Tools of Japan

[HannibalLecter]

Back at it with some beautiful koken zeal 1/4 sockets

 

[Reed Prince]

Came across this today.

https://twitter.com/i/web/status/1778220788526559259

 

[FigN⋅m]

Amazon.co.jp here I come!!

 

[HannibalLecter]

Ah nice, I hope I won't go on a shopping spree now.
On another note, I got the Koken wobble fix 1/4 spinner screwdriver, to accompany the zeal 1/4 sockets and much to my surprise the fixed position doesn't work. the socket won't stay put. Big dissapointment. Has anyone else encountered this?

 

[superautobacs]

Ah nice, I hope I won't go on a shopping spree now.
On another note, I got the Koken wobble fix 1/4 spinner screwdriver, to accompany the zeal 1/4 sockets and much to my surprise the fixed position doesn't work. the socket won't stay put. Big dissapointment. Has anyone else encountered this?

This is why there's never been any wobble-fix extensions in the Z-series.
Z-series items work best with its own brethren.

 

[ronkz650]

Koken 2763, 3763, and 4763 series are wobble fix in all 3 common sizes, but not Zeal series. They don't work well with any short sockets or hex or torx sockets even in the Zeal line.

 

[Bad Mojo]

Some new and used arrived. Had a little bit of a theme going with the Toyota stuff, but that is just fine by me. I have slowly been grabbing the different sizes Tone ratchets and now finally have 1/4-1/2. (Let this serve as sacrifice to the OCD gods) I do need to find a quick adapter for it, so it matches the others.

 

[GeoBruin]

You guys really got me with all the talk of the dollar against the yen. I definitely purchased some stuff from Amazon Japan and will post when they arrive.

 

[pizza]

azjp hasn't properly stocked their vessel power grip drivers in like 2 years? seriously wtf

https://www.amazon.co.jp/dp/B000TGF8U2/

 

[HannibalLecter]

This is why there's never been any wobble-fix extensions in the Z-series.
Z-series items work best with its own brethren.

Yeah but I need a spinner handle and there is no zeal one. I'll probably get the standard non wobble spinner and call it a day

 

[GeoBruin]

azjp hasn't properly stocked their vessel power grip drivers in like 2 years? seriously wtf

https://www.amazon.co.jp/dp/B000TGF8U2/

It's crazy to me that no one sells a set, except some ebay sellers that seem to just be selling selected group of individuals at a markup.

 

[cbracer]

On another note, I got the Koken wobble fix 1/4 spinner screwdriver, to accompany the zeal 1/4 sockets and much to my surprise the fixed position doesn't work. the socket won't stay put. Big dissapointment. Has anyone else encountered this?

Did you try the larger sizes of 1/4" sockets? On my koken wobble extensions they start working once you get past 9mm if I recall. But I don't have a spinner screwdriver, only the extensions.

 

[HannibalLecter]

Did you try the larger sizes of 1/4" sockets? On my koken wobble extensions they start working once you get past 9mm if I recall. But I don't have a spinner screwdriver, only the extensions.

No, the sockets I have are 3,4,5 mm hex and t25 torx and none works

 

[Madjik Man]

You guys really got me with all the talk of the dollar against the yen. I definitely purchased some stuff from Amazon Japan and will post when they arrive.

Same

Spent $140 (expedited shipping)

Priced out domestically it would have been $265.

 

[cbracer]

No, the sockets I have are 3,4,5 mm hex and t25 torx and none works

correct, the hex and torx bits in 1/4" use a base size that's between the 8mm and 9mm, hence none of them work on the wobbles. If the base of the hex and torx were the size of the 10mm socket then they would work fine on wobbles. The Nepros versions fit fine. I sent an email to Ko-ken because the detents are also placed incorrectly leaving an absolute smidgen of detent ball engagement Sad they didn't think through their design enough!

 

[mercifiknow]

Who makes extra long straight and bent needle nose pliers?

 

[Reed Prince]

IPS makes these in straight and bent. HLS-300 and HLB-300.

 

[pizza]

Who makes extra long straight and bent needle nose pliers?

not jappu, but these milwaukees could be worth a look

13” Long Reach Pliers Set | Milwaukee Tool

MILWAUKEE® 13” Long Reach Pliers Set includes (1) straight nose plier and (1) 45° nose plier. Both pliers deliver deep reach in tight spaces

www.milwaukeetool.com

watch demo:

 

[four.cycle]

Who makes extra long straight and bent needle nose pliers?

