• Skip to main content
  • Skip to secondary menu
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
  • Become a Premium Member
  • About

Road Bike Rider Cycling Site

Expert road cycling advice, since 2001

  • Pinterest
  • Facebook
  • Bikes & Gear
  • Training & Health
  • Reviews
  • Cycling Ebooks
    • Ebooks Training
    • Ebooks Skills
    • E-Articles Training
    • E-Articles Nutrition
  • Member Area
  • Newsletter

Use the Correct Japanese Standard Screwdriver on Limit Screws

Today’s QT is another homegrown one, from Tech Editor Jim Langley. It’s probably safe to say that if Jim didn’t know this, not many people do. Here’s what he wrote:

Thanks to the Professional Bicycle Mechanics Association I recently learned that all these years I’ve been using the wrong screwdriver to turn the limit screws on Japanese derailleurs!

It turns out that there is a Japanese screw standard (who knew?).

It looks a lot like a Phillips screw; however, you may have noticed when adjusting your Shimano derailleurs that the fit of a Phillips driver is a little loose and can slip.

What’s needed is a JIS screwdriver, which fits perfectly. Here’s a link to the one I bought and am now using: http://amzn.to/2v4IVeW


If you have an idea for a QT, fire away. We’re always looking for good info we can share with fellow roadies. We would love to hear from you with any suggestions you have. Contact us by clicking Quick Tips Ideas.

—John Marsh & The RBR Team

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Sam Q says

    August 31, 2017 at 1:46 pm

    I would assume that the Philips screwdrivers that come with bike tool kits would be the correct one? Any one know for sure?

    Reply
  2. Edward Custer says

    August 31, 2017 at 2:52 pm

    I have the correct screwdriver in my tool box to adjust my derailleurs. After I have worked on my bike and need to make a couple of adjustments while the bike is under load, I pack the screwdriver in my jersey pocket. I have always wondered why the manufacturers of bicycle mini tools do not have the correct size screwdrivers included with their tools. I have never found a part on my bike that has use for the screwdrivers on those mini tools. Heck, some of them even have a beer bottle opener (?) If there is a mini tool that has a useable screwdriver for derailleurs please let me know.

    Reply
  3. Jim Langley says

    August 31, 2017 at 5:21 pm

    Great question: I have never seen a mini tool where the Phillips drivers are described as anything other than Phillips, so I suspect mini tools only feature Phillips, not JIS. This kind of makes sense considering there may be Phillips screws on a bike more likely to need adjustment than the JIS limit screws on derailleurs that generally stay put and do not need adjusting on the road.

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Primary Sidebar

Search

Recent Articles

  • Front Derailleur / Double Chainring Alternatives
  • How to Fix Loose Bicycle Handlebar Tape or Tape with Gaps
  • What basic skills are needed to ride a bike on the road?
  • Hollow Alpaca Ski Socks Review

Recent Newsletters

Newsletter Issue No. 1060

Newsletter Issue No. 1059

Newsletter Issue No. 1057

Newsletter Issue No. 1056

Newsletter Issue No. 1055

Footer

Affiliate Disclosure

Our cycling expert editors and writers choose every product we review. We may earn an affiliate commission if you buy from one of our product links, at no extra cost to you. This income supports our site.

Follow Us

  • Pinterest
  • Facebook

Privacy Policy

Still Haven’t Found What You’re Looking For?

Copyright © 2023 · Magazine Pro on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in