Koken Tools

[RWebb]

given the dearth of car, tool, or garage threads in OT recently, I feel the need to start this...

[rusnak]

I bought one of their O2 sensor sockets from Pelican. It was OK.

But speaking of Japanese wares, I bought this titanium fry pan for my office kitchen. Can't wait to try it out.



https://www.pinterest.com/pin/689543392916956094/

[onewhippedpuppy]

Where do they fit in the grand spectrum of tool makers? I’d love to find something that is the equivalent of what Craftsman once was. Made in America, good quality, not fancy, reasonable price. I feel like all that’s left is Harbor Freight, a bunch that still make their stuff in China but they sell for more money, and then the high end stuff.

[widebody911]

Unfortunate name - rhymes with "broken"

[RANDY P]

[rusnak]

Originally Posted by onewhippedpuppy

Where do they fit in the grand spectrum of tool makers? I’d love to find something that is the equivalent of what Craftsman once was. Made in America, good quality, not fancy, reasonable price. I feel like all that’s left is Harbor Freight, a bunch that still make their stuff in China but they sell for more money, and then the high end stuff.

Maybe SK Tools?

[RWebb]

Originally Posted by onewhippedpuppy

Where do they fit in the grand spectrum of tool makers? I’d love to find something that is the equivalent of what Craftsman once was. Made in America, good quality, not fancy, reasonable price. I feel like all that’s left is Harbor Freight, a bunch that still make their stuff in China but they sell for more money, and then the high end stuff.

better than CrMan for sure

I don't really know where they actually fit but I hear a lot of discussion of them as top notch - they produce only sockets and related items.

I hear they have a low clearance design X line, but you can get Shortie Snap-Ons too.

[pwd72s]

Originally Posted by rusnak

Maybe SK Tools?

Bingo! I have some SK items in my (mostly craftsman from when they were made in USA) rollaway. Very well made, I'd say quite comparable to snap-on at a lower price.

Webb, however, is an elitist...has trouble thinking anything USA made can be made well.

https://sktools.com/

But if he should care to see some top quality tools, his local SK dealer is:

Grainger


2950 Chad Dr. �

Eugene,OR 97408

(541) 342-7606

[RWebb]

most of what I own was made in the USA - I do admire some aspect of Japanese culture however (e.g. OCD ina surgeon or engineer is often a good thing)


Stop insulting people paulie

[rusnak]

Originally Posted by RWebb

most of what I own was made in the USA - I do admire some aspect of Japanese culture however (e.g. OCD ina surgeon or engineer is often a good thing)


Stop insulting people paulie

Japanese and German people CAN be very OCD, and also very blunt and to the point. All of the talk about the Japanese being polite and obtuse, that is for people who they don't already trust. When you are on the same level of trust and familiarity, you can say exactly what is on your mind in both cultures. That is why sometimes they become very good friends in business and have mutual respect and trust for one another in this day and age. I suspect that Red Bull are on this level with Honda, for example. They are probably operating on a very one to one level and being very OCD about their common goal.

[KFC911]

Originally Posted by widebody911

Unfortunate name - rhymes with "broken"

Which rhymes with fokkin'...

My fokkin' Koken is brockin ....

[maxnine11]

They are an established tool maker with excellent quality; and a huge catalog.
I have a drawer full.

[RWebb]

Thx - do you find them better than other top brands, in some ways?

[rusnak]

I was looking at compact Koken sockets. They make some really compact wrenches too.

But then I came across this Nepros ratchet with 3/8" drive. It has 90 teeth and appears to be very well made:



For scale, that's a 13mm socket next to it.

[maxnine11]

I have a couple of Nepros ratchets.
Haven't used them much yet but they seem top shelf quality wise.

Nepros (New Professional) is KTC's top line.
KTC= Kyoto Tool Company.