I’m definitely thinking about spending serious money on the screwdrivers and pliers that live on my workbench, because i use them constantly. I’ve already begun replacing my plier set with Knipex. Those wooden Nepros screwdrivers are calling my name. As for ratchets, im pretty happy with my Kokens
The Nepros drivers would definitely cover the serious money part, lol. If you wanted to be a little more budget friendly, Felo's wood handle set is much more affordable (and you don't feel bad when you hit the end of them...the Nepros really is almost a mirror polish). If you wanted the Nepros for clean stuff, you could compliment it with Wiha/Witte/Wera for a good price. Knipex is hard to beat overall and has a VAST catalog of pliers. Koken's ratchets are pretty tough to beat. The only drawback is if you wanted a locking flex head as they currently don't have one in the catalog. Either way, it sounds like you are well on your way to having a killer workbench setup! Enjoy the process!
They do make really nice stuff. I did have to warranty that flex head ratchet or the longer version of it due to the teeth binding up. The replacement process was easy through my dealer (WhaleSupply).
I remember seeing that in your video. I was a little worried about this selector switch, but once it started moving, it stayed good. No issues since, but it was a bit concerning right out of the box. Glad they took care of you!
I have a +90 Nepros ratchet. Beautiful tools but I’ll stick with Ko-Ken. I have Ko-Ken and Vessel screwdrivers. Maybe I’ll try out a Nepros? Thanks for the video!!
Can't go wrong with variety. Nepros really is top tier in terms of general aesthetics and finish out. I've always thought Koken's screwdrivers were kind of underrated. The Nepros screwdrivers would be nice special use, or conversation pieces. The wood handles are immaculate and this resin handle in today's video is very unique. In real world use I think they would be nice interior, or clean job drivers. I have kind of wondered why they don't offer a model without the striking cap for a bit less. Regardless, even with the high price, it is worth adding one for comparison and to enjoy. 15% off at DRPD right now if it helps any, lol.
i think the hex is a grub screw to retain the pin on the joint. so many Japanese tool manufacturers i want to try. got a decent amount of koken but nothing else. awesome video as always. thanks
Yep, I believe that would be correct. Nepros is 100% over the top in presentation and finish out. I don't think you'd be disappointed with their ratchet...not quite like Koken, but very solid. Their drivers are also a great start point. Another hidden gem is their stubby hex bit sockets....Titanium Nitride coated too!
@@lonestarmopars yes very keen to get some of their ratchets or even a socket set. KTC too. Side note, just seen stahlwilles 2024 advent calender and it looks sweet ( besides new logo :( )
I can't afford to pay for Nepros. I do have some koken, Tone, and Vessel tools. My favorite is Koken, easily. They've got the nicest/smoothest rotation in the heads I've ever seen. I really appreciate the attention to detail in Japanese craftsmanship. The Vessel Megadora are my favorite drivers. They've got some nice wood-handled stuff, too. I also have the Megadora chissels, clip remover, and Impacta screwdrivers. I really like the screwdriver handles on all of them. Amazon prices on Japanese tools right now are awesome. If not for that, I'd still be expanding my Icon collection, more than likely. If I did have some Nepros, I'd almost be afraid to use them. It'd be cool to have one of their nice ratchets to display on my bench, though.
I agree with everything you are saying. Your recent tool purchases sound like mine. Started low then went to Icon, then to Koken and other Japanese brands. The yen is near 20 year lows. Time to buy is now. I have one nepros ratchet just to have at least one. Scored in for $70 on eBay or Amazon shipped from Japan. Long 3/8” in 1/4 body. Beautiful but I prefer the Kokens. And then after that just purchased all kinds of Koken ratchets.
Nepros does come at a premium price...Koken is very solid in the performance to value ratio...very hard to top there. Vessel makes excellent screwdrivers and they do have a nice variety. I don't mind using the Nepros ratchets...if you like bare metal handles they feel great. If I were you, I'd finish the build out as you are going and then wait for a deal on your Nepros conversation piece...Could even use it for clean jobs.
Thanks for watching! Yeah, Nepros presentation and finish out is top of the line. Past that, everything I've bought from them has performed just as well. Kind of cool that KTC is priced so reasonably and then they were just like, "Let's make something over the top" and brought the Nepros line to fruition.
