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Edited February 28, 2023
at 07:25 AM
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According to the Amazon reviews, this is the new 3725Z-72T version with the newly redesigned low back drag 72 tooth mech. The previous mech was their low back drag 36 tooth that Ko-ken has been making for a long time. The Ko-ken 1/4" 72 tooth hasn't even been released, yet, and is reportedly almost 2 yrs behind schedule.
Finally, this deal is coming from Amazon Japan. Amazon Japan has some amazing prices on Japanese tools - but do note, Ko-ken tools, even on Amazon's Japan website are still quite expensive. None the less, Amazon has waived the normal almost $20 shipping cost and offered free shipping on this item. I ordered one for myself and can't guarantee this is the 72t version - but all of the recent Amazon reviews seem to suggest everyone is receiving the new 72t version.
EDIT - UPDATE --- Amazon Japan (possibly due at least partially to exchange rates) has dropped the price to
$40.57
KO-KEN RATCHETS [kokenusa.com]
Ko-ken ratchets are known for their very low backlash, small head sizes, and high torque ranges. We designed the new 72 tooth ratchet without compromising on our traditional strengths. The patented design of the 72T combines the low backlash, small size, and has a 10% higher torque limit in comparison to the 36 tooth ratchet. The legacy 36 tooth ratchets move 10°/click. The new 72 tooth ratchets move 5°/click.
The design changes include moving from the single pawl of the 36 tooth design to the patented dual pawl of the 72 tooth design. The dual pawl 72 tooth design utilizes a single spring. We took four years of testing to perfect the low spring pressure needed to maintain Ko-ken's hallmark low-torque backlash. The finer 72 teeth design creates more surface area contact with the gear; thus, it has a 10% higher torque upper limit.
The 72T is being released in the Z-Series 3/8" ratchets only in 2021. We will be releasing the 72T in ¼" and ½" sizes, without compromising the body sizes and low backlash as our testing allows. Look for more new product releases in 2022.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product...CL0Y&psc=1 > Now $42.02
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Amazon USA as well
Our community has rated this post as helpful. If you agree, why not thank vgeek
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Don't care what anyone says, I will keep buying HF icon, they came along way with some of these hand tools. Lifetime warranty, drive 1 mile to the store to exchange it whenever it breaks, nothing can beat that for me.
Japan makes some very high quality tools, as well as Germany.
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The tradeoff of high teeth count is the metals of the ratcheting mech have to resist shearing of those tiny teeth/paws. In addition to balancing hardness vs brittleness, the tolerances and axle "bearing" wear is relatively worse. When I grab one of these to break a bolt loose, I always plan the wost-case outcome of my knuckles, then may bandage, then may go to store for the free exchange.
Aside from that, I don't really like padded handles on ratchets. They're good when you're assembling engines on a stand all day, but I've never felt like "wish this ratchet was thicker/padded". Slim handles mean I can fit a ratchet in tight spots and get more swing without the handle hitting surrounding parts. I can appreciate the low drag, but my go to is a swivel headed, fine tooth, long (smooth) handle 3/8" drive.
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I use 3/8 for the majority of my work now but at one point I used to be that way. No right or wrong about it.
If you're at the HF price point go for it.
Can easily extend the argument most have for truck brands down to Icon vs pitty pro.
Who cares.
Icon isn't coming out with original tool ideas, can't hate Snappy and not realize HF wouldn't exist without them, esp guys that buy Icon.
Copped this Koken deal cause I've been curious. There is a price discount over current retail on the 3/8" shallow socket set with retention for the guys who are interested. I've greatly enjoyed the koken z spark plug sockets but definitely a premium priced tool.
Whining about tools, spend more time on challenging projects. Happy wrenching