the Nepros brand hand tool thread

[ScaryFatKidGT]

I know this is very old thread but DRPD tools has the best deals I've found on nepros and koken tools plus they do pay pal pay in 4 ( which you need no credit for ) and they chunk it in 4 payments every 2 weeks if you want or just buy it outright

Exactly what I did, only issue is I wish they had a more complete catalog.

Probably will, eventually.

To answer you questions above:

Ricleh probably bought a master set. You could inquire with KTC/Nepros to see if they sell the organizers separately.

The Snap-on multi-purpose ratchets are still made. A couple years ago they released a Dual-80 version in 3/8 drive. Part # FZ80





Not sure whether the adjustable crowsfoot are still made in Spain, by Acesa.



Leather wrapped pliers were limited edition.

I want longer ratchets but want to wait till they are updated, when did the leather wrapped stuff come out?

As superautobacs said, I purchased 2 of the master sets when they first came out. That was 13 years ago. The prices back then were really good.

Ahhhh ok, I really like the organizers, I don't like how they usually skip sizes but they look so much better than tools just laying in the drawer or even socket rails.

 

[cleeny]

First time I've seen a nepros decal on a car.

 

[will335i]

I just started seeing that version of their pliers, not sure if they are available yet?

It was a previous limited addition. It seems like every year or so nepros releases a different limited addition with the most recent one being the gold tools. Most haven't been a huge markup but the prices after they are gone can get outrageous fast. I found a ratchet set available that I am keeping my eye on but I really just want the ratchet.

 

[ScaryFatKidGT]

It was a previous limited addition. It seems like every year or so nepros releases a different limited addition with the most recent one being the gold tools. Most haven't been a huge markup but the prices after they are gone can get outrageous fast. I found a ratchet set available that I am keeping my eye on but I really just want the ratchet.

They had leather wrapped ratchets? I've only seen the pliers... be a cool set to keep in a sports car.

 

[will335i]

They had leather wrapped ratchets? I've only seen the pliers... be a cool set to keep in a sports car.

Yes, for the 20th anniversary they released 3. A dark brown leather wrapped, a tan leather wrapped and the black perforated leather wrapped. The brown and tan ones can still be found for sale but the the black one is the one I want and is near impossible to track down.

 

[Subutai]

Also the owners name is Mike he writes you a hand written thank you on every slip and responds very promptly on email DRPD tools a nepros 3/8 flex is over 200$ on Amazon it's only 170ish at DRPD also the longer koken 3/8 flex is 100$ most other websites it's around 120 DRPD also gives you free shipping and has nepros/koken/ktc sockets and wrenches also check it out they are a contender

Late reply but Mike is awesome.

I messed up a $150 PB Swiss order (gave him the wrong address and the package got lost) and he immediately said “Well, we’ll have to eat the cost but we’ll send out a new order for you.”

It was a birthday gift for my son’s godfather, so it meant a lot.

 

[snowblindb]

I'm planning to buy Nepros 3/8" ratchet and Koken nut grip socket set. Are they good together or should I buy Nepros sockets instead? I don't remember where I saw something about fitments of Koken sockets and Nepros ratchets but now I don't find that info anywhere.

 

[Dave455]

I'm planning to buy Nepros 3/8" ratchet and Koken nut grip socket set. Are they good together or should I buy Nepros sockets instead? I don't remember where I saw something about fitments of Koken sockets and Nepros ratchets but now I don't find that info anywhere.

As a general policy, I prefer to use ratchets and accessories from the same maker as my sockets. I appreciate this is a luxury for some, but it ensures the best fit and lock up.

in this case, the Nepros ratchet and KoKen sockets work fine together.


Personally, I still wouldn’t use that combination, as I use tools from those makers very differently. I use my Nepros for high quality / clean fasteners. I appreciate that having a set of “clean” tools is also a luxury, but that’s what I do.

My KoKen tend to get used for more general / grubby tasks, but by definition, the nut grip sockets only get used on recessed fasteners, or those in difficult places, so more usually on an extension rather than directly on a ratchet.

I would also, if I was paying the shipping for a ratchet, pay the extra and get at least some Nepros sockets to match the Nepros ratchet!

 

[tamaraw]

I'm planning to buy Nepros 3/8" ratchet and Koken nut grip socket set. Are they good together or should I buy Nepros sockets instead? I don't remember where I saw something about fitments of Koken sockets and Nepros ratchets but now I don't find that info anywhere.

Not sure if this helps but:

I have a full 1/2" set of Nepros sockets that I mostly use on a Cornwell ratchet with Ko-ken quick spinner mounted in between or zeal breaker bar. Fit is decent and they are secure with minimal rattle. One oddity is that the Nepros 1/2" attachments can be pressed slightly deeper onto the zeal drive by hand but will otherwise spring forward perhaps a mm or so on their own. There is a slight wobble if you push it around with your fingers but it doesn't bother me. A 1/2" Nepros socket on a 1/2" Nepros extension or drive adapter does fit more flush with a little less play if you prefer.

