Ko-ken Tools -- What Makes this Brand Special !?!?
- Thread starter superautobacs
- Start date
dede2897234
Well-known member
Cam,
Here are a couple retailers that sell the complete Ko-ken RS3400MZ set:
- Frankstools
- i-Tools on Rakuten
i-Tools on Rakuten is almost $46 cheaper (without shipping) than Frankstools. Frankstools has the set in stock. You will have to contact i-Tools on Rakuten to find out if they have the Ko-ken set in stock.
GJ member "RXtacy" received his Ko-ken shipment from i-Tools on Rakuten a week ago and posted his pictures here (post# 1153): LINK.
Dave
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dede2897234
Well-known member
Ko-ken's wobble-fix extensions.... I recently had a repair job where I was absolutely happy to have it. I wouldn't have been able to perform the repair without it.
I had to get to a flare nut fitting to replace a brake line. The proper way would've been to lower the rear subframe down, but with this setup, with the use of the wobble-fix, allowed me to save a bunch of time.
A normal extension wouldn't fit due to clearance against the flarenut crowsfoot. I had a Toptul wobble extension, but that didn't fit. The reason why the Ko-ken fits is because the shanks are necked down. They do this with all of their wobble-fix extensions. So, thanks Ko-ken, for designing them that way.
The job at hand:
Superautobacs,
I edited one of your pictures below. The extension I circled in green. Is it made by Snap-on? If not, can you please specify the manufacture and model number?
In addition, I also circled the extension to the right in red. Who is the manufacture and what is the model number?
Thanks,
Dave
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superautobacs
Well-known member
Hi Dave,
Both of them are of the same thing: angle adapters
Same idea as Snap-on's, only these are made for the Deen brand, by their Taiwanese supplier.
I've had the 3/8 model (DNBA3Z) for 5 years and I only ever needed it a few times. O2 sensors in hard to reach locations come to mind.
More recently, I got their 1/4 drive model (DNBA2Z)
Both of them are of the same thing: angle adapters
Same idea as Snap-on's, only these are made for the Deen brand, by their Taiwanese supplier.
I've had the 3/8 model (DNBA3Z) for 5 years and I only ever needed it a few times. O2 sensors in hard to reach locations come to mind.
More recently, I got their 1/4 drive model (DNBA2Z)
mrborohachi
Well-known member
what's torque on those lug nuts?^ I'm reminded of TI porsche lug nuts that you had to grease when installing to prevent galling.
I can't imagine living without my 1/4dr Koken short nut-Grip sockets. Never lose a 10mm head, door panel nut again!
I can't imagine living without my 1/4dr Koken short nut-Grip sockets. Never lose a 10mm head, door panel nut again!
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dede2897234
Well-known member
Cam,
Here is another price comparison between Frankstools and a different Rakuten reseller that sells the complete Ko-ken RS3400MZ set:
- Frankstools
- Mutsuura on Rakuten
Mutsuura on Rakuten is about $37 cheaper (without shipping) than Frankstools. Frankstools has the set in stock. You will have to contact Mutsuura on Rakuten to find out if they have the Ko-ken set in stock.
Dave
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ziggybyrne
Member
- Joined
- Jun 13, 2015
- Messages
- 14
My sole koken socket is a 10mm which i've had for many years. With it i've cracked plenty of stubborn bolts/nuts. A very well made little item-the chrome is unmarked after 30+ years. I'll be keeping an eye out for them at garage sales from now on. Unfortunately they're pretty rare animal here in Australia.
Cheers from ziggybyrne
Cheers from ziggybyrne
RXtacy
Well-known member
Shipping was quite reasonable, I think maybe ~$15. It came EMS from Japan and got to me in 4 days. I would imagine it would be even quicker if you are on the West coast.
