Miki Netsuren Company

Miki Netsuren is a maker of wrenches, clamps, and other forged products operating in Miki City, Hyogo Prefecture, Japan. The company was founded in 1870 as a hardware specialty company, and its early products included saws and planes.

In 1943 the company became a partner of Kobe Steel and began doing precision forging, and by 1947 was specializing in making open-end wrenches.

In 1952 the company received JIS certification for wrenches.

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

In 1967 the company changed its name to Miki Netsuren Company, Ltd.

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

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

JIS Certifications

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. 35. Miki Netsuren 3-Blocks Logo.

Fig. 35 shows the 3-Blocks logo as displayed by the company.

3-Blocks Forge Mark

Fig. 36. Miki Netsuren 3-Blocks Forge Mark.

Fig. 36 shows the 3-Blocks logo as found forged into an Osaka Tanko 32mm Single-Open Wrench produced by Miki Netsuren.

Selected Tools

Currently we don't have any tools branded for Miki Netsuren. However, an example of the company's contract production for Osaka Forging can be seen as the OSAKA TANKO 32mm Single-Open Wrench.

Mito Koki Company: Mitoloy Brand

Mito Koki is the maker of Mitoloy brand sockets, drive tools, and other tools, and operates in Mito, Ibaraki Prefecture, Japan.

The company was founded on October 3, 1940 as the Mito Gokin Tool Manufacturing Company in Akatsuka-cho, Mito City.

In 1957 the company received JIS certification for its sockets and drive tools.

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

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

In 1966 the company reacquired JIS certification for its Otsuka-cho factory.

In 1968 the company received JIS certification for box-end wrenches.

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

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

JIS Certifications

Mitoloy 449 1/2-Drive Ratchet

Fig. 37. Mitoloy 449 1/2-Drive Ratchet, with Insets for Back Side, Edge View, and Marking Detail.

Fig. 37 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. 38. Mitoloy 1/2-Drive Flex Handle, with Insets for Construction and Marking Detail.

Fig. 38 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.

Osaka Forging Company

The Osaka Forging Company was a drop forge operator in Osaka, Japan and is best known as the maker of wrenches marked "OSAKA TANKO".

The company was established in 1939 and received JIS certification in 1952. Osaka Forging was one of the first companies to receive certification for wrenches under JIS standard B4630 and its certification number 1978 was marked on some early wrenches.

By 1960 the company was supplying wrenches for OEM vehicle tool kits. (Vehicle tool kits may account for some of the tools found in the U.S. without a "Japan" marking.)

In November of 1981 Osaka Forging discontinued manufacturing activities, but its associated distributor Maruti Company, Ltd. remained in operation, and the "OSAKA TANKO" brand was outsourced to other manufacturers. Outsourced production continued until 2007.

Our information for the company was found on the CWC Japanese web site. We'll add more information if it becomes available.

JIS Certifications

The company received a JIS certification for class B4630 in November of 1952.

Tool Identification

Tools made by Osaka Forging were usually marked "OSAKA TANKO" along with a T-Circle forge mark. The company also marked some tools with a "King" logo in a script font.

Contract production by Osaka Forging can be identified by the T-Circle forge mark.

Tools made for Osaka Forging as outsourced production will also be marked "OSAKA TANKO", but will have an additional forge mark identifying the production partner, as required for JIS compliance. (See our section on JIS Compliance for further details.)

One of the outsourcing partners is known to be Miki Netsuren, and we hope to identify others as well.

T-Circle Logo

Fig. 39 shows an idealized T-Circle mark constructed using vector graphics.

Fig. 40. T-Circle Forge Mark.

Fig. 40 shows the T-Circle forge mark as found on a Osaka Tanko 32mm Single-Open Wrench.

Selected Tools

Osaka Tanko 32mm Single-Open Wrench

Fig. 41. Osaka Tanko 32mm Single-Open Wrench, with Inset for Back Side, ca. 1982-2007.

Fig. 41 shows an Osaka Tanko 32mm single-open wrench, marked with "OSAKA TANKO" and the metric size forged into the front, with "ALLOY STEEL" and the JIS-Circle+H logo forged into the back side.

The overall length is 10.7 inches, and the finish is black oxide.

The shank is also marked with the T-Circle forge mark between "OSAKA" and "TANKO".

The back side also has a small forge mark to the right of "STEEL", identified as the 3-Blocks logo of Miki Netsuren.

