Ikeda Kōgyō

Ikeda Kōgyō (池田工業) is a maker of wrenches based in Tsubame, Niigata Prefecture.

The company was founded in 1936 by Tokuhei Ikeda (池田徳平) as a knife forging factory for Western-style tableware. The company's early factory was at Mukaimachi in Tsubame City.

During the war the company supplied wrenches to the military, and indirectly to Nissan Motors.

In May of 1948 the company changed its name to the Nihon Shokki Co., Ltd. (日本食器). Products at this time were knives and wrenches.

In December of 1952 the company changed its name to the Ikeda Kōgyō (池田工業).

JIS Certification

On March 11, 1953 the company received JIS certificate 2174 for class B4630 at its Mukaimachi factory. The record for this registration can be seen in the 1955 Factory Name List for Class B4630. [Editor's note: the company history claims this registration covered both normal and strong grades, but it doesn't appear in the records.]

New Factory at Somaki

In June of 1968 the company built a new factory in the Tsubame Metal Center complex at 1961-4 Somaki, Tsubame City, Niigata Prefecture.

On June 30, 1970 the company received JIS certificate 2174 in class B4630 at the new Somaki factory, with notes indicating normal and heavy grades. The record for this certification can be seen in the 1972 Certified List for Class B4630.

In July of 1973 Hisakazu Ikeda (池田久一) was appointed representative director.

In August of 1973 the company began making combination wrenches.

"IKK" Trademark

In 1975 the company registered "IKK" as a trademark.

In June of 1982 the company began making box-end wrenches.

In April of 1992 Daisuke Ikeda (池田大輔) was appointed representative director.

JQA JIS Certification

In May of 2007 the company received JQA certificate JQ0307007 in classes B4630, B4632, and B4651, with both normal and strong grade noted for class B4630.

Continuing Operations

The company continues in business with its head office at 1961-4 Somaki, Tsubame City, Niigata Prefecture. More information can be found at the ikktool.co.jp [External Link] website.

JIS Certification History

The company is known to have received JIS certification for classes B4630, B4632, and B4651.

Factory locations were at Mukai and Somaki in Tsubame, Niigata prefecture.

View Company History with Factories for Ikeda Kōgyō.

View JIS Certification Events for Ikeda Kōgyō.

IPS Pliers Company

The company was founded in 1940 as Igarashi Seisakusho (五十嵐製作所) in Sanjo City, Niigata. [Editor's note: who was the founder?]

In 1958 the Igarashi Manufacturing Company, Ltd. was established.

New Factory at Naoechō

By 1962 the company had become the Igarashi Pliers Manufacturing Company (五十嵐プライヤー製作所), and a new factory was established in Naoechō 2-chome, Sanjo City to increase production.

In 1972 the company passed US Federal Standards and became a supplier to the GSA.

JIS Certification

On August 28, 1974 the company received JIS certificate 374078 for class B4614 (combination pliers) at the Naoechō factory. The record for this certification can be seen in the 1982 JIS Summary for Class B4614. [Editor's note: the company history says 1973.]

New Factory at Sakai (坂井)

In 1983 the company built a new factory at 1-4-3 Sakaicho, Mitsuke City in Niigata and then moved its head office to the new facility. At this time the company name was changed to Igarashi Pliers Company, Ltd.

On February 23, 1983 the company received JIS certificate 374078 for class B4614 (combination pliers) at its Sakai factory. The record for this certification can be seen in the 1999 JIS Summary for Super-Class B043.

On December 27, 1985 the company received JIS certificate 385132 for class B4626 (waterpump pliers) at its Sakai factory. The record for this certification can be seen in the 1999 JIS Summary for Super-Class B070.

Contract Production

The company is known to have provided contract production for Stanley in the late 1980s to 1990s, based on observations of waterpump pliers marked for JIS 385132.

In addition, the company supplied waterpump pliers for the Truecraft brand managed by the Daido Corporation.

JQA JIS Certification

In August of 2008 the company received JQA certificate JQ0308053 for classes B4614 and B4626.

Continuing Operations

In January of 2021 Koyo Uchiyama (内山　航洋) was appointed as representative director.

In September of 2022 the company changed its name to the IPS Pliers Company, Ltd.

IPS continues in operation today and more information can be found at the IPS Pliers Company [External Link] website. Our history was adapted from the historical timeline on the site.

JIS Certification History

The company is known to have received JIS certification for classes B4614 (combination pliers) and B4626 (water-pump pliers).

Factory locations were in Naoechō and Sakai in Niigata prefecture.

View Company History with Factories for IPS Pliers Company.

View JIS Certification Events for IPS Pliers Company.

Tool Identification

Fig. 21. Close-up of Forge Mark on Stanley 84-139 Pliers.

Pliers from IPS may have a forge mark with "IP" on the bottom line and a two-digit number and letter on the top.

Fig. 21 shows a close-up of the "91E IP" forge mark on a pair of Stanley 84-139 10 inch tongue-and-groove pliers, which were identified as production by Igarashi Pliers based on the JIS marking.

The two-digit number appears to be a production date code.

Contract Production for Stanley

[IPS] Stanley 84-139 10 Inch Tongue-and-Groove Pliers

Fig. 22. Stanley 84-139 10 Inch Tongue-and-Groove Pliers, with Insets for Back Side and Marking Detail, ca. 1991.

Fig. 22 shows a pair of Stanley 84-139 10 inch tongue-and-groove pliers, stamped with "Stanley" and the model number on the handle, with the JIS-Circle and "385132" plus "Japan" on the back.

The pliers are also marked with a "91E IP" forge mark on the lower handle near the adjustment slot, as seen in the lower right inset.

The overall length is 10.0 inches closed and 10.6 inches fully extended.

The finish is chrome plating with plastic hand grips.

The JIS marking allows us to identify the maker as the Igarashi Pliers Company, which received JIS 385132 on December 27, 1985 for class B4626 (waterpump pliers).

The "91E IP" forge mark is believed to be a date code for 1991, with "IP" indicating Igarashi Pliers.

Contract Production for Truecraft

IPS Pliers was a supplier for the Truecraft brand managed by the Daido Corporation.

[IPS] Truecraft 509 "IP" 10 Inch Tongue-and-Groove Pliers

Fig. 23. Truecraft 509 10 Inch Tongue-and-Groove Pliers, with Insets for Back Side and Marking Detail, ca. 1995.

Fig. 23 shows a pair of Truecraft 509 10 inch tongue-and-groove pliers, stamped with the "Truecraft" Hex Logo and model number on the handle, with "Japan" on the back side.

The lower handle has a "95K IP" forge mark near the adjustment slot, as seen in the lower inset.

The overall length is 10.5 inches fully extended, and the finish is chrome plating with polished faces.

The "Truecraft" Hex Logo suggests production in the 1990s.

The "IP" forge mark on the lower handle indicates production by the Igarashi Pliers, and the "95K" is likely a date code for 1995.

Itō Kōgu

Itō Kōgu Seisakusho (井藤工具製作所) was founded in 1951 as a maker of pliers in Sakai City, Osaka Prefecture. A 1960 directory listed the company at 4-165 Ryorionomachi in Sakai City (大阪府堺市遼里小野町 4一165). [Editor's note: who was the founder?]

The company sold its tools under the ITO and SUN brands. The company's products are known to have included diagonal cutters and needle-nose pliers.

