The Best JIS Screwdrivers
If you are a professional or an armature mechanic, you probably have come across JIS or Japanese Industry Standard screwdrivers.
They are structurally similar to Phillips drivers, but with shoestring differences.
A JIS crosshead has four blades much like a Phillips’s crosshead, but the blades are perpendicular and thinner. They are also shorter and less deep. The blades on a Phillips’s crosshead have rounded corners at the intersection.
Another difference is the tip. A JIS screwdriver has a slightly sharper tip than a Phillips screwdriver.
These slight structural differences are the reason the two screwdrivers function differently. A Phillips screwdriver is designed to “cam out” when it reaches a certain torque to avoid stripping the screw.
A JIS does not behave in the same way. It does not “cam out” when excess torque is applied, instead, it stays in place, and does not strip the screw.
Top Pick
AB Tools-Laser LSR58
All of the choices that we have picked for this list are great for a number of reasons, but one of this JIS screwdriver stand out among the others. That’s why our top choice is the AB Tools-Laser LSR58 . This option is a great option for tightening screws with its soft grip rubber handles and super strong hardened tips.
- Made from chrome vanadium steel
- Super strong hardened tips
- Soft grip rubber handles
- A set of 4 screwdrivers of different sizes
- Resistant to corrosion
This JIS screwdriver includes all features that you will need to tighten screws. With all the great features that this JIS screwdriver includes, the one thing that it doesn’t come with is the ability to tighten screws instead of you.
This makes JIS more efficient and reliable than Phillips screwdrivers because no matter how much torque you apply, you’ll not end up with a damaged screw.
The other this is that you can use a JIS screwdriver on Phillips screws, but you cannot use Phillip screws on JIS screwdrivers. So they are quite versatile.
If you are thinking of getting one, and you are not sure where to start. Take a look at our list of the top best JIS screwdrivers to help you get started.
JIS Screwdrivers Comparison Chart
Image | Product | Price |
---|---|---|
AB Tools-Laser LSR58 Number of pieces: 4 Length (without handle): 38, 75, 100, 150 mm (1,5, 2,9, 3,9, 5,9") Material of the blade: Chrome vanadium steel Material of the handle: Rubber | ||
Hozan JIS3-4 Number of pieces: 4 Length (without handle): 75, 100, 100, 100 mm (2,9, 3,9, 3,9, 3,9") Material of the blade: Steel Material of the handle: Plastic | ||
VESSEL MEGADORA 900P2100J Number of pieces: 1 Length (without handle): 100 mm (3,9") Material of the blade: Chrome plated alloy steel Material of the handle: Rubber |
What are the Best JIS Screwdrivers March, 2024?
1. AB Tools-Laser LSR58 – The Best JIS Screwdrivers Review
If you frequently repair Japanese made quads or motorcycles, you need a quality set of JIS screwdrivers that you can rely on. The ABS Tools-Laser JIS screwdrivers bring more than just reliability to the table, they are tough, strong, and durable.
They come in a set of 4 screwdrivers of different sizes. Each screwdriver is labeled for easy identification.
The screwdrivers are made from chrome vanadium steel, which is strong, tough, and resistant to corrosion and wear. This makes the screwdrivers extremely reliable and durable.
The tip of each screwdriver is hardened to make it super strong, so no matter how much torque you apply, it will not break. The handles are made of rubber to give you a firm grip even when your hands are sweaty or wet.
Overall, the screwdrivers are solid and reliable, and they are great for home use and commercial use.
Chrome vanadium steel construction for strength and durability
Hardened tips for strength, reliability, and efficiency
Compatible with Phillips screws
Ideal for commercial and home use
Ergonomic handles
Suitable for JIS screws
2. Hozan JIS3-4 – The Best JIS Screwdrivers Review
The new third-generation JIS screwdrivers by Hozan comes in a set of 4 screwdrivers. The set consists of Hozan D-530-75 No. 00, D-540-100 No. 0, D-550-100 No. 1, and D-555-100 No. 2 size screwdrivers.
They are made of steel with plastic handles. They don’t look like they are quality, but they are quite solid.
The plastic handles don’t provide much of a firm grip. If you have wet or sweaty hands, you’ll need to dry them to work with screwdrivers properly and comfortably.
The tips are hot-pressed into the handle, so they cannot handle too much torque. But with the right torque, they work well.
The construction of the screwdrivers is solid, but you still need to handle them with care because the plastic handles can break easily.
For the price, these are pretty decent screwdrivers. They are suitable for home use and small tasks, but not for commercial use or big tasks.
