Tools of Japan

[ricleh]

Thank you but that is the part number for the single universal I am looking for the 1/4" double universal like in post #3941

That is the correct number for the double universal.

 

[MetricTech]

Thank you but that is the part number for the single universal I am looking for the 1/4" double universal like in post #3941

I have both right here in front of me the single is 2771Z the double is 2772Z


Metric Tech

 

[theamcguy]

OK Thank you for the info. What is confusing is the picture on the web site.

 

[tungas123456]

New toys from Japan...

Great tools

 

[tungas123456]

Some tool from Japan

 

[MetricTech]

Makita 1/2” high torque impact wrench, and for some reason people go with the China owned Milwaukee.


Metric Tech

 

[ngk22r]

Makita 1/2” high torque impact wrench, and for some reason people go with the China owned Milwaukee.


Metric Tech

A LOT of Makita is made in China too. Makita used to be on top of their game but they have been dragging their feet in the automotive impact line of tools, that and they don’t have electric ratchets.

 

[MetricTech]

A LOT of Makita is made in China too. Makita used to be on top of their game but they have been dragging their feet in the automotive impact line of tools, that and they don’t have electric ratchets.

Yes a lot of them are made in China but Japanese owned. Milwaukee is China owned and China made. No electric ratchets is a down side for some I guess. I use air ratchets so it doesn’t matter to me. As far as impact wrenches in every size, drills, grinders, saws, etc they have some really great stuff. None of these are lacking power or durability. Sorry if I struck a nerve for the great milwaukee movement


Metric Tech

 

[bushman66]

Here's a cool little product from the folks at STRAIGHT tools in Japan. A set of hex bits that fit into a 12mm 6-point ratcheting wrench.

View media item 90946
View media item 90947
They have a spring-loaded ball and a small collar so they snap into the wrench and are held firmly in place.

View media item 90948
As a nice touch, the size is laser etched into the back of each bit.

View media item 90949
Much lower profile that using a hex bit on a ratchet handle: only a tad over 2 cm.

View media item 90950
You could probably get an even lower profile using screwdriver-type hex bits in a 1/4" hex drive ratchet handle, but STRAIGHT's solution seems better for high-torque situations, especially because you could also use the bits in a non-ratcheting box wrench if you really had to.

Where can you get these shipped to the US? I looked on Amazon.jp and Rakuten, neither will ship these to a US address.

 

[ngk22r]

Yes a lot of them are made in China but Japanese owned. Milwaukee is China owned and China made. No electric ratchets is a down side for some I guess. I use air ratchets so it doesn’t matter to me. As far as impact wrenches in every size, drills, grinders, saws, etc they have some really great stuff. None of these are lacking power or durability. Sorry if I struck a nerve for the great milwaukee movement


Metric Tech

I started out with Makita, the only nerve struck was them falling behind the curve.

 

[MetricTech]

Made in Japan
-Chicago pneumatic 1” drive cp797
-Uryu grinder
-Tsunoda zip tie pliers flush cut with a gripping section
-Fujiya screw removal pliers
-Kinki air blower
-Asahi lightool wrench sets


Metric Tech

 

[MetricTech]

Plus some zeal sockets but everybody seen some of these before


Metric Tech

 

[tanukiboy]

Where can you get these shipped to the US? I looked on Amazon.jp and Rakuten, neither will ship these to a US address.

Sorry, I should have checked shipping from Japan. However, GearWrench makes an 8-piece set that looks like it came from the same factory (item number 81550).

 

[kblee27]

Yes a lot of them are made in China but Japanese owned. Milwaukee is China owned and China made. No electric ratchets is a down side for some I guess. I use air ratchets so it doesn’t matter to me. As far as impact wrenches in every size, drills, grinders, saws, etc they have some really great stuff. None of these are lacking power or durability. Sorry if I struck a nerve for the great milwaukee movement

Metric Tech

One good thing about Makita is that the hex driver will fit this:

Milwaukee won't.

 

[Brenticus]

I have that Tone driver handle, and it is a nicely made tool. Small, but you can still get a good grip on it.