JIS Certification

On December 28, 1963 the company received JIS certificate 9785 for class B4631 (needlenose pliers) at its Sakai factory. The record for this certification can be seen in the 1964 Certified List for Class B4631.

Contract Production

The company is known to have provided contract production for the Fuller Tool Company, probably beginning by around 1970.

By around 1970 the company had simplified its name to Itō Kōgu (井藤工具).

Good Design Award

In 1978 the company received the Japanese "Good Design Award" for its pliers, which can be seen at the Good Design Award [External Link] web page.

Fuller is known to have offered needlenose pliers in the distinctive design noted by the awards.

Discontinued Operations

The company's JIS 9785 certification was revoked on June 6, 1991 (Heisei 3.6.6), indicating that the company probably closed in 1991. The record for the cancellation can be seen in the Aggregated Monthly Reports 1991-10 for Itō Kōgu.

JIS Certification History

The company is known to have received JIS certification for class B4631 (needlenose pliers).

The factory location was in Sakai City, Osaka prefecture.

View Company History with Factories for Itō Kōgu.

View JIS Certification Events for Itō Kōgu.

Contract Production for Fuller Tool

Itō Kōgu was a supplier to the Fuller Tool Company, an American manufacturer and importer of tools.

[ITO] Fuller 190 6 Inch Diagonal Cutters

Fig. 24A. Fuller 190 "Ito" 6 Inch Diagonal Cutters, with Insets for Back Side, Side View, and Marking Detail, ca. 1970s.

Fig. 24A shows a pair of Fuller 190 6 inch diagonal cutters, stamped with "Fuller" and "Drop Forged" around the pivot, with "Japan" and "ITO" on the back.

The overall length is 6.2 inches, and the finish is polished steel with red hand grips.

The "ITO" marking indicates production by Itō Kōgu, a Japanese maker of pliers operating in Sakai City, Osaka Prefecture.

[ITO] Fuller 192 "BF" 6 Inch Needlenose Pliers with Side-Cutters

Fig. 24B. Fuller 192 "BF" 6 Inch Needlenose Pliers with Side-Cutters, with Insets for Back Side, Side View and Marking Detail, ca. Mid 1970s.

Fig. 24B shows a pair of Fuller No. 192 6 inch needlenose pliers with side-cutters, stamped with "Fuller" and "Drop Forged" around the pivot, with "BF Japan" and "ITO" on the back.

The handles of the pliers are covered with vinyl plastic grips.

The overall length is 6.5 inches, and the finish is plain steel.

The "ITO" marking indicates production by Itō Kōgu.

The "BF Japan" marking generally indicates a tool made for Sears Roebuck and imported by the Fuller Orient Corporation, strongly suggesting that Itō Kōgu was also supplying tools to Sears.

These pliers were found in a vehicle toolkit we used in the mid 1970s to 1980s.

The Fuller 192-6 needlenose pliers were listed in the company's 1981 catalog. The pliers were also available in 5 and 8 inch sizes.

Kobayashi Kōgu Seisakusho

Kobayashi Kōgu Seisakusho (小林工具製作所) was founded in 1963 as a maker of power tools, and initially operated at 727 Kabukigawa in Sanjō City, Niigata Prefecture (三条市嘉坪川727).

By 1970 the company was producing and exporting open-end and box-end wrenches, and started developing flex-combination wrenches.

New Factory in Tsukanome

In 1972 the company participated in forming the Sanjō Metal Industrial Park, a major center for metal-working companies.

In 1973 the company built a forging plant in the industrial park complex and began manufacturing parts for automobiles and machines.

JIS Certification

On March 18, 1981 the company received JIS 380242 for class B4632 (box-end wrenches) and JIS 380243 for class B4630 (open-end wrenches), with the address at 2217-3 Tsukanome. The records for these certifications can be seen in the 1982 Certified List for Class B4632 and 1982 Certified List for Class B4630.

In 1985 the head office address changed (not moved) to 1-10, Katsubogawa 2-chome, Sanjō City.

In 1991 the JIS 380243 certification was moved into 380242 for administrative reasons. The company also submitted an application for JIS approval of combination wrenches, amusingly called "one-eye, one-mouth spanners" (片目片口スパナ)!

In 1992 the company received JIS certificate 380242 for classes B4630, B4632, and B4651, with the factory address listed as 2217-3 Otsuki, Tsukanome in Sanjō City (新潟県三条市大字塚野目字大月２２１７番地３). The record for this certification can be seen in the section on the 1999 Summary for Super-Class B027.

New Manager

In 2004 Teizō Kobayashi (小林定三) became the new manager of the company, and the company moved its head office to 13-27 Shinko-cho, Sanjō City.

JQA JIS Certification

In 2006 the company received JQA certificate JQ0306011, probably for class B4630, but unfortunately the certificate is no longer active and no information can be found.

Continuing Operations

In 2011 Mitsuharu Kobayashi (小林光春) became representative director.

The company continues in operation today with its head office at 13-27 Shinkocho, Sanjō City, Niigata Prefecture. Additional information can be found (in Japanese, English, and German) at the kobayashi-tools.com [External Link] website.

Our history was adapted from the historical timeline on the Japanese site and from an article in the Japanese Wiki.

JIS Certification History

The company is known to have received JIS certification for classes B4630 (open-end wrenches), B4632 (box-end wrenches), and B4651 (combination wrenches).

The factory location was in Sanjō City, Niigata prefecture.

View Company History with Factories for Kobayashi Kōgu Seisakusho.

View JIS Certification Events for Kobayashi Kōgu Seisakusho.

Kyoto Kikai

Kyoto Kikai (京都機械) was founded in 1938 as a maker of machinery and tools and operated in Kyoto City.

The predecessor company was founded in 1932 as the Kyoto Somemono Kikai Seisakusho (京都染物機械製作所) by Yoshikazu Nakaguchi (中口好一), which operated as a maker of textile dyeing machinery.

By 1937 Kyoto Somemono Kikai was having financial difficulties, and with the assistance of Tokutaro Nagase (長瀬徳太郎), a major customer, Kyoto Kikai was established in August of 1938. Nagase became the company's first president, and the company established a factory at 50 Funato-cho, Kisshōin, Minami-ku, Kyoto City (京都市南区吉祥院船戸町50).

In 1939 the company received training from the Naval Aviation Technical Arsenal at Yokosuka, at that time the most advanced group of engineers in Japan. Shortly afterwards the company received orders for aircraft maintenance tools, which soon became the company's main product line. The tools included wrenches, adjustable wrenches, and screwdrivers and were made from a special nickel-chrome alloy used for aircraft engine parts.

During the war Kyoto Kikai supplied tools to maintain military aircraft, including the famous Zero fighter planes.

After the war the company resumed production of dyeing machinery and worked on reconditioning military vehicles and passenger cars, as well as the production of household goods.

The company had a large inventory of alloy steel leftover from the military contracts, which was used for producing automotive tools. By 1946 Toyota had restarted vehicle production, and Kyoto Kikai landed a contract with Toyota to supply wrenches for vehicle tool kits.

The Formation of Kyoto Kikai Kōgu

In 1950 three key employees retired from Kyoto Kikai and left to establish Kyoto Kikai Kōgu, now generally known as KTC. Shortly afterwards Toyota Motors transferred its contract for wrench production to KTC, which helped to ensure the success of the new company.

The sudden loss of key employees and an important contract was a serious shock for the company's tool division.

