Tools of Japan

[macgee]

Sadly, the 990 is not sold by Vessel USA and has to be bought in Japan. They do offer the 9900 but I find them (personally) too long like the Wera's. Mostly with 100-150mm long shafts.

I too have a full set soft grips but was more curious comparing the PB precision drivers like your torx one in the pic to the Vessel TD? for handle sizing and versatility comparison. Interested in the Vessel TD #00 & #0 comparison to PB Precision.

The PB Swiss 8128 seem hard to beat. I really like using hollow ground tips but harder to find in smaller sizes with precision grips as they're much harder to re-shape/freshen up when they get worn.
Have to say I'm much less of a fan of the quasi stepped slotted ones found on the PB soft grips but I really, really like using their hollow ground version on their hex bits; I find them superior but that's for another thread.

On a different subject, I just noticed my small H.K. Porter cable cutter is made in Japan, its a great tool. Looks and performs almost identical to my Swiss made Felco.

 

[noid]

Sadly, the 990 is not sold by Vessel USA and has to be bought in Japan.

You make it sound like thats a bad thing.

Amazon JP literally delivers in less than a week.

 

[macgee]

Not necessarily a bad thing but it just makes them pretty expensive just to try them out and harder to justify. After shipping they become more pricey than PB Swiss 8128 Precision drivers by the time they come to your door. Would probably need to do a bundle order with other items/tools? Items available from Vessel USA have been priced to my doormat has been very reasonable.

Any news yet if Japan Postal service is back up and running smoothly or is it still in Covid mode?

 

[noid]

Not necessarily a bad thing but it just makes them pretty expensive just to try them out and harder to justify. After shipping they become more pricey than PB Swiss 8128 Precision drivers by the time they come to your door. Would probably need to do a bundle order with other items/tools? Items available from Vessel USA have been priced to my doormat has been very reasonable.

Any news yet if Japan Postal service is back up and running smoothly or is it still in Covid mode?

Just had a delivery via DHL today actually from amazon jp. Not sure whats up with Japan post as they always ship DHL to me.

One thing to remember with amazon jp is that they deduct the local tax when you add to cart, in many cases it covers the shipoing cost.

Most shipments seem to cost out at $20-25 , so it doesnt hurt to order a couple or more items.

 

[macgee]

Here's my HK Porter (usa) cable cutter made in Japan, it works well compared to my Felco Swiss and sometimes I forget which one I'm using. The Felco is a little nicer but no complaints with the HKP Japan, it a good tool with nice hard steel. Not sure where they're made now a days?

 

[RoundedNut]

Your images arent working.

Yeah, the url link works works but the embedded pic doesn't. Its either I'm not worthy, or the image maybe is too big.

Btw, took 10 days for amazon japan to ship my latest order, must be the current covid situation as last summer they were shipping same day.

 

[pizza]

Yeah, the url link works works but the embedded pic doesn't. Its either I'm not worthy, or the image maybe is too big.

in fact it is neither. imgur blocks gj.
https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=465329

 

[kanai]

I checked with Vessel directly and this black "Non-slip Tang-thru Screwdriver No.B-370" is indeed a wood handle.

https://www.vessel.co.jp/english/product/screwdriver/detail/267594

 

[4xdog]

Sadly, the 990 is not sold by Vessel USA and has to be bought in Japan...

I'm a fan of Vessel, so disposed to give them the benefit of the doubt, but what's the idea behind the 990 series?

Vessel put these in their precision line and say "The weight of the steel ball keeps the end cap in an optimum position for a grip." That frankly makes little sense to me.

 

[Ralf11]

It's painstaking attention to detail. I wouldn't knock it without trying one.

 

[kanai]

I'm a fan of Vessel, so disposed to give them the benefit of the doubt, but what's the idea behind the 990 series?

Apparently the steel ball is a counterweight. Made to help balance the driver.

 

[Reed Prince]

The red end cap rotates, and the weight of the steel ball keeps the heavy side of the cap pointing towards the ground. I bought a set of these a while ago out of curiosity and rarely use them. They have longer, thinner shafts than most other Vessel drivers, which is occasionally a plus. But the end cap rubs against the rest of the handle if you apply even a modest amount of pressure, and isn't "optimal" in the first place (in my opinion). Wiha's Dynamic series screwdrivers had rotating caps that didn't bind. Too bad those were discontinued.

 

[4xdog]

^^^ Thanks, Reed Prince. That's what I was guessing -- both in how it works and how well it works.

