the Nepros brand hand tool thread

[jmhinkle]

Looks like they only have some sockets and wrenches left in the blue on the website.

 

[nichocha33]

This haul from a few weeks ago



Where did you get the blue nepros from ?


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The Ion Blue was a limited run, maybe contact Nepros or Franks and see if they can hunt you one down


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[Bigblue&Goldie]

I need another ratchet like I need another hole in my head, but these Nepros are really tempting me.

 

[jmhinkle]

I need another ratchet like I need another hole in my head, but these Nepros are really tempting me.

I felt the same, but they are really on another level quality wise. My only issue is I have a hard time using them because they are so nice. I use my Tekton stuff mostly, but occasionally I do use the Nepros for something in a clean environment.

 

[E.T.]

Frank no longer sells Nepros to my knowledge. I already picked up the chrome NBR390 from Amazon JP and at over $100 a pop I won’t be getting another soon I’d actually like the black ion but that’s loooong gone

 

[toddmorr]

i handled several Nepros ratchets at a shop in Tokyo a few months ago. The finish is amazing and just overall feel in the hand was great. I was not impressed with the backdrag though. Felt stiff.....maybe they break in, I don't know.

 

[superautobacs]

i handled several Nepros ratchets at a shop in Tokyo a few months ago. The finish is amazing and just overall feel in the hand was great. I was not impressed with the backdrag though. Felt stiff.....maybe they break in, I don't know.

Which store did you go to?
Regarding the backdrag:
Did you compare two or more of the same ratchet model against eachother?
What other brands of high-tooth count ratchets are you comparing against ?

 

[426 HEMI]

I placed an order from Nepros.net over 2 weeks ago. I received a confirmation email that my payment was successful through world pay but that is the last I have heard, no shipping notification or tracking number. I have tried to contact Nepros at [email protected] but they all come back as undeliverable. Has anyone been in contact with nepros recently?

 

[mr.lemons]

I've had issues with some companies blocking outlook and hotmail so get an undeliverable message. Not had the issue with gmail so maybe worth trying sending from a different email address or use their contact form. https://www.nepros.net/?page=Contact

 

[426 HEMI]

I was using outlook , I'll give it a shot, thanks

 

[toddmorr]

Which store did you go to?
Regarding the backdrag:
Did you compare two or more of the same ratchet model against eachother?
What other brands of high-tooth count ratchets are you comparing against ?

It was the Factory Gear store in Akihabara.
No i didn't compare two samples of the same model...they had a 3-4 Nepros in 3/8 1/2 1/4 and several 3/8 and 1/4 Koken. The Nepros were smooth and consistent but much higher backdrag than the Koken. Kind of disappointing.

 

[E.T.]

Contact page never worked for me. Email to the address listed on the customer service tab. Info at nepros.net I believe

 

[neilsen100]

I placed an order from Nepros.net over 2 weeks ago. I received a confirmation email that my payment was successful through world pay but that is the last I have heard, no shipping notification or tracking number. I have tried to contact Nepros at email but they all come back as undeliverable. Has anyone been in contact with nepros recently?

I placed my order with them the first week of September. Same experience you had of payment received and nothing more. Tried the Nepros email, fail. Tried the Nepros contact form, no reply after two submissions. Sent in an email to the KTC info page and heard back one week later. My order included some parts that were not available but would be shortly. Actually received a call from Frank of frankstools.com who was speaking on behalf of Nepros. Said they've had some email challenges and that the older english speaking folks are no longer there.

I have been assured that my order was received and is being filled later this week. I don't find this experience great, but am still very excited to get these tools. Will post once I have them in hand. Otherwise the only thing I can say is customer communication is not their strength and order requires patience.

 

[426 HEMI]

I tried the info@nepros email but that didn't work. I then sent a message using the contact form and I received a reply with no explanation but showing that my order was being dispatched by DHL today. I don't know what the delay was or if my order would have even been shipped if I hadn't contacted them. Fingers crossed that it arrives!

 

[Reed Prince]

When I sent a message earlier this year to [email protected], I received a reply from Tetsu Harima [email protected].