JIS Certification

On October 21, 1954 the company received JIS certificate 3488 for class B4630 at the Funato-cho factory. The record for this certification can be seen in the 1955 Factory Name List for Class B4630.

On September 6, 1960 the company received JIS certification 4246 for sockets (class B4636) and extension bars (class B4637). The record for this certification can be seen in the 1958 Factory Name List for Classes B4636, B4637, and B4639.

Discontinued Operations

In December of 1970 the company released its JIS certification and discontinued tool production, but the dyeing machinery division of the company remained in operation.

The CWC site has a page on the History of Kyoto Kikai based on a company publication, and the article includes many examples of their tools from the wartime era. Our brief history was adapted from the CWC site.

JIS Certification History

View Company History with Factories for Kyoto Kikai.

View JIS Certification Events for Kyoto Kikai.

Tool Identification

Tools from Kyoto Kikai were typically stamped with a logo consisting of the kanji 京 ("kyo") in a circle. This logo is not known to have been registered as a trademark, and appears to have been first used on the tools for the Zero airplanes.

Kyo-Circle Logo

Fig. 25. Kyo-Circle Logo.

Fig. 25 shows the Kyo-Circle logo as it was printed for a business dirctory.

Lobtex Company (Lobster)

The Lobtex Company (formerly Nippon Riki) began in 1888 with the invention of a two-handed hair clipper, making it one of the oldest tool companies in Japan.

Itō Iron Works

The company was founded in 1888 as the Itō Iron Works in Hiraoka, Osaka by Kanekichi Itō (伊藤兼吉). The company manufactured a two-handed hair clipper, which was then sold in a private shop run by the founder.

The Formation of Nippon Riki

In 1923 the Nippon Riki Company, Ltd. (日本理器) was established by the merger of the Itō Iron Works and Jibiki Iron Works. The company operated in Hiraoka, Osaka as the maker of barber tools.

Adjustable Wrench Production

By 1928 the company had begun production of adjustable wrenches and pliers. The wrenches were initially produced as malleable iron castings, but then progressed to a partial forging.

The first wrenches were sold under the "RK" brand, but by 1929 the company was selling the partially forged wrenches under the "Lobster" brand, marking the beginning of a long association with crustaceans.

By 1932 the company was making fully-forged adjustable wrenches. This was a major milestone for the Japanese tool industry, and within a few years Toho Kōki also succeeded in making fully forged adjustable wrenches.

First JIS Certification

On June 28, 1951 the company received JIS certificate 658 for adjustable wrenches (class B4604), with the factory address listed as 516 Shijo-cho, Hiraoka City in Osaka Prefecture. The record for this certification can be seen in the section on the Monthly Report 1952-01 for Classes B4604 and B4605. Nippon Riki was one of the first five companies to pass the certification test for this class.

JIS Certification for Combination Pliers

On November 16, 1953 the company received JIS certificate 2720 for combination pliers (class B4614) at the Shijo-cho factory. The record for this certification can be seen in the section on the 1955 JIS Summary Class B4614.

"New Lobster" Trademark

In 1954 the company registered "New Lobster" as Japanese trademark 29-18150. The "New Lobster" adjustable wrenches were made of chrome-moly steel and were certified for JIS-H "Heavy" class.

JIS Certification for Pipe Wrenches

By 1958 the company had received JIS certification for pipe wrenches (class B4606) in both normal and heavy grades at the Shijo-cho factory. (The B4606 certification was added to JIS 658 without changing the date, so we don't have an exact date for the pipe wrench certification.) The record for this certification can be seen in the section on the 1958 JIS Summary for Classes B4604 and B4605.

JIS Certification for Open-End Wrenches

On October 26, 1963 the company received JIS certificate 9671 for open-end wrenches (class B4630) at the Shijo-cho factory. The record for this certification can be seen in the section on the 1964 JIS Summary for Class B4630.

US Trademark for "LOBSTER"

In 1964 the company filed a U.S. trademark application for "LOBSTER" with a crustacean symbol.

In 1966 the company discontinued making hair clippers to specialize in making tools.

Civic Reorganization

In 1967 a civic reorganization combined Hiraoka with two other cities to form Higashi Osaka, and the address for the company's factory changed to 1218 Shijo-cho in Higashi Osaka.

New Forging Factory at Yao

In 1971 a new forging factory in Yao was completed.

100th Anniversary

In 1988 the company celebrated its 100th anniversary.

The Tottori Lobster Tools Company

In December of 1990 the forging division became an independent company as Tottori Lobster Tools (鳥取ロブスターツール). Tottori Lobster continued to provide production for Nippon Riki, but also made tools for other companies. [Editor's note: when was the Tottori factory built?]

Name Change to Lobtex

In 1992 the company changed its name to the Lobtex Company, Ltd.

In 1998 production of adjustable wrenches was transferred to Tottori Lobster Tools. [Editor's note: JIS 658 revoked? No record of B4604 certification for Tottori.]

"Fabless" Operation

By 2004 all production had been transferred to Tottori Lobster and the company transitioned to a "fabless" design and marketing operation. In 2006 the head office factory was renovated to serve as a design, marketing, and logistics center.

Continuing Operations

The company continues in business today as the producer of a wide variety of tools, including adjustable wrenches, pipe wrenches, combination wrenches, pliers, power tools such as cordless river setters, diamond saw blades, and many other items. The company's head office is at 2-8 Shijo-cho, Higashi-Osaka City in Osaka Prefecture.

The company's website is at www.lobtex.co.jp [External Link], and an outline of the company's history in English can be found on the Company History [External Link] page.

JIS Certification History

Lobtex is known to have received JIS certifications in classes B4604 (adjustable wrenches), B4606 (pipe wrenches), B4614 (combination pliers), B4630 (open-end wrenches), and B4632 (box-end wrenches).

The company's factory operated from 1923 until 2004 at 516 Shijo-cho in Hiraoka, Osaka Prefecture. (The later address was 1218 Shijo-cho in Higashi Osaka.)

View Company History with Factories for LOBTEX.

View JIS Certification Events for LOBTEX.

View Company History with Factories for Tottori Lobster.

View JIS Certification Events for Tottori Lobster.

Trademarks

Nippon Riki received Japanese trademark #294,522 on October 4, 1937.

Tool Identification

Tools made by Lobtex are frequently marked with a distinctive Lobster-Logo, as seen below.

Lobster-Logo

Fig. 26. Lobster-Logo.

Fig. 26 shows the Lobster-Logo as it appears forged into the shank of the New Lobster 200mm Adjustable Wrench in the next figure.

Selected Tools

In addition to producing tools for its own brands, Lobtex provided extensive contract production for other brands, including Globemaster and Sears.

We plan to show examples of contract production as the tools become available.

Adjustable Wrenches

New Lobster 200mm Adjustable Wrenches

The next figures show two examples of 200mm adjustable wrenches, with minor differences in the markings.

Fig. 27. New Lobster 200mm Adjustable Wrench, with Insets for Back Side, Side View, and Marking Detail.

Fig. 27 shows a New Lobster 200mm (8 inch) adjustable wrench, marked with "New Lobster" and the Lobster-Logo forged into the shank, with "Drop Forged Alloy Steel" and the JIS-Circle+H logo forged into the back side.

The front side has a forged-in code "YT" at the right, and the back side is stamped with "Japan" near the hanging hole, as seen in the lower inset.

The overall length is 8.1 inches, and the maximum opening is 1.0 inches.

The finish is chrome plating, with losses due to wear and rust.

