Gearwrench V koken Z mid length sockets

[Hannahranga]

Finally admitted that mid length sockets are worth getting after spending far too long attempting to make the perfect length socket with an random combination of adaptors.

Now I'm in Australia so they're not super common. Minus the tool truck brands which are out of my price range what seems to be available here is gearwrench and koken, are the koken's worth the extra (aud90 V aud190) for a home gamer? Mostly in terms of size and ability not to strip nuts. I've got a handful of koken stuff and can appreciate the for/finish but hard to justify on that alone.

Also keen for any other alternative options

 

[richfinn]

Ko-ken sockets are relatively inexpensive in the UK, can you not buy direct from Japan?

I just checked the exchange rate 190 AUD is about £85 which is about what they cost over here for a set, personally I think they are worth the money for pro-use

You could just buy the sizes you need as singles though for home gamer work

 

[Mr_B]

In what drive size (will assume 3/8)
While Koken nice sockets with slim dimensions and good semi deep height (you got watch out on the semi deep sockets for actual heights as some not in that ideal middle ground length) .
Gearwrench will have more sockets in the set and work out massively cheaper for pretty good design effort sockets (check the lengths of current semi deep versions).
you could look for ICON set on eBay.com and see if anyone selling in the eBay global shipping .

 

[Steve_P]

I have the GW mid length metric in 1/4 and 3/8 drive and they're fine. As a DIYer I don't use them a lot, but the quality is excellent on my set. I also have multiple sets of Koken sockets, but only in styles that are uncommon: nut grip and Zeal extra short.

 

[mhejl]

I have GW, Koken Z, and Icons in mid length 3/8. I prefer the Kokens - they're shorter than the GW and Icons. The Icons are in the middle length-wise.

 

[2ndGearRubber]

I had both in 1/4. Koken skips a few sizes (5mm and 9mm) but is slightly shorter and the wall thickness is thinner. The later is a plus or minus depending how you think about it. Running either on power tools like hex drivers or powered ratchets would add some abuse, the thicker wall would help. The koken fits better IMO.

 

[GeoBruin]

Koken only goes to 19mm as well. They sell larger individuals in the shallows but not semi-deep.

 

[Dave455]

Of the two listed I’d probably go for the KoKen Z.

Assuming Japanese products are generally available, is there any reason you wouldn’t go for the regular KoKen, or even KTC? Either would be less costly than the Z Series.

The Z Series will be the closest fitting though.

 

[mhejl]

I have GW, Koken Z, and Icons in mid length 3/8. I prefer the Kokens - they're shorter than the GW and Icons. The Icons are in the middle length-wise.

Replying to myself. An assortment of 15mm 3/8 drive. Williams are the same as Snap-On in length. The 14mm 1/4" drive Koken Zeal on the far right is for reference (I don't think they make a 15mm 1/4")