Ko-ken Tools -- What Makes this Brand Special !?!?

[richfinn]

I just wonder if electronic impact drivers dont make it obsolete?

Not even close, your applying force in two directions with an attack driver.

I still use mine for brake rotor screws and removing locking wheel nuts where the owner lost the tool.

Also very good for crankcase screws on old British motorbikes.

 

[ChevyEFI]

Comparison pics of Koken Zeal and Snapon low profile. Both sockets are 12mm.

1/4" Koken Zeal on left, Snapon on right
http://i299.photobucket.com/albums/mm311/ricleh/L1010503_zpse1e86280.jpg

3/8" Snapon on left, Koken Zeal on right
http://i299.photobucket.com/albums/mm311/ricleh/L1010502_zps21b91cb6.jpg
Both are excellent low profile products for when clearance is tight. The Snapon is a little more low profile.

These are the Snap-On RAT72 and RAF80 respectively, yes?

The 145KM-10H is a 10mm internal hex drive and should be compared to the RAT72. It has a smaller range of socket sizes compared to the SO, but they are shallower.
5mm is 11mm deep vs 20.2mm
10mm is 17mm vs 19.0mm

(I'm browsing the Ko-Ken catalog and felt the need to research this.)

 

[ricleh]

These are the Snap-On RAT72 and RAF80 respectively, yes?

The 145KM-10H is a 10mm internal hex drive and should be compared to the RAT72. It has a smaller range of socket sizes compared to the SO, but they are shallower.
5mm is 11mm deep vs 20.2mm
10mm is 17mm vs 19.0mm

(I'm browsing the Ko-Ken catalog and felt the need to research this.)

I don't own those particular Koken tools, so I couldn't make that comparison. I'm definitely not a fan of that laminated ratchet style.

 

[jacob_coulter]

They seem like great tools, I would love it if there was a local distributor where I could take a look at them in person.

I'm definitely a fan and believer of Japanese quality.

 

[2oolhound]

I just wonder if electronic impact drivers dont make it obsolete?

Not even close, your applying force in two directions with an attack driver.

I still use mine for brake rotor screws and removing locking wheel nuts where the owner lost the tool.

Also very good for crankcase screws on old British motorbikes.

Agreed,

The best example is philips head machine screws. The natural tendency is for the bit to climb out of the head when pressure is applied (to begin the rounding off process) and I don't care how hard you lean in with a gun, you won't get that inward force that keeps the bit buried deep into the philips head at the exact moment the turning force is applied as you do with the attack driver or any hand impact driver when you smash it with a hammer. Hand impact drivers are indispensable.

 

[ChevyEFI]

I don't own those particular Koken tools, so I couldn't make that comparison. I'm definitely not a fan of that laminated ratchet style.

I absolutely agree on the style. For whatever reason, I like the RAT72/RAF80 and am contemplating machining a ratchet like them with a custom touch.

They seem like great tools, I would love it if there was a local distributor where I could take a look at them in person.

I'm definitely a fan and believer of Japanese quality.

Just make a small order from Franks Tools of some items you need and base your future purchases on that. I posted a few items in the "show your new tools" thread a while back and am pleased with the quality.

 

[ZRX61]

Why the hell would you NEED 160 part numbers just for 10mm sockets??

 

[ChevyEFI]

Why the hell would you NEED 160 part numbers just for 10mm sockets??

Download the catalog.

 

[garthg]

I gave my son a set of Ko-Ken metric sockets. I'm not sure he knows what he has. I was not familiar with the brand when I saw them at a motorcycle shop. They looked like very high quality for the price. Now, I'm sure that's the case.

 

[cosmik binturong]

Why the hell would you NEED 160 part numbers just for 10mm sockets??

pretty much for the same reason your toolboxes are full of non-automotive tools: different needs, different tools.

the good thing with Ko-ken's that you always find the 10mm socket for your needs(or they'll be making it soon... ).

 

[richfinn]

Why the hell would you NEED 160 part numbers just for 10mm sockets??

I don't know, but the ultra deep 10mm 3/8 drive comes in useful.

Gotta remember they specialise in sockets so I suppose over the years they will have made up stuff for assembly lines and industry in all those configurations.

 

[cosmik binturong]

yay! Correos de Mexico delivered sooner than expected! yay!

