No kidding about wanting more. Once I got Koken stuff, hard to use Craftsman and Gearwrench stuff. When Koken releases 72T 1/4” ratchets, I will be like a moth to a flame.
Tools of Japan
- Thread starter Frankstools
- Start date
I bought the 3/8 Zeal ratchet off amazon fully expecting to return it, figuring I’d be disappointed even after reading/watching how great they are.
After messing around with it for a few minutes, I felt that exact “this is top end stuff” that everyone implies about Koken. I imagine I’ll enjoy the sockets and a few other accessories as much as I did the ratchet.
Precision TORX Screwdriver No.TD-59(T1) | PRODUCTS INFORMATION | VESSEL CO., INC
full range of information on product groups ranging from tightening tools such as drivers, bit sockets and air tools to anti-static products in the factory
T1 https://www.ebay.com/itm/3043879217...yXyWkE5RcS&var=&widget_ver=artemis&media=COPY
T3-https://www.amazon.com/VESSEL-Precision-Screwdriver-No-TD-59-TD59T320/dp/B0881BSXDH
t4-https://www.amazon.com/VESSEL-Precision-Screwdriver-No-TD-59-TD59T420/dp/B0881BM652
t5-https://www.amazon.com/VESSEL-Precision-Screwdriver-No-TD-59-TD59T520/dp/B0881BZSXN
Thanks, not really in a rush, I would prefer to get a set instead of getting these individually.Complete set seems like it sold out, didn’t look everywhere I could though. Also can’t find t2. Here’s the ones I did find though.Precision TORX Screwdriver No.TD-59(T1) | PRODUCTS INFORMATION | VESSEL CO., INC
full range of information on product groups ranging from tightening tools such as drivers, bit sockets and air tools to anti-static products in the factoryvessel.co.jp
T1 https://www.ebay.com/itm/3043879217...yXyWkE5RcS&var=&widget_ver=artemis&media=COPY
T3-https://www.amazon.com/VESSEL-Precision-Screwdriver-No-TD-59-TD59T320/dp/B0881BSXDH
t4-https://www.amazon.com/VESSEL-Precision-Screwdriver-No-TD-59-TD59T420/dp/B0881BM652
t5-https://www.amazon.com/VESSEL-Precision-Screwdriver-No-TD-59-TD59T520/dp/B0881BZSXN
Here's the T2- https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0881C5T8Y/?tag=atomicindus08-20Complete set seems like it sold out, didn’t look everywhere I could though. Also can’t find t2. Here’s the ones I did find though.Precision TORX Screwdriver No.TD-59(T1) | PRODUCTS INFORMATION | VESSEL CO., INC
full range of information on product groups ranging from tightening tools such as drivers, bit sockets and air tools to anti-static products in the factory
T1 https://www.ebay.com/itm/3043879217...yXyWkE5RcS&var=&widget_ver=artemis&media=COPY
T3-https://www.amazon.com/VESSEL-Precision-Screwdriver-No-TD-59-TD59T320/dp/B0881BSXDH
t4-https://www.amazon.com/VESSEL-Precision-Screwdriver-No-TD-59-TD59T420/dp/B0881BM652
t5-https://www.amazon.com/VESSEL-Precision-Screwdriver-No-TD-59-TD59T520/dp/B0881BZSXN
I have the full Vessel tool catalog downloaded and it doesn't look like they sell a 5pc precision Torx T1 to T5 set, only individuals.
Attachments
Last edited:
It was driving me up a wall, lol. Must have copied something wrong the first time because they all popped up on Amazon when I just looked again.
Will be around $80 for the 5 pcs, disregard the T1 eBay link and just paste this into amazon. VESSEL Precision TORX Screwdriver No.TD-59
I've purchased Vessel tools from VesseltoolsUSA a couple times on Amazon, and they only charged me the $3.99 shipping fee once for the order, not for each item, so that should bring the total price down to about $64 shipped instead of $80. Still pretty expensive though. I have several of the Vessel precision drivers and they have about the same tip quality as my Moody USA precision drivers or my Wiha precision drivers (mine are almost all German made).
