Which Brand is the Best?

[Monte]

If you`re afraid using tools without "flank drive" then you should stop immediately using open end wrenches (except with flank drive but then you`ll mar the bolt/screw) and stop using hex socket drivers and robertson/square tools.
Since a box end wrench don`t yield like a open end wrench the fastener always has 6 contact surfaces matching the exact parallel surfaces of the 12 point Hazet wrench.

 

[xroad]

Hi Superautobacs,

The Nepros web site, like all tools websites, are short on description details. They won't tell me if it is 6 points or if it is zero offset. The associated photos is too low in resolution for me to see. So do you have any other source of descriptions for these Nepros tools? Your photo of the 6 point looks like the Standard Box-End. It looks too short for the Long Box-End.

I suppose I can call them .....

Update: No phone number

 

[ATTappman]

Hi Superautobacs,

The Nepros web site, like all tools websites, are short on description details. They son't ell me if it is 6 points or if it is zero offset. The associated photos is too low in resolution for me to see. So do you have any other source of descriptions for these Nepros tools? Your photo of the 6 point looks like the Standard Box-End. It looks too short for the Long Box-End.

I suppose I can call them .....

Update: No phone number

I ordered a 12x14 long box end from them on Monday. They charged my card on Wednesday so I assume they shipped it, but they didn't send me any email confirming that. When it shows up I'll let you know if it's 6 or 12 pt and what the offset is. I just assumed 12pt and 0 degree offset. We'll see.

 

[superautobacs]

Your photo of the 6 point looks like the Standard Box-End. It looks too short for the Long Box-End.

Yes, that 6pt is considered a standard length.

Click on this link at it'll take you straight to KTC's website. Then, click on the link below the image where you can read "PDF"--that'll give you the dimensions in detail. *note: when the PDF loads, you'll mostlikely be prompted to download a Japanese font/script for Adobe. You'll have to, otherwise you won't be able to see any of the dimensions.

Here's the link to their overall list of wrenches: here

Out of curiosity, if you want to see the entire line of KTC's offerings, you can download their 140mb PDF catalog (yes, it's huge!) from this link.

 

[xroad]

Thanks for the KTC info. Interesting ... I see that the Nepros.net web site skipped the 13x15 and 16x18 wrench from the 6 point standard length box end selection. Same for the long box end selection as well.

Is the Nepros,net web site the only place I can buy Nepros tools? KTC site have prices but not sure if I can order ... can't read Japanese

Update:

NM1-1012 : 12 point standard length double box end
NM1-1012H: 6 point standard length double box end

The nepros.net web site list the 12 point wrench only... No "H".

emailed KTC ... let's see what their answer is.

 

[superautobacs]

Xroad,
I think the .net site is the only place to purchase Nepros tools, unfortunately.
Email them, and ask if they will include those missing sizes on the .net site. I can't see why they wouldn't as every order from the .net site is processed at KTC headquarters.

 

[xroad]

See my update. I emailed both the KTC and nepros.net. Not only missing sizes, but missing the 6 point series wrenches. The 6 point has the "H" suffix on their part number.

 

[xroad]

I ordered a 12x14 long box end from them on Monday. They charged my card on Wednesday so I assume they shipped it, but they didn't send me any email confirming that. When it shows up I'll let you know if it's 6 or 12 pt and what the offset is. I just assumed 12pt and 0 degree offset. We'll see.

Did you received your wrench order?

I did not get any reply to my email to them. I asked about the 6 point box...

NM1-1012 : 12 point standard length double box end, 10x12mm
NM1-1012H: 6 point standard length double box end, 10x12mm

 

[ATTappman]

Did you received your wrench order?

I did not get any reply to my email to them. I asked about the 6 point box...

NM1-1012 : 12 point standard length double box end, 10x12mm
NM1-1012H: 6 point standard length double box end, 10x12mm

Coincidentally, I got my Nepros order this morning. I intended to take some pictures and post a review. But I'm lazy.

I ordered a 12x14mm long box end wrench. It is 12 point, and zero offset. The finish is incredible - there were absolutely no scratches on it. It was shipped from Osaka in an indestructible box. The wrench itself was in an individual plastic envelope. I also ordered a 3/8" ratchet spinner and a single 10mm socket, just to pad my order out to almost $50, since their shipping is $10 for any order less than $50. I'm really impressed with the socket. It's shorter than a Snap on socket, and even the inside of the socket appears to be mirror finished. It has a small rubber ring on it for gripping. If this doesn't wear off or tear, it will be an ingenious feature. When I snapped the socket onto the spinner, the fit was so perfect it was like they were one piece, yet the socket came off with a firm tug.

