Bought some Koken tools from South Bay Tools

bchee · Aug 1, 2009

Rob from South Bay Tools posted in another Koken thread, and I ended up buying some wobble plus extensions from him. (post #34)
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?p=547215

I placed the order through email. I got the package in 2 days by FedEx.

I took these picts with my cell phone. The last pict belongs to superautobacs. As you can see, the shortest extension that I got doesn't have the same knurling that the others do (even though the part numbers seem to match). I wasn't aware of this before placing the order. The one that superautobacs has does have the knurling, so it seemed strange to me.

These were about $4-5 each, with additional $10 shipping. I paid by paypal

The shafts are thinner than the toptul wobble extensions that I have. I thought about getting some ratchets but I figured they would be too coarse.

I was pleased with the process, but I will see what he says about the non-matching extension. I know if you're on this board, you are picky about your tools.

If you are looking for Koken tools you have to contact him to see if it's in stock. His card says he is also a Williams Tools dealer.

ImportTuner · Aug 1, 2009

bchee said:
Rob from South Bay Tools posted in another Koken thread, and I ended up buying some wobble plus extensions from him. (post #34)
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?p=547215

I placed the order through email. I got the package in 2 days by FedEx.

I took these picts with my cell phone. The last pict belongs to superautobacs. As you can see, the shortest extension that I got doesn't have the same knurling that the others do (even though the part numbers seem to match). I wasn't aware of this before placing the order. The one that superautobacs has does have the knurling, so it seemed strange to me.

These were about $4-5 each, with additional $10 shipping. I paid by paypal

The shafts are thinner than the toptul wobble extensions that I have. I thought about getting some ratchets but I figured they would be too coarse.

I was pleased with the process, but I will see what he says about the non-matching extension. I know if you're on this board, you are picky about your tools.

If you are looking for Koken tools you have to contact him to see if it's in stock. His card says he is also a Williams Tools dealer.

Rob Lee
[email protected]
(310) 503-0300
in southern california
http://southbaytools.webs.com/ (there is no online catalog)

The website doesn't say anything about Koken or Williams .. and would help if he had a online catalog.

Monte · Aug 1, 2009

Maybe an older version of the extension ? Did you already contact him ?

bchee · Aug 1, 2009

I already sent an email. I'll update when I hear back.

BTW the knurling is awesome. It's not the actual knurling, but the fact that it's not continuous makes it really grippy.

superautobacs · Aug 2, 2009

The date codes should tell you how old they are; items made in this century are three digit codes, starting with the number '0'.

I sent him quite a few part #'s but almost all of them were either "never carried" or "sold to a diesel outfit". ...I was looking for breaker bars and large sockets in 3/4" sizes.

bchee · Aug 2, 2009

The smallest one has 021

The rest have 020, 02J, 02J

dede2897234 · Aug 3, 2009

Rob from South Bay Tools is a stand up guy. I purchased from him in late July the Ko-ken model# 4100M 6,8,10,12mm 1/2" drive stud pullers. It took 4 days to receive them from California via FedEx Ground. They're of excellent quality. I can't wait to try them out!

Dave

superautobacs · Aug 3, 2009

bchee said:
The smallest one has 021

The rest have 020, 02J, 02J

That means they were all forged in 2002, with your smallest one being the oldest production, in January. I think that explains why the rest of your later production extensions have knurling on them.

UK Steve · Aug 3, 2009

2002 was the year of the change from plain to Knurled the 021 was manufactured Jan 02
the 02J was Nov 02, you obviously got an old stock extension, if I were you I would contact your supplier for an exchange for the new Knurled version as they a far better to work with.

bchee · Aug 3, 2009

I'll reserve judgment until this issue gets resolved. I asked specifically about the knurling and sent pictures to verify what I would be getting. The older production version should have been brought to my attention before shipping. I bought these specifically for the knurling.

dede2897234 said:
Rob from South Bay Tools is a stand up guy.

superautobacs said:
That means they were all forged in 2002, with your smallest one being the oldest production, in January. I think that explains why the rest of your later production extensions have knurling on them.

