Ko-Ken releasing 72 tooth ratchets

[pizza]

Resting your thumb on that wouldn't do anything, as your thumb would rotate with the ratchet. It would only do something if you held it steady with your other thumb...and at that point you could just hold the socket.

It's there because it's easier to manufacture the ratchet with that design. Instead of needing to precisely machine a pocket/recess into the ratchet body, you just have a die punch a hole right through the forging in a split second. It's a design that can trace its origins back to Plumb/Proto ratchets of the early 1900s.

tbh not sure if it's intended to be used that way, but it does work.

https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?p=8768533#post8768533

i didn't get what FT was talking about at first either. but that and the next few posts explain it.

 

[American Locomotive]

Yes, but it only works if you hold the pad with your other hand. If you you rest your thumb on it (as FuzzyTiger implied), your thumb just rotates with the ratchet, not doing anything. So you have to use your other hand, and at that point it's almost certainly less awkward to just hold the socket itself.

 

[FuzzyTiger]

Resting your thumb on that wouldn't do anything, as your thumb would rotate with the ratchet. It would only do something if you held it steady with your other thumb...and at that point you could just hold the socket.

Yes, but it only works if you hold the pad with your other hand. If you you rest your thumb on it (as FuzzyTiger implied), your thumb just rotates with the ratchet, not doing anything. So you have to use your other hand, and at that point it's almost certainly less awkward to just hold the socket itself.

It works fine for me doing it one handed. If you grip and turn the ratchet as you normally would, yes your thumb will rotate along and it does nothing. But it's a just a different motion with your hand. You don't need to grip the ratchet as if you're trying to apply a ton of force because you don't need to at that point. It's kind of hard to explain the motion in words but it does work. Just play around with it and I'm sure you'll get it.

 

[GrantCee]

Yes, but it only works if you hold the pad with your other hand. If you you rest your thumb on it (as FuzzyTiger implied), your thumb just rotates with the ratchet, not doing anything. So you have to use your other hand, and at that point it's almost certainly less awkward to just hold the socket itself.

I've used the similar Proto pear head ratchets for years, and have run into more than a few instances when I could get my other thumb on the back of the ratchet, but couldn't easily reach the socket itself. In fact, I ran into just such a situation about a week ago, using a Ko-ken ratchet.

Using the thumb of the hand holding the ratchet takes a bit of practice, but it can be done and is invaluable in certain low-clearance situations.

 

[M6erfan]

Facom Palm Control round head ratchets offer the same utility, giving the user the ability to use their thumb on the back of the ratchet head to put pressure on the anvil. Comes in handy.

 

[noid]

Before we know it, koken will put their famous knurling on the back of the ratchet gear.

 

[d4dawg]

My long reach 72T arrived. [emoji106]
Nothing to report yet as I’ve not used it. From feel, I can tell back-drag is minimal at best. Just like my other Zeal ratchets.

Curious what’s in that Griot’s Garage box? I’m also a fan of their products.

 

[16again]

Curious what’s in that Griot’s Garage box? I’m also a fan of their products.

G9 polisher kit. More boxes arriving today.

 

[Mark_17]

Anyone order one from Palmac? I placed on order on 1/22 and it still awaiting fulfillment. I sent a message yesterday (1/26) and haven't heard back yet.

 

[GrantCee]

Anyone order one from Palmac? I placed on order on 1/22 and it still awaiting fulfillment. I sent a message yesterday (1/26) and haven't heard back yet.

I've ordered a lot of stuff from them, and you're not experiencing anything out of the ordinary.

You ordered on a Friday; depending on the exact time of your order, they didn't even see it until Monday — they don't work evenings or weekends. Then it usually takes them 4-5 working days to fulfill and ship an order. I wouldn't expect it to ship until tomorrow or even Friday.

That's just the way they are. Palmac probably isn't a company for those more accustomed to instant gratification.

 

[AceofSpad3s]

One thing I have noticed is that palmac really needs use pictures of the actual item or group them by part number, then have you choose the length of the item. Because the breadth of the catalog, search not working that well and looking through the past few days is hurts my head. With extensions at least the length is in the part number, but the other stuff is getting confusing like the quick spinners all using the same picture but some are also size adapters.

 

[Mark_17]

I've ordered a lot of stuff from them, and you're not experiencing anything out of the ordinary.

You ordered on a Friday; depending on the exact time of your order, they didn't even see it until Monday — they don't work evenings or weekends. Then it usually takes them 4-5 working days to fulfill and ship an order. I wouldn't expect it to ship until tomorrow or even Friday.

That's just the way they are. Palmac probably isn't a company for those more accustomed to instant gratification.

Thanks for the heads up. I didn't mean what I said in a negative way, I'm fine with waiting.

