Tools of Japan

[ronkz650]

Koken USA is great. You'll get the tools soon. No worries.

 

[Hakeem]

Does anyone know what this is for?

1/4 HEX DR. DRILL CHUCK ADAPTOR 1/2 X 20UNF​

 

[Nobody-named-Olli]

As the name says, an adaptor to screw a chuck on, secured by the bolt. Then your chuck has a 1/4” hex shaft.

This illustrates it quite nicely: https://www.amazon.de/dp/B0C5H61BDK/ (BUYER BEWARE! Link for illustration purpose only!)



Kind regards,
Olli

 

[Hakeem]

As the name says, an adaptor to screw a chuck on, secured by the bolt. Then your chuck has a 1/4” hex shaft.

This illustrates it quite nicely: https://www.amazon.de/dp/B0C5H61BDK/ (BUYER BEWARE! Link for illustration purpose only!)



Kind regards,
Olli

Ahhh, the drill chuck screws on to the threaded portion! Thank you for the prompt reply

 

[Steel_Rain]

I took advantage of the KokenUSA sale this past weekend but haven’t heard anything since. Is it normal for there to be a delay in shipping with this retailer?

In my experience, they are slow to ship.

Same, I ordered from them during that last sale over the Holidays and it took about 10 days to get my order. I don't think I even got shipping confirmation until 5-6 days after I placed the order.

 

[2barevo]

I'm a sucker for stickers. Is there any vendors that sells like a pack of various Japanese tool manufacturer stickers?

 

[tamaraw]

I'm a sucker for stickers. Is there any vendors that sells like a pack of various Japanese tool manufacturer stickers?

DRPD gives you free stickers for the brands on your order, can't remember if there is a minimum purchase.

 

[Professor Gascan]

Just got back from Japan, ended up making a few more stops at DCM and Factory Gear Tokyo (and an Amazon order) over the course of our two weeks there. Only used Amazon to buy stuff I didn't see in person but wanted - have to say it was a lot more exciting to order from Amazon in a foreign country hah! I didn't make it to Sundays, Viva, or any of the larger home improvement shops and I didn't make the trek to World Import Tools or any of the second hand shops - they're generally quite far out of the way in Tokyo and we didn't spend a ton of time there.


Picked up some long Vessel screwdrivers, an Anex ratcheting stubby bit driver, another coin driver (should have picked up a few more as gifts), and some bit magnets from DCM. I couldn't find a great selection of Vessel screwdrivers anywhere, so just a few odds and ends.

I have to say, Vessel is really impressive for the price - I think I'm in for around $15 on these 4 screwdrivers. Snap On / PB Swiss are undoubtedly nicer but they're often cost prohibitive. The 300mm PH2 was ~$5.50 or so (though, in the US it's over $20), the PB Swiss equivalent is nearly 4x the cost and the Snap On equivalent is 10x the cost. The Snap On is not 10x the tool for my uses, and quite frankly I think the cost to get a full set of the PB Swiss is nothing to sneeze at either. So I may end up picking up some more Vessel to round out drivers in lengths / sizes that I don't often use.




Then a stop at Factory Gear in Tokyo - this was the shop at Tennōzu Isle off the monorail. Cool shop, equivalent stock to what they had in Sapporo. Both are in malls that weren't super busy. The shop in Tennōzu Isle is tucked around the corner from their "Tools Bar" - the bar is only open on Friday nights from what they told me, but the way it's placed in the mall you see it before you see the store so it'd be easy to think it was the store and was closed!

Anyhow, the stores are super nice and I can't say enough about how much I appreciate being able to browse and purchase a variety of high end tools in person. The prices are "retail" from what I can tell, but still leagues better than what is available to us in the US. Shop keeper and I chatted briefly and they gave me a few stickers for the collection. I'll definitely make a point to stop by one of their larger stores on a future trip. Picked up a few Vessel bits, another Koken spark plug socket, and some specialty pliers from Engineer.




Lastly, I ordered a few items from Amazon that I didn't see elsewhere. Of course, I did end up seeing the Nepros quick spinners at Factory Gear after I'd already placed the Amazon order. I think they were only a couple of bucks less expensive for the pair on Amazon, so I'd have just bought them at the store had I known.

The Sunflag lowprofile hex keys are cool. This set is double sided and goes 2mm through 6mm yet is only 3 wrenches, I prefer that for storage reasons for a lesser used tool like these.

