Hello gents, first post here. I've read several threads on GJ about both brands, but have yet to find any head to head comparisons. Ko-Ken/Ko-Ken Z-EAL vs Nepros. Those 90 tooth Nepros ratchets look nice, but the knurling on the Ko-Ken looks good too! Looking to fill a new toolbox and would appreciate any guidance. Thanks!
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Nepros vs Ko-ken
- Thread starter flyre17
- Start date
Dave455
Well-known member
Well, I have some of both!
The quality of the Nepros is high, very high. The design of the tools is also fairly unique. American patterns, but not like any other manufacturers. Everything is well thought out, made to a very high standard with Japanese attention to detail, and beautifully finihed! It's also carefully packed so it reaches you in as good a condition as it leaves their factory!
I have not yet given my Nepros tools hard use, but early indications are that they will take use as well as, or better than, any other tool I own - I dropped a wrench from about 6 feet onto concrete and it was unmarked!
The only downsides, apart from the fact that the regular ratchet doesn't lock the socket on as firmly as I'd like, is that the range of tools is fairly limited. Remember that Nepros isn't a manufacturer as such, but rather a range of tools made by KTC. I also have to say that some of the tools, the wood handle screwdrivers for example, are almost too good to use in a workshop environment!
Ko Ken are good too! They are more 'average workshop grade' rather than the 'presentation grade' Nepros, but they are still really good! Ko Ken's background is making industrial tools for assembly lines and suchlike. That's a tough environment for any tool and Ko Ken certainly make tough tools. Quality is probably as good as Nepros, the finish not quite as shiny, but perfectly acceptable!
The big difference is the range of tools on offer. Ko Ken only make sockets and accessories, but if that's what you want, they make just about everything you can think of, and a load of other stuff as well! If you want a socket, for example, you can choose 6 or 12 point, then regular length, semi deep, deep or extra deep, then specials such as extended or universal, then stuff unique to Ko Ken such as nut grip, or of course any combo!
Accessory wise Ko Ken seem to be on a quest to make everything! There are handles and accessories available that havn't been offered by other manufacturers for years! Quality is flawless and prices (here in the U.K. at least) are very reasonable! Biggest factor in their favour for me is consistency! I have never had to return any Ko Ken tool for any reason!
Zeal is just a separate range that Ko Ken offer. It's compact, designed specifically for modern automotive work, and is very good.
So, which to buy? For general use I'd probably use Ko Ken! I find I'm buying more and more of it. It's always good and I never feel ripped off. I recently had to equip a workshop on behalf of a colleague and I went straight for Ko Ken, then added some British made King **** wrenches! Good mix!
If you want top end (and everybody want's a few top end pieces) and want a change from Snap On, then go for the Nepros!
I'll try and post some comparative pics later!
The quality of the Nepros is high, very high. The design of the tools is also fairly unique. American patterns, but not like any other manufacturers. Everything is well thought out, made to a very high standard with Japanese attention to detail, and beautifully finihed! It's also carefully packed so it reaches you in as good a condition as it leaves their factory!
I have not yet given my Nepros tools hard use, but early indications are that they will take use as well as, or better than, any other tool I own - I dropped a wrench from about 6 feet onto concrete and it was unmarked!
The only downsides, apart from the fact that the regular ratchet doesn't lock the socket on as firmly as I'd like, is that the range of tools is fairly limited. Remember that Nepros isn't a manufacturer as such, but rather a range of tools made by KTC. I also have to say that some of the tools, the wood handle screwdrivers for example, are almost too good to use in a workshop environment!
Ko Ken are good too! They are more 'average workshop grade' rather than the 'presentation grade' Nepros, but they are still really good! Ko Ken's background is making industrial tools for assembly lines and suchlike. That's a tough environment for any tool and Ko Ken certainly make tough tools. Quality is probably as good as Nepros, the finish not quite as shiny, but perfectly acceptable!
The big difference is the range of tools on offer. Ko Ken only make sockets and accessories, but if that's what you want, they make just about everything you can think of, and a load of other stuff as well! If you want a socket, for example, you can choose 6 or 12 point, then regular length, semi deep, deep or extra deep, then specials such as extended or universal, then stuff unique to Ko Ken such as nut grip, or of course any combo!
Accessory wise Ko Ken seem to be on a quest to make everything! There are handles and accessories available that havn't been offered by other manufacturers for years! Quality is flawless and prices (here in the U.K. at least) are very reasonable! Biggest factor in their favour for me is consistency! I have never had to return any Ko Ken tool for any reason!
Zeal is just a separate range that Ko Ken offer. It's compact, designed specifically for modern automotive work, and is very good.
So, which to buy? For general use I'd probably use Ko Ken! I find I'm buying more and more of it. It's always good and I never feel ripped off. I recently had to equip a workshop on behalf of a colleague and I went straight for Ko Ken, then added some British made King **** wrenches! Good mix!
If you want top end (and everybody want's a few top end pieces) and want a change from Snap On, then go for the Nepros!
I'll try and post some comparative pics later!
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