This just in ?

[Negen]

Looks like koken is expanding their z-series line up.

Ko-Ken RS3300XZ/12

Ko-Ken RS3300XZ/12 is a semi-deep metric set on rail. There are two sets a 12 and a 8.

also new is Ko-Ken Ko-ken 3300CZ-16 Z-EAL which is a 16mm magnetic 12 point spark plug socket. 12 points for a spark plug socket is new to me. The new 3300 CZ series spark plug sockets come in 14mm, 16mm , 18mm or 20.8mm sizes.
Last but not least there is a Ko-Ken RS3025Z/8-L75 Z-EAL75mm long torx set.

Oh i missed the 75 mm hex set Ko-Ken RS3010MZ/8-L75

Looks like it is time to go shopping again.

 

[Wamsutta]

Z-EAL socket features
Improvement of joints (loose reduction).
• Adoption of new shape ball dimple
-Improve the usability of the socket
(Smooth dimple on the periphery of the angle-side plugins)
• Pursuing compactness

I still don't understand what Z-EAL is. Can you explain?

 

[Negen]

Z-EAL socket features
Improvement of joints (loose reduction).
• Adoption of new shape ball dimple
-Improve the usability of the socket
(Smooth dimple on the periphery of the angle-side plugins)
• Pursuing compactness

I still don't understand what Z-EAL is. Can you explain?

http://www.koken-tool.co.jp/en/imgs/panflets/KOKEN201008EN_Z.pdf

It is their lower profile design. Specifically designed for auto maintenance. Their z-series or Z-eal will basically eliminate the need for 1/4" drive ratchets and in most cases I find I have been reaching for my 1/2" ratchet less.

 

[Fedwrench]

I have Kokens Zeal 3/8 reversible flex head ratchet and short sockets.
Although the sockets have a compact height, the line would never inspire me to give up anything in 1/4 drive.

 

[ARFLY]

That is a nice looking ratchet, but it doesn't look much if any thinner than many other ratchets. I am surprised it is not a finer tooth count.

 

[RXtacy]

I still don't understand what Z-EAL is. Can you explain?

They are low profile with tighter tolerances than their standard sockets.

I have Kokens Zeal 3/8 reversible flex head ratchet and short sockets.
Although the sockets have a compact height, the line would never inspire me to give up anything in 1/4 drive.

Agreed, that's why I have the 1/4" sockets as well

 

[Adam.C]

I own no Koken tools, but I'm VERY impressed by their designs. I think they are really listening to or studying auto mechanics and making improvements that make sense to me. Even the long torx bit sockets look smart to me. My long Snap On bit sockets are have octagonal shanks. If they hit something while turning they clunk clunk clunk off the paint or marr the interior. Koken's round shank is a nice feature. Low height sockets and ratchets are a good idea. They even offer two different fits of sockets. One is like Flank Drive, one is just a tight tolerance hex that might be good for new installation work where you want to preserve the finish.

 

[bonneyman]

I don't own any Koken tools, but, the more I see of them, the more I like them.

 

[Negen]

That is a nice looking ratchet, but it doesn't look much if any thinner than many other ratchets. I am surprised it is not a finer tooth count.

They have chosen the teeth count based off of their studies in maximizing the torque that a ratchet can use. Thus their 2 and three paw designs in the non-zeal series

I have Kokens Zeal 3/8 reversible flex head ratchet and short sockets.
Although the sockets have a compact height, the line would never inspire me to give up anything in 1/4 drive.

I would not give up 1/4" drive either as that would mean giving up a tool and that is just blasphemy. But for me I been using my 1/4" less and less these now that I own a zeal drive.

 

[ARFLY]

That makes sense on the tooth count