710g of awesomely priced Ko-ken stuff from eBay seller datsun-kentigo




the date codes are for 2007 and 2009 production so maybe old stock, hence the awesomeness of the prices and a small rusty spot on the palm rat. anyway, that Hecho en Mexico Ko-ken stuff is even cheaper than the best prices in a Rakuten shop...


socket spinners: 3756 (3/8") and 2756 (1/4"):




hefty 3/8" palm ratchet 3757:






hose remover 169HR-A:




and the 110mm oxygen sensor socket without model number on it except size(22mm) and datecode:




though there was a small error(ordered two 3/8" palm rats and got two 3/8" nut spinners instead), i don't feel bad at all and expect the seller to get back to me with a solution.

nice touch, everything was neatly packed in a little box and wrapped in japanese newspaper so that the tools didn't feel too homesick in transit...

 

[ChevyEFI]

yay! Correos de Mexico delivered sooner than expected! yay!

710g of awesomely priced Ko-ken stuff from eBay seller datsun-kentigo

the date codes are for 2007 and 2009 production so maybe old stock, hence the awesomeness of the prices ans a small rusty spot on the palm rat. anyway, that Hecho en Mexico Ko-ken stuff is even cheaper than the best prices in a Rakuten shop...

socket spinners: 3756 (3/8") and 2756 (1/4"):

hefty 3/8" palm ratchet 3757:

hose remover 169HR-A:

and the 110mm oxygen sensor socket without model number on it except size(22mm) and datecode:

though there was a small error(ordered two 3/8" palm rats and got two 3/8" nut spinners instead), i don't feel bad at all and expect the seller to get back to me with a solution.

nice touch, everything was neatly packed in a little box and wrapped in japanese newspaper so that the tools didn't feel too homesick in transit...

Those look oh-so familiar.
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showpost.php?p=3119348&postcount=8744

It would be nice if he did regularly carry Ko-Ken items.

 

[Dave455]

Koken is truly fantastic. I've seen a mess of it on boats with committed specialists and we had some at the shipyard. Yet I never discovered a merchant in Iceland. I'm even now gathering instruments for my versatile workshop truck and this string has helped me to remember Koken. I'll need to discover a Koken merchant here in Norway.

Don't struggle!

Just call Consolidated Tools in Manchester, England (+44) 161 798 7964 and order whatever you want! I would be very surprised if they won't ship to Norway, and prices are very reasonable!

They have got a website, but they stock loads of stuff not on it, and can obviously get anything Ko Ken to order!

Worth downloading the Ko Ken catalogue from the Ko Ken website!

 

[cosmik binturong]

Those look oh-so familiar.
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showpost.php?p=3119348&postcount=8744

indeed, i had seen them at the time but kinda forgot 'til i stumbled on the oxygen sensor listing at less than twelve yankee bucks...

btw, the error is going to be corrected, he informed us tonight that another 3757 palm ratchet will be on it's way to France Monday and that we can keep the second 3756 socket spinner for the inconvenience.

It would be nice if he did regularly carry Ko-Ken items.

especially with the prices he offers!

as soon as he'll list other Ko-ken tools we need, i'll be ordering from him!

 

[superautobacs]

I went to his Ebay store but I guess nothing is listed at this time. It's interesting that both you, Cosmik and Chevy, got very similar tools. Do you guys know if he regularly stocks Ko-ken items?

The hose pullers. I have a couple myself too. I think it was my first purchase from Ko-ken.

 

[cosmik binturong]

I went to his Ebay store but I guess nothing is listed at this time. It's interesting that both you, Cosmik and Chevy, got very similar tools. Do you guys know if he regularly stocks Ko-ken items?

he has stock but it seems that his eBay store is not always "stocked" too...

check often and order fast seems to be how it works since there was around seventy Ko-ken and KTC tools and socket sets for sale when i ordered and two days later there only was a couple of items...

The hose pullers. I have a couple myself too. I think it was my first purchase from Ko-ken.

superautobacs, it's your fault if i'm buying Ko-ken tools now... well, Monte's too and that of the nice guy at Brütsch & Rüegger's counter that steered me clear of the Gedore stuff!


speaking of Ko-ken, my 1/2" set is mostly 〄-stamped while none of the 3/8" are nor any other socket or misc. tool...
do any of ya'all have 〄-stamped/marked Ko-ken tools?

