Tools of Japan
- Thread starter Frankstools
- Start date
Reed Prince
Well-known member
Like others here, I couldn't complete a Koken order recently at Amazon Japan, but thought that it was due to a request by Koken to not compete with their USA distributors. Today, however, I couldn't place an order for things from other manufacturers as well. I successfully ordered something earlier this week and around 10 other items in the past two months.
I'm guessing it is COVID-related. I do know that Japan Post Express Mail Service hasn't been shipping to the USA for a while, but everything from Amazon has always been DHL.
I'm guessing it is COVID-related. I do know that Japan Post Express Mail Service hasn't been shipping to the USA for a while, but everything from Amazon has always been DHL.
Even before Covid it was pretty common to see items blocked from international purchase. Then they'd be orderable later in the year or were orderable previously without a problem. Kind of random really.
The same thing happens on the Amazon EU sites too.
The same thing happens on the Amazon EU sites too.
pizza
Well-known member
Like others here, I couldn't complete a Koken order recently at Amazon Japan, but thought that it was due to a request by Koken to not compete with their USA distributors. Today, however, I couldn't place an order for things from other manufacturers as well. I successfully ordered something earlier this week and around 10 other items in the past two months.
I'm guessing it is COVID-related. I do know that Japan Post Express Mail Service hasn't been shipping to the USA for a while, but everything from Amazon has always been DHL.
just keep trying, it will probably work eventually
https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showpost.php?p=8580354&postcount=5418
Limited edition 2020 Gold/silver tools from Vessel.
https://www.vessel.co.jp/sp/2020lim...9dyDhJnqKyiJX_hdZSOPTMlGEkrpvgQcJ_zUsC-OinH5k
https://www.vessel.co.jp/sp/2020lim...9dyDhJnqKyiJX_hdZSOPTMlGEkrpvgQcJ_zUsC-OinH5k
Thank you. Bit hard to find but will keep a look out.
Black Cobras available in Japan.
Avenging Bankroll
Banned
nothing
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Nice looking tools !
Reed Prince
Well-known member
Still haven't taken my 2016 gold/silver screwdrivers out of their package. 
bwringer
Well-known member
What the bleep are those?
There's absolutely no indication of scale in the photo.
My guess is that these are "finger drivers" about an inch long, and you insert a 1/4" bit in the end so you can turn it with your fingers in tight spaces.
Or maybe they're "torque condoms" about four inches long that go over screwdrivers and make the handles fatter so you can apply more twistitude.
No idea.
I await enlightenment.
Avenging Bankroll
Banned
nothing
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superautobacs
Well-known member
Those Craftsman's are old...like more than 10 years old.
The limited edition ones appear to be current production Cobras to me.
Still haven't taken my 2016 gold/silver screwdrivers out of their package.
Decided to take mine out recently to put them to use.
Bwringer,
I've been using such aids for a number of years now (Anex, Engineer, Sunflag, etc (they essentially do the same thing)). It reduces the chance of dropping fasteners off the end of your power bits. Still requires some finesse, but waaay better than not having anything.
