Being that Japan is known for extreme quality standards, I’m not surprised. That being said, when I break my snap on/Mac ratchets my guys will get me a replacement the same day so I’m gonna keep them around.
If you work at a dealership or car repair shop and snapon comes to you, their tools may be ok but for the average homeowner snapon sucks. Try finding a truck to get your stuff warrantied. Those drivers are notorious for not showing up. Stick with a big box brand tool.
I hear the same statement from people that buy harbor freight tools, yet the tool snobs always cite how inferior a product is compared to their snap on
Thanks again for testing the backdrag on these. If I remember correctly, every 3/8 ratchet you've tested exceeds the ASTM 150 ft-lb test, so to me what really makes a great ratchet is one that is incredibly smooth like that Koken. Nothing worse than being jammed into an engine compartment or upside down jamming your hand into the oil return fitting for a turbo, and even though you've got the nut/bolt/screw loose, you still can't fit your fingers back there, so you have to use a ratchet to completely unscrew it.
This is what I love to see as far as the brand being compared. Everyone wants to see the newer MAC Axis and Snap on, and koken, and nepros is also amazing. But I just wanted to say I like these companies for your test. Great video🖒🖒 the MAC do get smoother if you add a stiffer grease
They all do get smoother with wear and breakin. The MAC locking flex is my newest one and you can probably knock 1 or more inch ounces off after months of use.
Another nice thing about the Ko-ken is the exposed rear side of the gearwheel.. I can put my finger there to hold it for no back drag at all. I also like that their ratchets have 3 moving parts and a spring. In a head half the size of anyone else. But they're not a sealed ratchet. Will they need to be cleaned often? They are not cheap. By the time you discount for all of the hand-holding you pay for when buying off of the tool trucks, they're in the same range as other premium tools. The Zeal 72T is a superior ratchet that people will criticize until they try one.
Koken makes excellent ratchets, and even more excellent sockets. I don't brake tools, usually I have more then one ratchet so having to replace it fast is irrelevant. Koken doesn't just make comfort grip ratchets, they have multiple styles.
The little number following the part or model number on Ko-ken ratchets, sockets and bars etc is the max torque load on that tool. This is unique to Ko-ken and it's really handy.
I have heard mrsubaru1387 mention Koken tools on his channel recently, i too have been fan of Japanese tools and watches because their craftsmanship, thanks for doing the vid very cool channel! I always check your channel and sub as you do the most in-depth testing of any channel i know on ratchets and sockets and it shows! I really have my eye on that Koken 72tooth ratchet now. I have a broke in Matco 88 flex but i have a feeling the Koken would still win on back drag right out of the box!
No need to tell me I found out over a year ago ko-ken is awesome! You better put a caliper on your matco vs the ko-ken is slimmer all around. Lol missed a big one on that point chris. Great video all around!!
Koken 3/8” 3726-z was .983” and the Matco BFR158LFB was .956” from anvil bottom to other side, so it was super close. The chrome body on the Koken is .540” vs Matco .478” The 3/8” drive in a 1/4” body is just all around tiny so it didn’t get compared since I don’t have a Matco and Snap On one to compare 🤫
@@ClientGraphics put a socket on it where the anvil sets the ko-ken lets it set flush...now here's some food for thought I have a black ratchet and that could be a issue also the chrome and black ones have different tolerances...they are definitely a whisker difference no matter which way you slice it. I will send you some pics on Instagram tomorrow!! Thanks chris
That little 3/8" in a 1/4" body is insane. I thought it was a nitch ratchet...Till I got one. It can fit places today. You would be hard pressed to get a wrench in....
I would like to see NEPRO ratchets thrown into your testing . It's a shame to have to test to failure especially at 90 bucks for their cheapest ratchet but if anyone could do it. It'll be you . Love your tool comparison videos , they are always awesome and at time super surprisingly
Have you come across anyone who actually took the back drag rating of a Nepros? I would be curious to see, I’ve hear anecdotal evidence that they maybe smoother than the Koken, however I can’t find any videos or pictures of someone using a torque meter on one.
You can't find anybody that actually uses the NEPRO once they get them...They put them in a glass case....I use mine. But I have to keep an eye on them. As people will walk off with it....
@@randomguy3281 out of three new nepros informally tested, two 1/4" and one 3/8", none was smoother or even simply as smooth as any of my Ko-ken ones, excepting the 3/8" round head, regarding backdrag and feel and none of those are Z-eal series... 😏👌 iirc, Factory gear had a video on a nepros ratchet with backdrag measured but i can't find it anymore... 😬
gotta get a new ratchet/socket set soon. Debating on this or SK. Kinda leaning SK cause it's cheaper and I can get the metric/SAE set. Looking forward to that vid when it comes out! Good job on this one
Never heard of them. They look nice and glad to see something not made in china for Japan. Would love to see a teardown video and would definitely like to see it taken to 200ft/lbs.
@@Mr.Thermistor7228not according to all the test on UA-cam. The Koken came last in the failure load department. Snap on was almost 100ftlb more resistant.
It makes perfect sense, they were using a copy of the old PROTO indendent dual pawl design. I'm sure they've refined it some though. Obviously something has to be way different if they're getting 72t out of it.
