Stumbling around the Internet one day, I found out that there is a difference between US Phillips head screws and Japanese Industrial Standard (JIS) screws. It's mainly the angle of the tip of the screwdriver. Supposedly it's worth having a proper screwdriver.

So, I found this -


$12 from Japan, Vessel #2 Phillips JIS screwdriver. It has a serrated tip to it to help grip the screw.

Got mine in the other day, haven't used it yet on a car but tried it on some screws in my garage. US screwdriver (a nice Craftsman, not a cheapie) fits but seems a little loose. The JIS screwdriver fits SUPER tight, almost holding on to the screw.

So, I'm more stoked about this than I should be. Nothing like the right tool for the job. I'll report back after I use it in earnest.

Dale

 

woah, nice find.

 

I thought that was pretty common knowledge

 

mmmm JDM screwdrivers...hopefully they compensate for my lack of skills in the garage

Cool find!

 

Seems to be really common in the Japanese sportbike world.

Also, that screwdriver I got is just crazy high quality.

Discovered they make an impact screwdriver as well that looks really nice.


They have a #3 version which could be good for removing brake rotor screws.

Dale

 

I'm not trying to start a fight but unless its OLLLLLDDDD Craftsman it's a piece

I've been converting everything I own to Wera or Wiha. I'll never go back (if you tried using their gear you probably would either .

 

uh....WTF?..(seriously..I am not kidding..check the link!)

Product description
Can be used for parties,Halloween,costume party.

 

Double post.

 

As in it's a proper hardened tip, nice screwdriver, not a Harbor Freight Bag O' Screwdrivers with a soft metal tip.

Looking forward to trying it this weekend, doing a lot of interior stuff and rebuilding a heater core/blower/AC evaporator, should have lots of screwdriver opportunities.

Dale

 

Just ordered one. Figured why not since I had credit card points so it didn't cost me anything.
Thanks, Dale.

 

Used it a fair amount this weekend, I'm rebuilding a heater core and doing some interior work.

The difference is VERY noticeable. Stiff screws that you need to "crack" loose come out nicely, it grips the screw tight. You almost have to pull the screw off the screwdriver when done.

For the price and quality and difference in fit it's VERY well worth it.

Dale

 

the vessel screwdrivers are great!

They're pretty popular in the miata world.
here's a good write up on the differences

The Japanese Phillips: JIS Screwdrivers ? revlimiter.net

 

Wow I never noticed there's was a different standard. Might have to pick one of these up!

 

I was ordering some other stuff from Amazon, so I grabbed one of these. It's actually pretty sweet. The screws really do "stick" to it.

Having quality/right tools is an overlooked pleasure. Especially when you own these cars and are getting older.

 

got mine in yesterday, haven't had a chance to use it yet.

 

i got mine a few days ago, and i've been looking for things to unscrew!

really though i was expecting something life changing, and instead i find myself over torquing things. so be a little careful, the screw driver does grip the screw better, and you can tighten things more.

 

Yep, I found this out whilst working on my Sea Doo. The carbs (Mikuni I believe) have all JIS screws, and I'd stripped the head out of one until I saw some Sea Doo forums posts about it, ordered the good JIS screwdrivers and have never been happier. Yeah, $25 a screwdriver is high, but NOT having stripped/rounded heads is WELL worth it.


I actually thought I'd posted all about this here a couple of years ago...

 

you might have, we've been having a laugh about JDM screwdrivers in the 1st gen section for a while

 

We sure have!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

you should totally buy one, it is worth the $12

 

I was doing light covers on my FC today and thinking about these screwdrivers all the time while doing it!
I'm going to order these things.

And Speaking of well rounded Heads..damn Bajaman!.....your avatar is just...beeeeeeeeeeeeeeep...sorry gotta go..pacemaker..haha!

 

Hey now, that's my next ex-wife you're talking about!


The Good Lord certainly blessed her. Any bets on when the last time she had to break out her purse to pay for dinner?

 

used mine the other day for the first time, on interior screws. works great

 

Are you sure we don't have it here already...
Me too I taught it was a common thing since in Canada we officially use the metric system like in Japan.
But hey maybe I'm wrong , anyways

Im sure I'm not the only one to have a drawer with like 50 screwdriver with different type of heads.

 

So I've been using this a good bit for the project car I'm working on, even screws like the ones for the rat's nest, the ones holding injectors in, etc. come right out with this. It's amazing the difference it makes with the tip properly fitting into the screw.

With a regular screwdriver even when a screw would come out you felt like you were on the verge of stripping it or something. This sucker just digs in hard and the screw comes out with no drama.

GET ONE!

Dale