Tools of Japan

[Dave455]

Hey thanks a lot for giving me some reassurance on the Snap On, Koken interface. I think what I might do if I like the regular Koken in 3/8", is try going with the Zeal line in the 1/4" stuff. I feel like with the smaller fasteners and generally tighter locations they are used, that the Zeal might be more beneficial?

That sounds like a plan!

Bear in mind that KoKen seem to be upgrading their Z Series ratchets to a higher tooth count design, so you will have to choose whether to wait, or get the current design.

I don’t own any 1/4” drive Z Series / Zeal. I must admit it does look good, but I have sooo much 1/4” drive I just can’t justify any more. That’s not to say it won’t happen!

I use 1/4” drive more now, than I did 20 years ago. That’s probably due to engine bays getting tighter, and all these hex screws and Torx screws that you can’t access properly.

I find a lot of jobs that seem to be in the mid ground between 1/4” drive and 3/8” though, so I totally understand the reasoning behind the 3/8” Z series. I see KoKen are offering the compact ratchets (3/8 ratchet in 1/4 body) in the Z Series now. They even offer a dedicated ratchet spinner for thst tool, which I don’t think any other maker does.

Trouble is, I do a lot of stuff that seems to need tools in the mid ground between 3/8” drive and 1/2” drive. I’m thinking of things like removing crusty brake calipers and suspension work, so there’s a powerful argument for the 1/2” drive Z series too!

 

[kanai]

I was doing some research on the 'low end' of Japanese tools (these are basically made in China for the Japan mass market.) The brand I see a lot at the DIY and home centers in Japan is SK11. Also E-Value. These and a few others are brands of Fujiwara Sangyo. From what I can tell, nothing is made in Japan and everything is to the lowest possible price.

If you go to an average home center/DIY store in Japan, you'll see a fair amount of SK11 but only a tiny bit of KTC. You will see some Annex. No Zeal, no Ko-ken, no European brands.

 

[Brando_Damo]

Palmac says they shipped my order yesterday. Ko-ken Zeal 72 tooth ratchets are on their way!!! I’m excited to take a look and put them to use! I filled out some gaps in my 3/8” ratchet lineup by getting the regular length flex head and the long flex head to try out. I’ll post them up with a video unboxing or something when I get them in.

-Brando

 

[16again]

Palmac says they shipped my order yesterday. Ko-ken Zeal 72 tooth ratchets are on their way!!! I’m excited to take a look and put them to use! I filled out some gaps in my 3/8” ratchet lineup by getting the regular length flex head and the long flex head to try out. I’ll post them up with a video unboxing or something when I get them in.

-Brando

Jealous, mine hasn’t shipped yet.

 

[Locator]

Real quick used the Vessel AND my Wiha. I prefer the Wiha handle, but like the bite of the Vessel on the screw head.
The bits are no name. Just needed the long reach of them.


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I've long wished Vessel made these screwdrivers in 8" and 10" Phillips versions. I would love a couple of #1 and #2 Phillips.

 

[GrantCee]

I've long wished Vessel made these screwdrivers in 8" and 10" Phillips versions. I would love a couple of #1 and #2 Phillips.

They make them up to 450mm long, but not with that handle.

 

[Ralf11]

Palmac says they shipped my order yesterday. Ko-ken Zeal 72 tooth ratchets are on their way!!! I’m excited to take a look and put them to use! I filled out some gaps in my 3/8” ratchet lineup by getting the regular length flex head and the long flex head to try out. I’ll post them up with a video unboxing or something when I get them in.

-Brando

hah - there were no gaps - we all know that

But interested to hear your thoughts!

 

[macgee]

I've long wished Vessel made these screwdrivers in 8" and 10" Phillips versions. I would love a couple of #1 and #2 Phillips.

They actually do offer long ones but maybe not exactly what you looking for. Looks like they offer them on the #100, 900, 910 models.

These are just a couple but I think they offer others as well.


15” long shaft:

https://vesseltoolsusa.com/product/screwdriver/detail/125710

And 11” with wood handle.

https://vesseltoolsusa.com/product/screwdriver/detail/111066

 

[Marvin Hagen]

Looks like most of the tools came from a motorcycle tool kit. They stamped a lot of the wrenches and pliers.

 

[wiens80]

Trying to identify this hammer and where I could purchase. I’m assuming it’s Japanese, the stills are from a YouTube video.






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[KnurledNut]

My Calculated Industries calculator lithium 2032 battery died.
I had previously used a Sony and it was made in Japan.
It lasted a LONG time.
Looking for a similar replacement, i was disappointed to see that Sony, Energizer, Duracell and other name brands are now made in Indonesia, etc.
I have no proof they are inferior; most likely arent, but just preferred another Japanese one.
I ended up going with Maxell, as they are still made in Japan.
Time will tell how these do, but i was glad to find this option in the vast sea of companies cutting costs for profit.
BTW, these werent any more expensive than the popular brands, and arrived in genuine "Original" holographic packaging.

https://www.maxell.eu/product/cr2032-5x1-card/

 

[Negen]

I could be mistaken but looks like a bk hammer to me.