[video starts from where I start talking about the "Neji Mag Catcher": Part# NMC-2P
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/vLmmspaiXtQ?start=437" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>
Pictured are Anex ones:
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/ccassan/49311132551/in/photolist-2i8srJx-2i8srKp-2i8srHL-2i8srHq-2dY9b1S-2e3LGTM-2e3LGKk-2e16hyK-2dVviV5-2dVvj89-26NySb8-23zkCRm-228aDBG-23Niz7L-ZmudQn-21BYzty-ZbbuQq-ZbbuDy-Zbbut3-Raavju-TKESnb-SdExkw-TgnedW-PpE3r8-NMCY19-NvnHVu-MeDezt-pFq9Ce-p24ry3-oT4bWV-pPW4mN-oT1gGy-2d4EiGm-2bKuEND-GVoJG1-HcfSjs-HcfSgG-GVo1UU-GVo1Zo-MeDeFk-LhpTgr-MeDehK-MeDeBx-LhpTec-pNkCWq-q3CAEb-Fzjm1k-Hcgc7s-HhFmPj-GqeXRx" title="The Work Horses: ANEX Torx Bits"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49311132551_bffcf3ebc1_b.jpg" width="546" height="1024" alt="The Work Horses: ANEX Torx Bits"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
With product card:
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/ccassan/15108193454/in/photolist-TKESnb-SdExkw-TgnedW-PpE3r8-NMCY19-NvnHVu-MeDezt-pFq9Ce-p24ry3-oT4bWV-pPW4mN-oT1gGy-2d4EiGm-2bKuEND-GVoJG1-HcfSjs-HcfSgG-GVo1UU-GVo1Zo-MeDeFk-LhpTgr-MeDehK-MeDeBx-LhpTec-pNkCWq-q3CAEb-Fzjm1k-Hcgc7s-HhFmPj-GqeXRx-GVo24S-HhFmUE-GVo2bq-GVo2pm-GVo2hC-HhFn1w-GqeXMz-Fx2BR5-Fx2BGC-FoDgCh-Fx2BQo-HhFmLd-5XYo4p-5XYnGZ-J61c3R-GyfhEK-F7KY9Q-5Z8p5T-5Z8oaD-5ZcD7q/" title="J2014 Anex Magcatch"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/7461/15108193454_3a7007692d_c.jpg" width="776" height="800" alt="J2014 Anex Magcatch"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
Just be aware that one size does not fit all. There are bits that have slimmer and larger shaft diameters. I do have a couple Anex ones that work on bits that are slimmer (for 4.5~5.5mm). I have broken one of the plastic "spring", for the lack of a better word, so they are a tad fragile.
Then there's one that has a 6~8mm shaft range:
I'd imagine Vessel, Sunflag, and Engineer have a variety as well to choose from.
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californiamilleghia
Well-known member
if we ever get to travel again ,
are there any Tool shops in Tokyo that have quality tools ?
Or an area that is known for tool shops ?
Would be nice if they had a branch near Narita airport so I could do a long stopover and go tool shopping !
Thanks for the info
are there any Tool shops in Tokyo that have quality tools ?
Or an area that is known for tool shops ?
Would be nice if they had a branch near Narita airport so I could do a long stopover and go tool shopping !
Thanks for the info
Avenging Bankroll
Banned
nothing
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Yeh it hard be disappointed with Koken for the price innovation and general quality level .
You got to love Japan, just a shame full range of tools not easily available to all outside of Japan, online ordering has helped massively but the companies themselves done little to nothing to grab some of the eager market that desires it ...
You got to love Japan, just a shame full range of tools not easily available to all outside of Japan, online ordering has helped massively but the companies themselves done little to nothing to grab some of the eager market that desires it ...
I see. Thanks. After shipping and import duties and VAT, that would get expensive for me. Maybe still worth it, though.
measuredtwice
Well-known member
I'm located in the USA so I don't know about shipping to France. I got the best prices from https://www.amazon.co.jp/?tag= . But prices and shipping has increased since covid-19.
This seller in Germany might be another option. I've bought a few things from him.
https://www.ebay.de/itm/Koken-Steck...tte-Surface-/261954543960?hash=item3cfdb52158
How is shipping from UK to France? I haven't tried UK Tools but some forum members have bought from them. I might pick up some stuff from them in the future.
https://www.uktools.com/search/for/koken/
They even have a set that appears to be exclusively available from them:
https://www.uktools.com/12-piece-extra-38drive-6-point-standard-socket-set.html
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frankieg
Active member
I can vouch for https://www.uktools.com/ Excellent service and good selection. No VAT or import duty to France!
do you have an item # ?
pizza
Well-known member
that post was from 2011..
but if you're interested in koken ratchets, they're very nice. look at the zeal (z) series. here is the catalog:
http://www.koken-tool.co.jp/en/panflets/KOKEN201810EN.pdf
in 1/4", i have this one:
2726Z–160 zeal 1/4" ratchet, flex head, long 160mm
can read some more thoughts here:
https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?p=8501121#post8501121
frankieg
Active member
Received today:
Koken 1/4" spinner handle and a couple small Koken 2400M 1/4" sockets that I was missing. The handle is a little smaller than I anticipated, but is very well made nevertheless.
