This picture of a ￥ 164,271 Tone toolbox set is serious tool ****.
The organizers in their boxes looks killer.
Tools of Japan
- Thread starter Frankstools
- Start date
The organizers in their boxes looks killer.
66HertzClone
ALLIANCE MEMBER
Link please?
Never mind, I found a link on eBay
https://www.ebay.com/itm/KTC-WRENCH...645320?hash=item2ab6de40c8:g:SLMAAOSwPK1ZV2AU
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That is very tempting. My only concern is I do not know a lot about Tone other than their ratchets come from Taiwan. Does anybody know if most of their stuff is still made in Japan? Not trying to start a COO war, I just thought it would be cool to own a small set of tools made all in or predominantly in Japan. Right now I was considering going KTC for the most part, but this set might be an option as well.
Any recommendations for a deep 3/8" socket set? I'd like to try out some Japanese tools and thought I'd start with some sockets that I need. I found the Koken's on Frank's Tools website and they look gorgeous. Best websites to use? Thanks!
I thought that ratchet looked similar to the made in taiwan Blackhawk. That set looks like a smokin deal if made in Japan but overpriced if Taiwanese.
FlaGman
Well-known member
It’s over $1100 on another site
https://us.misumi-ec.com/vona2/detail/223000332241/?HissuCode=TSX950BK
borgjohnson
New member
- Joined
- Aug 3, 2017
- Messages
- 3
I have the Koken Zeal set and it's very nice, including the magnetic rail it comes on. RS3300MZ12
I've been looking at pictures of various products on Tone's website. It can be hard to tell at times, but I've seen Japan stamped on sockets, extensions, regular adjustable wrenches, and maybe some pliers. I'm not really sure beyond that. If that much of it is Japanese and the rest is good quality, I'd think it is a decent deal for the set if I was looking for something to use. I would think a good portion of it is made in Japan if the higher prices people are finding elsewhere for this set are the norm. I'm giving it some thought, but I might stick with my plan to order some stuff from Frank's Tools and make the set I want.
ETA: I noticed Frank's Tools was running a promo where if you spent at least $200 you got 10% off plus free shipping. I decided that was the way to go and bought a some KTC 1/2 drive tools and combo wrenches.
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Thanks.
I've spent most of the day reading this entire thread and have answered all of my questions (big surprise lol). I placed an order from Franks, can't wait to get them! I'm sure it won't be my last.
That's outrages!
Here in Australia, we have a $1000 tax free threshold for postal imports
Nevertheless good tools are expensive here, hence I import most of mine.
A friend from Greece explicitely asks not to send any gifts, souvenirs, etc. Even a book or CD will be taxed to the sky levels of the day..
Thanks, I had a look on amazon JP and with this posh rail it's GBP 62.23.. SO its cheaper to order from Japan then from a UK distributor which is a shame really..
But il give the email a shot and see what he has to offer thanks
Out of interest could you link to the set on Amazon Japan as I'm struggling to find it, my searching doesn't bring anything up.
Sent from my iPhone using The Garage Journal mobile app
Reed Prince
Well-known member
Bought another TOP adjustable wrench, a HT-200B. Engineer makes one that costs less and has a thinner, 2mm jaw, but it just doesn't look like as nice a tool.
Here you are:
https://www.amazon.co.jp/gp/product/B005I7HWM4/
(BTW, the tricky part about searching part numbers at Amazon Japan is that they helpfully try to "autotranslate" the number for you without asking. This usually adds spaces, changes characters, and messes the number up all sorts of ways. However, if you simply click "UNDO" for autotranslate, you will get the right item more than 90% of the time.)
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You'll get a nasty surprise on your next order... limit has been reduced to zero $... very nasty. A drop-shipping service gets around it but is a hassle. The worst thing is not the 10% tax, it is the fact that many vendors now refuse to ship to AU because of it.
Top tips! Thanks, have already received first order from Japan, amazing!
Sent from my iPhone using The Garage Journal mobile app
I have been using the TOP HT-200B adjustable wrench with fine mouths for a while and I find that they are of a high quality, like all the adjustable wrenches of this brand. Very recommended.Bought another TOP adjustable wrench, a HT-200B. Engineer makes one that costs less and has a thinner, 2mm jaw, but it just doesn't look like as nice a tool.