The forge mark for Miki Netsuren indicates that this wrench was made as contract production for Osaka Forging sometime between 1982 and 2007.

The absence of a "Japan" marking on this tool indicates that it was originally produced for the Japanese domestic market.

Riken Kaki Kōgyō (RK)

Riken Kaki Kōgyō is a tool maker well known as the supplier of tool kit wrenches for motorcycles, in particular for Honda Motors.

The company was founded in 1955 in Kita-ku, Tokyo to manufacture motorcyle parts and tools, and by 1956 was making auto parts and tools as well.

Information for the company can be found (in Japanese) at Riken Kaki [External Link].

Tool Identification

Tools supplied by Riken Kaki were typically marked with the RK-Circle logo, which consists of the text "RK" with nested semi-circles above and below,

RK-Circle Logo

Fig. 42. RK-Circle Logo.

Fig. 42 shows the RK-Circle logo, as found on a Honda Motors 10x14mm Open-End Wrench.

[RK] Honda Motors 10x14mm Open-End Wrench

This next tool will probably be familiar to anyone who has owned a Honda motorcycle.

Fig. 43. Honda Motors 10x14mm Open_End Wrench, with Inset for Back Side.

Fig. 43 shows a Honda Motors 10x14mm open-end wrench, marked with the Hm-Oval Honda logo and the metric sizes forged into the front, with the RK-Circle logo flanked by parallel lines forged into the back side.

The overall length is 5.5 inches, and the finish is cadmium plating.

This wrench is one of the tools supplied in the toolkit for Honda motorcycles, and the RK-Logo indicates that the wrench was supplied by Riken Kaki Kōgyō.

Showa Supana Seizo (SDF)

Showa Supana Seizo was a drop-forge operator and maker of wrenches operating in Edogawa, Tokyo.

The company was established in 1937 in Edogawa, and by 1940 was offering wrenches as Showa Tanzo Kōgyō (Showa Forging Industries).

In 1942 the company registered "SDF" for "Showa Drop Forge" as Japanese trademark #352,046.

In 1949 the company was incorporated as Showa Supana Seizo (Showa Spanner Manufacturing), with its head office at 4-2 Nihonbashi-Honcho, Chuuo and factory at 1-765 Nishi-Ichinoe, Edogawa.

The company received JIS certification for wrenches under standard B4630 in 1952.

On November 10, 1987 Showa Supana Seizo relinquished its JIS certification, indicating that the company had closed, possibly due to bankruptcy. This was just one year before the end of the Showa era in Japan.

Our information for the company was found on the CWC Japanese web site. We'll add more information if it becomes available.

JIS Certifications

Only one JIS certification is known for Showa Supana Seizo, for standard B4630 (open-end wrenches) on November 10, 1952.

Tool Identification

Tools made by Showa Supana Seizo were typically marked with "Showa" in an oval, or with a trademark consisting of an "S" with "D" and "F" enclosed. The trademark will be referred to as the SDF-Logo in the text.

Some tools may be marked with just "SDF".

SDF-Logo

Fig. 44. SDF-Logo from Trademark #352,046.

Fig. 44 shows the SDF-Logo as it was presented for Japanese trademark #352,046.

Fig. 45. SDF-Logo Forge Mark.

Fig. 45 shows the SDF-Logo forge mark, as found forged into an SDF 21x23mm Open-End Wrench.

Showa 5/8x3/4 Open-End Wrench

Fig. 46. Showa 5/8x3/4 Open-End Wrench, with Inset for Back Side.

Fig. 46 shows a Showa 5/8x3/4 open-end wrench, marked with "Showa" in an oval logo and "JTF" forged into the shank, with "119" and "Japan" forged into the back side.

The overall length is 7.2 inches, and the finish is chrome plating with polished faces.

SDF 21x23mm Open-End Wrench

Fig. 47. SDF 21x23mm Open-End Wrench, with Insets for Back Side and Marking Detail.

Fig. 47 shows an SDF 21x23mm open-end wrench with a paneled shank, marked with the SDF-Logo and the metric sizes forged into the front, with "Chrome Alloy" and the JIS-Circle+S logo forged into the back side.

The overall length is 8.7 inches, and the finish is chrome plating with polished faces.

The small inset shows a close-up of the SDF-Logo forge mark.

The absence of a "Japan" marking on this tool indicates that it was originally produced for the Japanese domestic market.

