Crown Imperial
Well-known member
May be Nepros and Subarus don't mix?
the Nepros brand hand tool thread
- Thread starter TopFuel
- Start date
christodav
Active member
Hey guys. I live in Australia and I have just placed my first order via the nepros.net website. I only ordered a socket rail and a spark plug socket to test how long it takes to get here and check out the quality of the tools.
I lived in Japan from 2011-2013 and bought a few KTC standard tools and I was very pleased with the quality. AFAIK, we don't have a KTC distributor in Australia, which is surprising as we do have distributors for many other Japanese made tool brands including S.E.K, Shinano, Ko-Ken and sunflag. I actually work in a tool retail store here in Melbourne and I purchase a lot of Japanese and USA made tools for myself through work.
Anyway, I'll post again once I have received my order and let you all know how I got on.
Chris
I lived in Japan from 2011-2013 and bought a few KTC standard tools and I was very pleased with the quality. AFAIK, we don't have a KTC distributor in Australia, which is surprising as we do have distributors for many other Japanese made tool brands including S.E.K, Shinano, Ko-Ken and sunflag. I actually work in a tool retail store here in Melbourne and I purchase a lot of Japanese and USA made tools for myself through work.
Anyway, I'll post again once I have received my order and let you all know how I got on.
Chris
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Dave455
Well-known member
Good luck with that!
Unfortunately, here in the U.K. the carrier that Nepros use, stick you with a 'handling fee' for collecting the duty. Don't mind the duty, it's on everything, but the handling fee makes small orders very expensive.
Quality of the tools is great though. Doubt you will be disappointed!
Unfortunately, here in the U.K. the carrier that Nepros use, stick you with a 'handling fee' for collecting the duty. Don't mind the duty, it's on everything, but the handling fee makes small orders very expensive.
Quality of the tools is great though. Doubt you will be disappointed!
christodav
Active member
We don't have duty fees impossed on items bought oversea into Australia unless the value is over AU$1000-. If it is over that value, then it is a 10% duty.
Anyway, I was pleased to receive an email tonight with an invoice and a tracking number. I have had a lot of experience with EMS mail in the past and usually it takes anywhere from 4-14 days to arrive to me here in Melbourne from Japan. It will be interesting to see how long it takes through FEDEX.
Chris
Anyway, I was pleased to receive an email tonight with an invoice and a tracking number. I have had a lot of experience with EMS mail in the past and usually it takes anywhere from 4-14 days to arrive to me here in Melbourne from Japan. It will be interesting to see how long it takes through FEDEX.
Chris
christodav
Active member
Wow! I received the items today. I think I am addicted now.
The package left Japan on the 24th and arrived on the 29th. I think it's pretty impressive considering the package was sent from Japan to China, from China to Singapore, Singapore to Sydney and from Sydney to Melbourne - all within 4-5 days.
It's a big box for 2 small items LOL.
Chris
The package left Japan on the 24th and arrived on the 29th. I think it's pretty impressive considering the package was sent from Japan to China, from China to Singapore, Singapore to Sydney and from Sydney to Melbourne - all within 4-5 days.
It's a big box for 2 small items LOL.
Chris
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FiendFX
Well-known member
Did anyone buy this and have a picture?
3/8"sq. 90-Tooth Gear Flex-Head Ratchet
NBR390F
3/8"sq. 90-Tooth Gear Flex-Head Ratchet
NBR390F
I've owned these tools for about 3 years now and would like to give an update.
I only own the 3/8 flex head ratchet, a socket set, an extension set, and the u joint.
Ratchet lock and release no longer works. Sockets fall off easily and they can be pushed on without pressing the release button. The rubber "grip" at the bottom is long gone. These get oily and swell and then fall apart. On the sockets, they provide no grip at all. Hold the socket and twist, and the ring just spins around the socket. I'd much rather have some knurling on there to get a better grip.
The sockets, extension, and u joint have all held up just fine except the rubber ring. I will admit they have a better fit and finish than some ACE hardware brand tools, but I wouldn't buy their ratchet again.
I only own the 3/8 flex head ratchet, a socket set, an extension set, and the u joint.
Ratchet lock and release no longer works. Sockets fall off easily and they can be pushed on without pressing the release button. The rubber "grip" at the bottom is long gone. These get oily and swell and then fall apart. On the sockets, they provide no grip at all. Hold the socket and twist, and the ring just spins around the socket. I'd much rather have some knurling on there to get a better grip.
The sockets, extension, and u joint have all held up just fine except the rubber ring. I will admit they have a better fit and finish than some ACE hardware brand tools, but I wouldn't buy their ratchet again.
SawtoothJL
Well-known member
I Hate to play the Devils advocate but pieces of rubber on tools that get used hard are gonna wear fast, regardless of brand. Good to hear the you're enjoying the sockets though! [emoji106]
Qualitytools
Well-known member
This is great feedback as I have been eying the Nepros line and questioned in my mind the use of rubber or plastic (can't tell and there is no description of it) on their tools. Anyone that wrenches on cars knows that rubber, plastics and oil products used around automotive is not a good mix over time. I wonder why they don't use the knurling as Hazet for example uses it or it may be a patent thing??
Dave455
Well-known member
Yep! No doubt about it! I bought some Nepros sockets a while back and didn't like the rubber!
The sockets themselves are first class, but it's obvious the rubber is almost a disposable item!