 

[ChevyEFI]

I went to his Ebay store but I guess nothing is listed at this time. It's interesting that both you, Cosmik and Chevy, got very similar tools. Do you guys know if he regularly stocks Ko-ken items?

I inquired a few places a while back. The eBay Datsun parts seller guy didn't get back to me when I asked if he could get current Ko-Ken product.

My next order will be through Franks Tools.

superautobacs, it's your fault if i'm buying Ko-ken tools now...

speaking of Ko-ken, my 1/2" set is mostly 〄-stamped while none of the 3/8" are nor any other socket or misc. tool...
do any of ya'all have 〄-stamped/marked Ko-ken tools?

superautobacs is a good/bad influence on tool culture.

I don't have any stamped with 〄 but you have seen my Ko-Ken collection. 1/2" sockets are in my near future purchase list.

 

[superautobacs]

he has stock but it seems that his eBay store is not always "stocked" too...

check often and order fast seems to be how it works since there was around seventy Ko-ken and KTC tools and socket sets for sale when i ordered and two days later there only was a couple of items...

What!? They sold like hotcakes because of the good price, I'm guessing?

superautobacs, it's your fault if i'm buying Ko-ken tools now... well, Monte's too and that of the nice guy at Brütsch & Rüegger's counter that steered me clear of the Gedore stuff!

The Gedores can wait for now.

speaking of Ko-ken, my 1/2" set is mostly 〄-stamped while none of the 3/8" are nor any other socket or misc. tool...
do any of ya'all have 〄-stamped/marked Ko-ken tools?

Interesting...I don't think I've ever seen a 〄 mark on any of mine. When you say "mostly", does that mean that within your 1/2" drive tool set there are some that do and don't?

superautobacs is a good/bad influence on tool culture.

I had the time to actually take a video this weekend. This was my first video that I actually decided to "talk" to an audience.
It was an impromptu decision. No script, one shot deal. I had to cut it short as I started to ramble at the end.

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[cosmik binturong]

What!? They sold like hotcakes because of the good price, I'm guessing?

not sure... maybe he got them unlisted and will relist them later, maybe someone bought everything since it was so cheap...

The Gedores can wait for now.

i did get a small Gedore/Rahsol Dremometer though...

that guy was a very good salesman, he took the time to present me different products( although i wasn't going to spend much unlike the guys that were right by me who were dropping thousands of CHF and looked like regular patrons) AND he got me a nice rebate on the Ko-ken stuff with a wink, maybe 'cause we talked mountain bikes and 'cause it was my first time here to, no doubt, get me hooked!

the box i bought is a 4262M-06, same as this 4262M-01 but with twelve point sockets instead of sixes.

Interesting...I don't think I've ever seen a 〄 mark on any of mine. When you say "mostly", does that mean that within your 1/2" drive tool set there are some that do and don't?

IIRC, only the 8mm socket, the sliding handle and the universal don't have the 〄 logo stamped on 'em. will post pics tomorrow, can't wake the mademoiselle for taking pics of tools. even Ko-ken tools.

I had the time to actually take a video this weekend. This was my first video that I actually decided to "talk" to an audience.
It was an impromptu decision. No script, one shot deal. I had to cut it short as I started to ramble at the end.

nice vid, i'm still debating with myself about this one or the Kūken torque cross posted by Frankstools in the Tools of Japan thread.

 

[Alfajuj]

I dont see the JIS (Japanese Industrial Standard) stamp on any of my Koken tools.
I see it on some Japanese tools but many don't have it.
There's the old version, which is kind of mysterious looking and the new version.

old

new

 

[north]

My one and only Koken tool so far, a 1/2" drive size dual marked socket. With old style JIS mark. Never used it and not sure where I got it from either.

 

[cosmik binturong]

here come the pics:




4753J rat:




with more numbers on it on the other side, one is a date code but what's the other for?