Super Tool Company

The Super Tool Company is a Japanese manufacturer of general hand tools, plumbing tools, and factory maintenance equipment, with operations in Sakai City, Osaka Prefecture, Japan.

The company was founded in 1918 in Kitahatago-cho, Sakai City, Osaka Prefecture. [Editor's note: any word on early products?]

Incorporation as Nittankoki

In 1942 the company was incorporated as the Nittankoki Company, Ltd. in Takasu-cho, Sakai City and began production of work tools and forgings. At this time the main factory was at Takasu-cho, with a secondary factory at Kitashimizu-cho in Sakai City.

In 1952 the company received JIS certification number 1447 for adjustable wrenches under the B4604 standard. This certification number can be found marked on some wrenches.

In 1954 the company released a "Super Head" combination wrench with a ratchet-action open-end, based on the same Wilder patent as the "Speed-Hed" wrenches sold in the US by Thorsen Tools and others. In 1955 the company released a gear puller.

In 1957 the head office and factory moved to Minamishimizu-cho in Sakai City, and the secondary factory was closed after integrating the operations into the main factory. By this time the company's production system had integrated all functions including forging, machining, heat treating, and finishing. [Editor's note: should have JIS re-certification for factory move?]

In 1960 the company received JIS certification for double box-end wrenches (両口めがねレンチ, literally "double eyeglasses wrench") under the B4632 standard, but the certification number hasn't been found yet.

In 1962 the company received JIS certification number 8976 for spanners (open-end wrenches) under the B4630 standard.

In 1963 the company began offering grip pliers and snap-ring pliers.

In 1964 the forging operations were moved to a new factory in Minoyama, Sakai City.

Name Change to Super Tool

In 1965 the company became the Super Tool Company, Ltd., and the head office and main factory was relocated to Minoyama, Sakai City. [Editor's note: need re-certification for factory move?]

In 1966 the company adopted a quality control system and a lifetime warranty for products with the "Super" mark.

Later product offerings included torque wrenches around 1970 and plumbing tools around 1975.

Our history is based on the timeline provided on the company's website. Further information can be found (in English) at Super Tool [External Link]. (Note though that information on the company's history is only available on the Japanese site.)

JIS Certifications

Super Tool received its JIS certification for adjustable wrenches in 1952, before the distinction between JIS-N "ordinary" and JIS-H "strong" classes had been formalized. The company is known to have used the JIS "H" marking on later wrenches, suggesting that there should have been a later certification for JIS-H.

Trademarks

Super Tool was extremely prolific in its use of Japanese trademarks, with many of them based on variations of "SUPER" in a diamond outline. The table below shows a few of the Japanese trademarks.

Tool Identification

In 1948 the company received a Japanese trademark for "Super" in a diamond logo, using a script font for "Super". In later years the trademark was generally presented using block letters and can be found forged into (or possibly stamped on) tools. We will refer to this as the Super-Diamond logo in the text.

Super-Diamond Logo

Fig. 48. Super-Diamond Logo.

Fig. 48 shows the Super-Diamond logo, as forged into the shank of the Super 200mm Adjustable Wrench in the next figure.

Super Tool 200mm (8 Inch) Adjustable Wrench

Fig. 49. Super Tool 200mm (8 Inch) Adjustable Wrench, with Insets for Edge View and Back Side Detail.

Fig. 49 shows a Super Tool 200mm (8 inch) adjustable wrench, marked with "Vanadium Steel" and the Super-Diamond logo forged into the shank, with "Drop Forged" and "Japan" plus the JIS-Circle+H logo forged into the back.

The shank also has forged-in codes "1-02" and "1447" to the right of the JIS logo.

The finish is chrome plating.

The overall length is 8.2 inches, and the maximum opening is 1.0 inches. The maximum head thickness was measured at 0.53 inches.

The "1447" marking is the company's JIS certification number under the B4604 standard, first received in 1952.

Some design and construction differences were noted for this wrench, when compared with examples from other Japanese makers. In particular, note that the gullet is square rather than hexagonal, allowing a closer grip on square nuts. Another difference is that the adjusting knurl is secured with a press-fit pin rather than a threaded rod. The hole for the pin is drilled through to the top, allowing the pin to be removed with a drift punch in the event replacement is necessary.

Three Peaks Giken Company

The Three Peaks Giken Company is a Japanese manufacturer specializing in nippers and pliers, with operations in Sanjo City, Niigata Prefecture, Japan.