The stamped "Japan" marking suggests the wrench was made initially for domestic use.

Fig. 27B. New Lobster 200mm Adjustable Wrench, with Insets for Edge View and Back Side Detail.

Fig. 27B shows another New Lobster 200mm (8 inch) adjustable wrench, marked with "New Lobster" and "Made in Japan" plus the Lobster-Logo forged into the shank, with "Forged Alloy Steel" and the JIS-Circle+H logo forged into the back side.

The overall length is 8.1 inches, and the maximum opening is 1.0 inches. The head thickness was measured at 0.47 inches.

The finish is chrome plating.

One production characteristic noted for these wrenches is that the stud securing the worm gear is threaded on the outside (slotted) end. We checked two other examples of Lobster wrenches and found the same construction, so this characteristic may help to identify Nippon Riki production.

Pliers

Lobster 6 Inch Slip-Joint Combination Pliers

Fig. 28. Lobster 6 Inch Slip-Joint Combination Pliers, with Insets for Back Side, Side View, and Marking Detail.

Fig. 28 shows a pair of Lobster 6 inch combination pliers, stamped with "Lobster" and "Nippon Riki Co." plus the Lobster-Logo near the pivot.

The back side is also marked with "Pat. No. 456252" and "2720" plus the JIS-Circle logo.

The top inset shows a side view of the pliers, illustrating the gripping pattern with a lobster in the center. Note the resemblance of the pattern to the "Checkerdot" gripping pattern used by the Crescent Tool Company.

The overall length is 6.5 inches, and the finish is chrome plating, with minor losses due to rust.

The "2720" marking is the JIS certification number for class B4614, first received in 1953.

The pliers are not marked for Japan, suggesting that they were originally produced for the domestic market.

Contract Production for Fuller Tool

Nippon Riki was a supplier to the Fuller Tool Company, a major importer of Japanese tools.

Contract Production for Globemaster

Nippon Riki was a supplier to Globemaster, an American distributor of mostly imported tools.

[Nippon Riki] Globemaster 60140 6 Inch Adjustable Wrench

Fig. 29. Globemaster 60140 6 Inch Adjustable Wrench, with Insets for Back Side, Side View, and Construction Detail, ca. 1960s.

Fig. 29 shows a Globemaster 60140 6 inch adjustable wrench, marked with "Globemaster" and "Drop Forged 60140" forged into the front, with "Chrome Alloy Steel" and "Japan" plus the Lobster-Logo forged into the back.

The lower inset shows a close-up of the jaw construction. Note the angled transition to the fixed jaw and the angled cutaway on the moveable jaw.

The overall length is 6.1 inches, and the maximum opening is 0.8 inches. The finish is chrome plating, with extensive losses due to wear.

One construction characteristic noted for this wrench is that the stud securing the worm gear is threaded on the outside (slotted) end.

[Nippon Riki] Globemaster 60820-R 16 Ounce Ripping Hammer

Fig. 30. Globemaster 60820-R 16 Ounce Ripping Hammer, with Insets for Marking Detail, ca. 1960s-1970s.

Fig. 30 shows a Globemaster 60820-R 16 ounce ripping hammer, stamped with "Globemaster" and "No. 60820 R" on the head, with "Drop Forged" and "Japan" on the back.

The head is also stamped with a distinctive Lobster-Logo, a registered trademark of Nippon Riki, now known as Lobtex.

The overall length is 12.4 inches, and the finish is plain steel, with traces of chrome plating on the tubular handle.

The Lobster logo indicates that the hammer was made by Nippon Riki, one of Japan's oldest tool makers. Globemaster also offered a very similar claw hammer with model 60820-TC.

This hammer is characterized by its forged head, tubular steel handle, and rubber handle grip. Based on the very similar construction, Nippon Riki is known to have supplied this type of hammer to the Fuller, Companion (Sears), and Truecraft brands.

Contract Production for Sears Roebuck

Nippon Riki is known to have supplied tools to Sears Roebuck for the "Sears" and "Companion" brands. Contract production for Sears was marked with a "BF" manufacturer's code.

[Nippon Riki] Companion 3812 "BF" Claw Hammer

Fig. 31. Companion 3812 "BF" Claw Hammer, with Insets for Marking Detail, ca. 1972 to 1980s.

Fig. 31 shows a Companion 3812 claw hammer, stamped with "Companion" and "Forged" plus the model number on the head, with "Japan-BF" on the back.

The overall length is 12.9 inches, and the finish is chrome plating.

The tubular steel handle is fitted with a rubber cushion grip that makes the hammer comfortable to hold.

The "BF" code indicates that the tool was supplied through a distributor representing a number of Japanese manufacturers.

The model 3812 hammer was listed in the Craftsman catalogs from 1966 through 1981. The earlier catalogs did not mention a brand, but we've seen photographs of this model marked with "Sears" and "Chrome Alloy". By 1972 the 3812 hammer was listed under the Companion brand.

The manufacturer of this hammer was identified as Nippon Riki based on the close similarity in construction between this hammer and a Globemaster No. 60820-R ripping hammer, which was stamped with Nippon Riki's trademark Lobster-Logo. This type of hammer was also made for the Fuller and Truecraft brands.

Maeda Kinzoku Kōgyō: Tone Company

The Tone Company is a maker of wrenches and socket tools operating in Osaka, Japan.

The company was founded in 1925 as the Maeda Gunji Shoten (前田軍治商店) and operated as a dealer of machine tools in Fukushima Ward, Osaka City (大阪/福島区).

One of their initial products were "Merry" brand pliers made by Muromoto Iron Works.

In August of 1932 the company moved to the Tatsumichibori section of Osaka (大阪/立売堀), an area with many metal industries.

New Factory in Fukae

In 1938 the tool manufacturing division became independent and Maeda Kinzoku Kōgyō was established in Fukae, Higashinari-ku, Osaka (大阪/東成区深江). The Fukae location would remain their main factory until 1982.

TONE Trademark

In 1941 the company registered "TONE" and "Tone" as Japanese trademarks.

In the post-war era Maeda Kinzoku Kōgyō was re-established with Gunji Maeda (前田軍治) as president.

JIS Certifications

On September 6, 1955 the company received JIS certification 4248 for socket wrenches (class B4636). The record for this certification can be seen in the 1955-09 Monthly Report for JIS 4248.

On April 8, 1958 the company received JIS certification 5900 for socket tools in classes B4638 (spinner handles), B4640 (sliding Tee handles), and B4641 (ratchet handles). The record for this certification can be seen in the 1958 Certified List for Classes B4638, B4640, and B4641.

An additional JIS certification 9181 was received on January 29, 1963 for box-end wrenches (class B4632). The record for this certification can be seen in the 1963-01 Monthly Report for JIS 9181.

The company received JIS 9883 on February 18, 1964 for open-end wrenches (class B4630), with suffixes "N", "H", and "S". The record for this certification can be seen in the 1964-02 Monthly Report for JIS 9883.

Civic Reorganization for Fukae

In 1970 Fukae-higashi and Fukae-kita merged in a civic reorganization, and as a result the address of the Fukae factory changed to 3-14-3 Fukae-kita (大阪市東成区深江北３丁目１４番３号).

New Factory in Tondabayashi

In 1982 the company opened a new factory at 3-3-6 Wakamatsucho Higashi, Tondabayashi City in Osaka Prefecture.

The older factory at Fukae remained in operation after Tondabayashi opened.