I also have several Nepros 1/4" extensions, the T-handle, spinner handles, etc. The few Ko-ken sockets that I have (zeal +2, +3 bit sockets and regular 12mm) fit very nicely on the Nepros square drives with absolutely no wiggle or rattle. In fact, I find that they fit the Nepros square drives better than actual 1/4" Nepros sockets/extensions.

I believe the comment string you were referring to was specifically about wobble fix extensions acting funky when mixed, can't remember exactly.

 

[Reed Prince]

I'm planning to buy Nepros 3/8" ratchet and Koken nut grip socket set. Are they good together or should I buy Nepros sockets instead? I don't remember where I saw something about fitments of Koken sockets and Nepros ratchets but now I don't find that info anywhere.

I have Nepros 1/4" and 3/8" ratchets and they go together well with my regular Ko-ken and zeal sockets.

 

[threewood]

Tool shop in Osaka...

 

[Ton ton]

Tool shop in Osaka...

What is the name of this tool shop?

 

[KnurledNut]

What is the name of this tool shop?

日本の工具屋

 

[Ton ton]

日本の工具屋

Thank you very much!

 

[threewood]

What is the name of this tool shop?

Factory Gear. Amazing selection of hand tools

 

[cbracer]

If you don't like play between the socket and ratchet, then you should not buy Nepros sockets to go with Nepros ratchets. The Nepros ratchets have a lot of side and up down play especially with the Nepros sockets. I never noticed it before but most companies do. The Koken Zeal sockets and ratchets have zero to almost no play. And the Zeal sockets used on Nepros ratchets cut down the play some too. I've thought about having new bottom plates made up with tighter tolerances to remove the Nepros play....

And the finishes are so different on the koken brands.... there's polished chrome, machined chrome, and rough chrome. Then some companies like Tone have satin chrome. I still use my Zeal line the most even though I don't like the dual tone finishes. Also, wouldn't you think the best designs would be on the Nepros brand? Concerning the tighter tolerances and better fit of Zeal..... but i guess Nepros follows industry standards even if not superior to Zeal

 

[merkyworks]

Koken Zeal is the bomb

 

[snowblindb]

Thank you all for help and kind replys. Maybe it really was about woble extensions and sockets! I could probably buy a Zeal ratchet too, but it’s hard to describe how I feel about them. I think that I just prefer the looks of Nepros ratchets more than anything else
Ofcourse I can’t say how they feel in hand or how they work in real life.

I found a video where he tests Nepros and Koken together. The fitment looks good to me and I don’t see too much play on ratchet itself.

YouTube

 

[threewood]

As far as wobble, my Nepros are as good as my Snap On. I expect a little movement not sloppy movement. Using Snap On, Proto, Craftsman, and Koken. Where the Nepros shine is with backdrag. They are less than anything else I have, including Snap On. Very smooth and they have light feel.

 

[Reed Prince]

Testing out a bench microscope today.

 

[dclark2171]

Would I have any problems using Koken socket rails for my Nepros sockets?

 

[Dave455]

Would I have any problems using Koken socket rails for my Nepros sockets?

Not particularly.

Bear in mind that the regular KoKen rails are nothing special - metal spring clips on a metal rail. They’re “o.k.” at best, but I’m not sure I’d use them on mirror polished Nepros sockets. In fact I’m sure I wouldn’t.


The KoKen Z Series / Zeal are much better in that respect, in fact better across the board. KoKen don’t make these. I’ve forgotten the manufacturer.


Personally, I’d use the Nepros. The pegs are the absolute best on any rail, and with the steel rails I think they are better quality than even the Z Series.


The only thing you really gain with the Z Series rail is the magnetic base, which is nice if you are using them in a metal box or drawer.

 

[dclark2171]

Not particularly.

Bear in mind that the regular KoKen rails are nothing special - metal spring clips on a metal rail. They’re “o.k.” at best, but I’m not sure I’d use them on mirror polished Nepros sockets. In fact I’m sure I wouldn’t.


The KoKen Z Series / Zeal are much better in that respect, in fact better across the board. KoKen don’t make these. I’ve forgotten the manufacturer.


Personally, I’d use the Nepros. The pegs are the absolute best on any rail, and with the steel rails I think they are better quality than even the Z Series.


The only thing you really gain with the Z Series rail is the magnetic base, which is nice if you are using them in a metal box or drawer.