The company was founded as the Koyama Iron Works in April of 1940, and initially produced industrial machinery and machine tools, with a factory at Oaza, Sanjo City.

By 1947 the company had resumed operations after the war and was producing parts for machine tools and sewing machines.

In November of 1952 the company was reorganized to the Koyama Iron Works Company, Ltd.

In July of 1953 the company moved its factory to 204 Omizajima, Sanjo City, and in March of 1955 the company moved its head office to the factory location.

In August of 1964 the company built a new two-story factory with a steel frame, with 440 square meters of space. [Editor's note: where was this factory?]

By November of 1965 the company had begun production of pliers, in sizes 150mm, 175mm, and 200mm.

In December of 1967 the company received JIS certification number 367229 for punches.

In January of 1972 the company received JIS certification for radio pliers (371247) and nippers (371248). In September of 1980 the company received JIS certification for diagonal nippers (367229).

In April of 1993 the company changed its name to the Three Peaks Giken Company, Ltd.

Further information can be found on the company's website (mostly in Japanese) at Three Peaks Giken Company [External Link].

Tool Identification

Tools made for the company's own production will typically be marked "Three Peaks".

Contract production will be stamped with the 3-Peaks-Circle logo.

3-Peaks-Circle Logo

Fig. 50. 3-Peaks-Circle Logo.

Fig. 50 shows the 3-Peaks-Circle logo stamped on the Truecraft K-358-G Lineman's Pliers in the next figure.

Truecraft K-358-G 8 Inch Lineman's Pliers

This next figure shows an example of pliers made by Three Peaks as contract production for the Truecraft brand, a brand owned by the Daido Corporation.

Fig. 51. Truecraft K-358-G 8 Inch Lineman's Pliers, with Insets for Edge View and Construction Detail, ca. 1960s to 1975.

Fig. 51 shows a pair of Truecraft K-358-G 8 inch lineman's pliers, stamped "Truecraft" with the model number on one side, with "Japan" and the 3-Peaks-Circle logo on the back side.

The overall length is 8.3 inches, and the finish is plain steel.

The leading "K" of the Truecraft model number indicates production up to around 1975.

The lower inset shows a close-up of the 3-Peaks-Circle logo, a design showing three mountain peaks within a circle. We were unfamiliar with this meaning of this logo, but one of our readers from Japan kindly sent an explanation with a link to the company's website.

These pliers are listed on page 3 of the 1973 Truecraft catalog, and with a close look at the illustration the 3-Peaks-Circle logo can be seen!

Three Peaks 200 8 Inch Lineman's Pliers

In addition to offering contract production, Three Peaks also provides tools under their own name, as the next figure illustrates.

Fig. 52. Three Peaks 200 8 Inch Lineman's Pliers, with Insets for Back Side and Edge View.

Fig. 52 shows a pair of Three Peaks 200 8 inch lineman's pliers, stamped with "Three Peaks Cp" and the JIS-Circle logo around the pivot.

The face is also stamped with "TD" and the 3-Peaks-Circle logo, with "Japan" on the opposite side.

The overall length is 8.3 inches, and the finish is plain steel.

Toho Koki Company: HIT and Strong HIT Brands

The Toho Koki Company is a Japanese drop-forger and toolmaker best known for its "HIT" brand tools, including Crescent-style adjustable wrenches, pipe wrenches, and bolt cutters.

The company was established in 1926 as the Kawakami Seisakusho in Minato-ku, Osaka as a maker of machine parts.

By 1934 the company was making forged adjustable wrenches, pipe wrenches, and open-end wrenches.

In 1938 the company moved its head office and factory to Kami, Hirano-ku, and reorganized as the Toho Koki Company, Ltd.

On June 28, 1951 the company received JIS certification for adjustable wrenches, and in this same year began using chrome-molybdenum alloy steel for adjustable wrenches.

In 1952 the company received JIS certification for pipe wrenches. In 1958 the company received JIS certification for open-end wrenches.

In 1961 the forging division became independent as Toho Forging Company, Ltd., with operations in Yamatokoriyama, Nara prefecture, Japan.

In 1965 the company began a full-scale export program, and its "HIT" brand products became popular in 50 countries around the world.

In 1966 the company received JIS certification for bolt cutters and box-end wrenches.

In 1984 the company began relocating to a new factory in Yamatokoriyama, Nara Prefecture, and as a result all of its JIS certifications were temporarily revoked. By 1985 the new factory was in operation, and on June 13, 1985 Toho Koki regained JIS certification for adjustable wrenches, retaining its original (657) number.

