2ndGearRubber
Well-known member
Ahhh:
Used that, the double universal version, plus zeal/nut-grip sockets for a subaru oil pan today.
Koken has been a real game changer for me.
Ko-ken Tools -- What Makes this Brand Special !?!?
- Thread starter superautobacs
- Start date
Used that, the double universal version, plus zeal/nut-grip sockets for a subaru oil pan today.
Koken has been a real game changer for me.
Amazon Japan ships Koken tools to the USA. A lot of US members of GJ have had good experiences with them -- fast delivery (3-6 days), reasonable cost, and excellent packaging. (Amazon Japan allows you to switch the language to English.)
2ndGearRubber
Well-known member
http://www.frankstools.com/ko1woexsepk.html
$82 plus shipping. Although I would prefer to simply hit $100 and get "free shipping". Easy to justify more tools that way.
I use frankstools.com. Tons of nice stuff, check out the japanese pliers too, lots of great specialty items.
If you're interested, you can download Koken PDF catalogs (English versions) from here:
http://www.koken-tool.co.jp/en/catalog.html
Lisamelting
Well-known member
I'll admit I was skeptical about all the praise heaped on Koken tools. However, I was working with a service tech last week who was using their 1/2" drive metric hex sockets so I got a chance to check them out.
Long story short...after admiring them and talking for a while he gave me 2 sockets. 1/2" drive 17 and 19 mm hex bits which are brand new. These things are absolutely gorgeous with their satin finish and dark gray hex bit. Flawlessly crafted and it almost seems a shame to put them to use.
Long story short...after admiring them and talking for a while he gave me 2 sockets. 1/2" drive 17 and 19 mm hex bits which are brand new. These things are absolutely gorgeous with their satin finish and dark gray hex bit. Flawlessly crafted and it almost seems a shame to put them to use.
OP
superautobacs
Well-known member
Yup, no wobble-fix version in the Z-eal line.
When I was at a Factory Gear store in Japan, I made an indirect request to Ko-ken that they provide more variety with their Z-eal extentions (in between lengths and much longer ones).
They'll listen to you, Chris. You're Japan's worldwide tool ambassador.
Please request black chrome ratchets ^__^ and for KTC to reintroduce their black ion ones.
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HazetMatt
Active member
One important tool I don't have yet. I've heard every impact screwdriver is basically the same, is it worth paying more for the Koken one?
OP
superautobacs
Well-known member
I think it's worth pointing out that both Hazet and Wiha source theirs from Ko-ken.
It seems like Hazet offers it in bit form only?
Whether you get a Ko-ken or not, it should be something to have in your tool arsenal.
Negen
Well-known member
They have 5 or so models
http://www.kokenusa.com/products/product/92
Sent from my G8141 using The Garage Journal mobile app
Any decent quality one will do.
I have the koken, a snap-on and a proto.
The proto gets the most use, the whole set was around £40 delivered from the states.
BMWE38
Member
I found out that Ko-ken is one of the few companies that make short impact sockets.
To loosen some 19 mm bolts, in a very tight space situation, I ordered a Ingersoll Rand angle impact wrench. Unfortunately with the impact sockets that I have, the head of impact wrench doesn't fit above the bolts. So I searched for a shorter impact socket. I searched online, but couldn't find anything that would fit.
So I contacted the supplier where I bought the Ingersoll Rand wrench and they came with an impact socket set of Ko-ken. These are about 1.5 cm lower than what I have. Just got them today.
I tried and now I can get the the head of the impact wrench above the bolts.
The sets name is: RS14401MS/5 and I ordered it from Air Tools Emporium
Next weekend I will try the loosen these rusted bolt.
To loosen some 19 mm bolts, in a very tight space situation, I ordered a Ingersoll Rand angle impact wrench. Unfortunately with the impact sockets that I have, the head of impact wrench doesn't fit above the bolts. So I searched for a shorter impact socket. I searched online, but couldn't find anything that would fit.
So I contacted the supplier where I bought the Ingersoll Rand wrench and they came with an impact socket set of Ko-ken. These are about 1.5 cm lower than what I have. Just got them today.
I tried and now I can get the the head of the impact wrench above the bolts.
The sets name is: RS14401MS/5 and I ordered it from Air Tools Emporium
Next weekend I will try the loosen these rusted bolt.
Attachments
Are the koken Zeal 1/4 shallow/short sockets practical for overall use, or just for when one is dealing with tight clearances.
Looking at the height of the sockets, it seems it would make the ratchet sit a little too close to work objects to be used with complete ease. Does anyone find this to be an issue?
Looking at the height of the sockets, it seems it would make the ratchet sit a little too close to work objects to be used with complete ease. Does anyone find this to be an issue?
2ndGearRubber
Well-known member
Flex head ratchet fixes this issue; tilt the handle 30 degrees. Most of the time, there is enough room. That said, I have zeal/standard/semi-deep/deep. Always an application where only one will work.
BMWE38
Member
Here in this situation on the opposite side of the bolts there is a steel beam and I have only access through a 8 cm round hole. This is why I needed the impact wrench.
It almost never happens that I need short sockets, but in this case the Ko-ken sockets offered a solution.
It almost never happens that I need short sockets, but in this case the Ko-ken sockets offered a solution.
