JIS vs PHILLPS vs New JIS Screwdrivers

Sheath wrote: Hey that's cool I didn't know that! I love my T handles, they're super tough, no handles have any scratches or nicks and they provide a good amount of torque
While we're on the subject of tools, here's two that I got in a big lot and I have no idea what they're for! The screwdriver handle one seems to be home made! Can you guys shed any light?

It's not for turning or prying: it appears too delicate for that.

To me it looks like a quick substitute for a modern fuse, e.g. to test connectivity in a circuit when a fuse is not available. By "modern fuse" I mean this kind:

That's a chain breaker, i.e. for pressing out the link pins.

Sheath wrote:

Ha ha thanks cb900f no wonder the tool is alien to me, I've owned a shaft for years!
Also I really like Nerdys theory on my home made tool, that could well be what someone designed it to do and I guess the handle will save you from any shocks. ..

I recently went through the whole JIS screwdriver issue when I tried to buy a set for the rebuild of my 82 GPz 550. It became a bit of a head-scratcher to say the least.
From what i can gather is that JIS screwdrivers are not sold anymore but modern Japanese 'Cross-Point' screwdrivers are supposed to work with JIS screws. The JIS standard was dropped a few years ago in 2008. I guess it's not always possible to identify the JIS screw by the dot on the head of the screw either. I ended up buying a set of Hozan screwdrivers but their largest size was #2. Luckily, I have a Vessel set of bits for my impact driver that fits both #3 and #4. While sandblasting the tool kit for the bike, i realized i had a #3 interchangeable bit as part of the kit. If you're having trouble sleeping at night, here's the article by Web Bike World which seems to condense most of the info I've found on the evolution of Phillips/JIS

HOZAN screwdriver review

Thankfully my bike has mostly Allen head fasteners...

Very good in depth article with great photos, thanks for sharing it.

Mike

Vessel is who I purchase my drivers through, they have a great selection
www.vesseltools.com/handtools/screwdrive...-industrial-standard

I like the powerball and the megadora with the metal base plate.

Recently I picked up some of motion pros JIS offerings and they were gargabe. ( I am a fan of many motion pro products th ough!) One shattered and the other didnt fit cleanly into any JIS head so I chose to return the pair.

The Vessel Impacta screwdrivers are great. I use them all the time on carb screws and the like that stubbornly resist removal with a conventional screwdriver.

I am all in with Ness.
Without Vessel screwdrivers and bits for your impact driver you are not complete and happy!
/A

I just ordered a set of these.

www.japanmotonuts.com/product-page/jis-s...sel-megadora-impacta

RJR Cool Tools has a good selection. I got the #2 & #3 Vessel screwdrivers & a Moody set.
When sears was still around, they had a cheapo screwdriver bit set w T-handle >> the bits are JIS & pretty durable.
Before everything was from china, I got a generic impact driver set made in Taiwan & its bits are also JIS.

RJR CT. both of these are very nice. very comfortable to use:
www.rjrcooltools.com/megadora-motorcycle-driver-set.html
www.rjrcooltools.com/pollicis-r-4-pc-ext...ails-tab-description

You wont be dissipointed, I love mine. Beefy grip, good torque when fighting those older ones.

I bought years ago a Snap On ratchet screwdriver with their special bit for Phillips, JIS and strip screws. Not a screw has resisted that bit so far. It has a flat tip and round wings. And if you want/need superior grip, dip your screwdriver in valve lapping compound, now we are talking. For ultimate grip, I use gardening gloves from Costco, no more hand slipping/blisters. You know the box with green and orange gloves. You can actually buy them at Amazon and Walmart as well. And if your wife asks you where happen to her gloves, just blame the kids.

Another must have have life saver tool is.... an impact screwdriver. Hard to find nowadays, but Princess Auto still sales them.

JL