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Nepros vs Ko-ken Zeal 🇯🇵 Nepros Ratchet • Ko-ken Nutgrip Sockets • Japanese Tool Haul
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- Опубліковано 7 січ 2021
- In this video I take a look at my most recent Japanese tool haul featuring a new 1/4” drive Nepros ratchet (Long variant), some Nepros accessories, a 1/4” Ko-ken Nutgrip socket set, Ko-ken bit driver socket, and a comparison between the Nepros and Ko-ken zeal ratchets.
#Nepros #NeprosTools #Koken #KokenTools #nutgrip #japanesetools #toolhaul #madeinjapan
makes me want to get a job as a mechanic just so I can use theze beautiful tools daily ....
Nepros: shelf tool for display
Koken: a tool your going to use everyday
Pretty much! But I actually use a bunch of Nepros stuff daily and it hold up fantastically. Koken is the work horse though.
How about koken vs ktc?
@@kerr5970 eh ktc makes a great usable ratchet if ur a mechanic. But I’d still give the winner to koken. In my experience ktc tools have been harder to get in US than Nepros lol, even though ktc owns Nepros. Koken definitely has the best mechanism in terms of strength and fluidity. Kokens mechanism uses a single pawl mechanism with no other moving parts except for a selector pin. This prevents torque from being applied to the backplate unlike pretty much any other ratchet out there. It also happens to have the lightest back drag of any ratchet, it’s the only ratchet that I own where I can fully loosen/back out a hex bolt before the mechanism stops ratcheting. Koken also has the lowest clearances of any ratchet which makes any adapter/extension fit extremely solid and without wobble. Not to mention koken tools can be purchased in the US for considerably less than Nepros or KTC tools since they now have a U.S. warehouse. Just in every way, they are better :p
@@Flockingtheherd so basically Nepro is like Gucci, paying for the brand?
@@kerr5970 The KTC's are coarser, with more backdrag yet super excellent design and tough. Look up the BR4F, Bad to da bone 1/2 short flex tank.
In so nee to Nepros i have yet to receive any of their incredibly beautiful looking works of art, tools. I'm also extremely new to Koken. However I do have several adapters ratchets and a few wrenches of Koken and Zel series. Looking to get a complete socket sets. It's so hard to figure out what I want to get from Nepros as every single thing they do and make looks just three steps above any other manufacturer I've ever seen. But by the end of 2024 I'm sure I'll have quite a nice starting selection of Nepros. I really love the look and styling of their wooden handle screwdriver sets. Justin notch above everyone else.. kinda like the Knipex of Japanese. You just cannot do any better than that manufacturer as far as pliers go.. and at the beginning of 2023 I only had three pairs of them I have about 35 pairs of them now. One of the most versatile tools ever made. And Knipex nailed it when they design a new pair. Just got their auto locking auto clamp pliers that im sure will save my rearside soon enough. Their plies make some of the toughest plumbing I've come almost easy.. the Raptors are a serious workhorse.. but I digress I'm sorry about tgat, just love talking tools .
Those sockets are genius.
They’ve been quite useful. I’ll probably get a 3/8” drive set as well since I like them so much!
Definitely. I have a bunch of 10mm of them. No other ones 😂
Japanese just do it better. Such amazing craftsmanship
The ratchet sounds amazing. Just hopped online and bought one in 3/8s based on your review and the sound alone.
Oh wow! Hope you enjoy it!
@@BrandoDamo I will report back and let you know my thoughts (if my wife doesn’t find out and kill me) 😂
Wow, wow and wow! Just got it and the craftsmanship is amazing. Well balanced, smooth, small swing arc, almost zero drag and just feels like you’re holding quality. I am really happy with this purchase. Thanks again for the helpful review.
I crank on them Ko-kens ratchets.. And them nut grippers are stupid crazy smart. And if you work on BMW you will know what I mean. As you don't go fishing for nuts and bolts for an hour...
I just got two more orders in from Japan this week...As i wanted them spark plug sockets and Z series socket sets. As i love them magnetic rails they come on....
Thanks for this comparison video; I never tire of such.