 

[eas311]

For those interested in picking up the new 72T Koken ratchets, I found them listed on Rakuten by i-Tools. I think another seller (KB1 Tools) has them as well, but navigating the site in Japanese is a little difficult.

Since Rakuten Global Market discontinued their shipping to the US, it would require a consolidation service like Rakuten Global Express or Buyee. Could be worthwhile for those looking to buy a lot, or a mixture of Koken, KTC, Tone, etc.

https://item.rakuten.co.jp/i-tools/c/0000001366/

Side note...I really like the KTC M5 double box wrenches I recently purchased from Amazon.jp and I'm anxious to buy some more KTC. Feel free to recommend some standout products for those of you that have a broader KTC assortment.

 

[macgee]

Thanks Reed for that info,

I do get a little bothered with the narrow shaft sizes, they have their (important) purpose but I always tend to grad the wrong one when looking at them thinking its a smaller tip size as I'm usually too lazy to read the tip size on the handle. Longer shafts is also a negative for me, I much prefer shorter lengths like watchmaking drivers, like the TD model.

Would have been an expensive dust collector if I did the JP purchase.

PS> Thanks for mentioning the Wiha Dynamic grip, I wasn't aware of them; they look interesting. Just bought a System 6 version that hold 1/4 hex bits to try out. So you cost me some money but you also saved me more so it works out.

 

[M6erfan]

For those interested in picking up the new 72T Koken ratchets, I found them listed on Rakuten by i-Tools. I think another seller (KB1 Tools) has them as well, but navigating the site in Japanese is a little difficult.

Since Rakuten Global Market discontinued their shipping to the US, it would require a consolidation service like Rakuten Global Express or Buyee. Could be worthwhile for those looking to buy a lot, or a mixture of Koken, KTC, Tone, etc.

https://item.rakuten.co.jp/i-tools/c/0000001366/

Side note...I really like the KTC M5 double box wrenches I recently purchased from Amazon.jp and I'm anxious to buy some more KTC. Feel free to recommend some standout products for those of you that have a broader KTC assortment.

I have the TM510 set of those wrenches and they're always the first one's I pick up when I need a box end (I have Stahlwille, SK, Armstrong, DBE's too). the fit and finish is outstanding and for me the length and beam pattern is perfect.

IMO, anything wrench related, you can't go wrong with KTC, wrenches are what they're known for. I have a few of their ratcheting combo wrenches too, and they're great, but don't be surprised that they're made in Taiwan.

I think their ratchets and sockets are fine, but nothing really special. I prefer Ko-ken for socketry.

You can download the KTC catalog from their website

 

[eas311]

I have the TM510 set of those wrenches and they're always the first one's I pick up when I need a box end (I have Stahlwille, SK, Armstrong, DBE's too). the fit and finish is outstanding and for me the length and beam pattern is perfect.

IMO, anything wrench related, you can't go wrong with KTC, wrenches are what they're known for. I have a few of their ratcheting combo wrenches too, and they're great, but don't be surprised that they're made in Taiwan.

I think their ratchets and sockets are fine, but nothing really special. I prefer Ko-ken for socketry.

You can download the KTC catalog from their website

I really like the I-beam profile and thickness of KTC versus Stahlwille, with the KTC being about 50% thicker.

I may have to get a ratcheting wrench to try...and thanks for the socketry comment as I was eyeing them in 1/2" deep, but will likely stick with Koken.

 

[ChefRex]

Ordered my first Koken tools, a ratchet, extensions with that gnarly knurling and what got me the double universal, in 1/4" and 3/8", I think I have the perfect application for the 3/8th.
Honestly I hope I hate them, I have more then enough tools but I have a problem

 

[macgee]

Can we talk about just how amazing value the vessel precision screw driver kits are?

I would repurchase at any price, let alone what they are going for on amazon jp.
[/IMG]

Well that was lighting quick, Mine just arrived today, I received size #0 & #00.

They're nice and spin very well. These feel and act just like their Swiss cousins, which are hard to find in cruciform.
The top silver spinner is plastic but very smooth, no friction or grab spots when turning. The rest of the body is metal with nice knurling and satin finish. Only thing is that the size is not marked on them, only the color of finger cushion identifies them.

They're low torque drivers, the #0 works for most jobs but even with or without without the cushion grip, I was not able to get to the needed/called for high toque spec. for a precision ball slide assembly I'm working on but that would be typical of any driver in this style. These are meant for delicate fragile work on cameras, computers, watchmaking....etc

IMHO, I would easily go to these over using a Wiha and Wera drivers. The both tips have really good bite and fit.

