Tools of Japan

[F-22]

Mokuba seem to have a nice range. Discovered by this recent post.

Seems international availability is poor though.

Didn't know I needed a chromed crowbar in my life, but I guess I do.

 

[pfbz]

Ratchet drawer family photo...

 

[Steel_Rain]

Ratchet drawer family photo...

Love this! Are those Alien Space Savers your using to hold them?

 

[Steel_Rain]

Klein “Japan made” ball grip available right now on Amazon
Klein Tools 32960A Fastbit Tru-Grip Screwdriver, Ball-Style Handle with Quick-Release Collar, #2 Phillips and 6 mm Slotted Double-Ended Bit, 1/4-Inch Bit Compatible https://a.co/d/12ZLxxB

I ordered mine and it shipped already, but I see Amazon has this listed now as "1-2 months backordered:



Yikes.

I heard Lowes is getting this next week (Reddit), but time will tell. I'll post pictures of mine when it arrives.

 

[HannibalLecter]

Ratchet drawer family photo...

One question. Have you put the 1/4 through its paces? Like really used it? I am asking because I did and it came apart, not once but it kept on getting loose. I got a rebuild kit but it is a design flaw (the thread of the screw is like 1.5mm in depth on 1/4). I found it very discerning, for a 30 gram, almost 100€ ratchet

 

[Wrench-Polisher]

Koken USA website has 25% sale right now FYI

 

[gilbo]

Ratchet drawer family photo...

Nicely done, love Koken. I try to snag them,when I see them cheap on Amazon.

 

[Silver Lexus]

I’m very happy with my new Koken 3/8 ratchet. Want to try the nutgrip sockets soon.

 

[rick carpenter]

Got a pair of Tsunoda WP-150 adjustable pliers yesterday for my youngest g'daughter's toolkit and an Anex 3614 today for me. (The 3614 is aka 3610.)



Top to bottom: Vessel 270 w/+0 bit, Anex 3614 w/+0 bit, Vessel 9900 w/+00 tip, & Vessel TD-56 w/+00 tip. The new Anex should complete a good torque progression for my precision 65mm bits. The 3614 has a 25mm insertion depth, and the 270 has a 35mm insertion depth. My 9900 set will remain my go-to's. The 270 is a bit clunky for these bits but oh well it's stubbier than the others.

 

[pfbz]

Love this! Are those Alien Space Savers your using to hold them?

Yes....

After blasting *** as my least favorite wrench organizers several times, I decided to give them one last try as a ratchet organizer, and it turns out they work pretty well for that purpose (though I still don't like them as wrench organizers)

The other organizer I've found useful for ratchets is the Toolbox Widgets modular plier organizer. Both allow you to space out the ratchet heads and get the job done without having to spend 3-5 per ratchet on something 3D print. I have too many ratchets for that.

Still playing around with organizers and layout in the new box.

 

[snowblindb]

For a long time, I was looking for a suitable organizer that would fit in the Knipex X18 tool backpack and the organizer could fit three full boxes of Wago connectors. After a little measuring, I ended up with the Meiho WS-3010 ND lure box and it was just the right option!
It could hold: 50pcs 221-413, 30pcs 221-613 and 60pcs 221-2411 connectors.
Btw the latch that is in Meiho is significantly better than in similar Chinese lure boxes.

 

[Reed Prince]

For a long time, I was looking for a suitable organizer that would fit in the Knipex X18 tool backpack and the organizer could fit three full boxes of Wago connectors. After a little measuring, I ended up with the Meiho WS-3010 ND lure box and it was just the right option!

I like Plano.

 

[rick carpenter]

For a long time, I was looking for a suitable organizer that would fit in the Knipex X18 tool backpack and the organizer could fit three full boxes of Wago connectors. After a little measuring, I ended up with the Meiho WS-3010 ND lure box and it was just the right option!
It could hold: 50pcs 221-413, 30pcs 221-613 and 60pcs 221-2411 connectors.
Btw the latch that is in Meiho is significantly better than in similar Chinese lure boxes.

