57 yrs old and just learned JIS - nobody told me.

Need to watch some DirtbikeTV videos

My nicest tools are my Vessel screwdrivers. I noticed recently you can buy them at lowes. While not in-store they will ship to you. 

https://www.lowes.com/search?searchTerm=vessel%20screwdriver

Also available at dickrocket LLC.

https://www.amazon.com/VESSEL-MEGADORA-IMPACTA-Screwdriver-No-9802SC/dp/B07ZK6V1GQ/

Those impactas are an impact driver. Smack it with a hammer.  

I am 54 and a buddy of mine gave me a set back in 2010 ish , said try these on your bikes and let me know what you think. Night and day different fit. I think I new something was off for years, as none of mine ever fit any of the screws right, most of my bike screw drivers had been, grounded on to make better but never was a tight fit like these do. I defiantly know why so many used bikes always have jacked up screws on them.

ME TOO BRO 

JIS usually have a little dot stamped on the head as well. Don’t feel bad, a lot of people are in the same boat as you. 

This is the reason why I always have a set of new screws from ace hardware to replace them as needed. I have the correct bit but once they chew up even a little or stick a little its swap time.

Only very rarely does it become an issue.

I just learned the lesson about 6 weeks ago while on my 2-Stroke vintage forum. I'm 67 and had Japanese bikes since early 1970s. Now proud owner of Vessel impact bit set and screwdriver collection. If I had a nickel for every Japanese Phillips head screw I destroyed with SAE impact set I could buy a new bike 🙃

I'm 40 and learned about them about 2 years ago. No more stripped screws on the Keihin!

Holy fuck

I didn't even know you could say that word in public......

      I am today years old when I learned this. Been wrenching on bikes since 1972. 

I'm 54 and I just learned this today! 

WTF??

No wonder I've never liked having "Phillips" head bolts on the engine.  I've always just cussed them for not using Allen bolts.

Half the time over the years, I've just skipped the screwdriver, and grabbed my vice grips (Works great by the way).

Why in the world would they do this? Haha!

Seriously, it was a problem when I first started wrenching when I was 12 or 13 (50 years ago), but not really since then.

I figured out 2 tricks.

1) Use vice grips directly on the head of the bolt.  They come loose easily without damaging the bolt.  Just make sure the vice grips are tight, then give it a nice, sharp crank.

2) Clamp the vice grips onto the Phillips screwdriver, then as you push the screwdriver into the bolt, quickly crank the screwdriver with the vice grips.  It always breaks loose easily without stripping the head of the bolt.

This is good to know though.  I'll be ordering some JIS screwdrivers.  Again, What in the world?  How would I know this?  YouTube didn't exist back then.  If it looks like a Phillips, and smells like a Phillips?...

I just swapped out the screws on my YZs carb with Allen head bolts because of this. Had to hacksaw a groove into the originals to get them out. I have known about JIS for a bit but never picked up a new set of the screwdrivers yet. 

JIS Vessels are money well spent. I have used them on buggered Phillips head screws and had them bite.

I replaced the screws on my Keihin many years ago...

Having JIS screwdrivers to remove Mikuni or Keihin float bowl screws is a life changing event for anyone that works on vintage bikes.

I got a set of Tusk JIS screwdrivers from Rocky Mountain Cycle. I’ve had less issues with a number 3 Snap On driver, but that carb size JIS fits much better  

Yeah, I just never jumped on that bandwagon. I like the stockers 🤷‍♂️

I also changed the brake reservoir screws...

Damn...

You mean, basically, it's just like I've been using a 5/16 socket on my 8mm's and a 3/8 on the 10mm's all these fn years!?!? 

Weird this isn't more "common knowledge" stuff...

I mean...I've known a lot of motorcycle tuners over the years, a buddy is a professional auto mechanic...nothing...never was even mentioned casually, never talked about in print articles, owner's manuals, online how-to's etc...nothing, ever....🤷

Never thought I'd be excited to go screwdriver 🪛 shopping, but I am now! 

I bought his set a couple of years ago and it is great especially for $19

Amazon Hozan JIS Set

What about the Arthur's head screwdriver...

This is gold. 

I found the ultimate thread of 'who not to buy bikes from' .. 

There are still people who think the woodruff key holds the rotor in place. 

I’ve had a set of JIS screwdrivers for about 25 years, but only really used them on carbys. They’re magic on those small screws.

There is also stuff like JIS hydraulic fittings, and other stuff as well, that may or may not be relevant to motorcycles

I knew about the screw heads 30 + years ago, but didn't learn about the hydraulic fittings till 20 years ago when I became  involved in repairing japanese excavators ( komatsu, Hitachi etc)

Remember all of those front brake reservoir cap bolts and yamaha clutch/stator cover bolts you ruined in the 90's? Youll be happy to know those days are behind you now!