Do they have to be Japanese?

 

[shibertus]

Who makes extra long straight and bent needle nose pliers?

Tsunoda makes straight and bent:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08MT3VFSQ?tag=atomicindus08-20

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08MTGS812?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[steve855]

I bought this ratchet from Amazon Japan back in December 2023. Koken 2726z-3/8, 72t. It's so nice, super low backdrag and a precision feel. Only problem is, now I need the 1/4 drive version and it's hard to find. Amazon.jp is out of stock and looks like they will be for quite a while.
Anyone know of another source who has them in stock, where I could take advantage of the favorable exchange rate? I don't need one, I just want one.

 

[pizza]

I bought this ratchet from Amazon Japan back in December 2023. Koken 2726z-3/8, 72t. It's so nice, super low backdrag and a precision feel. Only problem is, now I need the 1/4 drive version and it's hard to find. Amazon.jp is out of stock and looks like they will be for quite a while.
Anyone know of another source who has them in stock, where I could take advantage of the favorable exchange rate? I don't need one, I just want one.

for a single ratchet, it might be cheaper to just go palmac with code mrsubaru5

 

[mercifiknow]

not jappu, but these milwaukees could be worth a look

13” Long Reach Pliers Set | Milwaukee Tool

MILWAUKEE® 13” Long Reach Pliers Set includes (1) straight nose plier and (1) 45° nose plier. Both pliers deliver deep reach in tight spaces

www.milwaukeetool.com

watch demo:

Will take a look at them. Appreciate the help!

 

[mercifiknow]

Do they have to be Japanese?

No. Just not HF or Chinese made

 

[steve855]

for a single ratchet, it might be cheaper to just go palmac with code mrsubaru5

Thanks, maybe i'll do that.

 

[Madjik Man]

I bought this ratchet from Amazon Japan back in December 2023. Koken 2726z-3/8, 72t. It's so nice, super low backdrag and a precision feel. Only problem is, now I need the 1/4 drive version and it's hard to find. Amazon.jp is out of stock and looks like they will be for quite a while.
Anyone know of another source who has them in stock, where I could take advantage of the favorable exchange rate? I don't need one, I just want one.

Ko-ken Z-Series 72-Tooth 1/4" Ratchet, Flex (2726Z)

Shop the world's finest tools from elite brands like PB Swiss, Wera, KNIPEX, Ko-ken, Ebisu, KEIBA and more..

drpd.cc

Ko-ken Z-Series 72-Tooth 1/4" Ratchet (2725Z)

Shop the world's finest tools from elite brands like PB Swiss, Wera, KNIPEX, Ko-ken, Ebisu, KEIBA and more..

drpd.cc

 

[Caa311]

Zoro with a 20% or Amazon.

 

[steve855]

Ko-ken Z-Series 72-Tooth 1/4" Ratchet, Flex (2726Z)

Shop the world's finest tools from elite brands like PB Swiss, Wera, KNIPEX, Ko-ken, Ebisu, KEIBA and more..

drpd.cc

Ko-ken Z-Series 72-Tooth 1/4" Ratchet (2725Z)

Shop the world's finest tools from elite brands like PB Swiss, Wera, KNIPEX, Ko-ken, Ebisu, KEIBA and more..

drpd.cc

Thanks

 

[steve855]

Zoro with a 20% or Amazon.

Can't find that one on Zoro, they don't have many 1/4 Koken ratchets from what I could see.

 

[Outahere]

Bought these 8" long Tsunoda PW-SN200TG flush cutting pliers at Amazon-US for $35. Shipped from Amazon-Japan. I like the grips. The cutting edges are sharp and perfectly aligned. The pivot action is not optimal. Even after some "exercising" of the pivot joint, pivot friction is high when handles approach full open, medium when handles are closed, and low between closed and full open. I prefer plier handles that will "fall open" an inch or two under gravity. These will not. My Knipex linesman pliers and side cutters will fall open.

