Japanese Ratchet Nitpicking

[teagueo]

This is really splitting hairs here, but does this look normal?

The gap between the gear/anvil and the cover plate seems to be off center:





Compared to a Koken:







Does it matter at all? Probably not. I would suspect though, that mechanism could be a bit stronger with the gear being centered in the cover plate under high torque.

 

[four.cycle]

If you get enough grease on it you won't even notice it.

 

[Rabid Badger]

Perhaps you should buy your jewelry at a jewelry store.

 

[kudakev615]

if you put a socket on the avail and actually use the ratchet for its intended purpose you'd never have to see that terrible craftmanship

 

[JWC86]

I thought I was pretty picky(I’ve sent two ratchets back to Nepros for finish issues) but I would not have noticed this in a hundred years.

 

[dnschmidt]

You have no option but to sue those Japanese bastards. The nerve. I use to run a Scanning Electron Microscope that would go up to 100,000X. I can only imagine how many defects I could find with those **** ratchets at that power of magnification.

 

[teagueo]

I bought them to benchmark my own ratchet design against - they're too nice to actually use.

Never noticed till I was taking it apart and measuring the backdrag.

 

[teagueo]

I thought I was pretty picky(I’ve sent two ratchets back to Nepros for finish issues) but I would not have noticed this in a hundred years.

I've never sent a tool back in my life, especially for cosmetics. But yeah this was glaringly obvious lol.

 

[JWC86]

I've never sent a tool back in my life, especially for cosmetics. But yeah this was glaringly obvious lol.

I usually wouldn’t either but I received two at the same time that both had major finish defects that would have led to flaking quickly with use. They were by far the worst ratchets I’ve seen as far as finish goes cheap or expensive. Not what I was expecting coming from a company that is known for having a amazing finish so I figured I would send them pics and see what they said.

They agreed they both had major defects and were embarrassed that they left the factory.

 

[teagueo]

They agreed they both had major defects and were embarrassed that they left the factory.

I definitely wouldn't ship one of my ratchets looking like this.

I was just throwing it out there for people going to splurge on a fancy tool. Even my NAPA and HF ratchets are 1000x better than this.

You'd have to be a ratchet fiend to even recognize it though...

 

[JWC86]

I definitely wouldn't ship one of my ratchets looking like this.

I was just throwing it out there for people going to splurge on a fancy tool. Even my NAPA and GW ratchets are 1000x better than this.

You'd have to be a ratchet fiend to even recognize it though...

I’m away from home. I have 3 Nepros ratchets, curious if mine are like that… I don’t really care either way to be honest. They’ve proven to be great tools to use. I like how the direction selector is correct compared to koken which always bugs me.

 

[teagueo]

I like how the direction selector is correct compared to koken which always bugs me.

"Correct" lol. I'm in the minority of guys on here who don't care about selector convention. Koken actually makes more sense: the selector points in the direction of fastener rotation. I never check it anyway, I just go.

 

[JWC86]

"Correct" lol. I'm in the minority of guys on here who don't care about selector convention. Koken actually makes more sense: the selector points in the direction of fastener rotation. I never check it anyway, I just go.

I guess it’s a personal preference thing or maybe I’m just conditioned to it but I think the SO/Nepros way Is more intuitive. Unlike yourself thou I can’t stand one that isn’t “correct”. It’s the reason I only have one Koken. I didn’t know it was “wrong” until I got it and it’s too nice to get rid of haha

 

[2ndGearRubber]

My snap ons are perfectly centered.

 

[teagueo]

My snap ons are perfectly centered.

That's what you'd expect from a premium tool. No big deal either way, but I was surprised to see it on Nepros of all brands

 

[four.cycle]

^ Have you addressed this to the manufacturer or the vendor?

 

[VolvoRyan]

What makes these so nice? They just seem sorta chunky.

-Ryan

 

[teagueo]

^ Have you addressed this to the manufacturer or the vendor?

Doesn't bother me enough, but I've never contacted a tool maker. Must be fine with KTC/Nepros so...

What makes these so nice? They just seem sorta chunky.

That's kind of their design style. Their T-handle is super thick too. It's all about the chrome finish and unique styling on them. It really is jewelry

 

[four.cycle]

I've never contacted a tool maker.

give it a shot. you never know until you try. Japanese manufacturer should have contact information on their website.

Kyoto / Kyoto Tool Co. Ltd., 128 Sayama-Shinkaichi, Kumiyama-cho, Kuse-gun, Kyoto, 613-0034, Japan / https://en.ktc.jp/ / "KTC" "Nepros" / est. 1950 / http://alloy-artifacts.org/japanese-tool-makers.html#ktc /

send 'em an email and see what they say.

 

[Dave455]

What makes these so nice? They just seem sorta chunky.

-Ryan

They look like that, but don’t feel like that to use.

Those bottom of those handles is actually hollow (they’re made in two pieces and welded) to get the balance right.

The main attraction is the chrome. Not only are they highly polished (and generally flawless) but the chrome is incredibly durable.

 

[JWC86]

What makes these so nice? They just seem sorta chunky.

-Ryan

They certainly aren't a compact design but they are very nice to use. Like mentioned the hollow handle makes for a nice balance and the mechanism is among the best.

 

[VolvoRyan]

They look like that, but don’t feel like that to use.

Those bottom of those handles is actually hollow (they’re made in two pieces and welded) to get the balance right.

