Vessel Screwdrivers

[aleccolin]

Got a special delivery from J.A.Pan today! Been looking to phase out some of my old Crapsman screwdrivers...or at least move them to another toolbox (I don't really get rid of tools unless broken).

Started off a while back researching "JIS" screwdrivers which kinda sorta aren't REALLY made anymore, however these Vessel drivers seemed by all accounts to be tool truck quality at a lower price, so I bit the bullet and ordered some. Well, first I got one of their Impacta drivers off Amazon and it's awesome, so based on that I felt comfortable spending some money.

Only time will tell but initial impression is good, quality is killer, feel great in hand, and as long as the materials hold up I would expect years of trouble free service. The "Jawsfit" feature and striking cap on the reds (Megadora 930) will hopefully help with some more stubborn screws, plus the hex on the shanks, and I really like the teardrop handle shape of the wood composite handle (B-330) drivers, also with tang-thru design and striking cap.

Reds were $100, the others were $85, and combined shipping was $40. Seeing that an 8pc set of Snap-On Instinct drivers is around $160+ on eBay and God only knows off the truck, I don't think that's too bad. Plus I never use the stubbies that come in the SO set anyway.

Okay, here's some pics.

 

[Evan(CA)]

I love the JIS impacting one I have from them. If you work on any Asian vehicles and don't have this you are missing out big time

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B003BGZ9CO/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[joey1320]

I love the JIS impacting one I have from them. If you work on any Asian vehicles and don't have this you are missing out big time

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B003BGZ9CO/?tag=atomicindus08-20

This is a great screwdriver which has saved me plenty of times with corroded screws. Highly recommended.

 

[NC Rick]

We have been using Vessel JIS drivers for several years. They are very good. The JIS drivers from McMaster-Carr are that brand.

 

[milwaukeephil]

Well you know what comes next...

 

[BigBoreFan]

My Vessels

 

[eschoendorff]

Beahahahaha!!! Sorry... just caught me as funny

 

[Professional Tool User]

I've got the Craftsman 2 pc rebranded Vessel screwdriver set and TBH I don't find it to be anything special compared to other expensive options other than the impact driver function. Even Vessel these days doesn't make JIS screwdrivers anymore. Any ISO 8763-1 screwdriver will work on JIS screws.

 

[GeoRoss]

I've been using Vessel screw drivers for the last few years. I love them. If you work on Asian cars (JIS) you will love them.

 

[Phantomd]

JIS drivers are amazing, I love my Vessels. Mandatory on Japanese equipment of any variety.

 

[Joe Mamma]

Even Vessel these days doesn't make JIS screwdrivers anymore. Any ISO 8763-1 screwdriver will work on JIS screws.

Any screwdriver may work, but they do not all work the same.

The industry standard changed. The JIS standard does not exist any longer, and the new standard is DIN 5260 and ISO 8763-1.

However, from speaking with Vessel, my understanding is that the Vessel cross point "+" style screwdriver tips are still cut to the exact same dimensions as they were before the industry standard changed. Most people do not know this.

I think this is why many people still feel like the Vessel cross point tip screwdrivers fit better than other (DIN 5260-PH and ISO 8763-1 compliant) cross point tip screwdrivers. The current DIN/ISO standards are not the exact same dimensions as the old JIS standard.

b-man

 

[ARFLY]

Vessel makes good screwdrivers. Vessel has and maybe still does make some screwdrivers for Craftsman. They made the ball grip drivers and also impact drivers. I have both and really like them.

 

[turnthewrench 2.0]

Got a special delivery from J.A.Pan today! Been looking to phase out some of my old Crapsman screwdrivers...or at least move them to another toolbox (I don't really get rid of tools unless broken).

Started off a while back researching "JIS" screwdrivers which kinda sorta aren't REALLY made anymore, however these Vessel drivers seemed by all accounts to be tool truck quality at a lower price, so I bit the bullet and ordered some. Well, first I got one of their Impacta drivers off Amazon and it's awesome, so based on that I felt comfortable spending some money.

