OT: Metric Wrenches
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 394
Likes: 0
From: Jackson, MS USA
OT: Metric Wrenches
I have never really worked with metric wrenches before my wife got a Toyota 4 runner. Is it just me, or do they skip a few wrench sizes on the way up the mm scale?????? If so, why? Damn metric system. It is far superior to our inch system, but I am fairly well set I my ways.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 1,077
Likes: 0
From: Northwestern South Dakota
1 millimeter is equivalent to approx 1/25th of an inch so any english standard wrench with 1/32 or finer graduations is inbetween the metric sizes. I have a set of wrenches and sockets that grabs the nut/bolt inbetween the corners on the flat surface which work much better and work for both metric and english standards at the same time. I love those things and I got them off of late night TV. I don't see them in the stores often so if you would like me to get you the brand name just ask and I will do so (I think they are called metwrench or something like that).
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 4,883
Likes: 11
From: North Easton Mass
Last weekend I found a use for a 15mm socket on the Vette. If you round off a 5/8 bolt you can pound on a 15mm and loosen it.
Rick B.
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 40,412
Likes: 792
From: Redondo Beach, California
I think that the impedus to start using the metric system for car fasteners first started here in the US around the late 1970's. I think this campaign started in Europw, and then was campaigned here as an effort that was going to save money. (When there's no real reason to make a change in the way things are done, you have to say your change is going to save money). I think it's a fair statement to say, that in the late 1970's, if you counted every nut and bolt ever made by mankind in the history of the earth, probably 80-90% were made in the english system. But somehow, it was publicised that this was the way to go in the future, that making universal standards was advantageous (even though the new universal standard was a distinctly minority system.)
Anyhow, today in the CNC machine world, it's probably accurate to say that no measurement system really matters. To the CNC computers it's irrelevant as to where they are machining in metric, english fastener dimensions,, whitworth, etc. In the CNC world, keeping the english system would not have been a problem for universal useage. But oustside of the CNC world, people using hand tools, it just means you have to buy two of everything.
...What do you mean, that I have to pump up my tires in so many kilo pascals? Jeeesh!
Anyhow, today in the CNC machine world, it's probably accurate to say that no measurement system really matters. To the CNC computers it's irrelevant as to where they are machining in metric, english fastener dimensions,, whitworth, etc. In the CNC world, keeping the english system would not have been a problem for universal useage. But oustside of the CNC world, people using hand tools, it just means you have to buy two of everything.
...What do you mean, that I have to pump up my tires in so many kilo pascals? Jeeesh!
Last edited by 68/70Vette; Jan 2, 2007 at 09:52 PM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 5,269
Likes: 54
From: Orlando Florida
St. Jude Donor '05
Most common sizes are 10, 12, 13, 14, 15, 17 and 19
It's a very good idea to buy those wrenches that are not in the set separate.
Very often car manufacturers, especially our asian friends use torx bolts in extremely difficult to reach locations.... that way they ensure you're really getting pi$$ed when youattempt to repair your car yourself, punishment for not bringing the car to their shop
It's a very good idea to buy those wrenches that are not in the set separate.
Very often car manufacturers, especially our asian friends use torx bolts in extremely difficult to reach locations.... that way they ensure you're really getting pi$$ed when youattempt to repair your car yourself, punishment for not bringing the car to their shop
Safety Car
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 3,697
Likes: 833
From: WI
I was just thinking the other day how I haven't touched my SAE fractional wrenches in, like, months, even then it's just to use a 1/2" or 7/16" for something around the house. Literally been years since I worked on a car that didn't have metric fasteners. I have some classic cars but haven't worked on them in a while.
I agree with Bad79, it's a good idea to buy the missing sizes. As you work on your 4Runner, I guarantee you'll run into times when you'll need them and it'll probably be at Sunday at 8:00pm or something like that.
Mark G
I agree with Bad79, it's a good idea to buy the missing sizes. As you work on your 4Runner, I guarantee you'll run into times when you'll need them and it'll probably be at Sunday at 8:00pm or something like that.
Mark G
Safety Car
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 4,652
Likes: 80
From: Lakeland Florida
I have accumulated a complete set of both metric and SAE over the years. I have problems figuring out what size I need, and always seem to grab a handful of whatever looks close.
I am replacing some of them with the new ratchet wrenches. Those are really a time saver to have.
Now I need a set in both types.
kdf
I am replacing some of them with the new ratchet wrenches. Those are really a time saver to have.
Now I need a set in both types.
kdf
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