the Nepros brand hand tool thread

[TopFuel]

Who knows if it is or isn't? I for sure don't although I'd bet there are people that would love to discuss it to no end. Anyway, like many things tool related, the buyer makes the decision what's best for them and that's what it comes down too. Things like hand feel are common factors. You can go into a Sears and check out the Craftsman ratchet in person or jump on a tool truck (Snap-on, MAC, Cornwell, etc.) but with the Nepros...... I have Craftsman and Snap-on ratchets so know their feel. I'm taking a chance here by ordering a Nepros ratchet but from the looks of it I think I'll be OK giving it a shot.

NOTE: As I disclaimed in the first post on this thread I have a mostly Snap-on primary tool set. I enjoy my Snap-on tools. I'm building a small portable tool set and trying different brands of tools I haven't owned before thus my buying a few Nepros tools.

 

[dede2897234]

Last month, I received via FedEx overnight delivery from Japan the below Nepros hand tools. The total came to about $150 (including shipping).

First up is a 1/4" drive, low profile metric socket set (4mm - 14mm).







A pleasant surprise is the detailing and smooth operation of the 1/4" drive socket rails. I like the extra touches such as the chrome steel round stock, the "Nepros" name appearing on both ends of the rails, and the 2 mounting holes on the ends. The most unique socket rails I have ever seen .

Next up is the Nepros angled nose plier. I own a pair of Stanley straight and angled Taiwanese pliers. I do not have confidence in the Stanley angled nose because I broke the tips off the straight tip version during normal use.





I find the Nepros mirror finish to be unique. Time will tell the durability of the finish. I also like the grippy material applied to the handles.

Next up is a 1/2" drive universal joint. I also own the 1/4" and 3/8" drive versions of the universal joints. They are indeed 13mm shorter in length than its competitors. I measured the Nepros against their equivalent Craftsman counterparts.



Lastly, I purchased a 3/8 drive, 8mm hex bit socket. It is a two piece design for durability. I wonder if they are as durable or strong as the ones made by Snap-on?






Dave

 

[dede2897234]

Earlier this year, I purchased the Nepros cross recess #1, #3, and 5.5mm flat screwdrivers with the yellow handles. I like the grippy nature of the gray plastic portion of the handle. The blades feature integrated hex bolsters.







The Nepros cross recess #2 screwdriver with the integrated red plastic inserts and chrome striking cap is not currently available for purchase on the Nepros website. To purchase it, please contact Eri Inoue of KTC ([email protected]). The model # is ND1P2-2.

To me, the ND1P2-2 screwdriver is a work of art . The chrome on the striking cap and blade is brilliantly shiny. It has a nice heft to it. In addition, it has perfect balance and fit (with the center indent) in the hand.






Dave

 

[dede2897234]

I received yesterday my latest Nepros hand tool purchases. I spent about $170.00 and it arrived via FedEx International 2 day delivery via Japan.

Nepros Long Nose Plier





Nepros 0 Degree, Long Box, 10mm x 12mm and 12mm x 14mm Wrenches









Nepros 12mm Universal Socket







Nepros 14mm Universal Socket



Comparison of Nepros and Xcelite Stubby Screwdrivers Length



Based on initial impressions, I do not like the Nepros cross recess #2 stubby screwdriver based on its shorter length handle. The shorter length inhibits the application of decent torque on a fastener. The increased length and more ergonomic shape of the Xcelite's handle gives a better chance of applying decent torque as well as increased comfort during use.


Dave

 

[ATTappman]

I ordered some assorted Nepros sockets last Thursday, and got them today. That was considerably faster than my previous order. This time the tracking number was a FedEx tracking number, instead of some Japanese shipping company number. The FedEx delivery required a signature, so luckily somebody was home at the time.

No pictures - they look just like the photos on nepros.net.

One thing to note - the 1/4" drive sockets don't have the black plastic ring around them.

 

[TopFuel]

One thing to note - the 1/4" drive sockets don't have the black plastic ring around them.

Probably due to the smaller sized bodies. I haven't used the 3/8" drive sockets enough yet to figure out if the rubbery black rings will wear well or add functionality. Thanks for helping out with adding your feedback to this thread for everyone else to read.

 

[TopFuel]

I received yesterday my latest Nepros hand tool purchases. I spent about $170.00 and it arrived via FedEx International 2 day delivery via Japan. Dave

Thanks for sharing all of this, Dave!

 

[jk47]

I ordered the Nepros 3/8 26 piece socket wrench set, 6 piece screw driver set, fractional socket set, sparkplug socket set, long nose pliers, diagonal cutters, adjustable wrench, fractional combination wrench set as well as 5/8 and 3/4, and a 3/8 t-handle.

