the Nepros brand hand tool thread
- Thread starter TopFuel
- Start date
Negen
Well-known member
superautobacs
Well-known member
If I ever go to Sacramento I'd have to pay a visit to see the largest collection of Nepros tools....probably in North America. 
RobM
New member
Awesome collection!
Thoughts on Nepros' super-stubby ratchets with female drive squares in the handle to accept a breaker bar or extension? I can see how they would be super useful...or a novelty gimmick. Does anyone use one regularly? If you have one and don't use it regularly, why?
Dave455
Well-known member
I don’t have the Nepros, but I have the Koken version, and use it a lot!
For a start, you might as well use one instead of a stubby ratchet. They’re just as handy, and just as good to use!
For other applications it’s all about access. They’re great for any fastener you can’t get directly over, but can’t get a wrench onto - and on modern vehicles that’s a lot! Bear in mind that you can flip ‘em over and use them on fasteners facing away from you too!
An elderly colleague of mine keeps his Snap On version in his jacket pocket - not sure if it’s sentimental value or irreplaceable, but it’s always there! One Christmas lunch he was hunting around for change and turned out his pocket contents on the table, there was a Moore and Wright pocket screwdriver, Melco miniature folding wrench set, about 3 pocketknives, and his Snap On ‘Multi Purpose’ ratchet!
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superautobacs
Well-known member
Maybe you're already aware of this? .... When compared with the Snap-on / Ko-ken multi-purpose ratchet design, the Nepros design doesn't have a square on the **** end (to allow for inserting any length of extension to make it a long ratchet).
I've used my 3/8 Nepros one several times. It's not my go-to because I have regular ratchets to chose from. So, it only comes out for specialty purposes (either using it as a stubby ratchet or using it with a breaker bar to clear obstructions (you have two sides to insert the breaker bar to create an offset that you can't attain from a regular flexhead ratchet).
A novelty maybe, but I don't consider it a gimmick by any means. It's a functional tool that's built to the Nepros standards.
I've used my 3/8 Nepros one several times. It's not my go-to because I have regular ratchets to chose from. So, it only comes out for specialty purposes (either using it as a stubby ratchet or using it with a breaker bar to clear obstructions (you have two sides to insert the breaker bar to create an offset that you can't attain from a regular flexhead ratchet).
A novelty maybe, but I don't consider it a gimmick by any means. It's a functional tool that's built to the Nepros standards.
What tool are we talking about here? Link?
superautobacs
Well-known member
nbr290h
https://ktc.jp/catalog/index-category/category-list/nbr290h
nbr390h
https://ktc.jp/catalog/index-category/category-list/nbr390h
Comparing with Snap-on/Ko-ken design:
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/ccassan/28859687412/in/photolist-KYerBs-KYerDG-KYerkf-ULihfm-VmwRYD-KbNJCU-FiiAjp-EtMmZo-ReSJBL-QexVxk-QexVtx-ReSJeG-QexVpV-ReSJjS-QbJT6J-ReSJ8j-VmwRxZ-L8tM9V-L5Ec5E-Q72atS-Q9MLFV-GG6v9N-GG6veC-GG6vJL-EZ8GyW-Fg27YN-FrGgdi-EtMmsG-Fppq6A-Eu8PMv-Fg28JL-U4YKFA-QexVAB-QTQwgf-QexVyx-QexVvg-ENHk5f-FFRZ7h-ReSJou-ReSJqy-QexVez-QexVin-QexVoc-QexVkg-QTQw2N-ReSJc7-QbJT63-Rhwzpi-QbJT3h-QTQw1f" title="Ko-ken 3753SM, Snap-on F734A .."><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8452/28859687412_9969799579_b.jpg" width="1024" height="576" alt="Ko-ken 3753SM, Snap-on F734A .."></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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superautobacs
Well-known member
That Acesa shifter is pretty nifty.