I thought so. I have a WW2 era ratchet from Plomb (Proto) that has the weird dull gray finish. That thing is much, much smoother than my two 1940s era Snap-On ratchets. When I opened up the Plomb to clean and lubricate it, the guts inside look very much like my Koken ratchets.
Koken makes an exquisite breaker bar,at the head it's only an inch wide in the 1/2" drive size (narrower than Snap On,SK or Craftsman) but fear to use that thing for fear of breaking such an exquisite thing
why would you fear to use it? using it would be a show of respect and appreciation for the Ko-ken engineers and workers who made it to be used. not abused with a 10ft cheater tube though. 😉
@@KeterMalkuth maybe, but i prefer to use the right tool for the job. if the 600mm 1/2" isn't enough, get the 3/4" one. still have to break one of my Ko-ken or Wright ratchets and breaker bars though and still haven't found anything that cannot get done up to 76mm rust-salted bolts without resorting to the 10ft tube. sometime adding 2m tube to the 1.5m handle is useful in the field on the 1" ratchet, sometime you use the slugging wrenches or the cheap _surplussed_ torque multipliers or you induction-heat the 💩 out of it. anyway, to each its own. 😽
Just picked up a Koken 3725Z 72 tooth ratchet. While the backdrag is low I compared it to my brand new NOS SK Tuff 1 45175 3/8 ratchet and dare I say it, I think the SK has even lower backdrag. I also like the knurled SK handle better the the small handle of the Koken.
I have the exact same Mac ratchet. (As well as snapon/gearwrench). I Use it on the daily and I love that thing. I put it through some pretty good stress. If it breaks, my Mac guy got me. That Koken ratchet has me interested tho.
The Koken sockets seem to have a snugger fit than some others. I do have a couple Koken lug sockets that appear to be designed to fit on air tools,they have sleeves that protect fancy wheels from getting scuffed. Look sort of like miniature torque sticks. My preference for working on my own car. Although if I had to deal with a "stuck" lug bolt I would feel better with an old Bonney or perhaps a Wright impact socket. They are heavy and thick so might not fit everywhere. The Koken hand impact driver "Attack" is said to be second to none although I think the Snap On version is better than the ones from big box store brands
Hi there love your reviews....do you know the torque failure point on that koken model? I found your other video showing Milwaukee at 300 ft-lbs and wondered where this stands. In the late 80's my dad gave me a Craftsman set of sockets and 3 ratchets. I broke the 3/8 and need another 7" OAL that will fit in the box...yeah, I'm that neurotic and yes, I'm so cheap I'm not replacing the set. I'm mostly focused on a fixed head 72 tooth.
My friend just gave me a relatively brand new Black series Craftsman my God that back drag is terrible. He said he paid about $890 for it too I was like you fool but thank you. As I'm not one to turn away anything as far as wrachets go. Maybe I will after I get a pair of these Z 72s
I've got a small 1/4" Koken that I don't like much. It's sealed so can't be maintained, it has a weird pin on the square head, not a ball detent, so attaching or removing sockets is a pain.
As someone who has inherited a fair bit of my tools & boxes (of very mixed quality), I’m willing to make take a risk investing in a good ratchet/driver set. Thanks for the review! -Isaac
Would be nice if the Japanese tool manufacturers, Koken and Nepros, would come to the USA and revolutionize how the high end tool industry operates; starting with brick and mortar stores in most states. If your city doesn't have a store, they could provide the ability to overnight tools or replacement parts directly to the consumer. Even providing regional warehouses to direct ship from a retail website would be better than the tool truck business model. Similar to Tekton, but with getter quality products. Someday...maybe.
So does every tool. Its the spring inside which causes the "back drag". Springs naturally get looser over time as used or compressed. Keep in mind the koken were all brand new as well.
Hello again Chris and Mrs. CG A couple of questions for you. 1) who makes the 0z to inch pound tester? 2) How does that work. Does it have a spring. If so, do you have it checked for accuracy? Third and I promise last question. What did that cost? Why did I ask. To be honest, I have never seen it before and I am wondering where have I been lol. Again thank you for another Great Video.
Seekonk makes this tester. It is called a vertical torque tester. It costs 160-200 USD. Seekonk is a privately owned USA made company. They specialize in precision torque tools. Chris does not need to check the accuracy of this as it was thoroughly inspected at quality control. He did however get his torque tester calibrated that he boight from Quinn harbor freight... because it's harbor freight.
Backlash and backdrag is way different. Backlash is usually referencing a mill or lathe specifically about how much slop is between the forward and backward movement of the table or of the carriage, of the mill or lathe respectively. Backdrag is what you were testing in the video
In your experience with these tests, which level of tooth count provides the most torque? Most rachets from homedpot/etc promote mostly higher teeth counts around the 100+ range. Surprising to see such a low tooth count in the Koken, and I'm assuming as such, it is better. Whats your thoughts and have you done a video of a high tooth count vs mid tooth count vs low tooth count torque ability test?
There nice ratchet. But not gonna be much smoother then mac. They are very strong feeling in the backdrag. Very nice rathets. I'd say around 6on his scale he's using
Big question! LET SEE THE ELEPHANT on the room! When they broke how log take the warranty? I sample its who warranty that in Dallas TX? NOBODY!!!! Because its no dealer here. Even harbor freight have better service even if i don like to day that. Koken yes its an awesome tool. I was going to try it . But nobody here sale that or warranty that. Thats a huge point. And yes i know what am talking about. I work on the industry for 27 years. For be an awesome tool. Need to expand territory and warranty. And i will get some to try it. I think the rest of the tech’s think the same.
