Do you know if Tone sockets are actually made in Japan or not? I'm starting to get a little suspect. My Koken sockets say made in Japan, but my Tone sockets say only Japan. Obviously, a ton of other Tone stuff is not made in Japan. Many of their products are made in Taiwan, but they still say Japan on the item itself, but then the packaging says made in Japan. They have been very secretive about where their tools are made. I recently found out that the KTC roto head ratchet is, in fact, made in Taiwan by Hi-Five Industries, despite saying Japan on the ratchet itself. Im starting to think that items that simply say Japan are not actually made in Japan. What's your opinion about this matter?
@chriscas-ToolAficionado3 күн бұрын
@victorhoyt4352 Tone sockets, both hand and impact, should be made in one of their factories, cold forged. I'm not sure on the regulations, but perhaps as long as some level of production is performed in Japan (like final assembly), it qualifies as a MIJ product? Who told you the KTC rotohead ratchets are made by Hi-Five? They are made by KTC.
@victorhoyt4352Күн бұрын
@chriscas-ToolAficionado I reached out to several sources, including ktc themselves. As far as I know, the only roto head ratchet that is made in Japan is the koken roto head ratchet. I truly thought the ktc roto head ratchet was made in Japan too. Apparently, it is not though. Many other ktc and nepros products say made in Japan on them, but the ktc roto head ratchet does not. It simply says Japan. Also, nowhere on the packaging does it indicate that it is made in Japan either. I reached out to you because I know you're well versed in the Japanese tool world, hoping to get some clarity on the subject.
@chriscas-ToolAficionado16 сағат бұрын
@victorhoyt4352 two sources have told me they are manufactured from start to finish, within their facility. The only parts outsourced are the ball and spring pressed into the square drive. If you own KTC tools, you'll understand that their swivel ratchets are built from the same DNA. Btw, I did do a video on their swivel ratchet. I don't know if you saw it or not.
@MeshRoun10 күн бұрын
Would you mind sharing the conclusion of the tests on the T-handle hex shown at 28:47 please?
@chriscas-ToolAficionado10 күн бұрын
28:47 Maximum torque figures based on 5mm in-hex size: In Nm Beta 52.3 Wera 49.7 Usag 48.7 Usag 46.5 (all metal) Ko-ken 45.3 Hazet 42.7 PB 36.2 (minimum requirement based on the DIN standard for a 5mm is 35Nm)
@MeshRoun10 күн бұрын
Thank you so much!!
@RanjitSingh-h8b21 күн бұрын
Nice tools 👍
@JYJ77226 күн бұрын
It sounds like musical instrument
@RanjitSingh-h8bАй бұрын
Nice tools 👍
@mattlyles2419Ай бұрын
Where are you picking these tools up from?
@chriscas-ToolAficionadoАй бұрын
@mattlyles2419 26:56 iTools--an e-commerce merchant on Rakuten, Proshop Hodaka (in Shizuoka), and Jumbo Encho (also in Shizuoka). You can probably find all of these on either Amazon or ebay.
@mrtrump-pf1nxАй бұрын
Do a video on a personal toolbox tour
@WeberSargeАй бұрын
Details are important to many tradesman, and you provide a valuable service in that aspect. Thank you !
@TheVavavinceАй бұрын
cool haul. What store/s did you get them from?
@chriscas-ToolAficionadoАй бұрын
@@TheVavavince 26:56 iTools--an e-commerce merchant on Rakuten, Proshop Hodaka (in Shizuoka), and Jumbo Encho (also in Shizuoka).
@zjenjiАй бұрын
I have the set that the FPC locking spinner comes from, LSS-322. Really love their chrome.
@joiion913Ай бұрын
Very interesting! The offerings from fpc, while you seem to mention their quality is lacking, the features they have and the design seems nice. In your travels did you happen across any merry pliers? I’m currently trying to figure out a way to buy the new merry automotive electrical plug disconnect tool. You know the one with the kind of beetle horn shaped grabbing jaw to unplug sensors and such? Well I saw a photo of a new one that’s much shorter and I could really use that, any ideas? Thanks! And congrats on 5000!
