Tools of Japan

[Negen]

One thing though for the larger fasteners that are a bit tight, the 3/8th zeal seems a bit short to be able to apply enough torque. It always seemed strange to me why the zeal 3/8th did not have a longer handle surely the ratcheting mechanism can handle the torque. Just hard to apply it with such a short handle. Even the 3/8th breaker bar seems a bit short than I am used to.

 

[Dave455]

You have to remember, that the 3/8 drive Z Series / Zeal was introduced specially for working in confined spaces such as engine compartments on modern cars. i'm sure that the idea of using it instead of 1/4 drive was exactly what the designers had in mind, but compromises have to be made!

It's great to be able to use it down to 5.5 mm nuts, and up to the Japanese Standard sizes of 12 and 14 it's fine. Beyond that you should probably just get the regular 3/8 drive, or wait a little and get the 1/2 inch Zeal as well!

In regular 3/8 drive, Koken offer a huge range of regular and long handle ratchets, and also breaker bars up to 16 inch!

 

[hautpot]

Groove mic by Mitutoyo

 

[superautobacs]

What Dave said above.

To break loose a tight fastener, you can use your longer ratchets with a higher tooth count or a longer breaker bar, then you can make quick work with the shorter/lighter Zeal ratchet, without having to work with a long/heavy handle which will tire you out more quickly. It's a compromise, as Dave mentioned.



I use my 1/4" drive ratchet more than the 3/8.







Hautpot,

Nice. What is that used for?

 

[hautpot]

Typically a groove mic is used to measure the dimensions for an internal groove (to hold O-rings). It is a very delicate and hard to use measuring tool. If a machinist isn't holding it near perfectly parallel, it will damage the contacts.

 

[gbh]

My new arrival.
I think this brand, Tone, offers great value for money.
This is a new release from Tone, it's a small head 3/8 ratchet. 72 teeth with an easy detach button.
I'll put some pics next to a Snap 3/8 and 1/4 to show how small it is.

 

[gbh]

Comparison pic

 

[RXtacy]

My new arrival.
I think this brand, Tone, offers great value for money.
This is a new release from Tone, it's a small head 3/8 ratchet. 72 teeth with an easy detach button.
I'll put some pics next to a Snap 3/8 and 1/4 to show how small it is.

That's a cool little ratchet. Where did you get it?

 

[gbh]

For some reason I'm not able to post more than one pic each time.

 

[mercucho]

My new arrival.
I think this brand, Tone, offers great value for money.
This is a new release from Tone, it's a small head 3/8 ratchet. 72 teeth with an easy detach button.
I'll put some pics next to a Snap 3/8 and 1/4 to show how small it is.

Very nice ratchet!

 

[gbh]

That's a cool little ratchet. Where did you get it?

Thanks, I like it too. I live in Japan so I ordered it online here on Tuesday night and it arrived here Thursday afternoon.
I did some research to find it after seeing it in a Youtube video.
Here's the link to the video. It's all in Japanese but you'll get the drift.

I found an online catalogue and they have more stuff that will empty my wallet so I'll stay away from it for a while.

 

[RXtacy]

Ah that would make it easier for sure

Do you have a link to the catalog?

 

[gbh]

Ah that would make it easier for sure

Do you have a link to the catalog?

These flyers should get you started.
http://www.tonetool.co.jp/products/flyer.html

This should take you to the catalogue.
http://www.tonetool.co.jp/products/catalog_1411/#page=1

 

[RXtacy]

Awesome thanks!

 

[Qualitytools]

Strangely, the one thing I saw that I wanted (at a cursory glance) was the 1/2" universal joint... and I can't remember the last time I used a universal...

I'm sure I'll find something I can't live without...

Question for those of you who have experience with the Z-EAL stuff: where would you start? 1/4"? 3/8"? I do find myself using more 1/4" drive stuff lately, but probably because it's handier to get to...

I have the 3/8 metric socket set and besides the low clearance I Love how precise the fit is on the hardware I am installing or removing.

 

[BK13]

I have the 3/8 metric socket set and besides the low clearance I Love how precise the fit is on the hardware I am installing or removing.

Well, the GF saw me going through the KoKen online catalog last night, making dream lists, and asked me to make a prioritized list for Christmas, so it looks like I might be getting some (standard) 1/4" drive semi-deep and some 3/8" drive Surface Drive semi-deep. Whoohoo!

Hopefully, the new sockets will play nice with my Snap On, Armstrong, and Gearwrench ratchets....


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[BK13]

My new arrival.

I think this brand, Tone, offers great value for money.

This is a new release from Tone, it's a small head 3/8 ratchet. 72 teeth with an easy detach button.

I'll put some pics next to a Snap 3/8 and 1/4 to show how small it is.

If Jimmy Durante was a ratchet...


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[superautobacs]

Just out of curiosity, I checked the dimensional specs of that TONE compact 3/8 with a Ko-ken Zeal. It's very similar.