Eri was very quick to communicate to me that several items were out of stock, but once they were in stock, they arrived from Japan in 3 days.

The fit and finish are superb, beautifully crafted pieces of steel. I have been to Japan before and held the Nepros tools in my hand. So I knew what I was getting myself into.

For an adjustable wrench, it really is a work of art. The t-handle also fits the hand with extreme comfort, it has a slight palm swell where the junction is. The sockets and wrenches fit nuts/bolts far better than Craftsman or their Professional series, and equal to if not exceeding Snap-On and Mac. The tolerances are very tight, and fit fasteners like a glove. The ratchet is not a fine tooth as others have mentioned, but the handle is far more comfortable than anything other than a rubber handle, and is very nicely balanced. The breaker bar also has a similar handle to the ratchet. The screw drivers are very nice to handle with their perfect ergonomics and textured rubberized handles, but I would give the nod to Snap-on's heads.

I believe Nepros to be the best value in Professional tools that a person could find. If you look at Japanese sites such as Rakuten, and search for Nepros prices. You will find the USA is getting a huge discount on these fine tools. On the Nepros USA site, the top of the line master set retails for a little under $1400. In Japan the same set retails for close to $3000 street, with a MSRP of almost $3500.

Sorry, I don't have a camera to take pic's

 

[GTO]

Has anyone ordered a catalog from their site ?

 

[TopFuel]

For an adjustable wrench, it really is a work of art. The t-handle also fits the hand with extreme comfort, it has a slight palm swell where the junction is. The sockets and wrenches fit nuts/bolts far better than Craftsman or their Professional series, and equal to if not exceeding Snap-On and Mac. The tolerances are very tight, and fit fasteners like a glove. The ratchet is not a fine tooth as others have mentioned, but the handle is far more comfortable than anything other than a rubber handle, and is very nicely balanced. The breaker bar also has a similar handle to the ratchet. The screw drivers are very nice to handle with their perfect ergonomics and textured rubberized handles, but I would give the nod to Snap-on's heads.


Sorry, I don't have a camera to take pic's

How is the action on the adjustable wrench?

Looks like a nice assortment. I really like the Nepros socket set tools. I'm not personally drawn to the screwdrivers through. But that's a personal preference.

No photos....what a tease! You must have spent your camera money on MORE TOOLS !!!!

 

[TopFuel]

Has anyone ordered a catalog from their site ?

It never even dawned on me to order a catalog. I already had downloaded one (140MB!!!) off of the KTC parent website so I wasn't looking for one .

 

[jk47]

How is the action on the adjustable wrench?

Looks like a nice assortment. I really like the Nepros socket set tools. I'm not personally drawn to the screwdrivers through. But that's a personal preference.

No photos....what a tease! You must have spent your camera money on MORE TOOLS !!!!

The adjustable wrench is smooth as butter. The handle portion is slightly rounded, making it easy to really pull hard with no hand bite. It has a mm scale on the jaw opening. I bought it more as a trophy piece than anything else.

I'm trying to upload pics from the KTC japan website, they are hi-res, so they might not make it on to this post.

I still can't get over the heavy discount American buyers are given on these tools. Here is the KTC Japan website, including MSRP. Click on a section, then click on a tool for specs/MSRP, then click on the pic in the desription for hi-res tool ****

http://ktc.jp/catalog/index_category.html#index_nep

 

[jk47]

How is the action on the adjustable wrench?

Looks like a nice assortment. I really like the Nepros socket set tools. I'm not personally drawn to the screwdrivers through. But that's a personal preference.

No photos....what a tease! You must have spent your camera money on MORE TOOLS !!!!

OK, here are some crumby pics from my cell phone. Just to let you guys know I'm not telling tall tales

That's a Craftsman Rally tool box housing my Nepros. Gotta love the black wrinkle coat and $60 price tag. The rest of my tools are sitting half way across the country right now

 

[TopFuel]

I really like the look of that adjustable wrench and the T-handle too. Nice!

 

[TopFuel]

OK, not really happy about this but I got a bill from UPS for handling the import/disbursement and the duty fee on my order of last month. Grand total was only $14.99 but this wasn't disclosed during the ordering process. Also, since the 3/8" ratchet was back ordered I suspect that there will be a second UPS bill for me coming after that arrives albeit a smaller fee. This additional fee is minimal to the order overall total. Regardless I'm still VERY happy with the quality and prices of these tools. just thought others would want a heads up.

Did the others that have ordered from Nepros get this type of bill from their carriers? I think most everyone else got their via FedEx?

