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

[BK13]

Thanks!


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[beatcad]

Just curious, cause i havent heard anyone mention whitworth sockets in a while. What do you use them on? I thought that was an outdated standard (i could be wrong).


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i meant to answer earlier.
whitworth was used on mostly brittish cars and motor pre 70s.
unless you mess w/ these older machines most people dont need these tools.
luckily some tool makers still make 'em because a bunch of folks use 'em.

this is probably a topic for another thread...
i dont know for sure but most english makers phased out whitworth in the late 60s. there were few holdovers and leftovers.
i recall finding a few on my '71 BSA.

 

[jeremyillingworth]

Britool made box end crows feet in Whitworth, I have a partial set and they come up on eBay occasionally. I bet its not one of the sizes that's close to something else.
View media item 52384Yes I know this shouldn't be in the Koken thread.

I will keep my eye on eBay and see if I can snag one. The alternative is to buy the correct size wrench, cut it and have a socket welded on to it, making a torque adapter of it. Or get the next size smaller imperial crowfoot wrench and have a machinist open it up to the next size.

jeremy

 

[superautobacs]

3/8 drive 22mm

Notice the square in relation to the hex. They are formed at the same offset. I'm not sure if this is the norm with all brands.

1/2 drive universal, Zeal 1/4 drive universal with a 8mm socket, 1/4 drive E-12 universal, Zeal 1/4 drive thumb wheel.

The spline type swivel is spring loaded. It comes lubed from the factory as well.
To the right is their shortest length 1/4 hex -> 1/4 square adaptor.

Comparison of 8mm socket with universal combination.
Stanley / Proto / Ko-ken Zeal

The Zeal is completely rattle-free, while the Stanley and Proto sockets rattle when shook.

Even in this form (socket and universal snapped together), torsional play is close zero with the Zeal.

The Zeal is more compact in all dimensions (height, diameter), making it easier to work with in confined areas.
The working angle isn't as wide of range as the standard universal, but that's not a disadvantage IMO.
In fact, that feature just makes it easier to work with.

 

[DSM_PWR]

An independent testing graded Ko-ken's standard and Zeal hex bit sockets to be among the best in the market.

I just received a set of Ko-ken Zeal 3/8" dr. hex bit sockets and I'm considering placing an order for the 3/8" dr. torx bit socket set as well. I'd love to see the independent test results if they were ever published!

 

[Jarhead0408]

3/8 drive 22mm

I'm loving these two pictures.

I think I'll be buying more Koken in the coming year.

Thanks for the pics!

 

[superautobacs]

I just received a set of Ko-ken Zeal 3/8" dr. hex bit sockets and I'm considering placing an order for the 3/8" dr. torx bit socket set as well. I'd love to see the independent test results if they were ever published!

Posted in this thread:

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=306388

 

[Mr. Tool]

Original post ask's....."KoKen Tools, what makes this brand special !?!?"
Simply put, they're awsome tools that are top quality made! Right up there with Snap-On.

Have my collection of Koken tools and to this day still adding to my collection.

 

[Jim Diesel]

What makes them special? Good quality tools, well priced, dependable and no fuss.

 

[Qualitytools]

My only experience (thanks to this Forum) is the Koken Zeal 3/8 set and swivel adapter. It is a work of art and I will be purchasing more Koken Zeal sockets as time allows. I would like to get the deep 3/8 set and the nut-grip set. Awesome tools, fit, finish, tolerance is absolutely superb, can't say enough about how delighted I am with my decision to get them!

 

[superautobacs]

My first Ko-ken ratchet I purchased was this 3/8 drive multi-purpose ratchet.

I recently took a comparison photo with a co-worker's Snap-on one.
Part # are: Ko-ken 3753SM and Snap-on F734A
The Ko-ken is a clear winner for me. Greater attention to detail, with better fit and finish, additional versatility, and a much smoother and lighter ratcheting mechansim.

























Some tools in action:

Part # 2762 & 110-150B







Used to get to the eight hose clamps that are buried underneath the intake chamber.

 

[superautobacs]

Gathered these for a group photo.

