Tools of Japan

[silkman]

Went to my favourite tool shop yesterday and although didn't absolutely need them, couldn't resist.

Got a 7 piece set impact "Champion" screwdrivers, 18eur for the set.
Philips #1 #2 #3, 3 flat blades and a flatblade stubby. Square shank and green plastic hard handles. I had posted a few pages back about this screwdriver.


These aren't the refined screwdrivers from Vessel, they are construction grade and they can absolutely take a beating. Fit Philips screws well.

 

[mercifiknow]

I have some Victor diagonal cutters that have a similar shape to your new Tsunoda cable tie cutters. I wasn't able to figure out any particular advantage to this Japanese design.

Where did you get them?

 

[Reed Prince]

Where did you get them?

Amazon Japan.

 

[Mr. Tool]

My Koken 1/4” setup.

I've got two of that exact same Koken 2769F 1/4" Sq. Drive, Spinner Handle.

Specifically, exactly what type of adapter is that on top?

 

[Dave455]

I've got two of that exact same Koken 2769F 1/4" Sq. Drive, Spinner Handle.

Specifically, exactly what type of adapter is that on top?

Not my post, but I can tell you it’s a 2785 Sliding T with a 2755 Ratchet Adaptor.

I don’t own a KoKen Ratchet Adaptor, but I do have others, and the combination of a Sliding T and Ratchet Adaptor is one I use a lot, usually with a long extension.

It’s a superbly balanced combination, and I reckon is about the best tool to use one handed.

 

[Mr. Tool]

Not my post, but I can tell you it’s a 2785 Sliding T with a 2755 Ratchet Adaptor.

I don’t own a KoKen Ratchet Adaptor, but I do have others, and the combination of a Sliding T and Ratchet Adaptor is one I use a lot, usually with a long extension.

It’s a superbly balanced combination, and I reckon is about the best tool to use one handed.

SWEET!
Thanks Dave455!

 

[Souldrop]

What are general opinions of koken’s z series deep sockets? Im about to place an order and was really trying to find a “good” justification to pay a premium for the z series over their regular sockets

 

[Jack_K]

Has anyone else had their Koken ratchets slipping from new? I bought two different ones at the same time and they both slip. Often enough that when I got them I was playing with the ratchet mechanism and noticed it. Sometimes when it happens I notice that the selector switch is in the middle.

 

[Toolman_TX]

Has anyone else had their Koken ratchets slipping from new? I bought two different ones at the same time and they both slip. Often enough that when I got them I was playing with the ratchet mechanism and noticed it. Sometimes when it happens I notice that the selector switch is in the middle.

Yes, I have the Ko-ken 3/8" 72t and it slips. It is more prominent when you put some downward force on the drive and spinning it. It is also more noticeable when my switch is to the right.

 

[jmf535]

What are general opinions of koken’s z series deep sockets? Im about to place an order and was really trying to find a “good” justification to pay a premium for the z series over their regular sockets

I don't have any of their deeps, but I do have some standard depth z-series, and semi-deep regular series. The z-series do have a tighter fit, and a nicer finish, but not to the point that I think that they are a "must have." They also don't play nice with every other brand of ratchet/extensions. So I say, unless you plan on using them with a z-series ratchet and/or just really want to spend the extra cash, stick with the regulars. They are very good

 

[Toolman_TX]

SWEET!
Thanks Dave455!

It is a very versatile setup and fun actually...I also have the Tone RAD30 3/8" ratchet adapter but it has some play between the input and the output drives. The Ko-ken version is more of an one piece design.

 

[71firebird400]

I don't have any of their deeps, but I do have some standard depth z-series, and semi-deep regular series. The z-series do have a tighter fit, and a nicer finish, but not to the point that I think that they are a "must have." They also don't play nice with every other brand of ratchet/extensions. So I say, unless you plan on using them with a z-series ratchet and/or just really want to spend the extra cash, stick with the regulars. They are very good

Appreciate this. Looking at acquiring Ko-Ken sockets in 1/4 and all my ratchet are Snap-On.

