Original Post
Written by
Edited February 28, 2023
at 07:25 AM
by
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
49 Comments
Your comment cannot be blank.
Featured Comments
Sign up for a Slickdeals account to remove this ad.
Pattern Name: Single Item Verified Purchase
I own 46 ratchets. Some are simple, some have specific features, and some are specialty ratchets. This ko-ken ratchet is a ratchet that I don't need. It is short, but bulky. And the handle grip isn't obviously comfortable. I keep feeling it…I don't know if it's plastic, or something else. The mechanism is okay. It may be 72 tooth, but that's not so rare. It should be smoother, being so short.
It's not a bad price, and it is not junk. But there are ratchets available locally for less. And they are just as good, or even better.
I won't purchase again.
The pictures in the add appear to be an older 32T design while people are talking about 72T. I think that is a nice upgrade but I have to say the # of teeth thing is sometimes overblown. To be clear, less teeth means bigger teeth but not necessarily stronger teeth. Typically smaller will have more teeth engaged thus no net gain/loss in strength. However, I guess a smaller bit of dirt in the mechanism is more likely to cause the teeth not to seat correctly. So in that case higher tooth count could be weaker. An assumption with more teeth is the ratchet can work in a tighter space. However, if there is a lot of slop in the mechanism you have to move the handle more before you start clicking over the teeth. So don't assume more teeth is automatically better in a tight space.
https://a.co/d/5M1t69i
edit: dang, tough crowd
Judging by the price graph for the past 3 years, it will probably go even cheaper than $42.
Sounds like Harbor freight fits the bill for you buddy
Okay, so I looked at this ratchet and thought to myself, meh"... actually, kind of ugly to put it bluntly. Full disclosure, I am NOT a car mechanic by trade but I do work on my cars, my sibling cars and my friends (so maybe I'm an enthusiast). For me to buy something like this, at this price, it must have both form and function! No doubt, from brand reputation, Koken has the function part down but man is it unappealing to the eye. Tools for me, should be pleasing to look at, feels great in your hand, in addition to durability and performs well. I would not mind paying $80 for any one ratchet (sort of like a statement piece in my tool box) but not when it's 7inches short, bulky and very pedestrian, not to mention the 72 teeth (and this is the NEW version...yikes). Don't know if anyone else feels the same as I do but justy 2 cents.
Sign up for a Slickdeals account to remove this ad.
1/4 & 1/2" drives are for bigger suckers. I ONLY use 1/8" and 3/4" stuff 🤯
https://a.co/d/5M1t69i
edit: dang, tough crowd
https://a.co/d/5M1t69i
edit: dang, tough crowd
Sign up for a Slickdeals account to remove this ad.