Charles recently wrote in, asking for some feedback about Keiba pliers or cutters. It’s not a brand I’m familiar with, but I’ll be checking them out as soon as I can find a good distributor. They’re sold on Amazon through 3rd party sellers, so I might start there.
I was wondering if you might do a review of some Keiba pliers or cutters. They are apparently very well made, and although a variety of US dealers carry them there’s not much info out there.
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Garrett also wrote in, asking about Japanese-made tools in a general sense, and also mentioning a very positive impression of Tajima sockets.
My company just bought a lot of those sit/stand devices to get us IT folks off our behinds. In each kit was a 1/4 drive 13mm Tajima socket. Looking the socket over, it looked top-notch– internal areas/broaching was good, chrome was perfect, fit (as measured by pushing it on my Craftsman, Proto and SK ratchets) was very good.
We’ve talked a lot on the site about the European brands, but I haven’t heard much about Japanese tools. Is this something I’m missing? Do you have any info about any other tools–the Engineer Pliers are the only Japanese tools I remember reading about.
There are several Japanese-made tools I own or have used, but my Japanese tool experience is definitely dwarfed by my experiences with USA-made and European-made tools.
This wasn’t an intentional decision. The fact of the matter is that Japanese-made tools are far less available here in the USA than tools from elsewhere. Many Japanese tool brands just aren’t easily found here.
Engineer Inc. Tools
Out of all the Japanese tool brands I’m familiar with, I’d say I have the most experience with Engineer Inc.
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I’ve written about several Engineer Inc. tools in the past, all of which I own:
Engineer Mini Thin-Jaw Adjustable Wrench
Engineer’s Fantastic Mini Scissors
Vampliers Screw-Removal Mini Pliers (My Engineer Inc. ones were purchased, Vampliers were samples)
Engineer L-Wrench Driver and Bits
Engineer Bit Pit Screwdriver Bit Carrier (also samples)
I’ve also bought some of their other mini pliers, a solder sucker, mini screwdrivers, and a spring hook I use for random stuff. I would recommend all of them, although I don’t use the jeweler-style precision screwdrivers often.
Engineer Inc. is a good brand, and they’ve become much more available on Amazon in recent years.
Buy Now: Engineer Tools via Amazon
Vessel Screwdrivers
I have also had some experience with Vessel screwdrivers, starting with these Craftsman-branded ball grip screwdrivers.
They also sent us a few samples, which you’ll see reviews of shortly.
The Vessel screwdrivers I’ve tried are decent, and certainly competitive against like-priced USA, European, and other brands. They’re well-built, and have some nice features.
Vessel tools are available in the USA, although not quite in high abundance.
Anex Tools
Anex makes low-profile screwdrivers, and low-profile hex drivers. I bought a set of the hex wrenches, and while I don’t use them often, they have come in handy. Anex makes a bunch of other tools (Amazon listings), but right now only their low profile bit ratchet is on my shopping list.
Mitutoyo
When it comes to precision measurement or layout instruments, I almost always stick with Mitutoyo.
Review: Mitutoyo Vernier Calipers
I own Mitutoyo vernier calipers, digital calipers, dial calipers, micrometers, a thickness gauge, a dial indicator, a pin-jaw inside diameter gauge, small and telescoping-type hole gauges, and micrometer-based depth gauge.
I have some smaller Mitutoyo tools as well, such as dividers, a ruler or two, and a combination edge and center finder.
A Mitutoyo height gauge is on my wishlist, but my SPI one has been serving me well for the time being.
Thank you Fred for the reminder – but how could I forget?!
Hakko Soldering Equipment
I own a bunch of Hakko soldering tools, and they’ve been fantastic. While not exactly hand tools, the brand is definitely worth mentioning.
I recently bought an FX-951 ($240+) as a replacement for my still-working FX888 (discontinued and replaced by the FX888D, currently $97 via Amazon). I hope to get it going this weekend, so I don’t have any feedback to share with you yet.
I would definitely recommend the FX888D, which replaces the analog knob of the FX888 with digital controls.
I’m not sure where the soldering stations are made, though. I do have a few packaged tips for the 951 in front of me, and they’re marked as being made in Japan.
Beyond the soldering station, I also bought a Hakko fume extractor, which I can also recommend.
Thank you Fred for reminding me about Hakko as well!