Koken 1/4" spinner handle and a couple small Koken 2400M 1/4" sockets that I was missing. The handle is a little smaller than I anticipated, but is very well made nevertheless.
frankieg
Active member
Received today:
Koken 1/4" spinner handle and a couple small Koken 2400M 1/4" sockets that I was missing. The handle is a little smaller than I anticipated, but is very well made nevertheless.
I looked at UKtools where I got my 1/4" spinner handle. There are several 3/8" listed https://www.uktools.com/socket-drivers.html but none with the yellow translucent handle like the 1/4" I got.
I have that spinner & I too was surprised at how small the handle is. It's doing 'track box' duty now
Jack84
Well-known member
They do have a black handled 3/8 driver without the driver on the handle.
Sent from my iPhone using Garage Journal
New arrival a Minimax tool.
I believe S.E.K were the OEM for a lot of the minimax tools..
Attachments
Dave455
Well-known member
The short answer is no, but KTC offer a very similar one in 3/8 drive. It doesn’t have the square drive in the handle, but I’ve never needed that feature anyway.
Seems like you guys love the Ko-Ken ratchets.
How are they compared to similar 90 tooth Snap On ratchets? Am I correct in reading that they only come in 24 tooth and 36 tooth?
I love the smooth feel and short radius of the 90 tooth.
How are they compared to similar 90 tooth Snap On ratchets? Am I correct in reading that they only come in 24 tooth and 36 tooth?
I love the smooth feel and short radius of the 90 tooth.
Koken have really low back drag so unless you need the low swing arc you dont notice the tooth count too much. On the Zeal stuff the heads are amongst the smallest as well. The switch is backwards compared to most other brands which is a tiny negative.
Snap-on has 72 and 80 tooth pear heads, nothing is 90. 90 would be SK, Nepros, Gearwrench, Carlyle, or MAC/Proto.
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Dave455
Well-known member
Yes, KoKen ratchets are nice, very nice.
I usually say of KoKen generally, that it’s about 90% of Snap On quality for about 35% of the money (where I am at least). Sometimes you notice a difference, sometimes not. Sometimes I prefer the KoKen (spark plug sockets for one, male hex / Torx for another).
Where ratchets are concerned it’s difficult, since you are comparing to one of, if not best, ratchet out there, assuming you mean the Dual 80.
The tooth count of KoKen ratchets varies with the drive size and style. If we’re talking 3/8 drive they offer a 45 tooth round head. I think that’s one of KoKen’s best tools, either in the fixed head or the roto head (I prefer the roto head to the Snap On equivalent) but they are big hefty tools.
As regards the conventional ratchets, I can only echo previous comments and say that the backdrag is low. I’m conscious that my Koken ratchets are a lower tooth count than a Dual 80, but it doesn’t particularly bother me.
It’s worth downloading the catalogue so you can see what’s available!
16again
Well-known member
Have to be honest here. I have both Snap On and KoKen ratchets. I prefer the Snap On.
That said, every once in a while (rare but happens) the KoKen Zeal comes in handy as it’s a smaller head profile.
They're really not comparable.
I have both. Ko-ken is the lightest smoothest backdrag I've ever used. Plus I am a big fan of knurling and Ko-ken has some of the best knurled handles in the business, compared to my S-k and Proto knurled ratchets. My Ko-ken ratchets are also very durable, they've taken everything I've thrown at them with no complaints.
Dual 80 is very nice with obviously much lower swing arc (80t vs. 24t). And durable too. That said, the Ko-ken is the first ratchet I pick up.
Also, Zeal is different vs. Ko-ken's standard line. Smaller head, 36t, and only one handle style (no knurling).
Ko-ken 1/4" = 20t
Ko-ken 3/8" = 24t
Ko-ken 1/2" = 24t
Zeal = 36t
Ko-ken round head = 45t
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Just used mine this morning. Excellent flush cutters.
I appreciate your honesty. I have no brand loyalty but so far I've been partial to my Snap On ratchets.
I recently bought a set of Ko-Ken sockets and I really really like them. I'll probably buy another set or two to fill out my tool box. I think I'll stick with the ratchets I own for now.