Jeweller's screwdrivers

womble · 03-11-2022, 04:54 AM

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I know this is an odd off-topic question to ask but I'm sure someone, somewhere in the film-related section of the fora made a recommendation...

I need to purchase some good quality jeweller's screwdrivers. All the ones I have at home are cheap and cheerful and made of monkey metal, and I have a task where I really don't want to mess-up the screw-head. Specifically, I need a very small Philips screwdriver, although I'm game to buy a set as I am sure I'll need them for other purposes later.

Best wishes, Kris.

romay · 03-11-2022, 05:01 AM

Wera 05134000001 Kraftform Micro Big Pack 1 Screwdriver Set : Amazon.co.uk: DIY & Tools

JohnX · 03-11-2022, 05:32 AM

I use Wiha. No problems so far.

wadge22 · 03-11-2022, 05:40 AM

Wera, Wiha, Vessel would all be good names.

womble · 03-11-2022, 05:47 AM

Thanks everyone, I'll look those up.

garywakeling · 03-11-2022, 05:55 AM - **5 Likes**

If camera related just check if you need JIS or Phillips head as they look similar

womble · 03-11-2022, 07:25 AM

Originally posted by garywakeling

If camera related just check if you need JIS or Phillips head as they look similar

The manual says Philips, but annoyingly doesn't state which size (really small I can see for myself). I've ordered a set so hopefully one will fit.

Thanks, Kris.

titrisol · 03-11-2022, 07:28 AM - **3 Likes**

You want JIS (Japanese) cross heads for pentax cameras
I bought a Kit (Anex brand) from Japan, and they are very good quality
Vessel are also excellent, get a 0000, 000, 00 JIS cross set

Not a Number · 03-11-2022, 11:54 AM - **2 Likes**

JIS Drivers are compatible with Philips head screws. Philips drivers are not completely compatible with JIS screws. You're more likely to damage JIS screws with a Philips driver than the other way around.

Lord Lucan · 03-11-2022, 01:04 PM - **2 Likes**

Originally posted by womble

The manual says Philips

People, including writers of manuals, too often use the term "Philips screws" to be the generic term for cross-head screws. It is a pet peeve of mine, as there are several different types of cross head screws of which Philips is only one, albeit the worst.

I have heard that Philips screwdrivers were deliberately designed to ride up out of the screw in order to stop too much torque being applied (but chews up the screw head on the way out and scratches the surrounding surface instead), and it was really meant for mechanised assembly lines. Maybe an urban myth, but they certainly tend to act that way. As the patent on Philips screws expired some years ago they are used by cheap manufacturers, especially of toys.

**tonyzoc** · 03-11-2022, 02:43 PM

I have a good set of Starrett (S555 set of 6). A set of JIS drivers from Japan-Tools (TD-56S), a set of Moody JIS with interchangable blades, another Moody set of slotted screwdrivers, and a few sets of Wiha drivers...some fixed handle and others interchangable. The ones I can't do without are the Starrett 551 and 552, which are hard to come by these days and replacement places run $40+ if you can find them. They're thin blades that are needed with older german cameras, like Exakta.

stevebrot · 03-11-2022, 03:08 PM

I use Moody for both JIS and slotted.

Steve

**ramseybuckeye** · 03-11-2022, 03:41 PM

I have and recommend the Moody JIS. Only one I've tried.

**photogem** · 03-27-2023, 11:32 PM - **2 Likes**

For Pentax DSLR you need JIS crosshead screwdrivers.
I have tried many of them but particular if you need to get into the battery compartment and if you need to unscrew the solenoid, the longer

VESSEL 9902 precision screwdrivers

are the best.

Made in Japan, their heads last very long. I have tried Moody tools which are not bad but I prefer the Vessels.

I know a few Motorbikers who were quite relieved when they JIS screwdrivers for their Japanse motorbikes if crosshead was needed!
I have replaced all my larger WIHA and WERA PH crossheads with JIS as well (again Vessel which are never overprices)

One can always use JIS instead of PH, they fit perfectly, but shouldn't do it the otherway round.

No matter what anybody says, Phillips is now NOT JIS!

Wera Kraftform, as nice as they look, are no longer made in Germany but China and aren't JIS either but PH.
Using PH instead of JIS does damage the screws (and screwdriver)

womble · 04-24-2023, 01:28 AM - **1 Like**

Catching-up on an old thread. Many thanks for the advice. I bought a small set of Vessel screwdrivers and one of them undid the screw in question with no problems. I also managed to undo the battery compartment of a novelty clock that my mother gave me about 30 years ago. I was very pleased the battery hadn't leaked all over the clock mechanism and have now ordered a replacement. Keeping my fingers crossed the clock still works after all this time.

Best wishes, Kris.

03-11-2022, 04:54 AM	#1
womble Pentaxian Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Hertfordshire Photos: Gallery Posts: 4,324	Jeweller's screwdrivers 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. I know this is an odd off-topic question to ask but I'm sure someone, somewhere in the film-related section of the fora made a recommendation... I need to purchase some good quality jeweller's screwdrivers. All the ones I have at home are cheap and cheerful and made of monkey metal, and I have a task where I really don't want to mess-up the screw-head. Specifically, I need a very small Philips screwdriver, although I'm game to buy a set as I am sure I'll need them for other purposes later. Best wishes, Kris.