I realize this is a "tools of Japan thread", but since Vessel doesn't sell a torx set to help bring the price down, most would probably be better off with something like a Wiha 26791 T1-T8 set for $38 shipped, or buying Wiha "System 4" 4mm hex bits for less than $2 each or getting a 10 pack of small torx bits for $15-16 and using them in a $8-12 Wiha precision/micro bit handle.
www.wihatools.com
www.wihatools.com
www.wihatools.com
I realize this is a "tools of Japan thread", but since Vessel doesn't sell a torx set to help bring the price down, most would probably be better off with something like a Wiha 26791 T1-T8 set for $38 shipped, or buying Wiha "System 4" 4mm hex bits for less than $2 each or getting a 10 pack of small torx bits for $15-16 and using them in a $8-12 Wiha precision/micro bit handle.
10 Piece Torx Micro Bits Set
Micro Precision Bits on 4mm Hex Drive Hardened for Extreme Durability Bits of Exclusive CRM-72 Tool Steel Exact fit machined tips
www.wihatools.com
Bits
www.wihatools.com
Precision Tools
www.wihatools.com
Reed Prince
Well-known member
I have a couple of sets of nice Vessel precision drivers, some Wera sets, and some Wiha standard and Pico sets. About a year ago I decided to try PB Swiss and now they are my first choice. Just about everything about them is slightly nicer, and there seems to be better quality control.
I’m back to working on Japanese motorbikes again and would really like proper JIS #1 & 2 screwdrivers…
I thought this would be the chance to finally get the Nepros ones I’ve been listing over ever since I got my Nepros ratchets but after some quick reading it appears that the Nepros aren’t actually JIS, just “designed to work with JIS” similar to wera which I already own lots of.
So does this mean I should go with Vessel?
mice heard the actual JIS do fit better than the ones that are just JIS compatible.
I thought this would be the chance to finally get the Nepros ones I’ve been listing over ever since I got my Nepros ratchets but after some quick reading it appears that the Nepros aren’t actually JIS, just “designed to work with JIS” similar to wera which I already own lots of.
So does this mean I should go with Vessel?
mice heard the actual JIS do fit better than the ones that are just JIS compatible.
I've spent many of hours reading into JIS, and technically speaking, it doesn't exist anymore. So that's why almost no one will come out and call their drivers JIS.
I mainly work on Japanese bikes, as well, and after a lot of trial and error over the years, I've come to the conclusion that nothing works as well as the Vessel Megadoras.
PB Swiss also works pretty well...Wera, not so much. I'm guessing that the Nepros would be on par with PB Swiss, so if you are dead set on getting them, and work mainly with clean/undamaged screws, they'll get the job done.
But Vessel really is the gold standard.
Half-fast eddie
Well-known member
What are those little balls supposed to do? The icon says “impact ball” … how does it work? Looks like a gimmick to me.
I imagine it's just Vessel's version of a "torsion zone" that you can find on many other brands' impact bits. The purpose of it is to basically reduce the torque peaks that the impact delivers to extend bit life.
Dave455
Well-known member
I think that’s exactly what it is!
Trouble is, when I use an impact driver, it’s those “hammer blows” that I really need, and the last thing I want is a bit that’s twisting, and reducing the effectiveness of the tool!
I currently use regular (not torsion) bits in my impact and have no problems with my (generally) Wera bits.
BlitzcrankJapan
Well-known member
No they do not. However they do have some interesting bends in their 'profit' line of wrenches.
pizza
Well-known member
in addition to what @jmf535 said,
might as well grab some bits
and also have a look at:
4500 series power grip
Power Grip｜Screwdrivers｜HAND TOOLS | PRODUCTS INFORMATION | VESSEL CO., INC
full range of information on product groups ranging from tightening tools such as drivers, bit sockets and air tools to anti-static products in the factory
900 and 930 series megadora
MEGADORA｜Screwdrivers｜HAND TOOLS | PRODUCTS INFORMATION | VESSEL CO., INC
full range of information on product groups ranging from tightening tools such as drivers, bit sockets and air tools to anti-static products in the factory
you may also want to look at sunflag brand if you want "real" JIS. i read they may still be making them, or maybe it was that NOS is easy to find.