I'd venture to guess you are 99% right. Not sure why I didn't think of that in the video. I'm betting you back it out, knock the pin out, and then have access to the nylon. I'm use to cheap stuff that wouldn't take the extra step of adding a set screw, haha.
I think that little hex screw is a set screw that holds that yoke pin in place. Instead of being a torx or allen bolt ran through the head and threaded into the yoke on one side like most ratchets that rely on having to tighten that large yoke screw, the head is held in constant tension by the nylon piece via friction only, not bolt torque. I'm guessing the nylon piece may have a spring behind it to apply that pressure. All this is just a guess!? Please let us know! Nice haul!👍
Thanks...yep, I believe you are right...not sure why I didn't think of that in the video. I had someone else mention it was their favorite, but the nylon got stiff in the winter. I'll try to get it torn down at some point...I don't have a full catalog from Nepros, but it seems like they would offer that as serviceable part.
@@lonestarmoparsDude, I'm buying that cuz of you! Lol. I'd hooe that would be a catalog part? I didn't realize they improved on the head size and weight, as that was the only thing holding me back. It's man jewelry. I'd wrather have a wedding ratchet, than a ring lol. I'm a snow Mexican, so everything is ridiculously expensive up here unfortunately. Igloo prices are through the roof and I've got sled dogs to feed! Lol
Nice! Yeah, I have a video where I outlined the revision...they supposedly spent 10 Years on it! The weight savings is very noticeable: th-cam.com/video/H1ibWxPgizI/w-d-xo.html I agree on the wedding ratchet...that should be a thing, lol. Hope you enjoy it!
You have me sold on the Nepros screwdrivers. I think I’ll just bite the bullet and spring for the entire set. I just wish I could use them to get a feel first. Excellent review also. I’ve been a long time sub and for you to gush about these must mean something. As others have said, Nepros might be at the top in terms of quality and that comes with the extra cost, but since the yen is weak, NOW is the time, so it must be done.
If you haven't pulled the trigger, this is an idea...If you wanted to "sample" the line before fully investing, but planned to do a full set, there is one work around. Nepros makes a 1/4" Drive Spinner Handle in the same style. This would let you get a feel for the driver and see what you think. If you love it, you can buy confidently. If you like it, but don't feel it is worth the asking price, you've saved quite a bit and have a pretty sweet spinner to boot. I will say that their sets (they split Slotted and Phillips) are the way to go if you planned to buy them all...Since they include the stubby it is the best bang for the buck. Another slightly cheaper avenue would be to snag the #2 and a slotted of your choice. Could even do this style for Phillips and Slotted in Wood etc. As you said though, the exchange rate is currently really good, so it might be worthwhile. If you wanted to sell them, you could probably break even if nothing else. They are very unique drivers and whether you hate them, or can't bring yourself to use them, they would be a great conversation piece, or display set. Personally, I'd use them (minus the striking cap, haha). I think you will be impressed by them...they are just over the top in comparison to everything else and on top of that the ergonomics are equally as unique. Hopefully you enjoy them and thanks for watching all these years!
@@lonestarmopars great idea, I’ll do that with the 1/4” spinner handle. There just isn’t much out there about these yet. The stuff you own and like jives with the stuff I own and like, so I think your blessing is enough. I guess the only thing in the back of my mind is that I hope these hold up. I use all the tools I buy, albeit I probably won’t use the striking cap on these. Thanks for the suggestion and keep on making long videos, despite the criticism.
Glad you liked the idea. That is the best of both worlds because if you wind up not liking the ergonomics, or feel of the material, you have a spinner and can turn it into a nut driver, bit driver etc., so it stretches your dollars to the max. I was also wondering if they do anything to present an actual set of drivers? I have the KTC ones (really good value) and it is just a plastic tray that isn't really intended to reuse, but I am. It would be super cool if the sets came in packaging similar to their ratchets, but I can't imagine that type of an investment. If DRPD ever has a sale on them, I'll pull the trigger on sets...Hopefully the similar likes translate here and you will have not only a killer spinner, but a great set of drivers. I could never bring myself to hit the backend of a Nepros...way too nice. That said, you can score some Wiha Extra Heavy Duty for that, lol.