No. Just Palmec or Franks. Tool trucks add a lot of cost to tools. SK, Tekton and others sell directly to customers. It will be interesting to see if tool trucks and their exclusive brands survive. Mac trucks used to stock Gearwrench. But no more. The internet is changing marketing. I have bought stuff from Amazon jp (Japan) and Amazon de (Germany) and it was fast shipping. I don't see tool trucks lasting much longer. When's the last time you saw a milk truck or bread truck? Ever? I used to deliver tool trucks to guys who had bought a Mac Tool franchise. Most had to mortgage their house. Some lost their house. And that was before everybody bought everything over the internet. My wife even buys our groceries online. Snap-On is a great company. With top tier engineers, research & development. Not just a marketing company like so many brands. But they have to change their marketing strategy. Or companies like Ko-ken will take over.
Not sure this was the original video where I tested many other brands except Koken and some people commented to try Koken ua-cam.com/video/mzvZXeOse2I/v-deo.html 👌🏻
@@ClientGraphics I was one of the people that requested this and I definitely appreciate that you did it.... but I also agree this video definitely seems like it was sponsored by Koken.
That drill press clamp/vise is squeezing the heads of those ratchets, resulting in significant impedance on the internal ratchet mechanism. That increases the backdrag and makes the test unfair!
A lot commenters look really salty and defensive over @ClientGraphics having the audacity to like a ratchet from a company they haven't heard of. He's calling it like he sees it, giving reasons for why he's impressed.
It definitely didn’t seem plastic. When I get a rebuilt kit I’ll scratch into it but google metal injection molding. It’s probably aluminum or some blend of metal powder.
Not sure why back-drag is important or why it is an indicator of "quality". I use ratchets every day and never have I wished the "back drag" was less in my ratchets lol. I actually would rather have a finer tooth ratchet.
It’s important because it’s the amount of force you need to switch teeeth on the ratchet which if you’re working in tight places is super important. Ya fine teeth are good but at the same time if it takes double the force to engage the next tooth as opposed to a ratchet with less teeth but switches teeth much more easily, then you can see why it’s important
@@Iambetterthanyouanduknowit I've been doing this for more than 20 years.... If a ratchet and socket fit, then my hand will also fit. You run it down by hand, then use ratchet to take it the rest of the way. If we were talking about ratchet wrenches I would agree.
If you actually used them and their sockets. You would notice that you would not be swinging wide. Yes 36 tooth is still 36 tooth. But the miniscule back drag and the non existence slop between anvils and sockets make a very tight fit thus recreating a fine tooth ratchet. When you put a socket/extension on a snap on ratchet. There is a wiggle/play in them. This play is technically extra travel needed to create contact within the anvil to turn the socket.
@@SnD340 . . . so how does that make it valuable when swinging distance has no constraints? "feels good in the hand" is what it sounds like you're saying.
He misuses his terms, backlash and back drag. Backlash is a distance measurement. Back drag is a force measurement. This video is all about back drag and never addresses backlash. Lash is the free play in a mechanical drive system. Backlash is the total lash in the drive train experienced when changing directions. This is important when attempting to compare effective handle arc swing required engage the next ratchet/pawl tooth. Back drag is the force required to engage the next ratchet/,pawl tooth. Both are important to the mechanic. High back drag can turn an un-torqued fastener on the ratcheting back swing. Excessive backlash consumes handle arc swing reducing how many ratchet/pawl teeth engagements are effected. Achieving fine tooth ratcheting engagement that did not compromise tool strength was a major challenge for the tool industry. Snap-On was super late to the fine tooth pear head ratcheting world, frustrating this Snappy user for nearly 3 decades. I owned a handful of the Snappy round head ratchets with moderate approval, but relied on my SK 72 tooth ratchets over my beloved Snap-On tools when fine tooth was warranted. As far as I know, SK was the first to introduce the 72 tooth system about 1980 when I purchased my SK ratchets. If Snap-On already had this design, I was not aware of it for at least another 10 years when I began trying the Snappy versions. I have never seen a Koken tool, but I see strong reviews of them. Snap-On eventually developed their 80 tooth pear head design. I own quite a few. It is a highly superior tool design and finally put my SK tools and Snap-On round head tools to secondary use. My son has recently been purchasing the new Snap-On 100 tooth ratchets. I have seen reviews that Snap-On has some quality/function issues with the new series. I have been retired for years, and likely can no longer justify the Snappy expense for the 100 tooth ratchets, so I don't plan on experimenting. Koken looks great from the head size and fabulous back drag. I would like to see a backlash comparison and strength and service life comparison. Availability and cost comparisons are other related considerations. This review is meaningful, but in the nerdy world of ratchet comparison misusing specific technical terms is not very helpful. Japan turned the USA manufacturing world on its head yet has not punched deeply into the USA tool market. Japan beat up the USA automotive industry, electronic industryand did the same to the USA machine tool industry. It will be interesting to me to see if Japan will beat up the USA tool industry too.