4760-250 250mm extension is clearly marked:




the universal is 〄-marked too despite what my feeble memory thought:




27mm socket:




10mm socket too:




but not the 8mm one:




nor the sliding handle it's on:




while 18mm and all the others are clearly stamped:




only the non-marked 4760-125 extension is not pictured(pics too blurry )


what's in the box:




so, i cannot understand why the 250mm extension is stamped and not the 125mm since there's plenty of space to do it...
nor why the 8mm socket couldn't have been stamped with a smaller 〄 logo...
or why the sliding handle does not have it's 〄 but the rat does...


anyway, i checked the old E-Torx sockets that i got from a retired guy and none is 〄-stamped despite being way older...



ps. enjoy the next week without any crappy pixes from me, i should be back with more tools(bike related mostly).

 

[cosmik binturong]

My one and only Koken tool so far, a 1/2" drive size dual marked socket. With old style JIS mark. Never used it and not sure where I got it from either.

wow! that's a nice one north: two sizes in one socket!
can't find it in the catalogs though and the brand stamping looks more like the one on this eBayed socket: *clicky!* than the modern ones i've seen on same vintage sockets that had the same finish...

 

[superautobacs]

Cosmik,

Thanks for the pics. I'm intrigued from seeing all the JIS logos on Ko-ken products. I think ko-ken's main business is overseas sales, I was thinking that they might have been sold for the domestic market in Japan. What I mean by that is, the JIS mark was needed to conform to domestic industry requirements. No JIS mark;no contract sales.

Your set has the Handy-Endy design on all the sockets. I have a feeling Handy-Endy was only offered for the overseas market (Europe being one). If I'm correct, I find it interesting that the tools needed the JIS mark on them.

I'll have to look into this a bit further.



North,

Thanks for the photos. I have one vintage Ko-ken socket that I use. I'll try to get a picture of it. It has Ko-ken's old, no-hyphen script like yours.

 

[cosmik binturong]

I'm intrigued from seeing all the JIS logos on Ko-ken products. I think ko-ken's main business is overseas sales, I was thinking that they might have been sold for the domestic market in Japan. What I mean by that is, the JIS mark was needed to conform to domestic industry requirements. No JIS mark;no contract sales.

the set comes from a renowned swiss industrial supplier and might have been ordered with 〄 markings for the european plant of a japanese customer like Sony or Canon or any other biggie that needed the same equipment through all the group's plants... maybe, eh!

when i was working for some US corps. in France i was issued mostly US made tools(Snap-on, Armstrong and Proto IIRC) along with some company branded tools made in Japan and Taiwan. again, maybe a japanese customer specced 〄 stuff as a requirement for his euro-suppliers...

Your set has the Handy-Endy design on all the sockets. I have a feeling Handy-Endy was only offered for the overseas market (Europe being one). If I'm correct, I find it interesting that the tools needed the JIS mark on them.

i regret not having bought more of those sockets(6 points and long ones, alas money was a bit sparse then ) since they're a joy to work with, better than any knurling, even that of Hazet or, old, Gray.

I'll have to look into this a bit further.

oh yes! please do, we want more info!

 

[Alfajuj]

Oh, no wonder there are no JIS marks on any of mine. Being bought in Taiwan, mine are all tools for export.
I do have some other Japanese tools which do have the mark, so I guess those are gray market imports.

 

[ChevyEFI]

I wish for more 1/2" sets with deepwell sockets.

And more inclusion of the 4752 ratchet style vs. the levers (such as 4753)

 

[Mr. Tool]

Adding to my Ko-Ken collection, this was delivered to me this afternoon!
Bought these off of Ebay.
(EDIT:...not from the Ebay seller that "cosmik binturong" said but from another seller.....but I did look up the Ebay seller that "cosmik binturong" mentioned in a previous post.."awesomely priced Ko-ken stuff from eBay seller datsun-kentigo" and he did have a 3-piece set of spark plug sockets for sale at a very good price and now I'm just waiting for those to be delivered as well!).

 

[superautobacs]

the set comes from a renowned swiss industrial supplier and might have been ordered with 〄 markings for the european plant of a japanese customer like Sony or Canon or any other biggie that needed the same equipment through all the group's plants... maybe, eh!

when i was working for some US corps. in France i was issued mostly US made tools(Snap-on, Armstrong and Proto IIRC) along with some company branded tools made in Japan and Taiwan. again, maybe a japanese customer specced 〄 stuff as a requirement for his euro-suppliers...

