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Tools of Japan

Notbn

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May 20, 2021
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Ontario
Koken 3/4 socket set. Anyone know the purpose of the clips?

Box arrived dented, but bent right back. Not bad for a heavy package travelling from Japan to Canada, in a floppy Amazon box with minimal protection.

The clips are for drive tools that have a thru hole in the anvil. You insert the clip after putting the socket on to lock it in place. Moreso for industrial applications where the sockets are seldom changed.
 
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Joe Piro

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Feb 26, 2021
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Seeking your experience with Japanese compressed air blow guns (or as they seem to call them "air dusters").
I remember a GJ member commenting on his Trusco unit (Yup.... picture below!) and another GJ member said his looked the same but was a Seednew product. I think maybe WTB (Watabe) makes both and also sells under their own name (Pictures below). The WTB has a hook and a loop to hang it from. All three are listed in the Japanese Agri-Business Big Orange Book.
First question:===> Vessel also has a similar unit in the Big Orange book. Since so many GJ members praise Vessel so much (and they can practically do no wrong), Does anybody have a Vessel product to compare or share their experience? If you had known before would you have just bought the Vessel and been done with it?
Second question:===>
All four products are available with ******* or quick connect plugs, but the Quick Connect Plug (Yup.... picture below) doesn't look like either of the US types I'm used to. The thread in the handle is identified as G1 8 which I think is equivalent to 1/8" BSPT (which is the same as the oil pressure sender in my Nissan Pathfinder and as GJ members have pointed out before very easy to cross thread with a 1/8" NPT thread (slightly different thread angle and pitch... close.... but not close enough however). Has anyone found an American compatible quick connect that has the correct Male 1/8 BSPT but connects to our hoses? I've been all through McMaster and Grainger and it must be there but I can't find it.
Third question:==> I like buying imported Japanese tools, but if the same product is available in the US in this case I would pay a little more to keep it simple. However I can't find the same product in any US catalogs (again close but not nearly close enough). Am I wrong on this? Anyone know of a USA vendor?
Thanks for all your experience and advice.
 

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Jack_K

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Australia
(Yup.... picture below) doesn't look like either of the US types I'm used

Those are Nitto fittings (the most common fitting here in Australia). I would have thought those blowers would have all had 1/4npt or 1/4bsp fittings.
 

Joe Piro

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Jack K ... Thanks for the prompt reply. I will double check the fitting sizes, but I was pretty sure they said G1 8 in the Japanese catalogs, which I researched as being equal to 1/8 BSPT .... I'll check and get back.
 

Qualitytools

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^ I recall one of the features of those "air dusters" , air guns is that the trigger allows volume control, not just on or off.
 
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six-point socket II

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Have a pair of these along with a couple other different style pliers, same concept and they sure do come in handy when needed. (y)

You won't be disappointed.

Thanks! I actually own these for quite some time already, I have just posted the pictures because I had them in my hands the other day to fix one of my Lady's wallets. :)

They are indeed extremely handy for anything requiring non-marring pliers.

Kind regards,
Oliver
 

Joe Piro

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he thread in the handle is identified as G1 8 which I think is equivalent to 1/8" BSPT (which is the same as the oil pressure sender in my Nissan Pathfinder and as GJ members have pointed out before very easy to cross thread with a 1/8" NPT thread (slightly different thread angle and pitch... close.... but not close enough however). Has anyone found an American compatible quick connect that has the correct Male 1/8 BSPT but connects to our hoses? I've been all through McMaster and Grainger and it must be there but I can't find it.
I wrote that a couple of days ago and I said I would check on the threads.
The "BIg Orange Book" catalog says (for the Trusco... I didn't check every one such as the Seednew and the Vessel brand "dusters") the "Nozzle mounting port" is G 1/8 and the "Air Mounting Outlet" is G 1/4 as GJ member Jack_K suggested.
=================
So I am still hoping for answers to the questions:
For those of you who have the Trusco compressed air gun here in the USA, have you been able to get quick connects that fit the thread without cross threading?
If you had it to do over, would you buy the Vessel brand blow gun instead?
Does any US vendor sell either one?
Thanks again everybody and especially to Jack_K who prompted me to check the fitting thread size.
 

mogandave

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I can't answer your question specifically, but we ran virtually all Nitto couplers (hundreds) in my last plant and while I think they seal better with BSP they worked fine with NPT. Much of our stuff came from the US with NPT and Milton style couplers and were changed over.

It has been my experience that under airline and water-pipe conditions/pressures, the threads are close enough to interchange, although more torque and tape/dope is generally needed to get a good seal.

What is the advantage of Japanese blow-guns?
 

Gregthegadgetguy

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Jun 5, 2021
Messages
67
I have the Trusco blow gun and the regular 1/4 NPT fittings I have on all my other air compressor attachments fits without issues.

There is currently no US distribution for the blow gun.
 

