Tools of Japan

mrborohachi · May 20, 2014

BK13 said:
Those sockets are 1/4" drive?

yes 1/4" drive mid length/semi deep

BK13 · May 20, 2014

Thank you. Nice tools. I might have to order some 1/4" and 3/8" 6 point middies soon, to compliment my Snap On 12 point...

superautobacs · May 21, 2014

JDSV,

Thank you for your write up and for posting all those photos! :beer:

FLAG has been an OEM, both domestic and overseas. They used to have a website, but I can't seem to find it. I think their biggest client (maybe the only one?) is Straight.

Here's two images I've dug out from my images database (not my tools):

Craftsman-like ratchet:

ball-joint type universal:

Jason280 said:
Any information on this ratchet?

OEM is SEK in Japan. They've been in circulation in the US for a couple decades at the least.

superautobacs · May 21, 2014

mrborohachi said:
anyone know what company is the original Mfg of this Florida Pneumatic 1/4in air ratchet
http://www.amazon.com/Florida-Pneumatic-FP-733M-Reverse-Ratchet/dp/B000LQOD3I

Shinano is the OEM.

More here: Florida Pneumatic 1/4" drive air ratchet for $40 shipped

JDSV · May 21, 2014

superautobacs said:
JDSV,

Thank you for your write up and for posting all those photos!

FLAG has been an OEM, both domestic and overseas. They used to have a website, but I can't seem to find it. I think their biggest client (maybe the only one?) is Straight.

I think you are right Superautobacs. Here is the link to the FLAG website:

http://www.flagtool.co.jp/

If you click on the link to purchase/see retailers (the Green Button on the left hand side navigation bar) it takes you right to Straight's homepage. I really liked the grip of their ratchets and they seem fairly rugged. Next time I go to Japan, I may pick up a 3/8" ratchet and maybe a few sockets. I would be willing to give it a shot.

Oh and a forewarning...while I was looking at their 1/4" ratchets, not all of them had made in Japan stamped on them. The particular ratchet I found could of slipped through the stamping process, because for the most part, all of the ratchets (1/4", 3/8", 1/2") except that one 1/4" ratchet were stamped made in Japan. Now the set I showed in my photos in an earlier post (1/4" & 3/8" socket set with blue and black foam) was not marked made in Japan and none of pieces were stamped either...probably Taiwan.

JDSV · May 21, 2014

Peluo said:
Thanks Dede for the info. I am going after the 3/8" Z-eal set #3285z but i will like to fill the gaps some what and maybe extend the deep sockets to 19mm. Maybe with the RS3300MZ/12 7-19mm rail deep set. Are the rails any good? Are they magnetic?

Peluo,

Yes the socket rails are magnetic. The clips are the typical detent ball type, but the actual rail is magnetic.

dede2897234 · May 21, 2014

mrborohachi said:
anyone know what company is the original Mfg of this Florida Pneumatic 1/4in air ratchet
http://www.amazon.com/Florida-Pneumatic-FP-733M-Reverse-Ratchet/dp/B000LQOD3I

BTW last week I received a shipment of tools from Frankstools
View media item 40660top to bottom: 1/4->3/8drive spinner, 10/12mm brake bleeder wrench with covered ends so the wrench doesn't slip off bleeder screw, not from Frank SO 9'TRLL72, Koken Mid-length sockets

mrborohachi,

Was this your first time purchasing from frankstools?

How well did your last purchase with him go? Did he have all of your items in stock and mail everything out when promised?