Definitely worth adding a Nepros to your collection...the redesigned ones are significantly lighter, but the older (heavier) ones can be had slightly cheaper. That said, even if you don't put it in use often, it makes a nice feature in the ratchet drawer. Nothing else matches their finish out imo.
Oddly enough, Cornwell is one of the only remaining "major" brands I haven't gotten a driver from...I put in a request a few years back for the driver to come by work and it has gone unanswered. I had NEVER even seen a Cornwell truck until that week, lol. I know their newer ones are imports, but they look like they might be nice...I could get one via eBay, but it is hard to pay scalper prices when you know what kind of deals they've had on them.
@@lonestarmoparsyup, me neither!? I'm not sure there's a truck within a 100 miles from me!? Never seen, held or know someone with Cornwell lol. I do know a lot of their handles are square though, kinda nice for indexing your tools. I also think they're boxes, especially the platinum series is underrated from what I can see through a screen and hear from owners of them? They look really beefy with really nice latching mechanisms. Those Nepros look beautiful, but I absolutely love the Vessel. I've got a set of the 930 series red handle drivers, and I just got a set of they're megadora panel clip/radiator hose removal tools in foam. Gorgeous set. Have a peek at those bad boys if you haven't yet! I definitely want that flex head Nepros ratchet now, so thanks for that!
They are Phillips. The JIS designation went away in 2008. The finish out on modern drivers (good ones anyway, see also those manufactured in Japan) will let them work with multiple fasteners.
These are Phillips. A lot of people still throw this debate around regarding motorcycles and confuse everyone...manufacturing practices have changed and so has Japan's standards over the years. I think it has been 15+ years since JIS was their go-to for drivers and bits. The modern ability to finish the tips sort of results in a driver that does it all. There is a lot more to it, but that is a nutshell version.
@@lonestarmopars okay so I’m now confused lol. How does the business end differ from vessels? Are vessels JIS or what you’re saying? I own all the tool truck examples available for screwdrivers. Snap ons use to be my favorite screwdriver until I tried the vessel 930. I just assumed this was because they used JIS and not Phillips. As there is a difference When using on a fastener.
JIS as a standard phased out circa 2008. The drivers they make now fit Phillips and the old screws...it is mainly the flutes that differ, although most "good" modern drivers are going to be equally capable. Think of SAE Phillips and JIS as old, friendly competitors. Phillips bits cam out Phillips screws, as designed, when they are torqued too much. Phillips bits destroy JIS screws because they weren't designed for them, see also Phillips is much older. The JIS standard for screws resulted in a very similar screw to Phillips, but the subtle changes resulted in a bit that really nested in the fastener and didn't have the usual slop. Furthering things the JIS designed bits and drivers can work fine with Phillips. However, an ISO (think of it as a merger of SAE Phillips and old JIS) standard emerged and any driver to ISO standards should work fine in both Phillips and JIS. It is kind of confusing, but the bottom line is Vessel makes a great driver and anything to ISO specs should serve you well.
@@lonestarmopars that’s great to know. I just recently bought a couple vessels to try out. A P2 and P1. I honestly would sell my beloved snap ons today and replace with the vessel. I’ll try these out as they’re beautiful, but for the price and how comfortable the vessels are I don’t know if it’s worth the money outside of just wanting a beautiful tool. That wood handle is just gorgeous though lol
I have to agree with you...the ergonomics on the Vessel is much nicer than the Snap-on. I haven't used either enough to comment on longevity, but price wise, it is Vessel all the way, lol. If you are building out a sampler set, you could snag a P3 or just go with your two most used slotted sizes to allow the Squoval and the wood handle. That is 100% the fanciest wood handle I have ever seen. You'll also be impressed by the mirror finish striking cap.
I’m definitely thinking about spending serious money on the screwdrivers and pliers that live on my workbench, because i use them constantly. I’ve already begun replacing my plier set with Knipex. Those wooden Nepros screwdrivers are calling my name. As for ratchets, im pretty happy with my Kokens
The Nepros drivers would definitely cover the serious money part, lol. If you wanted to be a little more budget friendly, Felo's wood handle set is much more affordable (and you don't feel bad when you hit the end of them...the Nepros really is almost a mirror polish). If you wanted the Nepros for clean stuff, you could compliment it with Wiha/Witte/Wera for a good price. Knipex is hard to beat overall and has a VAST catalog of pliers. Koken's ratchets are pretty tough to beat. The only drawback is if you wanted a locking flex head as they currently don't have one in the catalog. Either way, it sounds like you are well on your way to having a killer workbench setup! Enjoy the process!
