Japanese Tools Showcase 26: MERRY Pliers (Muromoto Tekko)

I hope everyone is doing well.
In this episode I want to cover pliers that I've accumulated over the years from a brand that gets little attention--Merry Tools.
Merry is a line of hand tools manufactured by Muromoto Tekko Co.,Ltd. of Osaka, Japan.
I purchased my four new pliers from Nile Merry Tools, LLC, the authorized distributor of Nile and Merry tools in the US: www.nilemerry....
** I placed two of the long handle pliers on top of the wrong product card. The flat-nose is Part # L70 and the straight needle-nose is Part # L50 **
#pliers #merrytools #notsponsored

[@bryanwarm2471]

Hello Chris, I love your channel. You are so cool, calm and collected which is so pleasant to find on KZbin. You display an obvious care of your tools by the way you handle them and explain the finer points of their making and functions. I, in particular love Japanese tools because I appreciate what goes into their manufacture. They are exemplars of the combination of reliability, durability, excellent performance, Interesting and useful features and details found nowhere else, enjoyment of use and great value. I, too, have recently purchased some Merry tools. In fact two of these are ones that you featured: the heavy duty snub/long nosed pliers and the decoupling pliers. The decouplers are a godsend and the other pliers are hard to put down once I have them in my hands. I also bought the automatic wire strippers that you feathered in a previous presentation. One last item and I think a tough nut to crack - have you ever heard of a Japanese tool producer by the name of Hero. I am not talking about Hero Electric the maker of open barrel wire terminals and crimpers. This Hero made tools such as sockets and ratchets. I bought a metal cased socket and ratchet set of theirs a few eons ago at a time when I thought Japan made was synonymous with junk. Fast forward to today and I still have most of the set. The chrome has held up great and they have been very useful and durable - just not pretty and jewel-like. I have never seen a single mention of this maker no matter where I have looked. I hate to see a good maker disappear in a black hole with me being the only one who knows that they once were upon this earth. As you seem to be familiar with many of the Japanese tool makers and their histories perhaps you have some Information on this company as I have none. Thanks so much for all your good work.

[@chriscas-ToolAficionado]

Hi Bryan. Thank you for the kind words! Wow, I think you summed up what I feel are the core values for Japanese hand tools. We're clearly like-minded in this regard. HERO! That is a tough one. I've never run across that brand. My initial instinct was that it was for export only, but after doing a quick search, I found that it has popped up on Japanese auction sites several times. Based on the outer (retro, Japanese) packaging, I can see that it was sold in Japan to some capacity. One user indicated it was sold at his local Home Center. The company, which the official name I couldn't find, may have switched to importing tools from Taiwan by the 21st century, but appears to have ceased operation. So, whatever is still sold as "new" is NOS. Here's some examples via Google images: www.google.com/search?q=%E3%83%92%E3%83%BC%E3%83%AD%E3%83%BC%E3%82%BD%E3%82%B1%E3%83%83%E3%83%88&tbm=isch&ved=2ahUKEwjJ4IXnyfXpAhWOip4KHZ71BeAQ2-cCegQIABAA&oq=%E3%83%92%E3%83%BC%E3%83%AD%E3%83%BC%E3%82%BD%E3%82%B1%E3%83%83%E3%83%88&gs_lcp=CgNpbWcQAzoECAAQBDoCCAA6BggAEAQQGFCw3zBY1vEwYK32MGgAcAB4AIABPIgBqAOSAQE4mAEAoAEBqgELZ3dzLXdpei1pbWc&sclient=img&ei=o_HfXomDMI6V-gSe65eADg&bih=786&biw=1600&client=firefox-b-d A fairly decent image showing their round-head ratchet: minkara.carview.co.jp/image.aspx?src=https%3a%2f%2fcdn.snsimg.carview.co.jp%2fminkara%2fparts%2f000%2f006%2f461%2f372%2f6461372%2fp1.jpg%3fct%3d04c53a7a1c2e Interesting to note that their tools appear to have been manufactured at a JIS compliant facility. The sockets and extensions bear the marks "chr vanadium", which is a spelling I've never come across before.