The main attraction is the chrome. Not only are they highly polished (and generally flawless) but the chrome is incredibly durable.

They certainly aren't a compact design but they are very nice to use. Like mentioned the hollow handle makes for a nice balance and the mechanism is among the best.

Much appreciated! Hope I didn't come across as snarky.

Around here there's a tendency to assume everyone uses tools the same way, and for the same jobs. That really isn't the case. Nice to get different perspectives.

-Ryan

 

[Bmxkelowna]

ill have to check my nepros when i get home to see if they are the same!

 

[ronkz650]

I have 3 of the 1/4 drive Nepros, and unless I'm blind, they look perfect in center on all of them to me.

 

[teagueo]

I have 3 of the 1/4 drive Nepros, and unless I'm blind, they look perfect in center on all of them to me.

Really doesn't matter either way, but the ones I have are blatantly obviously off center. Only found it because I was comparing ratchets in detail. Not really befitting of Nepros given the awesome design of the thing.

 

[jonshonda]

We all have expectations based on many factors. If you expect better from Nepros, send them back and let them know why. There is no harm in that, and you might actually receive feedback from them as well.

 

[CJL]

Those are expensive.

 

[mogandave]

...they're too nice to actually use.

Apparently that's not really the case given the obvious defect. I would send them back.

 

[American Locomotive]

Can someone draw me an arrow pointing to where the defect actually is?

 

[LogiLuddite]

Can someone draw me an arrow pointing to where the defect actually is?

Doesn't affect functionality, but not concentric. For bling bling price, I'm also more enamored with Koken.

 

[mogandave]

Doesn't affect functionality, but not concentric. For bling bling price, I'm also more enamored with Koken.

I would assume it does affect functionality and longevity to a small degree.

 

[teagueo]

I would assume it does affect functionality and longevity to a small degree.

Most ratchet mechanisms do need accurate location of the anvil to have a proper gear/pawl mesh. If it's off, you'll have reduced torque capacity because the teeth won't have as much surface contact area and will shear off.

I'm sure this isn't a huge issue with the Nepros, otherwise they wouldn't keep producing it like this. For sure, it could be even smoother with better alignment, though.

 

[mogandave]

I'm sure this isn't a huge issue with the Nepros, otherwise they wouldn't keep producing it like this.

That’s hilarious. They may have just shipped a few thousand before anyone noticed, or maybe they export their blems.

 

[F-22]

maybe they export their blems

TBH would be a japanese thing to do, products for their domestic market are typically same or better quality than what they export.

But I am sure with Nepros this was just some oversight.

 

[mogandave]

TBH would be a japanese thing to do, products for their domestic market are typically same or better quality than what they export.

But I am sure with Nepros this was just some oversight.

Depends on the market they are exporting to, and what the goal is.

Most countries typically send their best quality stuff to the US, as that's where the money is.

If the goal is to take market share from Snap-On, they'd be sending their best stuff. If there are online retailers grey marketing stuff online, quality does not matter.

 

[F-22]

Depends on the market they are exporting to, and what the goal is.

Most countries typically send their best quality stuff to the US, as that's where the money is.

If the goal is to take market share from Snap-On, they'd be sending their best stuff. If there are online retailers grey marketing stuff online, quality does not matter.

For example, many Makita tools made in Japan are only sold in Japan, and the export market tools are made elsewhere (like in PRC). Different COO does not necessarily mean different quality, but there are a few differences between them...

 

[mogandave]

For example, many Makita tools made in Japan are only sold in Japan, and the export market tools are made elsewhere (like in PRC). Different COO does not necessarily mean different quality, but there are a few differences between them...

What it that an example of?

Many Makita tools made in Thailand are only sold in Thailand.

What does Makita make in Japan that they don't sell in the US, and is there a significant market for it?

 

[will335i]

I am looking at my NBR290S and NBRC390S and the gaps look perfect. It is possible you got one that slipped through QC. There are plenty of stories on this forum of premium tools that have flaws making it into customers hands. Nearly all are remedied by contacting the manufacture or a rep.

I currently have a Snap-on set of E torq sockets that has 2 E12s instead of one and an E14 and the chrome is flaking off both of the E12s.

 

[F-22]

What does Makita make in Japan that they don't sell in the US, and is there a significant market for it?

No, I mean they make the same tool in two locations. The typical example is the impact driver. They are supposed to be the same, but they use different bearings and anvils inside, so they look the same but internally they're just a little bit different.

I quess most tools made in thailand are made to be exported, not just to supply the local needs.

 

[mogandave]

No, I mean they make the same tool in two locations. The typical example is the impact driver. They are supposed to be the same, but they use different bearings and anvils inside, so they look the same but internally they're just a little bit different.

I quess most tools made in thailand are made to be exported, not just to supply the local needs.

I’m not sure what you are arguing. Different facilities in different parts of the world use different components, what of it?

I worked for an HVAC manufacturer with operations all over the world. I was directly involved with plants in the US, Thailand, India, Malaysia, UAE & China. All the plants (except the Chinese) built a mix of the same products. The goal was/is to source an much locally as possible, and make each plant as self sufficient as possible.

Makita has operations all over the world. I believe (but do not know) that the bulk of what they produce in Thailand is sold in Thailand. I know the plant we have in Thailand was/is primarily to support sales in Thailand and Hong Kong.