Koken Tool availability?

[Lexus]

I was wondering if Koken tools are still readily available here in the USA? I know of a few vendors but when I ordered a basic ratchet from one who said they carried Koken I got a email saying the part was not in stock and no longer available...

Also I was wondering about the "Z" series ratchets as far as people who actually have them and use them of what they think of them. I searched through the forum and see people who have bought them but wonder how these ratchets are doing today since purchased?

Any input about these tools would be appreciated.

 

[nowlan]

I was wondering if Koken tools are still readily available here in the USA? I know of a few vendors but when I ordered a basic ratchet from one who said they carried Koken I got a email saying the part was not in stock and no longer available...

Also I was wondering about the "Z" series ratchets as far as people who actually have them and use them of what they think of them. I searched through the forum and see people who have bought them but wonder how these ratchets are doing today since purchased?

Any input about these tools would be appreciated.

Did you try all these?
http://www.kokenusa.com/retailers/web

Rakuten Global Market
Z-EAL: basic set 3285 ZA Ko-ken (Koken)
http://global.rakuten.com/en/store/mutsuura/item/10012920/

 

[nicksnothereman]

I was wondering if Koken tools are still readily available here in the USA? I know of a few vendors but when I ordered a basic ratchet from one who said they carried Koken I got a email saying the part was not in stock and no longer available...

Also I was wondering about the "Z" series ratchets as far as people who actually have them and use them of what they think of them. I searched through the forum and see people who have bought them but wonder how these ratchets are doing today since purchased?

Any input about these tools would be appreciated.

Not really on the secondary market. There is some stuff on ebay. Pretty much one and done tools even if they have a warranty (to a degree). Though supposedly they are very well made but some of the stuff (impact lug nut sockets) are "things extravagant".

 

[Lexus]

Did you try all these?
http://www.kokenusa.com/retailers/web

Rakuten Global Market
Z-EAL: basic set 3285 ZA Ko-ken (Koken)
http://global.rakuten.com/en/store/mutsuura/item/10012920/

Good sites, only down fall is that trying to order specific tools or single tools does not always work..

Thanks BTW.

 

[Nocturnal-G]

Have you tried levelchrome.com ?

 

[Dave455]

Well I can't speak for the U.S. but here in the U.K. Ko Ken are very easily available! (I get mine from Consolidated Tools in Manchester - easy to deal with, and cheap)! Most of the dealers seem to carry a good basic range, and Ko Ken will supply most stuff 'next day'!

As for the Z Series, I have some, and it's very good! For those who havn't encountered it, it's a whole range of 3/8 drive tools that are specifically designed for modern automotive use, and are as compact as they sensibly can be!

If you want a specifically 'low profile' ratchet, you are probably better off with that specific tool, but for general use, the z series is very good indeed!

 

[Lexus]

Have you tried levelchrome.com ?

I looked into them as well but still not able to track down a few items.

 

[Lexus]

Well I can't speak for the U.S. but here in the U.K. Ko Ken are very easily available! (I get mine from Consolidated Tools in Manchester - easy to deal with, and cheap)! Most of the dealers seem to carry a good basic range, and Ko Ken will supply most stuff 'next day'!

As for the Z Series, I have some, and it's very good! For those who havn't encountered it, it's a whole range of 3/8 drive tools that are specifically designed for modern automotive use, and are as compact as they sensibly can be!

If you want a specifically 'low profile' ratchet, you are probably better off with that specific tool, but for general use, the z series is very good indeed!

I will need to see if one of them will ship to the USA

 

[Lexus]

The main tool Im trying to get my hands on right now is a 1/4 ratchet from the "Z" series, 2725Z

 

[Autoguy]

Quality toooooooooooooooools

 

[Lexus]

Or is there a reliable source for KTC Nepros?

 

[Dave455]

The main tool Im trying to get my hands on right now is a 1/4 ratchet from the "Z" series, 2725Z

The 1/4 inch Z series is very new, and I havn't seen any yet!

Having said that, I'd be surprised if it couldn't be ordered easily. The 3/8 Z series had only just been announced when I ordered mine, and I got it within about a week!

Nepros is easy to order in the U.S. as they have a U.S. website (www.nepros.net)! I've ordered stuff from there for shipping to the U.K. but it comes direct from Japan anyway!

Nepros is very nice, and they offer wrenches which Ko Ken do not, but I doubt they will ever offer the range of tools that Ko Ken do!

Doubt you will be disappointed with either!

 

[Lexus]

The 1/4 inch Z series is very new, and I havn't seen any yet!

Having said that, I'd be surprised if it couldn't be ordered easily. The 3/8 Z series had only just been announced when I ordered mine, and I got it within about a week!

Nepros is easy to order in the U.S. as they have a U.S. website (www.nepros.net)! I've ordered stuff from there for shipping to the U.K. but it comes direct from Japan anyway!

Nepros is very nice, and they offer wrenches which Ko Ken do not, but I doubt they will ever offer the range of tools that Ko Ken do!

Doubt you will be disappointed with either!

Thank you for the information!

 

[Drunken Yak inc]

http://www.frankstools.com/koz14drra27.html

 

[ChevyEFI]

Franks ships through U.S. mail routing I believe.

 

[dede2897234]

Lexus,

I would think twice about purchasing from Franks Tools. Frank had recently taken a couple Garage Journal members' payments and not delivered their tool orders: LINK.


Dave

 

[Lexus]

Thank you for everyone for their input. So I ended up ordering one ratchet from Nepros and also found a seller in Japan who will ship me a Koken ratchet from the rakuten site, I will let you guys know how it goes.

 

[Lexus]

Both my Koken and Nepros 1/4 ratchet will be arriving from Japan tomorrow, will post pictures tomorrow.