JIS Certification at Tondabayashi

On June 15, 1984 the company received JIS certification 584030 for class B4636 (sockets) at the Tondabayashi factory. The record for this certification can be seen in the Aggregate Monthly Report for Maeda B4636.

JIS Cancellation at Fukae

After the company received JIS certification for sockets at Tondabayashi, on June 17, 1985 the earlier certification for class B4636 at Fukae was cancelled. The record for the cancellation can be seen in the Monthly Report 1985-10 for JIS 4248. Fukae continued to produce tools in classes B4637 (extensions) and B4639 (universal joints).

50th Anniversary

In 1988 the company celebrated its 50th anniversary, and Eiji Maeda (前田英治) was appointed as president.

In 2003 the company began offering a full line of stainless steel tools.

New Factory in Kawachinagano

In 2012 the company opened a new factory in Kawachinagano City, Osaka Prefecture (大阪府河内長野市).

After the factory at Kawachinagano opened, the old factory at Fukae was closed.

Name Change to Tone Company

In 2013 Maeda Kinzoku Kōgyō changed its name to the Tone Company, and the head office and factory relocated to Kawachinagano City, the company's present location.

The company maintains a website (in Japanese) at Tone Tool [External Link].

JIS Certification History

TONE is known to have received JIS certifications in classes B4630 (open-end wrenches), B4632 (box-end wrenches), and B4636 (socket wrenches).

The factory locations were in Fukae and Tondabayashi.

View Company History with Factories for TONE Company.

View JIS Certification Events for TONE Company.

Tool Identification

The company uses "TONE" or "TONE TOOL" as its primary brand, with "TITAN TOOL" and "SUS TOOL" as additional brands.

Catalog Resources

Selected Tools

Tone Tool 22x24mm Offset Box-End Wrench

Fig. 32. Tone Tool 22x24mm Offset Box-End Wrench, with Insets for Edge View and Back Side Detail.

Fig. 32 shows a Tone Tool 22x24mm offset box-end wrench, marked with "Tone Tool" and the metric sizes forged into the shank, with "M45 Cr-V" and "Japan" plus the JIS-Circle logo forged into the back side.

The overall length is 13.1 inches, and the finish is chrome plating.

Note that the markings on the back side have been rotated for readability. (The size markings are repeated on the back, but were omitted from the photograph to avoid confusion after the rotation.)

Tone Tool 24x27mm Offset Box-End Wrench

Fig. 33. Tone Tool 24x27mm Offset Box-End Wrench, with Insets for Edge View and Back Side Detail.

Fig. 33 shows a Tone Tool 24x27mm offset box-end wrench, marked with "Tone Tool" and the metric sizes forged into the shank, with "M45 Cr-V" and "Japan" plus the JIS-Circle logo forged into the back side.

The overall length is 14.1 inches, and the finish is chrome plating.

Note that the markings on the back side have been rotated for readability. (The size markings are repeated on the back, but were omitted from the photograph to avoid confusion after the rotation.)

Maruto Hasegawa Kōsakujō

The company was founded in 1924 by Tozaburo Hasegawa (長谷川藤三郎) in Sanjo City, Niigata Prefecture and initially operated as a maker of carpentry tools. [Editor's note: what was the first location?]

New Factory at Shimada

In May of 1936 the company moved to a new factory at 177 Shimada in Sanjo City.

Name Change

In May of 1943 the company incorporated as the Maruto Hasegawa Kōsakujō (マルト長谷川工作所) and began producing pliers for the military.

The KEIBA Brand

Maruto Hasegawa uses "KEIBA" as its main brand for tools, with a horse's head as a logo.

JIS Certification

On October 31, 1951 the company received JIS certificate 1018 for class B4623 (side-cutting pliers) at the Shimada factory. The record for this certification can be seen in the section on the 1955 JIS Summary for Classes B4623-B4625.

New Head Office at Higashi Honjoji

In December of 1969 the company moved its head office to 1911 Higashi Honjoji in Sanjo City (三条市東本成寺1911), with the factory at 16-1 Doba in Sanjo City (三条市土場１６番１号).

On August 14, 1970 the company received JIS certificate 370217 for diagonal cutters (class B4635) in normal and heavy grades at the Doba (土場) factory. The record for this certification can be seen in the 1972 JIS Summary for Class B4635.

On November 12, 1970 the company received JIS certificate 1018 for side-cutting pliers (class B4623) in normal and heavy grades at the Doba (土場) factory. The record for this certification can be seen in the 1972 JIS Summary for Classes B4623-B4625.

On November 12, 1970 the company received JIS certificate 370202 for needlenose pliers (class B4631) at the Doba (土場) factory. The record for this certification can be seen in the 1972 JIS Summary for Class B4631.

By December of 1982 annual production had reached 4.1 million units.

Consolidation of JIS Certifications

By 1999 the company's JIS certificates for pliers in classes B4623, B4625, B4631, and B4635 had all been consolidated into JIS 1018 at the Doba (土場) factory. The records for these certifications can be seen in the 1999 JIS Summary for Super-Class B010.

The LIGHTOOL Line

Continuing Operations

On May 16, 2024 the company celebrated the 100th anniversary of its founding with a festival at their headquarters in Sanjo City.

The company's website is at keiba-tool.com [External Link].

JIS Certification History

View Company History with Factories for Maruto Hasegawa Kōsakujō.

View JIS Certification Events for Maruto Hasegawa Kōsakujō.

Trademarks

Fig. 34. Maruto Hasegawa "LIGHTOOL" Trademark 4304844.

Fig. 34 shows Japanese trademark 4304844 for "LIGHTOOL", issued to Maruto Hasegawa Kōsakujō on August 13, 1999.

Contract Production for Fuller Tool

Maruto Hasegawa is known to have supplied pliers to the Fuller Tool Company based on a stamped "Maruto" marking observed on tools and sometimes even included in catalog illustrations.

Currently all of our examples of Fuller pliers with a "Maruto" marking are not marked with a model number, a detail that suggests earlier production in the 1960s to early 1970s. We don't know exactly when Fuller starting marking model numbers on pliers, but it is believed to have been around the mid 1970s.

Fuller [192] "Maruto" 6 Inch Needlenose Pliers with Side-Cutters

Fig. 35. Fuller [192] "Maruto" 6 Inch Needlenose Pliers with Side-Cutters, with Insets for Back Side, Side View, and Marking Detail, ca. 1960s.

Fig. 35 shows a pair of Fuller [192] "Maruto" 6 inch needlenose pliers with side-cutters, stamped with "Fuller" and "Maruto" around the pivot, with an "F" code on the back.

The handles of the pliers are covered with vinyl plastic grips.

The overall length is 6.4 inches, and the finish is plain steel.

The absence of a model number marking suggests a production date in the 1960s.

The "Maruto" marking indicates production by Maruto Hasegawa.

The stamped "F" code has been observed on similar tools in the same location, and appears to be specific to Maruto Hasegawa. Other letters "E" and "G" have been observed as well, suggesting that it may be a date code.

[Maruto] Fuller 7 Inch Heavy-Duty Diagonal Cutters

Fig. 36. Fuller "Maruto" 7 Inch Diagonal Cutters, with Insets for Back Side, Side View and Marking Detail, ca. 1960s.

Fig. 36 shows a pair of Fuller 7 inch heavy-duty diagonal cutters, stamped with "Fuller" and "Maruto" around the pivot, with "Japan" on the back of the handle.