Qualitytools
Well-known member
Bought another TOP adjustable wrench, a HT-200B. Engineer makes one that costs less and has a thinner, 2mm jaw, but it just doesn't look like as nice a tool.
I do like the fact that the Engineer one has a thin 2mm jaw, I can use that during some suspension work on my BMW. I had purchased the Chanellock thin jaw (made in Spain) but it's not as thin as 2mm. Thanks for sharing
Tsurumonkey
Member
Guys I’m loving this thread. Just finished up a trip in Japan and got so many amazing tools because of this thread and finding places.
Quick question, vessel woody (wood composite) grip drivers, does anyone know if they are a true Phillips head or might they be JIS? I really like the grip but also like that appeal of having the extra bite of the JIS tip.
Quick question, vessel woody (wood composite) grip drivers, does anyone know if they are a true Phillips head or might they be JIS? I really like the grip but also like that appeal of having the extra bite of the JIS tip.
JIS is sort of a can of worms -- abandoned standard, superseded by DIN/ISO, Vessel no longer uses JIS, etc., etc. Be that as it may, I'm sure that the Vessel Woody series are designed to work perfectly with JIS screws. They are size-coded the same way as all the Vessel screwdrivers I own: P.1, P.2, P.3 for Japanese +1, +2, +3 sizes. (BTW, you probably know that there are two types of drivers in the Woody Series, regular and through-tang with a striking cap.)
GrantCee
Well-known member
They are most assuredly NOT "true" (US-type) Phillips head. And for that I am thankful!
I'll leave it to others to argue the whole JIS/DIN thing.
Tsurumonkey
Member
Yeah I was hoping to find the strikethrough drivers but neither Osaka nor akihabara factory gear had them. I ended up going to tokyu hands for the vessel drivers and that tool alley in akihabara to get a complete set of 6. In the future the strike through will be my next purchase. Thanks a ton for the clarification though.
borgjohnson
New member
- Joined
- Aug 3, 2017
- Messages
- 3
Does anyone have suggestions for a 1/4 bit holding screwdriver and also a 1/4 socket screwdriver?
As for the bit-holding screwdriver, this one is my favorite. When the bit is inserted into the locking chuck it feels totally solid, like a regular one-piece screwdriver.
Vessel TD 6310HX:
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Tsurumonkey
Member
I wanna thank all you guys and girls for some amazing suggestions. I literally read all 180 pages of this post. So a little background. I lived in Japan for about 2 years about 9 years ago. I came back to America after the 2011 tsunami/earthquake (I was living in Sendai shi at the time so it was quite the experience ) I finished up my work in Hokkaido and really came to love Japan and it’s people. Fast forward a couple years a a few trips with buddies through Japan and it’s finally time to take a proper trip with my wife. In preparation for this trip I read these posts and researched darn near every brand mentioned.
Tsurumonkey
Member
I feel like I picked some top pieces of its class. I originally planned on just visiting the Namba Factory Gear store because we were with a group of friends traveling but I was lucky enough that everyone agreed to let me make a few more stops throughout the trip. My ultimate goal was to buy only made in Japan pieces as it’s a waste to travel to the country and get Taiwanese stuff. So I’ll just do quick explanations of each picture
Tsurumonkey
Member
First set is a black corrugated metal box from Factory gear. I included pictures with measurements ( plus a ton of stickers. Those guys loving giving you stickers) because I really love this box and am trying to find another similar one online. I only find evidence of the deen branded box and the koken style set boxes. This one folds flat and the label literally just reads “metal box” in katakana. If anyone has any leads let me know please!
