Tools of Japan

[BlitzcrankJapan]

Perhaps a set of cles à pipe (socket wrenches)? Common in Europe. Often available but rarely used elsewhere. It's a surprisingly convenient style when one gets used to it, and well suite to pass-through work. My friends in Europe will use a larger size on the free end of a smaller wrench to extend one's leverage. I guess the sizing was designed for this.

Here's one online example -- there are tons more. FACOM make very nice ones, but the ones I have branded by Bost and Stanley are quite good too.

https://www.master-outillage.com/474-jeu-de-cles-a-pipe

I've not seen these from a Japanese tool company, but it wouldn't surprise me at all, and in fact if someone has a reference, lemme know.

Please explain how these are suitable for pass through work? They do not provide any access to the stud or rod end that the nut threaded onto.
They don't appear to provide any advantage over an extra deep socket that I can see.

 

[Chrome Vanadium Cody]

Please explain how these are suitable for pass through work? They do not provide any access to the stud or rod end that the nut threaded onto.
They don't appear to provide any advantage over an extra deep socket that I can see.

Those photos don’t show it but there’s a big cutout on the outside of the “elbow” so that the short side is pass-through.

 

[Dave455]

Does anybody know if Ko-Ken has a set of deep sockets that have a hex or square machined on the outside so they can be turned with a spanner?
I am looking for a set that could be used as "pass through" sockets. So must be hollow all the way as well so that a stud or bolt shank could pass through.
Usually an Allen key or Torx key is required to go down the center to hold an internal component.
I have found the Zeal spark plug sockets seem to be what I want. But of course they are only available in specific spark plug sizes. #3300CZ and #3305PZ.

Has anybody tried flare nut sockets for suspension / strut work? Such as #3300FN

I found #1203 which has a 10mm hex on the outside. But obviously it is only small sizes. 5mm to 10mm sockets.

#4300M is so close. But again only 3 wheel nut sockets sizes available.

Otherwise it looks like it has to be Taiwan made Bahco S530T pass through set.

I can’t think of anything from KoKen that meets that need.

I’d be tempted by a box spanner with an external hex, indeed this is what I’ve used when I’ve had to remove difficult lathe leadscrews.

Facom offer them (No.97) as do Gedore, and a number of other european makers.

 

[Stubby1743]

Is this what you want to do?

 

[Kasal]

Is this what you want to do?

Is this what you want to do?

I have done it this way in the past. I did have to polish the key a little so that it fit well into the body of the shock absorber.

 

[BlitzcrankJapan]

Those photos don’t show it but there’s a big cutout on the outside of the “elbow” so that the short side is pass-through.

Ah yes. Thank you. I have not seen these ones with the cut outs before. These should infact work.
In fact I have some of the tube wrenches, except mine are like in the picture of the Facom ones. They are just a solid head on both sides.

Is this what you want to do?

Yes. I have both Stahwille and TopTul deep offset wrenches and neither quite work. They are both very close to working but not quite. It needs to be a proper socket profile to fit.

 

[Outahere]

Those photos don’t show it but there’s a big cutout on the outside of the “elbow” so that the short side is pass-through.

I don't currently own this style of wrench, but it looks very useful. So I took a look at the Facom catalog and decided to buy one sample, with 6pt on the long end and 12pt on the short end, catalog #76.17. Amazon Global Store had some of the 76 series wrenches in stock, but at pretty high prices, except for the 17mm size, which I got for a grand total of $17.86.

 

[CR888]

Ok...I like decent trim clip drivers. Got the Sunflag 6 & 10mm. Anex too makes some really nice ones. Just got the 9136-s 10mm stubby and the 9103 6mm with striking cap. Although they describe the 9103 as a nail/staple remover its fork is perfectly suitible 6mm trim tool.

 

[Browens]

Amazon.US had some good deals on some Japanese tools so this is one of two orders…couldn’t help myself.

Tsunda 200mm needle nose pliers - $10.97
Anex 90 degree trim tools - ~$17 for both
Anex bit coin blade - $6.60

The pliers are great like my other Tsunoda’s, the trim tools give me an angle I don’t have in my others, and the coin blade was an impulse because I found it interesting.