Then the Koken Attack Driver - I've never owned a manual impact before and it's been on my list for a bit. Most of my collection is Snap On but $400 for their kit felt steep. This Koken is available in 3/8" or 1/2" and then comes with a stepdown adapter for the 5/16" hex bits. I got the 1/2". The bits are really burly and the tool itself is truly heavy duty. This is one of few tools I've personally bought where I thought the Snap On was the lesser tool - the Koken fit/finish is better, the fact that it has a grip is a huge advantage, the metal case is preferable, and that's not even mentioning the cost savings.

Lastly, a few bit holders and some Anex long reach tweezers.

This post had me researching what the heck a coin driver is, and I'll be damned, I need one of those for the crank access hole plug on my motorcycle. I've been using a quarter in a pair of vice grips like neanderthal and chewing up that little plastic plug doing it.

GJ strikes again. At least it was relatively cheap... haha

 

[mikey03]

For those of you koken fans who got the one piece extension and spark plug socket do you like the 180 mm or 250 mm better or I hope nobody says you need both

 

[Ultradog MN]

I picked up this NOS set of little Craftsman pliers and cutters a while back at an estate sale.
They are VERY well made and the jaws fit together perfectly.
You'll either laugh or cringe when I tell you what I mostly use them for.
They are perfect for plucking those tickling, irritating hairs out of your nose.

 

[Stubby1743]

They are perfect for plucking those tickling, irritating hairs out of your nose.

Real men use a lighter.

 

[Dave455]

For those of you koken fans who got the one piece extension and spark plug socket do you like the 180 mm or 250 mm better or I hope nobody says you need both

250mm (shall we call it 10 inch) for sure.

Bear in mind that the figure quoted is the total overall length, including the plug socket part.

If you take off the length of the plug socket, say 2 inches, it’s only the equivalent of using an 8 inch extension.

180 is 7 inch, so that’s the equivalent of using a 5 inch extension on a regular plug socket, and that’s not enough for the things I work on.

 

[mikey03]

Okay so for a not fully complete but pretty good setup I’m thinking the 250 mm version of the 14mm and 16mm spark plug sockets. Then maybe get one of each of all four regular spark plug sizes I don’t really see 18 or 20.8 stuff and could always prob just buy them as needed from the auto parts store.

dont seem worthwhile to buy the sweet extension built in versions of those two big plug sizes but seems not a bad idea to have them in regulars

now I also hear koken makes sweet universal swivel spark plug sockets and I hear newer cars got plugs in tight spots that need these

so now I’m wondering maybe a decent set looks like this

10” extension built in
14 mm
16 mm

universal
14 mm
16 mm
18 mm
20.8 mm

because i figure a universal should function fine as a regular one even if you don’t need an angle it might be a little awkward but plugs don’t got huge torque and if it can’t remove a plug straight on then how is it going to remove a plug at an angle?

I know it sounds crazy to buy a bunch of spark plug sockets for plugs I never seen but exchange rates are real sweet right now and I’m looking at about 20 bucks per regular Koken plug socket. About 30 bucks for the 10” extension ones. And about 40 to 50 bucks per universal.

im going to feel real stupid if I don’t buy a 18 or 20.8 koken for 20 bucks now and then wind up paying 10 bucks for a Chinese one at autozone in the future.

but im going to feel even stupider if I buy a 50 dollar universal 20.8 socket that I never use so maybe just get the regular ones

idk if you really need universal spark plug sockets or can use an adapter and some tape to hold it in place and if the universals are just a convenience

i just feel like we got a opportunity now with good exchange rate that won’t last

 

[Dave455]

Okay so for a not fully complete but pretty good setup I’m thinking the 250 mm version of the 14mm and 16mm spark plug sockets. Then maybe get one of each of all four regular spark plug sizes I don’t really see 18 or 20.8 stuff and could always prob just buy them as needed from the auto parts store.

dont seem worthwhile to buy the sweet extension built in versions of those two big plug sizes but seems not a bad idea to have them in regulars

now I also hear koken makes sweet universal swivel spark plug sockets and I hear newer cars got plugs in tight spots that need these

so now I’m wondering maybe a decent set looks like this

10” extension built in
14 mm
16 mm

universal
14 mm
16 mm
18 mm
20.8 mm

because i figure a universal should function fine as a regular one even if you don’t need an angle it might be a little awkward but plugs don’t got huge torque and if it can’t remove a plug straight on then how is it going to remove a plug at an angle?