BZEUG has a good yootoob on using Japanese tackle boxes as tool boxes...

 

[Madjik Man]

Yep it's some sort of leaf spring with a round bump, very tight. Tried to take a picture but just cat get it to be clear.
For short bits I always use a nice magnetic bit holder. Preferably a slim one like this bahco or engineer dr-323

holder

To confirm: that engineer extension works with the Anex 397? (My Anex model is just “397” with no trailing numbers or letters)

Been looking for something like that.

I love the Anex 397 and grab it more than any other screwdriver but sometimes my finger/thumb hits the direction switch in the middle of ratcheting.

 

[Madjik Man]

One question. Have you put the 1/4 through its paces? Like really used it? I am asking because I did and it came apart, not once but it kept on getting loose. I got a rebuild kit but it is a design flaw (the thread of the screw is like 1.5mm in depth on 1/4). I found it very discerning, for a 30 gram, almost 100€ ratchet

Are yours the 1/4” Z series with the quick release? The had issues right from the start and Koken stopped producing them.

Don’t know if they ever fixed the issue.

 

[Andres26tnt]

To confirm: that engineer extension works with the Anex 397? (My Anex model is just “397” with no trailing numbers or letters)

Been looking for something like that.

I love the Anex 397 and grab it more than any other screwdriver but sometimes my finger/thumb hits the direction switch in the middle of ratcheting.

All 397 are the same, the letter just means limited models. Special edition color. Yes it should work fine.

 

[HannibalLecter]

Are yours the 1/4” Z series with the quick release? The had issues right from the start and Koken stopped producing them.

Don’t know if they ever fixed the issue.

Yeah I know, I only have the normal 1/4 ratchet with qr. Wish id bought more before they discontinued them. Something about inconsistent retention of the socket, but I value this feature
The one that came apart wasnt qr though

 

[dclark2171]

After not buying any tools from Amazon Japan for a while, I now notice most Nepros/KTC tools will not ship to the US. It looks like Nepros/KTC has more of a presence on the US Amazon site. I'm guessing that is the reason.

 

[Andres26tnt]

After not buying any tools from Amazon Japan for a while, I now notice most Nepros/KTC tools will not ship to the US. It looks like Nepros/KTC has more of a presence on the US Amazon site. I'm guessing that is the reason.

Lots of vendors and shipping service's stopped shipping to the USA.

 

[Steel_Rain]

Lots of vendors and shipping service's stopped shipping to the USA.

DHL is still shipping to the USA.

I have an inbound package via Blackship with DHL now...and got my first "surprise" yesterday:




DO NOT turn my favorite thread on GC political. That said, I paid them and will continue to pay them for imported Japanese goods.

 

[Andres26tnt]

DHL is still shipping to the USA.

I have an inbound package via Blackship with DHL now...and got my first "surprise" yesterday:




DO NOT turn my favorite thread on GC political. That said, I paid them and will continue to pay them for imported Japanese goods.

I should say non USA vendors and shipping companies specifically. USA companies will continue to send stuff as long as you pay the tarrif.

 

[Andres26tnt]

I'm currently in Tokyo for my wife's green card application. Had some free time and checked out a nice local tools store in Shinjuku. Didn't take pictures of the place is they had a sign with no photos written on it.

Snuck a picture of a nice Anex driver with impact cap, reminds me of the 397 design. Didn't buy it, have way too many drivers now .

 

[Ohio Andy]

DHL is still shipping to the USA.

I have an inbound package via Blackship with DHL now...and got my first "surprise"

You paid about $29 import. Can I ask the value on the shipment. Did they give a breakdown?

I just ordered a box from Japan for $45 then noticed the same box for the same price on Amazon...

Mostly curious what extra I might have paid.