That said, I humbly suggest you left out one important consideration. I'll explain.
Notwithstanding the fact that Ko-ken has announced 72-tooth technology. it is only available in 3/8-inch ratchets today, and promised for 1/4-inch (hopefully, later in 2021). The Ko-Ken you demonstrated was therefore a 36-tooth model. The swing arcs for the Nepros and Ko-Ken ratchets are starkly different, 4 degrees and 10 degrees, respectively. Since both are exquisitely made of the best materials, the theoretical strength difference attributable to tooth count is not going to be a concern because they're both very strong and over-torquing is not likely in the 1/4-inch world. So, we're down to ease of use. The numbers don't lie; Nepros wins by a factor of 2.5x, and in certain very tight situations, there's no denying that the Ko-Ken may simply not suit. BUT, does Ko-Ken's renowned low back-drag mechanism buy back some rating points and thus make the race closer? Might there be a case for owning it as well? Furthermore, when 72T Ko-ken 1/4-inch ratchets become available, might not Ko-Ken take the overall points lead? After all, 4 and 5 degrees of arc are very close. Incidentally, Ko-Ken is claiming back-drag remains superbly (unbeatably?) low with the 72T series.
Can you record a follow-up video in which you compare the two ratchets on the basis of back-drag?
Yes this little Ko-ken is a 36 tooth model. Ko-ken has said that the only 72 tooth ratchet it will be releasing in 2021 will be the 3/8” (I just got them in and put up a new video if you’re interested in getting the first look at them). The back drag is less on the Zeal than on the Nepros. Comparing the two in quick succession you can feel the difference, but it is not a huge difference. Purely on numbers the Ko-ken wins with less back drag, and whenever they release their 72 tooth updated model then yes, the swing arc difference will be negligible, and the Ko-ken would be in the lead in pure, utilitarian consideration (maybe I’ll make a video sometime actually measuring the difference in force per click of the ratchet gear to quantify the whole thing). In real world use though the differences are verge on meaningless, and they are both a pleasure to use. Another consideration which I find relevant is that the Ko-kens are simply not as nice as the Nepros ratchets. The Nepros are more beautifully made, better chrome , more luxurious, and have a superb hand feel. The thing is, they are both excellent, they are both wonderful, and it is very hard to choose one over the other. What I do is I get both and enjoy both. 😉 I have non overlapping models of each, for instance my various length fixed head 3/8” ratchets are Nepros, but my flex head 3/8” ratchets are Ko-ken so they don’t overlap at the moment.
You are very fortunate to be able to indulge your tool "addiction." It is a disease I too would be afflicted by if I had sufficient disposal cash to buy the "drugs."
Not for an instant do I question that the Nepros is more beautiful. It is in a league by itself in that regard, something akin to the Rolls Royce. One can wear it like jewelry. Ko-Ken's goals are to be the utilitarian best, while at the same time providing an affordable level of artistry.
@@rachavya I justify it by telling myself that I’ll use these tools for the rest of my life. Which is probably true!
I believe anyone who inherits them when you transition to the workshop in the sky (may that not be soon) will use them all their life as well.
You forget one thing, Koken ratchets have a extremely thin head. In some cases, simply getting into the position is better than more teeth.
However, I'm still going to buy the nepros 1/4 today I think. I've only got 2 koken ratchets atm
How is the back drag on the nepros vs the koken? People say that koken ratchets have low back drag.
In daily use, I find button releases on ratchets to be very useful. It's annoying when your socket gets a little dirty and then you have to exert a lot of force to pry it off your ratchet. Having a button-release as well as low backdrag actually increase your productivity when you're using a ratchet. For most applications, it doesn't matter if your ratchet can handle 250 foot pounds of torque or 300 foot pounds of torque before the square drive sheers. When it matters, you get out your 1/2" breaker bar or your beefiest 1/2" drive ratchet plus a thick-walled half-inch drive socket, loosen your bolt, and then switch back to your low-back-drag fine-tooth ergonomic 3/8" or slimmer 1/2" ratchet.
So, for me, ergonomics, low back-drag, low-slop and ease of changing sockets matter most.