Even though this may be the "Tools of Japan" thread, the Stahlwille 400QR is also a very nice 1/4" driver handle. It doesn't have the handy square drive hole at the end of the handle, but it does at least have a hole in the handle to stick a screwdriver through for more leverage. It also has a push button locking tip, which I think is a great feature.

View media item 85867
For 3/8" drive, it's hard to beat the VIM HD375 driver handles / extension bars IMO. Nice and solid, pull-back locking collar, and a square drive hole in the end of the handle.

View media item 85868
I guess we are restricting ourselves to talking about driver handles that also work as extension bars (or at least driver handles that have some other means of increasing torque, like the Stahlwille). So it's probably okay to include this Straight 3/8" wobble driver handle that bends in the middle.

View media item 83419
View media item 85869
If we were to expand the discussion to include all types of driver handles, there would be many, many more choices.

Part number please [emoji846][emoji120]


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[Brenticus]

Quite handy. I've been using mine more frequently this past couple weeks due to a certain task at work.



The SBD version (Stanley, Blackhawk, Facom) versions are different and I've always presumed is a different OEM from the Deen style.

I have both styles of mechanisms and I prefer the Deen style for the compact head dimensions.

The SBD versions have a really bulky head, especially in 1/4 drive.



A couple key differences:

-In my experience, the Deen style has a mechanism which works more smooth, with less resistance....which equates to less hand fatigue in use.

-Unlike the Deen style, the SBD version has a directional switch.



Beyond that, the Deen branded version has some unique additional features:

-square drive on the handle end

-female drive accepts any standard 1/4" bit

-it's a 3/8 drive in a 1/4 drive style body

-appears to have improved durability?



The Deen style pictured is a 1/4 drive model and about 11" long. The SBD

style is a 3/8 drive (it's sitting next to a 3/8 drive round head ratchet

which I consider to have a bulky head. So that shows just how bulky the

SBD styles are, even in 1/4 drive)

Eight years ago, inspired by the Proxxon version which had a 3/8 square on the handle end, I customized my own to mimic it.

It worked ok, until one day I decided to use a 18v drill driver (non-impact) and sheared some gear tooth.

In my experience, durability wise, these need to be handled with care.

With the Deen style mechanism, I find that if you twist hard enough, I can

feel the gears wanting to clash. I think through use, the play between the internal mechanism has increased, causing an increase in gear lash under

high loads. Because of this, I've been weary of exerting to much force

when twisting the handle. Only time will tell if it gets worse.





Some in-use videos:



<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/H0UlteANG6k?rel=0" frameborder="0" allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen></iframe>



<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Tukgb845FUs?rel=0" frameborder="0" allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen></iframe>



<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/N9DsLhrQTjI?rel=0" frameborder="0" allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen></iframe>

How did you get a square drive end in that Roto ratchet? I have the same ratchet in 1/4 & 3/8 and am intrigued [emoji848] nice Koken grip btw. Also, love your YouTube videos!!! So much care always taken with regard to detail [emoji846][emoji108]


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[tanukiboy]

Part number please [emoji846][emoji120]


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Straight 10-860

 

[Qualitytools]

Yes a lot of them are made in China but Japanese owned. Milwaukee is China owned and China made. No electric ratchets is a down side for some I guess. I use air ratchets so it doesn’t matter to me. As far as impact wrenches in every size, drills, grinders, saws, etc they have some really great stuff. None of these are lacking power or durability. Sorry if I struck a nerve for the great milwaukee movement


Metric Tech

I noticed that some of the tools shown are all black compared to the "traditional" Makita colors, does the all black tool(s) have a different spec?

 

[bushman66]

Sorry, I should have checked shipping from Japan. However, GearWrench makes an 8-piece set that looks like it came from the same factory (item number 81550).

Thank You!

 

[MetricTech]

I noticed that some of the tools shown are all black compared to the "traditional" Makita colors, does the all black tool(s) have a different spec?

