Tools of Japan

[Caribou_Precision]

Ive got some nice Koken and KTC stuff I'll post up once I can post photos

 

[bargainhuntingking]

Engineer PZ-58 pliers

Just get a pair!

I had a bolt shear off almost flush in a curved receptacle and thought I’d have to drill it out. I used my PZ-58 and grabbed the little nubbin sticking out and the pliers got enough purchase to allow me to unscrew it. The pic shows the broken bolt after I had unscrewed quite a bit. No other pliers could grip it.

 

[jimmyin3D]

Koken Oil Pressure Sending Unit Sockets 24mm and 27mm

 

[jmhinkle]

Tsunoda ER-125. Very nice, but not as slender as I need. Can anyone recommend a set of extremely thin needle nose pliers that have teeth, not smooth ends?

 

[Reed Prince]

Tsunoda ER-125. Very nice, but not as slender as I need. Can anyone recommend a set of extremely thin needle nose pliers that have teeth, not smooth ends?

Perhaps these.

 

[jmhinkle]

Perhaps these.

By the picture, much too large. These Proto pliers are the kind I'm looking for, but I'm not sure of their quality anymore.

 

[measuredtwice]

Klein makes some that are serrated but I haven't looked at them.
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Klein-Tools-5-in-Long-Needle-Nose-Extra-Slim-Pliers-D335-51-2C/203195134

I think the ones from Knipex are smooth. I don't have any experience at all with Pro America (Made in USA) but there are some needle nose on Ebay for less than $10 shipped w/ OBO. I can't tell from the photo if it is serrated --often these fine needle nose pliers aren't.

Tsunoda does make some "sharp nose" pliers with serrations--looks interesting.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B002RDDLCW/?tag=atomicindus08-20

And there's also this one from Tsunoda. I might get this one.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B002RDDLY0/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[jmhinkle]

Klein makes some that are serrated but I haven't looked at them.
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Klein-Tools-5-in-Long-Needle-Nose-Extra-Slim-Pliers-D335-51-2C/203195134

I think the ones from Knipex are smooth. I don't have any experience at all with Pro America (Made in USA) but there are some needle nose on Ebay for less than $10 shipped w/ OBO. I can't tell from the photo if it is serrated --often these fine needle nose pliers aren't.

Tsunoda does make some "sharp nose" pliers with serrations--looks interesting.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B002RDDLCW/?tag=atomicindus08-20

And there's also this one from Tsunoda. I might get this one.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B002RDDLY0/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Just ordered the SNP-150. I think those are more like what I'm looking for. I'll know before leaving for work as the will arrive today. Also ordered the Knippex 6" pliers wrench to replaced the 5" I ordered. The 5" is too small for practical uses, but might be nice for jewelry work or something delicate. I needed a small set, but the handles are too small to work with on the 5" model.

 

[mn700vforce]

Just got this Vessel stubby ratcheting screwdriver and I’m liking It.

 

[1foxracing]

^ Great choice! I think Vessel makes the best screwdrivers available.

 

[mrspeed]

^ Great choice! I think Vessel makes the best screwdrivers available.

I want to try some out, but not sure where to start with their selection. Out of all the ones you have, which Vessel screwdrivers are your favorite? Or, which are the best for which situations?

Sent from my Pixel 2 using Tapatalk

 

[1foxracing]

The Megadora's are my favorite ones for sure. I've always said that screwdrivers are a personal preference (handle size/shape) though and you have to go with the ones that fell best in your own hand.
The motorcycle repair set would be a good $100 starting point.
https://www.vesseltools.com/handtools/screwdrivers/motorcycle/motorcycle-repair-kit-detail

 

[jmhinkle]

I also have both sets and find I love both the Megadora and ball grip equally, but for different tasks. Working on computers and electronics I prefer the ball grip. Around the house and on cars the Megadora. Must have both!

 

[MetricTech]

^ Great choice! I think Vessel makes the best screwdrivers available.

That is a sweet collection, I’ve owned so many different brand screwdriver sets over the past few years trying to find the best for me, I do love your collection
Just got these Makita impact driver wobble adapters from Zoro for a few bucks a piece. I was surprised to see they were actually made in Japan at that price.

 

[mn700vforce]

That is a sweet collection, I’ve owned so many different brand screwdriver sets over the past few years trying to find the best for me, I do love your collection
Just got these Makita impact driver wobble adapters from Zoro for a few bucks a piece. I was surprised to see they were actually made in Japan at that price.

Thanks for posting can’t beat $3.49 on a 3/8” drive. Similar ones at Home Depot cost 3 to 4 times as much and are made in Taiwan.

