Neji Saurus: The Complete Guide to Choosing the Right Model for a Stripped Screw or Bolt
The problem: A screw or bolt head rounds off, and now the tool that's supposed to remove it just spins in place. Every extra turn with a stripped Phillips bit or a worn wrench makes the head smoother and the job harder. Drilling it out is a last resort that carries its own risk — snap a hardened extractor inside the hole and a stripped fastener becomes a permanently stuck one.
The solution: In Japan this problem has its own dedicated tool line — ENGINEER's Neji Saurus (ネジザウルス), also sold as "Screwzaurus." Instead of cutting new threads into damaged metal, these pliers grip what's left of the head from the outside, using grooves in the jaw tip. Most people who search for the brand don't know which of the several model numbers fits their job — that's what this guide is for.
- Tiny screws (electronics, cameras): PZ-57
- Everyday screws around the house: PZ-55 (the original model)
- One all-round pair with a spring and wire cutter: PZ-58 (GT)
- Bigger screws and bolts (automotive, motorcycle): PZ-59 (RX)
- Clamp on and let go (locking type): PZ-66 (VP-3)
- No head left to grip: DBZ-21 bit set
Spec comparison
Grip ranges are the screw-head diameters each tool is listed for. Figures are from TRUSCO's catalog (Japanese distributor) unless noted. Tap a model name to see the product page.
ENGINEER PZ-57 Neji-Saurus M2 Mini Screw Removal Pliers, 120 mm
ENGINEER PZ-55 Neji-Saurus Screw Removal Pliers, 150 mm
| Model | Type | Grip range (tip) | Grip range (body) | Wire cutting | Length | Weight | Made in |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PZ-57 | Pliers | φ2–3.5 mm | φ3.5–5.5 mm | — | 120 mm | 100 g | Japan |
| PZ-55 | Pliers | φ3–8 mm | φ5.5–10 mm | — | 150 mm | 125 g | Japan |
| PZ-58 (GT) | Pliers, spring-loaded | φ3–9.5 mm | φ5.5–10 mm | Soft iron φ2.6 mm / copper φ3.2 mm | 160 mm | 130 g | Japan |
| PZ-59 (RX) | Pliers | φ3–12 mm* | Not confirmed | Soft iron φ3.2 mm / copper φ3.5 mm | 204 mm | 295 g* | Japan |
| PZ-66 (VP-3) | Locking pliers | φ3–5.5 mm | — | — | 150 mm | 210 g | Taiwan |
| DBZ-21 | Bit set (4 pcs) | Screws for No.1 / No.2 Phillips drivers; 2.5–3 mm hex socket bolts | — | 105 mm | 100 g | Japan | |
* PZ-59: TRUSCO lists φ3–12 mm and 295 g. One Japanese retailer (Bic Camera) shows both φ3–15 mm and φ3–12 mm on the same page and lists 300 g. We use the TRUSCO figures. "—" means the feature does not apply.
Model by model
PZ-57 — for small, precision screws
The smallest pliers in the line: φ2–3.5 mm at the tip and φ3.5–5.5 mm at the body. Use it on small screws in electronics, cameras and small appliances, where a standard-size model is too big to fit the screw or the space around it. 120 mm, 100 g.
View PZ-57
PZ-55 — the original, for everyday screws
MISUMI lists the PZ-55 as the first-generation Neji Saurus. It is rated for pan-head screws: φ3–8 mm at the tip and φ5.5–10 mm at the body. This is the size for everyday stripped screws on furniture, appliances and light machinery. 150 mm, 125 g.
View PZ-55
PZ-58 (GT) — the all-rounder
Compared with the PZ-55, the GT adds three things: a spring that keeps the jaws open between grips, a listing for truss-head screws as well as pan-head screws, and a cutting edge (soft iron wire up to φ2.6 mm, single-strand copper up to φ3.2 mm). The tip grip range is slightly wider (φ3–9.5 mm). If you want one pair for general work, this is a sensible default. 160 mm, 130 g.
View PZ-58
PZ-59 (RX) — for larger screws and bolts
The largest standard pliers here. TRUSCO lists it for truss and pan-head screws of φ3–12 mm at the tip (see the note under the table), with a heavier cutting edge (soft iron φ3.2 mm, copper φ3.5 mm). At 204 mm it gives more leverage than the other models, which helps on larger fasteners on cars, motorcycles and machinery. 295 g.
View PZ-59
PZ-66 (VP-3) — clamp on and let go
A different mechanism: a vise-type locking plier. MISUMI describes it as locking automatically once it grips the screw head, so you only need to turn the screw, with an easy-release mechanism to let go. It has a middle-nose straight jaw and is listed for pan-head, truss-head and ultra-low-head screws of φ3–5.5 mm. It suits small screws that need steady force, or awkward spots where you cannot keep squeezing. 150 mm, 210 g, chrome-molybdenum steel body. TRUSCO lists the country of origin as Taiwan.
View PZ-66
DBZ-21 — when there's no head left to grip
Every model above needs something to clamp onto. Once a Phillips recess is spun smooth, or a hex-socket recess is rounded out, pliers can't help — you need a bit that goes into the recess. The DBZ-21 is a set of four bits (DBZ-51, 52, 53 and 57) for screws that take a No.1 or No.2 Phillips driver and for 2.5–3 mm hex socket bolts. 105 mm, 100 g. Shank type and compatible drivers: Not confirmed — check the product page before ordering.
View DBZ-21Quick reference: which one do you need?
- Tiny screw on electronics or a camera (φ2–3.5 mm heads) → PZ-57
- Everyday pan-head screw (φ3–8 mm heads) → PZ-55
- Only buying one, or you also want a spring and wire cutter → PZ-58
- Larger screw or bolt head (up to φ12 mm per TRUSCO) → PZ-59
- Small screw that needs steady force, or you can't keep squeezing → PZ-66
- Nothing left for pliers to grip → DBZ-21
The pliers have limits. MISUMI notes that the PZ-55 may not work on very hard screws such as tapping screws, or on screws fully locked by adhesive or rust.
Related guides
- Coming from KNIPEX? The TwinGrip does a similar job. See Japanese alternatives to KNIPEX for how the Neji Saurus PZ-22 and FUJIYA pliers compare.
- JIS vs. Phillips: stop stripping screws on Japanese cars and motorcycles
- Japanese screwdrivers by job: VESSEL, ANEX and ENGINEER picks
Not sure which size fits?
Measure the screw head diameter and message us with the size before you order. We will help you pick the right model.
Browse Japanese hand toolsSources
- TRUSCO Orange Book: PZ-57, PZ-55, PZ-58, PZ-59, PZ-66, DBZ-21 (grip ranges, cutting capacity, length, weight, country of origin)
- MISUMI: ENGINEER PZ-55 (first-generation model, grip range, usage limits)
- MISUMI: ENGINEER PZ-64 / PZ-65 / PZ-66 (locking mechanism, easy release, jaw type, grip range)
- Bic Camera: ENGINEER PZ59 (cross-check of PZ-59 grip range and weight)
Specifications may change. Always confirm current specifications with the manufacturer. Last reviewed: October 2026.