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My biggest tool goal for this trip was a nepros 90 tooth ratchet. I wanted atleast one piece of super fine garage jewelry to hold and use and remember this trip by ( it’ll probably be atleast 5-10 more years till I get back). So at the factory gear namba location I went in and decided on a 1/4” drive. I have snap on and sk ratchets out in the workshop area but I wanted a nice smaller ratchet that can double as a bit ratchet as I do a fair amount of my own gunsmithing work and use various bits for that. I went with my buddy while the girls shopped down the street. I was all set on the 1/4” chrome finish when we rounded the corner and saw they had some of the blue chrome ratchets in limited stock. It took about 30 seconds of prodding from my buddy before I grabbed the blue chrome instead. It was about $20 more but in 20 years what is $20 anyways. Well turns out I absolutely fell in love with the 3/8 ratchet proportions. And while this one is completely unnecessary I figured for the price of a new 90 tooth count sk ratchet I could have a more unique and gorgeous ratchet to use and pass down. No brainer. The 90 tooth is incredibly fine but sturdy. The finish is stunningly beautiful. Great lock up. And the head is so small it’s really a work of art.
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While on the subject of ratchets I broke and bought a koken zeal 1/4” ratchet on my last day visiting the FG Akihabara location to replace my garage no name 1/4” older ratchet. The back drag is so light I was legitimately blown away so I had to get one of those too. Great stuff.
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My next goal of the trip was screwdrivers. I recently got serious about my tool stash and have been slowly replacing everything I am just marginally happy with and getting something I find a pleasure to use. Starting with the most common items. So I while I don’t turn wrenches for a living I dabble in everything from woodworking, to blacksmithing to gunsmithing to diy and anything else that let’s me get my hands involved. So I wanted two sets of screwdrivers. My requirements for this was basically Japanese manufacture, well reviewed tips, and wood handle. Wood seems a little old school but I I really like the look and the ability of handle maintenance throughout the years. And honestly I wanted pieces where the rubber wouldn’t get gummy or the acetate handle wouldn’t start to stink in 20 years. I wanted One set for inside and one for the workshop. The FG namba store only had the annex strike through drivers in stock so I built up a little 4 piece set and decided this would be inside set. I really wanted to find the vessel wood composite drivers though so after a stop at tokyu hands and a tiny tool shop in akihabara I was able to get a 6 piece set I felt complete enough for my needs. Gotta say I love these handles. I would have preferred the strike through for the black features and strike through potential but hey I can always buy those later.
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At this point my immediate needs were fulfilled but I was having so much fun I kept going. I really wanted to try a ball grip driver but the FG Namba only had the black grip and the ratcheting red grip. I liked the ratcheting mechanism and am sure it’s great but the kinda proprietary bits and the Taiwanese manufacture made me hold off for now. So I got the black vessel grip. Then at tokyu hands I came across this anex 60 tooth reversible ratcheting ball grip that takes 1/4” hex bits for $14 and figured this would be a great grip to try out. Says made in Japan on the grip. My kanji isn’t great so for anyone better than me in the bottom left hand corner does the kanji say made in Japan or product of Japan. Trying to confirm manufacture origin
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Next stop was loft. I wanted some nice all metal mechanical pencils as I hate the rubber grips of my current one getting all gummed up with saw dust or oil or whatever. Grabbed a full size and a slim profile smaller one for those tight to reach spots.
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After reading so many things I finally decided to switch my previous goal of getting a Klein linesman journeyman 2000 pliers and instead search for a Keiba high grade with the gun metal bearings. I couldn’t find it anywhere but did find the Keiba high grade needle nose pliers. It was at tokyu hands so I paid probably $5 more than I should have but each tool stop of the trip I thought was going to be my last so I went in getting what I wanted no regrets. Next came the engineer green pliers. The look of the grips I disliked at first but they grew on me. Found it in the tool alleyway in akihabara my wife and I found and I think may be the same one that superautobacs mentioned. I probably overpaid but I didn’t think so at the time until I found an electronics store in a back alleyway of akihabara with some engineer pliers for 1,000 yen less so I grabbed a smaller set for indoors. Other than size is there any difference in hardness or function between the two pliers ?
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Final stop was a Daiso. I know cheap Chinese goods but I always shopped there for cheap fun stuff and wanted to check out the tools. Grabbed a small hammer, a rubber ball air duster, and a small precision screwdriver set. I went with the Taiwan made one over the Chinese made one but they are all probably not great. If they **** out on me I’ll get a set of vessel.
