Nuts and bolts. SAE, Metric, or both

One standard would be nice. It would also be nice that where possible they use the same size regardless of standard used. But it would also be nice to quit mixing screw types as well. Flat, Phillips, Trox, square, hex, and several others on the same unit.

T18skyguy wrote:
Do I still need both SAE and Metric wrench and sockets?

To answer your original question, yes you need both. Anyone that has a bit of mechanical aptitude knows better than to damage fasteners with the wrong size tool, so pay no attention to those that don't care.

I would LOVE a color coded handle set of Metric nutdrivers.

For those on the road repairs, Kobalt Makes a line of Metric/SAE sockets that have saved my back side a few times. Not something I use professionally but when space & weight savings are necessary, they work great.

Richard

Lynnmor wrote:

T18skyguy wrote:
Do I still need both SAE and Metric wrench and sockets?

To answer your original question, yes you need both. Anyone that has a bit of mechanical aptitude knows better than to damage fasteners with the wrong size tool, so pay no attention to those that don't care.

Lynn, what my experience has been is that the less expensive tools might cross over to work on say 9/16 or 14 mm, but a lot of my Snap-On won't. Not trying to reopen the Snap-On debate, but their clearances really are that close. What I grab for the rig now is a Crescent set the kind they sell in Costco. Pretty decent quality for the money, and have both Sae and Metric wrench and sockets. It all comes in a nice carry case with handle. It also has 1/2 in stuff which I think is rarely needed and quite heavy, but the case is so convenient. Then I got to thinking, now that I have a toad, I can just drive to buy a tool I need. We don't boon dock, so maybe I can cull the tools a bit.

MEXICOWANDERER wrote:
I would LOVE a color coded handle set of Metric nutdrivers.

Clicky

I’ve had a set of these since I had hair.

The SAE have clear handles.

Hollow stems for long threads of course.

wa8yxm wrote:
They have gone to a bastard standard that is half SAE half Metric and truly neither on many vehicles.

I don't know what you are wrenching on, but when I retired from Engineering from one of the Detroit 3 auto companies almost 12 years ago I know there had not been one single SAE fastener on any of their vehicles in over 15 years.

wa8yxm wrote:
I carry a mixed tool bag.

Admitted, so do I. You never know what you are going to find out in the wild.

"I don't know what you are wrenching on, but when I retired from Engineering from one of the Detroit 3 auto companies almost 12 years ago I know there had not been one single SAE fastener on any of their vehicles in over 15 years."

Maybe we're thinking of different Detroit 3 auto companies. Almost all the nuts/bolts on my 2001 Dodge pickup are SAE, but there are a few metric, just enough to drive a person to frustration. The 2001 Ford Escort I had was about the same way. Most engine parts were metric, but quite a few body nuts/bolts were SAE. So you must have worked for Chevrolet. I haven't owned one of those since I bought that horrible POS 1986 Chevy Cavalier. I still have nightmares over it.

fj12ryder;
Betcha my 1980 Buick Skylark and 1984 Oldsmobile Cutlass Sierra were worse.

fj12ryder wrote:
"I don't know what you are wrenching on, but when I retired from Engineering from one of the Detroit 3 auto companies almost 12 years ago I know there had not been one single SAE fastener on any of their vehicles in over 15 years."

Maybe we're thinking of different Detroit 3 auto companies. Almost all the nuts/bolts on my 2001 Dodge pickup are SAE, but there are a few metric, just enough to drive a person to frustration. The 2001 Ford Escort I had was about the same way. Most engine parts were metric, but quite a few body nuts/bolts were SAE. So you must have worked for Chevrolet. I haven't owned one of those since I bought that horrible POS 1986 Chevy Cavalier. I still have nightmares over it.

x2 I can point out at least one example from each of the big three that had SAE fasteners on them in 2004 or later. What I observed is that new design parts are metric. but parts that have carried over especially some of the assemblies were SAE fasteners.

so far my 2015.5 duramax seems to be all metric. at least I haven't found any SAE fasteners. But it wouldn't suprise me if there are still a few hanging on.

and going back to the 80s and 90's it was more like 50/50 on at least ford and GM.