Trying to identify this hammer and where I could purchase. I’m assuming it’s Japanese, the stills are from a YouTube video.






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[wiens80]

I could be mistaken but looks like a bk hammer to me.

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I don’t disagree [emoji3], when I search BK Hammer I didn’t find anything. Curious if anyone was familiar with them.


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[Negen]

I cannot see very good but I can tell you that I do not believe that to be Japanese writing on it. I suspect a rebranded Chinese hammer.

I don’t disagree [emoji3], when I search BK Hammer I didn’t find anything. Curious if anyone was familiar with them.


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[BTJHP]

I know Tsunoda isn't quite the level of Merry or Keiba or Fujiya but for $11 you can't go wrong.

 

[BigBoreFan]

KoKen 1/4"

 

[Negen]

King pliers that have seen would be equal to the keiba I own prices are similar too.

I know Tsunoda isn't quite the level of Merry or Keiba or Fujiya but for $11 you can't go wrong.

These are the ones I seen.

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[arew1]

Handy looking little set

 

[Dave455]

I know Tsunoda isn't quite the level of Merry or Keiba or Fujiya but for $11 you can't go wrong.

I don’t know.

Those are the “King TTC” line, and they are pretty top end.

Maybe not up there with the very top end Keiba, or Victor, but I think as good as the rest.

I was using my King TTC long reach flat nose pliers yesterday to pull fuses, and thinking how good they were!

No, can’t go wrong at that price, so long as the shipping doesn’t trash the deal.

 

[BTJHP]

My DBP-200 get used on fuses too. Mine are 2019 made like yours and the quality is good.

 

[16again]

Woohoo, mine shipped today.

Palmac says they shipped my order yesterday. Ko-ken Zeal 72 tooth ratchets are on their way!!! I’m excited to take a look and put them to use! I filled out some gaps in my 3/8” ratchet lineup by getting the regular length flex head and the long flex head to try out. I’ll post them up with a video unboxing or something when I get them in.

-Brando

 

[GrantCee]

Woohoo, mine shipped today.

Holy cow, mine did too!

Now we play the game of "resist the urge to check UPS tracking every 20 minutes".

 

[Reed Prince]

My 3726 arrived today. Fits perfectly in the spot my 3725 used to occupy. Compared backdrag by gaff taping a couple of extenders together, and the (36 tooth) 3725 has slightly less.

upper body split

 

[Dave455]

^ Very nice set!

Koken really do these nicely!

 

[cbracer]

Thanks Quality,


I played around with my Vessel made Craftsman to see if I can give it more options than just using the included long double side blades and use non-japanese bits, micro bits and adapters with it. I really like the shape of the ball grip and when a hex bit is held down in place, the driver feels solid and gives a good feel and torque.

I drilled and tapped a set screw 13mm from the front of bit holder to hold bits in place like a I did with the Vessel stubby ratchet (TD-6700W).
EDIT: The 6700W ratchet comes with double ended hex bits and has a deeper insert than typical hex holders, which ended being a plus with the set screw and really hold various length bits very well.

I can now use both as a socket spinner and not have the adapter pull out every time I change sockets. I can also use all of my various PB Swiss bits with it. Chapman hex bits fit well without any mods.

I love your modification. My big complaint is the direction change is on the end and isn't easy to change especially one handed. I loved that other image that had a selector switch my thumb can move. With that and the mode you just did on the craftsman might make it a good ratcheting holder! I've kinda wanted to make my own for the same reasons you're searching for a good one!
cheers,

 

[cbracer]

Guys, imagine for a moment if koken made their new 72t zeal ratchet with a quick release and knurled handle.

Stop teasing me!
That stuff only happens in my dreams..... I'm okay with the plastic handle, but really wish it had a quick release! I did buy a Nepros 1/4" 90 tooth and although it does have slightly more drag, the direction lever is far more positive clicking than the 1/4" Zeal. I've had the lever move on my accidentally on the zeal. The Nepros has slightly more play overall with their own sockets, so the zeal is better in that regard.

 

[Brando_Damo]

I got them in!

Brand spanking new 72 tooth 3/8” Ko-ken Zeal Ratchets!
These are my first 3/8” Ko-ken ratchets, and I am impressed!

Here’s my first impressions and an overview of these beauties.
I’m looking forward to putting them to use!

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/7MzMca37hPQ" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>


-Brando

 

[noid]

I got them in!

Brand spanking new 72 tooth 3/8” Ko-ken Zeal Ratchets!
These are my first 3/8” Ko-ken ratchets, and I am impressed!

Here’s my first impressions and an overview of these beauties.
I’m looking forward to putting them to use!

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/7MzMca37hPQ" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>


-Brando

Good video, thanks for putting it together; you've got a new sub.

 

[pizza]

sweet, thanks for the video, Brando. i enjoyed it.

question: where'd you hear that putting the 72T repair kit into an old ratchet voids warranty? also, i had heard that koken doesn't even have a warranty, lol.

comment: i think your videography is pretty good. for audio, consider normalizing your audio to be louder. imo, try to frequently hit -12dB peak for your dialog. your dialog in that video is usually hitting -18dB or quieter. also, if you aren't filtering noise by sampling the background, might be worth a try. i'm seeing at least a -50dB floor.