Thanks a ton Dede. BTW maybe you or someone else may know this. I thought at one time I saw a complete kit of everything they make in 10mm sockets. I've been looking over the last couple of weeks and haven't had any luck locating it. Maybe I'm crazy too, but I swear I remember it.
Cam.
Edit:
Well I finally got off my *** and got these coming. Thanks again for the help guys, much appreciated!. Also shipping was only $12.00 USPS.
1 Koken Zeal
3/8dr Socket
Set, RS3400MZ/12
1 Koken Z-EAL
1/4dr. Universal,2771Z
1 Koken Zeal Socket,
3/8dr. 21mm,
3300MZ-21
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RXtacy
Well-known member
So you are looking for a kit containing every variety of 10mm socket they produce? I haven't seen anything like that. I don't see it in their catalog either, but I'm not the end all be all knowledge base so maybe someone else has seen it.
Well like I said, maybe I'm just nuts. I seem to remember downloading their catalog when I saw those. I just went back through this entire thread and the pic wasn't posted here. Maybe someone can confirm I'm either nuts or not
Dave455
Well-known member
Well like I said, maybe I'm just nuts. I seem to remember downloading their catalog when I saw those. I just went back through this entire thread and the pic wasn't posted here. Maybe someone can confirm I'm either nuts or not
I've been buying KoKen for a while and don't recall seeing that, but it would be easy to order up! It's a lot of tools though!
Off the top of my head, in 1/4 drive you'd have regular, semi deep, and deep, in both 6 and 12 point. Then you'd have universal, in 6 and 12 point again, surface drive and nut grip!
In 3/8 you'd have regular, semi deep, deep, and 'extra deep' again all in 6 and 12 point! Shallow universal (6 and 12 point) are complemented by deep universal, and as well as surface drive and nut grip you also have 'extended sockets' in two lengths!
1/2 inch drive offers most of that again (don't think they offer the semi deep's or the deep universals in 1/2 drive) but you have to add all the other 'specials' such as low profile sockets with an external hex, ratcheting rings, push -pull wrenches and T wrenches.
The bigger drives don't include 10mm, but the Titanium stuff does, as of course does the 'Z-Series'/ Zeal range, so that's another two tools in 1/4 drive, and another two in 3/8!
That's over 40 tools if you just count socket wrenches, and that's before you start looking at 'industrial finish' (no chrome), 'plastic sleeved' (non marring), Impact (this will add up as for each drive size there are several different styles depending on whether you want max strength or thin wall or whatever) and 'construction tools' for building trades!
It would be even worse if you went for SAE as they offer 'aerospace grade' as well, in 1/4 and 3/8, in regular, and deep, and universal, and... and...!
Good luck!
Dave455
Well-known member
Damn Dave, you're a Koken rockstar!!. Like I said, I really thought I remember seeing what was a 3/8" kit with all those you listed. But I do **** a lot of exhaust fumes too
I've made it then!
Could be! 3/8 drive / chrome only would be 15 sockets, so that's quite viable! Hell, if they did some mega sets with say 8 to 19mm sockets in ALL the styles (150ish sockets, say 8 different ratchets and a mega box) they'd probably sell! Especially here!
It's not impossible that they did a promo photograph, or maybe some limited editions for collectors! There were some gold plated 1/4 drive sets a little while back, but unless you looked at the website at the right time you missed them!
Might be worth e mailing them, or getting your dealer to! Might it have been something in one of their flyers? These are often more aimed at dealers, but you can download them from the website!
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All good suggestions super Dave!. But I've searched high and low, downloaded all three catalogs linked on the first page and went through EVERY SINGLE PAGE and I'll be damned if I could find what I thought I saw. But just to truly drive the last nail in the coffin I'm going to email them as suggested. Thanks!
Jarhead0408
Well-known member
Are you sure you aren't thinking of Gearwrench 10mm set? It's discontinued now, but it had just about any 10mm socket variation you could think of.