Koken does indeed have the lowest backdrag I’ve come across. The Nepros ratchets are also quite low. Like, you I think I prefer the quick release button. Koken does now have this as an optional feature on new Zeal ratchets. Having said that the ergonomics of the Nepros ratchets really are superb.
Check out the gedore 1/4 bit holders for ratchets. Definitely my favorite and 5$ not bad price for the quality. Amazon
I’ll give them a look. Thanks!
I have had koken socket set since 2005, totally abuse it. Still no sign of giving up
Glad to hear it! I keep adding to my ko-ken collection
@@BrandoDamo You made me buy a Nepros 1/2" ratchet drive after watching your video last night. That ratchet handle costs me more than the entire Koken set 2005 price, lol
Do a review on the koken titanium ratchet set.. it’s only like 4000 bucks. Or 6000 if you buy it off eBay, nbd
I’ll get right on that 😂
Dude, that’s epic of you to donate that to a creator! That makes you a rock star!
Appreciate the videos lad! Cheers!
Thanks brother!
Stunning!
I would want to see the nut grip socket along with an extension to see if socket stays down in a hard to reach area.
They make much longer Nut-Grip sockets…. Also Koken makes locking extensions.
Uh... One more channel with the tools. One more tempter to spend more money. Thanks for the video.
Only buy what you need! And... also things you really want... but within reason!
@@BrandoDamo Thank you. But it doesn't work in my case. I see some beautiful tool - I'll buy it. It may be "tool addiction" and I better to see a doctor, but I won't.))
These koken/ made in Japan guys always say how low the beackdrag is but always advertise those spinners which are put on the ratchet for when the backdrag is higher than the tightness of the nut being ratcheted. If the back drag is that great, those spinners would be less effective or not needed at all. Just food for thought. I did like your video though 🤙🏼
The only reason the spinner is used is to quickly thread fasteners in and out with your fingers, eliminating excess ratchet motion on a super loose fastener. Nothing to do with the back drag of the ratchet.
@@BrandoDamo I see. Just seems like extra to me. In my experience, backdrag has never been a problem but I guess if the access was super limited, the spinner would come into play
The only ratts with as little back drag as Koken are....ya ready ?...The pear head, coarse, old skewl Proto.a 5450 will blow your mind if you never handled one.
How do you use a nut grip socket on an extension? Wouldn't you then lose the socket in the depths of grime haha?
I often use locking extensions. Especially with hex sockets which tend to stick in the socket head cap screws.
Out of the box, do these ratchets need to be lubed? I just got the 1/4 and it feels dry. Thanks!
Mine have felt fine out of the box and have sounded ok too. I’d imagine they are particular about the amount of lube they use, but idk.
@@BrandoDamo I emailed Nepros. They advised to use it as is, but to lube it with a little SuperLube later on. Just a little, as too much can affect backdrag and even interfere with operation. I appreciate your reply!
Anyone else unimpressed with the Koken 3725Z? I fell like Koken has capitalized on these youtube videos. I just don't see how it compares to my snap on FX80, or even a Wera 3/8 I have. Their sockets seem like good product ideas. I may have to try those. My favorite ratchet was the Craftsman premium but the gears and anvil were insanely weak that I had to return them.
What don’t you like about your use of the Koken? Anything specific?
@@BrandoDamo the biggest thing would probably be downtime when it breaks. It is stupidly way too small. I bought the long handle 1/4 one and it is much better. I wanted to like koken ratchets but the internet makes them out to be so much more than they actually are. Snap on FX is probably my favorite for all these reasons.
Just got a short and long 1/4". Fit and finish is all nice and stuff but the grip on the long one is so small in diameter, I really don't like using it at all. Any way to get that grip fatter? Maybe 2 or 3 layers of shrinking tube?
I don’t think there’s a good way. I guess it’s just personal preference, the long handle 1/4 Nepros is one of my all time favorite ratchets!
Good video. Which one? I can NOT! Both are OK THX!
Koken is very good and more affordable; Nepros is luxury and is very nice, but very pricey. You can’t go wrong either way though, so go with what your budget allows! :)
where's the link
I think I got these from Amazon Japan, and some from the manufacturer… Can’t remember.