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Overall it was an amazing trip and I got a lot of great tools that will serve me for years to come. Some things I should have grabbed but didn’t get to research until after:
Shinwa ruler- wasn’t sure on brand quality when I saw it but after research and reading about that lip they do so you can pick it up sounds great to me.
Megadora impact- not something I really needed but since getting back my desire for a koken or vessel impact driver has grown and this might have been a cheaper stepping stone
Canary scissors - pretty sure I saw a pair and didn’t know until later they would have been great additions to the shop.
Olfa knife - don’t have a snap blade knife but never really needed one. Turns out for my next project that would be real nice. Shoulda grabbed one at the time.
I was out of money and didn’t wanna spend much more or I would have gotten some Keiba diagonal cutters, smaller Keiba craft nippers, a koken or a koken zeal socket set.
View media item 87533
View media item 87532
View media item 87534
View media item 87535
My biggest tool goal for this trip was a nepros 90 tooth ratchet. I wanted atleast one piece of super fine garage jewelry to hold and use and remember this trip by ( it’ll probably be atleast 5-10 more years till I get back). So at the factory gear namba location I went in and decided on a 1/4” drive. I have snap on and sk ratchets out in the workshop area but I wanted a nice smaller ratchet that can double as a bit ratchet as I do a fair amount of my own gunsmithing work and use various bits for that. I went with my buddy while the girls shopped down the street. I was all set on the 1/4” chrome finish when we rounded the corner and saw they had some of the blue chrome ratchets in limited stock. It took about 30 seconds of prodding from my buddy before I grabbed the blue chrome instead. It was about $20 more but in 20 years what is $20 anyways. Well turns out I absolutely fell in love with the 3/8 ratchet proportions. And while this one is completely unnecessary I figured for the price of a new 90 tooth count sk ratchet I could have a more unique and gorgeous ratchet to use and pass down. No brainer. The 90 tooth is incredibly fine but sturdy. The finish is stunningly beautiful. Great lock up. And the head is so small it’s really a work of art.
View media item 87524
While on the subject of ratchets I broke and bought a koken zeal 1/4” ratchet on my last day visiting the FG Akihabara location to replace my garage no name 1/4” older ratchet. The back drag is so light I was legitimately blown away so I had to get one of those too. Great stuff.
View media item 87530
My next goal of the trip was screwdrivers. I recently got serious about my tool stash and have been slowly replacing everything I am just marginally happy with and getting something I find a pleasure to use. Starting with the most common items. So I while I don’t turn wrenches for a living I dabble in everything from woodworking, to blacksmithing to gunsmithing to diy and anything else that let’s me get my hands involved. So I wanted two sets of screwdrivers. My requirements for this was basically Japanese manufacture, well reviewed tips, and wood handle. Wood seems a little old school but I I really like the look and the ability of handle maintenance throughout the years. And honestly I wanted pieces where the rubber wouldn’t get gummy or the acetate handle wouldn’t start to stink in 20 years. I wanted One set for inside and one for the workshop. The FG namba store only had the annex strike through drivers in stock so I built up a little 4 piece set and decided this would be inside set. I really wanted to find the vessel wood composite drivers though so after a stop at tokyu hands and a tiny tool shop in akihabara I was able to get a 6 piece set I felt complete enough for my needs. Gotta say I love these handles. I would have preferred the strike through for the black features and strike through potential but hey I can always buy those later.
View media item 87525
View media item 87526
At this point my immediate needs were fulfilled but I was having so much fun I kept going. I really wanted to try a ball grip driver but the FG Namba only had the black grip and the ratcheting red grip. I liked the ratcheting mechanism and am sure it’s great but the kinda proprietary bits and the Taiwanese manufacture made me hold off for now. So I got the black vessel grip. Then at tokyu hands I came across this anex 60 tooth reversible ratcheting ball grip that takes 1/4” hex bits for $14 and figured this would be a great grip to try out. Says made in Japan on the grip. My kanji isn’t great so for anyone better than me in the bottom left hand corner does the kanji say made in Japan or product of Japan. Trying to confirm manufacture origin
View media item 87527
View media item 87536
Next stop was loft. I wanted some nice all metal mechanical pencils as I hate the rubber grips of my current one getting all gummed up with saw dust or oil or whatever. Grabbed a full size and a slim profile smaller one for those tight to reach spots.