They do make really nice stuff. I did have to warranty that flex head ratchet or the longer version of it due to the teeth binding up. The replacement process was easy through my dealer (WhaleSupply).
I remember seeing that in your video. I was a little worried about this selector switch, but once it started moving, it stayed good. No issues since, but it was a bit concerning right out of the box. Glad they took care of you!
I have a +90 Nepros ratchet. Beautiful tools but I’ll stick with Ko-Ken. I have Ko-Ken and Vessel screwdrivers. Maybe I’ll try out a Nepros?
Thanks for the video!!
Can't go wrong with variety. Nepros really is top tier in terms of general aesthetics and finish out. I've always thought Koken's screwdrivers were kind of underrated. The Nepros screwdrivers would be nice special use, or conversation pieces. The wood handles are immaculate and this resin handle in today's video is very unique. In real world use I think they would be nice interior, or clean job drivers. I have kind of wondered why they don't offer a model without the striking cap for a bit less. Regardless, even with the high price, it is worth adding one for comparison and to enjoy. 15% off at DRPD right now if it helps any, lol.
i think the hex is a grub screw to retain the pin on the joint.
so many Japanese tool manufacturers i want to try. got a decent amount of koken but nothing else.
awesome video as always. thanks
I can vouch for Fujiya. I use their Kurrokin water pump pliers and lineman pliers for work in HVAC and they've done extremely well.
@@sammiches6859 I have heard great things about Fujiya. Thanks
Yep, I believe that would be correct. Nepros is 100% over the top in presentation and finish out. I don't think you'd be disappointed with their ratchet...not quite like Koken, but very solid. Their drivers are also a great start point. Another hidden gem is their stubby hex bit sockets....Titanium Nitride coated too!
@@lonestarmopars yes very keen to get some of their ratchets or even a socket set. KTC too. Side note, just seen stahlwilles 2024 advent calender and it looks sweet ( besides new logo :( )
Nice! I'll have to see if KC Tool has a date on them...the Wera's just came in stateside.
I can't afford to pay for Nepros. I do have some koken, Tone, and Vessel tools. My favorite is Koken, easily. They've got the nicest/smoothest rotation in the heads I've ever seen. I really appreciate the attention to detail in Japanese craftsmanship. The Vessel Megadora are my favorite drivers. They've got some nice wood-handled stuff, too. I also have the Megadora chissels, clip remover, and Impacta screwdrivers. I really like the screwdriver handles on all of them. Amazon prices on Japanese tools right now are awesome. If not for that, I'd still be expanding my Icon collection, more than likely. If I did have some Nepros, I'd almost be afraid to use them. It'd be cool to have one of their nice ratchets to display on my bench, though.
I agree with everything you are saying. Your recent tool purchases sound like mine. Started low then went to Icon, then to Koken and other Japanese brands. The yen is near 20 year lows. Time to buy is now. I have one nepros ratchet just to have at least one. Scored in for $70 on eBay or Amazon shipped from Japan. Long 3/8” in 1/4 body. Beautiful but I prefer the Kokens. And then after that just purchased all kinds of Koken ratchets.
Nepros does come at a premium price...Koken is very solid in the performance to value ratio...very hard to top there. Vessel makes excellent screwdrivers and they do have a nice variety. I don't mind using the Nepros ratchets...if you like bare metal handles they feel great. If I were you, I'd finish the build out as you are going and then wait for a deal on your Nepros conversation piece...Could even use it for clean jobs.
Great Stuff...thank you for sharing! Keep it coming...love the Nepros tools!
Thanks for watching and the kind words!
@@lonestarmopars I can tell you are a kind soul! God Bless
Really nice ratchets and the screwdrivers are awesome also. Nepros has some very impressive tools. Thank you for the video.
Thanks for watching! Yeah, Nepros presentation and finish out is top of the line. Past that, everything I've bought from them has performed just as well. Kind of cool that KTC is priced so reasonably and then they were just like, "Let's make something over the top" and brought the Nepros line to fruition.
