JIS screwdriver bits

[HenryAZ]

Though they've been out for a while (since 2018), I just ran across this yesterday. Chapman Precision Screwdriver Sets is now offering two JIS bits to add to their sets (#1 & #2).

Those of you who have guns are probably familiar with Chapman screwdriver sets. Their slotted bits (found on many guns, especially older ones) are precision hollow ground and come in many widths and thicknesses so you can fit a slotted screw with a very tight hold that will not mar the screw head or the surrounding steel.

Their bits are slightly different than regular insert bits in that they have a ball detent, and if necessary, an allen set screw in both the handle and extension. But they are 1/4" hex and can still be used in regular insert bit holders.
Chapman JIS vs Phillips what's the difference?

They are $3 each, with a modest $5.25 charge for First Class shipping. I just ordered two of each, as I have two Chapman sets. Chapman JIS bits order form.

 

[RoundedNut]

I find it odd that these are being made as even the Japanese companies have stopped making bits and screwdriver tips conforming to that abandoned JIS standard.

And none of my "Philips" bits are actually that tip profile, other than a few old USA made bits I keep around as reminders of the dark times of ages past. Almost all companies make their cross-recess tips based on the international ISO-8764 standard.

 

[neophyte]

I find it odd that these are being made as even the Japanese companies have stopped making bits and screwdriver tips conforming to that abandoned JIS standard.

And none of my "Philips" bits are actually that tip profile, other than a few old USA made bits I keep around as reminders of the dark times of ages past. Almost all companies make their cross-recess tips based on the international ISO-8764 standard.

Some people prefer to use bits specifically made to the original standard designed for the screw recess standard.
New bit standards may be made to “be able” to turn JIS screws, but that doesn’t mean that new bit design is optimal for the screw standard.

There’s also plenty of older equipment in use in Industrial and professional environments, as well as equipment used by dedicated hobbyists, that all have JIS screws, and the people who want or need to work on that equipment likely want proper JIS bits and screwdrivers, so some companies still supply the bits/drivers.

 

[Desertskyy]

Motion Pro also sells JIS bits #2 and #3 I believe

Lots of motorcycles still use JIS screws/fasteners

 

[RoundedNut]

Some people prefer to use bits specifically made to the original standard designed for the screw recess standard.
New bit standards may be made to “be able” to turn JIS screws, but that doesn’t mean that new bit design is optimal for the screw standard.

There’s also plenty of older equipment in use in Industrial and professional environments, as well as equipment used by dedicated hobbyists, that all have JIS screws, and the people who want or need to work on that equipment likely want proper JIS bits and screwdrivers, so some companies still supply the bits/drivers.

To Chapman's credit, they refer these new bits as "crosspoint" and don't say they are "JIS" bits, but that the bits fit JIS screws, which continue to be made and used.

The new tips, whether they are branded as "Philips" (not actually trademarked/patented for screwdrivers/tips) or simply "+" as in Japan, are better at driving both Philips and JIS screws.

This is similar to how almost every socket these days has relieved corners and side loading profiles. This is totally different from the old/obsolete corner loading sockets that were initially designed for hex fasteners.

And like everything else, some companies do a better job than others or emphasize different aspects with their custom designs, but most companies just make one cross screwdriver/bit.

 

[atikovi]

Are these JIS bits? https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07QJ2ZCZV/?tag=atomicindus08-20 Just says Torsion bits whatever that means. If not, can someone suggest a JIS bit set.

 

[Bubba Fett]

Are these JIS bits? https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07QJ2ZCZV/?tag=atomicindus08-20 Just says Torsion bits whatever that means. If not, can someone suggest a JIS bit set.

The bits are listed as PH1, PH2, etc. which indicates Phillips. The Torsion Ball refers to the shaft, witch is apparently supposed to flex a little(?)

I ordered some JIS bits a while back, but they honestly are not that different than a high quality modern Phillips. They were pretty much interchangeable. Older Phillips bits have a slightly different angle and a sharper point.