Tone: RH3CHS (top of the list)

Ko-ken: 2725Z-3/8

Taiwanese high-tooth count or Japanese super low-drag, low-tooth count ratchet.

Well, the GF saw me going through the KoKen online catalog last night, making dream lists, and asked me to make a prioritized list for Christmas, so it looks like I might be getting some (standard) 1/4" drive semi-deep and some 3/8" drive Surface Drive semi-deep. Whoohoo!

Hopefully, the new sockets will play nice with my Snap On, Armstrong, and Gearwrench ratchets....


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Interesting to know that you went for the Surface Drive. Is that because you really like using that mystery (Atorn?) sockets you mentioned about in another thread?

Your new Ko-ken sockets will play nicely with your other ratchets.

If Jimmy Durante was a ratchet...


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[BK13]

Interesting to know that you went for the Surface Drive. Is that because you really like using that mystery (Atorn?) sockets you mentioned about in another thread?

I just wanted to give the Surface Drive a try. Hopefully, they will impress the heck out of me and I'll have to add them in all my most used sizes...


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Ford Farmer]

Had a few hours in Narita and went on the hunt for a Koken socket set. Only had time to hit up one store and they only had about 10 Koken tamper resistant drivers, everything else was Tone and I wasn't familiar so I didn't pull the trigger. But based on some recommendations Dave (dede...) gave me I did find a couple of useful things....

 

[RXtacy]

Hopefully, the new sockets will play nice with my Snap On, Armstrong, and Gearwrench ratchets....

They fit perfectly snug on both Snap On and Gearwrench.

 

[dede2897234]

Had a few hours in Narita and went on the hunt for a Koken socket set. Only had time to hit up one store and they only had about 10 Koken tamper resistant drivers, everything else was Tone and I wasn't familiar so I didn't pull the trigger. But base on some recommendations Dave (dede...) gave me I did find a couple of useful things....

Ford Farmer,

You picked out some winners!

The Engineer PZ-59 pliers must be a relatively new model.

I have never seen 1/4" drive, hand impact driver. I will add the Anex model to my want list!

If you go back to Narita, I would reconsider looking at Tone hand tools. They are high quality products. If you go back one page of the "Tools of Japan" thread, GJ member "gbh" posted a Tone flyer and catalog. If interested, look through them.

Thanks for posting the photo.


Dave

 

[Ford Farmer]

Dave,

Thanks for the quick tips on quality tools. Every brand you listed was in the store in one form or another. I exercised much restraint in not buying more! I saw the links on the previous page yesterday but it was too late, I was already in Singapore. I wish I had found this thread sooner, but I should see Narita on a pretty regular basis. I'll check out the catalog and pick something out for next time.

Mark

 

[superautobacs]

Ford Farmer,

Which store did you visit in Narita city?







Screw-saurus RX
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Jhs_6xoI38I?rel=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

 

[superautobacs]

Introducing the new Screw-Bazooka!



Aside from its product name, I think it's a pretty novel idea. Might be a bit of hard sell in this day and age when 1/4 hex bit screw extractors are available in the market for cordless impact driver usage.


Product overview:
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/qxRQ0i4WCHE?rel=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>



1st bit in use:
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/uHiZu-UKacY?rel=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>


2nd bit in use:
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/fSGULdzhc4w?rel=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>


Hex bit in use:
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/n6DHeEQMPG0?rel=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

 

[superautobacs]

Anex's mini impact driver:

Here's the pdf pamphlet released in August 2012:
http://www.anextool.co.jp/files/19031903S_n.pdf



and video:
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/dOCuwAJ6Cdc?rel=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

 

[ihateminimumwage]

Screw-saurus RX
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Jhs_6xoI38I?rel=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

Well, I guess I'm in for a set of these too. Just received my PZ-57 & PZ-58s this week, and absolutely love them.

 

[Ford Farmer]

Ford Farmer,

Which store did you visit in Narita city?

Super,

Went to a Joyful Honda. It was a $20 cab ride from the hotel and had a fair selection for my first visit. Kind of an all in one with hardware, pet store, grocery, booze, arts & crafts, toys etc....I needed to buy a little something for the kids also and I only had a couple hours as I was meeting friends for dinner so it worked out okay. Next time I'd like to find a dedicated hardware store or at least a home center with a larger selection of tools.

Mark

 

[superautobacs]

Ford Farmer,

The "home center" stores are very interesting places to explore for tools, but if you ever have half a day to get further out into Tokyo, there's a lot more to see.

For example, there's World Import Tools and Factory Gear stores.

Here's a few threads from the past that shows the kind of tool stores available:

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=268974

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=150399

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=148018

 

[dede2897234]

Anex's mini impact driver:

Here's the pdf pamphlet released in August 2012:
http://www.anextool.co.jp/files/19031903S_n.pdf



and video:
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/dOCuwAJ6Cdc?rel=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

superautobacs,


Thanks for posting the above video. It really shows how effective this impact driver is in removing damaged fasteners.


