It's in the photo that you are replying to (18mm). So yes, they do make them, and actually more than one version. Check the catalog, specifically page 29 (zeal 3/8" section) and page 270/271 (automotive tools).
Howdy from DRPD!
- Thread starter billspreston
- Start date
Qualitytools
Well-known member
With all do respect.
| 0.688” | 11/16” | 17.48 mm |
General Geoff
Well-known member
It doesn't exist. 18mm is the metric equivalent to 11/16 when it comes to spark plug sockets. You can use a standard 11/16" deep socket but Koken does not make a single spark plug socket specifically designated as 11/16" or 17.5mm.
Stalhwille sells an 11/16" spark plug socket that is also advertised as 18mm. The sizes are played with a little more when it comes to spark plug sockets.
FYI my Koken ZEAL 18mm spark plug socket is thinner in overall diameter and will fit in a tighter plug well than any of my regular 11/16" deep sockets.
You are talking about the same size hex, it's like how different companies or regions will refer to 3/8" square drive as 9.5mm or 10mm even though those aren't exactly 9.525mm. As far as I am aware, you can't buy modern plugs that measure 11/16" and then also different plugs that measure 18mm. I think you would be quite happy with a Koken plug socket labeled 18mm.
Additional info off-topic to this thread:
You mention Bosch plugs, so I'm assuming German or euro? I took a look at German brands and aside from the previously mentioned Stahlwille dual-branded socket as well as a similar Elora, I don't see anything marked 11/16". Hazet, Gedore, Heyco, etc. simply list 18mm.
The only other stuff that showed up in my search besides random no-name parts store stuff is one discontinued Hazet model (880amgt-3) and a vintage Snap-On (NAF-1110-14-USN) probably for radial engines. I don't think Snap-On even makes a spark plug socket labeled 11/16" anymore, just the 18mm S9711KA.
Motion pro also has a socket laser etched both 11/16" and 18mm that also doubles as a large allen key for motorcycle axles if that's your application.
OP
billspreston
Well-known member
Oh ya!! I believe we are closing in on a release here in the coming months.
I do want to caution that supplies will be very limited as they ramp up production on all of these new items, but things are moving now!
Odessaboots
Member
Looking to make a Nepros/Ko-ken order here, any chance you are going to run a promo for spring or Easter? Missed out on the last round of promos, and looking to celebrate my birthday with some beautiful new tools....
Also, do you sell 3/8" Ko-ken deep sockets (not Zeal) individually?
Thanks!
Also, do you sell 3/8" Ko-ken deep sockets (not Zeal) individually?
Thanks!
Ooowee Koken Japan catalogs show the 1/4 and 1/2 Z series in 72T and available with a quick release button.
@billspreston any word on expected date for availability or preorder?
Might be a good time for a coupon —- hint hint nudge nudge.
@billspreston any word on expected date for availability or preorder?
Might be a good time for a coupon —- hint hint nudge nudge.
OP
billspreston
Well-known member
Hey guys – no major sales planned at the moment, sorry! Our next sitewide sale is typically around Memorial Day time.
We are anticipating to receive a very limited selection of 1/4 and 1/2" Ko-ken 72T ratchets soon with increasing quantities arriving monthly after that. We are still waiting on a firm delivery date and finalized pricing, but things are moving now. I will share as soon as we get word.
We are also anticipating some new ratchets from nepros who updated their standard 3/8" ratchet to a newly redesigned NBR390A head and internals last year. They will now be offering that new head and internals in the following additional styles that we should have in-stock here sometime in April/May.
Not at this time, sorry!
We are anticipating to receive a very limited selection of 1/4 and 1/2" Ko-ken 72T ratchets soon with increasing quantities arriving monthly after that. We are still waiting on a firm delivery date and finalized pricing, but things are moving now. I will share as soon as we get word.
We are also anticipating some new ratchets from nepros who updated their standard 3/8" ratchet to a newly redesigned NBR390A head and internals last year. They will now be offering that new head and internals in the following additional styles that we should have in-stock here sometime in April/May.
- NBR390AF
- NBR390AFL
- NBR390AH
- NBR390AL
- NBR390AS
Not at this time, sorry!
Lt CHEG
Well-known member
Definitely interested in trying a 1/4” and 1/2” 72 tooth ratchet. Looking forward to the announcement.