You are definitely right that I am not accustomed to waiting for my order to ship. I think most people are in the same boat since so many companies ship out within a couple of days.

Again, none of this is negative. I just wanted to make sure this was the norm.

 

[GrantCee]

Thanks for the heads up. I didn't mean what I said in a negative way, I'm fine with waiting.

You are definitely right that I am not accustomed to waiting for my order to ship. I think most people are in the same boat since so many companies ship out within a couple of days.

Again, none of this is negative. I just wanted to make sure this was the norm.

Understood. I hope I wasn't too accusatory in my reply (it felt a little like I might have been)!

Like you, I've gotten used to fast deliveries (Prime FTW!), and have to re-calibrate my expectations with a lot of companies. Palmac is one of them. They're very reliable, mind you, just not terribly fast about it.

 

[Mark_17]

Understood. I hope I wasn't too accusatory in my reply (it felt a little like I might have been)!

Like you, I've gotten used to fast deliveries (Prime FTW!), and have to re-calibrate my expectations with a lot of companies. Palmac is one of them. They're very reliable, mind you, just not terribly fast about it.

No worries. I didn't take any offense

 

[16again]

Curious what’s in that Griot’s Garage box? I’m also a fan of their products.

New Griots order today. That’s it, can’t afford anymore right now. [emoji23]


Sent from my iPhone using Garage Journal

 

[16again]

Anyone order one from Palmac? I placed on order on 1/22 and it still awaiting fulfillment. I sent a message yesterday (1/26) and haven't heard back yet.

Took them less than 2 weeks to fulfill my order. I wasn’t in a hurry, all went well.

 

[48548]

Nice some of my stuff.... just a home owner, also have older buffer works good for wax and the g21 for polishing

 

[noid]

Nice some of my stuff.... just a home owner, also have older buffer works good for wax and the g21 for polishing

Dang, you must really take polishing your Koken ratchet really seriously!

 

[48548]

Dang, you must really take polishing your Koken ratchet really seriously!

Damn i hijacked the thread.... 2 koken....

Sent from my SM-N975U using Tapatalk

 

[d4dawg]

Guess I started the thread hijack, sorry.
So I won’t post my Griot’s stuff, but here are my Koken tools. Planning to add the new 72T 3/8” flex head ratchet. Does Palmac ever run any sales?

 

[48548]

Guess I started the thread hijack, sorry.
So I won’t post my Griot’s stuff, but here are my Koken tools. Planning to add the new 72T 3/8” flex head ratchet. Does Palmac ever run any sales?

Nice stuff... I did go to oriellys and bought griots stuff...

Sent from my SM-N975U using Tapatalk

 

[Fedwrench]

Guess I started the thread hijack, sorry.
So I won’t post my Griot’s stuff, but here are my Koken tools. Planning to add the new 72T 3/8” flex head ratchet. Does Palmac ever run any sales?

I don't think Palmac will run a sale as demand for Ko-Ken seems pretty high. However, code MRSUBARU5 still gets you 5% off your order,. It's not much but, it's better that a sharp stick to the eye

Tell me about the Ko-Ken roto ratchet in your picture, how does that deep knurling feel when pulling on the ratchet? what don't you like about it?
The last thing i need is another ratchet but, it's calling for me.

Thanks for sharing,

 

[d4dawg]

I don't think Palmac will run a sale as demand for Ko-Ken seems pretty high. However, code MRSUBARU5 still gets you 5% off your order,. It's not much but, it's better that a sharp stick to the eye

Tell me about the Ko-Ken roto ratchet in your picture, how does that deep knurling feel when pulling on the ratchet? what don't you like about it?
The last thing i need is another ratchet but, it's calling for me.

Thanks for sharing,

Appreciate the discount code!
I haven't have a chance to use the Koken roto ratchet yet. I'm just a DIYer, so may be I'll use it for the next oil change. The knurling on the handle is actually not deep. It is very fine so I don't imagine it would hurt when pulling, yet it is designed to be non-slip from the oily hand. Just by the feel in the hand, I already like it better than any of the hard or soft grip handles that I have. The ratcheting mechanism feels very smooth and "crisp" when it clicks. Backdrag is minimal like other Koken ratchets. Definitely a high quality tool!

 

[GrantCee]

Not just stickers, I once got a koken towel with my order! (albeit not from palmac)

Yeah, but I'll bet you don't have a Ko-ken datebook...which did come from Palmac!

 

[noid]

Yeah, but I'll bet you don't have a Ko-ken datebook...which did come from Palmac!

My disappointment would be immeasurable if it weren't for the fact that I don't use datebooks.

I do use the heck out of this towel though, its just the right size.