 

[neilsen100]

Just received an email and text last night saying my order was dispatched via DHL. Looking at tracking I'll see the package this Friday. Excited to get my hands on the tools!

 

[neilsen100]

When I sent a message earlier this year to infonepros.net, I received a reply from Tetsu Harima t_harimakyototool.co.jp.

When I had no luck with info*at*nepros.net I tried the general inbox for KTC which is contact*at*kyototool.co.jp. I heard back from Tetsu Harima about two weeks later apologizing that my email had been caught by their Spam filter. His email is t_harima*at*kyototool.co.jp

 

[E.T.]

There is also order @ Nepros.net. Or KTC like Nielsen mentioned

 

[Salmanslim]

I got this reply by sending an email to contact *koyototool.co.jp


Dear Sir,



Thank you for your Nepros order.



Your order items have not shipped yet.

It could be Nov 5th ~ 8th.



When the shipment is ready, you can receive the shipping notice from DHL.



If you have any, please let us know.

Thank you.



Best Regards,

Kana Maekawa

-------------------------------KTC-----

Kana Maekawa (Ms.)

Global Sales Department



KYOTO TOOL CO., LTD.

128, SAYAMA-SHINKAISHI,

KUMIYAMA-CHO KUSE-GUN,

KYOTO 613-0034 JAPAN



Tel : +81 774 46 3717

Fax : +81 774 46 3768

Website: https://en.ktc.c** Sent from my iPhone using Garage Journal

 

[neilsen100]

My order was placed on September 11th and arrived via DHL on October 25th. Very happy now that the tools are in my hands.

 

[jimmyin3D]

That’s a bummer I ordered some tools earlier this year. They shipped DHL and everything arrived in 9 days total from day of ordering.

 

[Skin]

That’s a bummer I ordered some tools earlier this year. They shipped DHL and everything arrived in 9 days total from day of ordering.

Depends what people are ordering. The blue ion, wood/leather ratchets, Urushi stuff etc... is all made in small batches and not always in stock.

 

[giants]

I'm thinking about buying the Nepros sockets. This would be an upgrade from my US Craftsman/Husky/Kobalt/Tekton sockets, i.e. I've never used pro-grade tools.

I'm also thinking about getting Snap-On FD or FDX sockets. Would it make sense to buy just a couple of the most commonly used ones (10mm in my case) so see which one I like better and to figure out the pros and cons or each?

For those who frequent junkyards for parts, do you bring the pro-grade tools there or just the lower quality ones?

I live in a humid area and have had tools rust in my basement. Humidity control measures are impractical there. I suppose that I could store the sockets along with my camera equipment in a humid-controlled container upstairs in my bedroom, but would using something like Meguiar's Motorcycle Metal Polish on the sockets and leave them in the basement suffice?

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001G9O528/?tag=atomicindus08-20


Does Nepros charge sales tax?

What are the customs/duty fees and how does the payment work?

Has anyone had to warranty sockets? If so, what problem(s) did you have and what was the warranty process like?

Thanks

 

[Skin]

For a pick and pull just get one of those cheap mechanics sets from Stanley, DeWalt, Milwaukee etc...The case is really convenient and you're going to abuse/lose the tools.

Don't buy Nepros with the expectation of easy warranty. Stick with the truck brands or brick and mortar brands for that.

Good quality chrome tools don't rust. The only thing you might want to do is just WD40 the cover plates of a ratchet if you're fanatical (I am).

And there are no customs fees unless the declared value is high. Im struggling to find the dollar amount but its near or over a grand.

 

[jmhinkle]

I'm thinking about buying the Nepros sockets. This would be an upgrade from my US Craftsman/Husky/Kobalt/Tekton sockets, i.e. I've never used pro-grade tools.

I'm also thinking about getting Snap-On FD or FDX sockets. Would it make sense to buy just a couple of the most commonly used ones (10mm in my case) so see which one I like better and to figure out the pros and cons or each?

For those who frequent junkyards for parts, do you bring the pro-grade tools there or just the lower quality ones?