@chriscas-ToolAficionadoАй бұрын
@joiion913 thanks! Earlier this year, I bought their newer version. It was the last pair available at the store, at the time. I almost always grab the standard length ones, so they haven't seen much use. The dipped pincers get chewed up fairly easily, even though I've been mindful of not being too rough on them. YRMV.
@joiion913Ай бұрын
@@chriscas-ToolAficionadothe pinchers are dipped? Interesting. The only picture I saw of them was blurry and akin to a “leaked” photo. What does YRMV mean? Is that the store you have bought them?
@chriscas-ToolAficionadoАй бұрын
@@joiion913 part number is HS120C YRMV = your results may vary I got them at a Factory Gear store.
@AToolWithToolsАй бұрын
Now that you mention it it's finally clicked that black colors are becoming a trend indeed. Had Fujiya Kurokin for a while now and they also have the Zero Black stuff, then there's Olfa who does black blades to signify the better ones, IPS has released some of their stuff as Neo stylized in black, Lobtex has the NA series which all feature black finish and screw removal, even some USA companies are jumping in on it like Hardcore Hammers with their "murdered out" stuff etc.
@chriscas-ToolAficionadoАй бұрын
@AToolWithTools TOP also has some gold/black series stuff as well. Starting from a few years ago, Knipex came out with limited edition Japan-only black gripped pliers, too. Deen has been recently releasing black themed pliers as well. Although, i recall them starting the black theme before the trend. They had a selection of tools that were black in 2020, to commemorate their 20th-anniversary. There aren't many black themed socketry items that can recall though. Stanley, in the early 2010's, was putting out blacked out 1xx-pc (craptastic) mechanics tool sets.
@AToolWithToolsАй бұрын
@chriscas-ToolAficionado Oh I remember those Stanley sets from back when Walmart carried them. Laser etch markings only so a bit of actual use and they become completely illegible. I must have missed the TOP stuff when I was poking around, I got some of their stuff including a couple Hypermonkey ZERO which I guess are black oxide but not deliberately dark through and through, they have those light spots where they're processed up on the head. And this video reminded me to get a couple of Tsubosan Bright 900s, I have the 01 and 02 coming. That'll make up for my misunderstanding a listing and trusting the pictures and winding up with an 8-pack of exactly the same precision file rather than an assortment lol.
@BradleyMundyАй бұрын
Vessel makes a roto-head too. I recommend it, has a nonslip grip.
@chriscas-ToolAficionadoАй бұрын
@@BradleyMundy right, that would work well. FWIW, Vessel doesn't make them; they are imported from Taiwan, and from the same OEM that provides to many brands around the world, including DEEN tools.
@justinvanaulen2478Ай бұрын
Great to see this Chris! Love those Anex bits, I have a few sets and they have held up very well. Same goes with the prybar from them. Love the "Tool Bar" video, that looks amazing and it looked like you had a great time. I have to admit, seeing all those Deen tools locked in epoxy forever kinda gives me chills though. :-)
@ServingsinceАй бұрын
I got a complete set of Tsubosan bright files couple years ago. They are absolutely wonderful. A bunch of years ago I stumbled upon your channel and it really got me interested in Japanese tools. Love my Kokens. I like them better than the Nepros.
@andrewhendricks4629Ай бұрын
Great show you always give the best and affordable Japanese tools for reviews thsnks for the content your the first one that introduced me to world of Japanese tools thanks for expanding my view
@DDB168Ай бұрын
Congratulations on 5K subs. You might need to do a 5K Q&A. I want to get one of those Koken bit holders (12142). That'd be very handy. FPC is the brand I need to research. Have never come across them in Japan. Is the bar in the shop? (The one near Tennozu Isle I'm guessing?). I travelled there in October, bought heaps (I should do a tool haul video) but didnt drop into Factory Gear. unfortunately. Those Hodaka stores are great, I've been to the one in Toyohashi (up the road from the Factory Gear store) and Sagamihara.
@chriscas-ToolAficionadoАй бұрын
@DDB168 thank you! 🙏🏻 Yeah, FPC is a niche brand for sure. Their network might be limited to the Kansai region or perhaps they focus on targeting directly to light/heavy-duty auto shops. That Tools Bar was just minutes away from Chiba station. Look up GG Tools Bar Keiyo Bay. It's not an actual store like Tennoz Isle is, but you can shop online from FG's E-commerce site and you could have them delivered there for pick up. Yeah, you should do a haul video!! Yes, Hodaka is an awesome store worth going. 👍🏻
@rzezniqqАй бұрын
Welcome back! I missed your videos!!
