Tools of Japan

[GrantCee]

Hey, do you find the Ko-Ken 3/8 roto to be wide & thick headed? I also think it's on the heavy side. It's built like a tank, just not my favorite roto head.

Other than the KTC, the only other roto head I've used and can compare it to is the S-K. The Ko-ken head is smaller than the S-K in diameter and thickness by a few millimeters, so from my standpoint it's smaller than what I've been using. Like the S-K, I have no doubt it will take as much torque as I'm able to apply to it.

As to weight, it's definitely heavier than the S-K. That's due to the slightly longer handle and the much thicker grip area. It's very back-heavy; I'd prefer if they'd hollow out the grip area to reduce that weight. Then I'd probably complain it was front-heavy,

For some things I can see where it might be too big, but that's why I also got the KTC!

I think the Ko-Ken flex heads are thick headed too just like Nepros. maybe it's a Japanese thing. The best thing about Ko-Kens is their low back drag but, I find myself reaching past the Ko-Kens for MATCO, Tekton, and Carlyle flex heads.

I have the ZEAL flex heads, which to me are very small. But I also don't like flex heads, so...

I picked up the longish KTC 3/8 drive roto head BRSW8L from DRPD tools and think the handle portion is too short and the tapered portion tapers too much, too narrow on the end. The handle section needs to be at least an inch longer and the taper not as narrow. I know this is just my opinion and that it may fit other people's hand perfectly. Still a Great ratchet though.

I have that same ratchet, and I agree about the handle. I've never liked that general profile, though, so even if it were larger in diameter and longer I'd still not like it.

But, as I said, that tiny head and longer reach is worth putting up with the handle. If they ever release one with a more Ko-ken like handle, I'd probably buy it.

I'm very reluctant to apply the same amount of torque to it as I do the Ko-ken, though, simply because it's smaller in every dimension. As someone noted, it's really a 3/8 in a 1/4 body.

 

[rick carpenter]

Couple of pairs of VamPLIERS..... Made by Engineer Japan. Have a couple pairs of Engineer branded crimpers at home and fell in love the the quality. Picked these up a couple of years ago. They do work very well and are very high quality. When you have a small screw with a stripped out head these will grab onto it great.

Japan Site which has all the Engineer tools. You can find most on Amazon but shipping does take a good bit of time from Japan.
http://www.engineer.jp/en/products/pz58e.html

The US VamPLIERS site. Very limited selection but quick access for the ones they do have.
http://www.vampiretools.com/

The $19 Engineer PZ-57 pliers (Amazon Prime currently says delivery on Aug 23) are rebranded as the $29 VamPliers Mini 5" pliers. I got my PZ-57s via Prime a little while back maybe in 3-4 days.

You have to pay for the Prime service so shipping isn't exactly free, and sorry, since I didn't need the VamPliers I didn't go through the order process to see about their delivery. But I'd say it's certainly worth comparing the two if you're in the market for VamPliers.

 

[tamaraw]

The $19 Engineer PZ-57 pliers (Amazon Prime currently says delivery on Aug 23) are rebranded as the $29 VamPliers Mini 5" pliers. I got my PZ-57s via Prime a little while back maybe in 3-4 days.

You have to pay for the Prime service so shipping isn't exactly free, and sorry, since I didn't need the VamPliers I didn't go through the order process to see about their delivery. But I'd say it's certainly worth comparing the two if you're in the market for VamPliers.

PZ-57 is also just 1,691 JPY or about 12.33 USD on Amazon.jp at the moment. Of course shipping wouldn't be very economical for just a single item but could be worthwhile as part of a larger order.

 

[Zjenji]

Latest Amazon.jp haul.

First up, got another set of KTC’s Pofit wrenches for my son’s motorcycle kit. Use them heavily on my bikes and ATV’s and I love them.

Next, picked up a 100mm reading loupe from Shinwa, item #75521.

Next up, 3.Peaks Curved Wirecutters item# NP-190BZ (left), and 3.Peaks Electrical Tool item# DF-220 (righ).