The magnetic base is what im looking for. I guess i could attach and rig up the Nepros rails

 

[00 Scrub]

I tried re lubricating my 3/8 nepros ratchet and ran into an issue. The mechnism
Seems to bind, but I can’t figure out what I’m doing wrong. Can anyone here help me spot what I need to do? I didn’t use all that much lube. I did my 1/4 drive before this without issue.

 

[Fedwrench]

I tried re lubricating my 3/8 nepros ratchet and ran into an issue. The mechnism
Seems to bind, but I can’t figure out what I’m doing wrong. Can anyone here help me spot what I need to do? I didn’t use all that much lube. I did my 1/4 drive before this without issue.

Does it bind with the gear cover off or on? If on, you may have tightened it too much. What did you use for lube? high toothed ratchet like thin almost oil like lube.

 

[00 Scrub]

It binds both ways. I used a small amount of super lube. Didn’t seem to bother the 1/4”.

 

[FigN⋅m]

It binds both ways. I used a small amount of super lube. Didn’t seem to bother the 1/4”.

Which Super Lube? NLGI 00 seems to be the golden ticket

 

[s3zau]

It binds both ways. I used a small amount of super lube. Didn’t seem to bother the 1/4”.

These ratchet don’t like sticky super lube , they lockup . Clean it completely all parts and then maybe use a(1) drop of tin instrument oil.
Assemble and it should work correctly again.
Don’f ask how I find out they lockup after super lube, that floating pall gets stuck by the lube in the fine teeth and no more ratcheting

 

[bkdc]

If you don’t like binding, use oil. Don’t use grease. Same with Harbor Freight ICON Ratchets. Superlube multipurpose oil is good stuff.

 

[00 Scrub]

I ended up cleaning out the super line and threw in some of my chain oil instead. Seems to be working fine. It’s odd the super line worked very well for the 1/4 drive.
For reference this is what I used:

Thanks for the help

 

[bkdc]

Even if you try using SuperLube Grease (which is great stuff), the grease comes in two thicknesses.

There is the NLGI Grade 2 (which is what most people use and is easily available… PEANUT BUTTER thickness) and there is NGLI Grade 00 (which needs to be special ordered but this is the stuff Snap-on includes in a rebuild kit… APPLE SAUCE consistency).

It’s worth buying a 14 ounce tub of the SuperLube NLGI 00 grease. It really is thin like apple sauce. If you use it sparingly, you can avoid binding.

 

[Steve_P]

As others have said, the best lube for the new fine-tooth ratchets, especially 1/4 and 3/8 drive, is some type of oil. Anything thicker tends to make the pawl stick to the gear, and it locks up, as said. I put a dab of super lube grease on the back of the gear, and apply super lube oil on the teeth. For 1/2 drive I've been able to get away with a very light coating of the super lube grease on the teeth.

 

[snowblindb]

https://www.instagram.com/p/DMM70HIJpum/?igsh=ZzNiN2Z3enlwM2hh

I can’t find more info about that black set.

 

[mattstevens]

nepros｜ＫＴＣツールオフィシャルサイト

プロがプロであり続けるために ー BEYOND THE BEST ー 最善の先にある進化を、neprosはneprosは目指し続けます。

ktc.jp

Limited edition sets for their 30th anniversary that will only be available for purchase via lottery and only as the boxed sets (no singles).

Here’s a video that shows them a bit:

 

[Sioux22]

Unfortunately it appears japanese amazon will no longer ship nepros to the US. I assume this is tariff related but idk. Anyone know of an alternative with similarly good pricing? Pretty much all I know is webike, whale supply, and the american nepros website, but none of them had close to as good of prices as japanese amazon.

 

[toddmorr]

Use a consolidation service like tenso.com, it makes price sense if you are buying a bunch of tools

 

[Steel_Rain]

Use a consolidation service

This, or try Blackship, I've used them for years with good luck.

Blackship | Package Forwarding from Japan

Forward packages from Japan with your Blackship address. Trusted by thousands of businesses and collectors.

blackship.com

 

[R25_GTS]

Hi All,

Ordered the 4 pcs Philips screwdriver set with the plastic handles and they all make a crackling noise when pressed on the handle. Feels like the black plastic is not glued properly on the metal and there's a gap or something. All 4 sizes have the same issue. Has anyone noticed this with their Nepros screwdrivers?

Thank you

 

[Steel_Rain]

they all make a crackling noise when pressed on the handle.

THIS.

I have all these drivers and this started with the #2 PH, but has since migrated to all of them:



Like you said, I'm sure it's the adhesive making these sounds under pressure/torque. It's a shame because the quality of these is incredible. I've heard if you contact Nepros, they will send you a replacement, but those will eventually have the same problem, so no real solution here.

I still used these despite that issue, but I could see why anyone would find it annoying, tool nut or not.

 

[MWEric]

Mine did as well. I personally didn’t give a care but others most surely will.