@MarzNet256Ай бұрын
Nice haul. A six point socket actually needs to be a slightly larger diameter than a twelve point for the same size fastener. Notice how thin the 12 point wall is at its thickest point compared to an equivalent 6 point socket.
@chriscas-ToolAficionadoАй бұрын
@MarzNet256 actually I have never heard of this. I'm not close to my tools to check, but I did check with Nepros and Ko-ken catalogs and found that there's no difference in outer diameters between 6pt /12pt. [Edit] I had added a text in the video to point out that the 12pt Ko-ken socket is a thin-wall, so it wasn't a fair comparison. My point was that with generic / budget-friendly impact sockets have a tendency to be bulky, which is ok in itself, but there are situations where the bulk can be a detriment.
@alexrains1893Ай бұрын
You are not wrong, that Victor diagonal cutter is very pleasing to the eye, maybe not so much to the hand but the eye has to win sometimes. Thanks for the full meal deal, i loved it.
@Sol-hl2rjАй бұрын
Thanks again for a very interesting tool video! I’ve always liked the Japanese tool approach. I have a well over 30 year old Koken 1/4” socket set I was given from my father when he realised I appreciated good tools wrenching on cars. It’s still in great shape and complete to this day. Even the incredibly smooth ratchet (with original internals). A pair of needle nose pliers is also the same age… I’ve bent the tips a few times, but have managed to straighten them successfully- cause they have the thinnest tip of any I’ve seen and owned. In style they look very much like most on sale in Japan today. As a Norwegian residential we have all Swede made, German made and even we did have some great tools made here domestically (Geilo brand) that I still own and favour long before anything newer stuff. Still the Japanese slip joint pliers, several other pliers along with the Koken set and some wrenches is what started my love for Japanese made tools. I even watch some of the Factory gear videos haha! When I started watching your videos I also discovered simultaneously tools available from Az Japan.. Now I collect and look for the special tools that never was available here.. So thank you, and thank you not! Haha!
@chriscas-ToolAficionadoАй бұрын
@Sol-hl2rj thank you for sharing all that! Does Geilo still produce tools today? I'm aware of the name, but I never came across a single tool when I used to go to flee markets back in the day. Swedish names are very common, but no so with Norwegian tool brands.
@Sol-hl2rjАй бұрын
Hi, unfortunately they shut down in 2015. They also made knives (What started Geilo tools) under the name Brusletto. Really good and well made knifes. I think they were most known for their screwdrivers, they are popping up on the used market still, still going good - the flat head (minus) that is. They had a handle in clear red plastic - almost identical to PB Swiss’ older style handles. A best seller was the mini pen clip screwdriver. I still have 2 today, but later I only find that Wiha makes these small pen clip drivers - I have in total probably 12 minimum. Learned from a mechanic who used these for «everything!» except for driving flat head screws very rarely. Try it, you’ll get addicted: Cleaning small cracks, prying clips, pulling, twisting small shackles bolts, pick fuses.. the list could be very long haha!
@chriscas-ToolAficionadoАй бұрын
@Sol-hl2rj that's too bad about their closure. 😄 I have a pocket pry bar with a clip to allow me to secure it in my chest pocket. It's a daily tool for sure, and I'd feel lost without one!
@Sol-hl2rjАй бұрын
@ Haha! .. Then you know😄
@Sol-hl2rjАй бұрын
Could you have room to slip a thin tight fitting O-ring instead of the circlip on the Anex socket?
@chriscas-ToolAficionadoАй бұрын
@@Sol-hl2rj there could be a possibility of that working on the thicker-headed wrenches 👍🏻
@alejandroochoa2160Ай бұрын
Tools bar is a great asset!
@velse9869Ай бұрын
For a split second I thought that was the new GodHands Lightning nippers on the thumbnail lol
@chriscas-ToolAficionadoАй бұрын
@@velse9869 I had to look that up...damn, an even thinner blade than the standard God Hand nippers! 😲
@velse9869Ай бұрын
@ yeah, I stumbled upon it just browsing through GodHandGlobal and they just restocked yesterday
@velse9869Ай бұрын
@@chriscas-ToolAficionado yeah, I stumbled upon it while randomly browsing through GodHandsGlobal. Been lurking on it since and they just restocked yesterday which I impulsively purchased lol I don't think it was OOS very long either.
