espyking83
Well-known member
Those Tone ratchets look great! What was the final price? The chrome looks amazing and the head profile is ridiculously small!
Tools of Japan
- Thread starter Frankstools
- Start date
The price (in €) is divided into three parts:
Rakuten official price:46.11€
Freight rate:21.98€
Customs:26.85€
The custom office in Spain is very expensive. Yet I think it is worth paying for this excellent tool.
The head is very small (35 mm) and that allows working in tight places.
Rakuten official price:46.11€
Freight rate:21.98€
Customs:26.85€
The custom office in Spain is very expensive. Yet I think it is worth paying for this excellent tool.
The head is very small (35 mm) and that allows working in tight places.
SantaAna12
Well-known member
- Joined
- Mar 1, 2012
- Messages
- 1,091
I recently ordered two sets of Koken sockets from Frankstools.
Great price, and great service.
Great price, and great service.
TheLongFella
New member
- Joined
- Mar 4, 2015
- Messages
- 1
Anyone here have much experience with Tone tools? I have a possible distribution opportunity with them and I'm seeking some independent opinions on them.. They seem to be of a very high quality but I'm struggling to find many testimonials outside of the one or two brief comments on them in this thread.
JDSV
Well-known member
You must tell me where in Nagoya this place is. I'll be heading back to Nagoya to visit the in-laws come the end of April and would love to visit this place. I already had marked down another trip to Kanamonoyasan, but I would like to add this place as well.
Plus, I might be able to save the trip to Factory Gear in Toyohashi this time
.RunninOnEmpty
Well-known member
As soon as Alan from Level Chrome sends me an invoice (he already sent the quote itself), I'll have my order for the following in:
Koken Z-eal 3/8"-drive socket set RS3400MZ/12
KTC metric flare nut crowfoot set TBNS305W
Koken wobble extension 3/8" 100mm 3763-100
Koken wobble extension 1/2" 150mjm 4763-150
Looking forward to giving this stuff a try after reading good things here. I was going to order from Frank but I saw so many people recommend against him that I decided to go with LevelChrome.
I'm giving these Z-eal 3/8" drive sockets a try because of comments mostly from you guys about how tight a fit they are and how low-profile. Hopefully they will help me reach some difficult bolts as well as not screw up rusty bolts as often.
I'm considering trying Vessel and/or Anex screwdrivers as well and would be curious to know if anyone has compared those two. Also interested in KTC and Nepros ratchets but I do wish they had higher tooth count ratchets available in some cases. Was going to order a mini 1/4"-drive ratchet but it's like $70-100 for a 36 tooth one. Eh. If those had more teeth, I'd have ordered them now, but I'll probably try that in the future.
Still got some German tools to try. Found a set of 5 Gedore wrenches on Ebay for very little money last night for starters. Can't spend all my money on the Japanese stuff right now.
Koken Z-eal 3/8"-drive socket set RS3400MZ/12
KTC metric flare nut crowfoot set TBNS305W
Koken wobble extension 3/8" 100mm 3763-100
Koken wobble extension 1/2" 150mjm 4763-150
Looking forward to giving this stuff a try after reading good things here. I was going to order from Frank but I saw so many people recommend against him that I decided to go with LevelChrome.
I'm giving these Z-eal 3/8" drive sockets a try because of comments mostly from you guys about how tight a fit they are and how low-profile. Hopefully they will help me reach some difficult bolts as well as not screw up rusty bolts as often.
I'm considering trying Vessel and/or Anex screwdrivers as well and would be curious to know if anyone has compared those two. Also interested in KTC and Nepros ratchets but I do wish they had higher tooth count ratchets available in some cases. Was going to order a mini 1/4"-drive ratchet but it's like $70-100 for a 36 tooth one. Eh. If those had more teeth, I'd have ordered them now, but I'll probably try that in the future.
Still got some German tools to try. Found a set of 5 Gedore wrenches on Ebay for very little money last night for starters. Can't spend all my money on the Japanese stuff right now.