The backdrag is probably created by the grease used to decrease wear in the other ratchets. Wash out manufacturing grease inside the other ratchets with some WD40 and, Taadaa! low backdrag! Ratchets that come dry or lightly oiled from manufacturers have very low backdrag but will wear out sooner. That has been my experience taking apart and servicing my cheap chinese ratchets. I'm not saying the Koken ratchets are low quality or cheap, I'm sure they are very high quality, if not the best.
The regular Ko-Ken are considerably less money than the Ko-Ken "Z" series tools that are featured in the video. And they have the same excellent knurling, chrome finish, and performance. The big difference is that Z series are machined thinner for automotive use.
I did this same video with a ton of ratchets (27) months ago and commented I would check out Koken at some point. I didn’t think a 36t ratchet would or could be as smooth initially and then I heard Koken launched the 72t 3/8” drive so I had to check them out. Koken did not compensate me and I have to this date never been compensated by any tool company.
@@ClientGraphics thank you for your reply. I consider myself a “tool guy” and was surprised that I had never heard of Koken. I’ve signed up for their emails. Always looking for the highest quality tools. Thanks for the video.
I order from palmac and used the promo code MRSUBARU5 to save 5%. I didn’t see a rebuild kit for the new 72t ratchet so I’m waiting for them to be available but I’ll admit I didn’t look too hard for it yet😉
Being that Japan is known for extreme quality standards, I’m not surprised. That being said, when I break my snap on/Mac ratchets my guys will get me a replacement the same day so I’m gonna keep them around.
Don't break your tools. 🤦♂️
Happens once in awhile, can’t help it. Heavy use items wear out and occasionally break.
If you work at a dealership or car repair shop and snapon comes to you, their tools may be ok but for the average homeowner snapon sucks. Try finding a truck to get your stuff warrantied. Those drivers are notorious for not showing up. Stick with a big box brand tool.
I hear the same statement from people that buy harbor freight tools, yet the tool snobs always cite how inferior a product is compared to their snap on
“The same day” Yeah, no dealer does that. They got other places to be selling tools, not to deliver a singular ratchet.
I've got that little koken. It's insane, when using it I thought the Ratchet broke as it was so quiet and smooth
I really enjoy learning about new high quality brands. Backdrag on the little Koken is crazy lol
You and me both. It was mentioned months ago from multiple subscribers to check out Koken tools👍
Thanks again for testing the backdrag on these. If I remember correctly, every 3/8 ratchet you've tested exceeds the ASTM 150 ft-lb test, so to me what really makes a great ratchet is one that is incredibly smooth like that Koken. Nothing worse than being jammed into an engine compartment or upside down jamming your hand into the oil return fitting for a turbo, and even though you've got the nut/bolt/screw loose, you still can't fit your fingers back there, so you have to use a ratchet to completely unscrew it.
ty I've been wanting to see koken backdrag (not backlash) tested. now let's see one of their 1/4" drive (with 1/4"anvil) ratchets tested also!
This is what I love to see as far as the brand being compared. Everyone wants to see the newer MAC Axis and Snap on, and koken, and nepros is also amazing. But I just wanted to say I like these companies for your test. Great video🖒🖒 the MAC do get smoother if you add a stiffer grease
They all do get smoother with wear and breakin. The MAC locking flex is my newest one and you can probably knock 1 or more inch ounces off after months of use.
Another nice thing about the Ko-ken is the exposed rear side of the gearwheel.. I can put my finger there to hold it for no back drag at all.
I also like that their ratchets have 3 moving parts and a spring. In a head half the size of anyone else.
But they're not a sealed ratchet. Will they need to be cleaned often?
They are not cheap. By the time you discount for all of the hand-holding you pay for when buying off of the tool trucks, they're in the same range as other premium tools.
The Zeal 72T is a superior ratchet that people will criticize until they try one.
Nice test i like it when tools are compared in a scientific way thanks.
I would love to see how the Nepros ratchets compare to this bunch. And Koken Zeal ratchets are the next one on my list. Thank you for this video.
One arrived just last week I do need to test it out. I also purchased a rebuild kit with it for some odd reason🤣
@@ClientGraphics is koken having nepros make their 3/8 in a 1/4body ratchet? Nepros has had thereS for awhile
Just following up about the Nepros. I haven't seen it in your feed yet. Stay safe, and love the videos
@@Papadragon-7 no
Just picked one of these up and … holy smokes … what a nice hand tool.
Definitely going to add some zeal sockets to the mix too!!
Koken makes excellent ratchets, and even more excellent sockets. I don't brake tools, usually I have more then one ratchet so having to replace it fast is irrelevant. Koken doesn't just make comfort grip ratchets, they have multiple styles.
The little number following the part or model number on Ko-ken ratchets, sockets and bars etc is the max torque load on that tool. This is unique to Ko-ken and it's really handy.
What you mean exactly?
Nice. I have the KTC Nepros ratchets and I was wondering how the Koken stuff compares.
Wooooooo love my koken tools!!!!!
Wooooooooo more koken vids
I plan on doing another Koken video at some point. Nice quality well made and engineered tools.
I don't have Koken but Im still very proud ppl are buying them. If i could do it all over, I would stock up on everything Koken has to offer.
This kind of addiction to Koken tools is a healthy one.