The Tsunoda cutters with lead catch (pn TH-150NC) are “meh” and made in Thailand. They don’t represent the quality that you‘d get from their made in Japan pliers. However, they do work.

 

[four.cycle]

^ shipping charges??

 

[CR888]

I agree with Browens regarding the Tsunoda TH-150nc zip tie flush cutters. They look great, they have a retaining function that does work. I think this plier model has been marketed brilliantly, sales exceed far superior options. You see them & want to own them despite not even being made in Japan. While they are not entirely disappointing to use, when compared to other Japanese 6" flush cutters designed for plastic zip ties they fall way short. The angles are not sharp enough. These 3-Peaks FPN-150fs pictured are a delight to use in comparison, much sharper smother cut.

 

[CR888]

We all know handles can make or break whether a hand tool is something you prefer to use or don't. Hard handles, comfort grips, tri-lobes, finger grooves, knurling or whatever. Its a personal choice. This Tone PGCLH-150 6mm trim tool has a rather long comfort grip that feels very secure in the hand. Made in Japan... I like it!

 

[boxy30]

^ shipping charges??

At least in the US, the Amazon Japan storefront on US Amazon had (and still has for lots of items) free international shipping. The dramatic price cuts that were available on some tools are gone, but the shipping is still free.

For example, they have the Ko-ken 3/8 long ratchet w/ quick release (3725ZB-280) for $62, free shipping(!). The same ratchet is over $100 at other US retailers.

 

[Jeff]

The Tsunoda KBN-150 are an amazing zip cutter and gripper.

 

[rick carpenter]

Getting the smallest mini tool boxes to fit what I plan to store in them is important to me. Maybe to some of y'all too. Here's a little inside dimension comparo of single-lid Toyo-sourced tool boxes. I looked all over the webz for Toyo, Trusco, Nakayama, Hozan, etc boxes. The info in bold, black type on gray background is copied straight from Toyo's website. The light type on white are the best/only dimensions I could find for those boxes because I think Toyo makes some boxes only for re-branding. Quite possibly some are outside dimensions as some box listings had incomplete numbers or only one set of numbers. I hope I transcribed all the numbers correctly y'all, I make no guarantees! The 7 'name only' boxes in italic type at the bottom may be the same as some of the code-named boxes. (On second look, the numbers for the Y-420 and Hip Roof boxes are quite different.)

I have the Trusco T-190 and T-320 boxes and will certainly get more when needed.

 

[E.T.]

By sheer happenstance I found what I have looking for yesterday - or close enough. I have used a 16 inch metal tool box since high school. My parents got it for me after I backed our car over the first one and it only has one small ding. I braked before I mashed this one. It is the one that survived. For 50+ years it has taken care of my tools when I didn't. It is like the Doctor's phone booth - it appears larger on the inside than it does on the outside. One day I will take a picture of it, but for now I have a screen scrape of a near twin (see below) Mine has a hammered blue finish.
Being older now I have acquired a second vehicle and I have a house. Therefore I needed another tool box. I don't remember the sequence of events but I was probably Googling '16 inch metal tool box' using image search one more time and THERE WAS A NEAR IDENTICAL TWIN TO MY TOOL BOX. I was a blue TRUSCO Y 410-B Angle Tool Box (see below). $13.82 per box. And THERE WERE MORE SO I GOT MORE.
Being unsure how real these very nice metal tool boxes were, I jumped over here to see what the tools snobs at the Garage Journal thought. And you guys liked them too (of course with some reservations). Since you all seemed to think they were good I will not cancel my Amazon order. Thank you. GCracker

Unfortunately the Toyo/ Truscos don’t have a tray. Would definitely help keep mine organized!

 

[Pinemarten]

Hey folks, I've been trying to locate a source for a Seukage (SEK) Pro-Auto PA4014 1/2 inch drive socket set.
Amazon Japan is "temporarily out of stock" and Amazon US pretends it doesn't exist. The ebay vendors don't seem to carry
the 1/2" sets. Does anybody have a good source for US based sales? I have the 3/8" and now want 1/2".