From left:

Snap-On universal with their shallow 6mm socket
KTC Nepros universal with their shallow 6mm socket
Ko-ken Zeal universal with their shallow 6mm socket
Snap-On 6mm swivel socket

Nothing willl beat the Snappy swivel socket for the lowest clearance.

For user-friendliness, I prefer the Nepros and Zeal universal mechanisms, which are both unique in their own regard.






Here's a close up of the Zeal next to a Nepros. Aside from the obvious differences, the Zeal universal has a smaller outer diameter than the Nepros:







In terms of working angles, the Nepros has maybe an extra degree or two over the Zeal universal:

 

[superautobacs]

Some comparison shots of my 1/4 drive ratchets, including my latest addition: the 90-tooth MAC Axis. As the pictures show, the Zeal has the most compact head, with the lightest back-drag.

As a side note, I played around with about a dozen different 1/4 drive MAC Axis ratchets and just like my experiences with Snap-on's 3/8 drive Dual-80 mechanism, there were noticeable differences in backdrag (some had more than others). He was surprised to learn that there were variances in backdrag. He even opened up one to lube it in anticipation that it would help, but it made no difference. I asked my MAC dealer to pick the one with the lightest backdrag out of his shipment and this guy was the one.

 

[M6erfan]

The backdrag/smoothness of the Koken ratchets in unsurpassed IMO...

 

[SantaAna12]

Love this thread!

 

[LXCam]

Love this thread!

Ya buddy. Everytime this thread pops up I want to run out and fondle my very small collection of koken tools.

 

[Qualitytools]

My first Ko-ken ratchet I purchased was this 3/8 drive multi-purpose ratchet.

I recently took a comparison photo with a co-worker's Snap-on one.
Part # are: Ko-ken 3753SM and Snap-on F734A
The Ko-ken is a clear winner for me. Greater attention to detail, with better fit and finish, additional versatility, and a much smoother and lighter ratcheting mechansim.

























Some tools in action:

Part # 2762 & 110-150B







Used to get to the eight hose clamps that are buried underneath the intake chamber.

I recognize under that hood! Looks like you will need to get a replacement Power Steering cap O ring.

 

[Bluejoe]

Do they offer complete mechanic sets.

 

[M6erfan]

Do they offer complete mechanic sets.

Not sure what you mean by "complete mechanic set"...

Ko-ken does offer socket sets in all drive sizes.

 

[Markfothebeast]

Never heard of them. I like nice tools though but only want to buy them one time. I break so many tools that they are recyclable to me. So I just get Husky since I can stop in Homo Depot and have them replaced immediately.


"Complete Mechanics Tool Set" is a very common tool set with sockets, ratchets, etc. Google it.
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[Bluejoe]

Something like starter sets with 1/4,3/8,1/2, drive socket set , wrenches , screwdrivers. All brands seem to have the sets even husky has several sets. I believe one has 350 pieces.

 

[General Geoff]

Koken is a specialty tool brand that deals almost solely in socket wrenches and accessories. They don't make screwdrivers, combo wrenches, pliers or other types of tools.

 

[M6erfan]

^^GG is right. Ko-ken makes individual drive socket sets that include ratchets, universals, breaker bars, etc. but nothing that include various dive sizes and wrenches/screwdrivers.

 

[dutchgray]

I thought Koken did sell a small range of rebranded screwdrivers, I will have to check the catalogue. They did sell combo wrenches for a bit which were from Beta. But they really are a socket maker and that's what you want to buy from them.
They do metal boxed socket sets which is getting to be a rare thing.

 

[Loscaldazar]

Anyone ever had their packaged returned to sender when they purchased from i-tools? I placed a fairly large order and now tracking says insufficient address, return to sender. Want to figure out what is going to happen now.... I paid $40 for shipping and that's a lot to swallow if it doesn't get refunded

 

[superautobacs]

I ran into another scenario where the necked down shaft of Ko-ken's Wobble-Fix extension made this job go smoothly.

As the picture shows, the cooler lines get in the way when using any ordinary extension, but this setup allowed me to start threading the aluminum bolts nice and square, thereby reducing the chance of stripping the threads on these aluminum bolts.

