JIS Cross vs. Pozidriv
Comparing 2 standards across 9 specifications. 9 key differences identified.
JIS B 1012 is a Japanese Industrial Standard cruciform screw drive commonly found on Japanese motorcycles (Honda, Yamaha, Kawasaki, Suzuki), cameras, and consumer electronics. Visually similar to Phillips, it features a shallower center pit and parallel 90-degree cross-wings engineered not to cam out, which easily strip when turned with standard Phillips screwdrivers.
The Pozidriv drive (ANSI Type IA cross recess / ISO 4757) is an improved cruciform drive developed by GKN Screws and Fasteners in 1962. Identified by four secondary radial score lines etched at 45 degrees between the main cross blades, it features parallel, non-tapered sidewalls that eliminate cam-out and allow significantly higher torque transmission than Phillips.
Specification Comparison Table
9 Parameters| Parameter / Spec | ||
|---|---|---|
|
Visual Identification
|
A single small raised circular dimple or dot stamped into the head face | 4 distinctive radial tick marks embossed at 45° between the main cross arms |
|
Flank Geometry
|
Parallel cross walls with a flat, shallow bottom recess (no cam-out slope) | Parallel vertical sidewalls (zero taper angle, unlike Phillips 57° taper) |
|
Cam-Out Tendency
|
Zero (Engineered to stay fully seated under high torque) | Extremely Low (Does not push driver out under high torque) |
|
Standard Specification
|
JIS B 1012 (Cruciform cross-recessed screws) | — |
|
Common Sizing Tiers
|
JIS #000, JIS #00, JIS #0, JIS #1, JIS #2, JIS #3 | — |
|
Primary Applications
|
Japanese motorcycles (engine cases, carburetors), Shimano bicycle components, Nikon/Canon cameras | — |
|
Standard Specifications
|
— | ISO 4757 Type IA / BS 3529 / DIN 7962 |
|
Standard Sizing Tiers
|
— | PZ0, PZ1, PZ2 (dominant European carpentry size), PZ3, PZ4 |
|
Primary Geographical Usage
|
— | Dominant across European construction, cabinetry (IKEA furniture), and automotive |