By 2000 the company had decided not to continue production of adjustable wrenches, and on July 12, 2000 Toho Koki relinquished its JIS certification for this class. After this point adjustable wrench production was outsourced.

Toho Koki continues in operation today and is located in Yamatokoriyama, Nara prefecture, Japan. The company maintains a website (in Japanese and English) at www.hittools.co.jp [External Link], which provides a page with extensive information on the Company History [External Link].

JIS Certifications

Toho Koki has a very eventful JIS certification history, including multiple classes of tools and temporary revocations due to a factory move.

Trademarks

Toho Koki has several trademarks registered in Japan, including "HITROI", "HITLOY", and a logo with "HIT" in the center of a gear, referred to as the HIT-Gear logo on this site.

The "HITROI" trademark has a curious story. Like most English speakers, when we first saw "HITROI" we were a bit puzzled about the meaning. (HITROI? Hit Roy? Who is Roy, and why would I want to hit him?) But after learning about the "HITLOY" trademark, it all became clear.

In the early 1950s Toho Koki had started using chrome-molybdenum steel for their wrenches and wanted to get a trademark along the lines of "Bonaloy" or "Armaloy". They were thinking of "HITLOY", but since the Japanese language doesn't have distinct "L" and "R" sounds, when "HITLOY" was written in katakana it was then romanized to "HITROI".

Then after discovering that the "HITROI" trademark didn't evoke any connections with alloy for English speakers, Toho Koki filed the "HITLOY" trademark shortly afterwards.

Tool Identification

The company used "HIT" as a brand in the pre-war era, and in the early 1950s registered "HITROI" and "HITLOY" as trademarks.

Later adjustable wrenches were typically marked "Strong HIT", with "Strong" emphasizing the JIS-H ("Strong" class) certification.

Tools from Toho Koki are frequently marked with the HIT-Gear logo.

HIT-Gear Logo

Fig. 53. HIT-Gear Logo.

Fig. 53 shows the HIT-Gear logo forged into a tool.

Hit 21x26mm Offset Box-End Wrench

Fig. 54. Hit 21x26mm Offset Box-End Wrench, with Insets for Edge View and Back Side Detail.

Fig. 54 shows a Hit 21x26mm offset box-end wrench, marked with the fractional sizes and "HIT" forged into the front, with "Chrome Molybdenum" and the fractional sizes forged into the back side. (The inset shows the markings in their natural upside-down position.)

The shank is also marked with the JIS-Circle logo forged into front.

The overall length is 14.3 inches, and the finish is chrome plating.

The absence of a "Japan" marking on this tool indicates that it was originally produced for the domestic market.

"HITROI" 150mm (6 Inch) Adjustable Wrench

Fig. 55. Hit "HITROI" 150mm (6 Inch) Adjustable Wrench, with Insets for Edge View and Back Side Detail.

Fig. 55 shows a Hit "HITROI" 150mm (6 inch) adjustable wrench, marked with "HITROI" and "Alloy" plus the JIS-Circle+H logo forged into the shank, with "Toho Koki Co." and "Japan" plus the HIT-Gear logo forged into the back side.

The overall length is 6.2 inches, and the finish is chrome plating with polished faces.

"Strong HIT" 200mm (8 Inch) Adjustable Wrench

Fig. 56. "Strong HIT" 200mm (8 Inch) Adjustable Wrench, with Insets for Edge View and Back Side Detail.

Fig. 56 shows a "Strong HIT" 200mm (8 inch) adjustable wrench, marked with "Strong HIT" and the JIS-Circle+H logo forged into the shank, with "Cr-Mo Drop Forged" and "Japan" plus the HIT-Gear logo forged into the back side.

The shank also has a forged-in code "657" to the right of the JIS logo.

The overall length is 8.2 inches, and the finish is chrome plating, with some losses due to rust.

The "657" code is Toho Koki's original JIS certification number for adjustable wrenches, first received in 1951.

"Strong HIT" 300mm (12 Inch) Adjustable Wrench

Fig. 57. "Strong HIT" 300mm (12 Inch) Adjustable Wrench, with Insets for Back Side and Edge View.

Fig. 57 shows a "Strong HIT" 300mm (12 inch) adjustable wrench, marked with "Strong HIT" and the JIS-Circle+H logo forged into the shank, with "Cr-Mo Drop Forged" and "Japan" plus the HIT-Gear logo forged into the back side.