I have heard mrsubaru1387 mention Koken tools on his channel recently, i too have been fan of Japanese tools and watches because their craftsmanship, thanks for doing the vid very cool channel! I always check your channel and sub as you do the most in-depth testing of any channel i know on ratchets and sockets and it shows! I really have my eye on that Koken 72tooth ratchet now. I have a broke in Matco 88 flex but i have a feeling the Koken would still win on back drag right out of the box!
No need to tell me I found out over a year ago ko-ken is awesome! You better put a caliper on your matco vs the ko-ken is slimmer all around. Lol missed a big one on that point chris. Great video all around!!
The Koken was definitely less wide. Now you are going to make me go check because I swear the Matco was thinner as far as the chrome body.
Koken 3/8” 3726-z was .983” and the Matco BFR158LFB was .956” from anvil bottom to other side, so it was super close. The chrome body on the Koken is .540” vs Matco .478”
The 3/8” drive in a 1/4” body is just all around tiny so it didn’t get compared since I don’t have a Matco and Snap On one to compare 🤫
@@ClientGraphics
Please do a back-drag test on the Tekton 3/8 ratchets?
@@ClientGraphics put a socket on it where the anvil sets the ko-ken lets it set flush...now here's some food for thought I have a black ratchet and that could be a issue also the chrome and black ones have different tolerances...they are definitely a whisker difference no matter which way you slice it. I will send you some pics on Instagram tomorrow!! Thanks chris
B
That little 3/8" in a 1/4" body is insane. I thought it was a nitch ratchet...Till I got one. It can fit places today. You would be hard pressed to get a wrench in....
MrSubaru here on UA-cam did it and it's great for Subarus. Might do it myself for when I'm working on boat engines at work.
yup, its very handy when it comes to really tight spots for sure. that normally you use wrench to open it.
I would like to see NEPRO ratchets thrown into your testing . It's a shame to have to test to failure especially at 90 bucks for their cheapest ratchet but if anyone could do it. It'll be you . Love your tool comparison videos , they are always awesome and at time super surprisingly
Have you come across anyone who actually took the back drag rating of a Nepros? I would be curious to see, I’ve hear anecdotal evidence that they maybe smoother than the Koken, however I can’t find any videos or pictures of someone using a torque meter on one.
You can't find anybody that actually uses the NEPRO once they get them...They put them in a glass case....I use mine. But I have to keep an eye on them. As people will walk off with it....
@@randomguy3281 out of three new nepros informally tested, two 1/4" and one 3/8", none was smoother or even simply as smooth as any of my Ko-ken ones, excepting the 3/8" round head, regarding backdrag and feel and none of those are Z-eal series... 😏👌
iirc, Factory gear had a video on a nepros ratchet with backdrag measured but i can't find it anymore... 😬
gotta get a new ratchet/socket set soon. Debating on this or SK. Kinda leaning SK cause it's cheaper and I can get the metric/SAE set. Looking forward to that vid when it comes out! Good job on this one
I hope you didn’t get sk.... so overpriced.
Never heard of them. They look nice and glad to see something not made in china for Japan. Would love to see a teardown video and would definitely like to see it taken to 200ft/lbs.
I've got 2 koken in the past 2 months. They're really good, especially when it comes to head thickness. Too
Been there done that, ko-ken destroys every other ratchet in every category and it's not even close
@@Mr.Thermistor7228not according to all the test on UA-cam. The Koken came last in the failure load department. Snap on was almost 100ftlb more resistant.
It makes perfect sense, they were using a copy of the old PROTO indendent dual pawl design.
I'm sure they've refined it some though.
Obviously something has to be way different if they're getting 72t out of it.
I thought so. I have a WW2 era ratchet from Plomb (Proto) that has the weird dull gray finish. That thing is much, much smoother than my two 1940s era Snap-On ratchets. When I opened up the Plomb to clean and lubricate it, the guts inside look very much like my Koken ratchets.
@@Duke_of_Prunes
Yes the mechanism has not changed in about 100 years.
They spent 4 years developing the koken 72 tooth mechanism
Finally!!! A video mentioning backdrag or backlash FINALLY EXISTS!! Nobody every mentions this…
I just bought both of those Kok-en's.
Very impressed, thank you.
I will be buying more Ko-ken for sure
When will you be testing the Koken ratchets for torque? I have the 3/8” in a 1/4” body and I’m curious as to how strong it is.
Agreed. I wanna see just how much torque the Kokens can handle.
@@jeffreycaban5107 its stamp on the handle by neuton instead of pounds
Too bad the comfort grip zone on the Koken is sized for small children.
Koken makes an exquisite breaker bar,at the head it's only an inch wide in the 1/2" drive size (narrower than Snap On,SK or Craftsman) but fear to use that thing for fear of breaking such an exquisite thing
why would you fear to use it? using it would be a show of respect and appreciation for the Ko-ken engineers and workers who made it to be used. not abused with a 10ft cheater tube though. 😉
@@KeterMalkuth maybe, but i prefer to use the right tool for the job. if the 600mm 1/2" isn't enough, get the 3/4" one. still have to break one of my Ko-ken or Wright ratchets and breaker bars though and still haven't found anything that cannot get done up to 76mm rust-salted bolts without resorting to the 10ft tube. sometime adding 2m tube to the 1.5m handle is useful in the field on the 1" ratchet, sometime you use the slugging wrenches or the cheap _surplussed_ torque multipliers or you induction-heat the 💩 out of it. anyway, to each its own. 😽
Thanks for spending all the $ on this video! I am using this to make purchasing decisions!