I live in a humid area and have had tools rust in my basement. Humidity control measures are impractical there. I suppose that I could store the sockets along with my camera equipment in a humid-controlled container upstairs in my bedroom, but would using something like Meguiar's Motorcycle Metal Polish on the sockets and leave them in the basement suffice?

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001G9O528/?tag=atomicindus08-20


Does Nepros charge sales tax?

What are the customs/duty fees and how does the payment work?

Has anyone had to warranty sockets? If so, what problem(s) did you have and what was the warranty process like?

Thanks

For a pick and pull just get one of those cheap mechanics sets from Stanley, DeWalt, Milwaukee etc...The case is really convenient and you're going to abuse/lose the tools.

Don't buy Nepros with the expectation of easy warranty. Stick with the truck brands or brick and mortar brands for that.

Good quality chrome tools don't rust. The only thing you might want to do is just WD40 the cover plates of a ratchet if you're fanatical (I am).

And there are no customs fees unless the declared value is high. Im struggling to find the dollar amount but its near or over a grand.

I'll also chime in with agreement to what skin said about taking **** tools to a pick and pull. Don't want to lose an expensive tool over a cheap part.

As far as rust concerns, I've never had any quality tool rust in Ohio or Oregon unless they were left in the snow or rain by accident for weeks on end. Even then it was only on back oxide tools or spots where the chrome was chipped. There was no humidity in New Mexico so nothing rusted there.

As far as buying into Nepros sockets vs Snap-on vs high quality Taiwan, you are merely paying for a name and look at that point. If you have any of the newer Tekton stuff since they've upped their MFG standards (last year or so), it's hard to beat. I've never had a Snap-on socket I liked and I am not fond of the new FD/X stuff. My new Tekton sockets are far superior to Snap-on in fit/finish and dimensional correctness. My Nepros sockets are the prettiest thing in my tool box, but far overpriced for what they are honestly. In my opinion if you are buying new sockets and want the best quality, but a little cheaper than Nepros level get Koken. If you want the best quality and prettiest with cost not a factor, get Nepros. If you want something that is just barely short of being the best quality, has a better looking finish than Koken and is far cheaper than any other quality brand, get the new Tekton stuff. I love high quality tools and the new Tekton stuff has really blown me away. I don't even use my Nepros tools over my Tekton ones because they feel so close, but it doesn't cause mental anguish if I drop the Tekton. The only place I reach for the Nepros first is tight space 1/4" drive work where the smaller more delicate feeling tool size wins out.

I bought my Nepros through Frank so I can't answer the other questions.

 

[giants]

I have never had a Snap-on socket I liked and I am not fond of the new FD/X stuff. My new Tekton sockets are far superior to Snap-on in fit/finish and dimensional correctness. My Nepros sockets are the prettiest thing in my tool box, but far overpriced for what they are honestly. In my opinion if you are buying new sockets and want the best quality, but a little cheaper than Nepros level get Koken. If you want the best quality and prettiest with cost not a factor, get Nepros. If you want something that is just barely short of being the best quality, has a better looking finish than Koken and is far cheaper than any other quality brand, get the new Tekton stuff. I love high quality tools and the new Tekton stuff has really blown me away. I don't even use my Nepros tools over my Tekton ones because they feel so close, but it doesn't cause mental anguish if I drop the Tekton. The only place I reach for the Nepros first is tight space 1/4" drive work where the smaller more delicate feeling tool size wins out.

I bought my Nepros through Frank so I can't answer the other questions.

Thanks.

You mentioned 1/4" tool work. Does a difference in the socket size make a difference, or do you mean just the ratchets and wrenches?

In what way(s) are Tekton are barely short of the best quality and below the quality of Nepros (and KTC?)?

Do you mean that the Koken Z-eal sockets or another line of Koken match Nepros in quality?

Looking at the websites for Tekton, Nepros, and Snap-On, the Nepros shallow sockets have the smallest thickness and length, Snap-On a little thicker, and Tekton thickest. I *thought* that steel quality goes up when the amount of steel used is less, vis-a-vis Chinese Craftsman wrenches and ratchets vs. old-school US Craftsman. Is that correct?