 

[atikovi]

OK, I just cant see paying $35 for 4 real JIS bits from here, https://www.ebay.com/itm/401891568056?hash=item5d929aa9b8:g:PQUAAOSwAGxeC6FI

 

[JradM]

Vessel makes some good cross point JIS. Check out the multi-bit ball driver for one that isn’t too expensive.

 

[Ton ton]

Vessel makes some good cross point JIS. Check out the multi-bit ball driver for one that isn’t too expensive.

You can get it this set through Napa now. Not cheap but I like mine.

 

[dnschmidt]

If Vessel makes if it's JIS compatible. As previously mentioned the JIS standard was superseded by a DIN standard which itself was superseded by another DIN standard bringing us up to the present day. The DIN standard bits are just as good as the original JIS. You can immediately tell this by putting one into a JIS screw on a Japanese motorcycle. The right bit fits like a glove the true Phillips never did and never will.

Most good screwdriver manufacturers, Felo, Wiha, Wera, TOPTUL, P. B. Swiss and many others only make the DIN standard “Phillips” drivers now. I don’t trust American companies to abide by it with the exception of Snap-On as they have a global presence. The old Craftsman Phillips #2 ruined more Japanese carburetors than can be imagined.

 

[Mallen]

Some people prefer to use bits specifically made to the original standard designed for the screw recess standard.
New bit standards may be made to “be able” to turn JIS screws, but that doesn’t mean that new bit design is optimal for the screw standard.

There’s also plenty of older equipment in use in Industrial and professional environments, as well as equipment used by dedicated hobbyists, that all have JIS screws, and the people who want or need to work on that equipment likely want proper JIS bits and screwdrivers, so some companies still supply the bits/drivers.

We had a lot of JIS screws on equipment where I used to work. I bought a bunch of Vessel screwdrivers and they worked great.

 

[LeeG]

McMaster has JIS bits. https://www.mcmaster.com/screwdrivers/for-drive-style~jis-jcis/driver-style~bit/

 

[dnschmidt]

Well, of course they do, McMaster-Carr has everything.

 

[atikovi]

McMaster has JIS bits. https://www.mcmaster.com/screwdrivers/for-drive-style~jis-jcis/driver-style~bit/

Wonder who they are made by and if they are impact rated.

 

[RoundedNut]

Attached is the tip dimensions for JIS-B4633, which is obsolete. It actually references ISO-8764 and the differences are that the JIS spec allows a greater deviation in dimensions. What this means is that most modern "Philips" or cross drivers/bits that conform to ISO-8764 also conform to JIS-B4633 (but not the other way around).

That's not to say that every ISO tip is the same, as brands try to differentiate themselves with minor differences that still comply with the standard. Personally, I like to have a handful of bits from different brands (eg. Vessel, Wiha, Witte, Felo to name a few) as some fit some screws better than others.

But two things are clear: avoid any brand claiming to offer "JIS" screwdrivers/bits and avoid made in/for America brands that do not comply with ISO-8764.

 

[Mallen]

Vessel specifically claims their screwdrivers are JIS and they are awesome. They fit JIS screws perfectly. I think the most important thing is, your screwdriver should for the screw. When you put the right screw driver in the screw you can feel its the right one.

 

[LeeG]

Wonder who they are made by and if they are impact rated.

The ones I purchased from McMaster a few months ago were made by Vessel.

 

[Showkey]

This is a bigger deal on vintage Japanese motorcycles……….. not so much on modern vehicle.

 

[atikovi]

My Honda's have JIS screws holding the drums and rotors on. 50-50 chance I mess up the head with a Phillips bit and then have to drill it out.

 

[MBfreak]

All of us working on old SONY tape recorders, amps etc are all too well aware of the difficulty in removing the 2 cover screws on each side of the unit without marring them. A JIS bit is a must. Luckily, most of these screw has a little dimple on the head, so you are warned.
Engine covers on 60/70s smaller Honda motorbikes are another area wher JIS bits are a must.

