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
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?
I have yet to get any but know of some equipment places who have these, can't remember the name though.
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.
Quote from: SkyRide on March 21, 2016, 05:17:09 PM
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. :D
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
Good deal Rick, thanks for the review.
Do you feel a significant better grip than with a regular phillips?
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.
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??
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
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.