Tools of Japan

[tanukiboy]

Hi Guys.

I know that Koken ratchet handles get a lot of (well deserved) love here at GJ. But I'd like to show you my Tone ratchet handles, in 1/4, 3/8, and 1/2.

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These are all 72-tooth ratchets, and the Japanese description seems to indicate that they have some sort of special "wedge type" mechanism that engages 8 teeth for greater strength (I think). They have a quick release button and a metal selector lever with a nice positive action. This series won a Japanese "Good Design Award", as indicated by the angular "G" sticker on the packaging.

What I like about these Tone ratchets is that they have a solid "machined from a block of metal" feel to them without being too heavy or clunky. The heads are quite compact and low profile, with nice smooth contours. I really like the silky feel of the satin finish, and the handles are very comfortable in the hand. The ratcheting mechanisms are pretty quiet. Back drag isn't super light, but I'm hoping they loosen up with use. As you can see from the pictures, they are stamped "JAPAN".

 

[outdated]

Nice! The heads must be very compact, the 1/2" drive looks like 3/4 in scale to the rest of the tool! I like the satin finish these days too. Looks like a nice shape, long and with a good handle shape. Not totally unlike the Wera metal ratchets I got a year or two back, I really like them.

 

[tanukiboy]

Nice! The heads must be very compact, the 1/2" drive looks like 3/4 in scale to the rest of the tool! I like the satin finish these days too. Looks like a nice shape, long and with a good handle shape. Not totally unlike the Wera metal ratchets I got a year or two back, I really like them.

Thanks, outdated.

Here's a picture of the entire line-up and also a close-up of the "wedge-type" ratcheting mechanism (both pics pulled from Tone's brochure).

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[potato]

I'm assuming they make these Blackhawk ratchets?

 

[tanukiboy]

I'm assuming they make these Blackhawk ratchets?

I've read at various sites (even this one?) that Blackhawk ratchet handles are made in Taiwan. The Tone ones are clearly stamped JAPAN. The finish looks different too, although otherwise I agree that they do look pretty much identical. Hmmm, does Stanley maybe own Tone?

 

[scubadoober]

I have the 3/8 blackhawk, and it does break in quite smoothly. I agree the backdrag was a little stiff at first. Probably going to pick up the 1/2 and 1/4 as well. Very compact head with good chrome. Not saying there aren't 72 tooth mechanisms made elsewhere, but that is generally a dead give away for Taiwan.

 

[woody6904]

https://www.powerbuilt.com/collections/pro-tech-ratchets-accessories#WDykcPZCICJ6TVoS.97

Similar to the Tone and Blackhawk? I've been really wanting to try one of the extra long flex versions.

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[losvre]

Nice! The heads must be very compact, the 1/2" drive looks like 3/4 in scale to the rest of the tool! I like the satin finish these days too. Looks like a nice shape, long and with a good handle shape. Not totally unlike the Wera metal ratchets I got a year or two back, I really like them.

How do you find the Wera ratchets? I had a dealer telling me that they had lots of trouble with the Wera ratchets only.

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[M6erfan]

https://www.powerbuilt.com/collections/pro-tech-ratchets-accessories#WDykcPZCICJ6TVoS.97

Similar to the Tone and Blackhawk? I've been really wanting to try one of the extra long flex versions.

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Those Powerbuilts were the 1st thing I thought of when I saw the Tone ratchet pics above. Very similar aside from the handle that is indexed 90°.

 

[maico]

I think that Japan stamp means Japanese market model The ratchets are Taiwanese sold under various brand names...

 

[Fedwrench]

Those Powerbuilts were the 1st thing I thought of when I saw the Tone ratchet pics above. Very similar aside from the handle that is indexed 90°.

Very similar indeed!!