Only time will tell but initial impression is good, quality is killer, feel great in hand, and as long as the materials hold up I would expect years of trouble free service. The "Jawsfit" feature and striking cap on the reds (Megadora 930) will hopefully help with some more stubborn screws, plus the hex on the shanks, and I really like the teardrop handle shape of the wood composite handle (B-330) drivers, also with tang-thru design and striking cap.

Reds were $100, the others were $85, and combined shipping was $40. Seeing that an 8pc set of Snap-On Instinct drivers is around $160+ on eBay and God only knows off the truck, I don't think that's too bad. Plus I never use the stubbies that come in the SO set anyway.

Okay, here's some pics.

Love me some Megadora sets. Where did you get those? ... Amazon Japan?

Thanks,

 

[BDT/NWMN]

I bought three Vessel cross point tip screwdrivers last summer. I am glad to have them, as they simply have the proper fit on certain fasteners where My Snap-on and Proto struggle to hold a grip.

 

[aleccolin]

Found them on eBay actually, seller is ninja-tools, all Japanese Made/JDM tools from what I can tell. They were the only ones I found at the time to do a full set of 8 for each of these series screwdrivers.

 

[turnthewrench 2.0]

Found them on eBay actually, seller is ninja-tools, all Japanese Made/JDM tools from what I can tell. They were the only ones I found at the time to do a full set of 8 for each of these series screwdrivers.

Thanks

 

[1foxracing]

Some of my Vessel collection.

Please stop spreading the B.S. about Vessel no longer making JIS screwdrivers, they are still made today.
This is from the USA distributor of Vessel tools, 2 identical "looking" scredrivers.
The first is the Jawsfit models https://www.vesseltools.com/handtools/screwdrivers/screwdriversets/900jf-kit-p123-detail

Here is the JIS models of the same "looking" screwdrivers https://www.vesseltools.com/handtools/screwdrivers/screwdriversets/900-kit-p123-detail

You can clearly see they are identified as JIS.
I've repaired 100's of Mikuni & Keihin carbs that some dipshit put a Snapon screwdriver on and destroyed it.

 

[turnthewrench 2.0]

Some of my Vessel collection.

Please stop spreading the B.S. about Vessel no longer making JIS screwdrivers, they are still made today.
This is from the USA distributor of Vessel tools, 2 identical "looking" scredrivers.
The first is the Jawsfit models https://www.vesseltools.com/handtools/screwdrivers/screwdriversets/900jf-kit-p123-detail

Here is the JIS models of the same "looking" screwdrivers https://www.vesseltools.com/handtools/screwdrivers/screwdriversets/900-kit-p123-detail

You can clearly see they are identified as JIS.
I've repaired 100's of Mikuni & Keihin carbs that some dipshit put a Snapon screwdriver on and destroyed it.

Thanks for the link, Fox.

 

[BDT/NWMN]

I've repaired 100's of Mikuni & Keihin carbs that some dipshit put a Snapon screwdriver on and destroyed it.

Reminds Me of many of the snowmobiles up here that have been cobbled up with the wrong screwdrivers. I have a jis bit set I carried on My Artic Cats years ago, and it wasn't that expensive.

 

[aleccolin]

Rebuilding the Mikuni on my Dad’s bike is one of the things that got me looking into JIS drivers in the first place, bonus they seem to work better on most other stuff also. When we get into my buddy’s CB750 project I’m sure they’ll come in handy there too.

 

[jgromada]

i got some Vessel screwdrivers on Amazon. Great tips on these!

 

[MayerMR]

I've had a set of the Vessel JIS screwdrivers for several years now and am constantly amazed, every time I pick them up, that their tips are still as good as they were back when new. Probably the best money I've ever spent on tools.

 

[LilEngineeringBoy]

I picked up 2,
Vessel Megadora 980 Impacta P2x150 #2 JIS Cross Point Impact Screwdriver
Vessel Megadora 900 +2x100 JIS Cross Point Screwdriver
off Amazon as I was told they would help with the Hondas and Toyotas in my life. I have also found them to work really well with a Samsung fridge and dishwasher. Maybe now I can get a UJM (universal Japanese motorcycle) to work on...