 

[rick carpenter]

By sheer happenstance I found what I have looking for yesterday - or close enough. I have used a 16 inch metal tool box since high school. My parents got it for me after I backed our car over the first one and it only has one small ding. I braked before I mashed this one. It is the one that survived. For 50+ years it has taken care of my tools when I didn't. It is like the Doctor's phone booth - it appears larger on the inside than it does on the outside. One day I will take a picture of it, but for now I have a screen scrape of a near twin (see below) Mine has a hammered blue finish.
Being older now I have acquired a second vehicle and I have a house. Therefore I needed another tool box. I don't remember the sequence of events but I was probably Googling '16 inch metal tool box' using image search one more time and THERE WAS A NEAR IDENTICAL TWIN TO MY TOOL BOX. I was a blue TRUSCO Y 410-B Angle Tool Box (see below). $13.82 per box. And THERE WERE MORE SO I GOT MORE.
Being unsure how real these very nice metal tool boxes were, I jumped over here to see what the tools snobs at the Garage Journal thought. And you guys liked them too (of course with some reservations). Since you all seemed to think they were good I will not cancel my Amazon order. Thank you. GCracker

My two Trusco (Toyo) T-190 and T-320 boxes are well-built, and Toyos all are well-regarded on the net. I like the construction of the Y-410 because it has the dual latches. Not too long ago on the 'Zon you could find these for prices similar to what you found but with shipping like $35. Ya done good. Show us some pics when you get them loaded.

 

[kyrbz]

Those photos don’t show it but there’s a big cutout on the outside of the “elbow” so that the short side is pass-through.

I like this style of wrench for carburetor adjustments when you need to hold a nut stationary while turning an adjustment screw with a screwdriver. It's the perfect wrench for that situation.

 

[Steve_P]

The Tsunoda KBN-150 are an amazing zip cutter and gripper.

These are awesome. Every GJ member needs these. I had a pair of flush-cut Knipex in a similar size, but I bought these anyway after seeing them here years ago. The Knipex work great, but I prefer the Tsunoda.

 

[Numerator2142]

How are the KoKen hex/allen sockets?

Any does the zeal add anything with regard to actual tip precision?

Working on Japanese motorcycles, the value of quality hex/allen sockets has been highlighted repeatedly.

Any favorite sources with good prices/sales? Thanks.

 

[bpwoodworking]

I have a set, so I’ll give them a shot pretty soon. I’ve used KoKen bits and they’re excellent so I expect the Allen sockets to be but will find out.

 

[Vvmvbb]

The Tsunoda KBN-150 are an amazing zip cutter and gripper.

I use the grabber differently a lot of the time- I grab the clasp-block and just pull the end by hand. Puts he clasp exactly where I want it.

 

[Madjik Man]

I use the grabber differently a lot of the time- I grab the clasp-block and just pull the end by hand. Puts he clasp exactly where I want it.

Yeah I don't use the grabber portion of the KBN150s. Set it by hand then flush cut.

If retrieving the cut tie is not a big deal I'll always go for the KBN150s but if I'm in a place where I don't want to spend time searching for a tie end in an engine bay or behind the dash, etc I will grab the TH150NCs. I am not underwhelmed by them by any means.

 

[jmf535]

How are the KoKen hex/allen sockets?

Any does the zeal add anything with regard to actual tip precision?

Working on Japanese motorcycles, the value of quality hex/allen sockets has been highlighted repeatedly.

Any favorite sources with good prices/sales? Thanks.

I have a small selection, and like them a lot. Fit wise, they are a step (or two) up from Nepros and PB Swiss, but not quite as good as my Hazet stuff (my all time favorite for anything hex related).

I'm pretty sure that the actual hex part is the same on the z and non-z sockets, but don't quote me on that.

DRPD is my go to place for all things Koken.

 

[Dave455]

How are the KoKen hex/allen sockets?

Any does the zeal add anything with regard to actual tip precision?

Working on Japanese motorcycles, the value of quality hex/allen sockets has been highlighted repeatedly.

Any favorite sources with good prices/sales? Thanks.

Absolutely superb. Maybe even the best.

I don’t own any of the Z Series / Zeal so can’t comment on those.

jmf535 mentioned Hazet. They are superb too. KoKen and Hazet probably share honours for being the overall best, with one or other edging ahead depending on drive size.

