How Many Do I Need?
 

I must have 30 philips head screwdrivers in and around my workbench. I have yet to find one that I can grip strong enough to remove tightly driven screws. Or one that doesn't roll out of the slots without adding downward pressure to keep the driver in them. I have different sizes, brands, handles, points, no points.... Well you get the picture. Does anyone make a screwdriver that has both grip and the shape to fit the cheap metal screws we deal with? I am tired of buying every different set I run across.

Some model engines use Japanese Industrial Standard (JIS) head screws. This is a slightly different design than an American Phillips head screw. A normal Phillips screwdriver will not properly engage a JIS screw. It will tend to cam out and round the slot. I need to get a JIS screwdriver myself, but I have not found a source.

You can tell a JIS screw by looking at it. The X slot will look the same as a normal Phillips but it will have a little dot outside of the X.

Thanks JP, looks like I need to start searching as well.

Got my set at Amazon: Hozan JIS-4 JIS Screwdriver Set (NEW 3rd. Gen)

Well recommended by reviewers. I have found the set to cover all the Japanese screws I find in the hobby: Servos, Engines, Fittings. I am very happy with the set...

Thanks for the info Ram, I did do a search on Amazon and have a set on the way.

I just ordered a set form RJRCoolTools, which seems to specialize in RC stuff.

A set of JIS screwdrivers would be a good start, I bought these as singles from McMaster.

http://www.mcmaster.com/#jis-(japane...rivers/=rglx4f


Also, get some anti-cam out drivers from either Wera or Wiha. Wera makes their Lasertip and that works very well. I have both and prefer the Wiha handles a bit more. You can buy sets or individual drivers from Amazon or McMaster.


http://www.amazon.com/Wiha-Screwdriv...D3E72WAKQRMCS5

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0001NQQCM/ref=biss_dp_t_asn


http://www.mcmaster.com/#standard-screwdrivers/=rglq3f

Thanks for all the info. Looks like I will be adding to my collection, but the right adds will be very welcome.

Another good driver for Phillips type screws is the "Reed and Prince". That is what a lot of aircraft manufactures use on their production craft. The Reed and Prince type are very efficient as all sizes use the same driver and all fit perfectly. I agree that all modelers should have a set of JIS as nearly all RC equipment is manufactured where the JIS is the standard and it really is a much better item than the typical Phillips is.

one other little known method of dealing with Phillips and Reed & Prince screws...
grab a tube of valve grinding compound from your local auto parts store.
put a small dab on the screwdriver tip. ;) that little extra bit of 'grab' that the compound creates works wonders for getting the screws back out.

I'm happy to find a screwdriver. They seem to disappear to the same void were my socks and toenail clippers end up.

I know exactly what you mean. It's the same with small parts for me. I just know they are under my bench, but when I look they can't be found. It's like the bugs carry them off.

Hmmmm....maybe that is why I am missing screwdrivers.

Those Philips types that hit the bottom of the screw before the four sides, I take it and grind the tip down so the sides actually hit before the tip. Much less chance of slipping. Had to do this with most of my Philips screwdrivers.

that's most likely not a phillips screwdriver, but a reed and prince. R & P screwdrivers are pointy, phillips are more flattened at the tip.
I agree however for grinding the tip :) works great!

Looks like the grinder is going to have some use ahead.

I use the cheap 4-in-1 or 6-in1 screwdrivers you find in the bins at Ace, True Value, Lowes or Menards. The #2 bit works very well to remove those screws. Although I did have to slim down that bit to remove the head screws. (Think about it like sharpening a pencil with the Dremel.) Then I replace all of them with socket head machine screws.

And, with the bit removed, it makes a glow plug wrench.

Ken

Ken,

I also have started using these same tools from ACE tool bins and have had very good results. They work equal to if not better then my Craftsman.