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mrborohachi
Well-known member
Ive never had a problem with Frank. 3 separate orders with him.
Are you referring to a specific model from either brand?
I've used the Vessel Megadora and Ballgrip with JIS tip and various Anex drivers while servicing electronic equipment in relatively clean workbench setting. I don't recall the name or part number of the Anex drivers.
If you have large paws, the Vessel Ballgrip models might be too small to use comfortably for extended work. The #2 ball is about the size of a golf ball and the #1 is ~1 1/4" or so.
The Megadora has nice knurling on part of the driver shaft towards the handle, while the Ballgrip does not.
I don't really have a favorite JIS driver between the three, I like using all of them.
Let me know if you have any other specific questions.
RunninOnEmpty
Well-known member
Not set on a specific one but was considering the Anex 1550 JIS screwdriver with serrated tips (like the anti-cam-out lines from Wiha and others). It's currently listed at $16.67 on LevelChrome's site though there may be a better price available.
At that sort of price I can't afford a full collection of the things at the moment, but I figure if I do buy just 1 screwdriver from a brand to evaluate that brand, I should do it with one of the higher-quality pieces.
My hands are maybe slightly above average in size, I guess.
Right now I've got a set of Wiha ergonomics (the cheapies), a random Snap On black hard-handled slotted driver (used to have a matching Phillips), some cheap Husky and Craftsman... Should have a Bahco in the mail today or tomorrow... Just bought some Witte precision screwdrivers... I like to try new (to me) brands.
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General Geoff
Well-known member
Pic of the Koken 4251M set I just picked up from Frank, 10mm to 32mm, skipping only 31:
I would go with the Megadora over the Ballgrip with your criteria. IMHO, the Megadora has a better fit and feel over the Ballgrip. The BG is more like a upper tier DIY line and the Megadora has a "pro grade" feel.
Between the Vessel Megadora and the Anex 1550, it would be a hard call if you could only purchase one. I would give it to the Megadora for a slight edge. However, I'm happy to use any of the drivers I have.
RunninOnEmpty
Well-known member
I may purchase one from each company to start with. I've already accepted Alan's quote without any screwdrivers but I do expect to order more Japanese stuff (whether through him or someone else) and will likely purchase one of each then.
I just can't afford to buy a set of 7 of them or something at this time.
Thanks for the recommendation.
I just can't afford to buy a set of 7 of them or something at this time.
Thanks for the recommendation.
You must tell me where in Nagoya this place is. I'll be heading back to Nagoya to visit the in-laws come the end of April and would love to visit this place. I already had marked down another trip to Kanamonoyasan, but I would like to add this place as well.
Plus, I might be able to save the trip to Factory Gear in Toyohashi this time
It's called Royal home center, not really anything special though it's the first time I've seen Nepros tools outside of a tool only shop. If you go there the linimo monorail system takes you right to the door just about (Nagakutekousenjo station) What's better is that one of the world's best Automotive museums is about 5 minutes walk from the same place.
Check it out of you get time when in Nagoya.
http://www.toyota.co.jp/Museum/english/
Dave455
Well-known member
I've used them. A neighbour of mine has some. They seem to be quality items, but I havn't seen much, just a ratchet handle (a regular length one) and some sockets!
They seemed fine, in fact I would say the ratchet was quite nice. Would I bother trying to track down Tone stuff when KoKen offer a huge range, as good if not better quality, easy availability and cheap prices? Probably not!
Did you have to special order that from Frank? How long did it take to arrive?
Pic of the Koken 4251M set I just picked up from Frank, 10mm to 32mm, skipping only 31:
General Geoff
Well-known member
Yeah, I emailed him and asked if he could get it, he said yes. Took a week for him to get it in, and another two for the post office to get it here. That particular delivery was on the long side, I've usually had stuff from him arrive in about a week. The package arrived very beat-up, so I think the post office may have 'lost' it for awhile. Next special order is for 4251A, which is the standard equivalent set. I may also pick up a 4711x cross wrench if he can get it.