Thanks,

Dave

dede2897234 · May 21, 2014

My recent purchases from LevelChrome and eBay (datsun-kentigo):

LevelChrome

Ko-ken 1/4" Drive Nut Grip Socket Set (RS2450MS/6; Thanks Superautobacs!!)

eBay ("datsun-kentigo")

Ko-ken Nut Twister Turbo Sockets (1/2" Drive; 17,19,21,22,24,25.4mm)

KTC ABX101 3/8" Drive, Double Male End Handle

KTC BJF20 (3/8" Drive) and BJF30 (1/2" Drive) Swivel Joint Sockets

Dave

superautobacs · May 21, 2014

JDSV said:
I think you are right Superautobacs. Here is the link to the FLAG website:

http://www.flagtool.co.jp/

If you click on the link to purchase/see retailers (the Green Button on the left hand side navigation bar) it takes you right to Straight's homepage. I really liked the grip of their ratchets and they seem fairly rugged. Next time I go to Japan, I may pick up a 3/8" ratchet and maybe a few sockets. I would be willing to give it a shot.

Oh and a forewarning...while I was looking at their 1/4" ratchets, not all of them had made in Japan stamped on them. The particular ratchet I found could of slipped through the stamping process, because for the most part, all of the ratchets (1/4", 3/8", 1/2") except that one 1/4" ratchet were stamped made in Japan. Now the set I showed in my photos in an earlier post (1/4" & 3/8" socket set with blue and black foam) was not marked made in Japan and none of pieces were stamped either...probably Taiwan.

Thanks for finding their website.... *re-bookmarked for reference

My initial reaction from seeing that foam boxed set was "Made in Japan??". I guess my suspicion was correct. ...as you suspected, Taiwan, I'm sure.

Dave,

I especially like those KTC universals (I think they are NOS). They had that style way before Ko-ken (Zeal).

Let us know what you think of the nut-grip sockets.

mrborohachi · May 22, 2014

superautobacs;3982559 Let us know what you think of the nut-grip sockets. :)[/QUOTE said:
I love my 1/4 shallow nut grips. They were my first order from FranksTools.
They are huge timesavers for working inside car door pannels. No more masking taping over a socket and shoving the bolt/nut into the socket and praying for it to hold on

928'er · May 22, 2014

superautobacs said:
Spicytuna,
Do tell us about your knife purchase. I don't have anything too fancy...a Global santoku, Calaphalon nakiri, and a Kershaw paring for Japanese knifes. The Japanese make some fine knives for sure.

Since we're talkin' Japanese knives, here's my little collection.

From the left;

Shun Kramer damascus parer
Shiki damascus 120mm petty
Carter 165mm wabocho
Hattori 270mm sujihiki
Kumagoro Hammer Finish 165mm nakiri
Nenohi Nenox G-Type 240mm gyutou
Misono carbon steel 210mm gyutou

The Carter is, actually, a ringer - it was made in Oregon. Murray Carter, however, spent 15 years blade smithing in Japan and was awarded the title of a 17th generation Yoshimoto bladesmith. The Carter is probably my favorite knive.

superautobacs · May 22, 2014

mrborohachi said:
I love my 1/4 shallow nut grips. They were my first order from FranksTools.
They are huge timesavers for working inside car door pannels. No more masking taping over a socket and shoving the bolt/nut into the socket and praying for it to hold on

Yes, I love my 1/4 shallows as well. They definitely get more use than their 3/8 brothers.

I just want to hear more opinions from people who use them as there's hardly any mention about them on GJ. Lack of awareness is the "issue", I guess.

I'll be getting some nut-grip E-torx in the near future. :drool:

928'er said:
Since we're talkin' Japanese knives, here's my little collection.

From the left;

Shun Kramer damascus parer
Shiki damascus 120mm petty
Carter 165mm wabocho
Hattori 270mm sujihiki
Kumagoro Hammer Finish 165mm nakiri
Nenohi Nenox G-Type 240mm gyutou
Misono carbon steel 120mm gyutou

The Carter is, actually, a ringer - it was made in Oregon. Murray Carter, however, spent 15 years blade smithing in Japan and was awarded the title of a 17th generation Yoshimoto bladesmith. The Carter is probably my favorite knive.

Although I have an untrained eye and lack of knowledge on knives, I'd have to say your assortment looks like top-tier items!

Do you happen to be a chef by trade?

Thank you for sharing the interesting facts on Murray Carter's training--that's pretty cool!