 

[BattousaiX]

i recently visit my local tool shop.. they have tons of tools available...i partially take a picture on their store...they have brands like starrett, Snap-on, K-D, Proto, husky, Cresent, Williams, Ampco, Rahsol, Vessel, Koken, Tone, Tohnichi..ETC.

<a href="https://ibb.co/1vTCXh9"><img src="https://i.ibb.co/1vTCXh9/70683440-1125377054326891-8998939328256147456-n.jpg" alt="70683440-1125377054326891-8998939328256147456-n" border="0"></a>

<a href="https://ibb.co/ry9WnzW"><img src="https://i.ibb.co/ry9WnzW/70696935-379895539344617-7211821775900901376-n.jpg" alt="70696935-379895539344617-7211821775900901376-n" border="0"></a>

<a href="https://ibb.co/WvwncdS"><img src="https://i.ibb.co/WvwncdS/70632150-365886824290037-6729729967715778560-n.jpg" alt="70632150-365886824290037-6729729967715778560-n" border="0"></a>

<a href="https://ibb.co/F4tpY26"><img src="https://i.ibb.co/F4tpY26/70707276-383735829216977-2672300639794495488-n.jpg" alt="70707276-383735829216977-2672300639794495488-n" border="0"></a>

<a href="https://ibb.co/VYR3Vfp"><img src="https://i.ibb.co/VYR3Vfp/70856737-401489683897606-4486894639835512832-n.jpg" alt="70856737-401489683897606-4486894639835512832-n" border="0"></a>

<a href="https://ibb.co/D1j8TQx"><img src="https://i.ibb.co/D1j8TQx/71182716-475157243079144-5764881284249681920-n.jpg" alt="71182716-475157243079144-5764881284249681920-n" border="0"></a>

 

[16again]

Just got this Vessel stubby ratcheting screwdriver and I’m liking It.

Just ordered

 

[mr.lemons]

i recently visit my local tool shop.. they have tons of tools available...

Wow. Wish we had tool shops like that in the UK.

 

[measuredtwice]

I want to try some out, but not sure where to start with their selection. Out of all the ones you have, which Vessel screwdrivers are your favorite? Or, which are the best for which situations?

Sent from my Pixel 2 using Tapatalk

The Megadora's are my favorite ones for sure. I've always said that screwdrivers are a personal preference (handle size/shape) though and you have to go with the ones that fell best in your own hand.
The motorcycle repair set would be a good $100 starting point.
https://www.vesseltools.com/handtools/screwdrivers/motorcycle/motorcycle-repair-kit-detail

$100 is a pretty steep starting point! Haha! If you have a Sears nearby, you can take a look at the 2-piece set of Vessel drivers and see if you like them. They are on sale for $12. They have Craftsman branding but they are the impact drivers from Vessel. They are a little heavier than the others because of the internal spring.

https://www.sears.com/craftsman-2-p...SellerId=Sears&prdNo=2&blockNo=2&blockType=G2

You might also look at Amazon.com and Amazon.co.jp for the Megadora and ball grip. To see if you like them, I'd recommend buying the #2 Phillips Megadora and the Ball grip with the exchangeable blades.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000TG8OTY/?tag=atomicindus08-20

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00E55DL4I/?tag=atomicindus08-20

I linked Amazon but also check Amazon.co.jp

 

[measuredtwice]

i recently visit my local tool shop.. they have tons of tools available...i partially take a picture on their store...they have brands like starrett, Snap-on, K-D, Proto, husky, Cresent, Williams, Ampco, Rahsol, Vessel, Koken, Tone, Tohnichi..ETC.

<a href="https://ibb.co/1vTCXh9"><img src="https://i.ibb.co/1vTCXh9/70683440-1125377054326891-8998939328256147456-n.jpg" alt="70683440-1125377054326891-8998939328256147456-n" border="0"></a>

<a href="https://ibb.co/ry9WnzW"><img src="https://i.ibb.co/ry9WnzW/70696935-379895539344617-7211821775900901376-n.jpg" alt="70696935-379895539344617-7211821775900901376-n" border="0"></a>

Cool store! I like the old timey displays.

 

[jmhinkle]

Ordered my first two pair of Engineer pliers. PZ-58 arrived yesterday. PZ-60 coming from Japan.

PZ-58

 

[16again]

Came today, nice little driver. Ratcheting mechanism feels very smooth. [emoji1303]Haven’t used it yet, other than playing with it in my hand.