OP
billspreston
Well-known member
Hey guys – all of the new 72T Ko-ken Z-Series ratchets have been photographed and are live on the site
Looks great!Hey guys – all of the new 72T Ko-ken Z-Series ratchets have been photographed and are live on the site
Any future plans to stock the ratchet renewal kits? (3725RK-2, 2725RK-2, etc.)
Put in my order for a 72T 1/4" drive ratchet (2725Z) in 114mm length. Appreciate that the shipping cost is a very reasonable $4.57. I know already that I will like the 72T mechanism on this ratchet, but I don't know yet if I will like the thick rubber grip, as this is my first Koken 1/4" drive tool.
Like you, I was worried about this. I really dislike squishy composite grips. But the plastic grip on the Koken ratchets is quite hard and firm. I've been quite happy with my 2725Z and 3725Z. The plastic is comfortable, cleans up easily, and it's warmer than steel in my sometimes unheated garage. I bet you'll like it - these are really great ratchets and some of my favorites.
I have the same grip on a 1/2" breaker bar. Like Pexto said, the Zeal handles are more plastic than rubber. Hard enough that it has no give or squish when you squeeze it it but soft enough that you could mark it with your fingernail if you really tried. Surface texture is a fine satin that does not slip easily in the hand but it's not tacky like rubber grips either.
OP
billspreston
Well-known member
Yes, we have 3725RK-2 in the queue and an inquiry out to Japan inquiring about a release date for 2725RK-2 and 4725RK-2. Will let you know when we hear back on that.
I should have been more clear about my concern with the rubber/plastic grip. My concern is not about its composition, or its thickness, but about its length.
On my 7" standard length 72T Koken 3/8" drive ratchet the rubber/plastic grip is only 2.5" long, which barely covers the width of 3 of my fingers. As a consequence, the entire handle feels a little odd or weird. An ideal grip length on the 3/8" ratchet would be at least 3.5", but preferably 4".
The grip on the 1/4" drive 72T ratchet will be shorter than the already too short 2.5". From photos, it looks to be around 1.75" long. It's not a deal breaker, but I would still prefer the rubber/plastic grip to be long, rather than short. But maybe the short rubber/plastic grip will feel less odd or weird on the 4.5" standard length 1/4" drive ratchet? I expect to find out within a week.
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If you hate it -- I'll buy it off ya
I have little girly hands.@billspreston any idea on restocking dates? Of course they released while I was busy in the shop
Just pulled the first of the new Koken Zeal quick release ratchets out of my mailbox. By the time I realized they were up for order all I could get was the 2725ZB, or the short fixed 1/4 inch drive ratchet. It's a jewel. I've been waiting for 1/4 since they released the 72t 3/8 ratchets and I'm happy I did as I prefer a push button release. I'll be getting more.
OP
billspreston
Well-known member
Nothing definitive as of yet. My hope is that we will receive a new shipment of these every 4-6 weeks, but we have not had confirmation of the next shipment yet. I will try and give some heads up here when they are en-route.@billspreston any idea on restocking dates? Of course they released while I was busy in the shop
OP
billspreston
Well-known member
Hey guys, here's what we have coming in our next shipment of Ko-ken ratchets with an ETA of this Friday/Saturday;
2725ZB
2726Z
2725Z-3/8
2725ZB-3/8
2725ZB-3/8(L160)
2726Z-3/8
2726ZB-3/8
3725ZSB
3725ZB-280
4725Z
We have a narrower range of models arriving this time around, but with a much larger quantity of those models. The factory seems to be making good progress.
No word on the 72T 1/4 & 1/2" refresh kits yet – we will continue working on this.
2725ZB
2726Z
2725Z-3/8
2725ZB-3/8
2725ZB-3/8(L160)
2726Z-3/8
2726ZB-3/8
3725ZSB
3725ZB-280
4725Z
We have a narrower range of models arriving this time around, but with a much larger quantity of those models. The factory seems to be making good progress.
No word on the 72T 1/4 & 1/2" refresh kits yet – we will continue working on this.
Odessaboots
Member
When do you anticipate restocking the website if they arrive Friday/Saturday?
OP
billspreston
Well-known member
Same day!
Seeing as how this is coming up soon, should we expect an announcement near the end of the month? Thanks!
OP
billspreston
Well-known member
Yes, Memorial Day Sale 2023 will be happening! We will make an announcement here and through our mailing list with the details when we get closer.Seeing as how this is coming up soon, should we expect an announcement near the end of the month? Thanks!