Dave

 

[gbh]

Just out of curiosity, I checked the dimensional specs of that TONE compact 3/8 with a Ko-ken Zeal. It's very similar.

Tone: RH3CHS (top of the list)

Ko-ken: 2725Z-3/8

Taiwanese high-tooth count or Japanese super low-drag, low-tooth count ratchet.

Small world! I bought my TONE from Ehime Machine.
I'll take the TONE, it's a full inch shorter and the handle is smaller. I wanted a 3/8 ratchet that was compact in every way.

Don't get me wrong, I have grown to LOVE my Koken 3/8 wobble head extensions and Koken metric sockets so much that I pass over my Snap On in favour of Koken now....but, I'm not a fan of low tooth count Koken ratchets.

 

[Ford Farmer]

Ford Farmer,

The "home center" stores are very interesting places to explore for tools, but if you ever have half a day to get further out into Tokyo, there's a lot more to see.

For example, there's World Import Tools and Factory Gear stores.

Here's a few threads from the past that shows the kind of tool stores available:

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=268974

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=150399

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=148018

Superautobacs,

Thanks for the great gouge! I wasn't particularly looking for home stores, just figured it was a safe bet. Was out drinking with the guys after dinner and happened upon a self proclaimed "hardware" store. It was full of cheap knives, junk tools and tourist ****. Exactly what I didn't want to find if I trusted Google. Usually I'll have about 24 hours so I'll check those threads and stores and put together a plan for next time. This info is great, thanks!

Mark

 

[BMack37]

Well, I guess I'm in for a set of these too. Just received my PZ-57 & PZ-58s this week, and absolutely love them.

Everyone needs these in their tool box, in my opinion. It's just too bad more people don't know about them.

 

[superautobacs]

Small world! I bought my TONE from Ehime Machine.
I'll take the TONE, it's a full inch shorter and the handle is smaller. I wanted a 3/8 ratchet that was compact in every way.

Don't get me wrong, I have grown to LOVE my Koken 3/8 wobble head extensions and Koken metric sockets so much that I pass over my Snap On in favour of Koken now....but, I'm not a fan of low tooth count Koken ratchets.

I've used Ehime Machine several times myself. Selection may not be as good as some places, but they have good prices. Their web shopping experience is good too.

I meant in no way to bash your decision in getting that TONE ratchet

superautobacs,


Thanks for posting the above video. It really shows how effective this impact driver is in removing damaged fasteners.


Dave

Superautobacs,

Thanks for the great gouge! I wasn't particularly looking for home stores, just figured it was a safe bet. Was out drinking with the guys after dinner and happened upon a self proclaimed "hardware" store. It was full of cheap knives, junk tools and tourist ****. Exactly what I didn't want to find if I trusted Google. Usually I'll have about 24 hours so I'll check those threads and stores and put together a plan for next time. This info is great, thanks!

Mark

Please report back with your experiences when that time comes.

Everyone needs these in their tool box, in my opinion. It's just too bad more people don't know about them.

Engineers' own advertising slogan was, "One pair per household".

 

[ihateminimumwage]

Everyone needs these in their tool box, in my opinion. It's just too bad more people don't know about them.

Absolutely agree. They are the most useful pliers I own, and the finish and quality make everything else in my box look like hell...

 

[Negen]

Are Vampliers the same as the Engineer pliers? They seem to be almost identical. Although vamplires seem to be marketed for Americans as they have a American address.

 

[superautobacs]

Negen,

Same thing, otherwise it's a counterfeit.

 

[BMack37]

Are Vampliers the same as the Engineer pliers? They seem to be almost identical. Although vamplires seem to be marketed for Americans as they have a American address.

Engineer is the OEM for Vampliers, in fact, Vampliers have the Engineer name on them. Same item except the color and one of the Vampliers come with the tip cover while Engineer has it only available separate.

 

[mercucho]

TOP HY 26ST adjustable wrench thin mouth.

 

[superautobacs]

Mmmm, TOP -- one of my preferred companies for adjustable wrenches.





Some new tools arrived:

Anex T-25 and 30

To add to my two other Keiba pliers from their high-grade series:

Rust is not a deterrent with their patented "gun metal" bushing insert.

The grips have texture to them, providing better overall grip over standard dipped grips.
If you look closely near the cutting edge on the left blade, you will see the careful filing performed by their skilled craftsmen. It's the last step in the production to ensure the proper mating of the cutting edges:

The High-Grade series were recipients for the Good Design and IDS awards in 2002.
A fine level of polishing that you will not see from most plier manufactures. Precision pliers yes, but not for general use, standard pliers:

A simple, no-frills design. No fancy forging designs or chunky multi-colored cushion grips.