Japanese Electrician Tools: 8 Brands to Know and What Each One Makes
You want electrician tools you can trust, and you keep hearing that Japanese brands are worth a look. The problem is the names: HIOKI, KYORITSU, TTC, FUJIYA, KEIBA, VESSEL, ANEX, TAJIMA. Which one makes what? This guide is a simple map. It shows what each brand makes in our catalog and where to start for each job.
Four tools to start with
Insulation testing
KYORITSU KEW 3431
Analog insulation resistance tester, 250/500/1000 V.
View KEW 3431
Quick picks by job
| Job | Where to start |
|---|---|
| Check insulation on a circuit | KYORITSU KEW 3431 (analog, 250/500/1000 V) or KYORITSU KEW 3552BT (digital, 6 ranges) |
| Measure load current | HIOKI CM3289 AC clamp meter (True RMS, 1000 A, slim jaw) |
| Check grounding (earth resistance) | KYORITSU KEW 4105DLBT-H or HIOKI FT6031-50 |
| Quick "is it live?" check | ANEX 2036-A pen-type LED voltage tester |
| Split a cable jacket | TTC EK-72 folding knife (OAL 177 mm) or TAJIMA DK-TN80 chisel knife |
| Cut and strip wire | Japanese nippers & wire cutters and Japanese wire strippers |
| Crimp terminals | Japanese crimping tools |
Specifications in this guide come from each product page in our store. Check the full specs on the product page before you buy.
The brands at a glance
| Brand | Main tool groups in our catalog | Browse |
|---|---|---|
| HIOKI | Clamp meters, multimeters, insulation and earth testers, data loggers, current sensors, test leads | HIOKI |
| KYORITSU (KEW) | Clamp meters, multimeters, insulation and earth testers, leakage clamp meters, test leads | KYORITSU |
| TTC (Tsunoda) | Electrician pliers, diagonal cutters, cable cutters, crimping tools, knives | TTC |
| FUJIYA | Pliers, nippers, cable cutters, wire strippers, adjustable wrenches, tool holders | FUJIYA |
| KEIBA | Nippers (including plastic nippers), pliers, electrician pliers, strippers | KEIBA |
| VESSEL | Screwdrivers, electric screwdrivers, wire strippers, bits | VESSEL |
| ANEX | Screwdrivers, bits, bit holders, voltage tester | ANEX |
| TAJIMA | Electrician knives, tape measures, headlamps, laser distance meters | TAJIMA · TAJIMA guide |
Testers: HIOKI and KYORITSU
These are the two names to know for electrical testers. Both brands cover the same core jobs: clamp meters for current, multimeters, insulation resistance testers and earth resistance testers. KYORITSU testers carry the "KEW" model prefix.
Pick by the job first, then by the model. An insulation tester and an earth tester do different things. If you are not sure which one you need, these guides explain each type:
- Insulation resistance tester: the KYORITSU KEW 3431, explained
- Earth resistance tester: the KYORITSU KEW 4105DLBT-H
- Digital multimeter: the KYORITSU 1009
Both brands also sell many test leads, probes and cases. Make sure an accessory lists your tester model before you order it.
Cutters, pliers and crimpers: TTC, FUJIYA and KEIBA
All three brands make electrician pliers and diagonal cutters, so you will see overlap. The differences show up in the details: length, cutting capacity and blade shape. Compare those values on each product page.
- TTC (Tsunoda) makes cutters, cable cutters, crimping tools and electrician knives. See the TSUNODA cutters guide by use case.
- FUJIYA makes pliers, nippers, cable cutters and strippers, plus tool holders for your belt.
- KEIBA makes many types of nippers, including plastic nippers. See KEIBA nippers and pliers by job.
Screwdrivers and strippers: VESSEL and ANEX
VESSEL and ANEX are known for screwdrivers and bits. VESSEL also makes wire strippers. ANEX makes the pen-type voltage tester listed above.
- 5 everyday electrician problems, solved by VESSEL
- VESSEL vs ANEX: which screwdriver brand to buy
- Japanese screwdrivers by job
Knives and layout: TAJIMA
TAJIMA makes electrician knives, tape measures and headlamps. The DK-TN80 is a chisel-type knife for splitting cable. Browse the Japanese scissors & knives collection to compare it with the TTC EK-72.
Every TAJIMA tool we stock, from the magnetic-hook tape measures to the headlamps and laser distance meters, is explained in our TAJIMA tools guide.
How to choose
- Start with the job, not the brand. Decide what you need to measure or cut. Then compare models from two brands that make it.
- Check wire sizes. Many strippers and crimpers made for the Japanese market list metric sizes (mm²), not AWG. Compare the size range on the product page with the wire you use.
- Check safety ratings on the product page. Measurement categories, insulation ratings and approvals depend on the model. If a rating is not listed on our page, treat it as Not confirmed and ask us before you buy.
- Check country of origin. Not every model from a Japanese brand is made in Japan. Where we have confirmed it, the country of origin is listed on the product page.
- Screwdriver tips matter. Japanese cross-point screws and Phillips screws are discussed in JIS vs Phillips explained.
FAQ
Which brand should I start with?
For testers, start with HIOKI or KYORITSU and pick by function. For cutters and pliers, TTC, FUJIYA and KEIBA all make electrician models. Compare length and cutting capacity.
Are Japanese testers rated for my work?
It depends on the model. Check the ratings listed on each product page. If what you need is not listed, it is Not confirmed. Contact us with the model number before ordering.
Do Japanese wire strippers fit AWG wire?
Some list mm² sizes only. Convert your wire size and compare it with the range on the product page.
Related guides
- TAJIMA tools guide: every tape measure, knife, headlamp and ink pot explained
- Electrician's knife: how to choose one, and the Japanese denko knife
- Japanese hand tools guide: where to start
- How to buy Japanese tools from Japan
- Japanese alternatives to KNIPEX
Browse HIOKI · Browse KYORITSU · Browse TTC · Browse crimping tools
Sources
Model names and specifications are taken from the product pages in our store (yourtoolboxjp.com), checked on 2026-10-20.
