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the Nepros brand hand tool thread

chad99

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Nepros.net seems to be defunct been trying to make an order there for some time and worldpay says the certificate from the site is expired.As of a few weeks no responses from customer service from my emails :(
 
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spv

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I think there was some discussion about the durability of the chrome on Nepros products.
...
I hope this write up shows the level of quality in surface finishing that KTC pushes for their Nepros brand. Kyoto is argueably the center for Japan's craftsmen--excellent craftsmanship is in their DNA, I suppose. :)

The chrome discussion might have been me. Unfortunately I had issues with Nepros chrome durability. Some of my Nepros tools rusted in my tool chest. Not badly, but they developed surface rust spots. I was very disappointed by this as in my own mind I was not sure it was possible with Nepros. Believe it or not some of my lower quality tools did not develop rust. I ended up putting moisture capturing silica gel packets in my tool chest to help stop the rust. I also sprayed my Nepros with Lanolin spray which prevents rust on all my machinery. I have not had a rust problem since.

The rust was not the only issue I had with Nepros. I had to send some sockets back to Nepros due to bad plating. They acknowledged "bad plating" and they replaced them without question. It was very strange as all my other Nepros (when received) had been perfect up to that point. It made me wonder what happened to this batch as for all the talk of inspection, it seemed like no one had laid eyes on these. There were also tooling marks on the inside of the sockets. It was not like I had to look hard to see the issues. They did say that they were going to check for the problem, but I never heard any explanation past that.

That all said, I still rate their quality as high. They are very beautiful to look at and I have not been able to break any of them. The functionality of these tools has been great. The rubber grips on the sockets are one of my favorite practical features. They are my "go to" tools for pretty much all mechanical jobs. I would definitely purchase them again as for the most part they have been outstanding.
 
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ArcStyles

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I own sockets/sets from Hazet, Gedore (deep and short metric sets, mainly 6pt ), Nepros (deep and semi deep in full 6pt and 12point metric sets) and Snap-On SAE sets. I can tell you that all of them are my favorites for different reasons, but the main reason is when reaching this level of product development, there is not much to be critical about. They all have the feel, look and performance you come to expect from a professional quality product.

As for my wrenches, 1st Gen 600N/NA Hazet all the way and all of the other sets with the same design pattern. Not because I feel there is a bigger mechanical difference than all the other professional offerings. When you reach this level of performance there is not much of a separation from the other high end brands. It was all design preference for me.

I am not a big polished chrome guy. Probably because I am absolutely **** about perfection and terminally lazy about cleanliness. That is why my main metric sets have been, Hazet and Gedore. Beautiful to look at and very easy to keep them that way.

The only polished chrome sets I own (up til now) are Snap-On SAE sets. Designed to make it easier to identify from my metric sets when reaching for the desired socket. Love the chrome, hate the cleaning.

All that being said, if I had to do it all over again and was purchasing metric sockets for my everyday use, it would clearly be the Nepros and for one stand out reason, THE PRICE!!! With the OMG chrome, the mechanical muscle, the simple design and detail innovations (hence the rubber knurling) you would be hard pressed not to entertain it. I mean, she is drop dead gorgeous, goes everywhere in a binkini and she works on cars too!? If you live in the US and you want one of the best the world has to offer for your socket needs, (I cannot verify all Nepros products, because I only own their sockets) then you should look no further than Nepros. Trust me they are worth every single penny you save on purchasing them...

Earlier I stated they are all my favorites, but unless you have the time and energy to hunt down the best prices on the other products I mentioned above (which great prices can be had) you might want to consider Nepros as one of your buying options. Enough as be mentioned about the quality through out the 38 pages prior and outside of a few anomalies, the overall rating has been tremendous.

For those of you who have married yourselves to the products you all ready own, this write up is not for you. If you own any of the brands I mentioned above, then you know the quality first hand and again, this write up is not for you. But if you are thinking about an addition to the tools you already possess, making a jump to a higher end product, or looking to make your first life long commitment to your mechanical future, then save yourself some coin, because this write up is for you!

Outstanding quality to price ratio!!! Mid range pricing for professional high end results. Japan has pushed it's chair to the table with the big dogs and with the quality/price graph set this low, they might have the right to howl the loudest. They certainly have done enough for us to expect more from their competitors and demand that the big dogs stay true to their current standards or better. If the BD's underestimate companies like Nepros, they will lose their hold to the companies who WILL take the time to satisfy our consumer needs.

There is a new warrior in the west and his name is Nepros!
 