BlitzcrankJapan
Well-known member
My Ko-Ken tools arrived.
They also sent me the Australian edition of the Ko-Ken catalogue 2020.
White International is the official Ko-Ken supplier in Australia. They are a large distributor that also manufactures their own tool boxes that are Made in Australia.
I didn't mean to attach so many catalogue pictures. But I kept turning pages and thought others might find it interesting even if all the same information can be found online.
They also sent me the Australian edition of the Ko-Ken catalogue 2020.
White International is the official Ko-Ken supplier in Australia. They are a large distributor that also manufactures their own tool boxes that are Made in Australia.
I didn't mean to attach so many catalogue pictures. But I kept turning pages and thought others might find it interesting even if all the same information can be found online.
Attachments
Half-fast eddie
Well-known member
Interesting … I was expecting all the pictures to be upside down …
Qualitytools
Well-known member
Does anyone know if KOKEN makes an 11/16 3/8 drive spark plug socket with a clip?
Thanks for your time.
Thanks for your time.
Last edited:
Qualitytools
Well-known member
I would like to get the 11/16 for the plugs in my e30 M3. The 18mm is a looser fit. I am sure you've experienced that with the M6.
I have the Snap-On 11/16 socket but was curious if KOKEN Made one as they are mainly a socket company.
Ah, I see. I have the Hazet SP wrench for the S38 plugs, but it's magnetic.
I dont think they make the Spark plug sockets with spring clip in Imperial sizes, only Metric. The Imperial sizes are denoted by a suffix "A" at the end of the part number (and suffix "M" for Metric) and i dont see the spark plug socket part numbers with the "A" suffix in their catalogue.
I was just trying to work that out today myself for motorbike spark plugs. All I could find was the 18mm one which should be too large. For 13/16 plugs they are sold as 20.8 which to me if the 18mm was really 11/16 it wouldn't be labelled 18mm.
Qualitytools
Well-known member
Good information to have. Thanks
One would think that if anyone would have it KOKEN would as it is a common motorbike spark plug size.
Last edited:
Qualitytools
Well-known member
Yes, the 18mm will work but a bit loose
Nothing that a shim made out of tin strip can’t solve
The Stahlwille 4600 is listed as being both 18mm and 11/16 and to be used for motorcycles etc. I wonder what size it really is and if Koken has done the same although I think they would then call it 17.5mm or something like that.
The Koken is 18mm
For the BMW S38/S14 heads the SP socket O.D. must be very thin, so whatever you choose make sure the outer diameter works for the application.
It doesn't surprise me that Ko-ken does not offer a a 17.5mm (11/16") thin wall socket, that's a very limited euro spec and Hazet made that specific spark plug socket for years (880 AM GT-3). So not much of a market for Ko-ken there.
One can still find the factory BMW socket wrench that came in the factory tool kits. They're still available new AFAIK, but it's not like a standard 3/8" drive socket. Hazet discontinued the 880AMGT-3 some years ago.
Last edited:
You probably already thought of this, but have your tried a local euro motorcycle shop?
Qualitytools
Well-known member
Not yet, something to consider. Thanks
1foxracing
Well-known member
I have these Made in Japan KTC models that I ordered from Webike Japan.
1foxracing
Well-known member
BlitzcrankJapan
Well-known member
For automotive style pry bar with handle there is Toledo.
Toledo is Australian tool company. Historically their tools were made in Australia and Japan. Now they source tools from all around the world. But still a surprisingly large number of their tools seem to be made in Japan.
As far as I know they are just a 'Brand' now. With no actual manufacturing by themselves.
Toledo Pry Bar Set 4 Piece 301083 | Sparesbox
Shop For Toledo Pry Bar Set 4 Piece 301083 at Sparesbox Australia. FREE shipping Australia wide on orders over $99.
301083 - Pry Bars | Toledo
Tridon group owns the Toledo brand now.