Tajima Tools
I’ve heard of the Tajima brand, and although there are a few items on my wishlist, I hadn’t bought anything from the brand yet. Most of their Amazon listings are for general construction tools, such as tape measures, chalk reels, utility knives, and things like that. I didn’t even know that they make mechanics tools, and can’t find much information about sockets with Tajima branding.
Keiba Tools
This is a completely new brand to me, and while their tools look worth trying, I can’t seem to find a good source. I’ll keep at it.
WoodOwl Drill Bits
I’ve talked about WoodOwl drill bits before. I’ve bought some, and also received some others for review. I really like the brand, and think it’s worth it to seek them out for things like auger bits and large diameter cutters.
Buy Now: WoodOwl bits via Amazon
Nail Pullers
Some of my nail pullers are made in Japan, although I don’t know if they’re still made there. According to some Amazon user reviews, Shark no longer makes some (or maybe any?) of their nail pullers and pry bars in Japan. Instead of being said to be made in Japan, the one I bought years back is now said to be made from Japanese alloy steel, and are of a Japanese cats paw design.
Nepros Tools
Nepros came across my radar about a year back, when I posted about their super-pricey adjustable wrench. I wouldn’t have imagined it, but its price went up since then!
There are a lot more Nepros tools now available on Amazon, but they’re still too pricey for my general interest. I’m willing to buy some to review, but at these prices I doubt many readers would be interested in the brand for their own mechanics tools purchasing decisions.
Pens & Pencils
I love my Pentel GraphGear 1000 mechanical pencils – review here, and just noticed that they’re now a LOT less expensive than I when I bought mine a few years ago. So… I’ll be buying a few more soon.
See Also: Do You Have a Favorite Pen, Pencil, Marker, or Other Writing Tool?
I also LOVE Pilot Vanishing Point retractable fountain pens ($100-$150 normally), and Pilot Iroshizuku ink.
I’d also recommend Pilot Hi-Tec-C and Pentel Slicci gel pens, Uniball mechanical pencils, Pentel EnerGel pens, and Pilot Petit 1 mini semi-disposable fountain pens. I think some Sharpie pen varieties are also still made in Japan.
While not tools in the traditional sense, I figured writing instruments were relevant enough to add.
Knives
I don’t own a lot of Japanese-made knives, but the ones I do have I love dearly. This is my mini Moki Ezo Red Fox (reviewed here), and I also own knives from Al Mar and Mcusta.
Your Turn!
What has your experience with Japanese-made tools been like?
Are there any particular brands you could recommend?
What do you think of the brands discussed above?
Which brands would you want to see more review coverage of?
fred
Over on the Community Forum, I posted about some of the brands of Japanese tools familiar to me. I also provide some links. Others did the same. Rather than repeat myself, I’ve provided a link:
https://discuss.toolguyd.com/t/japanese-made-tools/326/2
Stuart
Thanks!
Whoops, how did I forget about Hakko and Mitutoyo?!!
Satch
Wow Stuart. Great subject. I can tell you those Engineer L shaped bit holders are on my list! As are the Vessel drivers.
Travis
I can attest that Makita’s ‘made in Japan’ premium tools are fantastic. Excellent build quality. I can’t praise the brushless oil-impulse driver enough, just to name one.
Shinwa is also excellent for carpentry squares and precision tools.
Matt
In regards to Tajima tools. Their chalk lines are EXCELLENT! I bought one for one of my guys to try out, as soon as everyone else saw it, they had to have one too! Highly recommended! Very fine lines and very durable. They also make their own chalk, while slightly expensive, IMO best on the market as well.
Kent
I was just coming here to say this. We use them for everything except marking cut lines on fresh concrete because they get gummed up to quickly so we just use cheapo’ for that.
Tor Kristian Wikstrom
I have used a Keiba Lighttools wrench for the last ten years. Oustanding quality.
Dave
Tor,
I think you were referring to a Japanese tool manufacturer called Asahi. The wrench is indeed called Lightool. Here is the website: http://www.asahi-tool.co.jp/. On the main page, there is a picture of this wrench.
Dave
ACalz
I have the Vampliers and the craftsman branded screwdrivers. I love the Vampliers they are awesome.
