Tools of Japan

[Flash21]

Nice PR-15~ Look well made, thanks for the pics. The shape and contours remind me of some vintage Craftsman pliers I have

 

[superautobacs]

That is an oddball alright. Thread looks like its belongs in plastic, I wonder if the head + rounded point + magnetic bit = enough wobble to locate a pre-molded hole without having to worry about tearing up a plastic housing when things don't quite align right, especially if there are multiples driven in at once.

Alex.

These were used to secure one particular vehicle underpanel (covers the DEF metering valve on diesel engines). They screwed into a plastic housing, yes. This panel used to be secured by using tamper-proof T-27 screws, which is very common in tool kits now a days so the manufacturer had to switch to this triangular fastener.

Nice PR-15~ Look well made, thanks for the pics. The shape and contours remind me of some vintage Craftsman pliers I have

Might be a long shot, but perhaps your Craftsman pliers were the ones sourced from a Japanese OEM? If so, the resemblance would'nt be a surprise.




MrSpeed,

The Japanese tend to go overboard or overthink their packaging/wrapping.

 

[danielbuck]

I don't have too many Japanese tools, but I really do love my SP Air 3/8 drive impact ratchet wrench. It's tiny, comfortable, and reasonably quiet. Specs say it has 55 ft.lbs, though I can't verify that. (I do run 120psi instead of 90 though...)

The impact feature of it means it doesn't torque to the side when the bolt is tight. And it free spins pretty fast.

 

[superautobacs]

It's currently my only air ratchet that I own. SP Air is the original manufacturer of the impacting air ratchet (edit: related company, Shinano, was the original).
Mine's been going strong for a few years now.
As you said, the speed is awesome.
Back in the day, MAC tools was the only place to get them (SP Air wasn't selling them under their own name since it was exclusive to MAC).

 

[ricleh]

It's currently my only air ratchet that I own. SP Air is the original manufacturer of an impacting air ratchet. Mine's been going strong for a few years now.
As you said, the speed is awesome.
Back in the day, MAC tools was the only place to get them (SP Air wasn't selling them under their own name since it was exclusive to MAC).

I was under the impression that K&E patented the impacting air ratchet. The SP Air looks a lot like the K&E.

 

[superautobacs]

I was under the impression that K&E patented the impacting air ratchet. The SP Air looks a lot like the K&E.

I thought K&E was an importer. ...sourcing from SP Air, Kuken, Shinano, etc?
I had to correct myself with the earlier post. Shinano was apparently the first to develop the first impacting air ratchet. If I recall correctly, SP Air was started by a brother that parted away from Shinano.


Some info I posted in the past (all based on an interview with a Shinano representative).
https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=97563&page=109

Of all the Japanese pneumatic tool companies, Shinano had a huge hand in developing the American pneumatic tool brand called Rodac, starting in 1960. They fully developed Rodac air grinders and air drills with the Rodac name on them.

By the early 1970's, Shinano supplied Chicago Pneumatic (CP) with, then Blue-Point branded air tools, and in Europe, to Desota and Pneutec.

By the 80's, they were the OEM for Florida Pneumatic, MAC tools, Chicago Pneumatic, etc.

In the 80's in particular, Shinano had a significant share of the North American air-tool market. They produced the world's first high-powered air ratchet in 1979 for Florida Pneumatic, then in 1984 they produced the world's first mini air ratchet for Blue-Point. Every pneumatic tool maker has since copied their design.

The butterfly impact, swivel couplers, and the world's first impacting air ratchets were also developed by them.

 

[TNT Autowerkz]

Bought at Car Quest!

 

[superautobacs]

^^^
I'm quite surprised to see that.

 

[ChrisLS8]

I still see quite a bit of Century made in Japan at O'Reilly's. Probably old stock

 

[superautobacs]

episode #20

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/jgByIRCXjI8" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>

Happy New Year everyone!
I still have tools that I haven't introduced from my last trip to Japan in October! Another walk in to the Akihabara Factory Gear Concept Studio and this is what I walked out with.