For that Koken 2137 adapter, how secure do the hex bits feel in it? Do they jiggle?
They feel quite secure, they do not jiggle. I also have similar 1/4” and 3/8” ones from TONE that hold extremely tight which makes them hard to use. This Koken one is perfect though and I use it all the time.
I've been using koken sockets for years and I love them....but I wish they would use more teeth in their ratchets.
ua-cam.com/video/7MzMca37hPQ/v-deo.html
Here you go brother. They just came out this month with a new 72 tooth mechanism in their 3/8” zeal series ratchets!
@@BrandoDamo outstanding...now all I have to do is find a stockist in the U.K....but it will be worth the effort! Koken has a very small presence over here, and prices tend to be quite high, but you get what you pay for, and I simply cannot fault the quality and sheer elegance of their tools. I've been using a 3/8 drive set of the bolt grip sockets for about 8 years and they are probably the most useful sockets I own....I'm definitely going to get the 1/4 drive set! I'm also very fond of their surface drive sockets...if you haven't tried them they are well worth looking at, especially for fasteners that you really don't want to damage. Consider me subscribed 👍
I'm one of the lucky ones to own the new 72T 3/8-inch drive flexhead model. It is a gem! The lowness of the back-drag if phenomenal. I have never experienced anything like it, apart from my ratchetless, tiny, low-torque ratchets.
I also recently took delivery of the Z-series 1/4-inch socket set. Little jewels is what they are. I can't imagine anything smaller.
I sympathize with you re: UK purchases. My supplier (palmac.net) only ships to Canada and the US.
@@rachavya since my first comment on this subject, I have found a U.K supplier that keeps a good range of koken at reasonable prices (still quite a bit higher than I'd like to pay, though!). They do carry the 1/4"z series sockets and I'm hoping that they will expand their range and add the 3/8" and the new fine tooth ratchets in future. Importing direct from Japan doesn't seem to be an option as our customs tariffs are a bit of a mess at the moment ( I recently had to pay a surcharge amounting to 25% of the value of the goods to get some items from Japan delivered to me, on top of the shipping costs!
@@davidhull1610 Ouch 25%! There are often not good/cheap/fast ways to get some things from around the world. The USA is probably the easiest and cheapest country to get everything from everywhere, and even then some times it’s hard to get obscure things from other countries. But then some items I can get delivered to my door from Japan in 72 hours with Amazon Japan, which always blows my mind!
What’s the difference between Ko-ken’s 2137 and 2138?
The 2137 is for 1/4” shank hex bits (normal sized bits) and the 2138 is for 5/16” shank hex bits (I’ve only seen them really used as the bits for manual impact drivers).
Have you tried the tone grip socket?
I have not tried the Tone grip sockets, but I do have two Tone bit sockets for holding 1/4” bits and they use the same spring retainer as the Tone nut catch sockets. They hold bits extremely tightly, maybe even too tightly; so I would assume that the grip sockets would be similar and hold tighter than the Koken’s nut-grip sockets. (Which again might not be better)
@@BrandoDamo maybe I'm too ocd about this, but my set retaining clips vary of color and finish, they're all like a mirror dark chrome but the last few are satin, and out of nowhere the 14 is a bronze color, are yours like that?
@@martinblouin3639 problem is, their quality isn’t as what U think. Testing these tools in my
Shop tells me that they are not stronger than anything else U buy for cheaper. Sure U pay a lot of money for a brilliant design but that doesn’t buy U stronger metal materials. U might get a shiny Diamond. But a real mechanic, that only lasts one day. I’ll take my tools from snap on and get a replacement when needed every week free for the rest of my life
Bear
Hear you
Very poor audio
🤷♂️
Since Ko-ken, Zeal and Nepros are all products of KTC, aren't Nepros just glamorized Ko-ken tools?
Nepros is KTC’s premium brand. Koken has nothing to do with KTC or Nepros, it’s just a totally different manufacturer. Koken’s zeal items are just a line of Koken tools focused on compact, high tolerance designs for mainly automotive work.