The all black is the sub compact series. 12v size with a BL 18volt platform. The 3/8” square drive is very surprising with what it’s able to do for such a small size. IMO all the major brands have some great tools out now. I never hear anybody talk about anything but team red so I wanted to share some feedback about Makita. Everybody reads hyped up spec sheets and just goes with the brand all their peers have. That 1/2” has more torque than the red but where Makita gives you max torque the other brand will say nut busting torque. When I bought that drill it was the highest power 18v 1/2” hammer drill on the market but now I believe it may be a few inlbs below another. Makita battery’s shut off at low voltage before some of the other brands during use to give you a longer battery life, which is ok with me. They use the same Samsung cells as others.


Metric Tech

 

[theamcguy]

Straight 10-860

Anybody found a US seller?

 

[MetricTech]

Metric Tech

 

[M6erfan]

^^^Someone likes their Japan tools!

Those KTC scrapers are really nice, I use them all the time.

 

[nichocha33]

Metric Tech

Who makes those long red handle pliers and the double box ends? Nice score of Jap stuff


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[GirchyGirchy]

Who makes those long red handle pliers and the double box ends? Nice score of Jap stuff

Looks like IPS on the pliers and KTC on the wrenches.

 

[nichocha33]

Looks like IPS on the pliers and KTC on the wrenches.

Thank you, fine sir!



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[turnthewrench 2.0]

I have both right here in front of me the single is 2771Z the double is 2772Z


Metric Tech

Once you try those,...
Same with the spark plug sockets

 

[Brenticus]

Straight 10-860

Thanks [emoji846][emoji106]


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[tungas123456]

My Japanese screwdrivers.
Great collection

 

[Qualitytools]

The all black is the sub compact series. 12v size with a BL 18volt platform. The 3/8” square drive is very surprising with what it’s able to do for such a small size. IMO all the major brands have some great tools out now. I never hear anybody talk about anything but team red so I wanted to share some feedback about Makita. Everybody reads hyped up spec sheets and just goes with the brand all their peers have. That 1/2” has more torque than the red but where Makita gives you max torque the other brand will say nut busting torque. When I bought that drill it was the highest power 18v 1/2” hammer drill on the market but now I believe it may be a few inlbs below another. Makita battery’s shut off at low voltage before some of the other brands during use to give you a longer battery life, which is ok with me. They use the same Samsung cells as others.


Metric Tech

Thanks for expanding on Makita, great information!

 

[cptn_zippy]

Ordered this from Amazon Japan on Sunday, right around $100 with shipping. First order from them ever, stupid easy to do, and it came today...in 4 days.
It seems I can get stuff faster from them halfway around the world than from Amazon US with a distribution center local to me.

The set really almost seems too nice to use. I am now destined to spend way too much time and money shopping Amazon.co.jp!

J

 

[MetricTech]

Georgeous!


Metric Tech

 

[cptn_zippy]

Georgeous!


Metric Tech

Thanks MT! I should get out a real camera and take some decent pics.

J

 

[superautobacs]

Ko-ken is basically the Snap-on equivalent in Japan. As in the best of Japan like Snap-on is the best of the USA. I have a couple of their tools like the zeal shallow sockets and they are awesome. I still prefer the Snap-on ratchets compared to the Zeal but, and a big BUT, the Zeal would be the only thing I would get if I could not get my hands on Snap-on. Ko-ken is no joke and I would rate it in the top three worldwide.

What I said was meant in jest!
I even made a 20+min video praising about the Zeal universals so....yes, I'm a huge fan of Ko-ken.

As a nice touch, the size is laser etched into the back of each bit.

View media item 90949

Indeed, that is a nice touch.



Here's an example of one made by Ko-ken. They have a c-clip which acts as a depth stop:


Ko-ken 179B.12H-T50 takes 12mm opening by ChrisCas aka Superautobacs, on Flickr





Snaps into a 12mm opening


Ko-ken 179B.12H-T50 inserted to 12mm opening by ChrisCas aka Superautobacs, on Flickr






Comparison shot between a PB Swiss hex key, VIM brand half-cut (aka stubby) Torx bit mated to a 1/4 drive ratchet, and a Nepros 12mm zero-offset box with the Ko-ken bit.