@egx161Ай бұрын
These are great. Thank you! Where can I buy those Anex sockets with the external hex? In the USA? Big fan of Japanese tools. They’re becoming more popular in the USA. I’m starting to see them showing up in YT auto mechanic videos. I buy Japanese vehicles so Japanese tools work best for me in many situations.
@chriscas-ToolAficionadoАй бұрын
@egx161 agreed. The German brands had their exposure already and it's time for Japan to have theirs 😄 Here's one source: www.amazon.com/Anex-Offset-Socket-Extension-Adapter/dp/B0CLXW7DDR/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.wpCx33RIN-4Khi6GF8IQ8aedsNZ9-Q-tTVn2rRWWKT3GjHj071QN20LucGBJIEps.ZEdVOLkkNmj7qJ2_BfeiR4LJqsDOMH0iCGLDeHTWpFI&dib_tag=se&m=ASFCLYP3JYDRH&marketplaceID=ATVPDKIKX0DER&qid=1732720026&s=merchant-items&sr=1-3#aw-udpv3-customer-reviews_feature_div
@ChargerE49VCАй бұрын
Looks like we both need to go to the new Factory Gear in Kobe...........(I'm thinking in 2025.............maybe)
@chriscas-ToolAficionadoАй бұрын
@@ChargerE49VC I did go back in May! 😄
@andrewhendricks4629Ай бұрын
Glad to see a episode from you haven't seen you around in a awhile hope to see more content from you
@ServingsinceАй бұрын
Love your videos. I wish you could make more.
@MrSubaru1387Ай бұрын
It's been a while!
@victorhoyt4352Ай бұрын
Nepros tools are beautifully made and finished, but they underperform as far as the tool itself is concerned. They do not hold up and are overpriced for what they are. Do they have beautiful chroming? Absolutely! Are they an above average tool? Again, absolutely! They do not hold up though, the ratchets are very chunky, and the back drag is ok. Koken smokes nepros in every conceivable way except chroming, but chroming doesn't make a tool a great tool. These are display pieces, not a working mans tool.
@chriscas-ToolAficionadoАй бұрын
@victorhoyt4352 thanks for your perspective. I suppose I differ from many out there, but I really enjoy working with Nepros tools. I have a full set of 3/8sq sockets, extentions, accesories and a few wrenches that I bought in 2010 that continue to work flawlessly. I will say, though, that the rubber rings on the sockets are gimmicky and don't belong in a shop environment.
@victorhoyt4352Ай бұрын
@chriscas-ToolAficionado I'm glad that they have worked out so well for you! I didn't have the same experience and ran into issue after issue with them. In my personal opinion, they are just pretty tools. Obviously, they are functional, and aren't complete trash, but Koken is a much better tool company. Koken is a perfect balance between sleekness, functionality, and durability. They aren't as shiny as nepros, but shininess isn't a priority when looking for a great tool. Koken just does it better. Obviously, no tool brand or particular tool is perfect though.
@chriscas-ToolAficionadoАй бұрын
@victorhoyt4352 in case you didnt know, I really like Ko-ken as well 😉 They are both excellent tool manufacturers, and they both have their strength and weaknesses, as any company does. Please share what kind of issues you ran into with Nepros.
@victorhoyt4352Ай бұрын
@@chriscas-ToolAficionado I know bud. You're the original Koken KZbin advocate lol. Loooonnnggg before Princess Subaru started doing his Koken and nepros videos, you were the Koken pioneer of North America.
@brucesatowАй бұрын
Yay! You are back! I was wondering what happened to you. Glad to see you are still around.
@justinelliott293Ай бұрын
I would like to see your tool collection
@Sol-hl2rjАй бұрын
Thanks for sharing! That locking quick spinner looked interesting. I usually grab the shortest extension for comfort and holding when using ratchets, this adds a both in one.