The Swiss Bergeon equivalent, $$$. Approx. $85+ for same set.

 

[kanai]

I wasn't aware of these myself- Vessel has a number of sets for reasonable prices including a "smartphone repair" set:

VESSEL precision screwdriver set

 

[darkzero]

I love those Vessel drivers, so much that I have two sets of the TD-56S. I keep one in the garage & one in my room.

Some people complain about the rubber grip slipping, while it is true that it can slip, it acts sort of like a torque limiter for me. And if it does slip when I don't want it to I'll just grip harder with my fingers.

 

[toddmorr]

you'll like the double universals...surprised how much i use mine.

 

[ttpete]

you'll like the double universals...surprised how much i use mine.

Be careful if you use one with an impact gun. It's real easy to sling a socket off if it gets away. That should have been a pin detent rather than a ball.

 

[mr.lemons]

I emailed Vessel Europe (France) about Vessel pliers sold on AliExpress and asked if they are genuine Vessel tools. They got back to me and explained that they are 'products for other markets.' I'm guessing from this that Vessel sell a range of tools to Korea or China or both. I think the pliers may be rebrands from Tsunoda or other Japanese sources.

I have been using a Vessel precision driver for a couple of weeks at work, comparing it to Wiha, PB and Wera. My 'testing' was seeing which tip takes the most torque before it cams out. Different handle thickness and material, and using just hand feel made for very inaccurate testing.

I found that there is not one driver that fits all screws the best. Even screws in a single PC vary enough so one driver may fit the Wi-Fi card screws the best, but another will fit the webcam screws the best.

They all clearly have different tips, and in a lot of cases one driver will fit much better than another, but it is not consistent on all screws. I think Wiha fits the best overall across multiple PC brands, but there is no clear winner. I did the same testing a few years ago on laptops and found PB to be the best overall fit. Pretty sure someone working on cameras or photocopiers etc would get different results again.

 

[Reed Prince]

I found that there is not one driver that fits all screws the best. Even screws in a single PC vary enough so one driver may fit the Wi-Fi card screws the best, but another will fit the webcam screws the best.

I've also found that to be true. When I need a size 0, I will usually first try my ESD PB Swiss, but sometimes another driver is a better fit.

 

[RoundedNut]

...
They all clearly have different tips, and in a lot of cases one driver will fit much better than another, but it is not consistent on all screws...

Testing my ability to post pictures

Yes, quite different. Its one of the reasons I use bits as I can easily pick depending on the screw. Here's PH2's from wiha, wera, generic, vessel:



My favorites are wiha for screw heads with thicker cross recesses, and vessel in general or obviously for JIS screws due to the tight inner corner radius.

The generics will do in most cases while the wera does best with small/thin cross recesses due to its unusual "******" tip.

 

[BMWBOB]

Got these wrecking bars from a friend - 70 YO Navy Brat who was born in Japan - these were his father's.

 

[macgee]

I have to totally agree with Lemons and Reed,

I know I wrote yesterday that I'll now prefer to go with the Vessel TD's than Wera and Wiha's but a lot has to do ergonomics and as mentioned above, screws sockets are all not the same and vary widely; different manuf. tips will fit differently. Not all screws are made alike as mentioned above, it's a trial and error on the best match up.
I have have PB Swiss precision (Cellulose handle) which I really like the tip and works well on average . I also have Felo which I really like as well for my hand, has a nice handle, spins very smoothly and has a short shaft, it also fits well on most.
Also tip shape and dia. & size for same PH size within a one companies products can be very different from model to another, I found this with PB Swiss, Vessel, Wiha...etc. Especially in #00

Have to say I do like the (made in Japan) Vessel TD's for fragile low torque use, still need to use them a lot more to tell how well they'll hold up and fit, bite on avg. but so far so good. I really like the Vessel 610 for the next step up when needing to apply good torque, the tip bites really well and I like the handle grip.

Pics of several of my #0 in active drawer, Vessel, PB Swiss, Felo, Vessel 610, Wera, Wiha TorqueVario:

 

[darkzero]

Vessel has extended reach ones too. I don't use them nearly as often as my TDs or Wihas but they do come in handy. $12 from Amazon US.

Edit: N/M, I see that Reed Prince has one pictured above. (What happened to the delete post button?)

 

[measuredtwice]

I agree with Mr Lemons. It's nice to have a selection from different brands for that reason.