[@bryanwarm2471]

Chris, stellar job of locating those Hero tools. I recognize that blue Hero embossed steel case anywhere. Too bad I did not recognize it the day I ran over it ssw with my Honda Civic, so I have not seen this part of the set in approximately forever. My remaining tools are very happy to see that they do Indeed have living relatives even if only in Japan! Actuality, mine are die engraved with " CR -MO STEEL "". There seems to be a wide variety of the appearance of their rathets and in one of those photos I found one identical to mine, save for the size. Another iteration I see is actually an Asahi Lightool but the handle is not carved out as in in the ones sold by Asahi. The head on this tool is enormous and I do not know if you own one or have ever handled one, but the back drag on my 1/2 inch version feels definitely less than and smoother than my Nepros 1/4 inchers. A real throwback look but the most elegant action of any ratchet I have experienced. Moving on to that very nicely done and thoughtful tribute you did to the sad closing of your favourite and indeed most remarkable tool store in Osaka. I have been to some of the tool stores in Namba ( Den Den Town ) but unfortunately I seemed to have missed this place. However, if you ever get to Taipei, Taiwan on one of your travels to Asia, then you need to visit an area along the floodwalls of the Tamsui River where there are a considerable number of tool stores in a row. Here you will find mostly tool sellers but also stores that cater to other needs of industry such a store that is exclusively jam packed with, for instance, only caster and cart whees or only electric fans. Your store in Osaka was jammed but of an order which is mostly understandable. Along this tool strip in Taipei you will find tool stores exceedingly packed but of an "organizational " nature which is NOT understandable at least to me. One such store in particular seems to be run by two women. They are very nice and can actually find things. One of them even opened up a hatch door in the ceiling and made a trip or two up there to find things for me. That really surprised me as I thought. most everything in the world was already on the floor below. I still remain curious as to what may have been up there. You will find good Taiwan brands such as King Tony and Japanese brands at VERY good prices. And there are other tool areas in the city such as near Taipei Station. And thanks so much for finding those Hero tool listings.

[@chriscas-ToolAficionado]

It's funny you mentioned about the Asahi Lightool. That triggered my mind as well when I saw the design on their 1/2 drive round head ratchet. I searched for images on what the vintage Asahi ratchets looks like, but to no avail. I'm not sure if I'll ever come across a Hero ratchet in my neck of the woods, but similar to you, I have a soft spot for ratchets that have a mechanism with a light backdrag, even if the tooth count might be low. I have the older, first geneneration Asahi Lightool ratchet with a shallow, but really wide head. It's got an old school charm with a unique twist to it, along with a coarse-tooth mechanism with a nice ring to its ratcheting action. You know, during my last vacation, last November, I had plans to either go to Taiwan or Hong Kong. I chose Hong Kong and naturally (for me), I had to search for tool stores. What you described really mirrors what I saw along Reclamation Street, in Mong Kok, Hong Kong. Next time I have the opportunity to go to Taiwan, I'd be certain to check them out! Maybe even go to Taichung, the mecca for all things tool related. Haha!

[@MarzNet256]

Those disconnect pliers are sweet!

[@chriscas-ToolAficionado]

Use them almost everyday at work!

[@joiion913]

Thank you for this video! I just ordered a pair of the decoupling pliers from Amazon Japan because they were on sale for 35$ CAD these are going to be very helpful for oxygen sensor plugs to avoid burning your arm

[@chriscas-ToolAficionado]

Congrats, that's a very good price! 👏

[@bajarekn]

The KTC electrical connector pliers or "Connector housing pliers" are AD101: ktc.jp/catalog/index-category/category-list/ad101 Extra claws are AD101-123: ktc.jp/catalog/index-category/category-list/ad101-123

[@Toyotas_n__Tools]

The craftsman western forge duckbill needle nose pliers have really nice grip like those merry.

