Qualitytools
Well-known member
I ran across this video regarding KTC and NEPROS and I was impressed. Therefore, I would expect better QC, here is the video:
Japanese Ratchet Nitpicking
- Thread starter teagueo
- Start date
CHI_Tool&Die
Well-known member
I've always thought about buying something Nepros, but I absolutely and unabashedly beat the living **** out of my tools and I'd hate to trash those beautiful ratchets. I'd feel like I was committing a crime.
BarryWells
Well-known member
I've been a machinist since Nixon was the talk of the day. I have both. I find the Koken far superior. Compare a late model vette to a Ferrari. There ya have it. BUT. When I look at the insides of the handle of the Kokens it makes ma appreciate the quality of good USA work.
Doesn't affect functionality, but not concentric. For bling bling price, I'm also more enamored with Koken.
Look here at this. A lowly Proto 5450. Jam-Jelly machine work. Post 2010"new" too.
Old post I know.
They ARE pricey but that 90 tooth mechanism is like butter. The ergonomics are amazing too, though I imagine that is subjective to the user. Ultimately though the cost of the research and development is amortized over the entire line. They have been industry leaders for decades without North Americans knowing. We find out about their designs years after when the rights expire and the other brands copy them.
I'm VERY curious to hear comparisons between the Koken 72 tooth and the Nepros 90. It seems a no brainer that the 90 would have less back drag but the Kokens are the ones notorious for THEIR low drag. Seems like a few of you have used both.
Thoughts?
They ARE pricey but that 90 tooth mechanism is like butter. The ergonomics are amazing too, though I imagine that is subjective to the user. Ultimately though the cost of the research and development is amortized over the entire line. They have been industry leaders for decades without North Americans knowing. We find out about their designs years after when the rights expire and the other brands copy them.
I'm VERY curious to hear comparisons between the Koken 72 tooth and the Nepros 90. It seems a no brainer that the 90 would have less back drag but the Kokens are the ones notorious for THEIR low drag. Seems like a few of you have used both.
Thoughts?
From a previous post of mine comparing a Ko-ken Zeal and Nepros NBR ratchet sometime ago..........
My first (and probably last) Nepros purchase. I bought it purely for novelty (not ashamed of it haha) because i "wanted" to have something that's as beautiful as a NBR390.
And the novelty wore off when i put it to use 2Hrs later to remove some M6 screws using regular Ko-ken deep sockets and immediately noticed the flimsy selector switch (plastic ?) and its operation (clunky and rigid) to be not at all to my liking. My Ko-ken Z-eal 3/8 ratchet selector switch is MUCH smoother.
Next disappointment was when it came to screw removal - the backdrag on NBR390 is WAY more than what i'm used to with the Ko-ken Z-eal ratchet. The NBR's quick release is a benefit but not to the extent to make me prefer it over the Z-eal ratchet. It is beautiful, i give full marks to that but the 90 tooth gear and quick release do not make it equal to the better selector switch and lesser back drag on the Z-eal. Functionally, i think i will always prefer the Z-eal ratchet. Edit: not to mention the feature available on Z-eal ratchets where you can reverse spin the ratchet by pressing the centre portion (black coloured) with a finger when the ratchet back drag exceeds fastener thread friction.
While at it, bought a Lobster adjustable - i rarely use adjustables but i wanted to have this one in the Car road tool kit. I already like the smoothness of the adjuster tumbscrew and the lightweight handle.
Kakuri pruning saw with a variety of blades since these are all 5-6US$ each. I love the Kakuri Ryoba saw i've been using so far and hope to get to use these soon.
Nepros look good. Kokens ARE good.
To me, the combination of the super compact head with low backdrag makes them the best ratchet out in my opinion. I prefer the classic look too - the Nepros are too gaudy.
I assume those are Taiwan mechanisms or even all the metal parts, with a Vessel handle. Probably a fine ratchet nontheless...Do you have to hold your pinky out when you use it? (just kidding)
I thought this ~$32 Vessle Woody looked interesting:
Koken is awesome for sure, I'd also say better than Nepros, but in the grand scheme this is very nitpicky - the Nepros is also one of the best ratchets on the market.
Maybe, but it ships from Japan
dnschmidt
Well-known member
OK, I know you're going to kill me for this but the Harbor Freight Pittsburgh Pro ratchets have the lowest back drag I've ever experienced and I've got drawers full of ratchets. My personal favorite of all time is the Williams B-52 and B-54.
CHI_Tool&Die
Well-known member
I really want to try the Williams ratchets because everyone has had nothing but compliments on the B-50s. But I have so many round head ratchets already that it’s a hard sell.
finn
Well-known member
Local sourcing has always been an objective. Manufactured goods are made in low labor cost countries to control product cost. Local suppliers contribute towards achieving that objective.
Edit: not to mention the feature available on Z-eal ratchets where you can reverse spin the ratchet by pressing the centre portion (black coloured) with a finger when the ratchet back drag exceeds fastener thread friction.
Now THAT is a selling feature. That is the first I've heard of it. Thanks very much!!
Do you own any Ko-ken ratchets? I have several PP ratchets and they're fine, but they can't hold a candle to Ko-ken in the back drag dept.
I have both and would say they are pretty different. The Koken is smoother with lower backdrag. Depending on what you like the Kokens could almost be too smooth. The Nepros have a louder, more positive ratcheting feel and noise. I like the all metal handle on the Nepros but prefer the less blingy finish on the Kokens. My favorite is the long handled 1/2" Nepros (NBR490L). Feels incredibly solid and the handle shape is fantastic. Also really like the short 3/8" Koken (3725Z). Both brands are excellent, can't go wrong either way.