Dennis
All Japanese made tools I have are of superb quality. So if a tool, writing implement or knife says “Made in Japan” I would not hesitate to buy it. I am in particular a big fan of Hakko soldering irons, wire cutters and wire strippers. I like Engineer brand’s “vampliers” as well. And I have Mitutoyo calipers that I inherited that are exquisitely crafted.
But one brand I noticed missing from the post is Olfa. I love their various utility knives and blades. And they are readily available at Home Depot (usually around the paint section). They aren’t the cheapest, but I feel they are some of the best knives out there.
Stuart
I’ve used Olfa knives before, and they are good stuff. I don’t think I was aware of Olfa being a Japanese brand.
fred
Olfa (was on my list (at Community Forum) too – but I think some Olfa items are (or were) also made in the USA
fred
BTW – I’m not exactly sure if Olfa is still an independent company – as the WorldKitchen LLC website lists it as one of their brands:
https://www.worldkitchen.com/en/who-we-are.html
Dennis
I checked all my Olfa knives and they say “Made in Japan”. I don’t know if they are making things in the US now as well.
I went to Wikipedia and learned they are a private company headquartered in Japan, also:
“Olfa Corporation is a Japanese manufacturer of utility knives, founded in 1956 in Osaka, Japan. The name is derived from the Japanese words oru (折る, bend and break) and ha (刃, blade). The company is known for inventing the snap-off blade and the rotary cutter.”
I had no idea they invented the snap off or rotary blade. But BTW if you want to ease paper or fabric cutting, a straight edge and rotary knife are great tools to have.
fred
I read the Olfa web page too – but then saw this on the “World Kitchen LLC website – when they described themselves”
“A Global Company
From bakeware, dinnerware, kitchen and household tools to range-top cookware, storage and cutlery, World Kitchen, LLC., and its affiliates manufacture and market brands known and trusted around the world.
Look in any household and you will likely find examples of both innovative and timeless products proudly bearing our brands:
CorningWare®
Pyrex®
Chicago Cutlery®
Baker’s Secret®
Revere®
OLFA®
Corelle®
Visions®
Snapware®
EKCO®
Magnalite®”
Maybe Olfa does some cross licensing – or is an affiliate – no real matter – as they do make nice scissors and craft knives
BikerDad
Silky Saws. They are one of the top choices of arborists. The assorted different pull saws that you can find sold here by Irwin and Vaughn have been Made in Japan as well.
Vessel is one of the few companies that make JIS pattern cross-head screwdrivers, i.e. the “Japanese Phillips head”, which are NOT the same as American Phillips head. If you’re working on Japanese motorcycles and/or cars, they are quite handy to have.
The funny thing is, the tools included with Japanese motorcycles (and likely cars as well) are nothing special.
Shinwa makes some construction/woodshop measuring tools that are quite nice and not expensive. One of the best values is their Sliding Bevel, far superior to any sliding bevel you’re likely to find aside from the Veritas, Blue Spruce and Vesper models.
fred
Silky saws without a doubt – the smoothest cutting limbing saws.
Some of those other carpentry pull saws are made by: TAKAGI TOOLS INC. – SHARK – and sold under various other brand names
fred
JIS screwdrivers are also available from Hozan. JIS bits from Vessel and Hios are quite good quality – and Motion Pro has started selling JIS Bits made in China
928'er
I have more than enough pocket knives, but I still miss the little Al Mar Osprey that I lost about 20 years ago…
Chris
I agree on Tajima tools, I have many snap blade cutters from them; 3/4”, 1”, and my newest from Japan, a 3/4” version with a driver / pry tool on the end and a holster. Their blades are super sharp, and last a long time.
Also, bought a folding pull stroke G saw, with a squared off blade… VERY nice and cuts smoooooth! I have been a big fan of Tajima for a long time, quality tools and blades.
E catalog
http://www.tajimatool.com/catalog/
Japan website too…
http://www.tajimatool.co.jp/
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0017O90HM/
https://www.amazon.com/Tajima-DC-L500YSFBL/dp/B0069EC07W/
Also, Silky is a fine japanese company, with very good saws, especially for pruning tree’s…
https://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=japan+silky+saw
rhyino
Kyoto Tool Company (KTC)-general hand tools.
Shinwa- Layout and measuring.
Tokoma- Screwdrivers
Peter Fox
Koken – a large socket products manufacturer, some of the best quality sockets I have ever seen. Great ratchets too.
