Purchasing Ko-ken Tools in U.S.

[dede2897234]

Last Friday, I contacted Ko-ken Tools via e-mail ([email protected]; thanks Monte for the e-mail address) to inquire about its U.S. distributors and retailers. A day later, a sales manager from its export department e-mailed me back. He said Ko-ken's U.S. distributor is Stahlwille Tools N.A., Incorporated. It has the following address and phone number:

Stahlwille Tools N.A. Inc.
PO Box 5034
Sarasota, FL 34277
Tel: 800-695-2714, 941-922-5434

Ko-ken Japan e-mailed my inquiry to Stahlwille. Fritz Himmelsback ([email protected]) e-mailed me this morning. I called him and requested a sales quote for the following Ko-ken hand tools:

- KO3226M 3/8" drive "Nut Grip" socket set
- KO4100M stud puller set
- KO3300X/12 3/8" drive medium depth 6 point socket set

Fritz e-mailed me back saying that all of the above items are in stock. When I spoke to Baum Tools (also in Sarasota, FL) late last week, the "Nut Grip" socket set was out of stock. Ko-ken requires Baum Tools to place an order of at least 10 units with a delivery time of 4 to 6 weeks. When I get some cash together, I am going to purchase the KO4211M 4 piece metric stud remover set for $133 versus $206 for the KO4100M 6 piece metric stud puller set. I attached to this thread 6 slides of the Ko-ken Tools catalog. In addition, I included a current Ko-ken price list (download the ".zip" file, uncompress, and open it with Adobe Acrobat Reader) from Stahlwille Tools for you "tool addicts" out there .

 

[bchee]

thanks for the info

Is this the site?
http://www.stahlwille-online.de/ind...9d39e5cac17f44f617ababf06b2&lid=2&mid=2&shid=

 

[lbgradwell]

Outstanding work!

A couple of months ago I was browsing a local flea market and the guy had a couple of odds & ends - all brand new - from Ko-ken. I grabbed a 3/8" long-handled flex ratchet to try for C$28 no tax.

I just looked up the list price:

KO3774P 3/8 Dr Long Flex Ratchet US$90.19

 

[dede2897234]

lbgradwell,

You got a smokin' deal on the ratchet! How do you like the 3/8" long-handled flex ratchet? Is the quality of the ratchet up to the levels of Snap-on? Can you post a picture of the ratchet? Unfortunately, the tool catalog I posted does not show a picture of the ratchet.

Thanks,

Dave

 

[dede2897234]

bchee,

Yes, this is Stahlwille's North American website. However, it does not show any of the Ko-ken hand tool it distributes in the United States. If you would like to look at Ko-ken's complete line of tools, go to this site and click on the "Catalogue" link: http://www.koken-tool.co.jp/en/.

 

[bchee]

Thanks. I emailed that Fritz guy.

 

[dede2897234]

bchee,

Which Ko-ken hand tools are you possible interested in purchasing? Are you replacing a current hand tool(s)? Buying one ore more you do not own?

Dave

 

[bchee]

I don't own any at the moment, but most of the stuff on their site intrigues me
http://www.koken-tool.co.jp/en/

On my list of "probable" purchases would be the wobble extensions.

Later, if I had the money, or some other opportunity to try out their stuff, I would get the "surface drive" or "pathfinder" sockets.

Beta tools and Koken are 2 brands I would like to try.

 

[dede2897234]

bchee,

Ko-ken's "Pathfinder" sockets look good if an air impact wrench is used to tighten bolts. The "Surface Drive" sockets remind me of SK's spline drive sockets: http://www.skhandtool.com/Default.aspx?fusemode=10&pid=94545. SK claims its spline drive sockets work on 50% rounded. Ko-ken claims its "Surface Drive" sockets work on damaged bolts. I am surprised that Danaher Tools has yet to contact Ko-ken about using their trademark "Surface Drive". Danaher uses the trademark for the ubiquitous flank drive treatment to sockets and box end wrenches.

 

[lbgradwell]

lbgradwell,

You got a smokin' deal on the ratchet! How do you like the 3/8" long-handled flex ratchet? Is the quality of the ratchet up to the levels of Snap-on? Can you post a picture of the ratchet? Unfortunately, the tool catalog I posted does not show a picture of the ratchet.

Thanks,

Dave

Dave,

I haven't used it yet, but it seems to be of high quality. It's a coarse action though, with only 20-teeth (in spite of the website claiming 24), so it may be NOS...

I really only bought it to take a look at something from Ko-ken as I had never encountered the brand in person.

I'll try to post some photos tomorrow...

 

[Blacknwhitepit]

I have seen KOKEN at pawn shops and flea markets. I have always walked past them (I know where several sockets are and they are always there). I also know where I can get an old Koken ratchet for $5.00 as well.

Is the quality that good? If so, I may start picking some up.

-BWP

 

[Autoguy]

Good quality tools and moderately priced. I bought a 14 inch break bar for 15 USD and the flex head ratchet for 18USD. Also made in japan.