Qualitytools

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I have a Trusco air blow gun that is made in Japan. It is a nice unit for sure.

51C8D078-CEA3-4C77-84D3-8D25102990F5_1_105_c.jpeg
I just received this same air gun from Amazon Japan based on some discussions on this forum, I was able to add my air fitting from PREVOST with no problem. I had forgotten that I ordered it as it took some time to arrive, I like it, thanks for sharing and helping me spend my $$.
 

mogandave

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I just received this same air gun from Amazon Japan based on some discussions on this forum, I was able to add my air fitting from PREVOST with no problem. I had forgotten that I ordered it as it took some time to arrive, I like it, thanks for sharing and helping me spend my $$.
What do you like about it? Is that the TD-K80?
 

Gregthegadgetguy

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Jun 5, 2021
Messages
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Part number TD-80-1
What makes a blow gun special? Two reasons. First, it has a solid metal ring that I use to hang on the wall. My previous Flexzilla blow gun broke at that location. Second, the trusco has a linear trigger which allows you to lightly blow with a soft press of the trigger.

I purchased another brand from my wholesale hose supply source but unfortunately cannot remember the brand. Literally threw it in the trash recently. It was either full power or nothing.


Edit: for purchase search by part number TD-80-1

@superautobacs I wish they made the flex tip in a smaller length. I really only work on bikes and found that type of flex tip to be a bit long and cumbersome. Mine has the 100mm length.

Check out this needle size tip, I use it to slide on off handlebar grips.

818E585E-62FA-413B-8988-FB65C9DCEEE4_1_105_c.jpeg

All 6 bikes are setup for fun in the dirt. I keep myself busy with constant maintenance, repair and upgrades.
 

kanai

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Mar 7, 2018
Messages
113
Any idea if they make it in a 1/4" hex drive version?

Not yet. I would imagine KTC would want to see how the 3/8 sells and if there's any issues with the design before going for the 1/4?
 
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superautobacs

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Qualitytools

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The old videos were done in Japan. I think Ko-ken USA wants to tailor their new videos for the North American market.



My Seednew/Watabe guns and tips:

51742671228_91e9aa0e6e_b.jpgSeednew Blowgun & Tips

51741606062_8399d2fcf5_b.jpgSeednew Blowgun & Tips

51743319270_1852e10169_b.jpgSeednew Blowgun & Tips

51741606272_f6a94db016_b.jpgSeednew Blowgun & Tips

Despite the difference in thread pitch I've been able to seal them using pipe dope and cinching them up good.
Milton 1/4NPT on the right

20211211_155332.jpg20211211_155349.jpg20211211_155429.jpg20211211_155650.jpg
I like what appears to be a flow control "WTB", did the guns come with that or sold separate. Also the various nozzles, are these sourced from the US or....?

Thanks for sharing
 

superautobacs

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I like what appears to be a flow control "WTB", did the guns come with that or sold separate. Also the various nozzles, are these sourced from the US or....?

Thanks for sharing

Yes, they came with the guns. I bought the attachments either from this home center store in Japan or from Rakuten (I think it was either SKll or Seednew branding).

A couple photos at the home center:

15804202321_c00c7e90f0_b.jpgHome Improvement Store in Japan


This one shows tips available from SKll and Creatool (I don't know anything about this company):

15186631763_1eda96a9ac_b.jpghttps://flic.kr/p/p8ZswF
 

Qualitytools

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Yes, they came with the guns. I bought the attachments either from this home center store in Japan or from Rakuten (I think it was either SKll or Seednew branding).

A couple photos at the home center:

15804202321_c00c7e90f0_b.jpgHome Improvement Store in Japan


This one shows tips available from SKll and Creatool (I don't know anything about this company):

15186631763_1eda96a9ac_b.jpg https://flic.kr/p/p8ZswF
That's impressive! I also like how the air tools appear to come with the male plugs already installed and included. That would not work here in the US with the various plugs available. Although I must admit that the plug that came with my air gun appeared to be a high flow as the orifice was quite large all the way thru.

Thanks again :)
 

Dave455

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My Seednew/Watabe guns and tips:

51742671228_91e9aa0e6e_b.jpgSeednew Blowgun & Tips

51741606062_8399d2fcf5_b.jpgSeednew Blowgun & Tips

51743319270_1852e10169_b.jpgSeednew Blowgun & Tips

51741606272_f6a94db016_b.jpgSeednew Blowgun & Tips

Despite the difference in thread pitch I've been able to seal them using pipe dope and cinching them up good.
Milton 1/4NPT on the right

20211211_155332.jpg20211211_155349.jpg20211211_155429.jpg20211211_155650.jpg
Those blow guns look superb!

Although I believe the “Nitto Kohki” air fittings are pretty much unique to Japan, the JIS standard thread is actually a BSP, so you can just unscrew the original fitting, and replace it with your usual, provided you can source the BSP threaded ones!

