Good JIS screwdriver set for SMC (analogue era) lens repairs?

amci · 11-16-2019, 10:11 AM

Staff note: This post may contain affiliate links, which means Pentax Forums may earn a small commission if a visitor clicks through and makes a purchase. If you would like to support the forum directly, you may also make a donation here.

Hello,

I bought a screwdriver from amazon, it seemed good quality, it wasn't especially cheap, the heads were a good fit but it damaged the screwheads (it was rubbish test lens anyway, for this purpose). So I'm now looking for a good quality set of screwdrivers, I read somewhere JIS. I'm wondering if anyone has any recommendations. All the JIS screwdrivers I see on amazon are too big.

Cheers,

Last edited by amci; 11-16-2019 at 10:15 AM. Reason: Post was incomplete.

**FozzFoster** · 11-16-2019, 10:20 AM - **1 Like**

VESSEL precision screwdriver 6pcs TD-56S -- Can't recommend these guys enough!

eBay Link

Nick Rowland · 11-16-2019, 10:40 AM

I use this set from Amazon, I haven't found any screws too small for it yet. TD-56 Precision Screwdriver Set: Amazon.co.uk: DIY & Tools

**ffking** · 11-16-2019, 10:43 AM

Yuh - I got that from Amazon - a year or so back happy so far, though I haven't used them that much - the link is Amazon UK.

TD-56 Precision Screwdriver Set: Amazon.co.uk: DIY & Tools

**ffking** · 11-16-2019, 10:45 AM

Ah - I see Nick Rowland gave the same link as I was finding it - confirmation, though

Gianclaudio · 11-16-2019, 10:57 AM - **1 Like**

Be sure to order the TD56S instead of the TD56.

The S model have 000 and 0000 cross drivers, which come really handy for camera and lenses.

stevebrot · 11-16-2019, 11:09 AM

Originally posted by amci

I read somewhere JIS. I'm wondering if anyone has any recommendations. All the JIS screwdrivers I see on amazon are too big.

All cross-head screws on Asahi and Pentax product are JIS standard* and they range from very small to not so small. I don't have experience with the set linked above, but am a strong fan of Moody Pollicis drivers. These are available in both long and short shank and are notable in being static discharge safe and bearing a lifetime warranty. A 4-driver long shank set (JIS #000, #00, #0, #1) is available from iFixit for less than $20 USD. Similar short shank sets are available from Amazon, Micro-tools and other vendors for about $30 USD.

iFixit | JIS Driver Set

Amazon | Moody Tools JIS Pollicis 4-piece

Steve

(...no relationship to Moody, iFixit, Amazon, or Micro-tools except as a satisfied customer...)

* While JIS is visually similar to Phillips head, both ramp and depth of the slots is different. Use of a Phillips driver on a JIS screw will likely result in the screw head being stripped and much weeping and gnashing of teeth.

Last edited by stevebrot; 11-16-2019 at 11:15 AM.

**c.a.m** · 11-16-2019, 11:10 AM

Please see this thread for a number of options:

Could anyone recommend a good set of JIS screwdrivers and spanner? - PentaxForums.com

Personally, I use JIS drivers from Moody Tools, as well as the 64-bit set from IFixIt, which is mentioned in the linked thread.

- Craig

**c.a.m** · 11-16-2019, 11:17 AM

Originally posted by amci

the heads were a good fit but it damaged the screwheads

Just a caution that the screws on the mounts of manual Pentax lenses (especially Pentax-M it seems) can be difficult to remove because they've been locked with thread-locker. I've managed to strip out several heads by applying too much torque.

If I can't easily loosen a screw, I find that carefully heating the screw heads with a soldering iron or micro-flame torch (the burner torch, not the 'flashlight') is effective.

- Craig

**aslyfox** · 11-16-2019, 11:55 AM

Originally posted by amci

Hello,

I bought a screwdriver from amazon, it seemed good quality, it wasn't especially cheap, the heads were a good fit but it damaged the screwheads (it was rubbish test lens anyway, for this purpose). So I'm now looking for a good quality set of screwdrivers, I read somewhere JIS. I'm wondering if anyone has any recommendations. All the JIS screwdrivers I see on amazon are too big.

Cheers,

I'm late to the party but this thread explains why you are being wise -

Cross-head screws - a caution: - PentaxForums.com

Aaron28 · 11-16-2019, 12:06 PM

good references......be good to find this when I decide to get a good set
thanks

amci · 11-16-2019, 12:35 PM

This is great! Thanks very much everyone.