[@AutobahnDan]

I like how wide the end cutters are! Very rare to see them that wide! I always see them more needle nose shaped! My shop has a Hazet brand of those connector pliers which we use for Mercedes fuel line disconnects in tight areas! No grip on the end, just smooth tips. I should give them a try on connectors! Nice haul!

[@chriscas-ToolAficionado]

Hazet branded!? Would love to know what the part number is!

[@AutobahnDan]

ChrisCas - Tool Aficionado should be 4501-2, it’s sold as a fuel line tool

[@chriscas-ToolAficionado]

@@AutobahnDan thanks! As is with most Hazet pliers...sticker shock 😵 The cool thing about the Merry one, which I forgot to demonstrate, is that when the handles are squeezed, the jaws provide flex. So even with a death grip, you're less likely to break/crack whatever your clamping onto. It's a great feature of this tool. I've used them for things other than electrical connectors too.

[@AutobahnDan]

ChrisCas - Tool Aficionado haha! Yes, German tax! Lol

[@Toyotas_n__Tools]

@@chriscas-ToolAficionado There is a style from schwaben that is probably less money, you ever see bovidex?

[@wilsonluilui]

chris video so powerful

[@chriscas-ToolAficionado]

💯💪 😄 thanks for watching, Wilson.

[@HandtoolsMore]

Some interesting designs!

[@chriscas-ToolAficionado]

👍 👍

[@jacksonbrown9537]

Hi Chris. Can you recommend a good Japanese brand multitool? Can't find anything and Im not a fan of leatherman. Love the channel mate!

[@chriscas-ToolAficionado]

Hi Jackson. Currently I'm not aware of any multitool made in Japan, other than the very simple one's that are shaped like a conventional key. Not having any conventional multitools other than three Victorinox ones I've had from the 1990's, I can't offer any recommendations. I assume you've already looked into SOG and Gerber? Thanks for the comment!

[@CPthetooladdict]

Oh my those are very nice!!! Dang it!!! Lol

[@chriscas-ToolAficionado]

Haha! No hassle of ordering from Japan....US office headquartered in Faiborn, Ohio. 😉

[@weliveonearth8012]

Sorry I have to disagree. I placed an order with NileMerry at the same time as AmazonJapan. The order from Japan arrived first and Trent offered no apology or explanation for the delay from Ohio. I received what is likely a rare defect, play/rattle in the joint/pivot. Trent refused to believe me for several days of back and forth before finally sending a return label. He was rude and condescending throughout the process. It was the longest least efficient warranty process I’ve ever experienced. He literally claimed that he had never honored a warranty claim in 25 years of business and had never seen a defective tool in that 25 years. He insisted that quality control is so good that not one product leaves the factory with a defect. Even after I sent a video showing the rattle in the joint he implied that I had misused them, he would not believe that they arrived that way. That’s not the worst of it but enough said on that. The tools are quality for sure.

[@alejandroochoa2160]

Thanks to this video, I ordered the large Merry pliers on ebay. What are they for? mechanics? rebar?

[@chriscas-ToolAficionado]

Merry doesn't explicitly state what they are for. The 225mm length and the beefy joint makes this a heavy duty type grabbing, pulling, pushing, twisting, and bending type of tool....maybe even as a small hammer, lol.

[@Toyotas_n__Tools]

Great video Chris seen Merry on frankstool and amazon, Those Y75 red handled pliers nose is similar to a style i seen from southwire tools on a wire stripper combination set that ill tag you in on Ig

[@chriscas-ToolAficionado]

Thanks Doug. I tried doing a quick search, but I didn't see what you're referring to. You can share a link here, whichever is easier.

[@davidmccord6555]

Have you reviewed Nepros pliers? I just ordered my first Japanese pliers, the Nepros combination pliers and the Nepros 60 degree long nose pliers.

[@chriscas-ToolAficionado]

Hi David. I haven't since I don't own a pair of Nepros pliers yet. They are polished to a really pristine shine. Probably nothing quite like it.