Tone tool – sockets wrenches screwdrivers. all top quality
IPS (igurashi pliers co) – very good slip joint and soft jaw pliers
Nate
I can attest to Engineer Inc. I have a pair of their needle nose pliers and they are excellent quality.
Also my Spyderco Delica has a blade made in Japan of Japanese high carbon steel and it is also of excellent quality.
Pilot and Zebra make some of the best pens and pencils I have used.
I have used Mitutoyo and they are also great. Not sure if they are any better then Starrett but they are top quality.
I do like those Vessel screwdrivers and think I will pick me up some.
Satch
Gents, I am just assumpting here but it looks like the Vampliers are produced by Engineer? Either way I like the concept and the look. I would not mind having a pair or two in the kit.
Stuart
Yes, they are. =)
You can see my photo of the Engineer model at the end of the review (https://14cyiuhvcgv.com/vampliers-screw-pliers-review/%3C/a%3E%29.%3C/p%3E
Satch
Thank you Stuart.
JoeM
I honestly stopped paying attention to where my tools were made a long time ago. I can’t list the ones I own from Japan, other than the Engineer Scissors, because I honestly don’t know.
I WILL say… I generally trust Japanese tools when it comes to precision. A blade, a ruler, that ridiculous-looking widget that gets you weird looks when you use it… the Japanese really do make some really great stuff.
THAT said… There are some things, like that Hakko soldering system… Although their build quality, capability, and usability are above and beyond the quality standards I would hold for such things… They still make me wonder who actually designed their appearance. Some of them are honest-to-goodness hard-working, completely professional tools, but when you stand back and look at it, it looks like a kid’s “My First Soldering Tool Set” or something. They do the job better than ten other manufacturer’s models, but they look like children’s toys. The only saving grace to this is… When I’m using my tools, I feel like a big kid anyways… so it isn’t much of an issue. But still… That design ethic makes me scratch my head at times.
If the Japanese put as much effort into the precision design and engineering of, say, a Circular/Reciprocating/Jigsaw blade as they put into their Electronics and measuring tools, I would buy the living hell out of them.
Jon
I am not sure if you are trolling or serious.. Makita makes the worlds best reciprocating saw (the AVT model) and also some very very good circular saws and jigsaws.
It’s very difficult to find any product made in Japan that is poorly designed or engineered. That goes for hand tools, power tools, vehicles and everything else made there. You simply can’t find something made in Japan that people consider to be “junk”.
JoeM
I think you missed the part where I was talking about blades, not power tools when referring to reciprocating saw blades.
And, I would have to completely disagree with Makita making the world’s best ANY Power Tool. I’m a DeWALT user. My tools can survive damn near anything short of an intentional act of destruction by someone who knows how to break them. My DeWALT Drills and Saws outperform every Makita I’ve ever had my hands on, as well as every Milwaukee, Bosch, and other brand I’ve ever laid my hands on. The last Makita drill I had my hands on belonged to a family member, was 5 days old, and caught fire the second I pulled the trigger to test to make sure the bit was in the chuck straight. And the last Milwaukee Circular Saw I picked up, just to hand it to its owner, the entire axle for the blade came out, and the blade itself dropped straight off. Thirty seconds earlier, it was running, and was shut off by said owner. All that was left to do was hand it to him five feet away to use it again, and the blade and axle came off the tool. We then finished the job with my DeWALT. I’m sorry, but I will never believe anyone who says other tool companies are better. Every tool company other than DeWALT has blown up on me. I trust my Black and Yellow tools.
My ultimate point would be… If it was made for Precision Work, like a Blade, a Ruler, or a very specific Job… I would buy the living hell out of it from Japan. Because, as you said, they don’t make junk. I don’t particularly wave the flag of “USA! USA! USA!” because it’s nonsense these days. Especially since I’m Canadian, and USA-Made Tools make no difference to me. But, we live in an EXTREMELY Globalized world now. We have access online to the best of the best from other countries.
Those Engineer Scissors? Are basically bolted to my desk, and come out whenever I need a quick package opened, or something cut. I think I have some Japanese-Made Rotary Tool carving bits, though I’m not sure, because I didn’t look for a “Made In” label on them. They work, and that’s all I care.
