Tools of Japan

superautobacs · Mar 7, 2015

There are many good things to say about that thing. The compact storage is a big advantage over the traditional (fixed) cross wrenches, and even your most compact (odd-shaped) 18v cordless impact. The Ko-ken cross wrench will tuck in tightly into a small space. If you place it inside the supplied resealable bag, you can store it in a moisture-laden vehicle without having to worry about the possibility of surface rusting. .... oh, no battery charging to worry about, too!

There's also a company called KDR that has been making the Spada wrench.

Maybe I might do another video or two in the future of some other Japanese tools .... we'll see.

superautobacs · Mar 7, 2015

A KTC tool in action.

Slim profile, with a wide angle of illumination.

Not blindingly bright that it washes off the true colour of the objects being illuminated.

Although the compact body means it's less robust in construction, it means that it doesn't get in your way like many other lights tend to do.

Working at the front of the engine:

Inside a cavity in an engine bay:

close up:

Under-dash work:

In the glove box, looking at the fuses or exchanging the cabin filter (light OFF):

light ON:

arz71 · Mar 7, 2015

Koken, KTC and the others made in Japan are finished so well.

I always remember looking in the services manual at the shop and seeing images in the Kawasaki/Yamaha manuals (always wondering what tools they used).

Peeb · Mar 8, 2015

Tools of Japan NOS.

http://www.thaihandtool.com/forum/19/104

Thank You. :bounce:

Peeb · Mar 8, 2015

Thank You. :thumbup:

Peeb · Mar 8, 2015

Thank You. :3gears:

Peeb · Mar 11, 2015

Japanese Hand Tools. :willy_nil

Luis Arturo · Mar 12, 2015

Olfa knife L-2

nowlan · Mar 15, 2015

Anyone familiar with Shinano?
I noticed one of the local tool stores here advertising their pneumatic tools, as made in japan.

tank4114 · Mar 15, 2015

yep top quality all they make is air tools and all made in japan
been here in aus for years always been top tier stuff

bad luck · Mar 15, 2015

After joining the forum, and reading all about japanese tools I am going to have to order some more. I did buy a NOS Koken socket set. And it is very high quality I think. I want to get some zeal sockets and ratchets too. And japanese screwdrivers, since #2 phillips don't fit the screws in my old japanese motorcycles very well.

JMLangford · Mar 16, 2015

Has anyone ever heard or have any info on "TOUGH" brand tools from Japan?

I bought a set of MIJ metric wrenches (8mm - 19mm) on sale at a auto parts store for $6 bucks about 1971 (back before metrics were common place) and they have lived up to their name for going on 44 years!....They sure are TOUGH!

The missing 13mm is around the shop somewhere.....

I sure would like to find out more about this brand.....

Qualitytools · Mar 17, 2015

superautobacs said:
A KTC tool in action.

Slim profile, with a wide angle of illumination.

Not blindingly bright that it washes off the true colour of the objects being illuminated.

Although the compact body means it's less robust in construction, it means that it doesn't get in your way like many other lights tend to do.

Working at the front of the engine:

Inside a cavity in an engine bay:

close up:

Under-dash work:

In the glove box, looking at the fuses or exchanging the cabin filter (light OFF):

light ON:

Nice choice of vehicle I recognize the BMW engineering! And of course the light source is Great to see in action. Thanks for sharing

Peeb · Mar 23, 2015

HAND BRAND Barber Razor Made in Japan. DEAD STOCK.

<a href="http://s1068.photobucket.com/user/bige501xx/media/001_zpsupkdbkhn.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1068.photobucket.com/albums/u457/bige501xx/001_zpsupkdbkhn.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo 001_zpsupkdbkhn.jpg"/></a>

<a href="http://s1068.photobucket.com/user/bige501xx/media/002_zpskcrphxaw.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1068.photobucket.com/albums/u457/bige501xx/002_zpskcrphxaw.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo 002_zpskcrphxaw.jpg"/></a>

<a href="http://s1068.photobucket.com/user/bige501xx/media/003_zpsssqe7c5o.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1068.photobucket.com/albums/u457/bige501xx/003_zpsssqe7c5o.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo 003_zpsssqe7c5o.jpg"/></a>