I have a few kokan tools, I think there fantastic, Frank's tools sales kokan and ashi tools
Their swivel extensions are the absolute best in the business. Makes swivel sockets obsolete
Could you do a test with nepros as well? I have a couple of their ratchets and they’re fantastic
Great video as usual Chris. I am also excited to see the tear down.
Thanks Dale appreciate you watching and commenting.
Ko-ken is one of the best, look at Nepros next!
Just picked up a Koken 3725Z 72 tooth ratchet. While the backdrag is low I compared it to my brand new NOS SK Tuff 1 45175 3/8 ratchet and dare I say it, I think the SK has even lower backdrag. I also like the knurled SK handle better the the small handle of the Koken.
Nice. I would like to see the NEPROS 90 tooth too
I have the exact same Mac ratchet. (As well as snapon/gearwrench). I Use it on the daily and I love that thing. I put it through some pretty good stress. If it breaks, my Mac guy got me. That Koken ratchet has me interested tho.
Nice video! I am excited to see you take it to failure haha. Koken are nice but the backward switch is annoying.
The Koken sockets seem to have a snugger fit than some others.
I do have a couple Koken lug sockets that appear to be designed to fit on air tools,they have sleeves that protect fancy wheels from getting scuffed. Look sort of like miniature torque sticks. My preference for working on my own car. Although if I had to deal with a "stuck" lug bolt I would feel better with an old Bonney or perhaps a Wright impact socket. They are heavy and thick so might not fit everywhere.
The Koken hand impact driver "Attack" is said to be second to none although I think the Snap On version is better than the ones from big box store brands
japanese RD and craftsmanship is awesome
Great video 👍🏻
Thanks Craig for watching👌🏻
Hi there love your reviews....do you know the torque failure point on that koken model? I found your other video showing Milwaukee at 300 ft-lbs and wondered where this stands. In the late 80's my dad gave me a Craftsman set of sockets and 3 ratchets. I broke the 3/8 and need another 7" OAL that will fit in the box...yeah, I'm that neurotic and yes, I'm so cheap I'm not replacing the set. I'm mostly focused on a fixed head 72 tooth.
I think if Koken can work on a more competitive warranty policy they'll really give the other companies a run for their money
My friend just gave me a relatively brand new Black series Craftsman my God that back drag is terrible. He said he paid about $890 for it too I was like you fool but thank you. As I'm not one to turn away anything as far as wrachets go. Maybe I will after I get a pair of these Z 72s
That intro was really good. I can’t wait to see how they handle max torque. How’s the price on their tools I’ve never looked at them.
Those z series ratchets are comparable price wise to the tool truck brands I believe.
@@mr.m3820 that’s good to know. Thank you.
I've got a small 1/4" Koken that I don't like much. It's sealed so can't be maintained, it has a weird pin on the square head, not a ball detent, so attaching or removing sockets is a pain.
As someone who has inherited a fair bit of my tools & boxes (of very mixed quality), I’m willing to make take a risk investing in a good ratchet/driver set. Thanks for the review!
-Isaac
Would be nice if the Japanese tool manufacturers, Koken and Nepros, would come to the USA and revolutionize how the high end tool industry operates; starting with brick and mortar stores in most states. If your city doesn't have a store, they could provide the ability to overnight tools or replacement parts directly to the consumer. Even providing regional warehouses to direct ship from a retail website would be better than the tool truck business model. Similar to Tekton, but with getter quality products. Someday...maybe.
The matco gets alot more smooth over time
So does every tool. Its the spring inside which causes the "back drag". Springs naturally get looser over time as used or compressed. Keep in mind the koken were all brand new as well.
I feel like I wana buy this new koken zeal set but my 2005 1/2' socket set has no sign of giving up , so I don't have a valid reason to buy them 😢
Hard to find anyone testing Ko-Ken tools with heavy duty work. That’s there the Snap or Mac may have the edge
great look at some fine tools Chris
Hello again Chris and Mrs. CG
A couple of questions for you. 1) who makes the 0z to inch pound tester? 2) How does that work. Does it have a spring. If so, do you have it checked for accuracy? Third and I promise last question. What did that cost? Why did I ask. To be honest, I have never seen it before and I am wondering where have I been lol. Again thank you for another Great Video.
Seekonk makes this tester. It is called a vertical torque tester. It costs 160-200 USD. Seekonk is a privately owned USA made company. They specialize in precision torque tools. Chris does not need to check the accuracy of this as it was thoroughly inspected at quality control. He did however get his torque tester calibrated that he boight from Quinn harbor freight... because it's harbor freight.
Backlash and backdrag is way different. Backlash is usually referencing a mill or lathe specifically about how much slop is between the forward and backward movement of the table or of the carriage, of the mill or lathe respectively. Backdrag is what you were testing in the video
Is back lash important in daily use. Is it strong and will it take a beating?
Wurth, Garant - Somethimes these rebrand koken and sell them cheaply. Overall - Koken is very high quality brand.