I know it sounds crazy to buy a bunch of spark plug sockets for plugs I never seen but exchange rates are real sweet right now and I’m looking at about 20 bucks per regular Koken plug socket. About 30 bucks for the 10” extension ones. And about 40 to 50 bucks per universal.

im going to feel real stupid if I don’t buy a 18 or 20.8 koken for 20 bucks now and then wind up paying 10 bucks for a Chinese one at autozone in the future.

but im going to feel even stupider if I buy a 50 dollar universal 20.8 socket that I never use so maybe just get the regular ones

idk if you really need universal spark plug sockets or can use an adapter and some tape to hold it in place and if the universals are just a convenience

i just feel like we got a opportunity now with good exchange rate that won’t last

Like a lot of these things, it depends what you work on.

I have the conventional sockets in 14mm, 16mm (they mean 5/8) and 13/16. They are the most versatile tools for sure.

I have the extended socket in 13/16 as well, but don’t use it much. I work on a lot of classics that use that size, but most offer decent access. I use the other extended sockets all the time. Mostly the 16/ 5/8.

The universal sockets are nice, in some cases almost essential, but are no substitute for the conventional sockets. In some cases, even a universal won’t fit and you have to use a conventional socket and turn it with a wrench. Worked on a Nissan with a stupid name that needed that technique.

 

[mikey03]

The universal sockets are nice, in some cases almost essential, but are no substitute for the conventional sockets. In some cases, even a universal won’t fit and you have to use a conventional socket and turn it with a wrench. Worked on a Nissan with a stupid name that needed that technique.

how do you turn it with a wrench does it have external hex or did you use a 3/8 adapter to something

 

[tamaraw]

Okay so for a not fully complete but pretty good setup I’m thinking the 250 mm version of the 14mm and 16mm spark plug sockets. Then maybe get one of each of all four regular spark plug sizes I don’t really see 18 or 20.8 stuff and could always prob just buy them as needed from the auto parts store.

dont seem worthwhile to buy the sweet extension built in versions of those two big plug sizes but seems not a bad idea to have them in regulars

now I also hear koken makes sweet universal swivel spark plug sockets and I hear newer cars got plugs in tight spots that need these

so now I’m wondering maybe a decent set looks like this

10” extension built in
14 mm
16 mm

universal
14 mm
16 mm
18 mm
20.8 mm

because i figure a universal should function fine as a regular one even if you don’t need an angle it might be a little awkward but plugs don’t got huge torque and if it can’t remove a plug straight on then how is it going to remove a plug at an angle?

I know it sounds crazy to buy a bunch of spark plug sockets for plugs I never seen but exchange rates are real sweet right now and I’m looking at about 20 bucks per regular Koken plug socket. About 30 bucks for the 10” extension ones. And about 40 to 50 bucks per universal.

im going to feel real stupid if I don’t buy a 18 or 20.8 koken for 20 bucks now and then wind up paying 10 bucks for a Chinese one at autozone in the future.

but im going to feel even stupider if I buy a 50 dollar universal 20.8 socket that I never use so maybe just get the regular ones

idk if you really need universal spark plug sockets or can use an adapter and some tape to hold it in place and if the universals are just a convenience

i just feel like we got a opportunity now with good exchange rate that won’t last

Just buy the regular ones for the stuff you actively work on and call it day. If you think there is a strong chance that you will use the other sizes in the future and you have plenty of money+storage, you could get those as well.

The extension sockets and swivel sockets are convenient if you are doing the same job over and over again, but that's all they are; convenient. I have a 250mm extension for my personal vehicle, and yes it is nicer to use than a separate extension, but it doesn't do anything you couldn't do without it. Most swivel applications can be done with a wrench like Dave mentioned or a standard swivel joint. The more unique ones that need different tools are the German stuff that need 12 point or boxer applications where the cylinder head is close to the frame rail.

The USD/JPY exchange rate has been bad (or good, depends upon how you look at it) for almost three years now. It will probably improve eventually but I doubt it will be overnight. Besides, unless you are ordering direct from Japan and paying in yen, it's a bit of a moot point since foreign vendors aren't going to drop their prices because the exchange rate changed.

