Ko-ken Tools -- What Makes this Brand Special !?!?

Ko-ken--a name that some of you may be familiar with and fond of, but more than likely it’s a name that you’ve never heard of. It’s not an American tool company that you’ve never heard of before; it’s a Japanese hand tool company. Sure, there’s a lot of Japanese tool companies out there, and Ko-ken differentiates itself from other Japanese companies by specializing in producing only socketry products. As a matter of fact, I don’t think there’s any other hand tool manufacturer in the world that specializes in the manufacturing of socketry items. You might think they are new to the tool industry, yet, they’ve been around for over half a century. Similar to the world-renowned Knipex name, the German specialist in pliers-making, Ko-ken is a long-time specialist in socketry-making that’s trusted by many users in Japan and around the world.

Ko-ken is a unique hand tool company to this day--let’s take a look at Ko-ken’s founder and the company’s earliest days.

Yamashita Soichiro (1889 – 1973) was the founder of Ko-ken. Ko-ken is an acronym taken from two Japanese words “kougyou kenkyuusho”. Kougyou means “manufacturing” and kenkyuusho means “research facility”. So, there you have it. The name Ko-ken, which was officially registered in 1941, was quite literally Mr. Yamashita’s manufacturing research facility. Could a hand-tool company’s name be much more “official” than that?

Mr. Yamashita has a very unique background for a Japanese person living in his times. Here’s a snap shot of his time line:


• 1889 - born in Kakegawa, Japan
• 1907 - learns the English language in Japan (very unusual for the time)
• 1908 - goes to the United States and graduates from an automotive school
• Upon graduating, worked as a mechanic for 6 years at a Ford dealership
• Lived in the US for a total 16 years
• 1925 - goes back to Japan in time for Ford’s factory opening in Yokohama, Japan
• 1927 - works for General Motors in Osaka, Japan
• 1946 - he establishes Yamashita Kougyou Kenkyuusho (Ko-ken)

Working as a mechanic in the US, Mr. Yamashita would have likley had his hands on various American tool brands at that time. Perhaps he became fond of Proto’s ‘big dawg’ ratchets as Ko-ken’s standard ratchets have shared the same basic design.

Unlike other domestic tool brands in Japan, Ko-ken was forefront in exporting their tools due to Mr. Yamashita’s knowledge of the English language—this is the reason why a lot of people around the world recognize the name Ko-ken compared with other Japanese brands. New Zealand for example, was the first country overseas to see Ko-ken’s products back in 1957. For more information about Mr. Yamashita and Ko-ken’s early years, go to http://www.koken.co/ (with a picture slide show).

While many major tool manufacturers around the world offers more or less of a complete tool lineup, Ko-ken still remains a specialist in socketry tools, making the company a unique manufacturer/brand in this world. When a car manufacturer creates a new bolt pattern, Ko-ken will be the first, at least in Japan, to produce it. Their socketry size ranges are vast and often unoffered by other tool companies. Ko-ken’s catalogue contains just under 7,000 items (as of 2012). Click http://www.koken-tool.co.jp/en/product.html to download their catalogue (in English).




Interesting facts:

• In their catalogue, there are over 160 different part numbers that are 10mm sized sockets!

• Out of all the sockets that they produce, Ko-ken produces more 17mm sockets in ½” drive than any other size in their lineup.

• Supplies hand impact drivers to European makers such as Germany’s Hazet and Wiha.

• German tool supplier, Garant has sourced select socketry items from Ko-ken.

• Supplies Wiha with ¼” drive socketry (impact rated) as well as some non-impact items (Ko-ken ratchets with Wiha Soft Finish handles, sliding T-handle, universal joint, and a bit holder for ¼” bits).

• Once supplied the Italian tool brand, Beta, with select impact-rated socketry items and specialty tools.

• In line with their recent launch of the Zeal product line, Ko-ken exhibited their company booth for the very first time in 2011 at the annual Auto Service Show--a show with a long 60-year history in Japan.

• Its facilities are as clean as PB Swiss’. It’s a clean facility unlike any other tool factory in the world.

• The prime characteristic of Ko-ken ratchets has always been about meeting what the end-user desires. That is: low drag/resistance of the ratcheting mechanism; it’s not about the highest tooth count.