UK Steve said:
2002 was the year of the change from plain to Knurled the 021 was manufactured Jan 02
the 02J was Nov 02, you obviously got an old stock extension, if I were you I would contact your supplier for an exchange for the new Knurled version as they a far better to work with.

dede2897234 · Aug 13, 2009

I made a second purchase of Ko-ken hand tools from Rob of South Bay Tools last week. Here is a list of the tools that arrived yesterday via FedEx Ground:

- Model# RS3300X/8; 3/8" drive mid-depth socket set (8,10,11,12,13,14,17,19mm); $26.00

- Model# 3762; 3/8" drive flexible extension bar (11-3/4" long); $11.50

- Model# 4100M; 1/2" drive 14mm stud puller socket; $13.35

Dave

ImportTuner · Aug 13, 2009

Nice .. I sent a PM to Rob a few weeks ago and he never answered .. must not check here often ..

dede2897234 · Aug 13, 2009

ImportTuner,

The best way to contact Rob of South Bay Tools is to send an e-mail to "[email protected]". He is on the road quite often selling tools to his customers.

Dave

superautobacs · Aug 13, 2009

Yeah, it's hard to get a prompt reply from him. My 1-week old email hasn't been answered yet.

So I sent him a reminder email two days ago...nothing yet.

Update: Got a reply today.

Bolster · Aug 13, 2009

Strange. Southbay Tool & Gage is local to me. I called them (800 729 5738) and asked about Koken. They said they don't carry Koken. Further, they don't have an employee named 'Rob.' I wonder if we are talking about two different Southbay tools? The one near me is called "Southbay Tool and Gage Co." and it is located in Gardena, CA. Appears to be an established company with a nice, thick catalog. Same one you guys are talking about?

dede2897234 · Aug 13, 2009

Bolster,

South Bay Tools is located in Manhattan Beach, California. The best way to contact Rob Lee about purchasing Ko-ken tools is through his e-mail address: "[email protected]". You can also contact him on his cell: (310) 503-0300. Rob is mostly on the road selling his tools (he also carries hand tools from Williams) and sometimes picks up his cell phone.

Dave

***** Note: I do not have a business affiliation with Rob Lee. I completed two recent orders with him for Ko-ken hand tools. *****

Bolster · Aug 13, 2009

Well whaddya know, two different Southbay Tools. Thanks for clearing that up.

bchee · Aug 14, 2009

The south bay I ordered from is in manhattan beach.
Rob said he was going to replace the mismatched extension but so far haven't received it.

DHCrocks · Aug 14, 2009

I'm digging the knurling on the ends. that's the perfect spot, where I usually palm a ratchet and try to spin the extension with my fingers. I'll have to get a set of those.

Vinko · Aug 15, 2009

Bolster said:
The one near me is called "Southbay Tool and Gage Co." and it is located in Gardena, CA. Appears to be an established company with a nice, thick catalog.

I think they've been around forever.

Autoguy · Aug 15, 2009

Nice tools made in Japan , I advice to buy them

Bolster · Aug 21, 2009

Just met Rob of South Bay Tools in person, here in Torrance CA. He was kind enough to bring an assortment of Koken extensions, of which I purchased several.

The wobble extensions also lock straight, which is a nice feature. So you can use them either way.

Rob gave me a great deal ($25) and a Koken catalog.

Love that heavy knurled grip. Seems I am forever twisting my extensions with my thumbs. This is what I've been looking for. :thumbup:

Definitely be dealing with Rob again in the future. You can reach him at [email protected]

South Bay Tools · Aug 22, 2009

Hi Y'all - Thanks for the vote of confidence from some of you, who have dealt with me. I must apologize to those who have experienced delays in returning replys to your emails. Why delays? Well, I'm on the road most of the day---selling & seeing customers in person as someone had posted. After work I deal with my wholesale tool warehouse to fill my orders for that day of "non" Ko-ken products. I probably won't get to your emails until after 10 p.m. or midnight. When checking stock on Ko-ken products, I must "physically" check every line from the shelf against the item you request on your emails. I don't trust what's on the computer. I'm just that way...or my system *****? More the latter! Enough excuses, I'll try to do better on your email request in the future. That being said, you won't hear from me in the next week as I'm on vacation! Regarding South Bay Tools & Gage; they're a completely different outfit primarily dealing in machine tools & accessories alike. Yes, they've been around forever. I'm only going on my twentieth year in the tool business. I've dealt with the other SB Tools & Gage back when I use to sell machine tools.

bchee - your replacement extension along with a tool flyer was sent last week via snail mail.

