Introduction
Choosing the wrong screwdriver bit can sometimes mean the difference between repair success and repair distress. Follow the tips in this guide to correctly identify your screwdriver bits and prevent those woeful stripped screws.
If you're still running into trouble with your screws after reviewing the information here, check out this awesome guide for some screwdriver tips.
Tools
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The screw bits in our iFixit bit kits have engraved prefixes that indicate the head type. These prefixes are typically followed by a number that indicates bit size. For example:
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PH2 - (Phillips #2) A large Phillips bit.
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PH0 - (Phillips #0) A medium Phillips bit.
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PH000 - (Phillips #000) A small Phillips bit.
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If you find yourself scratching your head over identifying the bits in your tool kit, feel free to use this reference list.
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Physical bit shape followed by proper name.
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Bit size.
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If there is no prefix engraved in your bit, simply use the full proper name and size when using your bit in a guide. (For example: "Use a 1.5 mm Flathead bit to remove the two 5 mm case screws.")
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Bits with the prefix "J" and "PH" are often thought to be the same bit. Don't be fooled by their similar appearance—they are quite different.
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Phillips (PH) screws are designed to make a Phillips screwdriver cam out if too much torque is applied. This prevents damage to screws and screwdrivers or bits.
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Japanese Industrial Standard (J) screws do not provide a cam-out option, and have 90 degree corners.
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18 comments
Excellent guide. could not figure out the difference by looking.
It would be clearer if the displayed drawing of each bit actually said J-bit or PH-bit, and because both have 90 degree corners, maybe change the J-bit description to “have 90 degree square inside corners“ and include in the PH description “have 90 degree rounded inside corners.
Otherwise, with interpretation, your article helped me.
Phil -
what size hex shaft do these smaller bits have?. i have an electric precision screw driver, for electronics. i go through the PH1 bits very quickly. i can NOT find them for sale anywhere on earth. does anybody know where to purchase these things?? and/or tell me how i should word the query. all im getting is 1/4 hex shaft results. very frustrating
which is which? why not tag each with a label?
Jay Heldman -
Japanese Industrial Standard (J) screws do not provide a cam-out option, and have 90 degree corners
Oscar -
Does a PH bit also fit into a J screw?
Alberto -
Hiya, Alberto! Great question. Smaller screws found in electronics aren’t particularly durable, and using a Phillips screwdriver on a Japanese Industrial Standard screw head (or vice versa) can lead to some pretty major problems. I highly recommend using the proper screwdriver or bit to avoid stripping screws.
Richard -
Which one should I get in America for iPhone and laptop type repairs , PH or J?
eliyahu Stein -
According to JIS and ISO standard, both recess dimension seem to be the same, having a rounded corner between two flats. I think, the recess without rounded corners (as right drawing) is a recess of CIPA (older JCIS) standard. According to CIPA, the edge between two flats is R0.06mm rounded shape, which seems to be neary sharp edge. Anyway, CIPA is a Japanese Standard and used mainly for the screws of Japanese electrical instruments.
gk3lglink -
I have two Phillips heads, one is labelled PH.2, the other labeled SH.0.
The second one has a very snub nose, which is what I need for the screws I need to work on. The more pointed PH one is too loose as the point doesn't allow it to fully seat into the screw head.
A seemingly identical snub-nosed one from another set is labelled: CR-V3#, and another seeming clone as ACR-2..
I'm having a bit of confusion on how to buy another screw bit like I need.
Guthrie -
I have the small screwdriver kit you make. (Forgot the name) There are J1 and PH1 drivers. However, apart from the stamped label, those two especially are identical. The J1 is as rounded as the PH1 and all angles and lengths are the same. (I looked closely with a good magnifying glass.)
There is a very visible difference between J0 and PH0. So I assume either my PH1 or my J1 has a manufacturing error.
̷ ̴ ̸ɢ̸ʟ̶ɪ̸ᴛ̶ᴄ̶ʜ̷ ̶ ̶ -
Hi @glitchglitch, email support@ifixit.com to open a ticket.
Happy fixing!
Amber Taus -
Great guide, but i have a question about some other bits.
Is there a difference between the "Tri-wing" and "Tri-Point" there are two bits available at the store both designated "Y0" or are they interchangeable
Emerson Rosa (xXNibblesXx) -
Definitely different! You can find some more info on that here, and there's some helpful Wikipedia info here. Absolutely go for the correct fit. The potential to strip the screw head is just too great.
Richard -