Originally posted by c.a.m

If I can't easily loosen a screw, I find that carefully heating the screw heads with a soldering iron or micro-flame torch (the burner torch, not the 'flashlight') is effective.

Very good to know, cheers! I will watch out for this.
I stripped not only the screw head but also chewed up the screwdriver trying to open, not the lens mount, but the aperture mount. It was an old junk lens, one of many duplicates, and was curious about the goings on, it is my practice lens for now.

Moody tools and TD56S are both available on Amazon UK so will order up a set tonight.

Originally posted by aslyfox

I'm late to the party but this thread explains why you are being wise -

Cross-head screws - a caution: - PentaxForums.com

That's interesting! It's a wonder I got so far into the lens before it became a problem. I wonder what the benefits are of each type of head.

**ismaelg** · 11-16-2019, 01:35 PM

Another vote here for the Vessel kit. I got it from eBay. The only downside is that it took weeks to arrive from Japan to the US.

**marcusBMG** · 11-16-2019, 01:41 PM

You're UK:

micro tools europe

Search: JIS

Vmax911 · 11-16-2019, 02:11 PM

I've used a Moody set I got from Amazon for 7+ years now. Good set.

11-16-2019, 11:09 AM	#7
stevebrot Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Vancouver (USA) Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 42,007	Originally posted by amci I read somewhere JIS. I'm wondering if anyone has any recommendations. All the JIS screwdrivers I see on amazon are too big. All cross-head screws on Asahi and Pentax product are JIS standard* and they range from very small to not so small. I don't have experience with the set linked above, but am a strong fan of Moody Pollicis drivers. These are available in both long and short shank and are notable in being static discharge safe and bearing a lifetime warranty. A 4-driver long shank set (JIS #000, #00, #0, #1) is available from iFixit for less than $20 USD. Similar short shank sets are available from Amazon, Micro-tools and other vendors for about $30 USD. iFixit \| JIS Driver Set Amazon \| Moody Tools JIS Pollicis 4-piece Steve (...no relationship to Moody, iFixit, Amazon, or Micro-tools except as a satisfied customer...) * While JIS is visually similar to Phillips head, both ramp and depth of the slots is different. Use of a Phillips driver on a JIS screw will likely result in the screw head being stripped and much weeping and gnashing of teeth. Last edited by stevebrot; 11-16-2019 at 11:15 AM.

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Local Canadian source for JIS screwdrivers - Canadian Tire	c.a.m	General Photography	12	01-29-2021 08:28 AM
DA* 16-50mm F2.8 ED AL [IF] SDM as a screwdriver-only travel zoom?	saabeilin	Pentax SLR Lens Discussion	15	06-27-2019 06:33 PM
Could anyone recommend a good set of JIS screwdrivers and spanner?	ZombieArmy	General Photography	21	05-25-2019 03:25 PM
Aussie Help Needed! SDM to screwdriver conversion Melb/Aus	robjmitchell	Pentax SLR Lens Discussion	4	10-17-2017 11:44 AM
Film Era vs. Digital Era lenses for K-x	steveknj	Troubleshooting and Beginner Help	23	08-19-2011 05:36 PM

11-16-2019, 10:11 AM	#1
amci New Member Join Date: Jun 2018 Posts: 5	Good JIS screwdriver set for SMC (analogue era) lens repairs? Staff note: This post may contain affiliate links, which means Pentax Forums may earn a small commission if a visitor clicks through and makes a purchase. If you would like to support the forum directly, you may also make a donation here. Hello, I bought a screwdriver from amazon, it seemed good quality, it wasn't especially cheap, the heads were a good fit but it damaged the screwheads (it was rubbish test lens anyway, for this purpose). So I'm now looking for a good quality set of screwdrivers, I read somewhere JIS. I'm wondering if anyone has any recommendations. All the JIS screwdrivers I see on amazon are too big. Cheers, Last edited by amci; 11-16-2019 at 10:15 AM. Reason: Post was incomplete.