 

[Steel_Rain]

Klein Tools 32960A:









So yea…this is good. Like, real good. Like I have 100+ drivers and this is in my top 10 thus far. I’m spending some time this evening trying to find bits that it DOES NOT hold well and so far, I can’t find any. Mega impressive and I’ll be getting another. I’ll be using this during this week and next to check its daily driver use case.

Well built, feels weighted, love how easy the engagement and the slide mechanism is just tight. The grip feel high quality and the fitment in my hand is on par or slightly better then the Vessel/Anex ball grips I own. Definitely worth the money.

 

[pfbz]

Klein Tools 32960A:
So yea…this is good....

Mine finally arrived this evening. Haven't had a chance to test much with it, but the bit retention and lack of wobble with the included double sided bit is impressive.

Maybe this will be the one that finally converts me from my obsession with German and Swiss screwdrivers to Japanese to ball-shaped drivers?

 

[Steel_Rain]

I’m spending some time this evening trying to find bits that it DOES NOT hold well and so far, I can’t find any.

Yea, so I couldn't find anything thus far that doesn't fit / hold near perfect:












I've tried about 50 different bits (mostly longer style) so far and I can't report any bit wobble or problems securing them.

Impressive so far.

 

[Steel_Rain]

You paid about $29 import. Can I ask the value on the shipment. Did they give a breakdown?

Andy, see the below for a breakdown:



Honestly, I don't remember how much the total value of the shipment was...maybe $100 bucks? This was the last of a much larger order I made back in June ($1000ish) that was shipped out before the tariffs hit.

 

[Outahere]

Some Vessel and Anex from Amazon-US. I paid $16 for the Anex set, and around $5 for the Vessel bits.




The Anex bit ratchet is 16-tooth, and 4.25" overall length. The bits are 0.75" long. It has medium back drag, the Koken 72T ratchet has very low back drag, and the tiny VIM bit ratchet has high back drag.

 

[bongkar_YES_pasang_NO]

Sunflag is grossly underappreciated on GC :

talking about Sunflag, have anyone tried this Sunflag 7150?



T Handle plus locking bit holder would be perfect for my needs.

 

[richfinn]

One question. Have you put the 1/4 through its paces? Like really used it? I am asking because I did and it came apart, not once but it kept on getting loose. I got a rebuild kit but it is a design flaw (the thread of the screw is like 1.5mm in depth on 1/4). I found it very discerning, for a 30 gram, almost 100€ ratchet

drop of red loctite on the screw thread and don't over tighten it (I tried blue without success) leave it overnight to set and it will be perfect (mines been like this for a year under daily pro use).

If you ever need to strip/lube it, hit the screw head with a soldering iron for a minute to soften the loctite, the screw is a torx plus 6 (if I remember correctly).

 

[KnurledNut]

talking about Sunflag, have anyone tried this Sunflag 7150?



T Handle plus locking bit holder would be perfect for my needs.

I haven’t used it, but it appears to be designed for use with Japanese spec bit shanks.

 

[HannibalLecter]

drop of red loctite on the screw thread and don't over tighten it (I tried blue without success) leave it overnight to set and it will be perfect (mines been like this for a year under daily pro use).

If you ever need to strip/lube it, hit the screw head with a soldering iron for a minute to soften the loctite, the screw is a torx plus 6 (if I remember correctly).

Thank you for the suggestions. I did not try red loctite but I did try loctite. Both on the original screw and the new screw that came along with the repair kit. Imo not much for the loctite to set on. The thread depth in the 1/4 backplate is what, 1.5mm thick? This is a design problem. Also this bolt goes through a moving pawl which worsens the problem.
In the end i glued the head of the screw with cyanoacrylic instant glue. Subpar solution.
The ratchet shouldn't have come undone in the first place. We are talking for an $100 1/4 ratchet!. And don't get me wrong, I like koken. Yes the screw is torx plus 6ip (another meaningless design)

 

[richfinn]