I didn't get much in the way of communication from them until they shipped the order. They sent a USPS tracking number. It went by a shipping company called EMS from Japan to the US, and then by USPS. They requested a signature so I had to go to the Post Office to pick it up.

I think you will be happy if you order from them. I plan to buy some more sockets and wrenches from them.

 

[ATTappman]

Some pictures. I used the wrench once to make sure it could reach the idler pulley on my car, so any scratches you see are due to that.

The Nepros 12x14mm long box end beside a 14mm extra long Cornwell, and a ruler:

The ends, in profile:

The wrench again. What looks like a flaw in the left hand bottom corner is just a reflection. There aren't any flaws on that wrench.

 

[xroad]

I am very tempted to pull the trigger on three pieces of NM1-xxxxH. Problem is that they are not listed in the Nepros site. I found the part number at the KTC site. So, I cannot even place the order. Neither Nepros nor KTC reply to my email.

Is there a telephone number in any of your paperwork or email from them? I should try to phone them.

 

[superautobacs]

xroad, I'm dissapointed to hear that your email was not responded to. Although the original poster didn't update us in the end, there was another person on this board that couldn't get a hold of them via email.

Try contacting Eri @ [email protected]
I was referred to her during my communication with them.

 

[bchee]

I am very tempted to pull the trigger on three pieces of NM1-xxxxH. Problem is that they are not listed in the Nepros site.

Hey xroad - check out some of these sets which have the common missing sizes, 13, 15, 16, 18
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/0-De...Z250486792857QQptZMotorsQ5fAutomotiveQ5fTools

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/0-De...Z250430865828QQptZMotorsQ5fAutomotiveQ5fTools

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Geni...Z160354769433QQptZMotorsQ5fAutomotiveQ5fTools

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/6-Pc...Z350164075287QQptZMotorsQ5fAutomotiveQ5fTools

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/0-De...Z370209197006QQptZMotorsQ5fAutomotiveQ5fTools

http://cgi.ebay.com/V-8-Tools-8509-...0?hash=item2547a30173&_trksid=p3286.m20.l1116

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/0-De...Z250486792857QQptZMotorsQ5fAutomotiveQ5fTools

 

[xroad]

Thanks bchee. The wrenches I am looking to get are 6 points. I'll try to give the warranty telephone to see if I get anywhere.

 

[GTR Lover]

snop-on i think but is bast to go with what you whant

 

[bchee]

Thanks bchee. The wrenches I am looking to get are 6 points.

sorry I missed that obvious criterion. Seems like the limits of a 6 pt wrench are more exaggerated with an extra long handle.

 

[xroad]

Got the following out of the Nepros site ....

Authorized Warranty Station

R.C.W. INTERNATIONAL
3013, Via Del Cielo
Fallbrook, CA 72028

Phone: 760-723-9422
Fax: 760-723-2596

The phone goes to some residence .... waste of time.

 

[superautobacs]

Maybe you've already given up with KTC....
But did you try contacting Eri?

 

[xroad]

Maybe you've already given up with KTC....
But did you try contacting Eri?

Not yet. I will. Dealing with massive layoffs at my job in the midst of my division being sold to a new owner. Lots of carnage. Every one is is cowering in fear. Prime time to see who your friends are and who will throw you under the bus. People's true characters comes out at times like this. The only other time you see a person's character is when you play poker (or gamble in general) with him. Sorry. Got off topic with my mini rant.

 

[ATTappman]

Maybe you've already given up with KTC....
But did you try contacting Eri?

I realize you're not asking me, but I sent email to Eri's address after I got my Nepros order, to tell them I was very satisfied. The email bounced. The error message said that mailbox doesn't accept incoming mail. I only tried once, though.

 

[rodm1]

Xroad, Any luck yet I'm looking for the same thing but with a 15 Degree offset.

