PSA: Don't use Phillips head screwdrivers on your bike

[bertreynalds]

Maybe this is common knowledge, maybe not. The cross-head screws that you see all over your bike look like Phillips heads. Hell, a phillips head screwdriver might even work to get them out a few times.

But the reality is, these are JIS screws:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_screw_drives#JIS_B_1012
"The JIS B 1012 is commonly found in Japanese equipment. It looks like a Phillips screw, but is designed not to cam out and will, therefore, be damaged by a Phillips screwdriver if it is too tight. Heads are usually identifiable by a single dot or an "X" to one side of the cross slot.[13]
Specific "JIS" standardized cruciform-blade screwdrivers are available for this type of screw."

I purchased this on Amazon, and the difference is amazing. It actually grips the screws. It's also an impact driver, which can help remove seized screws.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003BI8HHQ

If you own a Japanese motorcycle, you need to own a JIS driver.

[yamahonkawazuki]

First time i got away with it, second time i borrowed a jis set from friend. you arent kidding. bowl screws are hell to remove when they strip it gives a whole new level of meaning
Aaron

[fetor56]

I've never really had a problem using Philips head screwdrivers,BUT that doesn't mean i won't.I purchased 2 sets of these cos i'm doing everything myself on my GS(and other Nippon bikes)
http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/141753778646?_trksid=p2055119.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

[Suzuki Stevo]

I just bought my 29th Import bike and the only screws I ever had any problems with where the float bowl screws on my GS500F, and I have been in plenty of Honda, Suzuki, Kawasaki, Yamaha carbs over the years with just a Craftsman Phillips. I don't doubt what your saying at all, in fact I think I'm gunna order a JIS or two just to see what I have been missing 

[Daeouse]

I have some JIS heads for my ratchet set, but I will definitely get one of these too. The impact feature could be quite handy!

[stuckinthemiddle]

And while you got the screws out, do yourself a favor and switch to allen head screws.

[yamahonkawazuki]

+1 on the allens. ive improvised an impact by taking a phillips and tapping end of it while turning (applying pressure.) this was a parts carb though. one i had screw was absolutely ruined. used one of my jewelry files to flatten sides of screw so i could get pliers to grab hold. Trust me (and OP and others, proper tools help. ive improvised many times, and gotten away with it for the most part. the impact feature of this kit is NICE to have. it usually is the only thing needed to break loose a stuck screw.
Aaron

[noworries]

+1 re using JIS screwdrivers on those screws. Fascinating, though, how hard it can be to buy JIS specification drivers. A quick rub  of a standard Phillips  driver point on a rotary grindstone can produce a nice little tool for JIS fasteners. Taking the point off the Phillips hear reduces its tendency to cam out of the cruciform slot as it is designed to do under torque.

[RichDesmond]

A good set of JIS screwdrivers is the best money you will ever spend on tools. Just google "Vessel JIS" and you'll get a number of places to buy from. Get a #1-#2-#3 set, and a couple of extra #2's. You can thank me later.

[Widget]

Would explain why the (non)Phillips head screws stripped .. replaced them with Allen screws...

[iamhiding]

glad to hear someone else saying that! i always use pozi, have done for years with no issue they seemed to have the best grip, thats what i thought they were anyway lolz but i'll have a look at JIS sets. good shout dude more often than not i replace with stainless allen bolts anyway but preventative is the way forward right.

[noworries]

Phillips screws designed to cam out under torque, Pozidrive screws not designed to cam out under torque. Subtle differences in driver points.