In more recent news, Ko-ken introduced a new line of products starting in 2010: ZEAL (Z series - Evolution of Automotive service Lineup).

The Z-series was developed for the needs of the current and future automotive mechanics who are working in the confined spaces found in modern automobiles. Compactness being the primary importance, Ko-ken collected a wide range of samples from manufacturers around the world. Combined with 50 years of experience, Ko-ken set off with the goal to create the world’s most compact designs, in size and slimness. The development of the new ratchets started 5 years ago and the related socketry items, 2 years ago.

Ko-ken is not replacing their standard lineup; ZEAL is simply a dedicated line developed for the automotive technician’s needs of today and tomorrow, designed and developed in compliance to no specific international standard ie. ISO / DIN. Ko-ken’s standard lineup has always been in compliance to such international standards, meeting a broad range of industry requirements, and they’ll continue to manufacture those products. So, ZEAL becomes Ko-ken’s first trade-specific tool lineup that’s manufactured to meet their own set of design criteria and stringent quality standards. Zeal stands for: Z-series Evolution of Automotive service Lineup. It’s the introduction of a new standard in the tools automotive technicians will seek.



This link will take you to Ko-ken USA's English pdf catalogue of the Z-series, which includes the June 2013 release of 1/4" drive tools. There's also some technical explanation of what makes the Z-series tools outstanding.


This thread is still under construction and I'll be adding more information and pictures, only as time allows me to do so. Of course, please enter your thoughts and experiences about the company and its tools as well!
*I am in no association with Ko-ken or any tool-reseller. ... I'm just a tool enthusiast that loves Japanese tools.

I have some z series short 3/8 drive sockets and a 3/8 drive flex head ratchet. I got them from Franks tools. Koken is well made with some items bordering on jewerly quality finishing but, it isn't the easiest or cheapest to get in the states. You'd think with all of the Japanese cars running around here that, japanese tools would sell well.

Koken is really nice. I've seen a lot of it on ships with dedicated engineers and we had some at the shipyard. But I never found a dealer in Iceland.

I'm still collecting tools for my mobile workshop truck and this thread has reminded me of Koken. I'll have to find a Koken dealer here in Norway.

I have one single Ko-Ken tool... a 19mm 1/2" drive Hex allen socket.
It's very nice, and well made.... But not a whole lot of availability here
in England.

There availibility in the states is the biggest reason most people have never heard of them. It's hard to drop tool-truck prices for tools that you may not be able to get warranty service on. They have a wide variety of sockets and drive tools, but it's easier to find hen's teeth than it is a distributor for Ko-ken.

Great post!

Ko Ken tools have been available in the U.K. for many years, but are getting more and more popular as word spreads!

I first encountered them about 15 years ago, and was a bit reluctant to buy any at first, mainly because of the dubious quality Japanese stuff I remember from the 70's, but this stuff is in a different league!

I've heard Ko Ken described as 'Japan's Snap On'! Not quite true, they don't make the variety of tools Snap On do, but what they do make (which is socket wrenches and accessories) they make superbly well!

Their background is industrial tools, stuff used on production lines and suchlike. That's a tough proving ground, which is probably why their tools stand up to wear so well! Their strong point is their consistent quality. I have never had to return a Ko Ken tool for any reason, and all have been faultless!

They also score on the range they offer. The OP mentioned 10mm sockets, if you want one they offer 6 point or 12, then regular, semi deep or deep, then specials like universal, nut grip or surface drive, then repeat all the options again in 1/4 drive and 1/2 drive, then again in impact, then again in Inch a/f sizes and even Whitworth!

Great to hear some of the history of the company! I have long believed that there was probably one man (and probably an enthusiast) behind the firm! You only have to look at some of the tools available - an extended sliding T with spinning grip (last offered by Blackhawk pre-war I believe) they make it! A speeder ratchet (discontinued by Snap On), available from Ko Ken!

The only cautionary words I will utter are directed at the managers of some of the U.K's (and some of the U.S.A's) bigger tool manufacturers! Just because you have (or had) a good brand name, don't think you can go out, source any old shite, put your brand name on it, and expect me to buy it! I would rather buy good tools, at a reasonable price, from a firm like Ko Ken who apparently value my custom and respect my needs!