A cheap Wurth??
@@נוחיחזקאל
Yep... they can be found cheaply in Germany.
Great video
In your experience with these tests, which level of tooth count provides the most torque? Most rachets from homedpot/etc promote mostly higher teeth counts around the 100+ range. Surprising to see such a low tooth count in the Koken, and I'm assuming as such, it is better. Whats your thoughts and have you done a video of a high tooth count vs mid tooth count vs low tooth count torque ability test?
Where's the sk tools at with their 4 degree arc swing that's what I wanna see
There nice ratchet. But not gonna be much smoother then mac. They are very strong feeling in the backdrag. Very nice rathets. I'd say around 6on his scale he's using
The SK LP90 flex I picked up on the SK steals and deals this year had around 7 and upwards of 8in-oz. Its a pretty strong spring internally.
@@ClientGraphics I was close!Haha off by 1 or 2. Thanks for the nice tests
@@ClientGraphics I didnt see the LP90 in steals and deals! How much was that?
@@Brother287 1/4 ratchet was as low as 25 and the flex version for 35. 3/8 11in flex was for 45. 3/8 standard for about 35
Nepros are said to be the best Japanese ratchets. Koken is a good user.
Please test the gedore brand ratchet
Big question! LET SEE THE ELEPHANT on the room! When they broke how log take the warranty? I sample its who warranty that in Dallas TX? NOBODY!!!! Because its no dealer here. Even harbor freight have better service even if i don like to day that. Koken yes its an awesome tool. I was going to try it . But nobody here sale that or warranty that. Thats a huge point. And yes i know what am talking about. I work on the industry for 27 years. For be an awesome tool. Need to expand territory and warranty. And i will get some to try it. I think the rest of the tech’s think the same.
I wonder if there are franchises out there and Koken tool trucks competing with the other brands.
No. Just Palmec or Franks. Tool trucks add a lot of cost to tools. SK, Tekton and others sell directly to customers.
It will be interesting to see if tool trucks and their exclusive brands survive.
Mac trucks used to stock Gearwrench. But no more.
The internet is changing marketing.
I have bought stuff from Amazon jp (Japan) and Amazon de (Germany) and it was fast shipping.
I don't see tool trucks lasting much longer. When's the last time you saw a milk truck or bread truck? Ever?
I used to deliver tool trucks to guys who had bought a Mac Tool franchise. Most had to mortgage their house. Some lost their house. And that was before everybody bought everything over the internet. My wife even buys our groceries online.
Snap-On is a great company. With top tier engineers, research & development. Not just a marketing company like so many brands. But they have to change their marketing strategy. Or companies like Ko-ken will take over.
Koken rocks. Much better than snap off, cheaper too. Much better designs too in my opinion
Hi
Why does it feel like this video is highly sponsored by koken.
Not sure this was the original video where I tested many other brands except Koken and some people commented to try Koken ua-cam.com/video/mzvZXeOse2I/v-deo.html 👌🏻
@@ClientGraphics good point, just watched it. Good content
Chris gives results , no matter what they are
no matter what you say
@@ClientGraphics I was one of the people that requested this and I definitely appreciate that you did it.... but I also agree this video definitely seems like it was sponsored by Koken.
Is the Koken fully sealed like a Snap On?
who makes that gearless ratchet?
Does ko-ken only do 3/8 ratchets or what
Compare these to Gearwrench 120xp or even the new 90 tooth. Bet the gearwrench sits closer to the koken than any of those others
wish they didn't force you into that comfort grip, but hey koken knows best right?
What? They offer them in both comfort and all metal.
Can you test nepros backlash
Your not gonna include Nepros or any German brands?
Cool
Backdrag queens
That drill press clamp/vise is squeezing the heads of those ratchets, resulting in significant impedance on the internal ratchet mechanism. That increases the backdrag and makes the test unfair!
No it's not.
Something sounded off with that Mac, it shouldn't have been jumping 3-5 teeth at a time
What are the prices? How important is it to have numbers that low?
I'm from the UK. I buy it from amazon Japan as I save about 20 to 50 quid on them!
A lot commenters look really salty and defensive over @ClientGraphics having the audacity to like a ratchet from a company they haven't heard of. He's calling it like he sees it, giving reasons for why he's impressed.
Koken ftw
Is the selector switch on the kokens plastic or metal?
Metal
It definitely didn’t seem plastic. When I get a rebuilt kit I’ll scratch into it but google metal injection molding. It’s probably aluminum or some blend of metal powder.
koken never put plastic parts on the mechanism 😁
they need to make some more sae stuff...I work on aircraft and thats mostly what I need....please see this message Koken lmao
What lube do you use for koken?
Yo chris!
👋 Mr. Cardoza happy Monday
The Pittsburgh Pro 62331 1/4-inch 72T flex-head ratchet from Harbor Freight has very low back drag as well at an unbelievably low price.
Pass thru bahco?
Not sure why back-drag is important or why it is an indicator of "quality". I use ratchets every day and never have I wished the "back drag" was less in my ratchets lol. I actually would rather have a finer tooth ratchet.