11-16-2019, 10:20 AM - 1 Like	#2
FozzFoster Custom User Title Join Date: Jan 2016 Location: Alberta Photos: Albums Posts: 6,808	VESSEL precision screwdriver 6pcs TD-56S -- Can't recommend these guys enough! eBay Link

11-16-2019, 10:40 AM	#3
Nick Rowland Junior Member Join Date: Oct 2019 Location: Eastbourne, Sussex, UK Posts: 36	I use this set from Amazon, I haven't found any screws too small for it yet. TD-56 Precision Screwdriver Set: Amazon.co.uk: DIY & Tools

11-16-2019, 10:43 AM	#4
ffking Site Supporter Join Date: Nov 2015 Location: Old South Wales Posts: 6,039	Yuh - I got that from Amazon - a year or so back happy so far, though I haven't used them that much - the link is Amazon UK. TD-56 Precision Screwdriver Set: Amazon.co.uk: DIY & Tools

11-16-2019, 10:45 AM	#5
ffking Site Supporter Join Date: Nov 2015 Location: Old South Wales Posts: 6,039	Ah - I see Nick Rowland gave the same link as I was finding it - confirmation, though

11-16-2019, 10:57 AM - 1 Like	#6
Gianclaudio Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2017 Location: Hannover Photos: Gallery Posts: 163	Be sure to order the TD56S instead of the TD56. The S model have 000 and 0000 cross drivers, which come really handy for camera and lenses.

11-16-2019, 11:10 AM	#8
c.a.m Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: Ottawa, Canada Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 4,194	Please see this thread for a number of options: Could anyone recommend a good set of JIS screwdrivers and spanner? - PentaxForums.com Personally, I use JIS drivers from Moody Tools, as well as the 64-bit set from IFixIt, which is mentioned in the linked thread. - Craig

11-16-2019, 11:17 AM	#9
c.a.m Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: Ottawa, Canada Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 4,194	Originally posted by amci the heads were a good fit but it damaged the screwheads Just a caution that the screws on the mounts of manual Pentax lenses (especially Pentax-M it seems) can be difficult to remove because they've been locked with thread-locker. I've managed to strip out several heads by applying too much torque. If I can't easily loosen a screw, I find that carefully heating the screw heads with a soldering iron or micro-flame torch (the burner torch, not the 'flashlight') is effective. - Craig

11-16-2019, 11:55 AM	#10
aslyfox Seeker of Knowledge Join Date: Aug 2016 Location: Topeka, Kansas Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 24,583	Originally posted by amci Hello, I bought a screwdriver from amazon, it seemed good quality, it wasn't especially cheap, the heads were a good fit but it damaged the screwheads (it was rubbish test lens anyway, for this purpose). So I'm now looking for a good quality set of screwdrivers, I read somewhere JIS. I'm wondering if anyone has any recommendations. All the JIS screwdrivers I see on amazon are too big. Cheers, I'm late to the party but this thread explains why you are being wise - Cross-head screws - a caution: - PentaxForums.com

11-16-2019, 12:06 PM	#11
Aaron28 Pentaxian Join Date: Jan 2015 Location: Huntsville, Al Posts: 7,131	good references......be good to find this when I decide to get a good set thanks

11-16-2019, 12:35 PM	#12
amci New Member Join Date: Jun 2018 Posts: 5 Original Poster	This is great! Thanks very much everyone. Originally posted by c.a.m If I can't easily loosen a screw, I find that carefully heating the screw heads with a soldering iron or micro-flame torch (the burner torch, not the 'flashlight') is effective. Very good to know, cheers! I will watch out for this. I stripped not only the screw head but also chewed up the screwdriver trying to open, not the lens mount, but the aperture mount. It was an old junk lens, one of many duplicates, and was curious about the goings on, it is my practice lens for now. Moody tools and TD56S are both available on Amazon UK so will order up a set tonight. Originally posted by aslyfox I'm late to the party but this thread explains why you are being wise - Cross-head screws - a caution: - PentaxForums.com That's interesting! It's a wonder I got so far into the lens before it became a problem. I wonder what the benefits are of each type of head.

11-16-2019, 01:35 PM	#13
ismaelg Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Puerto Rico Photos: Gallery Posts: 2,685	Another vote here for the Vessel kit. I got it from eBay. The only downside is that it took weeks to arrive from Japan to the US.

11-16-2019, 01:41 PM	#14
marcusBMG Site Supporter Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: North Wales Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,870	You're UK: micro tools europe Search: JIS

11-16-2019, 02:11 PM	#15
Vmax911 Pentaxian Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: ABQ Photos: Gallery Posts: 826	I've used a Moody set I got from Amazon for 7+ years now. Good set.