 

[krazykev]

I need to buy three double box end wrenches. Since I am not buying a whole set, I can afford to splurge a bit. What brand is the best? So, I found Elora, Hazet, Gedore, Stahlwille, any others?

go for the elora. these are distributed by draper if you live in the UK

 

[xroad]

Hi All,

Survived the latest layoff. Found out who some of my friends are and a few that try to throw me under the bus. Also found a few more weasels that try to throw others under the bus.

ANYWAYS ... I tried the email again and got a reply! After back and forth a few times ... she told me to order via the web site, order the 12-point ones as the 6-point wrenches were not listed in the order page. She told me that she will have the 6-point wrench ship to me.

One more hitch ..... the Japanese data sheet shows many more selections than the ordering page. One particular size was 13mm x 15mm. It is not available for ordering but it is listed in the data sheet. That's a bummer. I wanted 3 pieces in sizes 8x10, 12x14, 13x15 ..... OR ..... 10x12, 13x15, 14x17.

Why would they skip that size? If they make it, why would they not import that size? Strange.

Putting aside the fact that they don't have a 13x15 for a minute, what does the collective here think is a more versatile 3 piece set?
8x10, 12x14, 13x15 ..... OR ..... 10x12, 13x15, 14x17 ?

 

[xroad]

Xroad, Any luck yet I'm looking for the same thing but with a 15 Degree offset.

NM5-1012 is a 12 point offset double box 10x12mm.
NM5S-1012 is a 12 point offset SHORT double box 10x12mm.

Check out their website. www.nepros.net

 

[ATTappman]

One particular size was 13mm x 15mm.

Why would they skip that size?

I don't think 13mm and 15mm are standard sizes in Japan. At least, if you look at the Japanese standard for metric fasteners on boltdepot.com, none of them have 13 or 15mm heads.

 

[xroad]

Poking around my other potential pick ..... Stahlwille has a set of spline drive double box ends, also skipped the 13x15 !

I am temped to get the Nepros in the size I can get and fill in the gap, 13x15, from another brand. That will drive the OCD in me crazy.

 

[superautobacs]

xroad,

I'm glad that Eri (?) got back to you. I emailed her a few weeks ago and brought her attention to this particular thread/forum (maybe that helped?)

As for the missing 13x15 size in the .net site...did she tell you it's not available for export to NA? I can't see why they wouldn't ship you that size.

Like ATTappman says, the 13x15 is an odd size in the metric world of things. If it were me, I'd opt in getting the 8x10, 12x14, 13x15 so that I have a 6pt 8mm. An 8mm fastener would be more prone to rounding that a 17mm fastener.

 

[xroad]

xroad,

I'm glad that Eri (?) got back to you. I emailed her a few weeks ago and brought her attention to this particular thread/forum (maybe that helped?)

As for the missing 13x15 size in the .net site...did she tell you it's not available for export to NA? I can't see why they wouldn't ship you that size.

Like ATTappman says, the 13x15 is an odd size in the metric world of things. If it were me, I'd opt in getting the 8x10, 12x14, 13x15 so that I have a 6pt 8mm. An 8mm fastener would be more prone to rounding that a 17mm fastener.

Superautobacs,

Thanks. Yes, she did mentioned 13x15 was not available. I did not know why. It was on the data sheet she sent me but not listed in the web site order page. Lets hope she finds a way to get me one. I am beginning to give up hope. I was already checking prices for the Hazets wrenches, beautiful 12-point wrench, but not 6-points.

I was thinking along the same line. 8mm being not as meaty and using the same material as their larger counterparts, they would tend to get round off easier.

 

[MadMark]

Superautobacs, are those Nepros wrenches made in Europe, they look good.
Is there an internet supplier?
I would not use them as carry tool set, for carry tools I always look for rusty, ugly flee market stuff. I had an emergency carry set stollen from me while I was under the car.

 

[xroad]

Superautobacs, are those Nepros wrenches made in Europe, they look good.
Is there an internet supplier?
I would not use them as carry tool set, for carry tools I always look for rusty, ugly flee market stuff. I had an emergency carry set stollen from me while I was under the car.

www.nepros.net

They are made in Japan.

 

[xroad]

OK, looks like we are getting closer. Ms. Inoue emailed back stating that indeed the 3 pieces I seek are available, 6 points: 8x10mm, 12x14mm, 13x15mm. Since the website does not list the 13x15 size ..... I inquired if I just place the order through her. The email exchanges were quick and professional. So I expect to hear from her soon.

