NEW 72 Tooth Koken Zeal Ratchets are here! 🇯🇵 First Look 🇯🇵 Koken Tool Haul

[@joruckus]

So beautiful. I really want to replace my Rachet / Sockets to the Z-line.

[@BrandoDamo]

I love the zeal line! I’d like to get a non flex head too!

[@papyunboy]

from Japan. Ko-ken tool is excellent. I love the new 72-gear ratchet. I bought some.

[@BrandoDamo]

Nice to hear from you! Enjoy your Ko-ken items!

[@takeyasun9702]

You can easy to change 36t to 72t, use Ko-ken 72 tooth parts. Parts no 3725RK-2 This parts for Z-EAL 3725Z(-280) 3725ZS 3726Z(-280) 3726ZS Thanks for using Japanese tools !

[@BrandoDamo]

@@takeyasun9702 Thank you! I love Japanese tools and will continue to try more! :) I have heard that the new 72-tooth internals do fit the old ratchet bodies, but I was also told swapping internals voids the warranty on both parts.

[@BrandoDamo]

@Monogottsu Eeko Thanks for the comment and the link! That is basically what I have heard, but I hadn’t seen it writing before. Thanks again!

[@Mr.Thermistor7228]

My 3/8 koken is being delivered tomorrow and I can not freaking wait. I also can't wait for the rest of the zeal series to come to market, right now they just have 3/8 out

[@BrandoDamo]

I am excited for the 1/4” & 1/2” 72T as well!!!

[@madirishmen55]

I love your videos! I just got my first Koken ratchet and I can’t wait to start using it!

[@BrandoDamo]

Nice! I’m sure you’ll like it! Thank you so much!

[@DizzKidz]

If only the sockets had some knurling for a little extra grip. Thanks for taking the time to show your tools off!!!

[@BrandoDamo]

I highly recommend either a Koken or Nepros quick spinner adapter. They are real game changers for using ratchets!

[@christofear]

@@BrandoDamo I keep mine on the ratchet all the time

[@watchin-stoof988]

Great ratchets - I have a stubby 3/8 but god so I wish they offered all their ratchets without that soft/plastic handle. I refuse to buy other sizes for that reason alone

[@patrickcreech5240]

Glad I found your channel HUGE Nepros ratchet fan, and have been looking to upgrade my metric sockets, you have got me leaning towards Koken Z-Series, what is your opinion?

[@BrandoDamo]

I love Nepros too! And the Nepros sockets are beautiful, well made, and I really like them for general purpose use. But sometimes every millimeter matters and when it comes to that the Z-series shines by being so compact both in height and in diameter. One thing to note about the Z-series sockets is that they are manufactured to tighter tolerances than most other sockets and they fit tight. So if you are wrenching frequently on older rusty stuff they don’t work super great, and the sockets can get stuck on fasteners. For clean, newer cars and machinery they work great. There are places I simply could not get to without removing stuff, that I was able to get to using z-series sockets.

[@Toumis]

Im torn between the regular flex head and the 280mm version,which one would you recommend? Mainly for automotive use.

[@BrandoDamo]

I almost always reach for the long handle version… but I also reach for the fixed head long handle ratchet more than the flex head.

[@Toumis]

@@BrandoDamo I imported the 3725z and a 3725ZB-280 and i cant believe how smooth the mechanism is,the backdrag is miniscule and the head is tiny!

[@irving2451]

Thanks a lot! Because of this video, I just ordered one Koken 3/8 72-T from Rakuten Japan today. But I need to buy a 1/4 hex bit holder (a adapter) for this ratchet as I mainly use it for driving screws. Would you mind recommending me a good one?

[@BrandoDamo]

Koken pn:3137 3/8" Sq. Drive Bit Holder I have the 1/4” drive version and I like it. I also have 1/4” & 3/8” drive bit holders from Tone, which is another Japanese brand. I’m pleased with both.

[@irving2451]

​@@BrandoDamo Thanks a lot! Let me get one. :)

[@WizzRacing]

You have to keep your hand away from that 1/4" ratchet switch... You can swipe it by mistake and it reverses on you...I fixed mine by adding bearing grease on just the selector switch inside it...