[@ashj4372]

Hey Chris! Been following your channel pretty intensely feels connected how well you know your tools and appreciation of well made gears. Question. What differences for pliers with springs or without? I'm currently building up tools for bicycle maintenance mainly and those work around the house simple fixings. Anything you reckon are essentials? Besides, got some stuffs otw from Amazon JP The 3Peaks pliers and some essentials rulers, tapes and NT Cutter Arigato 🙏🏼

[@chriscas-ToolAficionado]

Hi! Thanks for commenting! Good question. Pliers with spring opening function tends to be found on precision/crafts oriented pliers. They have their place when it comes to repetitive tasks. It saves you from having to manually spread the pliers handles with your operating hand, before and after you've performed your task. It's a time/effort saver. ...it's always ready to perform its duty, whether it be for cutting, grasping, twisting. Envision yourself needing to cut off dozens of ties along a peice of material. You hold your pliers on your dominate hand, while still providing movement for your fingertips. Because the spring provides tension against your finger and palm surface, the pliers stay in place. You can't really do that effectively with non-spring'd pliers because there's no constant active tension against your fingers/palm. In this fashion, you can use both hands/fingers for a faster, efficient work. Because the spring keeps the pliers in the open position, when it comes time to snip the tie off, it's ready to make the cut. Depending on the situation, you may not have the patience or luxury to be fumbling with your fingers to open those handles! Bahco has a unique feature where it has a convertible feature, where you can quickly switch from spring mode to standard mode. Video is in Japanese, but it'll demonstrate the feature: kzbin.info/www/bejne/nnyWi4mfjp59fdE As for recommendations....is it about pliers...or? If you don't own a pair of Knipex Plierswrenches, I would highly suggest getting one, maybe in the 150mm/6" length. A bit ratchet set that contains a good assortment of bits and adapters would be essential. Lots of brands to choose from, but that would depend on your taste and ease of purchase. Let me know.

[@ashj4372]

@@chriscas-ToolAficionado Sugoi! I am constantly looking out for tools/gears that improves efficiency and being minimalist at the same time. Looked up the Bahco ones and I believe since I'm using it for bicycle maintenance bet ones without the spring will suffice. Time to hunt for one! As for the pliers I got one for EDC and believe I'd need a larger size which is the one you mentioned the 150's. And the bit ratchets I got the Wera bicycle set which is alright. Upon watching the pro auto ones you got in the videos.. man I been trying to get hold of those with the built in spinners + high tooth count. Got the stuffs from Amazon JP, Niigata measurements tools just love the ease for the eyes to look at. And yeah the pliers by 3Peaks they hold multi use I'm sure and the NT Cutters grip yumm.. Found an old one I think the 300's in the stationary cupboard just reaffirms its value in the household. Appreciate your time and expertise 🙏🏼

[@chriscas-ToolAficionado]

I assume you reside in the USA (the majority of my viewership)? If you're interested in getting that Pro-Auto ratchet, I provided two places you can get them through. Take a look at the video description for further details on that. Nice to hear about your Japanese tool purchases. I too like the convenience of having a couple or more cutters and scissors for the house and tool boxes. Have a pleasant day!

[@ashj4372]

@@chriscas-ToolAficionado I live in Singapore 🤣 Sure I'll look up the links you put down and manage from there. Hey appreciate it greatly! 🙏🏼

[@jj-hb8cy]

If I only got one, would you recommend the Merry or KTC disconnect pliers for all around automotive electrical connectors?

[@chriscas-ToolAficionado]

The more all around, more versatile would be the KTC, but my go-to has always been the Merry

[@jj-hb8cy]

@@chriscas-ToolAficionado thanks. Getting a pair now!

[@darkinertia2]

dude im loving your content, but man you really gotta cut back on the "uuuuuuuuuhhhhhhhhhhh" after every other word lol thats all you can focus on when your talking once you hear it

[@chriscas-ToolAficionado]

I know... you're like the tenth person pointing that out. 😅