 

[toddmorr]

kind of got tired of waiting for Amazon Japan to sell the 3725rk-2 upgrade renewal kit for the 36 tooth Koken ratchets. So a week ago I sent a note to Palmac and they responded with basically "oh yeah, we have them and we'll put it on the website next week." So I ordered a couple, $24 each plus stiff shipping.
Easy install on my 3726z-280 and 3725z, backdrag is same as before, maybe a little less. Very light application of SuperLube. Altogether an exceptionally good feel to it, no slop, gear count is a nice improvement. Well worth the minimal bucks to do this. One thing I did notice in both ratchets now: the direction lever has a much more definitive click click feel to it. It could be a little mushy before the upgrade.

 

[Outahere]

".......We will be releasing the 72T in ¼" and ½" sizes, without compromising the body sizes and low backlash as our testing allows. Look for more new product releases in 2022........"

Only 4 more months of waiting for 2022 to arrive.
I have my eyes on a 1/4" ratchet.

 

[RAS61]

Ok, the 36 tooth Z series is the same price as the 72 tooth at Palmac, so why would anyone buy the 36?

 

[Alaniho]

 

[Alaniho]

Oops sorry, wrong thread, mods feel free to delete

 

[Outahere]

First look at the 72-tooth Koken 1/4" drive ratchet:

 

[drtyler]

How are the 72T ratchets working out for those that purchased?

I have a small order to place with Palmac soon, and I may add one to the order.

 

[mdrawde]

How are the 72T ratchets working out for those that purchased?

I have a small order to place with Palmac soon, and I may add one to the order.

I really like mine, nice smooth mechanism, good fit on all of my sockets, and a compact head. My handle has accumulated a few scuffs and gouges, if you're concerned about that.

 

[Outahere]

Looks like the 72T Koken 1/4" drive ratchets won't arrive until late summer of 2022. The information comes from post #71 in this thread:

Howdy from DRPD!

Hey guys, sorry for the lack of updates, we've been busy busy busy working to expand our offerings! Some quick things to note: Teamed up with KTC/nepros to offer a bunch of exclusive socket and bit socket sets that offer improved size coverage with little-to-no sizing gaps. Not sure about you...

www.garagejournal.com

 

[winnievan]

Looks like the 72T Koken 1/4" drive ratchets won't arrive until late summer of 2022. The information comes from post #71 in this thread:

Howdy from DRPD!

Hey guys, sorry for the lack of updates, we've been busy busy busy working to expand our offerings! Some quick things to note: Teamed up with KTC/nepros to offer a bunch of exclusive socket and bit socket sets that offer improved size coverage with little-to-no sizing gaps. Not sure about you...

www.garagejournal.com

LOL — I went to check this info and then realized it was me who posted it. I forgot about that email.

I have a little extra $$$ burning a hole in my pocket and really want to pick up the 1/4” and 3/8 in 1/4 body!!

Still waiting….

 

[Outahere]

The 1/4" and 1/2" drive 72T ratchets will be available for preorder from Koken-USA on Saturday, March 25, 2023, according to an email today from Koken-USA. Depending on demand, they may be on back order for up to 6 months.

Koken USA preorder

Confusingly, the countdown clock on the preorder page shows 2 days, 23 hours left. Which means preordering begins on Monday, instead of Saturday?

 

[Dave455]

Tell me about the Ko-Ken roto ratchet in your picture, how does that deep knurling feel when pulling on the ratchet? what don't you like about it?
The last thing i need is another ratchet but, it's calling for me.

Thanks for sharing,

I have that ratchet too. It’s a superb tool. Pethaps one of the best that KoKen offer.

Lovely and smooth, very versatile, very strong, and beautifully finished. The knurling isn’t an issue - you need it when the head is rotated 90 degrees and you are using the tool like a screwdriver.

The good - it’s s big hefty tool for a 3/8. Here it is next to a regular KoKen 3/8 ratchet. Perhaps the heftiest 3/8 roto head out there?

The bad - it’s a big hefty tool. For some tasks, e.g. automotive engine bay, you are better off with something slimmer.



I tend to use this as my “go to” for everything but automotive work. If I’m driving a load of coach screws (lag screws?) into wood, or fixing a few rawlbolts into concrete, it’s the tool I use. Tend to carry just this with a rail of sockets from 8 to 19mm for all my “general” work.

If I lost this I’d go out and get another!

 

[Outahere]

The 1/4" and 1/2" drive 72T ratchets will be available for preorder from Koken-USA on Saturday, March 25, 2023, according to an email today from Koken-USA. Depending on demand, they may be on back order for up to 6 months.

Koken USA preorder

Confusingly, the countdown clock on the preorder page shows 2 days, 23 hours left. Which means preordering begins on Monday, instead of Saturday?

I have not seen any pricing information for the new ratchets.

 

[Zewnten]

So the website says 200ft/lb max torque, I'm guessing this refers to the 1/2 drive ratchets?