P.S. In the U.K. I get my Ko Ken from Consolidated tools in Manchester! Easy to deal with and keen prices! There are other sources though, and Ko Ken have distribution in the U.K. now!

Haukur said:

*snip* I'll have to find a Koken dealer here in Norway.

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Maybe Würth can help you out.

Thanks for starting the thread superautobacs. I have a single Koken socket that I will post up later.

Is Ko Ken comparable to Nepros/KTC ?

(got some more coming from Mexico right now... )

Neat... anyone got the gold plated socket set? LOL!

http://www.koken.co/2012/gold-plated-koken-2

Rico. said:

I have one single Ko-Ken tool... a 19mm 1/2" drive Hex allen socket.
It's very nice, and well made.... But not a whole lot of availability here
in England.

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Distributor in Halifax, 1/3 of the price of Snap-On.

I replaced my old 3/8 gear with Ko-Ken earlier this year.

They make odd stuff for mechs like a really deep 3/8 10mm which is great for battery hold downs and handbrake adjusting.

I'm delighted they are awesome sockets.

Wakefield said:

Is Ko Ken comparable to Nepros/KTC ?

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I would say they are comparable to KTC, maybe even a notch above (Some of the KTC has a matt finish, Ko Ken are all polished)!

Nepros are maybe even a notch above Ko Ken, but there isn't much in it. Ko Ken are tough, very consistent , and offer a bigger range of sockets and handles! Nepros designs are very unique, beautifully finished, and they offer wrenches too!

My Nepros ratchet was a bit wobbly (never had that with a Ko Ken) but otherwise I'd be (in fact am) delighted with both!

I like the Ko-Ken items I have.
Screwdriver-handled socket drivers in 1/4 and 3/8
palm ratchet in 3/8
knurled socket spinners in 1/4 and 3/8

The "you're going to get different quality if you warranty anything in a few years" concern for many current manufacturers doesn't feel like it will apply to Ko-Ken.

They're high on my list for future 1/2" drive purchases.

man that knurling on the extensions looks top notch. i wish the stuff was more available here. i have been tossing around the idea of ordering a socket set for a while.

Yes! As a British motorcycle owner it's nice to see a manufacturer still offering whitworth sizes. Deep sockets and universals especially. If I ever break my so's I'll be looking into Koken for sure.

Any dealers in Canada?

I can't say anything re: .CA dealers, but Frank('s Tools) was top notch for responding to my inquiries. Drop him a line.

I have 3 piece of wobble 1/2 extensions and must say that the quality,finnish and how they click so nice on the ratchet or socket! In wobble mode it has bigger angle and softer action than other brands!

i´m happy so far

TwoInch said:

man that knurling on the extensions looks top notch. i wish the stuff was more available here. i have been tossing around the idea of ordering a socket set for a while.

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I really love the knurling as well.

.


Love pics monte

V!

Thanks to fellow member, Cosmik, he informed me that there's actually a Swedish company called http://www.momento.se/ that's devoted to making strictly impact-rated socketry items.
Please inform us if there's any other unique companies like Momento.



For those inquiring about availability in the US:

Go to Ko-ken USA's website for a list of web-based retailers here
They are:
Frank's Tools
Level Chrome
Tool Network
Tool Pan

For a list of industrial sales reps click here

Fedwrench said:

I have some z series short 3/8 drive sockets and a 3/8 drive flex head ratchet. I got them from Franks tools. Koken is well made with some items bordering on jewerly quality finishing but, it isn't the easiest or cheapest to get in the states. You'd think with all of the Japanese cars running around here that, japanese tools would sell well.

Click to expand...

Being a ratchet connoisseur what do you think about the Zeal ratchet that you have compared to the myriad of other brands you use at work?

Dave455 said:

The only cautionary words I will utter are directed at the managers of some of the U.K's (and some of the U.S.A's) bigger tool manufacturers! Just because you have (or had) a good brand name, don't think you can go out, source any old shite, put your brand name on it, and expect me to buy it! I would rather buy good tools, at a reasonable price, from a firm like Ko Ken who apparently value my custom and respect my needs!