@ChargerE49VCАй бұрын
Yeah, good to see you again. I did buy a whole bunch of those little wire brushes on my last 2 trips to Japan. (About 14 to be exact, but don't tell everyone) but I didn't get one like your braided one, It looks real usefull for narrow channels and a whole bunch of jobs that have just come to mind. I will have to get some next time I go. I know they aren't made in Japan, but the price I was buying them for over there (in all configurations: stainless steel, brass, normal steel, plastic, straight angled etc) they can't be beat. they go for a lot more money where I am. Keep up the good vibes & look forward to seeing more from you.
@chriscas-ToolAficionadoАй бұрын
Nice!! I have a few as well, and they are really handy to have. Shapes and sizes that simply aren't commonly available here!
@ToolinAround2025Ай бұрын
Missed you haha. I got a bunch of FPC, nice stuff. Not Koken nice but a good deal.
@hobbes3Ай бұрын
Hey, great to see you back! I was happy that you were still active with the YT comments, but saw you haven't posted a video in a while.
@DDB168Ай бұрын
Good to see you again. I have those long tweezers, they've come in very handy. Odd how a bunch of those Anex tweezers are made in Pakistan (Hozan too). I have a few of those brushes too. I haven't come across that FPC brand, interesting.
@chriscas-ToolAficionadoАй бұрын
Good to see you too! Pakistan has been the mecca for small stainless steel tools, like tweezers, hemostats, picks, spatulas/spreaders, and other associated tools for as long as I can remember.
@aussiehardwood6196Ай бұрын
Wow...I have the cone shaped Koken impact 3/8-quarter hex bit holder in this video. Koken make another impact 3/8-1/4-hex (p/n 3137) that is chrome & slightly different shape that matches the 3/8-5/16-hex bit holder that comes with the Koken 3/8 drive Attack. But the one in this video is beefier and in the catalogue Koken refers to it as an Irega part. But I'm sure Koken makes it in Japan, they may have worked together with their hand impact drivers with Spanish tool co Irega 🤔. I'd love to know how WELL the Anex T-10 Torx fits a fastener. In general I have had poor luck with Vessel Torx bits, they just don't fit well compared to German Wiha bits or PB bits. But the Anex 'looked' like the proper Torx™ design or much closer than the Vessel ones.
@chriscas-ToolAficionadoАй бұрын
I don't see any connection with IREGA. If I go to their website and look at their product lineup, they still produce tools that they are known for, and nothing else. I googled "Irega 3137" and the first hit was for Amazon.be (Brussels) and sure enough the product is branded as Irega, but the pictured tool is clearly Ko-ken 🤔 I looked further and even found a link to Rakuten and same thing--branded Irega, but clearly marked Ko-ken. Strange. Must be some auto-generated thing? I have a few Ko-ken bit holders and they are all made in Japan. I can't comment on Vessel vs Anex Torx bits as I've been a dedicated Anex bit user for over a decade. PB Swiss Torx fitment has always been the better though!
@aussiehardwood6196Ай бұрын
@@chriscas-ToolAficionado Sorry your latest video reminded me to check this comment. Yeah the Koken Attack style hand impacts drivers and associated parts like the bit holders do have Irega associated with them in the Koken literature. I'm not sure exactly why. My guess is that they used perhaps Iregas patented internal mechanism design. I have a manual 1/2" impact made by Irimo (Spain) & it has a very similar metal case to the Koken. Irimo hand tools could be linked to Irega. Not sure what it all means. Just thought I'd mention it. Off the watch your new vid.
@WhiteVailleАй бұрын
Always happy to see your name pop up! Hope you've been having a pleasant holiday season so far, though I don't know if you've been affected by recent weather and power outages. 🙏
@chriscas-ToolAficionadoАй бұрын
All good here, thank you!
@Jeff-rk8hqАй бұрын
Chris just wanting to confirm but they do not make a long handle 1/2” drive zeal series in fixed or flex head correct ? I have the 1/2” standard z series and it’s by far imho the best 1/2” ratchet I’ve ever used and would love a long handle flex head but unfortunately I can’t find anything but the standard or quick release in 1/2” and do you know if the tone rh4fhx is manufactured in Taiwan or Japan? I’m gonna assume Taiwan as they can be had brand new for under 75$ to your door if you shop around on eBay and considering that’s less than half the price of the Carlisle which used to be a budget option but regardless a 24” flex head breaker length ratchet for under 100 has gotta be the best value out there regarding 2’ flex ratchets
@chriscas-ToolAficionadoАй бұрын
@Jeff-rk8hq correct. There's currently only two models in 1/2"sq, both standard length, either in quick-release or not. Pretty certain that series of Tone ratchets are manufactured in Taiwan by Hi-Five, with maybe assembly/inspection done in Japan. Definitely good bang for the buck!