03-11-2022, 07:28 AM - 3 Likes	#8
titrisol Pentaxian Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: In the most populated state... state of denial Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,854	You want JIS (Japanese) cross heads for pentax cameras I bought a Kit (Anex brand) from Japan, and they are very good quality Vessel are also excellent, get a 0000, 000, 00 JIS cross set Last edited by titrisol; 03-11-2022 at 07:36 AM.

03-11-2022, 01:04 PM - 2 Likes	#10
Lord Lucan Pentaxian Join Date: Sep 2017 Location: South Wales Photos: Gallery Posts: 2,978	Originally posted by womble The manual says Philips People, including writers of manuals, too often use the term "Philips screws" to be the generic term for cross-head screws. It is a pet peeve of mine, as there are several different types of cross head screws of which Philips is only one, albeit the worst. I have heard that Philips screwdrivers were deliberately designed to ride up out of the screw in order to stop too much torque being applied (but chews up the screw head on the way out and scratches the surrounding surface instead), and it was really meant for mechanised assembly lines. Maybe an urban myth, but they certainly tend to act that way. As the patent on Philips screws expired some years ago they are used by cheap manufacturers, especially of toys. Last edited by Lord Lucan; 03-11-2022 at 04:29 PM. Reason: Tpyo

03-27-2023, 11:32 PM - 2 Likes	#14
photogem Site Supporter Join Date: Apr 2015 Posts: 3,522	For Pentax DSLR you need JIS crosshead screwdrivers. I have tried many of them but particular if you need to get into the battery compartment and if you need to unscrew the solenoid, the longer VESSEL 9902 precision screwdrivers are the best. Made in Japan, their heads last very long. I have tried Moody tools which are not bad but I prefer the Vessels. I know a few Motorbikers who were quite relieved when they JIS screwdrivers for their Japanse motorbikes if crosshead was needed! I have replaced all my larger WIHA and WERA PH crossheads with JIS as well (again Vessel which are never overprices) One can always use JIS instead of PH, they fit perfectly, but shouldn't do it the otherway round. No matter what anybody says, Phillips is now NOT JIS! Wera Kraftform, as nice as they look, are no longer made in Germany but China and aren't JIS either but PH. Using PH instead of JIS does damage the screws (and screwdriver) Last edited by photogem; 03-28-2023 at 05:37 AM.

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03-11-2022, 05:01 AM	#2
romay Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2014 Posts: 113	Wera 05134000001 Kraftform Micro Big Pack 1 Screwdriver Set : Amazon.co.uk: DIY & Tools

03-11-2022, 05:32 AM	#3
JohnX Pentaxian Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: London Posts: 1,116	I use Wiha. No problems so far.

03-11-2022, 05:40 AM	#4
wadge22 Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2021 Location: NE Ohio Photos: Albums Posts: 897	Wera, Wiha, Vessel would all be good names.

03-11-2022, 05:47 AM	#5
womble Pentaxian Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Hertfordshire Photos: Gallery Posts: 4,324 Original Poster	Thanks everyone, I'll look those up.

03-11-2022, 05:55 AM - 5 Likes	#6
garywakeling Moderator Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Melbourne Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,773	If camera related just check if you need JIS or Phillips head as they look similar

03-11-2022, 07:25 AM	#7
womble Pentaxian Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Hertfordshire Photos: Gallery Posts: 4,324 Original Poster	Originally posted by garywakeling If camera related just check if you need JIS or Phillips head as they look similar The manual says Philips, but annoyingly doesn't state which size (really small I can see for myself). I've ordered a set so hopefully one will fit. Thanks, Kris.

03-11-2022, 11:54 AM - 2 Likes	#9
Not a Number Moderator Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Venice, CA Posts: 10,526	JIS Drivers are compatible with Philips head screws. Philips drivers are not completely compatible with JIS screws. You're more likely to damage JIS screws with a Philips driver than the other way around.

03-11-2022, 02:43 PM	#11
tonyzoc Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2018 Posts: 992	I have a good set of Starrett (S555 set of 6). A set of JIS drivers from Japan-Tools (TD-56S), a set of Moody JIS with interchangable blades, another Moody set of slotted screwdrivers, and a few sets of Wiha drivers...some fixed handle and others interchangable. The ones I can't do without are the Starrett 551 and 552, which are hard to come by these days and replacement places run $40+ if you can find them. They're thin blades that are needed with older german cameras, like Exakta.

03-11-2022, 03:08 PM	#12
stevebrot Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Vancouver (USA) Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 42,007	I use Moody for both JIS and slotted. Steve

03-11-2022, 03:41 PM	#13
ramseybuckeye Site Supporter Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Hampstead, NC Photos: Gallery Posts: 17,295	I have and recommend the Moody JIS. Only one I've tried.

04-24-2023, 01:28 AM - 1 Like	#15
womble Pentaxian Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Hertfordshire Photos: Gallery Posts: 4,324 Original Poster	Catching-up on an old thread. Many thanks for the advice. I bought a small set of Vessel screwdrivers and one of them undid the screw in question with no problems. I also managed to undo the battery compartment of a novelty clock that my mother gave me about 30 years ago. I was very pleased the battery hadn't leaked all over the clock mechanism and have now ordered a replacement. Keeping my fingers crossed the clock still works after all this time. Best wishes, Kris.