It’s important because it’s the amount of force you need to switch teeeth on the ratchet which if you’re working in tight places is super important. Ya fine teeth are good but at the same time if it takes double the force to engage the next tooth as opposed to a ratchet with less teeth but switches teeth much more easily, then you can see why it’s important
@@Iambetterthanyouanduknowit I've been doing this for more than 20 years.... If a ratchet and socket fit, then my hand will also fit. You run it down by hand, then use ratchet to take it the rest of the way. If we were talking about ratchet wrenches I would agree.
Still take my Snapon ratchet over any
Gearwrench 120XP has zero to no backlash and that’s brand new not broken in
Now I cant wait to see it break the anvil or the gears to see who is still the strongest. Milwaukee? Koken ?
lol milwaukee doesn't make tools they're just a brand. everything from koken was actually made in their own factory
Tekton ?
Japanese quality is amazing
Slop seems to really only matter in tight quarters so you really only need a tight small in hand ratchet. Everything else you'll be swinging wide.
If you actually used them and their sockets. You would notice that you would not be swinging wide. Yes 36 tooth is still 36 tooth. But the miniscule back drag and the non existence slop between anvils and sockets make a very tight fit thus recreating a fine tooth ratchet. When you put a socket/extension on a snap on ratchet. There is a wiggle/play in them. This play is technically extra travel needed to create contact within the anvil to turn the socket.
@@SnD340 . . . so how does that make it valuable when swinging distance has no constraints? "feels good in the hand" is what it sounds like you're saying.
He misuses his terms, backlash and back drag. Backlash is a distance measurement. Back drag is a force measurement. This video is all about back drag and never addresses backlash.
Lash is the free play in a mechanical drive system. Backlash is the total lash in the drive train experienced when changing directions. This is important when attempting to compare effective handle arc swing required engage the next ratchet/pawl tooth. Back drag is the force required to engage the next ratchet/,pawl tooth. Both are important to the mechanic. High back drag can turn an un-torqued fastener on the ratcheting back swing. Excessive backlash consumes handle arc swing reducing how many ratchet/pawl teeth engagements are effected.
Achieving fine tooth ratcheting engagement that did not compromise tool strength was a major challenge for the tool industry. Snap-On was super late to the fine tooth pear head ratcheting world, frustrating this Snappy user for nearly 3 decades. I owned a handful of the Snappy round head ratchets with moderate approval, but relied on my SK 72 tooth ratchets over my beloved Snap-On tools when fine tooth was warranted. As far as I know, SK was the first to introduce the 72 tooth system about 1980 when I purchased my SK ratchets. If Snap-On already had this design, I was not aware of it for at least another 10 years when I began trying the Snappy versions.
I have never seen a Koken tool, but I see strong reviews of them. Snap-On eventually developed their 80 tooth pear head design. I own quite a few. It is a highly superior tool design and finally put my SK tools and Snap-On round head tools to secondary use. My son has recently been purchasing the new Snap-On 100 tooth ratchets. I have seen reviews that Snap-On has some quality/function issues with the new series. I have been retired for years, and likely can no longer justify the Snappy expense for the 100 tooth ratchets, so I don't plan on experimenting.
Koken looks great from the head size and fabulous back drag. I would like to see a backlash comparison and strength and service life comparison. Availability and cost comparisons are other related considerations.
This review is meaningful, but in the nerdy world of ratchet comparison misusing specific technical terms is not very helpful.
Japan turned the USA manufacturing world on its head yet has not punched deeply into the USA tool market. Japan beat up the USA automotive industry, electronic industryand did the same to the USA machine tool industry. It will be interesting to me to see if Japan will beat up the USA tool industry too.
All this Japan koken talk where's all the Tone Japan tools ?
Nice
The backdrag is probably created by the grease used to decrease wear in the other ratchets. Wash out manufacturing grease inside the other ratchets with some WD40 and, Taadaa! low backdrag! Ratchets that come dry or lightly oiled from manufacturers have very low backdrag but will wear out sooner. That has been my experience taking apart and servicing my cheap chinese ratchets. I'm not saying the Koken ratchets are low quality or cheap, I'm sure they are very high quality, if not the best.
better than nepro
Worked with a Koken when their ratchets cost like 17 bucks, not 70.
The regular Ko-Ken are considerably less money than the Ko-Ken "Z" series tools that are featured in the video. And they have the same excellent knurling, chrome finish, and performance. The big difference is that Z series are machined thinner for automotive use.
These aren’t cheap.
Please confirm that you are not in any way compensated by Koken
I did this same video with a ton of ratchets (27) months ago and commented I would check out Koken at some point. I didn’t think a 36t ratchet would or could be as smooth initially and then I heard Koken launched the 72t 3/8” drive so I had to check them out. Koken did not compensate me and I have to this date never been compensated by any tool company.
Here is the other video if you haven’t checked it out ua-cam.com/video/mzvZXeOse2I/v-deo.html
@@ClientGraphics did you purchase the tools or did Koken provide them for testing?
@@ClientGraphics thank you for your reply. I consider myself a “tool guy” and was surprised that I had never heard of Koken. I’ve signed up for their emails. Always looking for the highest quality tools. Thanks for the video.
I order from palmac and used the promo code MRSUBARU5 to save 5%. I didn’t see a rebuild kit for the new 72t ratchet so I’m waiting for them to be available but I’ll admit I didn’t look too hard for it yet😉