 

[Reed Prince]

Not my post, but I can tell you it’s a 2785 Sliding T with a 2755 Ratchet Adaptor.

I don’t own a KoKen Ratchet Adaptor, but I do have others, and the combination of a Sliding T and Ratchet Adaptor is one I use a lot, usually with a long extension.

It’s a superbly balanced combination, and I reckon is about the best tool to use one handed.

Here's another one handed Ko-ken 3/8" option, with its KTC equivalent. The Ko-ken has a smoother mechanism.

 

[Qualitytools]

Here's another one handed Ko-ken 3/8" option, with its KTC equivalent. The Ko-ken has a smoother mechanism.

Interesting, so the photo shows an R for the KOKEN is that a reversible finger ratchet?

 

[theamcguy]

Anybody have the Ko-ken part number for the 1/4" handle with the yellow plastic grip in the photos above? Thank you

 

[Dave455]

Anybody have the Ko-ken part number for the 1/4" handle with the yellow plastic grip in the photos above? Thank you

It’s a 2769F. Good tool.

 

[Reed Prince]

Interesting, so the photo shows an R for the KOKEN is that a reversible finger ratchet?

yes, they are both reversible.

 

[Mr. Tool]

So far, currently this is the lowest price for the Koken 2769F 1/4" SQ. DR. Spinner Handle that I've found online.

Not bad since I had paid a bit more for the the two that I currently have a few years back.

I think it's a good deal.

(...and yes it definitely is a good tool as Dave455 had previously mentioned)

Koken Tools 1/4 Sq. Dr. Spinner Handle 1/4 Female Square Length 150mm

Input Drive Size: 1/4" Drive Shape: Square Length: 150mm Type: Spinner Handle Output Size: 1/4" Product Dimension (Refer Line Drawing Image): H Size: - Palmac Tools

palmac.net

 

[Pexto]

Intriguing - that 2755 ratchet adapter seems like it might be really nice to pair with a non-ratcheting torque wrench. Anybody use it in that configuration?

 

[Outahere]

Bought at Amazon, for $10.50

 

[corn chip]

Bought at Amazon, for $10.50

nice. i dont think you could even get a crappy one from harbor freight for $10. was you specifically looking for it or just stumbled across it?

 

[Dave455]

Intriguing - that 2755 ratchet adapter seems like it might be really nice to pair with a non-ratcheting torque wrench. Anybody use it in that configuration?

Yes, not with a KoKen ratchet adaptor, but with others in 3/8” and 1/2” drive.

Historically, ratchet adaptors were much stronger than ratchet handles, so they’re great to use with a flex handle/breaker bar, or a torque wrench. Few of my torque wrenches are ratcheting.

I don’t actually own a ratchet adaptor in 1/4 drive. I may have to rectify that, and the KoKen is looking like a good candidate…!

 

[Outahere]

nice. i dont think you could even get a crappy one from harbor freight for $10. was you specifically looking for it or just stumbled across it?

I was looking for a cheap 18" plastic ruler on Amazon to get my small order up to $25, and the Shinwa showed up in the search.

 

[4xdog]

Recently got a Vessel TD-410 Famidora reversible screwdriver. This Japan-made #2 crosshead (JIS) and 6 mm flat blade driver has a 29mm diameter (at widest point) fluorescent polypropylene handle. The chrome-plated 6mm diameter shaft flip-flops to the orientation desired and fits securely in the handle, leaving 70mm / 2 3/4" exposed.

It's nicely made, but unexceptional and not in the 900/930 Megadora category. it tends to roll when put down as the widest part of the handle is smoothly round, not faceted. The driver is too small overall for my big paws, but it'll will be fine for infrequent use in a car bag.





Shown alongside a #2 900-series Megadora driver.

 

[Satow]

Does anyone know which site is legit, or are both sites legit? www.nepros.net or www.neprostools.com

 

[midorix]

Got more Ko-ken!
What surprised me was the comfort of the knurled handle. Not too aggressive but still very slip resistant. Stocking up on nut grippers along with 1/4 and 3/8 universal double joint. Also got the 3/8 to 1/2 spinner adapter. Still staring and playing around with them. Can get over how beautiful these tools are.