The overall length is 7.3 inches, and the finish is plain steel with yellow hand grips.

The absence of a model number marking suggests early production.

The "Maruto" marking indicates production by Maruto Hasegawa.

Contract Production for Sears Roebuck

Maruto Hasegawa has been identified as a supplier of pliers to Sears Roebuck, based on similar markings found on Sears and Fuller tools. Production for Sears is believed to have started in 1964 and likely continued into the 1970s.

Matsudo Kōgu

The company was founded in 1933 by Takejiro Inoue as the Matsudo Riki Seisakusho and operated in Matsudo, Chiba prefecture. Inoue had previously established the Kikuhide Cutlery Shop, and the new company made knives to be sold at the cutlery shop.

In May of 1934 the company filed a trademark application for a logo with four triangles, and in July of 1935 applied for "MRS", an abbreviation of the company's name.

Name Change to Matsudo Seisakusho

In 1939 the company changed its name to Matsudo Seisakusho and converted to manufacturing tools. Tools were being advertised as early as 1941.

JIS Certification

In 1952 the company received JIS certificate 1975 in class B4630 (open-end wrenches), and was one of the first seven companies to receive certification in this class. The record for this certification can be seen in the section on the Monthly Report 1952-11 for Class B4630.

Name Change to Matsudo Kōgu

In July of 1955 the company was renamed to Matsudo Kōgo.

On October 23, 1959 the company received JIS certificate 7001 for class B4630 (open-end wrenches). The record for this registration can be seen in the 1962 Certified List for Class B4630.

On October 22, 1959 the company received JIS 7002 for class B4614 (combination plers). The record for this registration can be seen in the 1962 Certified List for Class B4614.

Discontinued Operations

The company is believed to have closed between 1962 and 1964, since the company's JIS certifications were still listed in the 1962 Certified List, but were missing from the 1964 list.

For now we'll use 1963 as the closing date until better information is found.

JIS Certification History

Matsudo Kōgu was one of the first companies to receive JIS certification for class B4630 (open-end wrenches).

View Company History with Factories for Matsudo Kōgu.

View JIS Certification Events for Matsudo Kōgu.

Matsusaka Iron Works

The company was established as the Anzai Foundry in 1916 by Tomoyoshi Anzai and operated in Mie prefecture.

Matsusaka Cast-Steel Company

In 1926 the company was renamed as the Matsusaka Cast-Steel Company, and in 1928 the company began production of pipe wrenches and bolt cutters.

In 1931 the company started using "MCC" as a trademark, using the initial letters of its name in English.

In 1948 the company registered Japanese trademarks (on Showa 23.12.3) for "MCC" (#23-6365), "M.C.C." (#23-6367), and "MCC" in a cloud design (#23-6368).

Matsusaka Iron Works Company, Ltd.

In 1952 the company was reorganized as the Matsusaka Iron Works Co., Ltd.

JIS Certification

On May 13, 1952 the company received JIS certification 1450 at its Kaiba factory, with the address listed as 200 Daigakukakibana in Matsusaka City, Mie prefecture.

Unfortunately the JIS records don't indicate the class, but we think it was probably for B4606 (pipe wrenches). (See the section on the Monthly Report 1952-09 For Class B4604 for more details.)

New Factory at Minami

By mid 1954 the company had moved its wrench production to the Minami factory in Matsusaka City and received JIS certification 3064 for class B4606. (Somewhat oddly, the address of the Minami factory had the same "200" street number.) The record for this certification can be seen in the 1955 JIS Summary for Class B4604.

In April of 1958 the company received JIS certification 5901 for bolt cutters (B4643) at the Minami factory. The record for this certification can be seen in the 1958 JIS Summary for Class B4643.

Adjustable Wrench Production

By 1962 the company had received JIS certification in class B4604 for partially-forged adjustable wrenches, meaning a forged moveable jaw with a malleable cast iron body. The record for this certification can be seen in the 1962 JIS Summary for Classes B4604 and B4606.

The actual certification date for adjustable wrenches is unknown, as no record has been found yet in the Monthly Reports.

The B4604 JIS certification was reported again in the 1964 Certified List, but had been dropped by the time of the 1967 Certified List.

New Factory at Tsu City

By 1964 the company had opened a new factory at 1814 Takachaya Komoricho in Tsu City, Mie prefecture.

On December 16, 1964 the company received JIS certification for pipe wrenches (B4606) at its Tsu factory in Mie prefecture. The record for this certification can be seen in the 1967 JIS Summary for Classes B4604 and B4606.

The status of JIS certification for adjustable wrenches (B4604) at the Tsu factory is uncertain, as the 1967 Certified List shows only class B4606.

In April of 1967 the company received JIS certification for bolt cutters (B4643) at the Tsu factory, with the same number (5901) as the 1958 certification. Also, in December of that year the company began offering rebar cutters.

In April of 1979 the company established a US subsidiary MCC USA Inc. in Los Angeles.

In August of 1980 the forging operations were relocated to the Kumoide factory at 1349 Kumoide Nagatsune-cho, Tsu City. [Editor's note: JIS certification needed?]

In May of 2008 the company obtained ISO9001 certification.

Continuing Operations

The company's current head office and factory is at 1814 Takachaya Komori-cho, Tsu City, Mie prefecture. Additional information can be found at the MCC [External Link] website.

JIS Certification History

Matsusaka Iron Works is known to have received JIS certifications for several classes, including B4604 (adjustable wrenches), B4606 (pipe wrenches), and B4643 (bolt cutters).

Factory locations were in Kaiba, Minami, and Tsu City, all in Mie prefecture.

View Company History with Factories for Matsusaka Iron Works.

View JIS Certification Events for Matsusaka Iron Works.

Selected Tools

Currently we don't have any MCC tools available for display, but have observed a number of examples in online photographs.

One of our readers sent a photo of a heavy-duty (Ridgid-pattern) pipe wrench made for the "Globemaster" brand with a forged-in "MCC" marking.

We observed a photo on an online site showing a heavy-duty (Ridgid-pattern) pipe wrench with the "MCC" oval logo forged into the head, and with the handle marked with the JIS symbol and "3064".

Meisei (Daido) Tsushō

Meisei Tsushō is the parent company of the Daido Corporation U.S.A., whose "Truecraft" brand became the best known Japanese tool brand in America.

Meisei Tsushō was established in August of 1949 in Chiyoda, Tokyo as an exporter of machinery and fabricated metal products. The Japanese word "tsushō" is commonly translated as "trading company", but as an exporter the company's primary business would have been the marketing and distribution of products from Japanese companies.

In October of 1951 Meisei established the Daido Corporation U.S.A. as a subsidiary in New York City. At that time Daido was only the sixth Japanese company to incorporate in New York in the post-war era.

The choice of the name "Daido" for the subsidiary probably reflects the sponsorship and financial investment of Daido Kōgyō, a Japanese industrial manufacturer of roller chains, chain conveyors, and other metal products. Daido Kōgyō was established in May of 1933 as the Kokumitsu Chain Company and became the Daido Kōgyō Company, Ltd. in 1938.

In 1960 Meisei Tsushō moved its head office to Chuo, Tokyo.

In 1962 Daido U.S.A. acquired the Truecraft Tool Company of Chicago, a small company selling tools such as pliers, adjustable wrenches, and hammers. In June of 1962 Daido announced the opening of the company's Truecraft Tool Division, which over the next four decades would make "Truecraft" the best known brand for Japanese tools. [Editor's note: this is not mentioned in the company's history.]