That nylon shrinks slightly come Winter time and gets ever so slightly loose. Still my fav ratchet though
I'll have to watch for that...It really is a nice ratchet!
The mystery screw on the flex-head ratchet, I'd assume it's a grub screw that stops the pivot pin/axel from sliding out.
I'd venture to guess you are 99% right. Not sure why I didn't think of that in the video. I'm betting you back it out, knock the pin out, and then have access to the nylon. I'm use to cheap stuff that wouldn't take the extra step of adding a set screw, haha.
The flex Nepros will certainly need a follow up in a future video
So far, it has been great, but it is also in a cycle with quite a few other ratchets.
Epic tool haul bro!
Thanks!
I think that little hex screw is a set screw that holds that yoke pin in place. Instead of being a torx or allen bolt ran through the head and threaded into the yoke on one side like most ratchets that rely on having to tighten that large yoke screw, the head is held in constant tension by the nylon piece via friction only, not bolt torque. I'm guessing the nylon piece may have a spring behind it to apply that pressure. All this is just a guess!? Please let us know! Nice haul!👍
Thanks...yep, I believe you are right...not sure why I didn't think of that in the video. I had someone else mention it was their favorite, but the nylon got stiff in the winter. I'll try to get it torn down at some point...I don't have a full catalog from Nepros, but it seems like they would offer that as serviceable part.
@@lonestarmoparsDude, I'm buying that cuz of you! Lol. I'd hooe that would be a catalog part? I didn't realize they improved on the head size and weight, as that was the only thing holding me back. It's man jewelry. I'd wrather have a wedding ratchet, than a ring lol. I'm a snow Mexican, so everything is ridiculously expensive up here unfortunately. Igloo prices are through the roof and I've got sled dogs to feed! Lol
Nice! Yeah, I have a video where I outlined the revision...they supposedly spent 10 Years on it! The weight savings is very noticeable: th-cam.com/video/H1ibWxPgizI/w-d-xo.html I agree on the wedding ratchet...that should be a thing, lol. Hope you enjoy it!
You have me sold on the Nepros screwdrivers. I think I’ll just bite the bullet and spring for the entire set. I just wish I could use them to get a feel first. Excellent review also. I’ve been a long time sub and for you to gush about these must mean something. As others have said, Nepros might be at the top in terms of quality and that comes with the extra cost, but since the yen is weak, NOW is the time, so it must be done.
If you haven't pulled the trigger, this is an idea...If you wanted to "sample" the line before fully investing, but planned to do a full set, there is one work around. Nepros makes a 1/4" Drive Spinner Handle in the same style. This would let you get a feel for the driver and see what you think. If you love it, you can buy confidently. If you like it, but don't feel it is worth the asking price, you've saved quite a bit and have a pretty sweet spinner to boot. I will say that their sets (they split Slotted and Phillips) are the way to go if you planned to buy them all...Since they include the stubby it is the best bang for the buck. Another slightly cheaper avenue would be to snag the #2 and a slotted of your choice. Could even do this style for Phillips and Slotted in Wood etc. As you said though, the exchange rate is currently really good, so it might be worthwhile. If you wanted to sell them, you could probably break even if nothing else. They are very unique drivers and whether you hate them, or can't bring yourself to use them, they would be a great conversation piece, or display set. Personally, I'd use them (minus the striking cap, haha). I think you will be impressed by them...they are just over the top in comparison to everything else and on top of that the ergonomics are equally as unique. Hopefully you enjoy them and thanks for watching all these years!
@@lonestarmopars great idea, I’ll do that with the 1/4” spinner handle. There just isn’t much out there about these yet. The stuff you own and like jives with the stuff I own and like, so I think your blessing is enough. I guess the only thing in the back of my mind is that I hope these hold up. I use all the tools I buy, albeit I probably won’t use the striking cap on these. Thanks for the suggestion and keep on making long videos, despite the criticism.
Glad you liked the idea. That is the best of both worlds because if you wind up not liking the ergonomics, or feel of the material, you have a spinner and can turn it into a nut driver, bit driver etc., so it stretches your dollars to the max. I was also wondering if they do anything to present an actual set of drivers? I have the KTC ones (really good value) and it is just a plastic tray that isn't really intended to reuse, but I am. It would be super cool if the sets came in packaging similar to their ratchets, but I can't imagine that type of an investment. If DRPD ever has a sale on them, I'll pull the trigger on sets...Hopefully the similar likes translate here and you will have not only a killer spinner, but a great set of drivers. I could never bring myself to hit the backend of a Nepros...way too nice. That said, you can score some Wiha Extra Heavy Duty for that, lol.