And, yes. I scratch my head when I see Hakko’s AMAZING Electronics and Soldering equipment covered in bright plastic, and rubbery buttons like they’re made for children. I would happily replace my crappy soldering equipment with one of those high-end Hakko ones, weird kiddie-toy appearance and all.
Japanese-Made Ruler? Japanese-Made Knife/Sword/Kitchen Blade? I’d buy without shame, and hold it proud. Japan has made some of my favourite things in the world, INCLUDING toys from my childhood. Was always a Transformers fan, and the BEST ones were Japanese Die-Cast ones. So, yeah… I would trust and buy the living hell out of Japanese-Made things… Just don’t ask me to list the ones I’ve got already, because I don’t pay THAT close attention to where my tools are made. Given OPTIONS, I would choose blades for my tools from Germany or Japan over the USA or Canada, Power Tools from either DeWALT or Dremel, and Leatherman Multi-Tools. They’ve proved themselves the best, so I buy them for their historical superiority.
I’m sure I’m angering a lot of other tool brand fanatics out there by saying these things, but that anger is misplaced. I’m not on anyone’s “Team” and neither are any of you. It’s not about the “Team” loyalty, it’s about the Job getting done. My Loyalty has been earned by the best in the industry. Numbers, Speeds, and “First To Market” only get you so far. What matters is picking up the same tool, every day, for years on end, and the job getting done. I can’t claim that is possible with any brand I don’t use. In fact, I have too many experiences with the “Alternatives” just failing when the job needs to get done.
Mike
I’m glad I’m not the only one with that impression of Hakko! I miss the plain, black, blocky appearance of their old equipment.
JoeM
I would still love a high end Hakko soldering system. I’ve wanted to upgrade from my crappy low-end Radioshack iron for years, and of all the systems I’ve truly DROOLED over, Hakko has the most models I’d want. There are a few others, sure. But I don’t make enough money to spend in the hundreds or thousands just for soldering. I don’t do nearly enough of it to justify that.
I just… Don’t know WHY Hakko went with these amazing tools, wrapped in what looks like kid-safe plastic, and rubber. I admit, I’m colourblind, so I don’t know what colour they are, but I have eyes, and I can see we’re not exactly talking stainless steel, or graphite/Carbon Fiber/Fiber Glass, or even Bakelite. I have doubts that it’s going to melt or fail at the time of need, but still… Why did Hakko go for Kid’s Toy look instead of Industrial? I don’t know. I just scratch my head there. If I could own it, I would, but it wouldn’t help me understand their choice to go from Industrial look to Consumer Toy look any better.
Still WANT one, for sure.
Damian
No mention of Koken tools? I’ve heard nothing but good things about their mechanics tools.
fred
I had listed Koken in my linked post at Toolguyd Community Forum – and Peter Fox had some kind words about them above. I guess the only quibble with the brand – is that they are a bit hard to find in the USA – but I mentioned Levelchrome as a source.
Aaron Hopkins
I use the lobster adjustable wrench’s they are extremely light weight and strong. Easy to carry on my tool belt.
fred
A few other Japanese brands worth considering are:
• Allex brand scissors from Hayashi Cutlery
• ARS Pruners
• Blazer torches
• Clover Needlecraft
• Fowler – many of their calipers are Japanese-Made
• Hit Tools – bolt cutters
• Hozan
• Iwasaki Files/Rasps from Maruyoshi Mfg, Co
• Jinkai – fishing tools
• King brand (Matsunaga Stone Co.) sharpening stones
• MCC – threaded rod tools
• Mugen Seiki – RC model tools
• O.S. Engine – RC model tools
• Shimano – bicycle tools
• Supertool – wrenches
• Tamiya – RC model tools
• Yamabiko – small engine tools
Chris
The various Tajima snap lines are absolutely fantastic. Highest quality on the market. I’ve had one I still use everyday for almost 5 years.
Chris Pyfer
Bestway tools has screw pliers similar to the vampliers and made in Japan. As far as knives go Spyderco early models were made in Seki City Japan and are well made examples.
Ross
Koken indeed makes great sockets and ratchets. Worth a look if you need something special or unusual. I have mainly gear wrench and HF sockets but a few random Koken pieces like spark plug sockets, low profile swivel adapters and so forth. Their Zeal line is very low profile and slim for tight auto work.