<a href="http://s1068.photobucket.com/user/bige501xx/media/006_zpsf1nf8r0w.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1068.photobucket.com/albums/u457/bige501xx/006_zpsf1nf8r0w.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo 006_zpsf1nf8r0w.jpg"/></a>

<a href="http://s1068.photobucket.com/user/bige501xx/media/008_zpsgfumblqk.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1068.photobucket.com/albums/u457/bige501xx/008_zpsgfumblqk.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo 008_zpsgfumblqk.jpg"/></a>

<a href="http://s1068.photobucket.com/user/bige501xx/media/010_zpsghb1sdng.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1068.photobucket.com/albums/u457/bige501xx/010_zpsghb1sdng.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo 010_zpsghb1sdng.jpg"/></a>

sam.coll · Mar 23, 2015

Some of my tools of Japan:

Koken 1/4 dr in-hex sockets

and RN Super tool co ratchet podgers
the small short podger is actually 4 sizes in 1

colin39 · Mar 24, 2015

Peeb said:
HAND BRAND Barber Razor Made in Japan. DEAD STOCK.

<a href="http://s1068.photobucket.com/user/bige501xx/media/001_zpsupkdbkhn.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1068.photobucket.com/albums/u457/bige501xx/001_zpsupkdbkhn.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo 001_zpsupkdbkhn.jpg"/></a>

<a href="http://s1068.photobucket.com/user/bige501xx/media/002_zpskcrphxaw.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1068.photobucket.com/albums/u457/bige501xx/002_zpskcrphxaw.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo 002_zpskcrphxaw.jpg"/></a>

<a href="http://s1068.photobucket.com/user/bige501xx/media/003_zpsssqe7c5o.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1068.photobucket.com/albums/u457/bige501xx/003_zpsssqe7c5o.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo 003_zpsssqe7c5o.jpg"/></a>

<a href="http://s1068.photobucket.com/user/bige501xx/media/006_zpsf1nf8r0w.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1068.photobucket.com/albums/u457/bige501xx/006_zpsf1nf8r0w.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo 006_zpsf1nf8r0w.jpg"/></a>

<a href="http://s1068.photobucket.com/user/bige501xx/media/008_zpsgfumblqk.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1068.photobucket.com/albums/u457/bige501xx/008_zpsgfumblqk.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo 008_zpsgfumblqk.jpg"/></a>

<a href="http://s1068.photobucket.com/user/bige501xx/media/010_zpsghb1sdng.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1068.photobucket.com/albums/u457/bige501xx/010_zpsghb1sdng.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo 010_zpsghb1sdng.jpg"/></a>

nice razors, whuly cant you be in the uk, id love one nos?

superautobacs · Mar 27, 2015

JMLangford said:
Has anyone ever heard or have any info on "TOUGH" brand tools from Japan?

I bought a set of MIJ metric wrenches (8mm - 19mm) on sale at a auto parts store for $6 bucks about 1971 (back before metrics were common place) and they have lived up to their name for going on 44 years!....They sure are TOUGH!

The missing 13mm is around the shop somewhere.....

I sure would like to find out more about this brand.....

TOUGH, yes I do know of the name. They are still around. They have been providing OEM/ODM manufacturing (even to German hand tool companies at one point) Here's their website (japanese): http://www.diaseiko.com/pc/index.html

Here's an example of their sockets (German tool fans would probably think they resemble a particular brand

):

sam.coll said:
Some of my tools of Japan:

Koken 1/4 dr in-hex sockets

and RN Super tool co ratchet podgers
the small short podger is actually 4 sizes in 1

Sweet 1/4 drive bit sockets. IMO, the best looking standard type 1/4 drive bit sockets in the market. I have the torx bit sockets.

superautobacs · Mar 29, 2015

MCC pipewrench:

KTC 10mm in action. An example of how you can utilize the 15° angle to your advantage by using it upside down.

The wrench:

Instead of upside up, use it upside down.
Using it this in this fashion left me enough room for my fingers to do the ratcheting.

I decided to make use of this long-forgotten purchase I made of a Vessel bit holder. I've been using it for about a month now and I'm now wishing I had done this long before.

