If you know Japanese tools, you’re probably familiar with Kyoto Tool Co., a top manufacturers known for their high quality. But if KTC, established in 1950, is the Toyota of tools, their top-of-the-line Nepros sub-brand is the Lexus of tools. Now imagine that someone took that LS400 and gave it the Colin Chapman treatment, adding lightness, without sacrificing any of the strength or quality.
The Nepros neXT NBR390X 3/8-inch drive ratchet recently won a Car Goods Award for one of the best new products on the market. According to KTC, it took seven years to develop. Its steel girder-like handle was designed using topology optimization, a CAD process that divides an object into a fine 3D mesh, then analyzes exactly which points are used when force is applied. Anything extraneous is eliminated, resulting in the hollowed out spaces in the final product.
On the business end of the ratchet is KTC’s signature 90-tooth mechanism, which requires only four degrees of movement to advance. The directional switch, though not flush, sits in a recessed section. These features allow for use in tight spaces, which can come in very handy in a crowded engine bay.
In addition, all Nepros tools are made from extremely high quality 5GQ steel. The edges are CNC machined and radiused so they aren’t too sharp on your hand. The total weight is just 210 grams (7.4 ounces), and as a bonus you can tie a string around it.
As you might expect, something like this isn’t cheap. The NBR390X costs $135. Is it worth it? That probably depends on how often you’re in the garage, but in any case it’s likely the finest ratchet driver you’ll ever buy.
I was just at the Factory Gear store in Tokyo where I picked one of these neXT ratchets up. However the ratchet I really wanted was out of stock – the NBRC390 (which also comes in a long (L) variation), which according to the marketing fits a 3/8″ head in a 1/4″ body, and was slimmer/smaller/lighter than the neXT, although most probably not as strong.
Pic for comparison: https://imgur.com/a/MJVHMcd
It’s funny, last year I went to the Factory Gear store in Tokyo with the intent to buy the long handle version of the flex head 3/8″ ratchet. I bought 3 different types from the KTC website a while ago and wanted the flex head to complete the range. I already had a 290, 390L, and 490L.
I remember thinking they were sold out while I was there, I’m not sure why but I remember being disappointed that I wouldn’t be able to get it. But the guy helping me found one in the back stock so I got a NBR390AFL which cost 23,560 yen (around $165 at the time).
Now they all sit on a shelf in the boxes – I don’t want to use them in anger and potentially damage them. Instead I use $40 Gear Wrench ratchets.
I don’t know about the new design – I feel like it wouldn’t feel good in the hand since the handle is flat. But I’d have to hold one to be sure. I am unlikely to buy one without trying it out first. … even though I just said I bought 4 ratchets and don’t use them. So take my opinion with that in mind.
Still less expensive than an equivalent Snap-On 3/8 drive wrench, and at least equivalent in quality. Certainly cooler.
Japanese tools are simply amazing for their quality, and there are dozens of brands specializing in every little niche. I just upgraded my 3/8 and 1/2 inch wrenches and standard depth sockets to some neat little boxed sets from Tone. Tone, Top Kogyo, and Lobtech hit the sweet spot for price and quality IMO – roughly 1/6 the cost of Snap-On and darn close on feel, usability, and design, if not quite as nice when it comes to finish (but thats what Nepros is for!)