Superautobacs - it sounds like your well-versed on the manufacture dates of the Ko-ken line. I knew about them with Craftsman & Snap-on (cheat sheets) but did not know they existed with Ko-ken. History - Yes, I was to be "one" of the several westcoast reps to represent Ko-ken Tools. I was even showing Ko-ken at the Las Vegas SEMA Show. That deal fell through when my liason for U.S. & Japan was dropped and I was stuck with an inventory of Ko-ken Tools and a rather large $$$$ tool bill. I went to represent another company during that time. FYI the agreement I have with Williams is "on hold" for now. Guess I need to order more from them? I'm looking to represent another company but cannot say at this time. Looks like they're going to sponsor a racecar series similar to the Craftsman Truck one. I'll keep you all posted! Thanks all again!

Rob Lee
Sales Manager
South Bay Tools

bchee · Aug 27, 2009

South Bay Tools said:
bchee - your replacement extension along with a tool flyer was sent last week via snail mail.

Rob Lee
Sales Manager
South Bay Tools

I received the extension replacement from Rob. He was accommodating and email communication was good. If he had a website or catalog I would definitely buy from him again.
I inquired about some other items, including knipex and channellock pliers, and to my surprise he carries a bunch of other stuff. Prices are very competitive.

bchee · Aug 27, 2009

Bolster said:

I wonder why they taper the shaft of the wobble plus extensions, but not the regular extensions?

FiftyCalAl · Aug 27, 2009

not to take it too far off topic, but what advantage does the wobble extension provide? what is their purpose? Thanks

bchee · Aug 27, 2009

the "wobble" allows the extension to get out of the way when you need it to

this video might also help

There's a difference between a plain "wobble" and a "wobble plus" or "dual position wobble"

The dual position wobble extension can be used like a regular extension.

Alternatively, you could use a universal socket or universal adapter, but it adds more length and can be floppy

dede2897234 · Aug 27, 2009

bchee,

What other hand tool brands does Rob of South Bay Tools stock? Did he e-mail you a price list electronic document of the non Ko-ken hand tools that are available through him?

Thanks,

Dave

FiftyCalAl · Aug 27, 2009

Rob,

I sent you an email...

bchee · Aug 27, 2009

Dave- there was no price list. I just emailed some items from my wish list and he gave me price and availability. I don't know if he actually keeps stuff in stock, but he can probably get just about anything. He sent some generic flyer with mostly ATD tools but it wasn't a specific "South Bay tools" flyer.

dede2897234 · Sep 12, 2009

I received another Ko-ken order from South Bay Tools a couple of days ago via FedEx Ground. Besides purchasing another 3/8" drive, 8 piece, metric mid-depth socket set and a 3/8" drive flexible extension bar, I also got the following items:

- 3768P-380, 3/8" drive breaker bar, 15 inches long - $15.00

- Surface Drive, 1/2" drive deep sockets (12,14,17mm) - $12.00

These Surface Drive sockets are very similar to Snap-on and SK's spline drive sockets (http://www.skhandtool.com/Default.aspx?fusemode=10&pid=2654). They work on spline, 6 point, 12 point, 50% rounded, female torx and square fasteners.

Rob carries 1 or more of the following deep, 1/2" drive Surface Drive sockets (in his loose socket bin at his warehouse): 11mm = $ 4, 12mm = $4, 14mm = $4, 17mm = $4, 21mm = $5, 22mm = $5, 23mm = $5, 24mm = $6, 25mm = $6, 28mm = $7, 29mm = $7, 32mm = $7.

Rob also has in stock the following shallow, 1/2" drive Surface Drive sockets: 20mm = $ 3, 30mm = $3.

Does anyone know if any other manufactures sells a 15 inch long, 3/8" drive breaker bar?

Thanks,

Dave

FiftyCalAl · Sep 12, 2009

I have contacted him about placing an order. I am going to order at least $100 worth of extensions in 1/4 and 3/8 drives, with some wobble extensions as well. He is checking on some prices for some Knipex items as well-if he can beat Chad's prices...