RXtacy
Well-known member
Surface drive grabs the nut/bolt on the flats instead of the points. Many manufacturers make these. Nut grip has two ball detents on opposing flats to hold the nut/bolt as an alternative to magnetic grip sockets.
Ya know what brother, you're absolutely right. Mom was dead on, she always said you keep playing with that thing and you'll go blind, deaf and dumb.
Okay, thanks, man. So the nut grip would be a more specialized socket, then?
Fedwrench
ALLIANCE MEMBER
SUPERAUTOBACS:
Could you please post a picture of the individual components shown together in post #240 that you used on a power steering line?
I think I understand what's shown but, I want to be sure.
Reference the turn down shanks of the KOKEN extensions, is that a new design change or have they always been like that?
Secondly, how secure does the transition from wobble to straight extension feel?
Thanks for sharing outstanding Japanese and other tools that are rare in the states. You always present informative posts. 
Could you please post a picture of the individual components shown together in post #240 that you used on a power steering line?
I think I understand what's shown but, I want to be sure.
Reference the turn down shanks of the KOKEN extensions, is that a new design change or have they always been like that?
Secondly, how secure does the transition from wobble to straight extension feel?
Thanks for sharing outstanding Japanese and other tools that are rare in the states. You always present informative posts. General Geoff
Well-known member
I have Koken's wobble-fix extension sets in 1/4", 3/8", and 1/2" and they all have a very solid click when transitioning from wobble to fixed. They are also IMMENSELY strong. I've put ~300 ft lbs through one of the 1/2" wobble-fix extensions (in fixed position), repeatedly, with zero problems.
Jarhead0408
Well-known member
Ya know what brother, you're absolutely right. Mom was dead on, she always said you keep playing with that thing and you'll go blind, deaf and dumb.
Good to go man, glad I could help! Your description rang a bell. There's still a few of those sets floating around out there, but they're mighty scarce!
Just saw your post in the "New Tool Arrivals" with the bogo swivels. Think I might have to snag a set as well. Most of the time I can get by w/out them, but I've run into several situations here lately where they'd have come in handy.
OP
superautobacs
Well-known member
SUPERAUTOBACS:
Could you please post a picture of the individual components shown together in post #240 that you used on a power steering line?
I think I understand what's shown but, I want to be sure.
Reference the turn down shanks of the KOKEN extensions, is that a new design change or have they always been like that?
Secondly, how secure does the transition from wobble to straight extension feel?
Hi Fedwrench,
Did you happen to miss my reply to Dede?: http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showpost.php?p=4984662&postcount=247
I'm not back in the shop for a couple weeks, so I won't be able to snap those shots until then.
There was a short 3/8 drive Ko-ken wobble-fix extension that mated to two angle adapters to allow me to fit the flarenut crowsfoot socket.
Perhaps these images will help better understand what these adapters are capable of doing. You imagination is the only limitation.
I googled the part #'s DNBA3Z and DNBA2Z, and got these photos:
As for wobble to fix transition, it is a nice secure fitment, just as General Geoff described.
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superautobacs
Well-known member
Specialty socket, yes. Should you have one....or two....or a set? Absolutely, yes.
My 11mm nut-grip socket I used this week to do an intake manifold R&R saved me a lot of time. The most important thing is you can concentrate on performing the job instead of having to worry in being careful not to drop the nut off the socket. I've seen many will use their other hand to control a magnetic pick-up tool to make sure they can catch the nut as you drive the nut out. If you're really careful, it works, but not always. When you miss, it just leads to a loss in efficiency/productivity and ramps up the frustration levels especially when you can't fish the nut out (if you're lucky enough to locate it). To make matters worse, sometimes you simply don't have the access for a magnetic pick-up tool to help you. In that case, the chances are even greater.
There's just a lot of scenarios where the nut-grip socket really helps the user get the job done faster and with ease. You don't have to deal with the hassle of using dum-dum, masking tape, tissue paper, or what have you. Just pick up the socket and go to work!