 

[ATTappman]

Here's what the Customs service web site says:

"Paying Duty: The importer is ultimately responsible for paying any duty owed on an import. Determining duty can be very complicated, and while shipping services will often give an estimate for what the duty rate on an item might be, only CBP can make a final determination about what is owed."

I didn't get charged any duty fee on either of my orders, both of which were less than $50. When bringing stuff in from overseas in an airport, you have an $800 exemption from duty fees. There should be an exemption for imported goods as well but I can't find any mention of it on the Customs web site. Maybe a duty fee is only applied if the order amount is over some limit.

Blame the US govt., not UPS.

 

[TopFuel]

Just to clarify my on my last post.......... That wasn't a dig on UPS. Nothing to do with them as they performed a service. I was wishing that NEPROS would have made me aware of additional fees coming. Didn't mean to make this a piss and moan session on this just an awareness tip for others.

 

[ATTappman]

Yes, the possibility of paying duty fees is something to keep in mind.

KTC may not know whether duty fees will be assessed, and if so how much. As the Customs Service says, it's all very complicated and only they can figure out how much duty is owed. I imagine, however, that the higher the order total the more likely it is that a duty fee will be assessed.

When I ordered some NWS pliers from an importer in Canada, he told me there would be duty fees when it came across the US border but he had no way of knowing what they would be. Turned out I never got charged any duty fee.

 

[jk47]

OK, not really happy about this but I got a bill from UPS for handling the import/disbursement and the duty fee on my order of last month. Grand total was only $14.99 but this wasn't disclosed during the ordering process. Also, since the 3/8" ratchet was back ordered I suspect that there will be a second UPS bill for me coming after that arrives albeit a smaller fee. This additional fee is minimal to the order overall total. Regardless I'm still VERY happy with the quality and prices of these tools. just thought others would want a heads up.

Did the others that have ordered from Nepros get this type of bill from their carriers? I think most everyone else got their via FedEx?

I got dinged with $16 and some odd cents of duty/brokerage fee from UPS. That is one thing I don't like about UPS, they always charge a "brokerage fee" on cross border orders.

One time I was charged a $20 brokerage fee from UPS, for a $20 item I was furious, and vowed never to use them for cross border orders if it can be avoided.

 

[redvalkyrie]

Request FedEx International Priority from Eri in your order notes and ask that she keep the invoice amount under $100. I have shipped and received hundreds of items from Japan and never paid a broker or importation fee. The key is that invoice number...

I also got my Nepros order today. Incredible stuff...I bought the o* long box 14x17 and 17x19 wrenches as well as the mid length metric sockets. The finish is so nice I don't want to even use the tools...

 

[TopFuel]

Request FedEx International Priority from Eri in your order notes and ask that she keep the invoice amount under $100. I have shipped and received hundreds of items from Japan and never paid a broker or importation fee. The key is that invoice number...

Excellent information! Thanks for sharing it


As for your new tools, they don't exist if you don't post photos


.

 

[rodm1]

This shot is of the ratchet repair kit for more detail of how the ratchet head works.

That is very close to Snap On old 60' s design.

 

[TopFuel]

That is very close to Snap On old 60' s design.

.....and the 1980's Snap-on design as I mentioned earlier in this thread.

Earlier post in this thread

 

[Teken]

I got dinged with $16 and some odd cents of duty/brokerage fee from UPS. That is one thing I don't like about UPS, they always charge a "brokerage fee" on cross border orders.

One time I was charged a $20 brokerage fee from UPS, for a $20 item I was furious, and vowed never to use them for cross border orders if it can be avoided.

There is no duty, or brokerage fee's at the $20.00 value total. It starts from $21.**, and is tiered in cost . . . Call up UPS, they will tell you what the tiered fee is . . .

That is why I always ask the seller to state if shipping via UPS, under the $20.00 value, so UPS has no excuse to charge me their made up brokerage fee!

 

[Robertob]

I can't wait to get my order, shipped yesterday (June 10 in Japan) will arrive tomorrow, June 11 here.

Got some mid-length sockets, 1/4 bit sockets and t-handle.

 

[jk47]

There is no duty, or brokerage fee's at the $20.00 value total. It starts from $21.**, and is tiered in cost . . . Call up UPS, they will tell you what the tiered fee is . . .

That is why I always ask the seller to state if shipping via UPS, under the $20.00 value, so UPS has no excuse to charge me their made up brokerage fee!

I should have said, roughly $20 it was years ago when I ordered some stuff to from the USA

 

[jk47]

Request FedEx International Priority from Eri in your order notes and ask that she keep the invoice amount under $100. I have shipped and received hundreds of items from Japan and never paid a broker or importation fee. The key is that invoice number...