The shank also has a forged-in code "657" to the right of the JIS logo.

The overall length is 12.3 inches, and the finish is chrome plating, with some losses due to rust.

The "657" code is Toho Koki's original JIS certification number for adjustable wrenches, first received in 1951.

Top Kōgyō Company

The company was established in 1939 as the Hokuetsu Machine Works Company, with an initial location at 1-525 Oaza-Sanjo, Sanjo City, Niigata Prefecture, Japan. By 1943 the company was making forgings for aircraft parts for the Nakajima Aircraft Company.

In 1944 the company changed its name to the Nakajima Precision Forging Company, and by November of 1945 was manufacturing forged tools. By this time the company's factory was located at 2624 Tajima in Sanjo.

In 1949 the company adopted "TOP" as a brand for adjustable (monkey) wrenches.

In July of 1950 the company began an association with tool dealers from Tokyo, Osaka, and Nagoya. This association likely included Meisei Tsushō, an export marketing and distribution company which established the Daido Corporation U.S.A. in 1951. (See our notes on Meisei Tsushō for additional information.)

Although not mentioned in the company's history, on June 28, 1951 Nakajima Precision Forging received JIS certification #656 for adjustable wrenches (class B4604).

During the 1950s Nakajima Precision Forging became an early production partner of Meisei Tsushō and began producing adjustable wrenches for the Truecraft Tool Company of Chicago, which were probably distributed through the Daido Corporation U.S.A. [Editor's note: this is not mentioned in the company's history.]

In 1961 the company built a forging factory to increase production. [Editor's note: where was the factory?]

In September of 1963 the company changed its name to the Top Kōgyō Company.

On September 15, 1964 the company received JIS certification #364148 for open-end wrenches (class B4630).

In December of 1966 the company received JIS certification. [Editor's note: for what products?]

In August of 1981 the company moved its forge and die operations to the Tsukanome Kinzoku Kōgyō Industrial Park in Sanjo City, and by July of 1982 had fully relocated the forging operations to Tsukanome. By 1987 Tsukanome had become the company's main factory. [Editor's note: need JIS re-certification?]

On January 11, 2002 the company received JIS certification for combination wrenches (class B4651), but the certification number isn't known yet.

In addition to producing tools for its own brands, Top Kōgyō also provided contract production for other companies. For example, Top is known to have produced adjustable wrenches for Daido's "Truecraft" brand, and in February of 1987 the company entered an agreement to produce adjustable wrenches for the Klein Tools Company in Chicago.

The company's website (in Japanese) is at Top Kōgyō Company, Ltd. [External Link]. Although the website has only a few English subtitles, there are lots of pictures and it's easy to browse through their tool selection. Our history was adapted from the company's historical timeline.

JIS Certifications

Trademarks

Top registered a number of Japanese trademarks plus at least one US trademark, for "TOP" in stylized text.

Selected Tools

Top 10x12mm Open-End Wrench

Fig. 58. Top 10x12mm Open-End Wrench, with Inset for Back Side.

Fig. 58 shows a Top 10x12mm open-end wrench with depressed oval panels, marked with the "Top" oval logo and the JIS-Circle+S logo forged into the front panel, with a code (possibly "8-AI") forged into the back panel.

The shank is also marked with the metric sizes forged into the front.

The overall length is 5.2 inches, and the finish is chrome plating with a matte surface.

The absence of a "Japan" marking on this tool indicates that it was originally produced for the Japanese domestic market.

Top 12x14mm Open-End Wrench

Fig. 59. Top 12x14mm Open-End Wrench, with Inset for Back Side.

Fig. 59 shows a Top 12x14mm open-end wrench with depressed oval panels, marked with "Top" and the JIS-Circle+S logo forged into the front panel, with "Chrome Vanadium" forged into the back panel.

The shank is also marked with the metric sizes forged into the front.

The overall length is 5.7 inches, and the finish is chrome plating with polished faces.

The absence of a "Japan" marking on this tool indicates that it was originally produced for the Japanese domestic market.

Liner Top 17x19mm Open-End Wrench

Top Kōgyō offers a series of "Liner Spanners", but we're uncertain of their defining characteristics other than being open-end wrenches. The next two figures show examples of Liner wrenches.

Fig. 60. Liner Top 17x19mm Open-End Wrench, with Inset for Back Side.