View media item 87528
After reading so many things I finally decided to switch my previous goal of getting a Klein linesman journeyman 2000 pliers and instead search for a Keiba high grade with the gun metal bearings. I couldn’t find it anywhere but did find the Keiba high grade needle nose pliers. It was at tokyu hands so I paid probably $5 more than I should have but each tool stop of the trip I thought was going to be my last so I went in getting what I wanted no regrets. Next came the engineer green pliers. The look of the grips I disliked at first but they grew on me. Found it in the tool alleyway in akihabara my wife and I found and I think may be the same one that superautobacs mentioned. I probably overpaid but I didn’t think so at the time until I found an electronics store in a back alleyway of akihabara with some engineer pliers for 1,000 yen less so I grabbed a smaller set for indoors. Other than size is there any difference in hardness or function between the two pliers ?
View media item 87529
Final stop was a Daiso. I know cheap Chinese goods but I always shopped there for cheap fun stuff and wanted to check out the tools. Grabbed a small hammer, a rubber ball air duster, and a small precision screwdriver set. I went with the Taiwan made one over the Chinese made one but they are all probably not great. If they **** out on me I’ll get a set of vessel.
View media item 87537
Overall it was an amazing trip and I got a lot of great tools that will serve me for years to come. Some things I should have grabbed but didn’t get to research until after:
Shinwa ruler- wasn’t sure on brand quality when I saw it but after research and reading about that lip they do so you can pick it up sounds great to me.
Megadora impact- not something I really needed but since getting back my desire for a koken or vessel impact driver has grown and this might have been a cheaper stepping stone
Canary scissors - pretty sure I saw a pair and didn’t know until later they would have been great additions to the shop.
Olfa knife - don’t have a snap blade knife but never really needed one. Turns out for my next project that would be real nice. Shoulda grabbed one at the time.
I was out of money and didn’t wanna spend much more or I would have gotten some Keiba diagonal cutters, smaller Keiba craft nippers, a koken or a koken zeal socket set.
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Sick, Tsurumonkey!
Here's some of my recent grabs:
Tohnichi MTQL40N
Ko-ken Z-eal 3/8" short flex head ratchet
Ko-ken Z-eal 1/4" flex head ratchet
Freakin' love Ko-ken ratchets; just wish I didn't accidentally reverse the lever so often, but that's the only drawback for having such a smooth backdrag.
Here's some of my recent grabs:
Tohnichi MTQL40N
Ko-ken Z-eal 3/8" short flex head ratchet
Ko-ken Z-eal 1/4" flex head ratchet
Freakin' love Ko-ken ratchets; just wish I didn't accidentally reverse the lever so often, but that's the only drawback for having such a smooth backdrag.
Attachments
Qualitytools
Well-known member
I enjoyed reading about your trip and seeing the photos of what you purchased, thanks for sharing, Enjoy!
Reed Prince
Well-known member
Great post, Tsurumonkey! I have one of those Anex stubby ratcheting screwdrivers too. It was just an afterthought I added at the end of a big Amazon Japan purchase, but I have grown to really like it.
madwi
Well-known member
Found a couple things to try out thanks to this thread.
scubadoober
Well-known member
- Joined
- Aug 15, 2017
- Messages
- 511
Tsurumonkey,
KTC make some boxes very similar to those, but not exactly the same. Theirs are silver and Nepros ones are black.
KTC make some boxes very similar to those, but not exactly the same. Theirs are silver and Nepros ones are black.
theamcguy
Well-known member
Found a couple things to try out thanks to this thread.
What are the pliers used for and what is the part number?
madwi
Well-known member
RV8guy
Well-known member
I think I need that
I have that one and the version used with a ratchet or extension... i like that version better.
looking for a pebble 4766 or any 47xx pebble hinged handle
If the clamps are easy to get at i usually use these, not made for it but work very well;
https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00065TGQI/?tag=atomicindustr-21
https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00065TGQI/?tag=atomicindustr-21
Your gonna love using that Tohnichi MTQL40N torque wrench, I've got that same one and yes Koken ratchets are some of the best, also have several of them too.