I took my 3/8 powerbuilt pro apart to compare to the photos above and it looks the same as floating pawl design pictured above from Tone.
The direction switch is shaped slightly different though. Another difference on the fixed head powerbuilt pro ratchets is there is a scalloped area on the ratchet handle just below the ratchet head direction switch. It serves as a nice place for your thumb when choking up on the ratchet handle for quick wrist spinning on indexing the ratchet in your hand. I have no idea who actually makes the Tone ratchets but, i think the similarities are close enough for me to say that Carlyle flex head quick release ratchets, the Blackhawk pear head quick release, and the powerbuilt Pro ratchets came out of the same factory in Taiwan.
I need to save my pennies to get that mat of Tone Ratchets pictured above. lol:

 

[kb1982]

I'm currently waiting on the 24.72 inch Tone 1/2" long handle flex head to arrive in the mail. Figured i would give it a try. Hopefully it keeps me from adding the SnapOn 25" to my collection, even though I have the 3/8 and 1/4 long handle flex already. Ill post up some pictures when it arrives.

 

[tanukiboy]

I think that Japan stamp means Japanese market model The ratchets are Taiwanese sold under various brand names...

You may well be correct. I don't have any problem with Taiwan-made tools, but I have to say that the JAPAN stamping seems pretty deceptive to me. Given the very reasonable price of these ratchets, I guess I shouldn't be surprised. Unfortunately, I don't have the packaging to check the COO.

OTOH, it seems that nowadays you can never be sure about where any tool is actually made. I have some KTC locking pliers that are clearly identical to Irwin Vise-Grips. And as for Irwin, they proudly claim "The Original Since 1924" on their website, even though they moved Vise-Grip production to China in 2008.

 

[BK13]

I'm currently waiting on the 24.72 inch Tone 1/2" long handle flex head to arrive in the mail. Figured i would give it a try. Hopefully it keeps me from adding the SnapOn 25" to my collection, even though I have the 3/8 and 1/4 long handle flex already. Ill post up some pictures when it arrives.

Where did you order it from?


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[outdated]

How do you find the Wera ratchets? I had a dealer telling me that they had lots of trouble with the Wera ratchets only.

I find them to be great and have had no problems at all. I'm not hanging off them 8 hours a day though, as they're at home where I play with bikes and cars in whatever time I can find. They come across as a product someone's put some thought and effort into, and I can't fault the quality of anything so far.

The only 'problem' I had was that the 1/4" set turned out to be an SAE set in a metric box. Not just the external packaging, but the steel case it came in also had the metric details on the outside but the EVA tray and set within was SAE. They sent me another whole set in metric, so I got a complete SAE set for nothing. That's a problem I can live with.

 

[Interceptor]

I bought some Tekton (Taiwan) ratchets to compare to the Asahi (Japan) ratchets I posted about earlier. After side by side comparison I have no doubt they are made in the same place, or at least the ratcheting mechanisms are. Regardless of COO they are the best feeling ratchets I've ever had my hands on. I'm just not sure if I can get used to the backwards switch.

How do you find the Wera ratchets? I had a dealer telling me that they had lots of trouble with the Wera ratchets only.

I have the all metal Wera 8004B (3/8" with switch) and 8003C (1/2" push through). They cannot be taken apart for servicing, so that may be an issue. The heads are really small and thin, quality seems really good, handles are comfortable. The back drag is a bit on the heavy side, but overall very nice ratchets.

 

[kb1982]

Where did you order it from?


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Ninja Tools from eBay.

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[BK13]

Ninja Tools from eBay.

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Thank you!


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[superautobacs]

Outdated,

I'm starting to like looks on those Zero Monkeys! I suspect more videos are coming for the Engineer hand crimpers?
I only recently started doing more editing on my videos and I'm using a free software called "VSDC".





eas311,

Those TTC pliers are cheap! The receipt is cool, showing Masada, Mega, and Ko-ken illustrations.




Fedwrench,

You're correct that they all come from the same OEM in Taiwan.
Carlyle, Tone, Powerbuilt, Blackhawk are all sourcing them from Hi-Five. I'm sure you've heard of them before. They are a huge ODM/OEM for so many brands around the world.