 

[tamaraw]

how do you turn it with a wrench does it have external hex or did you use a 3/8 adapter to something

Yes, most plug sockets (koken, ktc, tone, etc.) have an external hex for this purpose. This is how most factory motorcycle and small engine tool kits are set up as well.

 

[Dave455]

how do you turn it with a wrench does it have external hex or did you use a 3/8 adapter to something

Yes, they have an external hex. Just use a regular wrench. Whatever works in the space you have.

The regular spark plug sockets are the most versatile tools you can get. I only use the extended ones because I have BMW’s where the plugs are a bit buried away. A regular plug socket and locking extension would work as well. Some engines (some old Peugeot) were tight, and it might not

The external hex, as well as the retention, are the only reasons to buy a specific plug socket. For years, I just used deep sockets and they worked fine. It’s only with the newer engines that you need the retention.

I need the universals very rarely. Most times it’s just convenience, especially working on bikes.

If I was buying plug sockets again I’d just buy what I needed for my own vehicles, and those in the family. I’d certainly buy anything that made life easier, so at the mo that’s the extended ones.

If prices are good, and I accept they are at present for Japanese imports, I might try and second guess what I’ll need in the future.

 

[FigN⋅m]

Always nice when the shop lets you upgrade your hodge-podge collection of screwdrivers

 

[Hakeem]

Coming up on 10 business days and still no shipping notification from KokenUSA. Man I gotta be honest, I can’t remember the last time I had to wait this long for something to be shipped out. This stuff was all ostensibly in stock, they just gotta pile it in a box and slap an automatically-generated shipping label on it.

You’d think Koken would want their sole US distributor to offer better service, especially since they have been making a big push into the North American market.

 

[Steel_Rain]

Coming up on 10 business days and still no shipping notification from KokenUSA. Man I gotta be honest, I can’t remember the last time I had to wait this long for something to be shipped out. This stuff was all ostensibly in stock, they just gotta pile it in a box and slap an automatically-generated shipping label on it.

You’d think Koken would want their sole US distributor to offer better service, especially since they have been making a big push into the North American market.

I just look back at my last order with them. 6 days between the order date and the shipment notification. The order was made on a Thursday and shipped out the following Friday of the week after.

Agreed on your points and speaking to the larger problem...at this point, I feel like Koken needs to have dedicated office/distribution center in the US at this point. They have been using PALMAC, correct? Or has that changed?

 

[mikey03]

Coming up on 10 business days and still no shipping notification from KokenUSA. Man I gotta be honest, I can’t remember the last time I had to wait this long for something to be shipped out. This stuff was all ostensibly in stock, they just gotta pile it in a box and slap an automatically-generated shipping label on it.

You’d think Koken would want their sole US distributor to offer better service, especially since they have been making a big push into the North American market.

Kokenusa has always been slow the few times I ordered anything from them. Just got to expect it tbh

 

[FigN⋅m]

Coming up on 10 business days and still no shipping notification from KokenUSA. Man I gotta be honest, I can’t remember the last time I had to wait this long for something to be shipped out. This stuff was all ostensibly in stock, they just gotta pile it in a box and slap an automatically-generated shipping label on it.

You’d think Koken would want their sole US distributor to offer better service, especially since they have been making a big push into the North American market.

Anything yet?
I just got my shipping/tracking notification a few minutes ago, so fingers crossed for you!

 

[Outahere]

Coming up on 10 business days and still no shipping notification from KokenUSA. ...........

Did you call them, and speak to a customer service rep. ?

 

[Pexto]

Coming up on 10 business days and still no shipping notification from KokenUSA. Man I gotta be honest, I can’t remember the last time I had to wait this long for something to be shipped out. This stuff was all ostensibly in stock, they just gotta pile it in a box and slap an automatically-generated shipping label on it.

You’d think Koken would want their sole US distributor to offer better service, especially since they have been making a big push into the North American market.

As far as I know, DRPD is also an official Koken dealer. And I can attest that DRPD always ships very quickly.

 

[Shelbylex]

Koken USA sometimes has tools arriving in a ship and it may take a while. I think my sockets are expected to come in April (I am fine with it as I have other sets…)

 

[Hakeem]

Anything yet?
I just got my shipping/tracking notification a few minutes ago, so fingers crossed for you!

I appreciate the positive vibes but sadly no.

Did you call them, and speak to a customer service rep. ?