The industrial supplier where you bought the Ko-ken set is something like Hoffmann?

That could quite possibly be the case of why you see JIS-spec items over there, or anywhere else in the world.

i regret not having bought more of those sockets(6 points and long ones, alas money was a bit sparse then ) since they're a joy to work with, better than any knurling, even that of Hazet or, old, Gray.

Too bad I've never seen one in person....I can only imagine how user friendly the Handy-Endy design is.
You mentioned old Gray...the made in ones? Care to post a picture? I haven't seen them.

oh yes! please do, we want more info!

So, I discovered that a 3-peice set of 1/2" drive extensions which I bought in Japan has the JIS mark on it. Interestingly, only two of them had the mark. When I get the chance/remember to do so, I'll check all of my Ko-ken items. Obviously, all the Zeal items don't have the mark.

Additionally, after searching around on Japanese blogs there's a couple accounts of people wondering about presence of the JIS logo on their Ko-ken tools. The consensus was that the JIS logos only appeared on 1/2" drive tools, just like my extensions, North's socket, and your set. Though, the question still remains why it's inconsistent:within a set, one of your extensions, the sliding-T, and a 8mm socket mysteriously don't have the mark.

Japanese tool brands in general are reknowned for being consistent in many aspects, so this case is puzzling one.

 

[spacedoutbob]

I've got some various Koken wrenches and sockets. I have been very happy with them. Here in the SF Bay Area, I purchased them from Tool Network. They have some very interesting tools that make working on Japanese Cars easier.

Bob

 

[LeGarage]

My first Ko-ken tool. Besides Hazet the only company that makes a square 8mm 1/2" socket.

Looks like an impact socket, but isn't

 

[General Geoff]

This thread is great. I think I'll give Koken a chance with my next purchase of 1/2" drive chrome sockets. They appear to be very affordable for a top notch tool brand.

 

[cosmik binturong]

gotta let everybody that would like to order from seller datsun-kentigo on eBay, that he sent me another Ko-ken 3757 palm ratchet less than a day after being notified that there was an error in the fulfillment of the order and than he offered me the 3/8" hand spinner that was wrongly shipped in place of said palm rat.

and he has now some more Ko-ken and KTC stuff listed...


enjoy!

 

[cosmik binturong]

You mentioned old Gray...the made in ones? Care to post a picture? I haven't seen them.

here's the last Gray socket i still own:

the ridge at the bottom of the socket along with the recessed knurling are quite nice to use with gloves(even with grease/oil on them), too bad i only have that, now almost useless to me, lone 11/16" socket...


a bit of Ko-ken related content to not be so off-topicky: ordered a few kilograms more of that

Ko-ken wonder stuff!

 

[superautobacs]

Thanks for the heads-up on kentigo, and for the photos of the Gray socket. That's a Canadian oldie.


I took some shots of my only JIS/JQA marked Ko-ken items. ...from the set of three extensions, the shortest one is not marked. Perhaps the length is not a JIS standard

Also, my vintage 1/2" drive 5/8 socket that I use as a 16mm.
It's dated 1967.

 

[Monte]

Does somebody know the difference between these 2 bit holders ? I guess one is for 1" bits the other one for long bits ?

14142-D6.3
14142-F6.3

if i understand right the "F" type seems to be for bits with a notch/long bits ?

http://item.rakuten.co.jp/i-tools/4991644204960/

http://item.rakuten.co.jp/i-tools/4991644205004/

 

[ChevyEFI]

D6.3 is 0.5mm smaller o.d. at the hex end
3g lighter in weight
10mm shorter length

There are a few "hey waitaminute, isn't that the same as ..." events if you read their catalogue too long. It appears you finally found some that kind of are the same.

edit: And the 13142.D6.3 and 13142.F6.3 seem to differ only in the o.d. at the hex end. Probably the knurled sliders differ and the larger ones are easier to glove-grip.

 

[cosmik binturong]

caramba! pics tomorrow!

 

[Mr. Tool]

Continuing to add the "Ko-Ken" brand to my tools. Ko-Ken is an exceptional brand and the quality, IMHO, is outstanding to say the least.
These two arrived today, a 4711X Spinning Cross Wrench and a 3751N Torque Ratchet.