Tools featured, in order of appearance:
-----------------------------------------------------

PB Swiss : 169.V01 Insider Mini
https://www.pbswisstools.com/en/tools/quality-hand-tools/mobile-sets/product/pb-169v01/


R.E.O. : 010R-PR-2D Terminal Release Tool (0.6mm and 0.8mm)
http://www.reo-tools.co.jp/

Trusco : T-190 "Trunk" type tool box
https://www.orange-book.com/ja/c/products/index.html?itemCd=T190++++++++++++++++++++++++++4600&cond=10378-159519&q=%E3%83%88%E3%83%A9%E3%82%B9%E3%82%B3%E3%80%80%E3%83%84%E3%83%BC%E3%83%AB%E3%83%9C%E3%83%83%E3%82%AF%E3%82%B9


Toyo Steel homepage: http://www.toyosteel.jp/index.html
Trusco Yamanaka English homepage: http://www.trusco.co.jp/eng/corporate/



R.E.O. / Anex Terminal Release Tool by ChrisCas aka Superautobacs, on Flickr



R.E.O. / Anex Terminal Release Tool by ChrisCas aka Superautobacs, on Flickr

 

[mobiledynamics]

Where am I amiss ? I see mentions of ordering Koken off Amazon. JP ?

I've orderded from Amazon Spain, UK and France to the USA ....but either I **** at this but I'm not having luck pulling up Amazon fulfillent Koken on Amazon Jp with *better pricing*

I usually use Franks. Wanted to price compare and it looks pretty close ?

 

[superautobacs]

Just off the top of my head, when I price checked something once, Franks' price was pretty competitive, at least with Ko-ken stuff. Other brands/products, not sure.

 

[Negen]

I find itools to be the cheapest. But rakuten is best if you use the Japanese site rather than the global site. Co.jp rather than .com I mean. But Frank's is good but seems to not be completely stocked last time I checked.

Sent from my G8141 using The Garage Journal mobile app

 

[mercucho]

Hozan N-841 scissors .

 

[ttpete]

Those are really tiny snips. Good for .012 steel or .028 aluminum.

 

[eas311]

I'm headed to Singapore and Ho Chi Minh in a few days. Does anyone know of any shops that sell Japanese tools (or PB Swiss, etc) in either city?

I did some Google searching and found several tool shops in Singapore, just not sure if they'll carry any of the "good stuff".

Thanks,
Eric

 

[Djefk]

I'm headed to Singapore and Ho Chi Minh in a few days. Does anyone know of any shops that sell Japanese tools (or PB Swiss, etc) in either city?

I did some Google searching and found several tool shops in Singapore, just not sure if they'll carry any of the "good stuff".

Thanks,
Eric

I live in Singapore and all I can find is mainly Chinese ****, seems most people here don’t appreciate quality and prioritise cost!

Let me know if you find somewhere interesting though.


Sent from my iPad using The Garage Journal mobile app

 

[danielbuck]

I've had this indicator for a while now, and used it on many projects. It was given to me by a dentist who was retiring. Not really sure what he used it for, but it's action is very smooth.

It moves about 3/8", which is 3 times around the outside dial, which moves the smaller inside dial around 0-1 after 3 full sweeps of the outside dial, if that makes sense.

Anyone know anything about it? I've photographed all the markings on it. The outside ring and scale is movable by hand, stiff but smooth.

 

[shemazar]

I’ll be in Tokyo for about 9 hours between flights on Monday. Where are some good places to hit up for Koken/PB Swiss/Nepros goodies? Looking for places closer to the train stations if possible.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Negen]

I’ll be in Tokyo for about 9 hours between flights on Monday. Where are some good places to hit up for Koken/PB Swiss/Nepros goodies? Looking for places closer to the train stations if possible.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

They let you leave the airport? When I was there two years in narita I couldn't get a visa to leave the airport. I guess it needs to be approved before I land or something. Maybe haneda is different since they have trains.

Sent from my G8141 using The Garage Journal mobile app

 

[txusa03]

They let you leave the airport? When I was there two years in narita I couldn't get a visa to leave the airport. I guess it needs to be approved before I land or something. Maybe haneda is different since they have trains.