I did but couldn’t get through. Didn’t leave a message. I suppose I’ll try again on Monday.

Koken USA sometimes has tools arriving in a ship and it may take a while. I think my sockets are expected to come in April (I am fine with it as I have other sets…)

I stuck to stuff that was all listed as “in stock”. It would be a bummer if their inventory wasn’t accurate.

Lord knows I have plenty of tools so I’m certainly not hurting or anything, I’m just not used to such a long turnaround. In this day and age, I’d call anything over one week to ship in-stock goods unacceptable.

As far as I know, DRPD is also an official Koken dealer. And I can attest that DRPD always ships very quickly.

Good to know, i reviewed some of their inventory and they look like they’ll be getting my future koken orders.

 

[kyrbz]

No biggie, but I was a little surprised these had a bit of a burr on the backside of the blade

 

[Andres26tnt]

Trusco 370MBK(toyo made)

KTC B3-10P 3/8 sockets set

Asahi Renowave wrenches full set( can't fit
them all )

KTC BR390L

Tone KN-150G

Lobtex TG200NA

Lobtex UU-NA4150

Olfa/trusco LTD-08GCR giga Red( gorgeous )

Vessel bits

Everything else is craftsman Taiwan V series and other.

Doing a red/black themed vehicle specific box(Caldina GT-T). Some sizes will be removed as Im going over the vehicle to see what's actually needed.

 

[Hakeem]

Well, after two weeks of waiting KokenUSA got back to me and told me that a few of the items I ordered were on back order, hence the delay. I asked them to cancel the order, which they did, and I promptly reordered everything from Harry J Epstein’s. HJE’s prices are lower AND they had a 15% discount code so my total was less than with KokenUSA’s 25% off sale.

Seems like an honest mistake on KokenUSA’s part but I think I will steer clear in the future. Between the high prices and the slow shipping, not much reason for me to shop there.

 

[Shelbylex]

I have the opposite experience today: the socket set which was supposed to come in April per the e-mail just got mailed to me.

Price comparison would be interesting

 

[Outahere]

I bought this Shinwa taper gauge at Amazon-US for around $10. There is also a more expensive version that comes with a protective stainless steel sheath that has a pocket clip.




On the back side is a semi-useless "diameter correction table". More useful is the formula on the back of the packaging showing how to calculate the true diameter of a hole being measured with this gauge. The thickness of this gauge (1.2mm) introduces a measurement error when checking inside diameters of holes. The smaller the hole, the bigger the error. The true diameter "B" is calculated by squaring the gauge reading "A", adding it to 1.44, and then taking the square root of the sum.

 

[WAS Jr]

Outtahere, is the 1.44 value a constant? I could confirm by looking it up, but that would resemble work. Thanks in advance for supporting my long term laziness project!
bill s

 

[Outahere]

Outtahere, is the 1.44 value a constant? ..

I believe so. It is the square of the gauge thickness (1.2mm). But I have not dug into the math behind it all, and I remember very little of high school math.

 

[Monte]

more Shinwa goodies

 

[FigN⋅m]

You vs. the guy she told you not to worry about


Bummer that some folks were having difficulties with their order, but sometimes it's worth it!

 

[Achilleus]

I got a few pics here in a different thread on the 3/8 drive Koken set. What I really like about it apart from the production perfection is the great metal case - almost the same size as my old red USA husky set. https://www.garagejournal.com/forum...ve-vs-flat-drive-sockets.542951/post-11079486

 

[Achilleus]

Neji-saurus pliers. These are great for twisting stuff out, removing rusty screws, pulling out pins, etc. Super precision.

 

[a57belair2]

Order in from Deen Tools, I was not aware when ordering that they are not Japanese made tool. A bit of a letdown for sure, had I known that I might not have ordered. That is 100% on me. Looking forward to seeing how I like these roto head ratchets. I got two that are 3/8 in a 1/4 body.

 

[Andres26tnt]

Order in from Deen Tools, I was not aware when ordering that they are not Japanese made tool. A bit of a letdown for sure, had I known that I might not have ordered. That is 100% on me. Looking forward to seeing how I like these roto head ratchets. I got two that are 3/8 in a 1/4 body.

Deen is alright, the black handles are made in Japan if that's any consolation . For the most part they are good quality, tho I would say expensive for a mostly Taiwan tool.