In what ways do you dislike Snap-on sockets?

Where do you buy the KTCs?

I just checked Franktools;they don't sell Nepros.

 

[jmhinkle]

Thanks. In what way(s) are Tekton are barely short of the best quality and below the quality of Nepros (and KTC?)?

In what ways do you dislike Snap-on sockets?

Where do you buy the KTCs?

I just checked Franktools;they don't sell Nepros.

My biggest turn off for Snap-on it's a two fold problem. I think they are over priced for their quality and the truck drivers are dicks. Dimensionally, I always thought their sockets were sloppy in their sizes. They've tried to fixed that complaint with the new FD/X stuff. Now I just find them far too expensive. The only ratchets they've ever made that I like are the dual 80's 3/8 and 1/2 only. The 1/4 is garbage to me, but it's not really an 80 and you can tell. For the price though, Tekton makes a better ratchet.

For Koken you can order from amazon.jp, Rakuten or there's a few places in the states I think. Frank might still get Koken also. He can't get Nepros anymore. Again, quality is top notch, selection is downright mind boggling if you get the catalog. They are just not as visually appealing with the rougher texture and satin finish.

As far as Tekton being short on quality, that may purely be mental at this point based on cost. Their ratchets are excellent. They've been torture tested and come out top of the pack. The mechanism feels wonderful. Some people say the back drag is a bit high, but I prefer a cleaner, finer feeling mechanism to a lower back drag personally. Their sockets are dimensionally perfect. No slop on sizing and feel great on new or worn bolts. If I had a complaint it would be the color of their chrome. The coating is excellent, but it's not quite perfect on color or mirror finish. Hands down nepros has the best chrome there is. The color is exactly the right level of silver and polished to an amazing mirror finish. Nothing comes close. Snap on and my old USA craftsman had a very nice level of silver, but leaning to a bit more gray in scale. The level of polish is pleasing, but not deep mirrored like nepros. Tekton is a bit too silver maybe leaning towards the white side of the scale, which isn't as visually pleasing, but also doesn't have the cheap blueish chrome look of Gearwrench for example. The polish level is on par with snap on level, but not that deep mirror of nepros. Again I think I nit pick Tekton because I feel like I'm looking for something to drag them down to their cost point. With Snap-on I can't find much to validate their cost point. The Nepros stuff is Damn near perfect, but you pay dearly for it and I always feel like it's too nice a tool for any job.

 

[CGarage]

Kind of hard to like Snap-On with what I have seen in this thread. Japan manufacturing I have seen is now surpassing Germany, Swiss, and US- in several key areas.

 

[giants]

My biggest turn off for Snap-on it's a two fold problem. I think they are over priced for their quality and the truck drivers are dicks. Dimensionally, I always thought their sockets were sloppy in their sizes. They've tried to fixed that complaint with the new FD/X stuff. Now I just find them far too expensive. The only ratchets they've ever made that I like are the dual 80's 3/8 and 1/2 only. The 1/4 is garbage to me, but it's not really an 80 and you can tell. For the price though, Tekton makes a better ratchet.

For Koken you can order from amazon.jp, Rakuten or there's a few places in the states I think. Frank might still get Koken also. He can't get Nepros anymore. Again, quality is top notch, selection is downright mind boggling if you get the catalog. They are just not as visually appealing with the rougher texture and satin finish.