I did not ask about the shipping cost. I hope it is not a deal breaker. The price of the wrench are high but just low enough to be within my budget. If the first set looks good, I may order more as I know a few people that wants them as well.

 

[xroad]

The Nepros wrench order has been placed .....

Per Ms. Inoue's instruction ....

I had placed the order in the Nepros website as the 12-point wrenches NM1-0810, NM1-1214, and NM1-1417 (they do not have 13x15 listed but the 14x17 is the same price).

She will get the website order and arrange to deliver to me 6-point wrenches NM1-0810H, NM1-1214H, and NM1-1315H that I needed.

She said it'll take some time for her to get the order from the website and will be delivering the product early October.

It took quite a few emails back and forth between she and I to finally clear it up. What it came down to is that the website does not reflect what is available for sale. To get around it, I place the order on OTHER items that are the same prices. I hope all goes smooth. I hate to go through all this effort and end up with the wrong items due to misunderstandings. It would be nice if the website is fix. I felt a bit uncomfortable ordering something else with the same price and giving them my credit card number, and hope to receive what I want. If there is a dispute, it can be messy. But ... she seems professional enough.

 

[superautobacs]

Xroad,

I'm pretty certain that you'd get a confirmation email with a copy of a packing list, listing the details of each product you ordered.

 

[xroad]

Xroad,

I'm pretty certain that you'd get a confirmation email with a copy of a packing list, listing the details of each product you ordered.

You are right. I checked my mail this morning and she sent an invoice listing the exact parts I wanted (not what I ordered ).

I was a bit paranoid. Encountered too many bad vendors on the web. I have to say, Ms. Enoue was very patient. We must have sent about 15 emails total to each other to finally clear it up.

 

[superautobacs]

Xroad,

I, too, have been pleased with the fact that she can communicate fairly well with somewhat complicated issues/concerns regarding the shipping.

Please give us an update when you receive the products.

 

[xroad]

My first email asked about the non availability of the 6 point version and the one size I needed was not listed on the 12 point version in the order site. She told me to to order the 12 point version, and the one wrong size, go ahead and order another different size. Huh? She did not made it clear that SHE will be processing the order and she will know what I wanted and place the order per my need. The web site ordering was so that the money can goes through. So, the emails goes back and forth for a while, until I realized what she was trying to communicate. I am so used to bad vendors that the person you talk to is just one of many in the layers of people and they do't talk to each other. So, placing an order on the wrong type AND wrong size makes me a bit paranoid. However, I am glad it all works out. She was very patient and professional. I think others that comes after me will have the same paranoia. She did mention that the web site won't get fix for a while. Too bad. It would have saved lots of confusion.

About the product: 6 point double box with the proper 15* "tilt" turns out to be quite unique. You would think they are as common as anything but I cannot find anyone else that makes it. Sears have double box but there is no 15* tilt and they are not flat so you cannot flip the wrench over to get the 15*x2 angle change. Turns out these wrenches are rare as hens teeth.

 

[xroad]

Got email from Eri with attachment of the invoice and showing UPS number Took a day before the number is recognized by the UPS tracking web site. Apparently they use a shipping company to handle the delivery and that delayed the sync up with UPS. The 3 wrenches are on their way!

 

[xroad]

The 3 pieces of Nepros double box 6-point flat wrenches arrived today. Four and a half days for UPS delivery from Japan. 8-10, 12-14, 13-15mm. They are absolutely Be-Yu-Dee-Ful. Feels a bit thinner, lighter, and longer than the raised panel Craftsmans. The mirror finish is flawless, even inside the box. I can see a slight relief at the corners so the face is not going to press against the corner of the nut. Too dark to go to the garage and check for tight or sloppy tolerance. Being they cost me a bundle (a lot to me), and how great they look, I don't know if I should hang them on the wall for display or stick them in my motorcycle carry tool kit as intended.

 

[Monte]

pics ?

 

[xroad]

They don't offer a 11mm with the 6pt though:

Here's their short, 12pt version with a 15* swing:

Superautobacs,

Thanks for the tip on the Nepros. I am very happy with them. The flat box/box Hazets would have made me happy as well. It was a tough call. Hazet have the history behind it. Nepros have the design features I want and pretty pictures as proof of quality but nothing more I know of. So it was a leap of faith.

Also thanks to ATTappman for your inputs and photos.