JDSV · May 23, 2014

superautobacs said:
JDSV,

Thank you for your write up and for posting all those photos!

FLAG has been an OEM, both domestic and overseas. They used to have a website, but I can't seem to find it. I think their biggest client (maybe the only one?) is Straight.

Here's two images I've dug out from my images database (not my tools):

Craftsman-like ratchet:

OEM is SEK in Japan. They've been in circulation in the US for a couple decades at the least.

Actually, upon closer look, could the Truecraft's OEM be FLAG? The body of the ratchets look exactly the same but only with a different switch and of course the grips.

spicytuna · May 23, 2014

JDSV,

Thanks for your write up on Japan. I just got back last week after a 2 month stay.

Didn't make any big purchases after my first week but I was really tempted to pick up a Toto washlet for my home. Those things are friggin awesome! Hahaha!

mrborohachi · May 23, 2014

spicytuna said:
Didn't make any big purchases after my first week but I was really tempted to pick up a Toto washlet for my home. Those things are friggin awesome! Hahaha!

My father found a normally $1200 washlet for $800 online from some place in San Francisco. It's the higher end unit that has the remote control panel.

It's crazy how even 7-11's have the washlet toilet seats. :scared:

superautobacs · May 23, 2014

JDSV said:
Actually, upon closer look, could the Truecraft's OEM be FLAG? The body of the ratchets look exactly the same but only with a different switch and of course the grips.

IMO, FLAG and SEK make their own. Two or more different companies making very similarly designed tools is not unheard of. A few years ago I exchanged a few emails with SEK about their ratchets.

I sent them these photos (photos from a GJ member, Lauver) and asked if they were the manufacturer of these ratchets:

The gentleman at SEK, who had been working for the company for close to 20 years positively confirmed that the Oxwall and the Truecraft branded ratchet were theirs, but said the Wards branded ratchet isn't theirs:

Oxwall:

Truecraft and Wards:

This is the handle on the Wards ratchet. It would be nice if I can figure out if "S" is a manufacture code or not:

So, as you can see, there's 3 or potentially more Japanese OEMs for this style/design of ratchet.

mrborohachi said:
My father found a normally $1200 washlet for $800 online from some place in San Francisco. It's the higher end unit that has the remote control panel.

It's crazy how even 7-11's have the washlet toilet seats.

The kids brought up with these washlets in their homes....I wonder if they freak out when they take site of a "standard" bowl with no buttons to push. :lol_hitti

JDSV · May 24, 2014

spicytuna said:
JDSV,

Thanks for your write up on Japan. I just got back last week after a 2 month stay.

Didn't make any big purchases after my first week but I was really tempted to pick up a Toto washlet for my home. Those things are friggin awesome! Hahaha!

Thank you, I enjoyed doing all the reconnaissance to those stores! :lol:

Speaking of your trip, you posted some of earlier purchases, feel free to post up your smaller purchases as well! I know my wife has been on my case about getting one those washlets and every time we go back to Japan to visit the in-laws she reminds me, LOL.

superautobacs said:
IMO, FLAG and SEK make their own. Two or more different companies making very similarly designed tools is not unheard of. A few years ago I exchanged a few emails with SEK about their ratchets.

I sent them these photos (photos from a GJ member, Lauver) and asked if they were the manufacturer of these ratchets:

The gentleman at SEK, who had been working for the company for close to 20 years positively confirmed that the Oxwall and the Truecraft branded ratchet were theirs, but said the Wards branded ratchet isn't theirs:

Oxwall:

Truecraft and Wards:

This is the handle on the Wards ratchet. It would be nice if I can figure out if "S" is a manufacture code or not:

So, as you can see, there's 3 or potentially more Japanese OEMs for this style/design of ratchet.

Very interesting. Thank you for sharing that tid bit of information. I am always learning something new about Japanese tools, and Japanese tool manufacturers. :thumbup:

Van Steele · May 24, 2014

superautobacs said:
I just want to hear more opinions from people who use them as there's hardly any mention about them on GJ. Lack of awareness is the "issue", I guess.