Negen
Well-known member
Looks like a tool polishing/drying tool to me depending on if your in the bathroom or garage.
Is this considered a tool?
Sent from my G8141 using The Garage Journal mobile app
Probably doesn't help you in Europe, but Carlyle has shallow impact sockets in 3/8" and 1/2" drive. I know somebody else makes them as well, but I'm having a senior moment and cant remember who that might be. M7 maybe?
But I've been drooling over those KoKen shorties (and some thinwalls). I gotta quit looking through the KoKen catalog on my computer...
BMWE38
Member
I checked the Carlyle tools catalogue and they call them stubby sockets. Maybe less expensive. Ko-ken is pretty expensive, but from what I read nothing matches the quality.
OP
superautobacs
Well-known member
For overall, general-purpose use, I'd say the mid-length sockets.
Having said that, you can work with the 1/4" drive shallow without issue as long as you have an assortment of extensions and adaptors. The only time the Zeal shallows become an issue is when dealing with nuts where the stud protrudes too much to the point where you can't fully seat the socket over the nut....Forget about using the shallows on exhaust or intake manifold studs.
Yup, from my memory M7 was probably one of the first companies to come up with the super shallow impact sockets. Since then there's been a few other companies (some might just be rebrands). In Japan, Tone is another company offering a wider range of sizes than Ko-ken.
Does anyone have details on the box that the Zeal 2286z / 3286z socket sets comes in?
Edit: answered my own question: I found a notation that both cases are metal.
Still interested in input on the quality of the hinges and closing mechanism
Koken USA doesn't show the box:
http://www.kokenusa.com/products/model/1325/component/search/%2F
Rakuten has this image:
itools has this image which looks like a different version of the box (note the prior is for the 1/4" drive and this is 3/8" drive but I would think the general design is the same)
Edit: answered my own question: I found a notation that both cases are metal.
Still interested in input on the quality of the hinges and closing mechanism
Koken USA doesn't show the box:
http://www.kokenusa.com/products/model/1325/component/search/%2F
Rakuten has this image:
itools has this image which looks like a different version of the box (note the prior is for the 1/4" drive and this is 3/8" drive but I would think the general design is the same)
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Reed Prince
Well-known member
They seem to have nice piano hinges.
Negen
Well-known member
I wish they had those boxes when I bought my zeal set.
Sent from my G8141 using The Garage Journal mobile app
Sent from my G8141 using The Garage Journal mobile app
Thanks Reed Prince - Yes, those do look like quality hinge. Foam inserts look quality as well. Nice stamping of the lid - reminds me of the "old school" boxes you used to be able to get before most went plastic.
It is interesting that your first pic appears to be the same set as my second pic but the box stamping in the lid is different. I wonder which one is current?
It is interesting that your first pic appears to be the same set as my second pic but the box stamping in the lid is different. I wonder which one is current?
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Price Check on Ko-ken Zeal Set - Prices from Rakuten (i-tools)
I was wondering if the set pricing would be cheaper or more expensive since you get the box.
Set:
3286Z: $171.83
Components of Set
3400MZ/12: $57.66
3400MZ-21: $5.23
3400MZ-22: $5.50
3725Z: $32.38
3756Z: $12.33
3771Z: $21.29
3768Z-250: $23.69
3760Z-75: $7.90
3760Z-125: $8.78
3760Z-250: $11.98
Total: $186.74
Set is $14.91 cheaper and you get the box.
I was wondering if the set pricing would be cheaper or more expensive since you get the box.
Set:
3286Z: $171.83
Components of Set
3400MZ/12: $57.66
3400MZ-21: $5.23
3400MZ-22: $5.50
3725Z: $32.38
3756Z: $12.33
3771Z: $21.29
3768Z-250: $23.69
3760Z-75: $7.90
3760Z-125: $8.78
3760Z-250: $11.98
Total: $186.74
Set is $14.91 cheaper and you get the box.
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OP
superautobacs
Well-known member
Stamping is actually on the same side/orientation....just gotta rotate you head 180*.
I have no proof, but judging by the press-formed halfs of the box, I suspect these are made by Toyo Steel, to Ko-ken's specs/dimensions.
Stamping is actually on the same side/orientation....just gotta rotate you head 180*.
I'm pretty sure the stamp in one of the photos I posted is more in the center of the lid, Chris?!!?
see 3286 in my photo and then the later one, one has a smaller script in the corner too that appears to say Ko-ken Tool Co. LTDRedF
Well-known member
Is there anyone in Canada selling Koken?
OP
superautobacs
Well-known member
I'm pretty sure the stamp in one of the photos I posted is more in the center of the lid, Chris?!!?
You're right; my bad!
I'd guess that the off-center stamping is the more current one:
http://www.ems-tools.jp/shopdetail/000000013072/026/X/page1/price_desc/
Have you checked out the possibility of ordering direct from Amazon Japan? Lots of folks in the USA have reported that Ama JP's international shipping is reasonably priced and amazingly fast. Good luck!
My last order from amazon JP using normal shipping arrived from Tokyo to Toronto in 2 days via DHL.
I can barely get Amazon Canada to deliver within 2 days and they are in the same city!
Qualitytools
Well-known member
I have had a good experience buying from AMAZON.JP also