Testing my ability to post pictures

Yes, quite different. Its one of the reasons I use bits as I can easily pick depending on the screw. Here's PH2's from wiha, wera, generic, vessel:



My favorites are wiha for screw heads with thicker cross recesses, and vessel in general or obviously for JIS screws due to the tight inner corner radius.

The generics will do in most cases while the wera does best with small/thin cross recesses due to its unusual "******" tip.

Nice photos. Wera sells Phillips with several different profiles. These are all Wera PH2. Also some have different hardness. The airplane bits are harder.

This Wera bit has a profile that's more similar to Vessel. Wera on the left. Vessel on the right.

 

[Reed Prince]

Vessel has extended reach ones too. I don't use them nearly as often as my TDs or Wihas but they do come in handy. $12 from Amazon US.

Edit: N/M, I see that Reed Prince has one pictured above. (What happened to the delete post button?)

Mine isn't branded Vessel, but it is identical. I don't remember exactly where or when I bought it. Had to have been 20+ years ago, and I'm guessing that I saw it in a Newark Electronics catalog.

 

[darkzero]

Mine isn't branded Vessel, but it is identical. I don't remember exactly where or when I bought it. Had to have been 20+ years ago, and I'm guessing that I saw it in a Newark Electronics catalog.

I didn't even notice that. Yup, it sure does look exactly the same though.

 

[Brando_Damo]

Various Socketry Accoutrements

View media item 110460

 

[DEEBO]

Various Socketry Accoutrements [emoji627]



View media item 110460

Nice pic!


Sent from my iPhone using Garage Journal

 

[HenryAZ]

Just had a delivery via DHL today actually from amazon jp. Not sure whats up with Japan post as they always ship DHL to me.

Yesterday I received a parcel delivered via Japan Post. The purchase (Vessel TD-BS1, set of JIS 6.35mm/1/4" insert bits) was made on eBay, on 2021-02-12. The seller lives in Osaka. The price was $7.16 with free shipping.

 

[eas311]

All of this recent talk of Vessel screwdrivers inspired me to pick up a few from Amazon.jp to sample.

Arrived via DHL just 2 days after ordering (compared to over 2 weeks for my last recent order).

Initial impressions are:
TD-56S = They feel really small in the hand. Maybe good for delicate work, but I have yet to try them out
610 = I like the grip and these are a great value at ~ $2-3
910 = I really like the knurled shaft and will probably pickup more of these
930 = Quite heavy for it's size (~ 160g, which is about double a PB Swiss 8190/2-100)

 

[macgee]

Yesterday I received a parcel delivered via Japan Post. The purchase (Vessel TD-BS1, set of JIS 6.35mm/1/4" insert bits) was made on eBay, on 2021-02-12. The seller lives in Osaka. The price was $7.16 with free shipping.

Thats great info and news Henry, Hopefully this means Japan Post is up and running well again?

Awesome price. Might be time to start looking around for some deals like that. Care to share the eBay sellers link?

All of this recent talk of Vessel screwdrivers inspired me to pick up a few from Amazon.jp to sample.

Arrived via DHL just 2 days after ordering (compared to over 2 weeks for my last recent order).

Initial impressions are:
TD-56S = They feel really small in the hand. Maybe good for delicate work, but I have yet to try them out
610 = I like the grip and these are a great value at ~ $2-3
910 = I really like the knurled shaft and will probably pickup more of these
930 = Quite heavy for it's size (~ 160g, which is about double a PB Swiss 8190/2-100)

Totally agree with you Eas, The TD are for small, very delicate work which come in very handy when needed. Glad you like the 610's, I have the PH ones and like them but haven't tried the slotted versions, is yours wedge shaped tips or hollow ground, cant tell from your pic?

If you like the 910 (thin shank) Megadora handle and want the non-Jaws serrated tips, go check out the JDS version, they're the only ones that have the non-serrated version (they special order them). The 700 gel handle, similar feel to the 610 also has the non serrated jaws.

https://www.vesseltools.com/handtools/screwdrivers/megadora/900-series-detail

 

[HenryAZ]

Thats great info and news Henry, Hopefully this means Japan Post is up and running well again?

Awesome price. Might be time to start looking around for some deals like that. Care to share the eBay sellers link?

Vessel TD-BS1 on eBay, merchant japan.seller

 

[mr.lemons]

Anyone know what's going on with Bessel/Vessel? Keep seeing it. Something to do with translation?

 

[Reed Prince]

Anyone know what's going on with Bessel/Vessel? Keep seeing it. Something to do with translation?

The katakana for Vessel is ベッセル, which is pronounced "besseru".