Sent from my G8141 using The Garage Journal mobile app

My cousin was at Narita (3 years ago) and he left the airport got on a train and went site seeing and stopped by a restaurant before his next flight. I don't think Japan require a visa (I could be wrong about that).

 

[Andres26tnt]

My cousin was at Narita (3 years ago) and he left the airport got on a train and went site seeing and stopped by a restaurant before his next flight. I don't think Japan require a visa (I could be wrong about that).

correct japan only requires a passport for up to 90 days, the problem comes if you don't have return tickets.

 

[Reed Prince]

Factory Gear is selling a ratcheting screwdriver that has a different form but appears to be mechanically identical to the Vessel 2200. It includes sizes 0 and 1 that I don't think are available from Vessel.

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/98-n3SAU298" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/HEabXmWs-vU" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>

 

[M6erfan]

Tsunoda soft jaw pliers RP-125C-S



I thought they were made in Japan but package says Thailand

 

[Rogers954]

Tsunoda soft jaw pliers RP-125C-s









I thought they were made in Japan but package says Thailand

Those look pretty nice, i need to invest in some soft jaws, there have been plenty of times i had to screw up the finish on things because i didn’t have any


Sent from my iPhone using The Garage Journal mobile app

 

[Negen]

Those look pretty nice, i need to invest in some soft jaws, there have been plenty of times i had to screw up the finish on things because i didn’t have any


Sent from my iPhone using The Garage Journal mobile app

You could make leather caps or plastic dip the pliers you do have in the mean time.

Sent from my G8141 using The Garage Journal mobile app

 

[M6erfan]

Olfa LTD-09 Limited Edition hobby knife.





This thing is really nice. Aluminum barrel and nickle plated knurled grip, nice blade cover, and came with 25 blades in a container that doubles as a used blade safe. $12 bucks well spent IMO.

 

[cleeny]

Nice ^__^
Olfas and NT Cutters are awesome.

I use this guy from time to time.

 

[RX-KING]

Hi, here current air tools that i have. Impact wrench, mini angle grinder, die grinder, and screw drivers.

Sent from my LG-US998 using The Garage Journal mobile app

 

[tanukiboy]

Tsunoda soft jaw pliers RP-125C-S



I thought they were made in Japan but package says Thailand

Hi M6erfan. If you're looking for Japan COO, you might want to check out the IPS SH-165S soft jaw pliers, which I posted about a while ago. Even the replacement soft jaws are made in Japan!

https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showpost.php?p=7522513&postcount=3733

 

[OMMP]

Hi there... Looking for some infos. There is very tiny if any bigger than that information on ETC Japan's tool manufacturer - which is odd. I found these two adjustables in flea market so I'm in dilemma - to buy or not to buy? Easy thing would resolve this by making it worth of purchasing... Or not.

 

[losvre]

Hi there... Looking for some infos. There is very tiny if any bigger than that information on ETC Japan's tool manufacturer - which is odd. I found these two adjustables in flea market so I'm in dilemma - to buy or not to buy? Easy thing would resolve this by making it worth of purchasing... Or not.

If you can check the wheel tolerance/ play when adjusting and the jaws stay tight then it should be good. Lots of play either on the wheel or the jaws pass


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[OMMP]

Sure, that's like imperative - I wasn't making any appeals for advice, but for manufacturer itself; it's ETC, the wrenches are rock-solid, and I was merely asking for the bits on ETC's history. A page on GJ is all... Few random sentences online as addition. Humble. I was wondering do they have sort of BIG story on tools, that has been somehow badly ended? Cause it's not like they are like Bahco, Irega, Nepros or Lobster. Being here, you could give some advice on theme: there is big Bahco adjustable on photos; vendor asks too much, but could maybe lower his price... But there is sloppiness in jaw, side-by-side wobble, small but there it is... I guess it's easier to make good small adjustable then big - this one is 18" - but what wobble is 'normal' for top notch adjustable?