Sent from my iPhone using Garage Journal

 

[BattousaiX]

Is this packaging is old? Sold by KTC but Made in
<a href="https://ibb.co/G02Sbrm"><img src="https://i.ibb.co/G02Sbrm/670-D5011-C7-B9-4-A71-B40-D-2-C5112-D74-D00.jpg" alt="670-D5011-C7-B9-4-A71-B40-D-2-C5112-D74-D00" border="0"></a>
<a href="https://ibb.co/K9rWk5d"><img src="https://i.ibb.co/K9rWk5d/53-CB61-BB-BF3-C-4666-9-C52-3-E16-EEE81627.jpg" alt="53-CB61-BB-BF3-C-4666-9-C52-3-E16-EEE81627" border="0"></a>

 

[jmhinkle]

Those have the trademark Vise-Grip logo on them so those are old school USA Peterson/Irwin Vise-Grips sold by KTC.

 

[BattousaiX]

Those have the trademark Vise-Grip logo on them so those are old school USA Peterson/Irwin Vise-Grips sold by KTC.

<a href="https://ibb.co/G7yRdkm"><img src="https://i.ibb.co/G7yRdkm/1-ACB178-A-5-F97-43-DB-9968-4-E5858-A041-F2.jpg" alt="1-ACB178-A-5-F97-43-DB-9968-4-E5858-A041-F2" border="0"></a>

Ahhh, thank you sir!

 

[BattousaiX]

<a href="https://ibb.co/G7yRdkm"><img src="https://i.ibb.co/G7yRdkm/1-ACB178-A-5-F97-43-DB-9968-4-E5858-A041-F2.jpg" alt="1-ACB178-A-5-F97-43-DB-9968-4-E5858-A041-F2" border="0"></a>

Ahhh, thank you sir!

Niicceee!

Did someone say Fujiya?

Why my fujiya does not have same logo....
<a href="https://ibb.co/jZkdWkG"><img src="https://i.ibb.co/jZkdWkG/7-ED63844-94-EA-455-A-9-C10-73-F91522970-E.jpg" alt="7-ED63844-94-EA-455-A-9-C10-73-F91522970-E" border="0"></a>

 

[superautobacs]

i recently visit my local tool shop.. they have tons of tools available...i partially take a picture on their store...they have brands like starrett, Snap-on, K-D, Proto, husky, Cresent, Williams, Ampco, Rahsol, Vessel, Koken, Tone, Tohnichi..ETC.

Is this packaging is old? Sold by KTC but Made in &#55356;&#56826;&#55356;&#56824;

First off, that store in the Philipines is awesome, with all the NOS, and seemingly good variety! Would love to see more photos!

KTC has utilized (and probably still does) a few US manufactureres to round up their product line, including the full line of Vice-Grips, from the original Petersen, to off-shore produced Irwin brands. However, within the last few years, KTC decided to stop sourcing them from Irwin, and have since been sourcing locking pliers with their name on it (not sure who the OEM is or of the COO).
Who knows, maybe KTC will switch to sourcing US-made locking pliers as Malco recently purchased the original Vice-Grip plant in DeWitt, Nebraska (closed since 2008)? Malco plans to produce new locking pliers. Only time will tell.

 

[superautobacs]

Why my fujiya does not have same logo....
<a href="https://ibb.co/jZkdWkG"><img src="https://i.ibb.co/jZkdWkG/7-ED63844-94-EA-455-A-9-C10-73-F91522970-E.jpg" alt="7-ED63844-94-EA-455-A-9-C10-73-F91522970-E" border="0"></a>

Like most companies, logos change with the times.
Your logo appears to be the current one.

 

[BattousaiX]

First off, that store in the Philipines is awesome, with all the NOS, and seemingly good variety! Would love to see more photos!

KTC has utilized (and probably still does) a few US manufactureres to round up their product line, including the full line of Vice-Grips, from the original Petersen, to off-shore produced Irwin brands. However, within the last few years, KTC decided to stop sourcing them from Irwin, and have since been sourcing locking pliers with their name on it (not sure who the OEM is or of the COO).
Who knows, maybe KTC will switch to sourcing US-made locking pliers as Malco recently purchased the original Vice-Grip plant in DeWitt, Nebraska (closed since 2008)? Malco plans to produce new locking pliers. Only time will tell.

I try to take a picture in their store next time...BTW i love your youtube channel...

So, KTC in the old days selling (outsource) a made in US product cool!!! unlike today most i see on their product are made in taiwan (but good quality) i personally think you only pay it for the NAME but same quality as other made in taiwan product. But i still loved KTC !!!

 

[Downwindtracker 2]

I put on my hunting camper yesterday. I have spring loaded Happyjacks tie downs, that need to be tightened, using double 3/4" wrenches. I picked a couple up of combinations at the fleamarket, one was a Fuller branded KTC to leave with the camper. While the KTC was a raised panel, the panel was large enough not to be annoying, unlike a Craftsman. The box end was had a bit of an offset ,unlike the current fashion. A surprisingly nice wrench. I had always passed on Fuller branded stuff, except Robertson screwdrivers.