It conveniently holds my Ko-ken nutgrip and Wera Holdfunction torx bits:

JMLangford · Mar 29, 2015

superautobacs said:
TOUGH, yes I do know of the name. They are still around. They have been providing OEM/ODM manufacturing (even to German hand tool companies at one point) Here's their website (japanese): http://www.diaseiko.com/pc/index.html

Here's an example of their sockets (German tool fans would probably think they resemble a particular brand ):

Thanks for the info and link, it's good to know they're still around.....although I didn't see any tools on their site.

.

ticci · Mar 31, 2015

Luis Arturo said:
Olfa knife L-2

Nice knife!

View media item 49633
View media item 49634

mrborohachi · Mar 31, 2015

KDR must be OE Mfg for this Cusco version. There is a US Cusco in southern California. Google them and you can find this cross wrench stateside.

superautobacs said:
There's also a company called KDR that has been making the Spada wrench.

superautobacs · Apr 1, 2015

mrborohachi said:
KDR must be OE Mfg for this Cusco version. There is a US Cusco in southern California. Google them and you can find this cross wrench stateside.

Cool find!

ricleh · Apr 2, 2015

dede2897234 · Apr 2, 2015

ricleh said:
That is one cool tool box!!!

Is that Toyo tool box made from stainless steel? If yes, what do you plan on storing inside of it? Do you plan on using tool box liner to keep the inside of it scratch free?

Thanks,

Dave

ricleh · Apr 2, 2015

dede2897234 said:
ricleh said:

That is one cool tool box!!!

Is that Toyo tool box made from stainless steel? If yes, what do you plan on storing inside of it? Do you plan on using tool box liner to keep the inside of it scratch free?

Thanks,

Dave

Click to expand...

Yes, it is stainless steel. I will use it to hold stainless fasteners for the time being. I don't plan to put a liner inside.

Ratchet. · Apr 2, 2015

Couple of latest purchases came today, a Koken 3300c 13mm spark plug socket (13mm sparkplugs are fitted to some French and Japanese cars)

These are the best spark plug sockets I've ever used, they have a metal spring clip instead of the rubber insert most others use, which invariable falls out after a while, or gets stuck to the spark plug.

it does mean that the socket sometimes comes off the extension, but going to get a locking one to use with them. just need to get the 20.8mm (15/16ths) one to complete the set...

secondly a 2749PS 3/8 drive ratchet, really tiny little thing, pictured it next to a 9v battery for scale, its actually quite a bit shorter then my 1/4 drive ratchets, makes my stumpy Matco ratchet look like a monster, :lol_hitti

'only' has a 24 tooth mech in it, but its really smooth, may open it up to check and add some lube as it sounds like it may be a bit dry.

The finish on both of these is usual Koken quality, I.E fantastic, the half polished half satin finish on the socket also reminds me of the 80's 3/8 drive Snap on sockets which is no bad thing :thumbup:

Jarhead0408 · Apr 3, 2015

Hello Ratchet,

Where did you source the 2749PS from?

*Edit. Never mind. I Googled it and found a few places.

spicytuna · Apr 16, 2015

Been living in Japan for the last 2 months and was able to resist the temptation of buying any tools... until yesterday.

Made the mistake of walking into a Factory Gear shop while killing some time in Akihabara. Walked out with a nice torque wrench.

I use them while repairing and building bikes and although there was nothing wrong with my $30 Princess Auto torque wrench, I suddenly decided I needed a backup. :bounce:

MixManSC · Apr 17, 2015

Couple of pairs of VamPLIERS..... Made by Engineer Japan. Have a couple pairs of Engineer branded crimpers at home and fell in love the the quality. Picked these up a couple of years ago. They do work very well and are very high quality. When you have a small screw with a stripped out head these will grab onto it great.

Japan Site which has all the Engineer tools. You can find most on Amazon but shipping does take a good bit of time from Japan.
http://www.engineer.jp/en/products/pz58e.html

The US VamPLIERS site. Very limited selection but quick access for the ones they do have.
http://www.vampiretools.com/

biowrench · Apr 17, 2015

Reasonably complete set of HIT open-ended wrenches, missing the very bottom end, plus a few TOPs duplicating the more useful sizes. Digging the backwards diagonal linked and encircled "JIS" markings.