nbr290h
https://ktc.jp/catalog/index-category/category-list/nbr290h
nbr390h
https://ktc.jp/catalog/index-category/category-list/nbr390h
Comparing with Snap-on/Ko-ken design:
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/ccassan/28859687412/in/photolist-KYerBs-KYerDG-KYerkf-ULihfm-VmwRYD-KbNJCU-FiiAjp-EtMmZo-ReSJBL-QexVxk-QexVtx-ReSJeG-QexVpV-ReSJjS-QbJT6J-ReSJ8j-VmwRxZ-L8tM9V-L5Ec5E-Q72atS-Q9MLFV-GG6v9N-GG6veC-GG6vJL-EZ8GyW-Fg27YN-FrGgdi-EtMmsG-Fppq6A-Eu8PMv-Fg28JL-U4YKFA-QexVAB-QTQwgf-QexVyx-QexVvg-ENHk5f-FFRZ7h-ReSJou-ReSJqy-QexVez-QexVin-QexVoc-QexVkg-QTQw2N-ReSJc7-QbJT63-Rhwzpi-QbJT3h-QTQw1f" title="Ko-ken 3753SM, Snap-on F734A .."><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8452/28859687412_9969799579_b.jpg" width="1024" height="576" alt="Ko-ken 3753SM, Snap-on F734A .."></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
Aha! Thank you!
I wasn't, but that's because I was unaware of the Snapper or Koken tools. I looked them both up. It looks like both only offer this style in 3/8" drive whereas Nepros offers a 1/4" model as well. The 3/8" drive Snapper is even more expensive than the 3/8" drive Nepros, which just seems odd to me.
When I was thinking use with extension, my thought was to stick a long extension on top, maybe a Wera because of their sleeve, and use it as a speeder of sorts.
thegalli
New member
Does KTC send you a Christmas card every year? Holy ****!
The set of the hand lacquered are exquisite!
I hope your family knows what they're worth so that if you pass suddenly they don't get sold at your estate sale for $40
Bellaireroad
Well-known member
Hello, I just received the 3/8 ratchet to replace a snap on fr80 that disappeared. I like it, and was considering ordering a 3/8 socket set. Any feedback from socket owners? I know they have a rubber ring... this is a nonissue for me, and I know the finish is great, which is good, but how about the fit to fastener, and overall diameter of the socket when compared to other brands?
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro
Dave455
Well-known member
Some folks seem to be bothered by the rubber ring. I can sort of understand why, it won’t last, but they’re only really there for tool control purposes (Nepros supply other colours) so you might as well remove it!
The fit to the fastener is tighter on the Nepros than the majority of other sockets. Great if you are working on a tight fastener, or one you don’t want to mark. Less good if your fastener is rusted! Their wrenches are similar. My guess is that only the Koken Z series (Zeal in a he U.S.) sockets would offer a similar fit. I have both but havn’t taken measurements.
Overall sizes are on the respective websites. I’m thinking they’re comparable to anything else of similar quality, such as Snap On. If you need a socket that’s tight fitting, and as compact as they come, then you want a KoKen Z series, not a Nepros!
Finish on the Nepros is about as top end as they get. Beautifully done, but durable with it!
The fit to the fastener is tighter on the Nepros than the majority of other sockets. Great if you are working on a tight fastener, or one you don’t want to mark. Less good if your fastener is rusted! Their wrenches are similar. My guess is that only the Koken Z series (Zeal in a he U.S.) sockets would offer a similar fit. I have both but havn’t taken measurements.
Overall sizes are on the respective websites. I’m thinking they’re comparable to anything else of similar quality, such as Snap On. If you need a socket that’s tight fitting, and as compact as they come, then you want a KoKen Z series, not a Nepros!
Finish on the Nepros is about as top end as they get. Beautifully done, but durable with it!
Bellaireroad
Well-known member
Thanks, I took a look at their website, had to smile at the spelling of “practical”.
Maybe I didn’t dig deep enough, but didn’t find any SAE
http://www.koken-tool.co.jp/en/z-eal.html
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro
Maybe I didn’t dig deep enough, but didn’t find any SAE
http://www.koken-tool.co.jp/en/z-eal.html
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro
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Moose Legs
Active member
Does anyone have any thoughts on how the Nepros pliers compare to other brands such Knipex or NWS?