I think the only reason they put them on there is so they can offer colour coded tools for tool control purposes.
A lot of the big makers (Proto spring to mind, but there are others) will offer tools with a groove for either a plastic, or painted, colour code ring!
superautobacs
Well-known member
I'd be inclined to contact their warranty department with the quick-release issue. Maybe they might send you a rebuild kit.
Regarding rubber grip rings:
Over the 5 years, I've inadvertently cut one ring of a ratchet spinner (which has since been replaced with a yellow one). I've also had two rings from a socket swell from being left submerged inside a solvent tank (but they did revert back to its original shape, and useable). My 10 and 17mm sockets have fallen into a bath of engine/transmission oil, and although they didn't swell, the oil stays between the groove and ring that it's becomes ineffective as a grip to aid in turning fasteners.
Quite simply, the solution to all this is knurling like Hazet has always been doing.
superautobacs
Well-known member
Surface finish is just impeccable. Definitely better than Snap-on when it comes to surface finish. Thanks to their triple hard chrome plating, the durability of the finish is very impressive as well (it's not like the typical stuff you get from Taiwan or China that scars/scratches so easily!). You just can not get this level of meticulous attention to detail with any other brand. No exaggeration.
The broaching surface:
That's the reflection of my phone:
The broaching surface:
That's the reflection of my phone:
Attachments
superautobacs
Well-known member
Sprintman
Banned
I'd take Nepros over any other brand.
dede2897234
Well-known member
My recent order came in.
I used an actual camera this time instead of the cell phone pictures above.
MIRROR FINISH, no doubt.
superautobacs,
Wow! Very nice order!
Do you have an upcoming automotive repair use for the Nepros 10mm open end wrench with the angle head?
If so, would you mind taking a few "tools in action" pictures?
Thanks,
Dave
superautobacs
Well-known member
Hi Dave,
I didn't purchase the angle-head spanners for any particular job in mind. I already had a 12 and 14mm and wanted the 10mm to compliment. I rarely have the need to use an open end wrench, but in the event that I do, I thought it might be beneficial to have a open end wrench with two different offset angles.
These angle head spanner wont be living in my main box, but in my home box. So, they will get limited usage.
I have one use in mind that makes an angle head spanner useful, but it's hard to describe in writing, so I may do a "tools in action" picture in the future. .....as time allows, of course.
Some quick shots I took today comparing the 1/2 and 3/8 drive:
Comparing the head size with a standard Ko-ken 1/2:
I didn't purchase the angle-head spanners for any particular job in mind. I already had a 12 and 14mm and wanted the 10mm to compliment. I rarely have the need to use an open end wrench, but in the event that I do, I thought it might be beneficial to have a open end wrench with two different offset angles.
These angle head spanner wont be living in my main box, but in my home box. So, they will get limited usage.
I have one use in mind that makes an angle head spanner useful, but it's hard to describe in writing, so I may do a "tools in action" picture in the future. .....as time allows, of course.
Some quick shots I took today comparing the 1/2 and 3/8 drive:
Comparing the head size with a standard Ko-ken 1/2:
Attachments
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superautobacs
Well-known member
superautobacs
Well-known member
Sorry for the crummy, old photos, but that's all I have at this time. I know it's been posted somewhere in this thread, with better photos. ....most likely by member, Ricleh.
Sprintman
Banned
Yeah. Chrissy Amphlett RIP
gooseadrian
Well-known member
- Joined
- Oct 28, 2012
- Messages
- 158
Gonna have to look into these. Nice tools
superautobacs
Well-known member
New releases from Nepros, as part of their 20-year anniversary.
pdf pamphlet here: http://ktc.jp/files/pr/download/flyer/66-11.pdf
pdf pamphlet here: http://ktc.jp/files/pr/download/flyer/66-11.pdf
too nice to use
and $116.- for a collectible... hmm
on the other hand there is always something more expensive:
http://ktcos.jp/urushi/index.html
and $116.- for a collectible... hmm
on the other hand there is always something more expensive:
http://ktcos.jp/urushi/index.html
superautobacs
Well-known member
I know you have lots of SO tools
...you payed for them because you know the quality is good. Nepros is, arguably of course, spec'd to a higher level than SO, so you are paying for top-tier tools. too nice to use
and $116.- for a collectible... hmm
on the other hand there is always something more expensive:
http://ktcos.jp/urushi/index.html
I know of one person in Japan who did by the most expensive urushi ratchet. He's a Nepros collector though. He literally has everything that they offer!
If I had green flowing out of my pockets, I own one of the urushi line ratchets and have it locked up inside a humidity-controlled showcase.
I'd then have all the limited edition ratchets for regular use. ....which leaves the standard Nepros ratchets for loaners, give-aways, junkyard toolbox.
So of this stuff will be polished more than used.
Those rubber things are only $5 for a pack of 10 and they come in many colors.
monty11ez
New member
Is KTC the manufacturer of the new Master Set tool chest EKR-1004? I was wondering if I could find it cheaper similar to how the old one was made by Waterloo?
superautobacs
Well-known member
Yup, it's a KTC original .... well, the box is made by one of their partner companies... the name escapes my mind right now though. The box is 100% made in Japan, if that's important to you.
ricleh
Well-known member
Just received my sets of the 20th Anniversary ratchets thanks to Frank.