 

[Qualitytools]

Some of my Vessel collection.

Please stop spreading the B.S. about Vessel no longer making JIS screwdrivers, they are still made today.
This is from the USA distributor of Vessel tools, 2 identical "looking" scredrivers.
The first is the Jawsfit models https://www.vesseltools.com/handtools/screwdrivers/screwdriversets/900jf-kit-p123-detail

Here is the JIS models of the same "looking" screwdrivers https://www.vesseltools.com/handtools/screwdrivers/screwdriversets/900-kit-p123-detail

You can clearly see they are identified as JIS.
I've repaired 100's of Mikuni & Keihin carbs that some dipshit put a Snapon screwdriver on and destroyed it.

1foxracing, please elaborate. I know what the difference is between the "standard " philips and the JIS tip. However, looking at the 2 sets you show I am not clear on the difference of the 2 between 900jf or 930 jf...... and how they relate to the JIS If I was to purchase a set that have a JIS tip which one would I pick??

I have a few VESSEL screwdrivers, I have the impact Craftsman as well as the craftsman ball handle and I also have a VESSEL ball ratcheting driver that I like using also. Thanks

 

[aleccolin]

I didn’t spend a lot of time trying to get to the bottom of the JIS thing, whether it is actually an outdated standard or just sort of morphed or got absorbed into a newer standard, but I can say it’s definitely different than the other (phillips) cross point drivers I own. Sharper edges, fits better. Comparing the 930 model to the B-330 model I can’t see anything different in the grind, the only difference is the jimping which is the Jawsfit feature itself.

My buddy sent me this article, probably been posted here before, but seems like credible info: https://www.webbikeworld.com/hozan-jis-screwdrivers-review/

At the end of the day I picked these up more for quality/reputation and relative value than anything else. Slowly replacing cheapo tools with nice stuff, one step at a time.

 

[ngk22r]

I have the teal JIS set with the impacting screwdriver, a must when working on JIS screws and they are still made today.

JIS drivers work with Phillips, Phillips do not work with JIS.

 

[mr.lemons]

Please stop spreading the B.S. about Vessel no longer making JIS screwdrivers, they are still made today.
This is from the USA distributor of Vessel tools, 2 identical "looking" scredrivers.

It's a bit confusing. The US distributor has 'JIS' next to a lot of the phillips drivers but the the Japanese website does not. My Vessel sets did not mention JIS on the boxes. I think strictly speaking they are not made to JIS standard but to a proprietary standard which covers both JIS and ISO. So technically no JIS but JIS compatible.

Posted a few times already but this is a statement from Vessel themselves rather than a third party distributor.

Vessel Statement on JIS Compatibility:
The Phillips tip of VESSEL screwdrivers is designed with less tolerance than the JIS or ISO standards. Therefore, the VESSEL tip standard is within both the JIS and ISO standards. i.e. it complies with the JIS standard as well as the ISO standard.

 

[Joe Mamma]

1foxracing, please elaborate. I know what the difference is between the "standard " philips and the JIS tip. However, looking at the 2 sets you show I am not clear on the difference of the 2 between 900jf or 930 jf...... and how they relate to the JIS If I was to purchase a set that have a JIS tip which one would I pick??

I am not 1foxracing and I am not exactly sure what your question is. But he posted pics of the 900 set and 900JF set (not 930JF set). From what Vessel told me, the tips on both sets (900 and 900JF) are cut to the exact same dimensions, but the "JF" are Jawsfit and just have a rougher surface.