Next is Vessell ball point hex bits item# GS5P-35.


Next, Anex No. 240, 241, 242, and 243 precision pliers.


Next, Godhand SPN-120 nippers
Next up, Top Kogyo EG3-120 nippers.


Next up, Keiba UN-E05 nippers.



Next, Keiba FCI-119 Pliers (bottom), FCI-306 Needle nose pliers (middle), FCI-206 Wire cutters (top)

 

[Zjenji]

Plus, they glow in the dark!

Next, Fujiya 3000SP-225 High Leverage Pliers


Next, Z Zetsaw 07041 Precision saw with replacement plate.


Next, Mokuba CP-17 6” Prybar.


Next, Anex No. 1540 0x100 Precision Phillips screwdriver to round out my collection.


Next, Wise Pierce Ball hex set in sizes 10, 8, 6, 5, 4, and 3, with both standard and ball heads. Model PIS358.



Next, Flash Precision Tool (FPC) universal, locking joint in 3/8. Item UJ-321L.


And last, just some Olfa Utility knife blades. LB-10B.

 

[Vicks]

more tools !!!

my credit card wants to know if you would please stop doing this !!!

 

[darkzero]

my credit card wants to know if you would please stop doing this !!!

You credit card will be fine after you get it a companion to help offset all the hard work.

 

[Half-fast eddie]

I understand the concept, being able to have off-axis angles with the tool, but it seems like the amount of surface contact between the tool and the fastener is pretty small.

 

[tamaraw]

I understand the concept, being able to have off-axis angles with the tool, but it seems like the amount of surface contact between the tool and the fastener is pretty small.

Smaller contact area than a straight bit, yes, but being a 6 point hex it's still not going to slip without excessive force.

It makes it way easier to align/insert, allows more comfortable hand angles when spinning stuff in/out, and can be helpful with areas that have tricky clearance.

I wouldn't say that they replace a straight bit but a hex ball is actually preferable in 99% of situations where you don't need crazy torque specs.

 

[Dave455]

Plus, they glow in the dark!

These look awesome!

I always loved the Keiba “High Grade” pliers but I never liked the black grips.

I think the two component grips are relatively new. The luminous ones certainly are.

Anything that makes tools easier to find is an advantage as far as I’m concerned!

 

[teagueo]

I'm very reluctant to apply the same amount of torque to it as I do the Ko-ken, though, simply because it's smaller in every dimension. As someone noted, it's really a 3/8 in a 1/4 body.

They take a surprising amount of torque to break...I've tested those compact head Zeal ratchets (3/8" drive in a 1/4" body) up past 70 ft-lbs. That's way beyond what you'd reasonably use them on. And that's putting a ton of force into that short handle

 

[Reed Prince]

These look awesome!

I always loved the Keiba “High Grade” pliers but I never liked the black grips.

I think the two component grips are relatively new. The luminous ones certainly are.

Anything that makes tools easier to find is an advantage as far as I’m concerned!

 

[rick carpenter]

Latest Amazon.jp haul.

Zjenji, have you found an online Anex or 3.Peaks catalogue? Thanks

 

[pizza]

those keiba "high grade" pliers are ****. been wondering for a while how they are. do you guys like them? how do they compare to other stuff?

Maruto Hasegawa Works

Create people, create products, and create wealth. With a pioneering spirit, always seeking newness for 87 years, Maruto Hasegawa Kosakusho

www.keiba-tool.com

 

[Vicks]

They take a surprising amount of torque to break...I've tested those compact head Zeal ratchets (3/8" drive in a 1/4" body) up past 70 ft-lbs. That's way beyond what you'd reasonably use them on. And that's putting a ton of force into that short handle

Yup. Ko-ken sockets, Hinged handles, extension bars and Reversible ratchets have consistently higher Max Torque ratings than most standards call for (ANSI, DIN)

The 3/8" reversible ratchets range has an average torque rating of 280Nm (chart below reads from 160Nm all the way upto 420Nm give or take a few).