Negen
Well-known member
I use mine but I think the chrome is so thick they don't get as good of a grip than other brands.
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Negen
Well-known member
Zeal is only metric need to get the normal height koken for sae
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Dave455
Well-known member
Sadly not! The Z Series is still fairly new, and while more new items are being introduced each year, they have yet to include SAE sizes.
They introduced this range specially for tight access on newer vehicles, which they obviously assume are predominantly metric.
You’ll just have to go with the regular lineup. There are 3 lengths of socket in SAE, and a choice of 6 or 12 point, together with all manner of ‘specials’, and in SAE alone they offer a different ‘aerospace grade’!
I have Koken in both the regular lineup, and some of the Z series. For most purposes you’re better off with the regular lineup. Or, of course, Nepros!
jallyn
Well-known member
Those can also be used with a torque wrench as a ratcheting torque adapter. Notice the center-to-center dimension is 50mm... which makes the math easier when using one as a torque adapter.
Snap-On sells torque adapters with 2" center-to-center since Americans don't need no metric system.
https://store.snapon.com/Torque-Adaptors-C796465.aspxHere's some interesting info on torque adapters: https://www.engineersedge.com/manufacturing_spec/torque_wrench_1.htm
jmhinkle
Well-known member
Having rebuilt my Craftsman 44994, 44995 and 44996 yet again from seemingly crunchy gears after regular use, I went on the hunt for something of better quality. Ran across discussions of the Nepros ratchets and decided to give them a try. Just picked up the standard length 1/4" and 1/2" ratchet along with the ion blue standard length 3/8" ratchet and the spark plug socket set. Got them from Frankstools in 2 days. Very impressed with the finish of the tools and feel of the ratchet mechanism. I will be picking up some shorty and long length ratchets as well. The blue is much darker in person than in pictures. I wasn't sure I'd like it at first, but now I wish I'd gotten the 1/4" in blue as well.
jmhinkle
Well-known member
Finally figured out getting pictures to post on this site. Here's the Nepros I got a little while back.
NBR490
NBR390JB
NBR290
NTB305SPA
NBR490
NBR390JB
NBR290
NTB305SPA
J.C.
Well-known member
Finally got around to taking some pics of the wrench I got a week back... it's one nice piece of kit.
More pics/thoughts here:
https://motofaction.org/tool-review...ooth-compact-head-long-ratchet-japanese-made/
More pics/thoughts here:
https://motofaction.org/tool-review...ooth-compact-head-long-ratchet-japanese-made/
nichocha33
Well-known member
- Joined
- Dec 31, 2010
- Messages
- 180
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redragoon
Well-known member
Nichocha, is that one ratchet black or blue? It is hard to tell on my screen.
jmhinkle
Well-known member
Their QR button is fairly stiff. I've had no issues with mine.
It's ion blue. I have the same one.
Never. The price is the price and its only gone up.
BarryWells
Well-known member
I have the short box end wrenches and low offset double box and a 3/8 ratchet so I'm certainly no expert. I'd say these items are as good as anything at any price.
I bought a handful of KTC ratts and some pliers and got talked into the others by Frank
I bought a handful of KTC ratts and some pliers and got talked into the others by Frank
J.C.
Well-known member
Picked up a nice little quarter inch breaker bar to go with the short 90-tooth ratchet:
More pics here:
https://motofaction.org/tool-review...w-6-3mm-1-4-inch-quarter-japanese-made-japan/
More pics here:
https://motofaction.org/tool-review...w-6-3mm-1-4-inch-quarter-japanese-made-japan/
superautobacs
Well-known member
How easy is it to remove? I’ve found I have to punch out spinner handles (Felo, Würth) and breaker bars (Stahlwille) from my Nepros stubby ratchet when I want to change the handle. The only exception is a Stahlwille QR handle, for obvious reasons.
Salmanslim
Member
This haul from a few weeks ago
Where did you get the blue nepros from ?
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ricleh
Well-known member
The blue color is the ion plated. The tools are available on Nepros.net I believe.
jmhinkle
Well-known member
I believe those are all sold out now. I got mine quite a while ago. You might have luck contacting Frank directly about them