I hope this helps.

b-man

 

[snooter]

Vessel is great stuff....have several made in japan vessel impact screwdrivers that are awesome quality....the screwdrivers mcmaster carr sales are the hybrid JIS establIshed i think in 2008???....Sunflag 215 screwdrivers are still configured for the old JIS.......i am also fairly certain whia scredrivers conform to the new JIS hybrud standard as well...whatever the case....vessel is top notch....so is Hozan if you can find some of there older screwdrivers....hozan JIS screwdrivers sold on flea bay are just poor quality in my opinion

 

[tanukiboy]

My "go to" Vessel screwdrivers are the 4500 series, especially if I don't want to mar the fastener (smooth tips, no JawsFit). See BigBoreFan's post below for a picture of this series.
If the screw is stubborn and I don't care about marring it, I reach for the Megadora 930 series (with JawsFit).
Of course, the nuclear option is Impacta.

 

[rlitman]

... However, looking at the 2 sets you show I am not clear on the difference of the 2 between 900jf or 930 jf...... and how they relate to the JIS If I was to purchase a set that have a JIS tip which one would I pick??...

Both have the JIS geometry. The jawsfit version has teeth on the outside (those steps that are visible). I've got one of each in P1, and really can't tell much difference.

 

[JoeMcGov]

Got Vessels, including JIS, in my tool box and have for years. Wonderful to use. 'Specially on my "metric" motorcycles and Toyota (in those rare instances when I need to remove a screw).

 

[Handyandy23]

It's a bit confusing. The US distributor has 'JIS' next to a lot of the phillips drivers but the the Japanese website does not. My Vessel sets did not mention JIS on the boxes. I think strictly speaking they are not made to JIS standard but to a proprietary standard which covers both JIS and ISO. So technically no JIS but JIS compatible.

Posted a few times already but this is a statement from Vessel themselves rather than a third party distributor.

Vessel Statement on JIS Compatibility:
The Phillips tip of VESSEL screwdrivers is designed with less tolerance than the JIS or ISO standards. Therefore, the VESSEL tip standard is within both the JIS and ISO standards. i.e. it complies with the JIS standard as well as the ISO standard.

So does this mean the Vessel Phillips head is a compromise between the JIS and ISO? Or will it fit any style Phillips nice and tight?

I guess what I'm trying to ask is, are these a replacement for the North American Phillips screwdrivers I have but with more versatility? Or do you still need to have both styles to get full usability?

 

[vpd66]

I bought a set of Vessels a little over a year ago. Was so happy with them I sold my Snap-on set and got more for the Snap-on screwdrivers then I paid for the Vessels!

 

[M6erfan]

I guess what I'm trying to ask is, are these a replacement for the North American Phillips screwdrivers I have but with more versatility? Or do you still need to have both styles to get full usability?

To your first question, yes. To your second question, no.

 

[aleccolin]

I bought a set of Vessels a little over a year ago. Was so happy with them I sold my Snap-on set and got more for the Snap-on screwdrivers then I paid for the Vessels!

Wow that really makes me glad I chose to skip the Snap-Ons and save some money

 

[kabinenroller]

I purchased a set of Vessel’s and have never regretted it. They grab like no other driver, no more “cam out” issues.
They are definitely worth the cost.

 

[rlitman]

So does this mean the Vessel Phillips head is a compromise between the JIS and ISO? Or will it fit any style Phillips nice and tight?

I guess what I'm trying to ask is, are these a replacement for the North American Phillips screwdrivers I have but with more versatility? Or do you still need to have both styles to get full usability?

To your first question, yes. To your second question, no.

Right. JIS (or whatever you want to call it now) screwdrivers are fully compatible with Philips, even when the reverse is not true.

 

[mr.lemons]

It seems clear from this thread and others that Vessel Phillips (cross head, whatever) tips are really quite different to Snap on Phillips tips and possibly other US drivers? I've never used a US driver to compare. Does anyone who is familiar with both Vessel and European Phillips drivers from Wiha/PB Swiss etc find any significant difference when working on JIS screws? Would you say that despite the overlapping standards Vessel are more tailored towards working with JIS screws than European drivers?

 

[aleccolin]

I’m betting the tips on any new Wiha/Felo/Wera driver would be very similar if not indistinguishable.