As far as Tekton being short on quality, that may purely be mental at this point based on cost. Their ratchets are excellent. They've been torture tested and come out top of the pack. The mechanism feels wonderful. Some people say the back drag is a bit high, but I prefer a cleaner, finer feeling mechanism to a lower back drag personally. Their sockets are dimensionally perfect. No slop on sizing and feel great on new or worn bolts. If I had a complaint it would be the color of their chrome. The coating is excellent, but it's not quite perfect on color or mirror finish. Hands down nepros has the best chrome there is. The color is exactly the right level of silver and polished to an amazing mirror finish. Nothing comes close. Snap on and my old USA craftsman had a very nice level of silver, but leaning to a bit more gray in scale. The level of polish is pleasing, but not deep mirrored like nepros. Tekton is a bit too silver maybe leaning towards the white side of the scale, which isn't as visually pleasing, but also doesn't have the cheap blueish chrome look of Gearwrench for example. The polish level is on par with snap on level, but not that deep mirror of nepros. Again I think I nit pick Tekton because I feel like I'm looking for something to drag them down to their cost point. With Snap-on I can't find much to validate their cost point. The Nepros stuff is Damn near perfect, but you pay dearly for it and I always feel like it's too nice a tool for any job.

Thanks. I didn't see any Nepros or KTC sockets on amazon.jp. Also, generally speaking with Amazon.jp how much is shipping to the US?

 

[jmhinkle]

Thanks. I didn't see any Nepros or KTC sockets on amazon.jp. Also, generally speaking with Amazon.jp how much is shipping to the US?

I have no problem finding Nepros sockets on Amazon.jp
Here, here, or here and that was just a generic Nepros search. Putting in exact parts numbers of items helps too.

Shipping depends on the items. but usually isn't bad at all. Cheaper than I-tool on Rakuten for sure. I have 3 Koken sockets sitting in my cart from previous shopping. If I were to buy them it would cost 8.37 in shipping for Amazon global 3-5 day shipping.

 

[RKA]

I ordered KTC and Nepros from KTC directly in Japan many years ago. From what I’ve read here, they still do that. There is some lag in dealing with the human being on the other end. Shipping is moderate, but it gets here within a week once it’s in the mail. IIRC, an 8 pc screwdriver set, adjustable wrench and 3/8” ratchet was $35. A recent order of Koken Zeal from Amazon jp was $37 shipping for Amazon global priority. Similar size package but slightly more weight. That was two 3/8” ratchets, standard and deep sockets, 3 extensions, spinner and KTC trim tool set.

The tip above to search amazon jp by part number is spot on. Otherwise you’ll drive yourself crazy trying to find stuff.

 

[Salmanslim]

KTC took sometime to ship the order but I got it in two days to Cali after it was shipped. I am very pleased with finish and quality.


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[giants]

KTC took sometime to ship the order but I got it in two days to Cali after it was shipped. I am very pleased with finish and quality.

Congrats! They're showroom quality! What's the part number and how much do they cost?

 

[mr.lemons]

Part number is in the pic

https://www.nepros.net/?cat=1&grp=4

 

[giants]

Thanks. Honestly, your photos are better looking.

Please let us know what they're like in use.

 

[Salmanslim]

Thanks. Honestly, your photos are better looking.

Please let us know what they're like in use.

Thank you.

I actually couldn’t justify the price of these without actually getting a feel for them. So I met a gj member ricleh who happens to live in the same city as me. He was able to help me show a nepros ratchet. Once i held the ratchet, i knew i had to buy these.

I had also ordered some koken 3/8 tools, i like those as well.

Please let me know if you want me to add more pictures.


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[giants]

I'm interested in buying my first Japanese ratchets. What scares me off is the low tooth count Koken and KTC. I have a 40 tooth vintage SK ratchet with a knurled handle that I just got a couple days ago that I'm testing out as a parallel to the Japanese. So far, it's fine, but I only tested two bolts in a wide open space. I'm concerned about using the low-tooths in narrow spaces.

Can you or someone enlighten me as to the Japanese rationale with sticking with an apparently 1970's technology?

 

[jmhinkle]

They have plenty of higher tooth count ratchets. KTC has some 72 tooth and their Nepros is 90 tooth. Not sure entirely about Koken because I was only interested in their sockets, not ratchets.

 

[Salmanslim]

For narrower I spaces I would recommend Nepros 90 teeth ratchet. It has very little throw and it is very precise.


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[jptbay]

I see Nepros has added a bunch of sizes to there 1/4 drive hex bit lineup.

Also stubby length and longer ones.

Hopefully they will add some ball end wobble hex in the future.

Any recommendations for quality ball drivers?