LET'S GO 🏁
Thanks for watching!
Been on the fence about a nespro ratchet sincebi got my flex heads from snap-on and matco but I might actually try one
Definitely worth adding a Nepros to your collection...the redesigned ones are significantly lighter, but the older (heavier) ones can be had slightly cheaper. That said, even if you don't put it in use often, it makes a nice feature in the ratchet drawer. Nothing else matches their finish out imo.
That Nepros driver is kind of a CornWiha
Oddly enough, Cornwell is one of the only remaining "major" brands I haven't gotten a driver from...I put in a request a few years back for the driver to come by work and it has gone unanswered. I had NEVER even seen a Cornwell truck until that week, lol. I know their newer ones are imports, but they look like they might be nice...I could get one via eBay, but it is hard to pay scalper prices when you know what kind of deals they've had on them.
@@lonestarmoparsyup, me neither!? I'm not sure there's a truck within a 100 miles from me!? Never seen, held or know someone with Cornwell lol. I do know a lot of their handles are square though, kinda nice for indexing your tools. I also think they're boxes, especially the platinum series is underrated from what I can see through a screen and hear from owners of them? They look really beefy with really nice latching mechanisms. Those Nepros look beautiful, but I absolutely love the Vessel. I've got a set of the 930 series red handle drivers, and I just got a set of they're megadora panel clip/radiator hose removal tools in foam. Gorgeous set. Have a peek at those bad boys if you haven't yet! I definitely want that flex head Nepros ratchet now, so thanks for that!
I bet those scres are JIS
They are Phillips. The JIS designation went away in 2008. The finish out on modern drivers (good ones anyway, see also those manufactured in Japan) will let them work with multiple fasteners.
Are they JIS or are they Philips?
These are Phillips. A lot of people still throw this debate around regarding motorcycles and confuse everyone...manufacturing practices have changed and so has Japan's standards over the years. I think it has been 15+ years since JIS was their go-to for drivers and bits. The modern ability to finish the tips sort of results in a driver that does it all. There is a lot more to it, but that is a nutshell version.
@@lonestarmopars okay so I’m now confused lol. How does the business end differ from vessels? Are vessels JIS or what you’re saying? I own all the tool truck examples available for screwdrivers. Snap ons use to be my favorite screwdriver until I tried the vessel 930. I just assumed this was because they used JIS and not Phillips. As there is a difference When using on a fastener.
JIS as a standard phased out circa 2008. The drivers they make now fit Phillips and the old screws...it is mainly the flutes that differ, although most "good" modern drivers are going to be equally capable. Think of SAE Phillips and JIS as old, friendly competitors. Phillips bits cam out Phillips screws, as designed, when they are torqued too much. Phillips bits destroy JIS screws because they weren't designed for them, see also Phillips is much older. The JIS standard for screws resulted in a very similar screw to Phillips, but the subtle changes resulted in a bit that really nested in the fastener and didn't have the usual slop. Furthering things the JIS designed bits and drivers can work fine with Phillips. However, an ISO (think of it as a merger of SAE Phillips and old JIS) standard emerged and any driver to ISO standards should work fine in both Phillips and JIS. It is kind of confusing, but the bottom line is Vessel makes a great driver and anything to ISO specs should serve you well.
@@lonestarmopars that’s great to know. I just recently bought a couple vessels to try out. A P2 and P1. I honestly would sell my beloved snap ons today and replace with the vessel. I’ll try these out as they’re beautiful, but for the price and how comfortable the vessels are I don’t know if it’s worth the money outside of just wanting a beautiful tool. That wood handle is just gorgeous though lol
I have to agree with you...the ergonomics on the Vessel is much nicer than the Snap-on. I haven't used either enough to comment on longevity, but price wise, it is Vessel all the way, lol. If you are building out a sampler set, you could snag a P3 or just go with your two most used slotted sizes to allow the Squoval and the wood handle. That is 100% the fanciest wood handle I have ever seen. You'll also be impressed by the mirror finish striking cap.