I've always just borrowed tools in Japan from my soon-to-be father-in-law, but I wanted to buy a set of tools over there to work on my car. What are some good tool companies in Japan? What're their snap-on, craftsman, etc equivalents and who usually sells them? Only one I'm familiar with at all is KTC (Kyoto Tool CO), but I know nothing about them as far as quality. Any suggestions?

 

My suggestion, buy them in the states and take them with you. thats what I did fr most of my tools. KTC are solid, but there "fit" is a sloppy compared to Snap On, Mac, etc.

They kind of remind me of current craftsman, Old crafstman tools were great, but now they are hot garbage.

a lot of shop over here go with snap on, mac, etc.

kenn

 

I have actually seen Snap-on trucks driving around here in Osaka, so I know they have them.
Not sure how expensive things would be though.

 

I agree with Kenn. Get them in the states and bring them with you or ship them using USPS flate rate boxes.

Tools here are rediculously expensive. KTC is more expensive than Snap on and KTC does not have a life time warranty I believe. Snap On in Japan much more expensive than in the states, however if you are buying any electric snap on tools then you will need to get them in japan in order to keep the warranty due to the outlet power differences. I am going through an issue with an electric impact driver now that shorted after 3 months of use and one batter also took a crap and probably is not warrantied here or in the states.

If you are going to be living here then you may want to get some quality stuff to use but if you are only going to be here off and on then I would say Craftsman is your best option.

I have seen MAC in Japan but do not have any experience with them.

Hope that helps!