JIS screwdrivers from Vessel etc are a revelation for working on Japanese vehicles. If the fastener has a small dot on the surface it’s JIS and you will step them or way less with the right tool. The Impacta line are designed for striking with a subtle twist action that loosens stuck fasteners, I love em.
PhilnTex
Any body ever hear of Teng Tools? They are from Asia somewhere…they have a pretty extensive line. Their catalog is nearly 500 pages.
http://www.tengtools.com/
David
Teng Tools is a Swedish brand, designed in Sweden and made in Taiwan
Steve
The best master link pliers I’ve yet to find are made by Hozan. Took me forever to track down the master link pliers blue point snap on once made. The hozans look nothing like the blue points. The hozans can grip hardened steel dominantly. Other cheap pliers didn’t dare take that angle at removing or installing links. I know most wouldn’t spend hours looking for master link pliers when a screw stick and pliers can make it happen also. I work in the dairy industry and have to fix issues every day and they frown on flying master link clips and blood coming from my stabbed finger using a cheap little screw driver. Also Kito hoists are supposedly top notch. I tried ordering a 1/4 ton lever hoist twice but always gets cancelled. So I have one by HIT brand coming. It’s made in Japan and looks identical so I hope I’m right. Like most said if it says made in Japan you shouldn’t worry bout the quality. Harrington hoist teamed up with Kito also. So don’t be surprised if your USA Harrington says made in Japan. They made it seem like two of the best are joining forces verses one buying out the other. Also have tri-set of rebranded snap ring pliers made for retrieving or installing snap rings in master cylinders for motor cycles. They’re made in Japan and work great. My massive knipex set couldn’t make it by only a hair and my snap ons didn’t have a chance. With patience a two snap on picks you will get her done. I just got some 12 inch needle nose pliers from Japan. I can’t remember the brand. These things don’t have two fulcrums to make them ridged enough to be useable. These things are all of 12 inches and can bite or grab with the best of them. Only had them a short time and already proved them selves worthy. Longest needle nose pliers I’ve seen thus far. I’ve got quite a few engineer brand tools. I second their solder sucker. Now most solder suckers look like toys or something you would find in a kitchen. These Engineer solder sucker is a piece of rebuild able aluminum cylinder which makes everything else look cheap and disposable. The Japanese take great pride in what they do like Swiss and Germans. They’ve been doing it hundreds of years before USA was even a twinkle in Columbus’s eye. I think USA use to make some of the best stuff around but we had help from the best of the best. Who still make some of the best tools to this day. These people are loyal to their country first and foremost. I’m just glad they allow us to purchase their tools. I don’t think they focus on being the wealthiest tool company in the world. They focus on how to make each tool the best in the world. I believe we owe these other countries some gratitude for teaching us how to make the best tools. I restored a rock island vise recently and I couldn’t even put a clear coat on the the slides because after being used for 75 years the tolerances are still too tight. No joke. Had to blast the thin clear coat off or the vise wouldn’t slide freely. That’s USA being the best. I bet you can’t find a vise maker in the USA today who makes their engineer vise that precise. Especially after having its butt kicked day in and day out for a century.
Johnno
No mention yet of Minimax Tools. I have a 3/8″ ratchet which is far superior to the cheap Taiwanese one I’d been using.
Kamran Kureshi
Teng tools admittedly are of very good quality, but the price for us third world blokes is way out–its ridiculously high for a Taiwanese product. Whaaaaye!!
Kamran Kureshi
Goot branded Taiyo hand tools don’t quite fit in as Japanese long lasting tools . More likely disposable or short life cycle tools. Still its popular out here. We have forgeries of goot stuff selling at Japanese prices. O great people of the rising sun, how about selling your good stuff at prices us Pakistanis can afford.
Mike
The Nepros are pricey no doubt. But when you truly want the very best, they have no peers. Tools are perfect in every respect. They do not ever ship non perfect tools. The tools never even touch another tool during the manufacturing process Tolerances are very close to Zero!!! Are these type of tolerance’s necessary? Nope, but fine to use and appreciate.
Corey Brenner
What do the Japanese do for tool organization? I’m sick to death of opening my vehicle toolbox, for instance, and being unable to see what’s missing at a glance, find a socket by position or touch, and so on. None of the socket-strip tool organizers I’ve seen are worth a darn. Surely, someone has had a better idea, and I’d leave it to the Japanese to have thought this out.
