theoldwizard1
Well-known member
Should I buy a unique screwdriver or just get 1/4" hex bits ? #2 looks like it covers 90% of all application.
Recommend a JIS #2 screwdriver.
Recommend a JIS #2 screwdriver.
JIS Philips
- Thread starter theoldwizard1
- Start date
ChevyEFI
Well-known member
We've had this thread a few times before. Some Vessel on Amazon was gifted to a family member at 
time. 
time. 2ndGearRubber
Well-known member
Vessel is reasonably priced.
RoundedNut
Well-known member
Vessel ball grip handle: https://www.amazon.co.jp/dp/B00E55DL5C/
Vessel assorted bit set: https://www.amazon.co.jp/dp/B0751891B5/
The Japanese bit standard and holders are different and much better. They hold the bits deeper in the recess and firmly with none of the usual wobble.
You can get reduced shank bits that offer better clearance and better fit on the smaller screw heads that are still PH2. Bits have higher hardness than regular screwdrivers by standards so they last longer, and the common Japanese double ended bits double the lifetime.
Vessel assorted bit set: https://www.amazon.co.jp/dp/B0751891B5/
The Japanese bit standard and holders are different and much better. They hold the bits deeper in the recess and firmly with none of the usual wobble.
You can get reduced shank bits that offer better clearance and better fit on the smaller screw heads that are still PH2. Bits have higher hardness than regular screwdrivers by standards so they last longer, and the common Japanese double ended bits double the lifetime.
macgee
Well-known member
I would buy a vessel #1 & #2 screwdriver, they're priced well delivered to your door and I use mine every single day for all cruciforms in that size, it's replaced all of my other US Phillips screwdrivers. They bite way better and will never go back.
Suggest either trying the Vessel Super cushion 700 or the hard handle Megadora 900 version that has a similar feel of something between the Williams black handle and the SK 79113
handle.
https://www.amazon.com/VESSEL-CUSHION-Screwdriver-No-700-700P175/dp/B087JLML62/ref=sr_1_3?dchild=1&keywords=vessel+700+screwdriver&qid=1612492221&sr=8-3
https://www.amazon.com/Vessel-Megadora-900-Screwdriver-Original/dp/B000TG8OTY/ref=bmx_5?pd_rd_w=ZkYxw&pf_rd_p=82aca571-3653-4c76-afa2-d596d18861b7&pf_rd_r=8RTK8QXC9FAGQ535JEZZ&pd_rd_r=405e430a-9d57-4066-b70d-4ceb575463ef&pd_rd_wg=zx0F0&pd_rd_i=B000TG8OTY&psc=1
If you like them, then invest in bits but I prefer using a solid driver whenever I can. You'll get a better feel of it as a solid screwdriver to see if you like it. I also also suggest to try out a PH#1, You'll experience a lot less cam out on those small cheap crappy soft screws.
As mentioned earlier, there's been a slew of recent threads on this subject if you want more info.
EDIT: RoundedNut made a good point, they're selling the ball grip label as a Craftsman for like $7. They're also really good to try out. it's a double ended blade, not as solid feeling as the ones listed above but still good and don't let the ball gimmicky look fool you, its actually pretty nice and can offer all kinds of solid torque. Here's a USA Amazon link to it.
https://www.amazon.com/CM-SCRWDRVR-PHLLP-CDU/dp/B01CH1I2RC/ref=sr_1_3?dchild=1&keywords=Craftsman+Ball+Grip+Screwdriver&qid=1612492045&sr=8-3
Suggest either trying the Vessel Super cushion 700 or the hard handle Megadora 900 version that has a similar feel of something between the Williams black handle and the SK 79113
handle.
https://www.amazon.com/VESSEL-CUSHION-Screwdriver-No-700-700P175/dp/B087JLML62/ref=sr_1_3?dchild=1&keywords=vessel+700+screwdriver&qid=1612492221&sr=8-3
https://www.amazon.com/Vessel-Megadora-900-Screwdriver-Original/dp/B000TG8OTY/ref=bmx_5?pd_rd_w=ZkYxw&pf_rd_p=82aca571-3653-4c76-afa2-d596d18861b7&pf_rd_r=8RTK8QXC9FAGQ535JEZZ&pd_rd_r=405e430a-9d57-4066-b70d-4ceb575463ef&pd_rd_wg=zx0F0&pd_rd_i=B000TG8OTY&psc=1
If you like them, then invest in bits but I prefer using a solid driver whenever I can. You'll get a better feel of it as a solid screwdriver to see if you like it. I also also suggest to try out a PH#1, You'll experience a lot less cam out on those small cheap crappy soft screws.
As mentioned earlier, there's been a slew of recent threads on this subject if you want more info.
EDIT: RoundedNut made a good point, they're selling the ball grip label as a Craftsman for like $7. They're also really good to try out. it's a double ended blade, not as solid feeling as the ones listed above but still good and don't let the ball gimmicky look fool you, its actually pretty nice and can offer all kinds of solid torque. Here's a USA Amazon link to it.
https://www.amazon.com/CM-SCRWDRVR-PHLLP-CDU/dp/B01CH1I2RC/ref=sr_1_3?dchild=1&keywords=Craftsman+Ball+Grip+Screwdriver&qid=1612492045&sr=8-3
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BTL-A4
Well-known member
+1 on Vessel. I'm getting rid of all my Craftsman Phillips head screwdrivers.
4xdog
Well-known member
Get the driver. You’ll likely find JIS will become your go-to for any Phillips.
I own some bits, Vessel drivers (including the craftsman Impacta set) and the HF set, and the HF set are the ones I use the most.