Btw, the E-torx Nut-Grip socket is a time saving, useful feature, especially when dealing with aluminum E-torx bolts.

 

[M6erfan]

Is that longer ext. a Zeal?

 

[Fedwrench]

I really hate it when you point out the unique features of a simple tool like an extension when I have a drawer full plus of truck brand extensions that seem inferior now

not too mention the knurling/grooves around the female square drive

I'm planning on retiring in 10 years and I could get by without buying any more tools until I read your posts....

 

[Mr_B]

while range of sockets, ratchets and related accessories maybe quite vast with some unique features my 25+yr experience with koken tools has proved they not a match to other top makes. They do suffer a lot of chrome peel much like snap-on due to thick plating used. Ratchets back in day were good spec and precision but these days even lesser makes using better taiwan sources produce a high spec ratchet .
I had a 1/2" rathcet adaptor to be used with a breaker bar, koken lasted a month while the snap-on that replaced it is still going strong after 2 decades, koken breaker bar broke too and the knuckle design was poor, replaced with old original britool series and that also surviving after 2 decades and heavy abuse at times . I much prefer stahlwille sockets or taiwan made sealey sets with half polished half satin finish as far more durable plating and under half the cost . knurling on socket bases and extensions is a must for me, I don't buy any unless use this design .

 

[Ruxpin]

Is that longer ext. a Zeal?

Looks like a Nepros NBE3.

 

[48548]

This thread made me order the cross lug wrench.... Thanks guys.

 

[apdxyk]

From the looks of it, a relatively young engine required an expensive job. What was that, please?

 

[superautobacs]

I really hate it when you point out the unique features of a simple tool like an extension when I have a drawer full plus of truck brand extensions that seem inferior now

not too mention the knurling/grooves around the female square drive

I'm planning on retiring in 10 years and I could get by without buying any more tools until I read your posts....

Don't ban me

Looks like a Nepros NBE3.

Good eye, for good tools.

This thread made me order the cross lug wrench.... Thanks guys.

I hope you'll like it.

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/FJpTCxSd178?rel=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

From the looks of it, a relatively young engine required an expensive job. What was that, please?

It was an engine oil pan on a BMW E-90.

 

[48548]

I just got it.... really nice

 

[superautobacs]

Comparison shot of 1/4 drive Zeal and SK ratchets:

 

[redvalkyrie]

while range of sockets, ratchets and related accessories maybe quite vast with some unique features my 25+yr experience with koken tools has proved they not a match to other top makes. They do suffer a lot of chrome peel much like snap-on due to thick plating used. Ratchets back in day were good spec and precision but these days even lesser makes using better taiwan sources produce a high spec ratchet .
I had a 1/2" rathcet adaptor to be used with a breaker bar, koken lasted a month while the snap-on that replaced it is still going strong after 2 decades, koken breaker bar broke too and the knuckle design was poor, replaced with old original britool series and that also surviving after 2 decades and heavy abuse at times . I much prefer stahlwille sockets or taiwan made sealey sets with half polished half satin finish as far more durable plating and under half the cost . knurling on socket bases and extensions is a must for me, I don't buy any unless use this design .

I thought Koken used a kind of tumble finish much like Toptul on their mainline sockets?

 

[superautobacs]

I thought Koken used a kind of tumble finish much like Toptul on their mainline sockets?

Putting Toptul's polished line aside....their satin finish, as the name implies, is a smooth satin-like finish. I have a few Toptul tools myself to compare them with and they are quite different from Ko-ken's finish.

 

[bonneyman]

Just love the knurl pattern on the end there.

Is that a short extension, or part of the longer shaft?

 

[48548]

Just love the knurl pattern on the end there.

Is that a short extension, or part of the longer shaft?

Short extension.

 

[superautobacs]

Thread revival.......






what better way to do it than reporting on some new releases (Feb, 2018) from the Z-series:

The adaptor that goes from 1/4 to 1/2 square is pretty awesome, as well as the 3/8 to 1/2 square. I definitely want to add those to my collection.