Why That Stubborn Screw Might Not Be Your Fault (And How to Fix It)

If you’ve ever tried to remove a screw on your Honda, Toyota, or Lexus and felt it strip under pressure, don’t blame yourself. The culprit might be your screwdriver.

Many Japanese cars use JIS (Japanese Industrial Standard) screws, which look almost identical to Phillips but have a slightly different shape. A standard Phillips driver can slip and cam out under torque, chewing up the screw head. This is especially common on older models and even some newer hybrids.

Here’s the good news: JIS screwdrivers are still available and work perfectly in Phillips screws, too. Swapping out your main drivers for JIS versions gives you a much better grip—less stripping, fewer headaches. For European cars like Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Audi, Porsche, VW, Volvo, and Jaguar, standard Phillips is usually fine, but if you work on Japanese vehicles regularly, this simple tool change makes a real difference.

At Boca Auto Care, we keep the right tools for every job—Japanese or European. If you’re worried about a stripped screw or just want peace of mind, bring your car in. We’ll take care of it. No need to fight with your own tools when we’ve got the right ones on hand.