that you'll have a full lineup of the newest Zeal offerings as well.

Which distributor do you order from?

ricleh · Sep 13, 2011

superautobacs said:
Uh-oh. I have a suspicion that you'll have a full lineup of the newest Zeal offerings as well.

Which distributor do you order from?

I get most of my Koken tools from FranksTools. I am just waiting for a price quote on one of the items in my order.

superautobacs · Sep 13, 2011

Is it true that the NA sellers have better pricing than Japanese retailers?

jk47 · Sep 13, 2011

superautobacs said:
Is it true that the NA sellers have better pricing than Japanese retailers?

Yes, I usually compare prices with a google search of part #'s. A list of Japanese online retailers pops up and with the currency conversion, NA retailers offer better pricing, as well as free or next to nothing for shipping.

Trey T · Sep 13, 2011

$$$ You get what you paid for.

Monte said:
why ?

jk47 · Sep 22, 2011

Koken goodies have arrived... T-handles, and Zeal goodness. The stubby Zeal ratchet and one more t-handle didn't make it, special order from Japan. Pics of those when they get here.

Took apart the Zeal ratchet and added Super Lube, even more buttery than before, sooooo smooooooth !!!

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