[@BrandoDamo]

Yes it can be sensitive for sure.

[@zorbaseatery4745]

How do you feel about the lack of locking flex head on the Koken? Are there situations where the locking head would have an advantage? Because otherwise, they look sweet and I'm considering a set!

[@BrandoDamo]

It’s not a consideration for me to be honest. I have not had any situations where I said to myself “I wish this head locked.” Now I’m sure there’s some situations out there where that feature might come in handy, but it’s not super common for the wrenching situations I get into. Much of the time I don’t even need a flex head and could do it with a fixed. They are great quality, and nothing beats the super light back drag on these Koken zeal’s! Thanks!

[@zjenji]

Hey Brando, I’m a big fan. Is it possible to turn your audio up? It’s a struggle to hear you most of the time. Thank you.

[@BrandoDamo]

I’m just using my IPhone. Maybe I can boost the sound after the fact.

[@pablopopovich1762]

Good video. I like japanese tools. I don’t have a koken 72t but I have an old 24t and zeal 36t. I like them more than my nepros. I rarely need a 90 tooth. I will get that long flex head eventually. Maybe they will find a box for it.

[@BrandoDamo]

They do have such a nice feel to them! I just can’t choose between Nepros and Koken so I use a mix of both!

[@gtlawone]

Just got the standard length flex from Palmac today. Regret not getting the long one too.

[@BrandoDamo]

Nice! You’ll enjoy it. The long flex did come in handy for me just today reaching down into an engine bay, so they both definitely have their place

[@speedwolf5212]

Probably a dumb question but just want to sure- will other manufacturers’s sockets fit on these ratchets? Just dipping my toe into the jdm tools and want to make sure my Wright & Snap-on sockets & extensions will fit on a Koken (or Nepros) ratchet. Cheers!

[@BrandoDamo]

They all should fit. The only thing you might ever have an issue with would possibly be Koken’s Zeal sockets not fitting on a non-Zeal ratchet. I have never had an issue using them on other ratchets, but the Z-series stuff is all made with very tight tolerances.

[@andrestnt]

Finally, its the only thing Koken has been lacking. Was debating buying the Mac 90 or stahlwille 80t one, but will probably get the long version of this. On the packaging, you can't really compare koken with nepros. One is well the rolls of tools, koken is middle ground and mostly a socket specialist tool company.

[@BrandoDamo]

The ratchets are truly excellent. I would recommend them, although I can’t leave my beloved Nepros!

[@andrestnt]

@@BrandoDamo yes exelent ratchets, i own the compact version of the 36t. tho i still think its lacking theeth.

[@vammyhouse5206]

Where did you order? Did they give the stickers too?

[@BrandoDamo]

I got these from Amazon Japan if I remember correctly… I think the stickers came from another order from Koken USA, but I can’t remember.

[@thejeepinrealtor5742]

Thanks for the reviews and videos. Very informative and helpful. I am likely purchasing the 3/8 Nepros flex head long soon. Have you found any data on claimed torque rating for these Nepros ratchets? Huge fan of Japanese made products where precision and finish is concerned. Wearing one of my favorite Grand Seiko right now! Also, last question, have you had a chance to check out the Nepros compact series? Curious about strength of action on those etc.

[@BrandoDamo]

I can’t remember where I’ve read it, but I believe the 3/8” drive mechanism fails at about 250 ftlbs. As for the compact ratchets, I haven’t seen any official specs, but I think the snap on 3/8” drive in 1/4” body ratchets are rated to 90ftlbs, so I would say it’s a safe bet that the Nepros are comparable. Thanks for the comment!

[@singachuotodiy]

@@BrandoDamo thanks for the torque spec number, have hard time to find the safe limit about the nepros. Ordered NBR290H and NBR390H. How about 1/4 in 1/4 body, what the safe torque number for that ?

[@vicpetrishak7705]

Pretty much a rock solid copy of a SnapOn ratchet !

[@ГригорийЛапшин-н1ц]

I want new ratchet, damn... Are 1/4 ratchets from Koken have new 72T mechanism?