Click to expand...

ChevyEFI said:

The "you're going to get different quality if you warranty anything in a few years" concern for many current manufacturers doesn't feel like it will apply to Ko-Ken.

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I like the fact that they offer repair kits for a lot of things.

bahcoswed said:

I have 3 piece of wobble 1/2 extensions and must say that the quality,finnish and how they click so nice on the ratchet or socket! In wobble mode it has bigger angle and softer action than other brands!

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I know exactly what you mean. That's just one feature of a high quality product that Ko-ken is.

Monte, you're always a great contributor with great photos


Mofo, have you seen any Ko-ken tools in Peru?


Some of the most notable features:




Surely inspired by Proto's age-old design, Ko-ken perfected it even further. This pear-head ratchet has been their standard ratchet for decades. Repair kits for all models are available.




The L-handles, sliding T-handles, ratchets, and breaker bars have beams that are oval in shape.

Ko-ken has the patent for the wobble-fix design in Japan. From my understanding, every other tool brand that sells this design, imported or not, and is sold in Japan pays royalties to Ko-ken.




The famous Attack Driver really is a delight to use.

superautobacs, the forum attachments to which you've linked don't seem to work. Copy pasta'ing the URL didn't do it for me either. :shrug:

superautobacs said:

Please inform us if there's any other unique companies like Momento.

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Ozat is specialized in impact sockets too www.ozat.co.il

Oh yea, Ko-Ken tools!

Top quality in my book! Pricey but very well worth it in IMO.

Started a collection of Ko-Ken tools in my humble collection of tools but you gotta start out some time, right!

Hopefully I'll get more as time goes on.

I'd recommend them!

My seriously deep sockets are Koken; almost too good to use.

10mm:

ChevyEFI said:

superautobacs, the forum attachments to which you've linked don't seem to work. Copy pasta'ing the URL didn't do it for me either. :shrug:

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Weird. It was working for me, but it's fixed now.

Monte said:

Ozat is specialized in impact sockets too www.ozat.co.il

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Yes, when Cosmik told me about Momento, I instantly recalled Ozat as well. I browsed their site and saw that they also offer a bunch of other stuff. So, it's not quite as dedicated like Momento doing just impact-rated socketry.

Robbie UK said:

My seriously deep sockets are Koken; almost too good to use.

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I got one of those too, in 10mm....only in the nut-grip version. Seriously deep, they are.



A cool comparison picture of two sockets. The small one is a 3/8" drive 10mm Zeal socket.

An assortment of Ko-ken's standard line of tools:






3/8" drive Zeal items:




Ko-ken has expanded their Zeal lineup to include 1/4" drive items.
The 1/4" and 3/8" drive shallow sockets are the shallowest in the market. Take a look at the dimensional differences between the 10mm size socket in 3/8" and 1/4" drive, along with its equivalent from the standard line. Now that's COMPACT:

Comparison pics of Koken Zeal and Snapon low profile. Both sockets are 12mm.

1/4" Koken Zeal on left, Snapon on right


3/8" Snapon on left, Koken Zeal on right


Both are excellent low profile products for when clearance is tight. The Snapon is a little more low profile.

I need a set of 3/8 deep metrics... this isnt helping me stay on the cheaper side..

ricleh said:

Comparison pics of Koken Zeal and Snapon low profile. Both sockets are 12mm.

1/4" Koken Zeal on left, Snapon on right

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Nice Snap-on...but just to be fair though...that's like comparing two different systems. If I'm not mistaken, Snap-on's system is a dedicated low-profile, go-thru type ratchet/socket system. That ratchet doesn't have a square drive; it can only accept Snap-on's low profile sockets. Those low-profile sockets can be fitted with any 1/4" square drive tool, but if you did, the combination probably wouldn't be too low-profile any more.

To make an even comparison, you'll have put this one side by side....although it's a bit old-school in comparison to the modern Snap-on one....and they only offered go-thru sockets up to 10mm. :

ricleh said:

3/8" Snapon on left, Koken Zeal on right

Both are excellent low profile products for when clearance is tight. The Snapon is a little more low profile.

