JIS Screwdrivers

[BLAZY]

Haven't seen this come up, and didn't see it in a search, so I thought I'd offer it.

I recently discovered (after 40 years of owning/fiddling with/rebuilding Japanese bikes) that the phillips head screws that "cam out" and seem to strip like they're made of butter are actually designed for JIS (Japanese industry standard) screwdrivers. I got a set off Amazon and the difference is amazing.

If this is old news, just ignore me. My wife does...

[avc8130]

+1. I picked up a set of Vessel made in Japan JIS drivers and they are possibly one of the best motorcycle tools I have ever purchased. They simply WORK.

ac

[Suzsmokeyallan]

Even with the right screwdriver sometimes the screw defies moving, especially if it was never moved. One trick is to hit the head of the screwdriver when its in the screw with a block of wood to send a jolt right down the shaft of the screw and shake things up. This usually always works and normally you hear a 'tick' sound as the screw moves.

[Suzukidave]

Yep good to use the correct driver , we were posting about this very thing a week ago viewtopic.php?f=2&t=10270" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[BLAZY]

Missed it by THAT much...

[miked914]

I use my Manual Impact Driver (Craftsman) for any stuck screws. Probably the best tool I own for working on old bikes.

If you're not familiar with this tool, you put either the phillips or standard head (interchangeable) tip into the head of the screw, then you strike the back of the tool with a hammer. This causes the tool to rotate slightly with each strike, while putting downforce onto the stuck screw.

It does not damage the fastener either and has never let me down.

-Mike

[oldjapanesebikes]

If this is old news, just ignore me. My wife does...

It is old news, but also well worth repeating frequently Like others, I have a set of Vessel screw drivers - if you are a VJMC member, you can get 10% off the priice when ordering from their US distributor.

[captainpooby]

I use my Manual Impact Driver (Craftsman) for any stuck screws. Probably the best tool I own for working on old bikes.

If you're not familiar with this tool, you put either the phillips or standard head (interchangeable) tip into the head of the screw, then you strike the back of the tool with a hammer. This causes the tool to rotate slightly with each strike, while putting downforce onto the stuck screw.

It does not damage the fastener either and has never let me down.

-Mike

Put the bit in the screw first and strike it with a hammer a few times to loosen the corrosion and at the same seat the bit in the screw head. Then put the impact driver on the bit. Don't forget to "preload" the driver before using the hammer on it by twisting it in a counterclockwise direction.

[dogseal]

3/8'' snap on impact driver, been using it for nearly 40 years now on jap engines. original bits still in good condition. As I recall it was expensive but has served me well. The hinges on the plastic case that keep everything together broke about 20 years ago but apart from that no problem. Snap On has always been quality.

[oldjapanesebikes]

Snap On has always been quality.

I might be incorrect, but I think we are getting off track - this isn't about quality, although it is true that both Craftsman and Snap On make good product. JIS heads have a different design, and while many impact drivers have bits that will work on JIS heads, the reason has more to do with the fact they are impact drivers and so are designed to not cam out. If they did they wouldn't work as well eh ? The flutes on a JIS screw driver, and the recess they fit into on the head of the screw actually are a different shape than a Phillips.