Fig. 60 shows a Liner Top 17x19mm open-end wrench with depressed oval panels, marked with "Liner Top" forged into the front panel, with a "7-JI" code and the JIS-Circle+S logo forged into the back panel.

The shank is also marked with the metric sizes forged into the front.

The overall length is 7.3 inches, and the finish is chrome plating with a matte surface.

The absence of a "Japan" marking on this tool indicates that it was originally produced for the Japanese domestic market.

Liner Top 21x23mm Open-End Wrench

Fig. 61. Liner Top 21x23mm Open-End Wrench, with Inset for Back Side.

Fig. 61 shows a Liner Top 21x23mm open-end wrench with depressed oval panels, marked with "Liner Top" forged into the front panel, with a "7-HI" code and the JIS-Circle+S logo forged into the back panel.

The shank is also marked with the metric sizes forged into the front.

The overall length is 8.9 inches, and the finish is chrome plating with a matte surface.

The absence of a "Japan" marking on this tool indicates that it was originally produced for the Japanese domestic market.

Top 36x41mm Specialty Box-End Wrench

Fig. 62. Top 36x41mm Specialty Box-End Wrench, with Inset for Back Side.

Fig. 62 shows a Top 36x41mm specialty box-end wrench with laterally offset openings, somewhat similar to an S-shaped wrench.

The wrench is marked with "Top" and the metric sizes forged into the front, with "Chrome Vanadium" and the sizes forged into the back side.

The overall length is 18.3 inches, and the finish is chrome plating.

The absence of a "Japan" marking on this tool indicates that it was originally produced for the Japanese domestic market.

[Top] Truecraft F208 8 Inch Adjustable Wrench

Fig. 63. [Top] Truecraft F208 8 Inch Adjustable Wrench, with Insets for Edge View and Back Side Detail, ca. 1960s to 1975.

Fig. 63 shows a [Top] Truecraft F208 8 inch adjustable wrench, marked with "Drop Forged Tool Steel" and "Top" forged into the shank, with "Truecraft Tool" and "Japan" forged into the back side.

The back side is also stamped with the "F208" model number on a small raised panel.

The overall length is 7.9 inches, and the maximum opening is 0.9 inches. The head thickness was measured at 0.47 inches.

The finish is chrome plating with polished faces.

The leading "F" of the model number indicates production up to around 1975.

The "Top" marking indicates production by the Top Kōgyō Company. The forged-in code "8-84" below the "Top" marking resembles a date, but the meaning is not known.

[Top] Truecraft K506 6 Inch Tongue-and-Groove Pliers

Fig. 64. [Top] Truecraft K506 6 Inch Tongue-and-Groove Pliers, with Insets for Side View and Marking Detail, ca. 1960s to 1975.

Fig. 64 shows a pair of [Top] Truecraft K506 6 inch tongue-and-groove pliers, stamped with "Truecraft" and the model number on the upper handle, with "Forged" and "Top Japan 71A" on the botton handle.

The overall length is 7.1 inches fully extended, and the finish is chrome plating with polished faces.

The leading "K" of the model number indicates production up to around 1975.

The "Top" marking indicates production by the Top Kōgyō Company, and a check of their web site found similar pliers were made in the past, although now discontinued.

Yamaco Company

The Yamaco Company operates in Kano, Higashi-Osaka, Osaka Prefecture as the maker of a wide variety of forged and machined products, including vehicle components, construction hardware, and hand tools.

The company was established in 1946 as the Yamamoto Kōgu Seisakusho in Hiraoka City, Osaka Prefecture.

In 1952 the company was incorporated as the Yamaco Company, Ltd. in Rokumanji-cho, Higashi-Osaka City.

In June of 1953 the company received JIS certification for adjustable wrenches.

In May of 1977 the company relocated its factory to the Kano Industrial Park in Higashi-Osaka City.

The company maintains a website (in a mix of Japanese and English) at Yamaco Company [External Link]. Our history was adapted from the historical timeline on the company's site.

[Yamaco] Hi-Test 8 Inch Adjustable Wrench

This next figure shows an example of the "Hi-Test" brand used by Hi-Test Premier Products, an importer and mail-order retailer in New York City.

Fig. 65. Hi-Test 8 Inch Adjustable Wrench, with Inset for Back Side.

Fig. 65 shows a Hi-Test 8 inch adjustable wrench, marked with "Hi-Test" and "Chrome Molybdenum" forged into the front, with "Fully Drop-Forged" and "Highest J.I.S. Indust. Stand." plus the JIS-Circle+H logo forged into the back side.