I've got a small selection of 3/8"drive regular and extra long sockets, and wouldn't want to be without them anymore.
I suppose they're one of those things of which you don't know how good they are until you've used them.
Those and the Ko-ken long and extra long spark plug sockets with the spring-clip retainer. :thumbup:

ricleh · May 25, 2014

Some recent purchases from Frankstools

north · May 25, 2014

Nice haul. What brand are those long reach pliers?

cosmik binturong · May 25, 2014

north said:
Nice haul. What brand are those long reach pliers?

they're the long slip-joint from IPS shown by superautobacs a long time ago: *click!*

north · May 25, 2014

Merci my friend.

ricleh · May 25, 2014

north said:
Nice haul. What brand are those long reach pliers?

The long reach pliers are made by IPS.

BK13 · May 25, 2014

Are the ratchets Nepros?

Skin · May 25, 2014

BK13 said:
Are the ratchets Nepros?

yes, long 90 tooth version.

BK13 · May 25, 2014

Very nice!

ArcStyles · May 26, 2014

Here are some of the Vessel offerings. They also sell the green torx sets, PZ impacta and PZ standard versions, if your one those guys that have to have it all. I think all of the available JIS options are in the photo. I need the 2 yellow chisel drivers and the 2 red stubbies, to fill my needs.

Here is a link to drool over...

http://www.onlyqualitytools.com/catalog/Vessel.html

Miskin · May 26, 2014

NOS Mitutoyo digimatic calipers 150mm & 300 mm :rocker:

View media item 40742
View media item 40743
I can't unpack the small one because is for a friend

View media item 40744
View media item 40745
View media item 40746
View media item 40747
...and a NOS Mitutoyo vernier caliper

View media item 40748
View media item 40749
View media item 40750

ricleh · May 26, 2014

Nice calipers.

cosmik binturong · May 26, 2014

quite nice indeed...

RX-KING · May 26, 2014

Need info about my locking plier please, because my friend says it "made in japan". But seems i cant found any info on google :dunno:

Thanks for help :beer:

dede2897234 · May 26, 2014

ricleh said:
Some recent purchases from Frankstools

ricleh,

Can you please explain the function of the two Merry hand tools in the above picture?

I believe one of them is a close quarter tool that uses an internal chain that drives the top male square drive with the lower female square drive using an appropriate sized ratchet.

Thanks,

Dave

ricleh · May 26, 2014

dede2897234 said:
ricleh,

Can you please explain the function of the two Merry hand tools in the above picture?

I believe one of them is a close quarter tool that uses an internal chain that drives the top male square drive with the lower female square drive using an appropriate sized ratchet?

Thanks,

Dave

You are exactly right on the obstruction wrench. It can also be used with impact tools. The extension handle is also removeable. The other Merry tool is a small diagonal cutter. It is extremely comfortable to use. Both tools appear to be very fine quality.

Trucky · May 26, 2014

Does that cut things flush? It would look (to me) that you don't get the extreme leverage of some of the larger, straight or slightly bent handle designs so those might be intended for lighter factory line work or the like. ?

ricleh · May 26, 2014

Trucky said:
Does that cut things flush? It would look (to me) that you don't get the extreme leverage of some of the larger, straight or slightly bent handle designs so those might be intended for lighter factory line work or the like. ?

I don't think they do a true flush cut. These cutters are more on the scale of a small electronic cutter such as those made by Schmitz, Erem or Lindstrom. They are very comfortable to use and would be great for repetitive work on an assembly line or something similar. They are not designed for extreme leverage.

davethorik · Jun 5, 2014

I posted a few pages back that these were coming, Hozan P-221 chain master link pliers. I used a buy it now on eBay from seller hobby_japan for $20 plus $8 international shipping. Expensive for pliers, especially low-use pliers, but as someone who has stabbed himself in the hand with a flat head screwdriver trying to pry apart the master link on my motorcycle chain, I felt that $28 pliers would be cheaper than another ER visit. Plus, there is nothing like this that I could find available in the US. I knew it would be a bit of a gamble.