 

[Reed Prince]

those keiba "high grade" pliers are ****. been wondering for a while how they are. do you guys like them? how do they compare to other stuff?

Maruto Hasegawa Works

Create people, create products, and create wealth. With a pioneering spirit, always seeking newness for 87 years, Maruto Hasegawa Kosakusho

www.keiba-tool.com

They're quality pliers, but I don't find the handles to be very comfortable. Too boxy for me. Their smaller two component handles feel fine.

 

[CallumRD1]

Latest Amazon.jp haul.

[snip]

Next is Vessell ball point hex bits item# GS5P-35.


[snip]

Do you have a link to these bits? I've looked but cannot find the full set of them myself.

 

[GrantCee]

those keiba "high grade" pliers are ****. been wondering for a while how they are. do you guys like them? how do they compare to other stuff?

Maruto Hasegawa Works

Create people, create products, and create wealth. With a pioneering spirit, always seeking newness for 87 years, Maruto Hasegawa Kosakusho

www.keiba-tool.com

I have a pair of their "High Grade European Type Side Cutting Pliers", basically a lineman's pliers. They're beautifully made, with butter-smooth action. I'd buy more (if and when I need a style they produce).

 

[Jack_K]

Would these be Lobster? they look like it based on pictures except where the current ones have lobster cast in vs a raised section for a sticker. These ones are minimum 20 years old so the design could have changed or they are any other brand.

Edit: after searching "Lobster riveter vintage" all of them seem to have cast in model numbers so this is likely not lobster.






Current version:

 

[riceaterSLC]

Pulled from the hot deals section. Not sure if this is a good deal or not:

Ko-Ken Zeal 3/8 Ratchet (72t) $39.89 at Amazon

Came across this deal: Ko-ken Z-eal Length 178mm 3725z 9.5mm Insertion Angle Ratchet Handle $39.89 from multiple sellers on Amazon This is the lowest price that I've seen and matches Amazon Japan's price (without having to pay international shipping).

www.garagejournal.com

 

[Zjenji]

Do you have a link to these bits? I've looked but cannot find the full set of them myself.

The picture is misleading. Vessel usually only bundle 5 together, so in this case it’s the 3-4-5-6-8. The 2.5-2-10 are in the drop down menu next to the sizes. Hope this helps.

 

[Zjenji]

Zjenji, have you found an online Anex or 3.Peaks catalogue? Thanks

Here is the “products” page from 3.peaks website. It’s in Japanese so you may need to use google translate. They have a catalog here, but again, in Japanese.

It‘s the same for Anex. Products and catalog.

 

[Odd-job]

Finally received my first Amazon JP order. A lot of repeats of stuff people already bought on this thread.

Somewhat disappointed the Fujiya pliers were made in Vietnam, but I guess I shouldn’t be surprised with another pair made Taiwan already in my box.

All the tone stuff made in Japan.

Having trouble loading pics from my phone.

 

[Odd-job]

Last pic that refuses to attach

 

[kyrbz]

Some vintage Sears Companion made in Japan DOE wrenches. Picked these up to put in the tool roll I'm putting together for my Kei truck.

 

[Outahere]

A Koken 1/2" drive 13mm square socket (for drain plugs), purchased at Kokenusa for a grand total of $12.72.( It is $9.79 at Palmac, but once UPS shipping is added the final price is probably around $16). This is my first purchase at KokenUsa. They processed and shipped my order much faster than I have experienced in the past with my Koken orders from Palmac. Palmac orders take about 10-14 days to process, ship, and arrive at my house. This KokenUsa order required only 3 days, with "free" USPS shipping.

 

[Odd-job]

Last of the Amazon Japan order. Happy with the 21mm extra deep Koken socket and engineer thru tang screwdriver. Somewhat sad about the Nachi bits being made in Singapore, but was probably expecting too much for $15.

 

[Zjenji]

Few stragglers from my last amazon.jp order. Liked the idea of a locking spinner, as I have some from Koken and Nepros, and FPC does not disappoint.