 

[jay70]

 

[cbracer]

How are the KoKen hex/allen sockets?

Any does the zeal add anything with regard to actual tip precision?

Working on Japanese motorcycles, the value of quality hex/allen sockets has been highlighted repeatedly.

If you want sales best to wait for black friday / cyber monday as most Koken retailers will have sales of 15-25% off. I purchased both the Koken Z and Nepros hex bits. Check my post above about the detent location issue on the 1/4" hex sockets for Koken Z and the quick release issues using the 3/8" hex sockets for Nepros.

When I got mine I test fit them into hex socket screws and I could not reach any conclusive evidence that they were tighter or looser when comparing to any Koken, Nepros, Wera stainless, PB Swiss, or other good quality tool. I even grabbed a few bits and allen keys and to my surprise the tip precision was not significantly different. The standard 1/4" PB Swiss hex bits were the only ones I would call tight. I had hoped the Z series would be tighter but nope. The friction of sliding them in and the amount of wobble did vary a little, but not the actual rotational play. There was a more difference on the torx bits and the winner there was my Matco stubby 1/4 bits socket set which was very tight.

There is a difference in absolute breaking strength as detailed years ago. There is a PDF floating around on GJ somewhere. I recall the standard Koken did not score as high as the Z series ones, so they are not identical. If cost was no object, the Nepros and Snap-On gold ones are really great and don't snap off at their limit like the Koken ones.

 

[Browens]

Following up with shipment 2 of 2 from Amazon.JP via the US storefront. To the question about shipping, these were offered with free shipping.

First time I’ve gotten my hands on anything from Keiba and I’m impressed with the quality. Note the set screw/stopper on these 100mm nippers to keep the range of motion shorter/more precise.

Fujiya wrench is made in Taiwan but the Lobster is made in Japan. Both have a little slop in the jaws so I’m a little disappointed in that, otherwise on par with many others. I think I like my Irega’s better.

KTC msr1a ratcheting wrench (COO Taiwan) and extra deep 10mm socket. I don’t know why but I’m super impressed with the socket. It feels robust, finish is consistent, broaching is shallow which I prefer. I’ll be replacing my Tekton 1/4 and 3/8 sets in the near future and KTC will be in contention.

KTC m160 dbl box end wrenches. Fit, finish, function - these fit the bill. I have gearwrench ratcheting wrenches if this form and they’re not my cup of tea for several reasons so I’ll pass those to my nephew and use these in their place.

 

[rick carpenter]

I have an impact rated Wiha 71480 Centrofix bit holder permanently homed in an Anex 397 bit holder handle but I'm looking for another, preferably Japanese impact rated 6.35mm bit holder that secures both 9mm and 13mm anvil bits with a detent mechanism. The Centrofix does an outstanding job securing Western 9mm anvil bits, Japanese 13mm anvil bits, and C6.3 bits. I'm very pleased with my 397 handle + Centrofix + 50mm Vessel bits, but the Centrofix is really only suitable for hand drivers as it wobbles in impact drivers. Any impact rated Japanese 9mm/13mm bit holders out there?

 

[snowblindb]

I have an impact rated Wiha 71480 Centrofix bit holder permanently homed in an Anex 397 bit holder handle but I'm looking for another, preferably Japanese impact rated 6.35mm bit holder that secures both 9mm and 13mm anvil bits with a detent mechanism. The Centrofix does an outstanding job securing Western 9mm anvil bits, Japanese 13mm anvil bits, and C6.3 bits. I'm very pleased with my 397 handle + Centrofix + 50mm Vessel bits, but the Centrofix is really only suitable for hand drivers as it wobbles in impact drivers. Any impact rated Japanese 9mm/13mm bit holders out there?

I superglued CentroFix to a PB Swiss T-handle because it’s the only bit holder that holds long bits without any woble. It really feels like solid screwdriver.

 

[Qualitytools]

I have had the exact one for a couple of years now. Love it!

 

[rick carpenter]

I superglued CentroFix to a PB Swiss T-handle because it’s the only bit holder that holds long bits without any woble. It really feels like solid screwdriver.

I'm going to do the same with my Anex handle.