In April of 1966 Daido U.S.A. moved its headquarters from New York City to a facility in New Jersey with expanded office and warehouse space.

In October of 1971 Meisei opened a subsidiary in Sao Paulo, Brazil as the Daido Corporation Do Brazil Ltda.

In the fall of 1976 Daido U.S.A. acquired a factory in Newark, New Jersey for the purpose of manufacturing screwdrivers, and a trade journal stated that this was its first U.S. based manufacturing facility. [Editor's note: this is not mentioned in the company's history.]

In October of 1977 Daido U.S.A. opened a liason office in Taipei, Taiwan.

Name Change to Daido Tsushō

In April of 1982 Meisei Tsushō changed its name to Daido Tsushō, probably reflecting the growing importance of Daido Kōgyō as a shareholder and production partner.

In August of 1986 Daido U.S.A.'s liason office in Taipei was upgraded to a branch office.

In July of 1995 the Taipei branch office opened a liason office in Taichung, Taiwan. (Taichung is the center of hand tool development and manufacturing in Taiwan. For further information see our article on Lea Way Hand Tool.)

Sometime in the early 2000s Daido U.S.A. closed the Truecraft Tool Division. [Editor's note: this is not mentioned in the company's history.]

In June of 2002 Daido U.S.A. changed its name to Advantech International, Inc., and the company remains in operation today as a provider of automobile, motorcycle, and industrial products, as well as market development services. Further information can be found at the Advantech International [External Link] web site.

(Note that from this point on, references to Daido or the company will mean Daido Tsushō.)

In August of 2005 Daido Tsushō opened a liason office in Germany.

In October of 2005 Daido Tsushō established a subsidiary Daido Corporation China in Shanghai.

In June of 2013 the company acquired ISO 9001 certification.

In October of 2014 the company opened a liason office in Hanoi, Vietnam.

In October of 2017 the company opened a quality control center in Shanghai.

Daido Tsushō continues in operation today, and additional information about the company can be found (in Japanese, English, and Chinese) at the Daido Corporation [External Link] web site. Our history of Meisei Tsushō and Daido Tsushō was developed with information from the CWC Japanese web site and from the company's web site.

For further information on the U.S. operations of Meisei Tsushō, please see our article on the Daido Corporation U.S.A., which has many examples of tools sold under "Truecraft" and other brands.

Trademarks

Most of the trademarks associated with Truecraft were registered in the United States, but Daido Tsushō also registered Japanese trademarks for Truecraft and related brands.

Miki Netsuren Company

Miki Netsuren (三木ネツレン) is a maker of wrenches, clamps, and other forged products operating in Miki City, Hyogo Prefecture, Japan.

The company was founded in 1870 as Kiya Yoshibei (木屋吉兵衛), a hardware specialty company making products including saws and planes.

By 1943 the company had become Miki Netsuren Kōgyōsho (三木熱錬工業所) and began doing precision forging as a partner of Kobe Steel.

By 1947 the company was specializing in making open-end wrenches.

Early JIS Certification

In 1952 the company received JIS certificate 1976 for class B4630 (open-end wrenches), with the factory address listed as 1683 Fukui in Miki City. The record for this certification can be seen in the section on the Monthly Report 1952-11 for Class B4630.

Bessho Factory Construction

In 1961 the company completed the first phase of construction of its Bessho factory. [Editor's note: when did the factory begin operations?]

JIS Upgrade?

By 1964 the company's JIS registration in class B4630 had been upgraded to show both normal and strong grades for round type and spear type wrenches. However, we don't have the detail record showing when this occurred. The certification can be seen in the 1964 Certified List for Class B4630.

Name Change to Miki Netsuren

In 1967 the company changed its name to Miki Netsuren (三木ネツレン).

On October 16, 1967 the company received JIS certificate 1976 for class B4630 (open-end wrenches), with notes indicating both normal and strong grade (suffixes "N" and "H") and "Spear Type" for the JIS "S" suffix. The certification can be seen in the 1967 Certified List for Class B4630.

Note though that this certification still lists the factory address as 1683 Fukui in Miki City, not for the newer Bessho factory.

Contract Production

In addition to producing tools for its own brand, Miki Netsuren also provided contract production for other companies. One of those customers was Osaka Tankō, which outsourced production from 1982 onward after shutting down its own factory.

JIS Pipe Wrenches

On May 8, 1985 the company received JIS certificate 585007 for class B4606 pipe wrenches, with the factory address listed as 638 Takagi, Bessho-cho, Miki City. The record for this certification can be seen in the section on the 1999 JIS Summary for Super-Class B013.

In 1999 the company obtained ISO9002 certification.

JQA JIS Certification

On October 5, 2007 the company received JQA certificate JQ0507042 for class B4606 (pipe wrenches) and JQA certificate JQ0507043 for class B4630 (open-end wrenches).

Note that since the JQA contract for pipe wrenches ended on July 29, 2022, the JQA website no longer reports the JQ0507042 registration.

150th Anniversary

In 2020 the company celebrated its 150th anniversary.

Continuing Operations

The company's website (in Japanese) is available at Miki Netsuren [External Link].

JIS Certification History

Miki Netsuren is known to have received JIS certifications for classes B4604 (adjustable wrenches) and B4630 (open-end wrenches).

The factory locations were in Miki City and Bessho.

View Company History with Factories for Miki Netsuren.

View JIS Certification Events for Miki Netsuren.

Tool Identification

Miki Netsuren tools are usually marked with a forge mark resembling a horizontal block with two vertical blocks above it, referred to as the 3-Blocks in the text.

Miki Netsuren Company 3-Blocks-Logo

Fig. 37. Miki Netsuren 3-Blocks Logo.

Fig. 37 shows the 3-Blocks logo as displayed by the company.

3-Blocks Forge Mark

Fig. 38. Miki Netsuren 3-Blocks Forge Mark.

Fig. 38 shows the 3-Blocks logo as found forged into an Osaka Tanko 32mm Single-Open Wrench produced by Miki Netsuren.

Selected Tools

An example of the company's contract production for Osaka Forging can be seen as the OSAKA TANKO 32mm Single-Open Wrench.

Netsuren 19x22mm Open-End Wrench

Fig. 39. Netsuren 19x22mm Open-End Wrench, with Inset for Back Side.

Fig. 39 shows a Netsuren 19x22mm open-end wrench with recessed panels, marked with "Netsuren" and the JIS-Circle+H logo forged into the front panel, with "JIS B 4630" and "19x22" forged into the back panel.

The front is also marked with the metric sizes, with "M14" and M12" on the back side.

The overall length is 8.2 inches, and the finish is black oxide.

The "JIS B 4630" marking is a reference to the JIS standard for open-end wrenches.

Mito Kōki Company (Mitoloy)

Mito Kōki (水戸工機) is the maker of Mitoloy brand sockets, drive tools, and other tools, and operates in Mito, Ibaraki Prefecture, Japan.

The company was founded in 1940 by Bunichi Narita (成田文市氏) as the Mito Gokin Kōgu Seisakusho (水戸合金工具製作所) in Akatsuka-cho, Mito City.

JIS Certification

On December 20, 1957 the company received JIS certificate 5676 and 5677 for socket tools in classes B4636-B4641 at the Akatsuka-cho factory. The records for these certifications can be seen in the 1958 Factory Name List for Classes B4636, B4637, and B4639 and 1958 Factory Name List for Classes B4638, B4640, and B4641.