 

[Reed Prince]

After seeing it in one of MetricTech's posts, I bought a KTC AP201-N Handy Remover. I also bought the slightly more expensive AP-201CN. I really like that tool, which I think is made of glass-filled nylon.

This week I purchased a set of this type.

 

[voidptr]

Ordered my first two pair of Engineer pliers. PZ-58 arrived yesterday. PZ-60 coming from Japan.

PZ-58

you will love those plier (the PZ-58) ,
I bought the Vamplier version of the PZ-58 (same tool made by Engineer),
I love/hate them tho.

Pliers are perfect, it is the handles dont put them in the dirt, or you will find them hard to clean, all those "high tech" little traces are awful... lol

I kept mine clean, but one of my mechanic friends get the handle details full of **** ...

 

[Qualitytools]

After seeing it in one of MetricTech's posts, I bought a KTC AP201-N Handy Remover. I also bought the slightly more expensive AP-201CN. I really like that tool, which I think is made of glass-filled nylon.

This week I purchased a set of this type.

Have you put them to use? Do they flex a lot under pressure and are they thin enough when you need to get into tight area's? Where did you make the purchase Amazon Japan or.....? Would appreciate your feedback. Thanks

 

[mrspeed]

$100 is a pretty steep starting point! Haha! If you have a Sears nearby, you can take a look at the 2-piece set of Vessel drivers and see if you like them. They are on sale for $12. They have Craftsman branding but they are the impact drivers from Vessel. They are a little heavier than the others because of the internal spring.

https://www.sears.com/craftsman-2-p...SellerId=Sears&prdNo=2&blockNo=2&blockType=G2

You might also look at Amazon.com and Amazon.co.jp for the Megadora and ball grip. To see if you like them, I'd recommend buying the #2 Phillips Megadora and the Ball grip with the exchangeable blades.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000TG8OTY/?tag=atomicindus08-20

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00E55DL4I/?tag=atomicindus08-20

I linked Amazon but also check Amazon.co.jp

Thanks, and yes, $100 is a bit if a steep entry point. Funny enough, what little experience I do have work Vessel is from these exact Craftsman screwdrivers.

I was mostly looking at the Woody drivers with the wood composite handles. They seem really interesting. But it seems like Vessel had such a large catalogue of different models, picking any one style for a set seems pretty arbitrary.




Sent from my Pixel 2 using The Garage Journal mobile app

 

[measuredtwice]

Thanks, and yes, $100 is a bit if a steep entry point. Funny enough, what little experience I do have work Vessel is from these exact Craftsman screwdrivers.

I was mostly looking at the Woody drivers with the wood composite handles. They seem really interesting. But it seems like Vessel had such a large catalogue of different models, picking any one style for a set seems pretty arbitrary.




Sent from my Pixel 2 using The Garage Journal mobile app

Nice! I haven't tried the woodies. The Megadora 900 are lighter than the Craftsman impacts and the shafts have a chrome finish and knurling. The knurling is great for quick spinning. The Phillips are available with or without the "jaws fit" serrations. The serrations are helpful with stubborn Phillips 2 and 3 fasteners. For Phillips 1, I think the normal profile without serrations makes more sense.

The hollow ground tip on that 6mm slotted Craftsman is nice. I greatly prefer it over the chisel ground tips that are used on their standard slotted drivers. They also have some unusual drivers that have parallel tips and an odd handle design but I haven't tried them yet.

 

[measuredtwice]

After seeing it in one of MetricTech's posts, I bought a KTC AP201-N Handy Remover...

How do they compare to the ones from Bojo (USA)?

 

[Reed Prince]

Have you put them to use? Do they flex a lot under pressure and are they thin enough when you need to get into tight area's? Where did you make the purchase Amazon Japan or.....? Would appreciate your feedback. Thanks

I have put them to use, and they barely flex at all. They are the nicest tools of their kind that I have come across. I bought them from Amazon Japan.

 

[Qualitytools]

^ Thank you for the feedback and the link.

 

[Caribou_Precision]

As promised, here are some of the Japanese made tool I currently own.


KTC Handy Remover - probably my favorite of all the KTC trim tools- as you can see this one has seen a lot of use.

Another KTC trim tool

Two trim pliers, these both are great for some of the trim button clips

Vessel and Hozan JIS screwdrivers

Various Koken sockets

and some KTC pliers and side cutters, the side cutter has some spring clips on it so whatever you clip doesnt fly away. Someone screwed up the tips on them...

 

[Caribou_Precision]

Oh yea, forgot my Shinwa rulers 300 and 1000mm. Also my Welpers. Im sure Im forgetting some others, I'll post as I find them.