The only difficulty so far is that he does not seem to have as much time to devote to the internet- he is fairly slow at getting to his emails-but he said that to me up front-so no worries. If the Koken stuff looks as good in person and holds up- I can see myself spending A LOT!

scottmlew · Sep 13, 2009

Fifty, please let us know how you make out on the Knipex pricing. Also, does he really have 1/2 extensions? I was told by someone that he didn't. Also, be aware that the 1/4 extensions do NOT have knurling AFAIK.

I have also emailed Rob about an order and am waiting to hear back.

FiftyCalAl · Sep 13, 2009

I mis typed- I only received info on 1/4 and 3/8, not 1/2. My error-sorry.

scottmlew · Sep 13, 2009

dede2897234 said:
Does anyone know if any other manufactures sells a 15 inch long, 3/8" drive breaker bar?

Toptul does, part CFBC1215. The end is a different style than their other 3/8 breaker bars...I wonder why?

superautobacs · Sep 13, 2009

dede2897234 said:
....
These Surface Drive sockets are very similar to Snap-on and SK's spline drive sockets (http://www.skhandtool.com/Default.aspx?fusemode=10&pid=2654). They work on spline, 6 point, 12 point, 50% rounded, female torx and square fasteners.
...

Hrmm, I wouldn't compare them to spline type sockets. :headscrat

The merit, according to Ko-ken's claim, is that it's fastener friendly and can engage rounded out fasteners.
I've read that the fastener friendliness of these sockets has been favoured by production line assembly work.
There one negative (if you can call it that) opinion that users have voiced, and that is: due to the Surface Drive's profile, there's a lot of slop between the the hex fastener and engagement point. This is a feeling that no one is used to (sorta like the Metrinch sockets).
You'll have to watch out with using them on heavily rounded fasteners that are stuck tight. In the worst case, despite being able to loosen the fastener, you might have to fight getting the rounded fastener off from the socket as it gets wedged tight between the wave profile of the socket. Also bear in mind that under high loads, those contact surfaces could start to seat itself out of tolerance, making it even more prone to socket/fastener bind.

dede2897234 said:
Does anyone know if any other manufactures sells a 15 inch long, 3/8" drive breaker bar?

scottmlew said:
Toptul does, part CFBC1215. The end is a different style than their other 3/8 breaker bars...I wonder why?

I've noticed this with several other manufactures. When the bar becomes an "extra long" type, the swivel end design changes to cope with the forseeable torque loads that such a length could exert. I've noticed this with the most common drive sizes: 3/8" and 1/2". I'd be weary of using a 3/8" break over with a 15" bar, and likewise, a 24" bar on a 1/2" drive. I'd much rather move up in drive size. ....IMO.

scottmlew · Sep 13, 2009

superautobacs, great post, both about the breakers and the sockets. That's the kind of great info I count on you guys for! :beer:

UK Steve · Sep 29, 2009

scottmlew said:
Fifty, please let us know how you make out on the Knipex pricing. Also, does he really have 1/2 extensions? I was told by someone that he didn't. Also, be aware that the 1/4 extensions do NOT have knurling AFAIK.

I have also emailed Rob about an order and am waiting to hear back.

Please be aware the 1/4" drive extensions do have the Knurling
as can be seen in the 2760/6 pictured set
[/ATTACH]

superautobacs · Sep 29, 2009

I mentioned earlier/else where, that the recent production (starting some time in 2008, IIRC) have knurling on 1/4" extensions.

Chreese · Nov 15, 2009

Servus, folks,

I don't want to hijack this thread so I hope it's ok to post these questions.

Apparently, Ko-Ken doesn't offer inch surface drive sockets, yet. The Ko-Ken surface drive sockets that are available at the moment are exclusively metric. Would you consider this to be a reason to stay away from Ko-Ken inch sockets? Or is the standard Ko-Ken flat drive style a good choice as well?

BTW, what's the deal with the Ko-Ken Handy-Endy (TM) sockets? What's the goal of the Handy-Endy feature? Does it help to get a better grip (as the knurlings that can be found on, e. g., Hazet sockets do)?

Thanks in advance,

Chreese

Bought some Koken tools from South Bay Tools

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