Name Change

In 1961 the company changed its name to the Mito Kōki Company, Ltd.

On September 13, 1962 the company received JIS certificate 8977 at the Akatsuka factory for socket tools in classes B4638, B4640, and B4641. The record for this certification can be seen in the 1964 Certified List for Classes B4638, B4640, and B4641

New Factory at Otsuka

In 1963 the company built a new factory at Otsuka-cho, Mito City.

On February 14, 1966 the company received JIS certificates 8977 and 8978 for classes B4636-B4641 at the Otsuka-cho factory. The records for these certifications can be seen in the 1972 Certified List for Classes B4636, B4637, and B4639 and 1972 Certified List for Classes B4638, B4640, and B4641.

Box-End Wrenches

On December 28, 1968 the company received JIS certificate 368235 for class B4632 (box-end wrenches). The record for this certification can be seen in the 1972 Certified List for Class B4632.

In 1972 Koichi Narita (成田弘市氏) was appointed president of the company.

Impact Socket Tools

By 1980 the company was producing impact sockets and drive tools, and was an exhibitor at the Cologne Hardware Show in Germany.

In 1998 Hiroaki Narita (成田浩明氏) was appointed president of the company.

JQA JIS Certification

On May 27, 2010 the company received JQA certificate JQ0309004 for class B4636-1, socket tools with 12.7mm drive. This certification is currently (2024) active and can be searched on the JISC website.

Continuing Operations

The company's website (in Japanese) is available at www.mitotool.com [External Link]. Our history was adapted from the timeline on the company's website.

JIS Certification History

Mito Kōki received JIS certifications in classes B4632 (box-end wrenches) and B4636-B4641 (socket wrenches).

Factory locations were in Akatsuka and Otsuka.

View Company History with Factories for Mito Kōki.

View JIS Certification Events for Mito Kōki.

Mitoloy 449 1/2-Drive Ratchet

Fig. 40. Mitoloy 449 1/2-Drive Ratchet, with Insets for Back Side, Edge View, and Marking Detail.

Fig. 40 shows a Mitoloy 449 1/2-drive ratchet, stamped with "Mitoloy" and the model number plus the JIS-Circle logo on the cover plate, as seen in the middle inset.

The deeply paneled shank is marked with "Forged Alloy" and "Japan" forged into the front, with "Quality Ratchet" forged into the back side.

The overall length is 9.9 inches, and the finish is plain steel with traces of an iridescent metal coating.

One unusual feature of the ratchet is the 20mm double-hex opening on the top side, suggesting that this tool was designed for a special application.

The ratchet mechanism uses a 20-tooth drive gear, with dual pawls alternately disabled by a cam connected to the shift lever.

Mitoloy 1/2-Drive Flex-Head Handle

Fig. 41. Mitoloy 1/2-Drive Flex Handle, with Insets for Construction and Marking Detail.

Fig. 41 shows a Mitoloy 1/2-drive flex-head handle, stamped "Mitoloy" and "Japan" with the JIS-Circle logo on the shank.

The overall length is 11.9 inches. The finish is plain steel, possibly with traces of cadmium plating.

The handle piece is made of tubular steel with a knurled gripping surface.

The hollow handle would reduce the weight for normal service, and would also allow the use of an extender bar for extra leverage if needed. The handle also has a drilled cross-bar hole to allow use as a Tee-handle.

The construction of the tool reveals a design for a strong but light tool of minimal cost. The tool consists of three simple parts — a forked flex head, a bar shank, and a tubular handle — all held together with two spring roll pins.

Muromoto Tekkō

Muromoto Tekkō (室本鉄工) is a maker of power tools, air tools, and pliers operating in Hirakata City, Osaka prefecture.

"Merry" Brand Pliers

The company was founded in 1927 (Showa 2) in Osaka and adopted the brand "Merry" for its pliers from the beginning. The initial factory was located at Osaka Joto-ku, Minami-cho, Nakahama.

Fig. 42. 1929 Japanese Trademark for "Merry".

The company's early pliers were heavily influenced by Utica Drop Forge & Tool, as the company adopted a logo very similar to Utica's 3-Diamonds logo, and even offered lineman's pliers in a 1050 model similar to the Utica 1050 Lineman's Pliers!

The scan in Fig. 42 shows the Japanese trademark for "Merry" issued to Muromoto in 1929.

In the illustration the familiar linked diamonds of Utica's trademark have been updated with women's heads instead of the "U-TI-CA" text. The trademark even incorporates the model number from Utica's popular No. 1050 lineman's pliers.

Muromoto's "Merry" pliers were sold at the Maeda Gunji Shoten, the starting point for the later Tone Company.

New Factory at Higashi-Imazato

In 1937 the company built a new factory at Osaka Higashinari ku Higashi-Imazato town.

Early JIS Certification

On June 26, 1951 the company received JIS certification 653 for class B4623 (side-cutting pliers), making it one of the first tool companies to receive certification. The record for this certification can be seen in the 1955 Factory Name List for Class B4623. [Editor's note: the company's English-language history says it was February of 1952.]

New Factory at Ishizuminami

In November of 1966 the company established a new head office factory at Osaka Neyagawa Ishizuminami town.

In April of 1967 the company began producing "Nile" brand air tools.

New Factory at Shodai-Tachika

In 1989 the company moved its head office factory to 1-8-1 Shodai-Tachika in Hirakata City, Osaka prefecture.

JQA JIS Certification

On July 24, 2008 the company received JQA certification JQ0508066 for pliers and nippers in classes B4623, B4631, and B4635.

Continuing Operations

The company continues in operation today with a head office factory at 1-8-1 Shodai Tachika in Hirakata City, Osaka Prefecture. The company's website (in Japanese and English) is available at muromoto.co.jp [External Link].

Surprisingly, the English version of the website has a more extensive section on the company's history, and we adapted our history from the timeline on the English page.

JIS Certification History

Muromoto Tekkō received JIS certifications for pliers in classes B4623, B4631, and B4635, beginning with JIS number 653 in 1951.

The JIS-certified factories were at Higashi-Imazato, Ishizuminami, and Shodai-Tachika.

View Company History with Factories for Muromoto Tekkō.

View JIS Certification Events for Muromoto Tekkō.

Nagaki Seiki (NGK)

The company was founded in April of 1946 as Nagaki Seiki Seisakusho in Osaka City. The initial products were pipe vises, pipe cutting tools, ratchet wrenches, and other tools.

In June of 1971 the company relocated its head office and factory to Daito City in Osaka prefecture.

In August of 1990 the company completed its Rokkasho factory in Aomori prefecture.

In August of 1993 the company completed its factory in Onojo City, Fukuoka prefecture.

The company continues in business today as a maker of industrial products including wire pullers, wire strippers, wire stretching machines, and ratchet wrenches.

More information for the company can be found at the Nagaki Seiki [External Link] website.

N.G.K. 36mm Ratchet Wrench

Fig. 43. N.G.K. 36mm Ratchet Wrench, with Insets for Side View and Marking Detail.

Fig. 43 shows an N.G.K. ratchet wrench with a 36mm hexagonal opening, stamped with "N.G.K." and "PAT." on the front, with "L" and a Kanji symbol plus the metric size on the back.

The overall length is 19.1 inches, and the finish is black paint.

The patent for this tool is not yet known.