PB Swiss Torx key, VIM shallow T50 with 1/4" drive ratchet, Ko-ken 179B.12H-T50 with Nepros 12mm wrench by ChrisCas aka Superautobacs, on Flickr

One good thing about Makita is that the hex driver will fit this:

Milwaukee won't.

The solution to that is to simply grind it down to fit. That's what I've done to all of my JDM bits that aren't compatible with the rest of the world market. If done right, you can get a practically zero-play fitment with the bit holder.

 

[superautobacs]

How did you get a square drive end in that Roto ratchet? I have the same ratchet in 1/4 & 3/8 and am intrigued [emoji848] nice Koken grip btw. Also, love your YouTube videos!!! So much care always taken with regard to detail [emoji846][emoji108]


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Hi Brenticus. Good to see you here.

That was many years ago when I did that. IIRC, once I pryed off the original handle, there's a splined shaft. The splined shaft accepted a 7/16" or 11mm (I can't remember) socket. So that socket was pressed on (ie. hammered on ) to position. It was a fun project.

BTW, Youtube decided to no longer support video annotations, so all those videos are now lacking useful information for the viewers. Thanks Youtube

 

[superautobacs]

Anybody found a US seller?

There are no US importers. Straight is a Japanese chain store that sells their in-house brand "Straight".
Did you try Amazon Japan? https://www.amazon.co.jp/STRAIGHT-%E3%82%B9%E3%83%88%E3%83%AC%E3%83%BC%E3%83%88-%E3%83%98%E3%83%83%E3%82%AF%E3%82%B9%E3%83%93%E3%83%83%E3%83%88%E3%82%A2%E3%83%80%E3%83%97%E3%82%BF%E3%83%BC-7%E3%83%94%E3%83%BC%E3%82%B9-10-8700/dp/B0105S9XT0/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&keywords=%E3%82%B9%E3%83%88%E3%83%AC%E3%83%BC%E3%83%88%20%E3%83%98%E3%83%83%E3%82%AF%E3%82%B9%E3%83%93%E3%83%83%E3%83%88%E3%82%A2%E3%83%80%E3%83%97%E3%82%BF%E3%83%BC&language=en_US&qid=1552080430&sr=8-1


I agree with Tanukiboy's suggestion for the Gearwrench ones.
https://www.amazon.com/GearWrench-81550-Metric-Ratcheting-Wrench/dp/B01N6BQMWN

It has an additional size in the set that the Straight set doesn't have (9mm), and the wrench sizing is more appropriate (8, 12, or 15mm depending on the size).


Take a close look at the ball location on these Gearwrench ones. A few are not even placed correctly.

I found an identical set to the Straight ones offered by another Japanese chain store--Astro Products. Both Astro and Straight don't manufacture anything, so they might be sourcing them from wherever Gearwrench Taiwan is getting them from (or maybe it's made at their Lea Way Factory in Taichung or from one of their other Apex Tool Group OEMs in China).






.

 

[superautobacs]

Metric Tech,

In envy of your sweet collection!

Tell me about the tweezer...anything unique or special about it?

What's your opinion of the Keiba compound leverage combi pliers? They have been around for a couple decades, IIRC.

Nice NSK steel ruler.

 

[1foxracing]

EZ-Red offers those hex (& torx) sets as well.

Can one of you that reads Japanese decipher this? I don't know what it says but it's from the Vessel 1/4" metric socket set I purchased, don't know if any of this says "Made In" (Japan, Taiwan, China)

 

[snooter]

Any links for this koken stuff?? I would like to investigate further

 

[mr.lemons]

Can one of you that reads Japanese decipher this? I don't know what it says but it's from the Vessel 1/4" metric socket set I purchased, don't know if any of this says "Made In" (Japan, Taiwan, China)

Try Google translate on your phone (assuming you have one). It works with the camera. Even works holding it up to a monitor.