I been wrenching on vehicles all my life. It use to be only SAE, then it became a mix of SAE and Metric. I thought they we're going to phase out SAE and go all metric at some point, but it seems like it's been a mix forever. I'm putting together a tool kit for my 2017 Greyhawk. Do I still need both SAE and Metric wrench and sockets? Are they ever going to switch over to all metric and be done with it? Tools are heavy I just wish there could be one standard.

Yeah my Ford seems to have a mix of SAE and Metric, like you I wish they'd standardize on Metric. It's a PITA to carry two sets of sockets

Mine is 25 years old and still had a mix. But even if the RV had one or the other, all the other accessories from chairs to grills, from TV brackets to that good looking single person in the neighboring RV with a loose ladder bracket may have the other type. Carry both is possible..

And then there is whitworth......

Over many years I have found that a good quality 6 point metric socket set works fine on SAE nuts

11mm for 7/16" and 13mm for 1/2" but then things get squirrely until around 3/4inch.

Nuts and bolts. SAE, Metric, or both | Good Sam Community

agesilaus
Explorer III
Nov 24, 2018
Yeah my Ford seems to have a mix of SAE and Metric, like you I wish they'd standardize on Metric. It's a PITA to carry two sets of sockets
ItsyRV
Explorer
Nov 24, 2018
Mine is 25 years old and still had a mix. But even if the RV had one or the other, all the other accessories from chairs to grills, from TV brackets to that good looking single person in the neighboring RV with a loose ladder bracket may have the other type. Carry both is possible..
pianotuna
Nomad III
Nov 24, 2018
And then there is whitworth......
owenssailor
Explorer
Nov 24, 2018
Over many years I have found that a good quality 6 point metric socket set works fine on SAE nuts
MEXICOWANDERER
Explorer
Nov 24, 2018
11mm for 7/16" and 13mm for 1/2" but then things get squirrely until around 3/4
inch.
fj12ryder
Explorer III
Nov 24, 2018
14mm is 9/16".
Big_Katuna
Explorer II
Nov 24, 2018
Just get one of the Harbor Freight 100 piece sets which includes both, basic screwdrivers, nut drivers, etc. Throw in a few extra bigger adjustable, pliers and a big hammer and you’re done.

Don’t forget the duck tape.
ktmrfs
Explorer II
Nov 24, 2018
most mfg are switching to all metric with new design parts metic fasteners at least, but even today they are using some parts and assemblies dating from decades or more ago that are still SAE. My 2015 denali still has a few inch fractional parts, but fewer than my 2004 did.

And there are some parts that will likely remain inch/fractional around the world. Like rim diameter, spark plugs.

And there will remain some tools that are fractional dimension. Ever notice that ratchet wrenches, and hence matching sockets, worldwide use the common SAE sizes of 1/4", 3/8", 1/2", and 3/4" drive.
Lynnmor
Explorer
Nov 24, 2018
Those that think that metric tools can be used on SAE fasteners are one good reason to not buy used vehicles. For example: a 14mm wrench will probably not go on a 9/16" nut and a 9/16" wrench will probably round off a 14mm nut.
gbopp
Explorer
Nov 24, 2018
Big Katuna wrote:
Just get one of the Harbor Freight 100 piece sets which includes both, basic screwdrivers, nut drivers, etc. Throw in a few extra bigger adjustable, pliers and a big hammer and you’re done.

Don’t forget the duck tape.

The OP is (among other things) an aircraft mechanic. He will have plenty of duct tape. :)

I agree with the Harbor Freight tool kit. It's definitely not the best quality but, it will get the job done in a pinch.