 

[Dzmax77]

Denko Sekka folding saw - Made in Japan

This little saw is awesome!

 

[HenryAZ]

Does anyone know which site is legit, or are both sites legit? www.nepros.net or www.neprostools.com

In a recent (last week) email I got from KTC, confirming my ratchet order, at the bottom it said "Visit our new site" https://neprostools.com.

The other, old site (.net) is still up. I'm surprised they didn't put a link (or a redirect) on the old site.

 

[Dave455]

Got more Ko-ken!
What surprised me was the comfort of the knurled handle. Not too aggressive but still very slip resistant. Stocking up on nut grippers along with 1/4 and 3/8 universal double joint. Also got the 3/8 to 1/2 spinner adapter. Still staring and playing around with them. Can get over how beautiful these tools are.

I have the same ratchet. Impressive, and much used, tool.

Generally I prefer the KoKen smooth handles, but with the roto head ratchets you need the ability to twist the handle like a screwdriver, so I opted for the knurled.

You’re absolutely right, they’re much more comfortable to use than they look. I might consider this handle on other KoKen ratchet’s.

 

[Qualitytools]

Got more Ko-ken!
What surprised me was the comfort of the knurled handle. Not too aggressive but still very slip resistant. Stocking up on nut grippers along with 1/4 and 3/8 universal double joint. Also got the 3/8 to 1/2 spinner adapter. Still staring and playing around with them. Can get over how beautiful these tools are.

Enjoy! The first time I received my 3/8 KOKEN Zeal set and had it in my hands it looked like jewelry. KOKEN makes very nice tools.

 

[midorix]

Enjoy! The first time I received my 3/8 KOKEN Zeal set and had it in my hands it looked like jewelry. KOKEN makes very nice tools.

Yup. 3/8 Ko-Ken Zeal set is what got me started. I keep looking at the Ko-ken catalog to see what other tools I “need”.

 

[kyrbz]

some new vampliers

 

[kyrbz]

Pic from a recent trip to Japan. This qualifies as a tool, right?

 

[corn chip]

chin strap for his hard hat lol. i guess he not taking any chances

 

[Steve_P]

chin strap for his hard hat lol. i guess he not taking any chances

The Japanese are obsessed with hard hats! I guess it's a cultural thing, but I know it goes back decades.
And that is the smallest excavator I've ever seen!

 

[corn chip]

yes a small excavator indeed. i havent seen komatsus mini version before but ive seen other brand of minis. theyre good for inside buildings and houses as they can manuever past doorways ,down alley ways and such. bobcat has a line of minis i think. cat probly has minis as well

 

[kyrbz]

The Japanese are obsessed with hard hats! I guess it's a cultural thing, but I know it goes back decades.
And that is the smallest excavator I've ever seen!

I would think it probably has something to do with earthquakes. I know I'd want one when things are falling during an earthquake.

 

[Mr. Tool]

Well my Koken 1/4” Rtchet Adapter and Sliding T finally arrived late this afternoon!

 

[kyrbz]

I ordered from Palmac one time (pre-pandemic) because their price was really good. Took months to get my order. I was actually in the process of trying to cancel my order and get my money back when item finally shipped.

 

[Mr. Tool]

Yeah I can understand that situation. That would have frustrated me as well.

This was my first time ordering from them. Apparently they are a subsidy of Koken USA or associated or affiliated, etc. with them in someway or another?

I also placed my order with them since they did have the lowest price(s) for Koken tools, so I went with them. Once my order was placed I did not receive any notice back from PALMAC?

I placed my order on a Thursday then decided to wait till the following Tuesday to call Palmac and inquire about my order, etc. They then sent me the information that I had requested from them (through email) and was told that my order had been processed and was on it's way to me, via UPS.

Like I said, it finally arrived late yesterday afternoon, delivered by UPS.