OP
billspreston
Well-known member
Please see Post #215 for more info
Thanks, signed up for email notification. Sure I can find some other stuff to order in the meantime
OP
billspreston
Well-known member
Hey guys, looks like we got skunked on the Ko-ken ratchets – only 1 of the 2 cartons of the shipment arrived yesterday and the carton containing the ratchets was not the lucky one. New ETA of Monday afternoon assuming no further delays.
CHI_Tool&Die
Well-known member
Hey Bill, what’s the story with the Effetto Mariposa torque wrenches? Are they really Italian-made? How’s your view of them? Are they just for bikes or can they be utilized for other things requiring torque? How’s recalibration work, would I ship it back to DRPD? I’m super interested in them (I’m big into Italian stuff) but know next to nothing regarding the brand.
OP
billspreston
Well-known member
Effetto Mariposa is a Swiss bike accessories company and their torque wrenches are Made in Italy by Tecnogi S.R.L. The "Giustaforza" line of torque wrenches have been in production since 2007 with a few revisions.
The tools are accurate, and produced to a high quality. The aesthetic is simple, yet attractive. There is nothing that necessarily makes them bike specific IMO, but the 1/4" tools were certainly designed to hit the lower torque ranges found on bikes (1-8 Nm, 2-16 Nm) and the anodized aluminum bodies are very compact allowing you to fit into some tight spots. For those two reasons, I find the 1/4" wrenches quite special & unique so if you value either of those characteristics I would not hesitate to give them a go.
For recalibration – you send the tools back to us and we arrange for recalibration with the US Distributor.
Odd-job
Well-known member
After reading this post am now trying to convince myself that I do not need another 1/4 torque wrench...
OP
billspreston
Well-known member
Here's a photo we took showing the 1/4" sizing and the different heads – 1/4" ratcheting square drive on top and 1/4" fixed hex bit drive on the bottom two.
CHI_Tool&Die
Well-known member
Thank you Bill! That sounds absolutely awesome and what I was hoping to hear. I may not get to work on bikes much anymore but I have a lot of stuff at work that requires small torque specs. This could fit the bill nicely. They also look cool!
OP
billspreston
Well-known member
Hey guys, the 72T Ko-ken stock we received went up on the site on Monday. I'm hopeful that we will receive some of the other SKUs that we did not receive this month by sometime in June.
Also pleased to report that we will have a full-range of refresh kits arriving within the next few weeks. Kits are as follows:
Also pleased to report that we will have a full-range of refresh kits arriving within the next few weeks. Kits are as follows:
| 2725BRK-1 | Z-Series 72-Tooth 1/4" Ratchet Renewal Kit, w/ Quick-Release |
| 2725BRK-1(3/8) | Z-Series 72-Tooth 3/8" Ratchet Renewal Kit, Compact, w/ Quick-Release |
| 2725RK-2 | Z-Series 72-Tooth 1/4" Ratchet Renewal Kit |
| 2725RK-2(3/8) | Z-Series 72-Tooth 3/8" Ratchet Renewal Kit, Compact |
| 3725BRK-1 | Z-Series 72-Tooth 3/8" Ratchet Renewal Kit, /w Quick-Release |
| 3725RK-2 | Z-Series 72-Tooth 3/8" Ratchet Renewal Kit |
| 4725BRK-1 | Z-Series 72-Tooth 1/2" Ratchet Renewal Kit, w/ Quick-Release |
| 4725RK-2 | Z-Series 72-Tooth 1/2" Ratchet Renewal Kit |
OP
billspreston
Well-known member
More good Ko-ken 72T news – we have more ratchets arriving earlier than expected with an ETA of mid/late next week. The models arriving with this shipment are listed below. The factory is making solid progress and we hope to have stock stabilizing soon
2725Z
2725Z-160
2725ZB
2725ZB-160
2726Z-160
2726ZB
2726ZB-160
2725Z-3/8(L160)
2726Z-3/8(L160)
2726ZB-3/8
2726ZB-3/8(L160)
3726ZB
2725Z
2725Z-160
2725ZB
2725ZB-160
2726Z-160
2726ZB
2726ZB-160
2725Z-3/8(L160)
2726Z-3/8(L160)
2726ZB-3/8
2726ZB-3/8(L160)
3726ZB
Odessaboots
Member
Any luck that the 3726ZB-280 is in that shipment?