Alternatively, the British firm PCL offer Japanese spec fittings, so you can make up an adaptor.

I’ve generally been very impressed with the Japanese air tools I’ve encountered. A colleague has a lot of Shinano tools, and all of them seem to offer something over and above many others - either smaller, or smoother, or both!
 
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mogandave

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Those blow guns look superb!

Although I believe the “Nitto Kohki” air fittings are pretty much unique to Japan, the JIS standard thread is actually a BSP, so you can just unscrew the original fitting, and replace it with your usual, provided you can source the BSP threaded ones!

Alternatively, the British firm PCL offer Japanese spec fittings, so you can make up an adaptor.

I’ve generally been very impressed with the Japanese air tools I’ve encountered. A colleague has a lot of Shinano tools, and all of them seem to offer something over and above many others - either smaller, or smoother, or both!

We used the Shinano tools (drills, grinders, impacts, saws) in production for about twenty years and they are a good tool at a fair price, but I never thought they were special. Fuji pulse tools on the other hand are in a class of their own...
 

Dave455

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We used the Shinano tools (drills, grinders, impacts, saws) in production for about twenty years and they are a good tool at a fair price, but I never thought they were special. Fuji pulse tools on the other hand are in a class of their own...
I only used the Shinano compact air saw and the disc sander. The former was noticably smoother than the generic Taiwanese ones you see around, and I thought the disc sander was a very neat little tool.

Fuji pulse are something I obviously need too look in to!

I have a lot of the older British made Desoutter tools, which are the gold standard as far as I am concerned. If I buy generic Taiwanese air tools (good value though they are) they always seem to be a little rough, lack power, or consume too much air compared to the Desoutter.

I bought a Kuken impact wrench a few years ago and I was very impressed, even though it’s a very different style of tool from the traditional.

I thought it had been designed with some input from guys who actually use the tools, rather than just “styled” by some idiot with purple rimmed glasses who wouldn’t know an impact wrench from a nutcracker!
 

Reed Prince

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The Tone bit ratchet is great....similar to Facom but I believe the handle is longer for extra leverage.
I have both and prefer the Facom. The ratcheting parts appear identical, but the Facom is more versatile and the case is much nicer. It is somewhat awkward to remove the Tone tools, and the case doesn't have a real hinge.IMG_3082.jpg
 

CGarage

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I was referring to the other Tone ratchet that was posted earlier in the thread, which I have as well. Please see the earlier photo. I have not seen your version of the Tone bit ratchet.
 

Joe Piro

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Feb 26, 2021
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I really appreciated all of you that chimed in on my Trusco compressed air gun/ duster questions. That was a big help!
Now another question, this time about Vessel...
About those sort of "stingray" shaped ratchet screwdrivers: I plan to buy one and they list two and I can't tell the difference.
They only seem to have the TD-80 on Amazon.jp. They have both at Factory Gear.
The TD-80 ( cost is 992 yen or about $8.78 (they call it Vessel T-type ratchet driver set TD80)
and
the TD-81 (801 yen or about $7.08) (they call it Vessel Power Ratchet Driver TD-81R (r for red and they show three colors).
Is there more difference than just the black plastic collars around the ratchet mechanism?
Do any GJ members own one and have feedback to share?
 

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jmf535

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Nov 16, 2021
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Has anyone else run into problems with their koken sockets not working on other, non-koken, ratchets?
I just got a variety of 1/4 and 3/8 sockets (z-series and regular), and the 1/4 are not working with my wera ratchet...the quick release plunger doesn't retract, and the button remains nearly fully recessed. 3/8 fit just fine.
 

mogandave

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Finally broke down a bought a Goot ST-53 soldering stand. A little pricy ( $24.45) but real happy with it so far. It has a chunk of 6mm plate as part of the base so does not move around.

Goot ST-53 01.jpgGoot ST-53 02.jpgGoot ST-53 03.jpg

I've had the gun a while, it's a Goot TQ-77
 

superautobacs

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Has anyone else run into problems with their koken sockets not working on other, non-koken, ratchets?
I just got a variety of 1/4 and 3/8 sockets (z-series and regular), and the 1/4 are not working with my wera ratchet...the quick release plunger doesn't retract, and the button remains nearly fully recessed. 3/8 fit just fine.

This has been noted by other users in the past.
Ko-ken 1/4 drive Z-series sockets/extensions/accessories may not lock into place when combined with off brand quick-release ratchets.
There's issues even using Z-series and standard Ko-ken socketry. Prime example is compatibility between 1/4 drive Ko-ken wobble-fix extensions with 1/4 drive shallow Z-series sockets. Because of the dimensions on the shallow Z-series sockets, it will not go to the "fix" position.
There are some quirks with the Z-series socketry stuff and I think the series can be considered a specialty series, that performs together as a unified system. The ratchets, on the other hand, are universal.
 
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