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ArcStyles

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I have 2 Nepros stickers from a couple of socket sets I bought. If you are an owner of any Nepros product that didn't receive one of these stickers, then you are entitled to one of the 2 stickers. First 2 people to PM me gets one. Leave me your name and address and I will send them out pronto.

Please, offer is only for Nepros owners. I will post the names on this post.
 
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mofo62

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.


OMG! :scared:


nepros_img01.jpg



V!
 

superautobacs

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Great write-up, SPV and Arcstyles....and Arcstyles, thumbs up to you for offering the Nepros decals!


Silvinnya,

Finally, what you've wanted is available ..... unless you managed to create your own hybrid?

I waited until they came out with a long version, so I've already ordered mine from KTC themselves. I'm anxious to pick it up this weekend.


Another Nepros related news:
At the recent Auto Service Show in Tokyo, KTC displayed their latest, limited-edition, Nepros ratchets. The lacquer-finished handles are fully hand made by skilled craftsmen of Kyoto--the historical, cultural, and artisans' capitol of Japan. Depending on design, the price ranges from $1000 to $20,000. :shocking:
 

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silVINNYa

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Sep 9, 2012
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Silvinnya,

Finally, what you've wanted is available ..... unless you managed to create your own hybrid?

I waited until they came out with a long version, so I've already ordered mine from KTC themselves. I'm anxious to pick it up this weekend.
I know right finally its here. I plan on getting all three of the ratchets that came out, but not anytime soon. Take pictures of the ratchet when you get it :bounce:

As for the hybrid, really fail. I wish I did more research on measurements. Would have been easier to get a SO FLF80 but I honestly love Nepro's handle. They fit and feel so comfortable and just right in your hand.
 

ArcStyles

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Daly City, Ca
Do we have the over all length of the new 90 teefus ratchets. I have to get one when the finances allow. 4 degree swing arc?! That's Crazy!! :eyecrazy:

Anybody use the earlier release of the 90? How are they holding up in actual field stress.

Wonder when Nepros will offer just the decorative handle sleeves. Buying them with the ratchet can get rather expensive, especially when it looks like this limited thing might be a common occurrence. A special case for the handles would be cool too. Just my thoughts for the collecting sector. At prices like a 1000 plus, I won't be part of this elite crowd. :sad:

Both Nepros stickers are still available. I will ship free to any Nepros owners who does'nt have one. PM me with your address.
 
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agpatel

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May 15, 2013
Messages
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I just got in yesterday the 3/8 palm/finger ratchet and build quality is excolent as noted in this thread. I got it from Nepros.Net and was shipped from Japan and receaved in 3 days, faster then I can get most items from the other coast. I have a 3/8 90 toot 3/8 stubby on pre-order as I have wanted a Nepros ratchet after I looked through this thread, will post back once it coems in, should be here late Aug.
 

ricleh

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Anybody use the earlier release of the 90? How are they holding up in actual field stress.

I've been using the original release 90 tooth ratchets for a few months and they are holding up just fine. They are very smooth and comfortable. I plan to get a couple of the long handle models when they are available.
 

ArcStyles

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I've been using the original release 90 tooth ratchets for a few months and they are holding up just fine. They are very smooth and comfortable. I plan to get a couple of the long handle models when they are available.

Excellent! Thank you for taking the time to inform us. :thumbup:
 

Carthik

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Aug 2, 2013
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Toronto, Canada
Does anyone know where I can find the NEPROS catalog? I see people posting snapshots of it but can't find it. I've downloaded the KTC catalog and it doesn't include the NEPROS line.
 

superautobacs

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Carthik,

Somehow, for some reason, the English website doesn't have Nepros listed.
You'll have to look at the Japanese website: http://ktc.jp/catalog/index_category.html#index_nep


My latest shipment arrived. I ordered a few 1/4" socketry stuff, but we all know what sockets look like, so I just took a few quick shots of the ratchet and driver handle:
 

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agpatel

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May 15, 2013
Messages
37
Just got in my Nepros 1/2 breaker bar and 90 tooth stubby ratchet from Franks:

1/2 Breaker Bar:

i-mvZ3Tkb-L.jpg


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3/8 90 Tooth Stubby Ratchet:

i-8Rcj2F8-L.jpg


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superautobacs

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Is the bolt or pin in the Nepros breaker bar head different than other's designs?

I think the most notable difference is Nepros' use of that thermoplastic resin pad to provide friction against the square drive. It provides a consistent amount of friction throughout its range of motion. They incorporate this on all of their flex head ratchets as well.