The Powerbuilt version one seems to be one of their latest designs. The ratchet mechanism is based on Hi-Five's "Super-Ten" ratchet that's been around for over a decade. I think the predecessor to the Hi-Five's "Super-Ten" was the "MicroTough" ratchets that were offered by Stanley B&D under their brands like MAC, Husky, and Stanley (again, around a decade ago).

Here's a 3pc MAC branded one:

These ratchets were super-compact for its time!







tanukiboy,

I talked about Tone and COO in this thread: https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=296313&page=2

Unlike Tone, KTC is transparent with COO. They source tools from Taiwan, China, France, Italy, USA (probably more). Those locking pliers are sourced from Irwin as the part numbers match very closely.

 

[tanukiboy]

tanukiboy,

I talked about Tone and COO in this thread: https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=296313&page=2

Unlike Tone, KTC is transparent with COO. They source tools from Taiwan, China, France, Italy, USA (probably more). Those locking pliers are sourced from Irwin as the part numbers match very closely.

Thanks for the link, superautobacs. Lots of interesting information in that thread.

 

[gbh]

I picked up this (made in Japan)metric tap and die set today at 30% off.

 

[losvre]

Interceptor and Outdated?

Thank you for the feedback.

It is some time ago when I was "misinformed" about the Wera ratchets which I kind of regret.

Anyways, I have acquired some other ratchets in the mean time which I may post here, although not Japanese.

So the next step naturally would be to get some Japanese[emoji6]!

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[superautobacs]

Thanks for the link, superautobacs. Lots of interesting information in that thread.

I picked up this (made in Japan)metric tap and die set today at 30% off.

gbh,

Tungsten!? Sounds really expensive! Are they marked with a manufacturer stamp?

....

It is some time ago when I was "misinformed" about the Wera ratchets which I kind of regret.

...

Losvre,

care to elaborate on "misinformed"?

Also, as mentioned previously, you'll find those Anex magnet inserts for 1/4" drive bits featured in this video:

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/WW_bq2XkgXc" frameborder="0" allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen></iframe>

 

[losvre]

[emoji106]








gbh,

Tungsten!? Sounds really expensive! Are they marked with a manufacturer stamp?







Losvre,

care to elaborate on "misinformed"?

Also, as mentioned previously, you'll find those Anex magnet inserts for 1/4" drive bits featured in this video:

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/WW_bq2XkgXc" frameborder="0" allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen></iframe>

Hi Superautobacs,

I meant that I was probably being misinformed by the people selling Wera products at that time. It is about two years now that I was asking questions specifically for the Wera ratchets and I was told that they had a lot of returns due to ratchet being stuck or skipping etc. Cannot remember the specific reasons.

Motor sure what the truth is/ was.

Anyhow, a few years later I have got no Wera products but I have tested other brands.

That is personal experience only but I bought two Stahlwille 1/2 60t last year and they both stuck on one direction, i.e. could not reverse them via the lever. I returned then and gor two Gedore ones and are really good.

On the other hand, the Stahlwille 3/8 is smooth like butter although I have not put it in much strain as the 1/2 size.

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[losvre]

I picked up this (made in Japan)metric tap and die set today at 30% off.

I cannot believe that someone can buy a top quality tap set for 30 dollars. Maybe you could provide somw feedback once you have tested cutting threads on steel?

Thank you

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[maico]

Hi Superautobacs,

That is personal experience only but I bought two Stahlwille 1/2 60t last year and they both stuck on one direction, i.e. could not reverse them via the lever. I returned then and gor two Gedore ones and are really good.

On the other hand, the Stahlwille 3/8 is smooth like butter although I have not put it in much strain as the 1/2 size.

60 T discontinued and replaced with the 1/2" 80 tooth FOD which feels much like the 3/8th. Nothing smoother. The pawl is 8 tooth engagement like the Snap-On dual 80 design. From memory the 60 tooth was only 2 large teeth each side.

I'm planning to add the flex version too...

 

[LXCam]

I cannot believe that someone can buy a top quality tap set for 30 dollars. Maybe you could provide somw feedback once you have tested cutting threads on steel?

Thank you

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Where you getting $30 from. He said he got 30% off. Heck I'd like to know where he got them and how much they were. If they truly are tungsten I might be interested.