Ola

 

[ike]

Vessel specifically claims their screwdrivers are JIS and they are awesome. They fit JIS screws perfectly. I think the most important thing is, your screwdriver should for the screw. When you put the right screw driver in the screw you can feel its the right one.

Vessel uses veiled terminology like "fits JIS" and "beyond JIS" on their stuff now. I have not seen where they have specifically claimed they are JIS spec drivers for many years. At the end of the day, I don't get why so many people seem to give a **** about this. The newer DIN/ISO drivers fit older JIS fasteners just fine.

 

[Chrome Vanadium Cody]

Though they've been out for a while (since 2018), I just ran across this yesterday. Chapman Precision Screwdriver Sets is now offering two JIS bits to add to their sets (#1 & #2).

Those of you who have guns are probably familiar with Chapman screwdriver sets. Their slotted bits (found on many guns, especially older ones) are precision hollow ground and come in many widths and thicknesses so you can fit a slotted screw with a very tight hold that will not mar the screw head or the surrounding steel.

Their bits are slightly different than regular insert bits in that they have a ball detent, and if necessary, an allen set screw in both the handle and extension. But they are 1/4" hex and can still be used in regular insert bit holders.
Chapman JIS vs Phillips what's the difference?

They are $3 each, with a modest $5.25 charge for First Class shipping. I just ordered two of each, as I have two Chapman sets. Chapman JIS bits order form.

HenryAZ, i bought those Chapman bits earlier this year as my regular phillips drivers kept stripping screws on my japanese bicycle. I have since used them on some other jis projects such as vintage musical equipment and they have performed well. I hope your bits are treating you well too!

 

[Mallen]

Some people prefer to use bits specifically made to the original standard designed for the screw recess standard.
New bit standards may be made to “be able” to turn JIS screws, but that doesn’t mean that new bit design is optimal for the screw standard.

There’s also plenty of older equipment in use in Industrial and professional environments, as well as equipment used by dedicated hobbyists, that all have JIS screws, and the people who want or need to work on that equipment likely want proper JIS bits and screwdrivers, so some companies still supply the bits/drivers.

We had a lot of very expensive test equipment that used them. (like million dollars each expensive) Was a pain when people always buggered up the screws then left them to strip out when the next person came along.

 

[dnschmidt]

Vessel uses veiled terminology like "fits JIS" and "beyond JIS" on their stuff now. I have not seen where they have specifically claimed they are JIS spec drivers for many years. At the end of the day, I don't get why so many people seem to give a **** about this. The newer DIN/ISO drivers fit older JIS fasteners just fine.

No matter how many times I tell people this the dummies refuse to listen. THERE ARE NO JIS BITS MADE BY VESSEL OR ANYBODY ELSE IN THE WORLD TODAY. They all are made to the DIN/ISO standard and they work great in JIS screws. TOPTUL even prints this on their handles: DIN 5260. How many times do we have to answer the same damn question. The only worse question is "what compressor should I buy" which always has the same answer "A ******* big one."

 

[Mallen]

Honestly, I dont care much what you call it. The classic Phillips screwdrivers mangled screws left and right. The WERA screw drivers worked ok. But just ok. The Vessel JIS screw drivers that were sold by Vessel as being JIS screw drivers worked absolutely flawlessly. Call it what you want but Vessel calls them JIS screwdrivers and they worked better than anything else I have ever used on those kind of screws.

But if we really want to drill down on the details, the vessel catalog specifically lists drivers and bits as made to the JIS B4623 standard. Maybe they really mean that they are made to the DIN iso standard which encompasses that as well. Maybe they are still making them to the old JIS standard and never bothered to update. Maybe it's a meaningless distinction because they are the same screwdriver. Maybe you can brush up on your japanese and make a long distance call. But who cares about the details. The sell a product that's supposed to work for the purposes of removing JIS screws, and they perform exactly as advertised, better than anything else I've used.