If you have ever stripped a screw on a Japanese motorcycle, camera, or piece of electronics using a Phillips screwdriver, you probably encountered a JIS (Japanese Industrial Standard) screw. JIS cross-head screws look almost identical to Phillips but have a different geometry - and using a Phillips driver on them causes damage.
What Is JIS B 1012?
JIS B 1012 is the Japanese Industrial Standard that defines cross-head screw recesses. The JIS cross-point has straighter, more vertical flutes than Phillips, and a flatter bottom to the recess. Phillips drivers have angled flutes designed to cam out under excess torque - JIS drivers do not. This means a Phillips driver sitting in a JIS screw has a poor fit: the angles are wrong, and the driver climbs out of the recess under torque, stripping the screw.
JIS vs Phillips: Key Differences
| Feature | JIS (B 1012) | Phillips |
|---|---|---|
| Flute angle | Straighter / more vertical | Angled (designed to cam out) |
| Cam-out behaviour | Minimal - driver stays seated | Intentional cam-out under excess torque |
| Recess bottom | Flatter | More pointed / V-shaped |
| Screw identification | Dot or cross punch mark on head | No marking (or brand stamp) |
| Origin | Japan | United States |
| Common on | Japanese motorcycles, cameras, electronics | Global general-purpose hardware |
| Interchangeable? | No - Phillips strips JIS screws | No - JIS works on Phillips but not ideal |
How to Identify JIS Screws
Look for a single dot or small punch mark on the screw head, typically near one of the cross-point arms. This is the JIS marking. Not all JIS screws are marked, though - if you are working on Japanese equipment (Honda, Yamaha, Suzuki, Kawasaki motorcycles; Canon, Nikon cameras; Sony electronics), assume the cross-head screws are JIS unless proven otherwise.
Where to Find JIS Screwdrivers
Vessel (a Japanese manufacturer since 1916) is the most widely respected maker of JIS screwdrivers. Their Megadora and Ball Grip lines are industry standards in Japan. Hozan is another quality Japanese brand. iFixit also sells JIS driver sets. Look for drivers explicitly marked "JIS" - a regular Phillips labelled for "Japanese screws" is not the same thing.
If you work on vintage Japanese motorcycles, a Vessel Megadora JIS #2 and #3 set will save you from stripping dozens of screws. JIS drivers also work acceptably on Phillips screws, making them a good general-purpose choice.
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