It's not a ball like you see on some breaker bars that allows you to retain one of the following angles: 90°/45°/180°. Some other designs don't have a ball and rely on the friction of the pin and for some other designs, if I'm not mistaken, is from the compression forces of a threaded bolt.

Here's a good illustration, straight from their catalogue:

nbs---2.jpg
 

Wakefield

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Arlington VA (but would like to get out to country
They obviously have spent some time designing that pivot joint.
I think that in some failures of breaker bars (probably not Nephros)(probably not Snap-on either) the pin or bolt failed in shear or tension which then caused an ear to break off.
Williams traps a stiff spring washer besides the drivepiece in a countersink provided in the drivepiece side with the inside surface of one of the ears holding it in there. The bolt used there (at least in mine) has a definite shoulder where the threads end and axle surface continues for the part that goes through the pivot hole in the drivepiece. I believe there is only the proper length of thread provided to be proper when the axle surface is butted up hard against the inside of the ear surface so that the bolt can be tightened firmly,the axle should keep the bolt from compressing things excessively. I think one of the Tool Truck men suggested that thing (bolt) is supposed to be good and tight on the Snap-on which is probably similar to the Williams.
"Craftsman" should provide a fix kit with a stronger drivepiece and pin for their breaker bars if they really have the problems that they seem to have-although my slightly older one hasn't broken yet.
As pretty as that Nepros bar is would anyone actually put a cheater on it?
 
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Gene46

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Sep 12, 2013
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Hi all,

This is my first post!

I've really enjoyed reading through this thread. Its probably the only Nepros thread in English. I must have read through it at least twice.

I just bought a new bike and am planning on spending long weekend riding and wrenching. As I live and work in a third world country, there are no service centers so I'm planning on learning how to do basic maintenance and stuff on it.

I don't have any tools at the moment but I want to buy something that will last a long time. Hence KTC and Nepros.

As my bike is Japanese, I expect all the bolts and fasteners to be metric. I have my eye on the NTX8700 or NTX8701 master set. Looking at them, its seem the 8701 is more expensive, even though the screw drivers are plastic compared to the wooden ones in the 8700? Am i missing something or is there some other difference?

For the guys who work on bikes (and anyone else for that matter), I was wondering also if anyone had any advice for tools to get from KTC or Nepros for wrenching on my bike that are not included in the master set. There are so many tools its kinda of confusing. T-handles, torque wrenches and hammers are what I have so far. I think these are only from KTC and not Nepros. As I have to get them shipped specially here, I really need to order as much as possible in the first shipment.

Thank you so much! I'm going to go back and look at the sweet pics again!
 

Dave455

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Hi Gene and welcome!

Yes, there's some good advice here! Strangely, it was a quest for further info about Nepros that brought me here too!

I've got a few Nepros wrenches, some socket wrenches and accessories, and some screwdrivers. So far they seem to have been a good buy! I should say that I also have U.S. made tools, German tools and older British made tools, so I'm comparing the Nepros to some serious competition. I don't think you will have any issues with the Nepros and would go ahead and get some if you like the look!

Bear in mind that if you have a Japanese bike the fasteners will all be JIS metric (Japanese Industrial Standard) rather than ISO metric, and the nut and bolt sizes will reflect this. You will need wrenches in 12 and 14mm for example, but you will probably never need a 13mm, which is an ISO size! All the more reason to buy Nepros, who bias their sets towards JIS and include these sizes as standard! Their chrome seems to be really tough too. I dropped one of my new Nepros wrenches from the top of a Land Rover to a concrete floor and it was undamaged!

The master sets look to be good value, but you may find there is some stuff you won't need. You may also need to add a few bits that Nepros don't offer - hammers and punches for sure - but you don't have to get them from KTC! Doubt you'll really know what you need till you've had your bike for a bit and know what specials are required! Most of my bike work has been on older British machines and you can do most jobs on those with about 4 wrenches and a pair of pliers!

I think the difference between the sets you quote is just the screwdrivers! I have a set of the wood handle drivers and they are simply superb!
 
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superautobacs

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Hello Gene,

I don't know if you've already made your decision or not, but I'd like to add a few things in addition to the good advice Dave has given.