[@BrandoDamo]

Not yet, only their 3/8”. They won’t release 72 tooth 1/4” & 1/2” ratchets until next year. I have a 1/4” Koken zeal with the current 36 teeth and the back drag is truly excellent, but I’d still suggest waiting for the 72 tooth. I actually use my long handle Nepros 1/4” ratchet more, it is extremely smooth and has 90 teeth.

[@singachuotodiy]

is z-eal socket fit on Nepros or any non koken z-eal ratchet ?

[@BrandoDamo]

They fit fine on any ratchet other I’ve tried. 👍

[@singachuotodiy]

@@BrandoDamo how often you need z-eal stubby socket ? Do they only ideal for bolt, and have problem with nut because the excess of stud bolt ?

[@SnD340]

If you had to pick one, nepros 90 or koken 72?

[@BrandoDamo]

I can’t live without either! But… Nepros is just so beautiful! 😂

[@mikeydee8398]

Why choose? When I can’t make my mind up I just buy both 🤦🏾‍♂️... it’s not a big ticket item so why not.

[@SnD340]

@@mikeydee8398 my bad big baller. No one asking how big your pockets are. The new koken flex is 110 dollars and the nepros flex (same length) is 180. 300 dollars for two ratchet is expensive. I do have both koken and nepros, I'd have to take koken 9/10 times.

[@mikeydee8398]

@@SnD340 this is not about pockets there’s no one to impress have snap on and if you own snap on you know these are priced real good and it’s not that serious, I couldn’t make up my mind either so in that case just buy both... if not you’ll always wonder about the other one..these aren’t $1000 ratchets.. $300 bucks and you can have to nice ones...just trying to help dude don’t get butt hurt it’s not that serious and there is no females that give a fucks about your tools.. so again it’s no one to impress and I don’t know about you but I’m not into impressing men.

[@SnD340]

@@mikeydee8398 yes I do have snap on. I also know that a 3/8 long flex head ratchet from snap on is less expensive than nepros. The question was not for me, I can afford both and I've bought both. I wanted someone who has both items (like me) and tell me first hand, what they feel is superior if they had to choose one.

[@seano51]

How much force is required to remove a socket from the koken? I dislike using my snap on ratchet because of how difficult it is swapping between sockets.

[@BrandoDamo]

Never thought about it with these. I just went out and tried several different sockets on my Zeal ratchets and it felt like a perfectly comfortable amount of force was needed to remove and install sockets. No problem

[@mmholling87]

I normally have multiple ratchets with different sockets on them, that way I'm not fumbling around trying to swap sockets with greasy hands. Keep a flat blade screw driver close and you can put it between the socket and ratchet, give it a twist and your socket will pop off.

[@212th]

How much less backdrag is there with the new 72 tooth compared to the older 36 tooth?

[@BrandoDamo]

These 72 tooth models are the first 3/8” ko-ken ratchets I’ve owned so Unfortunately I can’t make a direct comparison with the older 36 tooth models. The back drag is very low though.

[@WizzRacing]

You can't tell the difference..And I got all of them...But if you abuse your ratchets with cheater bars. Get the 36t....Or have a spare parts kit around. And you can stuff a 72 tooth kit in them anyways.

[@212th]

@@WizzRacing Thanks

[@toddwittke3173]

Woooooo my orders goin in soon. Not sure if u said but where u order from? Palmac?

[@BrandoDamo]

Yes sir, I got these from Palmac.net. If you order any of these make sure the part number ends in “-72T” so you end up with the new ones!

[@hey4792ya]

Good.Always worry about nepros or ko-ken.

[@BrandoDamo]

I can’t choose between them either! They’re both so nice in different ways :)

[@toddwittke3173]

Im all in on the koken z series. I like the innovation .

[@BrandoDamo]

@Watchin-Stoof I’m with you! I can’t choose between Nepros and Koken so I’ve “had to” go with both 😂

[@loganmartin8613]

Do you like koken or nepros ratchets more

[@BrandoDamo]

They are both excellent, but the Nepros are just so beautifully made and feel so good in in the hand!

[@loganmartin8613]

@@BrandoDamo what about there sockets? Which do you prefer?