The packaging is very cheap but still more sturdy than say the plastic cards that fit over some Channellocks brand new. That being said, the pliers are BEAUTIFUL. There are some sharp-ish edges, but I am used to it. The grips, however, are phenomenal. Just the right amount of give. They are springloaded, and the tips are magnetized to hold the master link c-clip.

Hopefully this weekend I will report back how it works. I am sitting here with new sprockets, chain, tubes, tires, and a choke cable for my KLR. Time to do some work!

It did take a while to get them...I ordered 5-14-14 and received them this past Monday, 6-2-14.

davethorik · Jun 5, 2014

also Miskin nice calipers. I like the Mitutoyo vernier, most of the ones I have seen had the holster as well. The only vernier that is smoother in my opinion is my Swiss-made (Etalon) Lufkin-branded set.

cosmik binturong · Jun 5, 2014

davethorik said:
I posted a few pages back that these were coming, Hozan P-221 chain master link pliers. I used a buy it now on eBay from seller hobby_japan for $20 plus $8 international shipping. Expensive for pliers, especially low-use pliers, but as someone who has stabbed himself in the hand with a flat head screwdriver trying to pry apart the master link on my motorcycle chain, I felt that $28 pliers would be cheaper than another ER visit. Plus, there is nothing like this that I could find available in the US. I knew it would be a bit of a gamble.

The packaging is very cheap but still more sturdy than say the plastic cards that fit over some Channellocks brand new. That being said, the pliers are BEAUTIFUL. There are some sharp-ish edges, but I am used to it. The grips, however, are phenomenal. Just the right amount of give. They are springloaded, and the tips are magnetized to hold the master link c-clip.

Hopefully this weekend I will report back how it works. I am sitting here with new sprockets, chain, tubes, tires, and a choke cable for my KLR. Time to do some work!

It did take a while to get them...I ordered 5-14-14 and received them this past Monday, 6-2-14.

got the P-220 pliers last year and haven't yet found a quick link that can resist them, even the couple of saltwaterously-rusted ones(bmx pier jumpers) where i should have cut the chains and tossed 'em...
ok, i don't work on motorbikes with bigger links, only bicycles but the ease of use should be the same. and the grips are really *that* good!

a big

for Hozan and Tsunoda! :rocker:

JDSV · Jun 5, 2014

davethorik said:
I posted a few pages back that these were coming, Hozan P-221 chain master link pliers...SNIP

cosmik binturong said:
got the P-220 pliers last year and haven't yet found a quick link that can resist them, even the couple of saltwaterously-rusted ones(bmx pier jumpers) where i should have cut the chains and tossed 'em...
ok, i don't work on motorbikes with bigger links, only bicycles but the ease of use should be the same. and the grips are really *that* good! ...SNIP

Just so I am understanding correctly, those pliers remove chains sort of like this chain tool? http://www.bikepartsplace.com/articles/chain-tools-for-your-bicycle-how-to-use-them/ If not I guess I'm confused on the usage, but they do look like very nice pliers.

I am in the market and doing some research on chain tools to do maintenance on my bicycles, but if these Hozan ones work the same way as well, I'd rather get me a pair too! :willy_nil

cosmik binturong · Jun 5, 2014

JDSV said:
Just so I am understanding correctly, those pliers remove chains sort of like this chain tool? http://www.bikepartsplace.com/articles/chain-tools-for-your-bicycle-how-to-use-them/ If not I guess I'm confused on the usage, but they do look like very nice pliers.

no, those are for pinned chains, the two Hozan/Tsunoda pliers are for "quick-linked" chains like this:

I am in the market and doing some research on chain tools to do maintenance on my bicycles, but if these Hozan ones work the same way as well, I'd rather get me a pair too!

depends on what kind of chains you do have on your bikes.

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