-Flash Precision (FPC) SD-3L 3/8” Locking Spinner
-Tsunoda DBP-200 Duck Bill Pliers

 

[tamaraw]

I have had those pliers for a few years and I absolutely love them!

 

[4xdog]

...Somewhat sad about the Nachi bits being made in Singapore, but was probably expecting too much for $15....

Singapore has every bit the cost structure and quality levels of Japan. It's hard to imagine drill bits being made there (more likely someplace else in SE Asia, like Malaysia, and labelled "creatively") but if they really are Singaporean production, they'll probably be very good.

 

[Odd-job]

Singapore has every bit the cost structure and quality levels of Japan. It's hard to imagine drill bits being made there (more likely someplace else in SE Asia, like Malaysia, and labelled "creatively") but if they really are Singaporean production, they'll probably be very good.

Good to know. Looks like I got my $15 worth of drill bits then. Navigating country of origin is definitely trickier on Amazon JP.

 

[rick carpenter]

Here's a pair of Oxwall 1858 pliers made in Japan, maybe in the '80s. @superautobacs said SEK was a mfr for Oxwall, so maybe they made these. These are not mine, they belong to my work. They feel tight for being ~40 years(?) old and line up perfectly. Also a pair of Sears 30724 adjustable pliers that I own. I suspected they were made in Japan and a quick web search pulled up some *bay ads which confirmed it. One seller thought maybe Daido or Hozan.

 

[thursday]

Does anyone know of a Japanese made version of 1/4 drive T handle? Preferably with 3 drives.

 

[Pexto]

Nepros makes one in 1/4 but it only has a single drive (handle ends are plain). I think DRPD has them.

I'm pretty sure Koken doesn't make one - they just have the normal sliding t-handles. (Edited based on Dave455's input)

 

[Dave455]

Does anyone know of a Japanese made version of 1/4 drive T handle? Preferably with 3 drives.

Koken offer one - No. 2715 shown here, but it doesn’t have 3 drives.

 

[F-22]

Yup. Ko-ken sockets, Hinged handles, extension bars and Reversible ratchets have consistently higher Max Torque ratings than most standards call for (ANSI, DIN)

The 3/8" reversible ratchets range has an average torque rating of 280Nm (chart below reads from 160Nm all the way upto 420Nm give or take a few).

Really cool info, but to be fair I don't think there's a tool company which wouldn't exceed the strength which the standards stated on them specify. You can't have the exact same characteristic as the standard specifies, and you need to exceed it to have some safety factor to account for inconsistent production quality...

 

[Dave455]

Just bought a small pair of Tsunoda “King TTC” long nose pliers. Very nice, but they seem to have changed the colour of the vinyl grips. When I saw Zjenji’s post above I wondered if they had changed.

The older ones, as seen on the upper pliers, are a sort of lime green. The new ones are a plain yellow. Shame, I really liked the colour of the older ones!

 

[Madjik Man]

Personally I like the yellow much better.

 

[uncwstudent]

Hey guys, I recently bought a Koken ZEAL 3/8" ratchet and I'm now pretty hooked on Koken. I was looking at buying the Koken 12 pc 3/8" DR socket set with Surface Drive (not the ZEAL) to replace my SK's. I was wondering: are these Surface Drive sockets designed to be used like regular sockets or are they mainly designed just for rounded off fasteners? Would it be better to buy the non-Surface Drive sockets?

 

[Dave455]

Hey guys, I recently bought a Koken ZEAL 3/8" ratchet and I'm now pretty hooked on Koken. I was looking at buying the Koken 12 pc 3/8" DR socket set with Surface Drive (not the ZEAL) to replace my SK's. I was wondering: are these Surface Drive sockets designed to be used like regular sockets or are they mainly designed just for rounded off fasteners? Would it be better to buy the non-Surface Drive sockets?

For regular use you would be better off with the regular sockets. I have a few surface drive in the popular sizes, but I don’t use them a lot. They are absolutely superb at what they are designed for - rounded corners, soft materials, or even fancy plated fasteners, but in most cases the regular sockets fit better and have less slop when you turn the socket.