Because of upstairs/downstairs I actually have Vessel & HF in two tool boxes at home and in both cases it winds up being the HF ones. The Jawsfit is a very useful style to get but not every situation calls for that.
Because of upstairs/downstairs I actually have Vessel & HF in two tool boxes at home and in both cases it winds up being the HF ones. The Jawsfit is a very useful style to get but not every situation calls for that.
I'm a recent convert. I bought three sizes of Vessel Megadora with Jaws Fit and I love them. I also bought assorted Felo, Wera and Wiha phillips style in various sizes. All are an upgrade over Craftsman and that level of driver. I still like my Kleins but the others are nicer.
KnurledNut
Well-known member
Oldwizard, intended uses?
Kurt4440
Well-known member
Both
OP
theoldwizard1
Well-known member
Small engine carburetors (Nikki), first (#2). Computers (#1).
JoeMcGov
Well-known member
If you work on anything Japanese you will benefit from using JIS.
n8n
Well-known member
Also, lots of stereo equipment and other electronics. Obviously Sansui, Pioneer, etc. use them but even Marantz was built in Japan at one point in time
If we are speaking Vessel, then the question always comes: go to Megadora Impacta 980 #2-10 vs #2-15 (difference in length, not sure if there is any downside just going 15cm longer one from the beginning) and #3-15 or pick up the other ones? Seems that having a build in impact mechanism could be a big plus in case you need them. Unfortunately there is no #1 in 980 version.
Was doing rear brakes on Acura this year - wish I had known about JIS and bought those - would have saved me a lot of time on 2 stripped rotor screws...
Was doing rear brakes on Acura this year - wish I had known about JIS and bought those - would have saved me a lot of time on 2 stripped rotor screws...
4xdog
Well-known member
Same here.
BDT/NWMN
Well-known member
Bought three Vessel JIS screwdrivers a few years back, and they have become some of My pets.
Thank you, M6erFan and 4xdog. Why do you prefer 900 vs 980 impacta? They appear the same visually (I wish I could see them in real life in the store...). Or does the impact mechanism give it less rigidity or more free movement when used as regular screwdriver?
I am actually planning to add a couple of Vessel screwdrivers to my collection - I have couple of Snap On (Ph1, Ph2), Ph4 Proto, and some Husky from my old days, but would like to have the type of screwdriver which does not cam out (+ probably impact after my summer brake experience)
I am actually planning to add a couple of Vessel screwdrivers to my collection - I have couple of Snap On (Ph1, Ph2), Ph4 Proto, and some Husky from my old days, but would like to have the type of screwdriver which does not cam out (+ probably impact after my summer brake experience)
Weight.
ETA.... For me, it wasn't prefer, it's in addition to. I started with the Impacta and then added the 900 series JIS tips.
Here’s a link for the screw head geeks on here. I ran across it while trying to identify some odd screws on a clutch assembly I was working on. Turns out they were “Torq-Set” screws, sometimes called offset cruciform in aerospace specifications. (See #63 in the linked document).
https://www.instructables.com/When-a-Phillips-is-not-a-Phillips-Plus-So-Much-Mor/
https://www.instructables.com/When-a-Phillips-is-not-a-Phillips-Plus-So-Much-Mor/
4xdog
Well-known member
I like the shorter length (of some of ‘em) and the knurled shafts on the Megadora 900 series. I like the Megadora 930 series too, with their hex bolsters.
For the Impacta series the Craftsman-branded JIS cross-point and slotted tip combination is excellent. A very good price (abt $15 for both) and the slotted Impacta is something one can’t get from Vessel. I used it successfully the other day to remove some old wood screws from the hinges on a basement door being refinished at my place.
macgee
Well-known member
I found that I don't need or want the heavier, less balanced drivers for everyday use, I only need them about 1-3% of the time but good to have one when you need it. Like 4xdog, I also like working in shorter lengths.
If you don't want the Vessel serrated jaws fit tip in Megadora. JDV (Vessels US Distrb.) is the only one who sells a standard JIS non serrated jaws fit tip version or your can buy the Super cushion 700 that also does not have the serrated jaws which I actually prefer non jaws fit for everyday use, tip lasts longer and doesn't mar up the fastener as much but Jaws Fit do work well.
https://vesseltools.com/handtools/screwdrivers/megadora/900-series-detail
If you don't want the Vessel serrated jaws fit tip in Megadora. JDV (Vessels US Distrb.) is the only one who sells a standard JIS non serrated jaws fit tip version or your can buy the Super cushion 700 that also does not have the serrated jaws which I actually prefer non jaws fit for everyday use, tip lasts longer and doesn't mar up the fastener as much but Jaws Fit do work well.
https://vesseltools.com/handtools/screwdrivers/megadora/900-series-detail
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Thanks for the reference!
Anex is another made-in-Japan driver specialist. Their new driver is both a regular AND an impact driver in one. This is the #2 Plus/JIS driver.
4xdog
Well-known member
Are you sure that Anex is an impact driver? It's not clear from any description that it turns a screw when struck, like a conventional impact driver and the Vessel Impactas (at 12°/strike).
The Anex looks like a special hardened tip that cuts new driving surfaces in crosshead or slotted screw heads. The idea seems to be that with a new head cut the screw can be turned conventionally.
I'm still skeptical about the Vessel Megadora Impacta. I have one, it does seem to work, & the thing is much heavier than my regular Megadoras but I can't feel the turning mechanism like with a Lisle or SO impact driver.
I just wanna see someone cut one open!
I just wanna see someone cut one open!
Ooh, awesome, thanks!