 

[dede2897234]

Autoguy,

Thanks for chiming in on your experiences with Ko-ken in Saudi Arabia. Were the prices you paid for the breaker bar and ratchet reasonable because the tools were used? For the amount you paid, here in the States, we have to settle for Craftsman not Ko-ken.

Dave

 

[superautobacs]

Is the quality that good? If so, I may start picking some up.

-BWP

The name is well regarded for many decades by Japanese industries.

Start picking them up; I want to see some old Ko-ken stuff.

 

[Autoguy]

Autoguy,

Thanks for chiming in on your experiences with Ko-ken in Saudi Arabia. Were the prices you paid for the breaker bar and ratchet reasonable because the tools were used? For the amount you paid, here in the States, we have to settle for Craftsman not Ko-ken.

Dave

Actually the priced I paid are for new items may be the cost of doing business here is lower thn in your country plus we have no taxes on items.

 

[lbgradwell]

I also know where I can get an old Koken ratchet for $5.00 as well.

I'd be all over that. But more out of curiosity than anything else...

 

[bchee]

Here is some old Koken stuff, apparently 40 years old. I think I've seen this set on ebay for a really long time. $35
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Vint...8485253QQptZMotorcyclesQ5fPartsQ5fAccessories

 

[superautobacs]

I think that's a pretty good deal there!

 

[TRTOOLSUPPLY]

Looked at the EBAY ad,
1. He compares Koken to be the SO of Japan then..

2. he insults SO shiny tool truck and drivers....Who is he trying to sell these to?

Might be why they have been on the fleabay awhile!

 

[lbgradwell]

Here is some old Koken stuff, apparently 40 years old. I think I've seen this set on ebay for a really long time. $35
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Vint...8485253QQptZMotorcyclesQ5fPartsQ5fAccessories

I'm pretty tempted by that! Too bad I'm hurting for cash so bad at present that I can't really justify it...

 

[dede2897234]

bchee,

I have seen that Ko-ken ratchet and socket set for a long time too on eBay. I think he has not sold the 4 sets in stock for the following reasons:

- Even though his feedback rating is 99.3%, he has 29 negative and 13 neutral ratings in 12 months
- Ko-ken is not a very well known and respected tool brand in the U.S. like in the rest of the world
- The larger metric sockets in the set are 12 point
- The length of the ratchet extension bars, sliding t-handle, and spin driver handle are in metric; he should have used an online "metric to inch" converter calculator and posted the lengths in inches
- Along the same lines as the last comment, he should have specified the drive size of the ratchet instead of its length; it is not apparent in the picture if it's a 3/8" drive ratchet
- The ratchet description should have included whether it is a course or fine tooth unit

 

[superautobacs]

Yeah, I was surprised that the seller forgot to include the drive size--probably one of the most important info. needed.

The ratchet would definately be a coarse unit; probably no more than 30 gears.

 

[UK Steve]

Just a few of the Ko-ken 3/8" range of ratchets, I love em to death.....

They also make a 600mm (2 foot) long 3/8 Ratchet....a special for Merc POLLY V BELT TENSIONER

 

[superautobacs]

UK Steve, what other brands of pear-shaped ratchets have you used and how does the Ko-ken ratchet mechanism/feel compare to them?

 

[UK Steve]

Well I've tried, Snap-on, Stahlwille, Hazet, Proto & of course Ko-ken. I have had others but they really aren't worth a mention, if they didn't fall to pieces they skinned knuckles.

As for useability Snap-on Stahlwille & Hazet are very similar in design with a pawl, ball & spring. The spring on the back of the pawl I found quite strong, on some occasions where the fastener was too tight for fingers but too slack to opperate the ratchet mechanism the socket had to be held for the back swing, if you understand my meaning.

Proto on the other hand was and still is far lighter on the spring, although the gear was quite course it's ratchet mechanism is very light, problem with the old Proto is the head on 1/4, 3/8 & 1/2" is huge.

Along comes Ko-ken, they bought the design from Proto a long while back and as is usual with the Japanese they have improved on a really good design.
Firstly the ratchet was an exact copy, they have since altered the size of head and incorporated a two step dog system that allows more teeth (24) and more strength (2 teeth against 1 tooth) but still with the lightest ratchet mechanism on the market IMO.

Round head ratchets I have had them all and will not give them house room.

Lots of companies are making very fine geared ratchets, when these are new they are very good, as they become older bits **** finds it's way into the mechanism and the smallest piece will hold the pawl from the gear this will take the top of all the in contact teeth.
Whereas the bigger the teeth the bigger the bite

 

[dede2897234]

UK Steve,

Please excuse me if I am being too intrusive. For each of the 3/8" drive ratchets you own, can you please mention approximately how much you paid for each ratchet model?

In the U.S., Ko-ken hand tools are hard to purchase and thus priced accordingly (expensive).

Thanks,

Dave

 

[ATTappman]

Well I've tried, Snap-on, Stahlwille, Hazet, Proto & of course Ko-ken...[snip]

This is the kind of post that's really helpful to us amateurs, who may not use our tools frequently enough to develop this kind of appreciation for what makes a good ratchet.