The overall length is 8.0 inches, and the finish is chrome plating with polished faces.

The shank is also marked with a forged-in "Y.K." code below the JIS-Circle mark.

When we posted this wrench, we thought it would be a good test for the hypothesis that there are no anonymous JIS tools, and that presumably the "Y.K." marking below the JIS-Circle logo would identify the maker. That turned out to be the case, as "YK" is the identifying mark for the Yamaco Company.

Other Tool Makers

This section will show examples of tools from other Japanese brands for which the manufacturer is not yet known.

If any of our readers have information on the companies that made these tools, please let us know via email.

[Unknown Maker] Asahi 17x19mm Open-End Wrench

This next example has an interesting "Asahi" script logo and "Rising Sun" logo not seen before, but the maker is currently unknown. ("Asahi" is very popular as a brand name in Japan.)

Fig. 66. Asahi 17x19mm Open-End Wrench, with Inset for Back Side.

Fig. 66 shows an Asahi 17x19mm open-end wrench, marked with "Asahi" in a script logo forged into the front, with a "Rising Sun" logo and the metric sizes forged into the back side.

The overall length is 7.3 inches, and the finish is chrome plating.

This wrench is fairly roughly finished, suggesting that it might have been part of a vehicle tool kit.

The absence of a "Japan" marking on this tool indicates that it was originally produced for the Japanese domestic market.

Toyota Motor 14x17mm Open-End Wrench

Fig. 67. Toyota Motor 14x17mm Open-End Wrench, with Inset for Back Side.

Fig. 67 shows a Toyota Motor 14x17mm open-end wrench with depressed oval panels, marked with "Toyota Motor" and the metric sizes forged into the front, with "Nickel-Chrome-Vanadium" and "Japan" forged into the back side.

The overall length is 6.4 inches, and the finish is chrome plating with polished faces.

Toyota Motor 250mm Adjustable Wrench

Fig. 68. Toyota Motor 250mm Adjustable Wrench, with Inset for Back Side.

Fig. 68 shows a Toyota Motor 250mm adjustable wrench, marked with "Toyota Motor" and the Toyota logo forged into the front, with "250mm Angle Wrench" forged into the back side.

The overall length is 10.2 inches, and the finish is chrome plating with polished faces.

The absence of a "Japan" marking on this tool indicates that it was originally produced for the Japanese domestic market.

[Unknown Maker] Japanese 19/32x5/8 Open-End Wrench

Fig. 69. Japanese 19/32x5/8 Open-End Wrench, with Inset for Back Side.

Fig. 69 shows a 19/32x5/8 open-end wrench with depressed oval panels from an unknown Japanese maker.

The shank is marked with the fractional sizes forged into the front panel, with "Drop Forged Alloy Steel" and "Japan" forged into the back panel.

The overall length is 6.6 inches, and the finish is chrome plating with polished faces.

This wrench is very well made, with precisely formed panels and crisply forged markings.

[Unknown Maker] Japanese 11/16x3/4 Open-End Wrench

Fig. 70. Japanese 11/16x3/4 Open-End Wrench, with Inset for Back Side.

Fig. 70 shows an 11/16x3/4 open-end wrench with depressed oval panels from an unknown Japanese maker.

The shank is marked with the fractional sizes forged into the front panel, with "Drop Forged Alloy Steel" and "Japan" forged into the back panel.

The overall length is 7.9 inches, and the finish is chrome plating with polished faces.

This wrench is very well made, with precisely formed panels and crisply forged markings.

Weil "Adjustamatic" 8 Inch Self-Adjusting Wrench

Fig. 71. Weil "Adjustamatic" 8 Inch Self-Adjusting Wrench, with Inset for Back Side, ca. Mid 1960s to 1970s.

Fig. 71 shows a Weil 8 inch self-adjusting wrench, marked with "Weil" and "Adjustamatic" forged into the shank, with "Forged Chrome Vanadium" and "Japan" forged into the back.

The shank is also marked with a "T" code forged into the front, with a "77A" code forged into the back.

The overall length is 8.4 inches, and the finish is chrome plating with polished faces.

The wrench is fitted with a flat spring to keep the jaw closed.

A notice for the "Adjustamatic" wrench appeared in a 1966 issue of Popular Mechanics, with the Weil Tool Company noted in Woodmere, New York. The company appears to have been active from the mid 1960s through the 1970s.