How many 10mm sized sockets does Ko-ken have?
At the time I started this thread I wrote that there were 160 different part numbers.
You guys are killing me or really my bank account to be more specific. Every time I think I am nearing my journeys end of purchasing useful and specialty tools, something shows up on GJ and my list starts getting long again. Those angle adapters are AMAZING. Coupled with the turned down extension - I have already thought of a few occasions they would have been very handy to have had. And the nut grabber sockets - why isn't anyone in the States making that?
But really thanks for showing the adapters and sockets. They will have a place in my toolbox hopefully soon.
But really thanks for showing the adapters and sockets. They will have a place in my toolbox hopefully soon.
Van Steele
Well-known member
The older extensions didn't have the knurling and had the same diameter along their entire length.
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Negen
Well-known member
You guys are killing me or really my bank account to be more specific. Every time I think I am nearing my journeys end of purchasing useful and specialty tools, something shows up on GJ and my list starts getting long again. Those angle adapters are AMAZING. Coupled with the turned down extension - I have already thought of a few occasions they would have been very handy to have had. And the nut grabber sockets - why isn't anyone in the States making that?
But really thanks for showing the adapters and sockets. They will have a place in my toolbox hopefully soon.
did you get a chance to check out their newest zeal catalog. 1/2" zeal ftw.
http://www.koken-tool.co.jp/imgs/panflets/KOKEN201508_ZEAL4.pdf
Here is some more cool stuff in their regular catalog.
http://www.koken-tool.co.jp/imgs/panflets/KOKEN201506.pdf
Low profile impact sockets and deep nut grabbers seem like they should make their way to my tool box.
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Van Steele
Well-known member
Forgot to add that on the new ones, there's no offset between the driven end and drive end. The old ones have an offset of approximately 30º.
gooseadrian
Well-known member
- Joined
- Oct 28, 2012
- Messages
- 158
Any dealers in so cal? I would like to get a set of those wobble extensions.
dede2897234
Well-known member
gooseadrian,
I am assuming you're interested in the 3/8" drive Ko-ken wobble plus extension set (model#: PK3763/6). There is a Ko-ken dealer in Southern California but they do not stock it. There is a dealer (Tool Network) in Northern California (Castro Valley) but their price for the set is unreasonable ($105.00): LINK.
Here are links to other online dealers who stock this Ko-ken set:
- Frankstools: LINK **Price winner**
- LevelChrome: LINK **If you contact the owner Alan via e-mail, he will price match Frankstools on the Ko-ken set**
- Mutsuura: LINK **Less than $2.00 difference between Mutsuura and Frankstools. However, e-mail Frankstools and ask if he has the Ko-ken set in stock. If he does not, buy it from Mutsuura. If you buy it from Frank and there is no stock, you will be waiting days or weeks for the set to to get back in stock at Frankstools**
- eBay: LINK **Second most expensive price found**
Dave
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cbracer
Well-known member
I buy mine from Rakuten, since they typically have lower prices even with shipping. It's best to check first! In this case Franktools has a good price.
http://global.rakuten.com/en/store/i-tools/item/4991644218851/
http://global.rakuten.com/en/store/i-tools/item/4991644218851/
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dede2897234
Well-known member
cbracer,
i-Tools has the best price on the 3/8" drive Ko-ken wobble plus extension set. Unfortunately, they are sold out on the set. Thank goodness for options these days!
Dave
OP
superautobacs
Well-known member
Long-time shopper with i-tools here (from their Japanese Rakuten site). One of the best prices for sure.
Ko-ken Nut-grip socket in action:
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/H0UlteANG6k?rel=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>
Ko-ken Nut-grip socket in action:
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/H0UlteANG6k?rel=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>
dede2897234
Well-known member
superautobacs,
Who is the manufacturer and what is the model # of the long rotator ratchet you used in the video?
Thanks,
Dave