 

[losvre]

60 T discontinued and replaced with the 1/2" 80 tooth FOD which feels much like the 3/8th. Nothing smoother. The pawl is 8 tooth engagement like the Snap-On dual 80 design. From memory the 60 tooth was only 2 large teeth each side.

I'm planning to add the flex version too...

Hi Maico,

You are right about the new Stahlwille, the mechanism feel very nice.

I played with those at the shop but eventually went with Gedore. For me the handle of Stahlwille and the ratchet feels bulky in 1/2 size. I also liked the reverse level in Gedore is recessed.

The backdrag I did not mind as they both were nice but the weight and the feeling on the hand of the Gedore was better in my hands, medium size I would say.

Both brands are very nice as well as Facom, Koken, SnapOn, etc.

The best would be to have unlimited money and space to have one of each just to play with from time to time[emoji106]

Sorry for carried on, I will show some Japanese content on my next post☺

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[losvre]

Where you getting $30 from. He said he got 30% off. Heck I'd like to know where he got them and how much they were. If they truly are tungsten I might be interested.

Yeah sorry, it was GBP 30 in Rakuten; search the item.

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[gbh]

Hi, I should’ve been clearer. I bought the tap and die set from a chain type tool store called Astro Products, (part number seems to be AP110947) you’ve most likely heard of them Autobacs.
Tungsten? Yes...not sure how accurate that is when considering the price. I paid ¥3450 (let’s call it $34 USD) and the usual retail was ¥4750 ($47 approximately)
I really only bought them for the dies because one die cost around $15 here and are of a higher quality than I’ll ever require.
Autobacs, no makers marks on any of the pieces. I suspect they’re just a cheap item that Astro slap their name on. I have now looked further into it and found another line that look identical from a brand called E-Value but don’t claim to be made in Japan...the plot thickens.
Anyway, the taps I usually use are almost certainly Japanese and are from Ishihara Seiko and Light Seiki, both of these have worked out fine and are not expensive.

 

[outdated]

Engineer crimp plier video on the way... But in the meantime it can get awfully dry in the shed.

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/VhwCuf55psI?rel=0" frameborder="0" allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen></iframe>

 

[outdated]

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/zjPSAI9kSEE?rel=0" frameborder="0" allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen></iframe>

 

[48548]

Just got these from Frank's...

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[kjbenner]

What are those crazy pliers for, aside from making tiny waffles?

 

[48548]

What are those crazy pliers for, aside from making tiny waffles?

Constant pressure hose clamps.... same as this design...



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[mercucho]

What are those crazy pliers for, aside from making tiny waffles?

 

[theamcguy]

What is the part number on those constant pressure hose clamp pliers? TIA

 

[48548]

Ktc AE932

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[mercucho]

What is the part number on those constant pressure hose clamp pliers? TIA

There are two models, the AE931 and the AE932. 48548 has the AE932

 

[tanukiboy]

Vessel Megadora screwdrivers, 930 series and 910 series.

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These really are my favorite screwdrivers. The Megadora 930's have a hardened tip, a hexagonal bolster to take a wrench, a through tang, and a metal striking cap. The Megadora 910's are (I believe) only available in smaller sizes, so don't have a hex bolster or striking cap, but do have a knurled shaft. Both the 930's and 910's have slightly cushioned (but still quite hard) non-slip elastomer resin handles.

View media item 80748
The 930 JIS/DIN "plus" drivers have the new "JAWSFIT" design with little ribs on the blades for better bite. (They warn you not to use them on soft or plated screws, though.) Here's a close-up.

View media item 80749
(I should mention that I added the blue and red heat-shrink tubing myself to easily distinguish between the eight "plus" and "minus" Megadora drivers in my toolbox. Vessel's less expensive drivers with clear plastic handles are all color-coded blue/red, and I always liked that. Maybe it's not necessary for professionals who keep their drivers nicely arranged in big drawers, but if you keep them in a carry-around toolbox like I do, it's kind of helpful.)