Stuart
Sounds like you could benefit from foam-lined drawers, with cut-outs for each tool (or at least most of them). Maybe build have a compartment with lift-out foam-organized trays? I don’t think I’ve seen truck tool boxes with drawers that allow for such organization.
You do lose some capacity with such systems, but it’s the often-recommended solution for keeping track of tools and identifying missing tools in a hurry. A bright yellow/white/red/blue/other noticeable color will tell yell you what’s missing. The top foam layer is one color, and bottom another. So if you see that bottom color, you know that tool is missing.
Lachie
– HIT tools are awesome!
– Koken is another Japanese brand which is very high quality.
– Aigo tools where popular in nz as well but I believe the factory got taken out in the tsunami a few years back.
Mike D
Great stuff here. Re: Vessel screwdrivers.
The Vessel Megdora is the best cross point screwdriver I’ve ever used. I also own 2 ballgrips similar to the ones in the article. Mine say they were made in Thailand. Inferior to my branded Japan made Vessel Megdora. Hopefully you will try them out. It surprises me that Vessel screwdrivers would be branded craftsman. Sorry if I missed it, where are the craftsman branded Vessels made?
Mike D
*Megadora. Haha…… swear I proof read it…
Stuart
I thought they were made in Japan. It’ll take me a while to try to confirm, it’s been a while since I’ve seen these tools.
Brian
I’ve come across the Japanese Lobster brand of hands tools in industrial settings. Seemed like a well made tool.
Mel
Another source for Nepros tools is nepros.net
Prices seem to be less than Amazon prices.
Kamran Kureshi
Can anyone please tell me why Sunflag stuff is so expensive at amazon? I again ask why? Guys go check the price tags on Sunflag screwdrivers Etc. If I am not wrong Morimoto is a subsidiary of the Sungflag group. We in Pakistan used to get, pocket electric testers, screwdriver kits, screw drivers of Morimoto’s famous brand ‘Champion’. The brand was very popular and affordable and nearly every other household in Pakistan had a Champion tester or a screwdriver kit.
Kamran Kureshi
Sorry guys, I mistakenly wrote ‘Morimoto’ instead of, ‘Fujimoto’ in my last comments–pwwepp! Can anyone, especially someone working in Sunflag tell me, how is one to pronounce the company’s name, Sunfrag or Sunflag?–considering the sounds of R and L are interchanged in Nipponese.
TonyT
Anyone heard of MTC pliers?
My latest 3D printer, a JGAurora A8 from China, come with pliers for cutting the filament. But what really surprised me is that the pliers are Made In Japan by MTC, Model No 22. They don’t seem to be available in the US; here’s a link to a HK seller:
http://www.ansontools.com/mtc/
TJIANG
I wonder is there any page in Instagram for hand tools review for Made In Japan brands, such as KTC / Nepros @kyototool , TONE @tonetools_usa, Mitutoyo, AIGO, Engineer, Vessel, SunFlag, Anex, Tajima, NT, Keiba, Mokuba, Koken, Super Tool, Matsunaga King Stone, Hozan, Goot, HIT Tools, Lobster etc.
Taiwanese King Tony also.
Hink
The Uniball Jetstream has to be the finest everyday writing instrument made. Another non-tool – – everyone uses nail clippers. Buy a pair that’s made in Japan and it will change your life. The Parada Feather and the Green Bells are both outstanding. There are a lot of great Japanese scissors. I own Nakabayashi, Plus Fitcut Curve, Kokuyo, Kai and Raymay. I’ve got an Ichiban Samurai pruning saw that’s great. I own Enso kitchen knives that are just awesome. They’re made by Yaxell and sold by Cutlery and More. Bought a hundred pack of Tajima utility knife blades. I’ve got Tsunoda duck bill and needle nose and diagonal cutters. Basically I’m happy with every single Japanese product I’ve bought. For anything that cuts or has a blade I recommend Japanese. But if you want something to convince you what Japanese quality is like before you start shelling out the big bucks, try a pair of those Parada or Green Bell nail clippers. Around $15 or more, so they’re “expensive” compared to drugstore brands, but so worth it.
Ian
Fujiya and Tsunoda
James B
Koken has very good ratchets and other tools.