I always thought the more teeth the better, but maybe not. I used to think a ratchet with a beefy handle was better, but once I got a Snap-on I realized less weight is better. I like it when the pros on the forum tell us in detail what they like and don't like about a particular tool design.

 

[superautobacs]

Thanks UK Steve.

They say the secret to the smooth feel and performance of Ko-ken's ratchets are the S.O.D.H. system and the 2/3-step dog pawls. Althought the coarse 24/30-tooth count is low in today's standards, it has spawned a fan base among users and they keep coming back for it.

 

[Monte]

uksteve: you forgot to try Gedore , very smooth

 

[UK Steve]

UK Steve,

Please excuse me if I am being too intrusive. For each of the 3/8" drive ratchets you own, can you please mention approximately how much you paid for each ratchet model?

In the U.S., Ko-ken hand tools are hard to purchase and thus priced accordingly (expensive).

Thanks,

Dave

OK I'll do my best to convert from sterling to dollar at 1.60D to the Pound



From the top
3749S D35.00
2774PS-3/8" D67.00
3774PS D61.00
3774P D64.00
3753P-250 D61.00
3753P D45.00
2749PS-3/8 D42.00

These prices are to the closest Dollar and are what we pay here in the UK. What Stahlwille would charge for these in the US I have no idea......

uksteve: you forgot to try Gedore , very smooth

Monte, You are quite right I havent tried the Gedore ratchet as it is rather difficult to find, also I think the prices for some reason are quite high.

The Gedore ratchet is almost the same as the Ko-ken with the two step dog system requiring a very light spring..........

 

[dede2897234]

UK Steve,

I just looked up the prices (in dollars) on Stahlwille N.A.'s current price list for the Ko-ken ratchets you own. Here are my results:

3749S $46.59 UK $35.00
2774PS-3/8" $90.19 UK $67.00
3774PS $92.63 UK $61.00
3774P $90.19 UK $64.00
3753P-250 $67.08 UK $61.00
3753P N/A UK $45.00
2749PS-3/8 $53.24 UK $42.00

I wish I lived in the U.K. so that I could purchase the Ko-ken ratchets you own at those prices. Stahlwille N.A. charges too much for the Ko-ken flex head ratchets (2774PS, 3774PS, 3774P).

Thanks for the information,

Dave

 

[nikonica]

Besides the Ko-ken socket set on eBay already mentioned, there is another seller who has _screaming_ deals on some 3/4"-drive metric Ko-ken socket sets. I'm surprised they haven't been bought out yet ;-) Just search for "koken" on eBay.

 

[krehmkej]

PMFJI.

The Ko-Ken 3/8 ratchet I have is OK. Nothing to go crazy for looking for one. My biggest issue with it is that the reversing lever easily gets bumped to the wrong direction, no detent. I would grab a SO or Proto first..

My $0.03, YMMV.

 

[South Bay Tools]

I am an Independent Tool Dealer out here in California. I have a small inventory of Ko-ken Tools I'd like to get rid of---cheap. If anyone is interested, please email me at [email protected] for pricing & avb.

 

[rhandwor]

I have seen KOKEN at pawn shops and flea markets. I have always walked past them (I know where several sockets are and they are always there). I also know where I can get an old Koken ratchet for $5.00 as well.

Is the quality that good? If so, I may start picking some up.

-BWP

Their good tools for yourself its like buying Proto good quality but you need customers who want to buy them. If you go to some German car repair shops you might have some demand.

 

[South Bay Tools]

Ko-ken is sometimes called the "Snap-on" of Japan. Very high-quality tools! They sponsor a Porsche Racing Team (Jody Vincent)---now Porshce could have gone with anyone but they choose Ko-Ken for some reason. Does that tell it's a quality tool? Not really, see Craftsman Truck Series.

 

[Nikolai_V]

Ko-ken is sometimes called the "Snap-on" of Japan. Very high-quality tools! They sponsor a Porsche Racing Team (Jody Vincent)---now Porshce could have gone with anyone but they choose Ko-Ken for some reason. Does that tell it's a quality tool? Not really, see Craftsman Truck Series.

Yeah, that race team races in the NZ Porsche Cup series. Koken is very well regarded over here, and carried by one of the tool-trucks - Sulco Tools, so good representation. It`s also available in most industrial supply places.

I have a vast collection of Koken - they`re just about indestructible. I will say that Snap On has finer tooth ratchets, but for 90% of the time this makes no difference (and when it does I use a FLF80 anyway).

All Koken gear is very well made with a lifetime warranty as well.

The wobble extensions with the big knurling are very, very useful.

 

[rhandwor]

http://www.baumtools.com/ This company sells some.

 

[rhandwor]

http://www.uktools.com/ I was hunting a Koken 4mm 12 point short and deep. This was the only supplier with stock. Useful for small items because of shipping costs. If you want a 1 inch drive E32 female torx bit they carry one.

 

[bchee]

I am an Independent Tool Dealer out here in California. I have a small inventory of Ko-ken Tools I'd like to get rid of---cheap. If anyone is interested, please email me at [email protected] for pricing & avb.

I bought some wobble extensions from Rob at South Bay Tools. I started another thread