 

[rick carpenter]

Update on my Canary ‎DC-190F Box Cutter that I got last August. I've been using it this year breaking down boxes at work for recycle and it has performed well, much better than a knife. Wrangling boxes inevitably puts my hands in contact with the blades and tip but with them not sharp I really like that I don't have to worry about cutting myself. It is about 7-1/2" long with serrated blades and a semi-sharp tip. I wipe it with a soft damp cloth and tape residue comes off easily enough.

 

[Caa311]

Can't find that one on Zoro, they don't have many 1/4 Koken ratchets from what I could see.

I'm sure I got mine as a set. Sockets on a mag rail and ratchet.

 

[Steel_Rain]

I bought this hex key set in unused condition at a car boot sale back in the 1990s and have used it a lot since, mainly and bikes and motorbikes. They are made in Japan and of high quality.

Eight as a brand seems to be little known in the UK and USA but they are a very big manufacturer of high quality hex and Torx tools.

Their current extensive catalogue in English is here:-

General Catalog - Eight Tool - PDF Catalogs | Technical Documentation | Brochure

Consult Eight Tool's entire General Catalog catalogue on DirectIndustry. Page: 1/54

pdf.directindustry.com

I'm new to this forum, but I'm a long term tool collector. Several years ago, a fellow employee (and Porsche Technician) shared with me the Japanese "Eight" brand of hex keys he purchased while visiting Japan. Recognizing the logo from my distant past, I actually found a set of very old hex drivers (with handles) made by Eight that my Dad used years ago. These appear to be from the 70's / 80's and extremely high quality, despite being well used. I have no idea where he purchased these back then. That single impression and comparison with my much newer Snap-On set, sent me down the pathway of Japanese made tools. It's been a great journey and I've come to know and respect the "Made in Japan" stamp on things these days.

Great forum and information here.

Justin V.

 

[Kaffeetanne]

Just discovered these!
Dickies Japan ratcheting screwdriver with 72 teeth and interchangeable blades. It's a Ball-Grip Type that can be also used as a stubby.

 

[Odd-job]

Update on my Canary ‎DC-190F Box Cutter that I got last August. I've been using it this year breaking down boxes at work for recycle and it has performed well, much better than a knife. Wrangling boxes inevitably puts my hands in contact with the blades and tip but with them not sharp I really like that I don't have to worry about cutting myself. It is about 7-1/2" long with serrated blades and a semi-sharp tip. I wipe it with a soft damp cloth and tape residue comes off easily enough.

Thanks for posting this. After I saw this I had to buy one too. My kids all have gotten banned from box cutting duty after some poor knife safety mishaps.

 

[F-22]

Just discovered these!
Dickies Japan ratcheting screwdriver with 72 teeth and interchangeable blades. It's a Ball-Grip Type that can be also used as a stubby.

That seems very similar to the Vessel offering?

 

[rick carpenter]

Just discovered these!
Dickies Japan ratcheting screwdriver with 72 teeth and interchangeable blades. It's a Ball-Grip Type that can be also used as a stubby.

That seems very similar to the Vessel offering?

Dickies brand... that's crazy. When I contacted Vessel a while back, they had no interest in considering +1 or +0 bits for their 2200's.

 

[Keegster]

Can the director lever on Koken ratchets be reversed?

I just used mine and found it was backwards from every other ratchet. I refuse to buy Kobalt ratchets because of this.

 

[JWC86]

Can the director lever on Koken ratchets be reversed?

I just used mine and found it was backwards from every other ratchet. I refuse to buy Kobalt ratchets because of this.

No and I understand 100% how you feel. I know for some they say it doesn’t bother them but I can’t stand it and won’t live with it, I’ll just but Snap-On and Nepros instead. ***** because I really like the Kokens in every other way.

 

[Kaffeetanne]

That seems very similar to the Vessel offering?

Dickies brand... that's crazy. When I contacted Vessel a while back, they had no interest in considering +1 or +0 bits for their 2200's.

That's what I thought too. The yellow direction switch is a dead giveaway to the Vessel 2200. However, the latter only have 36 teeth.

Unfortunately, there was no information about COO on the packaging. The only thing I could dig up was, that it was a collaboration with Factory Gear, a chain of toolstores known for doing special editions together with well known brands.

No and I understand 100% how you feel. I know for some they say it doesn’t bother them but I can’t stand it and won’t live with it, I’ll just but Snap-On and Nepros instead.

This is like i feel, too. Love the Koken for their ultra low backdrag, but can't stand the reversed switch.