 

[losvre]

I am sorry I didn’t understand correctly. I am not aware of this brand, but I hope someone else will have some info.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Negen]

Hi there... Looking for some infos. There is very tiny if any bigger than that information on ETC Japan's tool manufacturer - which is odd. I found these two adjustables in flea market so I'm in dilemma - to buy or not to buy? Easy thing would resolve this by making it worth of purchasing... Or not.

Man skip the Japan ones and buy the bacho right next to them. If you want the Japan ones compare them to the Bacho right next to them. If they compare good then buy them. To me those Japan wrenches look similar to the 1960-1970s Sears branded (not craftsman) Japan made adjustable wrenches which are good. Not great compared to newer models. But I would like those Sweden made wrenches.

Sent from my G8141 using The Garage Journal mobile app

 

[christodav]

My Son is returning to Australia from Japan on Monday. Not the best photo, but this is a cool purchase from Factory Gear in Tokyo. I can hardly wait.......to see my Son after 3 months of course!

Engineer PZ-33 pliers
Nepros 3/8 drive flex ratchet with 8-22mm shallow and 8-14 deep sockets on a rail.

Chris

 

[shirk]

Comparison of Vessel locking multibit driver sets: TX-10 vs. TD-6310HX

Man, how many products do these guys make???

I previously posted in this thread about the Vessel TX-10 locking bit driver handle + 10 bit set. It really impressed me because the locking chuck prevents the bit from coming off unless you pull back on the collar, causing small metal fingers inside the chuck to release the bit. The bits provided with TX-10 are "plus" and "minus" screwdriver bits and torx bits.

View media item 81089
View media item 81329


However, after that, I noticed that Vessel also makes the TD-6310HX locking bit driver handle + 10 bit set, which is about the same price. It uses a totally different locking chuck mechanism to hold the bit. Pulling the chuck forward releases pressure on a small steel ball inside the chuck, allowing the bit to be removed. The bits provided with TD-6310HX are "plus" and "minus" screwdriver bits and hex bits.

View media item 81328
View media item 81330

Although the TX-10 was definitely a big improvement over my other (magnet only) multibit driver handles and ratcheting screwdrivers, the TD-6310HX takes it to the next level. When you lock the bit into the chuck, there is absolutely no play. It feels like the tip is one continuous piece of metal with the shaft, just like a "real" screwdriver. Operation of the collar is also more positive and intuitive. The TD-6310HX has replaced the TX-10 in my toolbox. Love it!

Here is why I love digging through threads like this on my lunch break.

Can you put a power bit style bit into the TD-6310HX and see how it holds? I've been looking for options that completely lock down insert bits. So many of the options allow the bit to wobble around.

 

[Negen]

Here is why I love digging through threads like this on my lunch break.

Can you put a power bit style bit into the TD-6310HX and see how it holds? I've been looking for options that completely lock down insert bits. So many of the options allow the bit to wobble around.

The ideal/SK version locks down any style of hex bit I have except double sided bits.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00KCYMO44/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Sent from my G8141 using The Garage Journal mobile app

 

[tanukiboy]

Can you put a power bit style bit into the TD-6310HX and see how it holds? I've been looking for options that completely lock down insert bits. So many of the options allow the bit to wobble around.

Hi shirk.

I just checked out some of my power bit style bits from various manufacturers (Vessel, Tone, Ko-ken, Anex, PB Swiss [E6?], Wera). I'm not familiar with the various power bit specifications, but there seem to be different designs with different lengths from the **** of the bit to the wasp-waist groove.

All of the power bit style bits fit and were held firmly in place by the magnet in the shaft. Some locked in and couldn't be pulled out (with quite a bit of axial slop though), others showed no axial slop but could be pulled out with a reasonable amount of force. Whether they locked or not, there wasn't too much wobble, but not as rock-solid as the short style bits (C6?).

The TD-6510HX really does seem to be optimized for the short bits with the shallow score marks on the sides. The Ideal/SK bit driver Negen mentioned might be a better choice for power bit style bits.

 

[mercucho]

Olfa professional cutter.