 

[CR888]

Hey folks, I've been trying to locate a source for a Seukage (SEK) Pro-Auto PA4014 1/2 inch drive socket set.
Amazon Japan is "temporarily out of stock" and Amazon US pretends it doesn't exist. The ebay vendors don't seem to carry
the 1/2" sets. Does anybody have a good source for US based sales? I have the 3/8" and now want 1/2".

How nice is the backdrag on SEK ratchets . The certainly aren't a common 'Japanese' offering in the West. I've got a set of adapters, some extensions and a few ratchets. Even a 1/4" roto ratchet. They are basically THE only ratchets I haven't pulled apart and reduced the backdrag on. Top quality tools for sure, I understand why you would want to get another socket set if u already had one in another drive size.

 

[CR888]

I have an impact rated Wiha 71480 Centrofix bit holder permanently homed in an Anex 397 bit holder handle but I'm looking for another, preferably Japanese impact rated 6.35mm bit holder that secures both 9mm and 13mm anvil bits with a detent mechanism. The Centrofix does an outstanding job securing Western 9mm anvil bits, Japanese 13mm anvil bits, and C6.3 bits. I'm very pleased with my 397 handle + Centrofix + 50mm Vessel bits, but the Centrofix is really only suitable for hand drivers as it wobbles in impact drivers. Any impact rated Japanese 9mm/13mm bit holders out there?

I was going to do this EXACT mod u have done. The Centrofix is by far IMO THE best bit holding design on the market for E6 C6 & Japanese Anvil. But by god the charge like wounded bull for them. I have the 7600 Wiha handle which I got cheap for $28. Now they are like $70. The little hex adapters like the one u used I have seen reports that while they hold the bit perfectly, the hex shaft connection runout when fixed in a drill or lathe. Some are better/worse than others. Not so much of an issue though if not used in a power tool. I just love the way the centrofix holds longer reduced shank bits, I cant stand wobble or play which it seems all the other designs have except perhaps from the friction fit Japanese bit driver handles.

 

[Pinemarten]

The SEK "Smart Ratchets" have very light backdrag, (about like Koken) in addition to a spinner disk and reduced size head.
I really like my 3/8" and want to get the 1/2" 4014 set, but might settle for the ratchet. I haven't found any suppliers
who sell SEK Pro-Auto stuff in the USA.

I like that 1/4" swivel-head ratchet!

 

[Hohn]

Don't know if these were discussed anywhere before, but these Nepros are brilliant problem-solvers. DBE that are 6pt of the same size on both ends, but just with ends clocked so that the two ends together provide the same access as a 12pt.

https://www.amazon.co.jp/dp/B001EQCD7W/

If you have some truly nasty fasteners that must have a 6pt AND need the tighter swing of 12pt, this seems like an elegant solution. And since just a handful of metric sizes account for the majority of underhood fasteners, just a couple of these would really add to your capability.

 

[Dave455]

Don't know if these were discussed anywhere before, but these Nepros are brilliant problem-solvers. DBE that are 6pt of the same size on both ends, but just with ends clocked so that the two ends together provide the same access as a 12pt.

https://www.amazon.co.jp/dp/B001EQCD7W/

If you have some truly nasty fasteners that must have a 6pt AND need the tighter swing of 12pt, this seems like an elegant solution. And since just a handful of metric sizes account for the majority of underhood fasteners, just a couple of these would really add to your capability.

These are not actually Nepros wrenches, although the regular KTC are fine tools.

Nepros offer a slightly different solution in these hex / 6 point wrenches. The hex is slightly offset, so as the wrench is flat, you can simply turn it over if you can’t turn the fastener 60 degrees.


I own a few of these wrenches, and they are superb.

 

[Hohn]

I'd consider those, but they aren't reversible and entrapment blah blah.

 

[Dave455]

I'd consider those, but they aren't reversible and entrapment blah blah.

I have to say, that the 6 point Nepros I own really impressed me. They were the first Nepros wrenches I bought.

They are incredibly close fitting, so if you have a fastener you are struggling with, and maybe only have one chance, they’re the wrenches to go for.

The chrome plating is very durable too, far more so than you might reasonably expect from the “mirror” finish.