I also got my Nepros order today. Incredible stuff...I bought the o* long box 14x17 and 17x19 wrenches as well as the mid length metric sockets. The finish is so nice I don't want to even use the tools...

What if you order $600 worth of tools, and it happens to vanish enroute? Won't you have a tough time claiming the full value through insurance?

Oh yeah, the finish on Nepros is something else, that's why you have to order a trophy piece, like my adjustable wrench. Every one knows, no self respecting handyman/mechanic would be caught dead using an adjustable wrench

 

[Teken]

What if you order $600 worth of tools, and it happens to vanish enroute? Won't you have a tough time claiming the full value through insurance?

Oh yeah, the finish on Nepros is something else, that's why you have to order a trophy piece, like my adjustable wrench. Every one knows, no self respecting handyman/mechanic would be caught dead using an adjustable wrench

People always mistake the two things, they are not the same! Case in point you win some *** brand of tool on E-Bay for $0.01 like one member here did. In the real world if said tool was to purchased for $1000.00 the two are not related.

Meaning on the declaration form you will declare the value of $0.01, on the SDR box you will declare $1000.00, and also insure it for $1000.00.

This covers you in case of loss, damages etc . . . Now, the only part that is a catch 22 is the SDR value . . . Why? Because some of the custom officers are pricks and use this number as the actual value when in reality it is not!

So, to play it safe you can declare it as $0.01, and then insure it for $1000.00, this covers your aszz, and won't give the custom guys any ammo to use to Levey duties on your shipment . . .

HTH . . .

 

[redvalkyrie]

You can also have it shipped via EMS and mark the item as a "gift." I thin FedEx might also have a similar option. If you don't pay for it, customs can't tax you.

 

[Robertob]

Got my Nepros tools - about $120 of tools and $20 shipping. Haven't seen too many pictures of the packaging, which is pretty amazing. ALMOST too nice to use.

I wonder what the minimum order is to be a distributor for this stuff???

 

[Teken]

Nope, don't even try to open that set! Just send it over to me to verify its safe for you and meets your expectations!

Trust me, I will take lots of time checking them over for you! Very nice, enjoy it, almost too pretty to use on anything goes with out saying keep that box!

 

[Robertob]

Japanese really know how to package things, for sure. Now how would snap-on sell packaged in fancy little boxes like that???

I'm gonna feel bad the first time I scrape one of those sockets across the concrete, but hey that's what tools are for...

 

[jk47]

Browsing the KTC Japan website I noticed they have a series of Nepros 3/8" ratchets crammed into 1/4" bodies. Regular, stubby, and flex head. I stumbled across this by looking at the ratchet rebuild kits. They had 2 kits that looked identical, but different parts #'s, so I investigated further.

Here's the regular 3/8" in 1/4" body:

http://ktc.jp/catalog/html/nbrc3un.php

Do any other companies do this?

 

[Case]

Browsing the KTC Japan website I noticed they have a series of Nepros 3/8" ratchets crammed into 1/4" bodies. Regular, stubby, and flex head. I stumbled across this by looking at the ratchet rebuild kits. They had 2 kits that looked identical, but different parts #'s, so I investigated further.

Here's the regular 3/8" in 1/4" body:

http://ktc.jp/catalog/html/nbrc3un.php

Do any other companies do this?

yep wright does and snap on did not sure anymore

 

[superautobacs]

Yup, most major tool brands have such a hybrid.

I had the 3/8"sq. Compact Flex Ratchet (model # NBR3FSCUN). It's a great ratchet except that it was difficult to depress the very small quick release button. The spring was quite stiff on it, making it doubly worse.

 

[TopFuel]

Oh yeah, the finish on Nepros is something else, that's why you have to order a trophy piece, like my adjustable wrench. Every one knows, no self respecting handyman/mechanic would be caught dead using an adjustable wrench

I keep thinking about that adjustable wrench. Any chance you can post a nice photo of it?

 

[MogeraCND]

I keep thinking about that adjustable wrench. Any chance you can post a nice photo of it?

Pic off KTC web page...

idiot proofing???
Prices about $100 for retail and $90 for stock/discount.

 

[jk47]

Pic off KTC web page...

idiot proofing???
Prices about $100 for retail and $90 for stock/discount.

$34.95 USD

Nepros.net

 

[Monte]

what a beautiful wrench...
and 34,95$ is not too expensive i think. (if it looks like on the photo in real life too)

 

[jk47]

what a beautiful wrench...
and 34,95$ is not too expensive i think. (if it looks like on the photo in real life too)

It looks just as good if not better.