Thank you for the suggestions. I did not try red loctite but I did try loctite. Both on the original screw and the new screw that came along with the repair kit. Imo not much for the loctite to set on. The thread depth in the 1/4 backplate is what, 1.5mm thick? This is a design problem. Also this bolt goes through a moving pawl which worsens the problem.
In the end i glued the head of the screw with cyanoacrylic instant glue. Subpar solution.
The ratchet shouldn't have come undone in the first place. We are talking for an $100 1/4 ratchet!. And don't get me wrong, I like koken. Yes the screw is torx plus 6ip (another meaningless design)

Yep. try the Red stuff and tighten the screw kind of finger tight (too tight and it will slip) then let it cure overnight, the screw and threads need to be clean and oil free and it will solve your problem

 

[HannibalLecter]

Yep. try the Red stuff and tighten the screw kind of finger tight (too tight and it will slip) then let it cure overnight, the screw and threads need to be clean and oil free and it will solve your problem

I wont touch this ratchet again. If a problem arises koken will hear about it. Every time this screw gets loose the threads are getting worn.Thats what happens if you design 3 threads worth of engagement The previous screw was a bit worn and it kept on loosening (it wasn't stripped or anything). Pretty pathetic. Rant off

 

[Outahere]

....The ratchet shouldn't have come undone in the first place. We are talking for an $100 1/4 ratchet!. .........

Have you contacted Koken for a replacement under warranty?

 

[HannibalLecter]

Have you contacted Koken for a replacement under warranty?

I did contact the seller i bought the tool from. Koken agreed to supply a repair kit (it includes the new bolt, with something that looks like a very weak gum threadlocker). This did not solve the issue. I ended up gluing the head of the screw to the ratchets body with instant glue

 

[richfinn]

I wont touch this ratchet again. If a problem arises koken will hear about it. Every time this screw gets loose the threads are getting worn.Thats what happens if you design 3 threads worth of engagement The previous screw was a bit worn and it kept on loosening (it wasn't stripped or anything). Pretty pathetic. Rant off

I actually lost the screw from my original and requested a repair kit under warranty from my dealer (UK Tools Ltd.) who are awesome

They sent me another ratchet and it had the same issue, so I came up with the loctite fix as I love the dimensions of the tool and the low back drag so much!!!

Ko-ken will get around to fixing it I'm sure, I suspect mine was from an early batch of the newer 1/4" 72T Z series flexheads

 

[HannibalLecter]

I actually lost the screw from my original and requested a repair kit under warranty from my dealer (UK Tools Ltd.) who are awesome

They sent me another ratchet and it had the same issue, so I came up with the loctite fix as I love the dimensions of the tool and the low back drag so much!!!

Ko-ken will get around to fixing it I'm sure, I suspect mine was from an early batch of the newer 1/4" 72T Z series flexheads

As much i want to love koken that's disappointing to say the least. They had 5 years to develop the thing, they chose one and only screw through a moving part. It leaves a sour taste for sure.
I have worked also enough my 3/8 which is fine, but both of my 1/4 weren't

 

[terrific]

I wont touch this ratchet again. If a problem arises koken will hear about it. Every time this screw gets loose the threads are getting worn.Thats what happens if you design 3 threads worth of engagement The previous screw was a bit worn and it kept on loosening (it wasn't stripped or anything). Pretty pathetic. Rant off

I know it's not fair to expect companies in higher wage areas to compete on price with Taiwan or China, but something has to give here. If nowadays even the really cheap tools are very serviceable, companies charging so much for a 1/4" ratchet really need to be on top of their game. That thing should have NASA levels of testing and QA.

 

[richfinn]

As much i want to love koken that's disappointing to say the least. They had 5 years to develop the thing, they chose one and only screw through a moving part. It leaves a sour taste for sure.
I have worked also enough my 3/8 which is fine, but both of my 1/4 weren't

It's not that unusual in the tool game, Snap On are having issues with their 100 tooth ratchets. And some of their air tools (IM6100) used to really ****, still a great tool company though