 

[macgee]

Nice video, thanks Noid

As I'm sure this has already been spoken about many times already but I noticed the lever direction are opposite between the Koken and Nepros, with the Nepros having the same as lever direction as Snap-On and Mac?

 

[GrantCee]

also, i had heard that koken doesn't even have a warranty, lol.

From the Ko-ken catalog:

"The trade mark Ko-ken is your unqualified warranty against any defect in material or workmanship. Each Ko-ken tool is built to more than meet the requirements of it intended use and is carefully checked before leaving the factory. Any Ko-ken tool which fails because of defective material or workmanship will be repaired or replaced through your Ko-ken dealer, to the exclusion of any further liability."

 

[General Geoff]

question: where'd you hear that putting the 72T repair kit into an old ratchet voids warranty? also, i had heard that koken doesn't even have a warranty, lol.

Koken has a warranty but they're quite a bit more stringent about what constitutes abuse than some more common brands in the USA. They will likely request that the broken tool be sent back to them directly or your authorized retailer for examination of the failure.

The Japanese don't mess around when it comes to QC; they take failures that occur within published operational parameters very seriously. As an example, if one of these new 72 tooth ratchets fails below 200 lb ft of torque applied, they are almost certain to replace under warranty. If they find that torque vastly in excess of 200 lb ft was applied to induce the failure, they will not honor a warranty claim on it.

Even the long handled ones are only about a foot in handle length, so getting over 200 lb ft onto it would basically require a heavy guy jumping up and down on the end, or maybe a real strong guy bracing against something while pulling it. Unlikely to fail without use of a cheater pipe.

 

[pizza]

As I'm sure this has already been spoken about many times already but I noticed the lever direction are opposite between the Koken and Nepros, with the Nepros having the same as lever direction as Snap-On and Mac?

yes, koken's direction switch works in the opposite sense compared to most brands, including nepros.

even though it goofs me up because i'm not used to it, the koken mechanism actually makes more sense to me: flick my finger to the right to tighten. perfect!

obviously, there are equally logical justifications for the other direction sense. it's just what i personally find to be natural.

same deal with ratcheting screwdrivers. i personally prefer mechanisms (like rolgear's) where you rotate the direction collar clockwise to tighten, but most screwdrivers are not like this.

 

[pizza]

GrantCee and General Geoff, thanks. good to know.

 

[Brando_Damo]

sweet, thanks for the video, Brando. i enjoyed it.

question: where'd you hear that putting the 72T repair kit into an old ratchet voids warranty? also, i had heard that koken doesn't even have a warranty, lol.

comment: i think your videography is pretty good. for audio, consider normalizing your audio to be louder. imo, try to frequently hit -12dB peak for your dialog. your dialog in that video is usually hitting -18dB or quieter. also, if you aren't filtering noise by sampling the background, might be worth a try. i'm seeing at least a -50dB floor.

My understanding is that Koken USA offers a life time warranty (Not Koken Japan). I do not know how that works in practice. I guess I could contact them and ask (would they cover Koken items I purchased from Japan )


Thanks for the feedback about the audio. I’ve just been using my IPhone and a shotgun mic, rambling with no plan, and then uploading it. I’ve essentially done zero editing, or no audio tweaking. Maybe it would be worth taking the time to learn how to do that!

 

[GrantCee]

My understanding is that Koken USA offers a life time warranty (Not Koken Japan).

I don't mean to cast doubt, but when it comes to warranties: if it's not in writing, it doesn't exist. The kokenusa.com site makes no mention of it.

 

[macgee]

Thanks Pizza,

I myself prefer Nepros/Snap-On selector. After years of using of Proto, switching to snap-on felt way more intuitive and natural for me. It doesn't mean its better.

 

[pizza]

interesting, didn't know proto was flip right to tighten. never used one of their ratchets.

 

[noid]

Nice video, thanks Noid

As I'm sure this has already been spoken about many times already but I noticed the lever direction are opposite between the Koken and Nepros, with the Nepros having the same as lever direction as Snap-On and Mac?

Not my video, I just quoted it.

My understanding is that Koken USA offers a life time warranty (Not Koken Japan). I do not know how that works in practice. I guess I could contact them and ask (would they cover Koken items I purchased from Japan )


Thanks for the feedback about the audio. I’ve just been using my IPhone and a shotgun mic, rambling with no plan, and then uploading it. I’ve essentially done zero editing, or no audio tweaking. Maybe it would be worth taking the time to learn how to do that!

Its all good; better than the videos that start with "HEY WHATS UP EVERYBODY *HAND SWINGS ACROSS THE SCREEN*" and the thumbnail is the guy with a surprised face holding his chin and the title of the video is "YOU WONT BELIEVE THIS".

 

[macgee]

Not my video, I just quoted it.

.

Thanks for mentioning and my apologies to Brando_Damo.

Let me try that again.

Nice video, Thanks Brando_Damo!

For a one and done take, with zero editing you did a very good job considering what you see on the Tube now a days with all the over editing, music and fluff added that people spend a week on editing and still not as good or as informative.