Things to consider are:

-Hand impact driver
KTC offers a set with the most common bits. You can add in-hex/torx as needed to suit your needs:
20060220161820.jpg



-Scraper set
KTC offers a nice assortment:
medium.jpg



-Parallel pin punch set
KTC's punch is two-peice unlike the typical one peice and comes equipped with a handy rubber bumper/pin holder:
ehimemachine_pk3



-Snap ring pliers
KTC includes these as part of their tool set geared for motorcycles:
ktc_snapringXX1.jpg



-Brake bleeder wrench
Like all the good manufacturers out there, KTC also has offers the type where the wrench "sits" on the bleed valve:
330249_m.jpg



-Needle file set
Sourced from a famous file manufacturer in Japan:
tzkf105.jpg
 

Gene46

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Sep 12, 2013
Messages
2
Hello all and thanks for the replies.

Its looks like i'm getting the Nepros NTX 8700 and the KTC MCK317. Tire levers from KTC and T-handles from KTC.

The hand impact driver set, brake bleeder wrench and snap ring pliers look like good additions. I'll probably also end up getting a pair of Norbar torque wrenches that cover from 1 - 100 Nm.

Really looking forward to getting the Nepros!
 

Dave455

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Hello all and thanks for the replies.

Its looks like i'm getting the Nepros NTX 8700 and the KTC MCK317. Tire levers from KTC and T-handles from KTC.

The hand impact driver set, brake bleeder wrench and snap ring pliers look like good additions. I'll probably also end up getting a pair of Norbar torque wrenches that cover from 1 - 100 Nm.

Really looking forward to getting the Nepros!

Doubt you wil be disappointed!

Post a few pictures when it arrives! I'd be interested to see how they pack that lot for shipment!

Just trying to decide whether to order some more Nepros wrenches! Trouble is, I don't NEED any more wrenches at the mo, but they are just so nice to use!

Think I need another set of the wood handled screwdrivers as well! If I frame 'em and hang 'em on the wall I might start giving the first set the use they deserve!
 

Skin

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Just a heads up for anyone interested, I was browsing Franks tools and noticed he has the 90 tooth models available for (pre?)order in stubby, long, and flex formats. The flex pricing made me do a double take at $180.00. Makes an FLF80 look like a bargain.

http://www.frankstools.com/ktc-nepros.html
 
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superautobacs

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Yup, at my local Sears....right beside the express lane cash register...mixed together with the rest of the stuff in the clearance bin. :lol:

They cost anywhere from around $2k to $5k. I'm sure the friendly people at KTC's Nepros division will be happy to help arrange a custom order for you: http://www.nepros.net/?p=3&s=0
 

cosmik binturong

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.fr
-Snap ring pliers
KTC includes these as part of their tool set geared for motorcycles:
ktc_snapringXX1.jpg


hello superautobacs, got a link for that "pack of snap ring pliers business ends"? :confused:

got a couple of those KTC pliers from my monthly mexican pusher and would be quite happy to find all the other replaceable tips. :D

thnaks! ;)
 
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superautobacs

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:shocking: :wtf: :confused:

I'll shoot an email to them to see what the scoop is. It would be nice if they were in the midst of launching a revamped website because it sure deserves one (always has, imo).


EDIT: wow, I got a prompt reply from Ms. Nakamura from KTC. She said that they haven't terminated the website and that it must be a temporary problem. They weren't even aware of it, and I'm not surprised as the majority of businesses in Japan are just getting back to work after their New Year's holiday. She said they'll be monitoring it as well.
 
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cleeny

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NY
Just so potential non-nepros ktc buyers know, and since I haven't seen any other responses or posts about this issue, regular ktc combination wrenches may want to be avoided.

Take a look at the attached image. Those dents on the open end occur with every size wrench. This one in particular happened after I adjusted my bike's shift lever. Is this a big deal? I'm not sure as the wrench is still functional for undoing and fastening 12mm fasteners.

But it does sort of stray me away from ever buying non-nepros ktc wrenches in the future, esp. when my facom 440, snap-on, and stahlwille combis do not do this.

As a side note, my koken z-eal socket also showed similar dents after a few uses. No marks on the koken z-eal socket extension or the z-eal ratchet that was used with this socket btw. Just the socket was marked up after fastening.

I'm pretty new to the tool world so I'm not sure if this is normal but yeah... maybe its done on purpose? :confused:

On the other hand, I've just received my nms2-12 nepros combi wrench and the thing is absolutely incredible... the finish is astounding... i doubt i'd have the above issue with the nepros wrench (i haven't had the time to try out the nms2-12 yet^^)
 

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Applesauce

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Hahahaha...THIS GUY. Dude. Relax. You have metal touching metal. Regardless of the metals in question, they can't all be harder than kryptonite. Use your tools and live with a scratch or two. Sheesh.


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