Made of steel for strength, reliability, and durability
Comes in a set of 4 screwdrivers of varying sizes
Easy to use
Affordable
Suitable for home use
3. VESSEL MEGADORA 900P2100J – The Best JIS Screwdrivers Review
The Megadora JIS screwdriver by Vessel is not dollar store cheap, but it’s a high-quality tool you can use on any device, motorcycle, or vehicle that has JIS or Phillips crosshead screws.
Made of alloy steel, the blade is heat-treated to harden it making it highly durable and resistant to wear. It is also chrome plated to help prevent corrosion.
The magnetized tip is designed for precision, and the knurling on the tip and shaft allows you to remove stubborn screws with ease and to work more quickly.
It has a firm and comfortable grip. The handle is made from a rubber-like material that is slip-resistant making it easy to work with the tool with wet or sweaty hands.
Suitable for JIS and Phillips crosshead screws
Alloy steel heat-treated blade for durability and strength
Corrosion-resistant
Knurled shaft and tip for efficiency
Designed for precision
Firm and comfortable grip
Buyer’s Guide
Many mechanics have bought screwdrivers thinking that they are JIS, only to get a rude shock that they are not. Furthermore, not many of them can tell the true differences between a Phillips screwdriver and a JIS screwdriver.
If you cannot tell the difference between the two, you might end up buying the wrong screwdriver. What you need to know is that JIS screws are structurally different from Phillips screws.
So when dealing with JIS screws, you need a JIS screwdriver, but when dealing with Phillips screws, you can use a JIS or a Phillips’s screwdriver.
Phillips screwdrivers and other hardware are not compatible with JIS-style hardware. This is all due to the way they are both designed.
In light of this, choosing a JIS screwdriver is not a walk in the park. To help you buy an authentic quality JIS screwdriver, there are some factors you need to consider.
But before we get to that, let us look at some different types of screwdrivers.
Types of Screwdrivers
Slotted
Slotted screwdrivers are quite common. They have a chisel-shaped blade, which fits into a slotted screw head. The head is sometimes referred to as a flat-head or slot-head.
The problem with these screwdrivers is that they tend to slip sideways if you apply too much torque. This is the reason many professionals don’t use them.
Cross Head
A cross head screwdriver has an angled tip which is in the shape of a cross. Phillips screwdrivers are often referred to as cross heads, and they are some of the most commonly used screwdrivers.
The reason for this is that a lot of things like appliances and furniture use screw heads.
Phillips screwdrivers are designed to “cam out” when a certain amount of torque is reached. This minimizes the risk of stripping the screw.
Hex
Hex Screwdrivers have a hexagon-shaped tip and they are commonly used for fastening bolts, hex nuts, and screws. Allen wrenches have this type of tip, and they are commonly used for furniture assembly and bike maintenance.
There is a specialized version of the hex screwdriver that is used for prison maintenance and other high-risk areas.
Torx
Screwdrivers with a Torx tip are commonly used in the automotive engineering, security, and manufacturing industries. The shape of the tip resembles a star, and the ends are rounded.
The star-shaped design allows for more torque to be applied without stripping the screw.
These screwdrivers don’t slip out of the screw as easily as slotted and Phillips screwdrivers do. This makes these screwdrivers extremely reliable.
Square Head
Screwdrivers with a square head screw can handle a lot of torque. They are mostly used in the furniture and automotive industries.
Brand
With screwdrivers, it is advisable to buy from a reputable brand. That way, you know you are getting an authentic, reliable, and durable tool.
The market is flooded with counterfeit JIS screwdrivers, and it’s hard to tell a fake JIS screwdriver from a real one. To be on the safe side, buy a well-known and reputable brand even though it is expensive because you’ll get value for your money.
Durability
It’s hard to tell if a JIS screwdriver is durable, particularly if you are buying one online. The best way to know if a screwdriver is durable is by reading reviews to see what other users say about its durability.
Alternatively, you can consult an expert who can give you advice on what brands produce durable JIS screwdrivers.
Material used
Most JIS screwdrivers are made from high-grade steel or chromium-vanadium steel. You might find some that are made from titanium, but they are quite rare and extremely expensive.
When it comes to the material, the choice is entirely up to you.
Budget
JIS screwdrivers are not overly expensive, but in screwdriver standards, some people might think they are. You can really get decently priced JIS screwdrivers.
But if the price tag is too good to be true, throw caution to the wind. It might be a Phillips or a fake screwdriver being marketed as a JIS.
Conclusion
Japanese standard screwdrivers are great because they are versatile and reliable. They can handle both JIS and Phillips crossheads screws and possibly other brand crosshead screws as well.
So if you are shopping for a quality screwdriver, get a JIS, it will save you a lot of work, time, and frustration.