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With that photo we actually have two ratchets with a 3/8" square drive. I think SO's is the only company that uses a stubby square anvil. Another dedicated tool for low clearance applications. I found a picture of the square drive on their RAF80:

With this, Snap-on has an edge over Ko-ken as far as clearance goes. Too bad SO only offers one ratchet for that system...no stubby, flex, or long.

Richleh, is it true that because of that stubby anvil on the RAF80, standard socketry items fit quite loosely on the ratchet? Likewise, would there be looseness if you were to use a standard 3/8" drive ratchet on those low-profile sockets?

[edit] Another advantage of the SO ratchets is its dual-80 mechanism. If clearance for swing is really tight, the SO will be more efficient.

neonnblack said:

I need a set of 3/8 deep metrics... this isnt helping me stay on the cheaper side..

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No reason to buy those. Go with MAC or Craftsman.

genevabuck said:

No reason to buy those. Go with MAC or Craftsman.

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why not propose to go get some, say, Snap-on or Gearwrench or whatever brand as long as it's not Ko-ken on a Ko-ken related thread while you're at it, eh?

edit: forgot to ask for a couple linkies for those "better" 120mm long sockets from Craftsman and MAC...

superautobacs said:

Nice Snap-on...but just to be fair though...that's like comparing two different systems. If I'm not mistaken, Snap-on's system is a dedicated low-profile, go-thru type ratchet/socket system. That ratchet doesn't have a square drive; it can only accept Snap-on's low profile sockets. Those low-profile sockets can be fitted with any 1/4" square drive tool, but if you did, the combination probably wouldn't be too low-profile any more.

To make an even comparison, you'll have put this one side by side....although it's a bit old-school in comparison to the modern Snap-on one....and they only offered go-thru sockets up to 10mm. :


With that photo we actually have two ratchets with a 3/8" square drive. I think SO's is the only company that uses a stubby square anvil. Another dedicated tool for low clearance applications. I found a picture of the square drive on their RAF80:

With this, Snap-on has an edge over Ko-ken as far as clearance goes. Too bad SO only offers one ratchet for that system...no stubby, flex, or long.

Richleh, is it true that because of that stubby anvil on the RAF80, standard socketry items fit quite loosely on the ratchet? Likewise, would there be looseness if you were to use a standard 3/8" drive ratchet on those low-profile sockets?

[edit] Another advantage of the SO ratchets is its dual-80 mechanism. If clearance for swing is really tight, the SO will be more efficient.

Click to expand...

The 1/4" drive systems are indeed very different. I was only attempting to show that the Snapon system is lower profile than the Koken Zeal. I only use these tools for their special purpose - to get to fasteners with very little clearance where a normal ratchet and socket won't work. I don't use them for normal work. The Snapon design difference gives them the advantage as far as low profile is concerned. You cannot use them with other 1/4" ratchets and sockets though. That has not been a problem for me.

The 3/8" drive systems are much more similar as you said. Here again though, I only use them for special situations that call for them. I always have used the ratchet and sockets together. I went and checked and the ratchet works just fine with regular sockets and the low profile sockets work just fine with a standard 3/8" ratchet. The fit is tight with no slop in both situations. I don't know why you would want to do it, but you could use the low profile ratchet and sockets interchangebly with standard 3/8" ratchets and sockets.

genevabuck said:

No reason to buy those. Go with MAC or Craftsman.

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Lots of reasons to buy them.

I'm delighted with all the Ko-Ken stuff I have.
I've got a 3/8 drive metric deep & shallow set. I love it. The ratchet is definitely the lowest drag resistance of any I've used. The design is like a Proto inside. Really, really like butter with a bit of grease added. I've got Snap-On, Hazet, and Facom ratchets and this one is by far the smoothest.
The sheet metal box is cool, too. I added a sliding T-handle to the set also.
Here in Taiwan, Ko-ken is a very familiar premium brand, much better known than KTC, but is known to be a bit on the pricey side. Nothing like Snap-On, of course, but still a lot more expensive than a lot of other Japanese imports.

Attack Driver. Love it!

Yeah,
I've got an Attack Driver, too.
An absolute must-have tool.

They OEM those for Hazet, too. If it's good enough for Hazet, then it's good enough for me!

I just wonder if electronic impact drivers dont make it obsolete?