Dregs of an estate sale in Los Angeles.

biowrench · Apr 17, 2015

Re: Tools of Japan -- Question about Engineer brand screwdrivers

Got a mixed quiver of Sunflag and Vessel for the workshop, but need a few cheaper units for the kitchen and vehicles.

The Engineer "Pro-Use" screwdrivers (http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showpost.php?p=2094909&postcount=282) look great, the knurling suits my technique, but how are the "Standard" drivers? (http://www.engineer.jp/en/products/ds03_85e.html)

superautobacs · Apr 19, 2015

Re: Tools of Japan -- Question about Engineer brand screwdrivers

spicytuna said:
Been living in Japan for the last 2 months and was able to resist the temptation of buying any tools... until yesterday.

Made the mistake of walking into a Factory Gear shop while killing some time in Akihabara. Walked out with a nice torque wrench.

I use them while repairing and building bikes and although there was nothing wrong with my $30 Princess Auto torque wrench, I suddenly decided I needed a backup.

Nice! I used to know a guy that had a 1/4" drive model like that. It's a nicely made precision tool. I have a feeling your PA one is going to be your back up.

biowrench said:
Got a mixed quiver of Sunflag and Vessel for the workshop, but need a few cheaper units for the kitchen and vehicles.

The Engineer "Pro-Use" screwdrivers (http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showpost.php?p=2094909&postcount=282) look great, the knurling suits my technique, but how are the "Standard" drivers? (http://www.engineer.jp/en/products/ds03_85e.html)

Even the "Pro-use" models are nothing special...just some ordinary screwdrivers. Perfect for the budget-minded, IMO. I'd rather place the "Pro-use" title on Vessel's Megadora models

TheRobotCow · Apr 19, 2015

This is the thread i've been looking for!!!! I've been wanting to learn about Japanese tools and the brands.

I've gone through the first 15 pages so i need some time to go through the rest. I almost bought that Cusco wrench a while ago. I love Cusco car parts. Very high quality.

http://www.evasivemotorsports.com/m...arch_Begin_Only=&sort=&range_low=&range_high=

maico · May 2, 2015

Has anyone used one of these, looks great ?

3/8th locking flex,72 teeth, QR, satin, 427mm handle

http://translate.google.com/transla...%E3%83%8F%E3%83%B3%E3%83%89%E3%83%AB%20RH3FHX

Ratchet Guy · May 2, 2015

bought this while visiting japan a month ago

BK13 · May 2, 2015

Man, I could get in to one of those scaled up to 1/2" drive...

maico said:
Has anyone used one of these, looks great ?

3/8th locking flex,72 teeth, QR, satin, 427mm handle

http://translate.google.com/transla...%E3%83%8F%E3%83%B3%E3%83%89%E3%83%AB%20RH3FHX

maico · May 2, 2015

BK13 said:
Man, I could get in to one of those scaled up to 1/2" drive...

They do it...

72 teeth 628mm long

http://tone-db.jp/search/detail.php?page_title=超ロング首振ラチェットハンドル RH4FHX

http://tone-db.jp/search/detail.php?page_title=リペアキット RK-RH4FH

dede2897234 · May 2, 2015

maico said:
Has anyone used one of these, looks great ?

3/8th locking flex,72 teeth, QR, satin, 427mm handle

http://translate.google.com/transla...%E3%83%8F%E3%83%B3%E3%83%89%E3%83%AB%20RH3FHX

maico,

The Tone ratchet to me looks like a flex (not a locking flex) ratchet with a small detent to hold the ratchet at one of the many preset angles. Please take a look at the below enlarged photo.

Thanks,

Dave

dede2897234 · May 2, 2015

Ratchet Guy said:
bought this while visiting japan a month ago

Ratchet Guy,

What are the interchangeable bit sizes for the Anex model 3614 screwdriver?

Can you please take pictures and post of the top, side, and bottom of the screwdriver handle?

Thanks,

Dave

garthg · May 3, 2015

maico said:
They do it...

72 teeth 628mm long

http://tone-db.jp/search/detail.php?page_title=超ロング首振ラチェットハンドル RH4FHX

http://tone-db.jp/search/detail.php?page_title=リペアキット RK-RH4FH

13,450 Yen= $111. The finish looks comparable to Snap On. List price for the equivalent Snap On 1/2" long handle fine tooth ratchet is about $180.

Sounds like a deal to me.

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