JIS screwdriver

[SkyRide]

I grew up on SAE tools and have converted to metric over the last 40 years.  I can't believe it took me until now to realize why my Philips screwdrivers don't fit well on the Magna or my two Honda autos.  I had assumed the drivers were just getting worn out.  Now I find the Japanese use a different shape for the tip.  JIS drivers are hard to find in the US but Amazon has several choices.  Mine will be here tomorrow.

Rick Frankenberger

[MagnaMan]

Same here. I've know about JIS screwdrivers for awhile but I just started doing a lot more carb work and decided it was time to some. I too had to get mine from Amazon because there were no local options.

Which ones did you get?

[TLRam1]

I have yet to get any but know of some equipment places who have these, can't remember the name though.

[SkyRide]

I bought two versions:

A set of 4 for the garage: Hozan JIS-4 JIS Screwdriver Set, $21.80
A handle with 3 double ended bits to carry on the bike: Bessel (Vessel) Ball Grip Difference and Screwdrivers Set No.220w-3, $12.47

First test will be to clamp a bolt down and see whether the screwdriver or the bolt deforms first.

I looked at Sears, Lowes, Home Depot, and even Harbor Freight with no luck.  Maybe Grainger, Snap-On or CLI-Max would carry them.

Rick

PS The original Philips shape was chosen before manufactures had torque limited tools; the goal was to have the driver twist out of the slots before the user could twist the bolt in two.

[MagnaMan]

I bought two versions:

A set of 4 for the garage: Hozan JIS-4 JIS Screwdriver Set, $21.80
A handle with 3 double ended bits to carry on the bike: Bessel (Vessel) Ball Grip Difference and Screwdrivers Set No.220w-3, $12.47

I was real close to getting either one of those but the delivery date from Japan was kind of far out for my needs so I opted to go with individual Vessels in the #1 and #2 approximate sizes because they were in stock in the U.S. But I got the ones that have solid handles with a built-in impact function so you can tap them with a hammer like an impact driver.

I may eventually get that Bessel handle you described for carrying... But then again I haven't checked, but I'm sure the Magna tool kit has JIS bits in it....

Dang. I probably could have just used those. 

[SkyRide]

The Hosan's arrived.  I couldn't twist a 2mm screw in two, but the driver felt secure in the bolt and didn't try to climb out.  Neither were deformed by all the torque I could apply.  I'm happy.

Rick

[TLRam1]

Good deal Rick, thanks for the review.

Do you feel a significant better grip than with a regular phillips?

[LIMagna]

I've got a set of JIS drivers and they do feel more secure than a standard Phillips when using them.  I got tired of ordering replacement screws at one point and got a set of proper screwdrivers ... definitely worth the investment. 

[lragan]

So, I ordered a set of JIS screwdrivers.

Phillips (Britain),
Reed & Prince (U.S.)
JIS (Japan)

Egad, can't we pick an angle for pointed screwdrivers and agree on it?  How will I ever keep all these straight??

[hop along]

I will eagerly wait to hear everyone else's responses before purchasing.

Though heaven knows my airbox screws could have used JIS screwdrivers *years* ago....
Hop Along

[MagnaMan]

Here are the two that I got:
http://www.amazon.com/Vessel-Megadora-1x75-Screwdriver-900-1-75/dp/B000TGAMC6?ie=UTF8&psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003BI8HHQ/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I will give them a try this weekend.