Vessel GO-SAI driver bits - double ended & same size?

[Dzmax77]

I just purchased the Vessel stubby ratcheting screwdriver and of course needed bits that fit the driver because of the larger anvil its made for. The bits I bought included double end long #2 and a short #3 with the same size on each end. Why wouldn’t they just make the bits different sizes on each end - like a #2 and #3? This way you have a long 2&3 and short 2&3. Or are they essentially giving you a back up if one side gets stripped. Very confusing.

Also, are these considered JIS standard? I presume so but it’s bot explicitly stated.

Thanks !

 

[JradM]

Yep, double ended for wear. However, Vessel does make double-ended bits with different sizes on each end - just not the selection you bought. Vessel even has a double-ended bit with Phillips #1, 2 and 3 (yep, three sizes, only two ends).

Vessel bits work great as JIS drivers. I think officially though, they aren't "JIS" so much as the newest standard Phillips which is also compatible with JIS. Again, they fit JIS very well - it's what I use on my older Japanese motorcycles.

 

[superautobacs]

Over a decade ago, most, if not all, Japanese screwdriver/bit manufacturers went in favour of internationally recognized/higher standards of some ISO standards. So, JIS standard cross-recess specifications have been ditched.
Resellers that explicitly state on their adverts that they are 'JIS-standard' screwdrivers aren't being quite transparent ... maybe they are oblivious, perhaps? ... I think its more about exercising their marketing tactics.
If you want 'true' JIS cross-recess, you'd have to look for NOS stuff that you know for sure is at least a decade old ... or the used market.

 

[FMB4]

Vessel makes good stuff. And yes, double ended in the same size is what many contractors use.

 

[Dzmax77]

Thanks! I figured that was the case since its the only explanation I can think of but wasn’t certain. They’re expensive bits but first impressions are that they’re worth it. Attention to detail even with the smallest tools are evident.

I’ve been looking for other US, Japanese or European bit sets like the kind you find at the box stores (Milwaukee, Dewalt, Craftsman, etc) and wasn’t able to find much.

There’s the Montana Brand bit set which I picked up awhile ago from Menards and I like them. Decent quality. https://www.montanabrandtools.com/products/26pc-power-driving-set

There are sets made by Wera however Im not sure they’re made in Germany.

I was looking to see if Zephyr sold a bit set but I cant find anything outside of the bit sets sold by SnapOn which cost way too much.

Apparently Apex still makes bits in the US however Ive never seen one sold. The Apex sets at Lowes are all from Asia in countries other than Japan.

There are some NOS Bosch USA made bits on cripes but not in a set. The shipping charges for each item are more than the cost of the bits so its not worth putting a set together.

If anyone has info on a decent ~$25-30 bit set, that wasn’t made in the countries that make almost all of them currently, Id appreciate the heads up.

 

[Dzmax77]

And just another comment: if Montana can make a domestic made bit set for $24 which is comparable in price to Chinese/Taiwanese made bits, why can’t Stanley B&B make them here as well for dewalt and craftsman?

Im sure it has something to do with margins and the inferior steel quality requires more frequent purchases and maybe that’s why. Im sure they make a killing on them. STILL, I think it can be done here with the same margins.

 

[neophyte]

And just another comment: if Montana can make a domestic made bit set for $24 which is comparable in price to Chinese/Taiwanese made bits, why can’t Stanley B&B make them here as well for dewalt and craftsman?

Im sure it has something to do with margins and the inferior steel quality requires more frequent purchases and maybe that’s why. Im sure they make a killing on them. STILL, I think it can be done here with the same margins.

If I’m not mistaken, Montana Brand drill and driver bits are, or where, a brand used by the Jore Corporation of Ronan Montana.
Jore specifically set themselves up manufacturing drill and driver bits, and specialized in those quick-change bit sets that you would see at Home Depot and Lowes under various brands, that had built in countersinks, or flip bits where you drilled a hole, them flipped the bit to drive a screw etc.
Jore would license major the names of major tool brands then sell the US made tools thru the home centers under whatever tool brand.
Makita was one, Black & Decker and related brands might have been others, maybe also Kobalt and Hitachi, etc.
The problem was that Jore wound up in major financial problems at one point and had to lay off a bunch of employees.
I’m not sure if they went bankrupt, or what the current status of the company is.
Jore still seems to be in business, and some of the brands are around, but the financials didn’t work perfectly.

As for Stanley and other major manufacturers, if they get reasonable quality bits dirt cheap, they can offer better margins to distributors, pay for more shelf space, sit on stock for longer if necessary, offer free bit sets with tools,etc.
The lower cost just help eliminate risk, and if the bits are not as good, they can clearance the bits with a clearance wholesaler and move on to a different manufacturer.

 

[FMB4]

Rounding out fasteners and bits is, of course, a serious waste of time.

 

[Dzmax77]

If I’m not mistaken, Montana Brand drill and driver bits are, or where, a brand used by the Jore Corporation of Ronan Montana.
Jore specifically set themselves up manufacturing drill and driver bits, and specialized in those quick-change bit sets that you would see at Home Depot and Lowes under various brands, that had built in countersinks, or flip bits where you drilled a hole, them flipped the bit to drive a screw etc.
Jore would license major the names of major tool brands then sell the US made tools thru the home centers under whatever tool brand.
Makita was one, Black & Decker and related brands might have been others, maybe also Kobalt and Hitachi, etc.
The problem was that Jore wound up in major financial problems at one point and had to lay off a bunch of employees.
I’m not sure if they went bankrupt, or what the current status of the company is.
Jore still seems to be in business, and some of the brands are around, but the financials didn’t work perfectly.

As for Stanley and other major manufacturers, if they get reasonable quality bits dirt cheap, they can offer better margins to distributors, pay for more shelf space, sit on stock for longer if necessary, offer free bit sets with tools,etc.
The lower cost just help eliminate risk, and if the bits are not as good, they can clearance the bits with a clearance wholesaler and move on to a different manufacturer.

Thanks for the info!

Interesting story behind Jore.