Ko-ken Zeal Z-Series 🇯🇵 Japanese Tool Haul

[@wrenchinwithlondon3141]

I use Koken everyday at work. I love the Z-eal line, and their new 72t rachets are amazing. I have Snap-on, Matco and Mac tools, and find a lot of the quality imports give them a run for their money if not exceed them. I love Matco for their pinless impact socket, Snap-on makes amazing racheting wrenches. I use Knipex makes phenomial slip-joint pliers and really any kind of plier, but Vampliers has some nice stuff as well. I love Vessel for their ballgrip screwdrivers(its amazing how much torque you can generate with that design) plus their unique impact screwdriver works great as well.

[@BrandoDamo]

That’s kind of my experience too. Koken is an incredible value for the money!

[@methylbenzodiazepine]

i've been a tech at a European-make dealership for 17 years. 75% of my tools are Snap-on. Last year I bought a few Ko-ken tools out of curiosity. The quality is right up there with Snap-on. They are excellent, can handle daily use. I really like the Ko-ken stuff. Their Nut-grip spring-loaded sockets are very useful for getting fasteners started on threads in inaccessible areas. Good video, thanks for sharing.

[@BrandoDamo]

It’s good to hear that they have held up for you. I have a set of the nut-grip sockets in 1/4” drive and I also find them to be very useful. Koken’s designs seem really well thought out. Thanks!

[@DPShopTalk]

Great video 👍 I've bought quite a few Koken tools lately as well and I've been very pleased with them. I reach for my Koken tools over everything else I have. The ball socket universals have definitely been a game changer. One tip I thought I would pass along for the universals, I put a light coat of Super Lube grease on the ball socket and it makes them work even smoother than they already do.

[@BrandoDamo]

Thanks for the tip! I might have to try that!

[@MarzNet256]

The cold forging, machine work and finish on the koken stuff is flawless IMO. An excellent value for sure. I have the long 1/4 and 3/8 spinner handles and just ordered some nut-grip sockets (3/8 metric 8 pcs set).

[@BrandoDamo]

I love how their tools look and function! Their quality control is fantastic!

[@martinblouin3639]

Yep, i'm on that mission too! all my hand tools I try my to go un-chinese as much as I can

[@brad3741]

How do the z-series sockets compare with regard to how they fit onto fasteners? My understanding is that they are a tighter fit than traditional sockets that are manufactured to the industry standards. My concern is that the z-series sockets might not easy fit over rusted, or slightly damaged fasteners. Any input would be greatly appreciated.

[@BrandoDamo]

They are slightly tighter fitting and don’t work for every application, but I’ve had no issues with them not fitting onto fasteners. I wrench on some pretty crusty Toyota iron with my personal projects and haven’t had any issues. I don’t think it’ll be a problem at all unless you only work on serious New England rusty stuff. They are currently my favorite sockets I’ve used.

[@Flockingtheherd]

I have a full line of Nepros tools and yes they are super nice, too nice, I actually really hate to use them because of that. I finally got some koken ratchets in and I’m so glad I made the purchase before they disconinued the 36 tooth mechanism, they’re nice but actually utalitarian unlike Nepros. I know 36 teeth seems low but kokens version knocks the socks off most 72 or 90 tooth mechanisms, and I don’t have to worry about the ratchet ever breaking unlike my wera ratchets

[@BrandoDamo]

I love both and I use both. I have to make a special point to use my Nepros tools just like any other tools. It hurts at first but then it gets easier. 😂

[@WizzRacing]

I have to buy the 15mm with all mine.. As I use 1/4" all the time. Still begging them to make an 11mm 1/4" nut gripper. As anybody that works on BMW knows. They use 11mm nuts on the intake . And you drop that nut. It will end up on top of the engine. Then your spending an hour fishing them out...They work great on replacing the thermostat too. As it's easy to replace it without removing the fans. I just did one not 2 hours ago... I would add. I have the whole set of there spark plug sockets. I have never broken a spark plug since..And they hold that spark plug...

[@shock0rider]

Geat video! Since you have Ko-ken and Nepros ratchets - which one is better in terms of socket wobble? I'm planning to get a decent 1/4" ratchet but can't decide between Ko-ken and Nepros. I'm slightly leaning towards the Nepros because I like the quick-release mechanism more but I don't know if the 1/4 Nepros is as tight fitting (in terms of socket play) as the Ko-ken.

[@BrandoDamo]

So I just got my first 1/4” Nepros ratchet and put up a video comparing the Nepros to the Ko-ken Zeal, so check that out to see them both. The Zeal ratchet with Zeal sockets have no play at all in the drive/socket interface, although there is some wobble from the actual gear in head of the ratchet. Using both I have to say I prefer the Nepros in fit, finish, feel, and in use. It’s a more premium product and it shows. The sockets feel very solid on the Nepros, although the drive/socket interface has the slightest bit of slop where the Zeal has none. Hope that helps!

[@shock0rider]

@@BrandoDamo Thanks for your detailed thoughts. I've watched your video and just ordered a 1/4" Nepros with a quick spinner.

[@BBoYSHaDoE]

Due to the low profile, do you need to use Koken 1/4" driver to use their socket? or can I use my Tekton 1/4" drive?

[@BrandoDamo]

The zeal sockets work fine on every other ratchet I’ve tried them on.

[@BBoYSHaDoE]

@@BrandoDamo perfect! What an amazing design from them. Thank you!

[@justinelliott293]

Just subbed to your channel, I'm interested in a lot of Japanese related things which lead me to Koken tools. What made you choose tools from japan over everything else?

[@BrandoDamo]

Thanks! I have always liked and appreciated Japanese products because of their quality and craftsmanship. I’ve used exclusively Japanese cars my whole life. I have been using Japanese stationary (pens and such) since I was a young teen. Regarding the tools, I was getting increasingly sick of wrenching with cheap crap and started getting a few better quality tools. I have some German tools and some American stuff, but I started to gravitate naturally toward my trusty, quality minded friends, the Japanese! I then just started searching out different manufacturers and started trying stuff out, and trying different purchasing and shipping methods to get this stuff stateside.

[@pmags1331]

Hope you are well . Miss your content .

[@BrandoDamo]

I’ll try to make some more videos soon! I have a few Japanese tools lined up to share.

[@brunob8827]

Where did you ordered koken from? From some online store?

[@BrandoDamo]

If you are in the USA the easiest places to buy it are directly from Amazon.co.jp (you have to set up an account), Palmac.net (Which is Koken’s official distributor for America), or Frank’s tools. I’ve had the fastest delivery straight from Japan with Amazon Japan! I would suggest looking at Koken’s website and their catalog to acquire the part numbers you want and then search for those on the sites I mentioned.

[@brunob8827]

@@BrandoDamo Im in Europe, and none of those seem to ship it here... Thanks for reply, I will keep on searching...

[@alexandrumardare828]

What is your long term experience?

[@BrandoDamo]

Koken zeal ratchets and sockets are my some of my most used tools. They hold up great and perform fantastically! Every time I need some special size of socket I buy koken.

[@gonadiator]

As far as sockets, the Nut Grip get 99% of the attention and hype on KZbin but the Z series is far superior in functionality.

[@BrandoDamo]

I like both… I also like my normal Koken sockets.

[@emo137]

where to buy these tool bro?

[@BrandoDamo]

These came from Amazon Japan I believe, but you can probably buy them through your country’s Amazon, or if you’re in the USA you can order from palmac, Frank’s tools, kokenusa..

[@emo137]

@@BrandoDamo thank you brother