OCD
Well-known member
I found a few wrenches from Japan in a box of stuff I was given,
superautobacs
Well-known member
Aigo... another company that no longer exists. 
OCD
Well-known member
Aigo... another company that no longer exists.
I had never heard of them before... Seem like decent wrenches, they have some weight to them!!
bobbycos
Well-known member
Link please so I can check it out
mrborohachi
Well-known member
Newcomer from Japan: long ratchet Tone RH41L (45 cm)
How many teeth on this long badboy? it's sweet that it's a QR ratchet. I was looking for a Facom long 3/8, now i'm very interested in this ratchet
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JDSV
Well-known member
Thanks! I know about where that is. Getting super excited now! Thanks gbh!
Looks like it has 45 teeth. http://tone-db.jp/search/detail.php?page_title=ロングラチェットハンドル RH41L
Not that anyone asked, but I believe Koken round heads are also 45 teeth.
Thank you sir! I might fire off an e-mail later this afternoon.
mrborohachi
Well-known member
one hell of a NOS set here in Ohio, there are cheaper other listings but they have corrosion.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/New-Koken-T...1543859695&pt=Motors_Automotive_Tools&vxp=mtr
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bushmechanic
Well-known member
- Joined
- Mar 17, 2014
- Messages
- 4,820
Aside from the handle and apparent quality difference, one is Phillips, and the other is... that other thing that's slightly different from Phillips... I don't know what it's called.
One specifies hardened, the other doesn't. As well, one specifies "Made in Japan", and the other "Product of Japan".
Aside from the handle and apparent quality difference, one is Phillips, and the other is... that other thing that's slightly different from Phillips... I don't know what it's called.
One specifies hardened, the other doesn't. As well, one specifies "Made in Japan", and the other "Product of Japan".
Bingo, I'm seeing that more and more here. I'm suspicious that they are getting product made outside of Japan on the cheap and this is a way of slipping it by the customer. I see a lot of "patent Japan" these days also and when I look closer the packet will have Made in Taiwan" written on it but after you throw the bag away who'd truly know where something was made?
Am I just being cynical or paranoid?
PS: "Slightly dffierent from Philips". JIS or Japan Industrial Standard.
powertool
Active member
I use and abuse it, pried with it, fallen million times, chewed by dogs countless times (also neighbour dogs) and this thing just won't die!
tank4114
Well-known member
search the forum as good as any truck brand
I know they are of excellent quality, do you got any pics of sets (metric) : ).
Qualitytools
Well-known member
Thanks!
superautobacs
Well-known member
Bingo, I'm seeing that more and more here. I'm suspicious that they are getting product made outside of Japan on the cheap and this is a way of slipping it by the customer. I see a lot of "patent Japan" these days also and when I look closer the packet will have Made in Taiwan" written on it but after you throw the bag away who'd truly know where something was made?
Am I just being cynical or paranoid?
PS: "Slightly dffierent from Philips". JIS or Japan Industrial Standard.
I noticed Vessel has been outsourcing from a few years ago. I did look it up on their website at the time and learned that they have a factory in Thailand. Japan has a lot of manufacturing in Thailand. I believe my Vessel hammer is one such example.
Many here would probably say I'm biased in my opinions, but I'll say it anyway. Ko-ken's Zeal is precision. If you want precision, you've reached your final destination. Look no where else.
Wow, some vintage Ko-ken right there.
I wonder if the hinge handle/breaker bar has the mystery logo like this:
...and perhaps its with the pre-hyphen logo:
Attachments
Recently got a a few things on rakuten including the koken cross wrench 4711x which I first saw on your youtube video of it superautobacs! I love this thing.
the weak yen resulted in some pretty good discounts. but shipping did eat a chunk of those savings.
the weak yen resulted in some pretty good discounts. but shipping did eat a chunk of those savings.
powertool
Active member
Toyota wrench
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