[@BrandoDamo]

So when it comes to the Koken z-series specifically, I don’t think they can be your do all socket if you work on a wide variety of stuff. They are shorter, smaller diameter, and fit fasteners quite tightly. They are made to tighter tolerances. If you are only working on new hardware and on modern cars, then you could get away with using them exclusively. The Zeal z-series stuff does not work great on old rusty and corroded fasteners. So in my case I use the Nepros as my deep sockets and my “general” purpose sockets. But there are times where I could not get to a fastener, or that I would have to remove stuff in the engine bay if I used the Nepros, but I was just barely able to get it done with the zeal. So I would probably not get the zeal if that’s your only set of sockets. Koken does offer their non-zeal, standard sockets also which you can’t go wrong with for general purpose use.

[@jamesstephenson2346]

What do these do better than a snap on d80? Or is it just a desire to be different?

[@BrandoDamo]

Much “lighter” backdrag, the force to turn the ratchet to the next click is extremely low. That’s what Koken is famous for. These are extremely robust and are manufactured to tighter tolerances than other manufactures, smaller ratchet head dimensions, they are very well made and offer a lot of value for the price. That’s how I would Koken up.

[@davehaggerty3405]

The head is so much smaller. Without loosing strength. The backdrag is half of my Smap-On 1/4" drive ratchet. The internals are a much simpler design. 3 moving parts and a spring. Snap-On dealers are reluctant to take a ratchet apart. On the down side, Ko-ken is heavier, non-locking only, not sealed with O-rings and a limited selection compared to Snap-On.

[@jamesstephenson2346]

@@davehaggerty3405 i have never heard of a snappy guy who was reluctant to take a d80 apart.. ive rebuilt several, theres no magic. Thanks for the input though.

[@jpbiscaro8694]

I understand why they do it. But I wish they had no skip socket sets

[@BrandoDamo]

I do like seeing all the sizes sitting there all in order.. but when’s the last time I used a 16mm socket? Probably never 😂

[@jpbiscaro8694]

@@BrandoDamo True

[@alexiangelatos2116]

@@BrandoDamo I work in German cars. I see 16mm daily.

[@BrandoDamo]

@@alexiangelatos2116 Good to know!

[@raybeats9141]

7:27 they work so hard on the tool that they forgot to make a case for it 😂🤣🤣🤣that what makes it look so cheap even if it’s not

[@BrandoDamo]

I agree, but I’ve gotten more since and they came in a handsome box! 😂

[@hectorlozada2503]

Are they strong

[@BrandoDamo]

They have a very strong and reliable design. I’ve been very pleased.

[@saiiiiiii1]

I wonder if anyone actually uses their Nepros and Kokens. Every video I see about them, they all look like brand new. I'm honestly interested in a Koken but do they get real life workshop usage? 😂

[@BrandoDamo]

I don’t baby them, and I also don’t abuse them. I use them both daily in an “industrial” type setting. Both manufacturers are fantastic and hold up great!

[@saiiiiiii1]

@@BrandoDamo any chrome peeling on the Nepros?

[@BrandoDamo]

@@saiiiiiii1 Not at all. Nepros has the best chrome I’ve come across. Maybe after a few more years of use we’ll see a failure, but not yet!

[@brettwalkom948]

Get over it mate who cares if it's just in a bag.. Snap on ratchets don't come in any fancy packaging

[@BrandoDamo]

I’m a visual person who thinks presentation means something. I just got a couple more Koken ratchets and they all came in nice, colorful boxes! BUT the product on the inside of the box is what really matters.

[@dougtilaran3496]

Get a real Koken and review it. The only thing on T00B is 72 72 72 72 and, of course ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz. Lets see an all metal 24 and try to break it !

[@BrandoDamo]

Ask Koken if they consider these real Koken or not. I don’t try to break my tools.

[@ras6186]

A cosmetic review, what a waste of time. I could have asked my wife which ratchet is prettier and comes in a nicer package

[@BrandoDamo]

Who said this was a review? A first look is just that. Looks like you wasted even more time leaving a comment.

[@EK99_00]

It doesn’t matter how they packaged it, you’ll still buy it. Complaint lol!!!!

[@BrandoDamo]

In the end I just want an excellent product. I’m just a person who always considers aesthetics and presentation!