New 3/8" Set purchase :)

[Nikolai_V]

Just thought I`d share some <grainy, phone> pictures of my latest purchase, a 3/8" intermediate Koken set.

Note the pictures of the knurled extensions, and the oval profile of the T-handle to increase strength, by placing mass where it is needed (the power bar is ovalised as well).

Lifetime guarantee, quality japanese steel - only problem now is what to do with the neat wee steel case they come in.

Dont expect to convert any SO fans to the yellow side, but I will note that Koken in NZ is used by most mechanics and engineers as an alternative to SO, and is sold as a truck brand. They even had a patent for a flank-drive type arrangement back in the 60`s...

 

[billymade]

The ratchet looks like a Proto pear head clone....

 

[wrenchr]

I would like to get a koken tool!!

 

[Merkava_4]

I would like to get a koken tool!!

What a freakin' *****!!

 

[wrenchr]

Yah that be me!! A tool *****

 

[GDA]

^ those are good looking tools. Your ratchet reminds me of a Proto Plomb design and those are well documented on here as very tough long lasting ratchets.

 

[ImportTuner]

Koken makes some very nice quality tools .. Check out the Nepros stuff; sockets are equal or better than the SO stuff.

 

[Voltron]

Have a few Koken tool, a couple of ratchets and some sockets.

They are very good tools and a decent alternative to the likes of Snap-On - especially price-wise. They are pretty much the only brand that i would consider quality that are widely available in New Zealand (other than Snap-On). The only problem is that as far as i know they only do sockets, no wrenches etc. Or at least they are not available anywhere i know of. The joys of living out on the edge of the known world - hard to get a wide range of cool toys

Would have to say that of you are comparing Snap-On vs Koken i think of the Koken stuff as "Tough" but not neccessarily "nice". My Koken ratchets are as strong as anything else i have but dont feel or look as good as Snap-On. Still good, though.

 

[dfndr]

I have a set of 3/8 drive Koken sockets in Whitworth for MG and old British bikes. They are indeed very nice.

 

[lbgradwell]

Handsome set! I've never had the pleasure of seeing a Koken tool in person, but I'd sure like to!

Congrats!

 

[eschoendorff]

Yah that be me!! A tool *****

Yeah, add me to that list. I'd like to have tools that represent every brand eventually....

 

[Sick Puppy]

Hey Nikolai, nice set- I know I'm addicted to Koken when I know that is a 3279AM set! lol Koken do some of the best socket sets here in NZ, but then Stahlwille and SO are rare and uber-expensive!

I'm looking to grab a 3/8" set for myself shortly, where did you get yours from? Being based in Wellington, there are a few places I can get it here as well as Trademe, I'm just not liking the prices they're quoting me! lol I think I'm being a tad too picky with the set I want, is all...

 

[mik641]

Sick puppy.. you can get Koken through the sulco truck.. and website, or waitemata hydraulics

 

[arkangel06]

never even seen a koken tool but i hould get one

Jut to say I have one

 

[quneur]

Nice set. I like Japanese craftsmanship. I know their wood chisels are some of the best in the world. Japanese chisel makers, former sword makers, use soft metals but harden the edges. It takes hammer shocks better and the harden steel is harden to Rc 61 as opposed to western type Rc 58.

 

[arkangel06]

Nice set. I like Japanese craftsmanship. I know their wood chisels are some of the best in the world. Japanese chisel makers, former sword makers, use soft metals but harden the edges. It takes hammer shocks better and the harden steel is harden to Rc 61 as opposed to western type Rc 58.

Thats neat how did you find out the rockwell ratings though?

 

[Sick Puppy]

Cheers for that, I check their websites on a regular basis, and I also visit Engineering Supplies and Bay Engineering Supplies in Petone to grab their promotional fliers... helps me keep abreast of what they are selling I guess. I think I'll just have to compromise about the one I want and spend the $$$!

Oh, and I forgot- if you don't want to keep the box you got it in, how much would you want for it? I could use it to keep odds and ends until I get a toolchest...