@genuinejojo2 ай бұрын
rly enjoy your videos for many yrs, you were the first youtuber who introduced me to Koken and Japanese awesome tools while others were still looking at Snap-on and thinking that USA-made were the greatest... just wanna say thank you and hope to see more videos from you.
@chriscas-ToolAficionado2 ай бұрын
@@genuinejojo thank you! Appreciate that 👍🏻
@Sol-hl2rj2 ай бұрын
Thanks, very useful info on the wobble fix! I just ordered a 3/8’s Z-EAL set with shallow sockets. I think it’s nice to have one set, but any additional I’ll buy standard lengths sockets. I have an old and beloved 2251M 1/4" socket set. The wobble fix should work with that I presume. Still, after I got the new Ko-ken joint I see your point it’s really really nice - and can be combined with standard extensions to have multiple choices.
@coltonramsey15742 ай бұрын
I would love a toolbox tour, would be interested to see how you store and organize all your tools
@hobbes32 ай бұрын
I assume you're Japanese from your pronunciation of Japanese names (and having a Japanese magazine), but your English is leagues better than other Japanese locals. Especially with the accent (it's still there, but only slightly). Did you study in America or grow up there?
@chriscas-ToolAficionado2 ай бұрын
I'm half Japanese. I grew up in Japan until my early teens, but never joined the Japanese school system. I went to an English international school.
@hobbes32 ай бұрын
@@chriscas-ToolAficionado That's cool. I'm half Japanese too (half Chinese), but I grew up in the US since 10 so my English is near perfect, while my Asian languages suffered back to like 6th grade level lol. Keep these Japan tool reviews coming! I always grab a bunch of tools made in Japan whenever I go back.
@chriscas-ToolAficionado2 ай бұрын
@hobbes3 where do you like to shop at, and what are some of your favourite tools you've bought?
@glennklepadlo33152 ай бұрын
Heard mention you don't know how old your snap-on socket is just google Snap on date code chart and match the number or symbol to what's on the socket though I saw a zero on yours for 1980 or 1990
@CoolArrrow3 ай бұрын
This could have been a 5 min video if he edited all the umms.
@chriscas-ToolAficionado3 ай бұрын
😅 was is that obvious!
@1Barsamian3 ай бұрын
Ahm um ah a ahum …. Worthless video
@chriscas-ToolAficionado3 ай бұрын
@@1Barsamian but it must've been worth a thumbs-down at least 🤷🏼
@Jeff-rk8hq3 ай бұрын
Do you happen to know the model number of the go thru or pass thru sockets you mentioned that fit the 12/14mm double box ratcheting wrench you showed them in? It’s weird you say something about the brass screw on the ratcheting double box end because I have a sk 16/18mm double box ratcheting with the same look, even has the clear CA glue or whatever over top of it but
@chriscas-ToolAficionado3 ай бұрын
@Jeff-rk8hq SK G-pro stuff. Yep, some of that line was sourced from same OEM in Taiwan. Check out KTC part number BZ-14 for the sockets
@kennysvensson93373 ай бұрын
For the love of god. RATCH WITH THEM?!??
@chriscas-ToolAficionado3 ай бұрын
@kennysvensson9337 HELLA ratch, for gods sake!
@kennysvensson93373 ай бұрын
@@chriscas-ToolAficionado I was in pain the whole video. I needed to hear them. They were right there. You could have just given them a tiny tiny little clicketiclick… but no. Rip; what could have been😢.
@chriscas-ToolAficionado3 ай бұрын
@@kennysvensson9337 😂 sorry about that
@kennysvensson93373 ай бұрын
@@chriscas-ToolAficionado 😉🙏
@А.Е-с3и3 ай бұрын
Wow. Great . Stamped merry muramoto pliers. NOS. Very hard to find