25/32" wrench

[matthew]

Seeing a few 25/32" wrenches for sale recently, I have to wonder if anyone has ever used one? Or 19/32", for that matter? Where?

I'm just curious - since I don't think I've ever needed a 32nd inch increment wrench larger than about 11/32" (although - for the record - I did acquire a 25/32" wrench even though I don't have an application for it...)

 

[wreckercologist]

Really old Fords.

 

[Avgas]

lol that's funny, I just recently purchased a 25/32 12-point socket, for use in removing/installing the rudder hinge nuts on a Boeing 717-200. That is the only use I have for that socket, a 20mm socket also works.

 

[TheGrooveking]

I found in my father's tools 2 Indestro 25/32 1/2" drive sockets and wondered where did he use these?

TheGrooveking

 

[dieseldodge01]

I have a 17/32 MAC wrench, don't know what it is for but I have one. I don't even use the 11/32 that often, have one of them also. 32nd increments are not very common any more but were 40 years ago.

 

[bill wallace]

used on Boeing 727 & 737 jt8d engine mounts

 

[Scout Driver]

Just used a 19/32 a week ago working on an antique Winchester (yep, the gun people) bicycle. Needed it on the nuts holding the front axle to the fork. I have a set of "Rays" sockets from the 1920's that is done in 32nd increments. Someone told me recently that 19/32" used to be a relatively common size in wrench sets.

 

[skeletonizer]

My dad had Craftsman -v- series stuff and I remember him having 19/32" sockets deep and regular. I have some of his box and open end wrenches still. Don't recall the sizes off hand though. He worked at Chrysler's proving grounds in Chelsea in the 60's and 70's.

 

[t. jones]

When I first started working in a gas station that's all that was in the bosses toolbox because they didn't fit anything, all the 9/16 , 3/4 etc. were lost or stolen. There was a drawer must of had 10 of each in it. That is when I learned to look after my own tools and not lend tem out. Thanx Trevor

 

[chevy302dz]

They're used on a lot of pre WWII stuff and probably some things shortly thereafter. I have noticed that these sizes are still sold in some of the asian produced socket sets.

 

[bimmer630]

I just found an Armstrong "ARMALLOY" wrench in my dads shed thats 25/32", and It doesnt look that old. Says USA and 25-125, with a full chrome polish finish. There looks to have never been any contact with a fastener

 

[byoungblood]

I've got a few old 19/32 and 25/32 wrenches and sockets, from my wife's and my grandfather's old tools, both of which were mechanics and/or machinists starting back in the mid to late 40s.

I have absolutely no use for them, but keep them only because they complete the set.

 

[bassbone52]

Picked up a Stahwille 25/32 on eBay a while back. Bought it now for $2 plus $3 shipping. Nice deal!

 

[lauver]

There is also a 21/32" size that used to be included in socket and wrench sets. Craftsman included these 32nd sizes well into the 1970's. Most other tool brands abandoned these sizes in the late 1940's and 1950's.

 

[mrb]

i use 11/32 all the time, its for a #8 nut or something

 

[hofferwood]

How about this one (I've never used) d.b.e. by the breaker bar.

Chuck

 

[jeffk14]

lol that's funny, I just recently purchased a 25/32 12-point socket, for use in removing/installing the rudder hinge nuts on a Boeing 717-200. That is the only use I have for that socket, a 20mm socket also works.

Some of the Boeing 727's used to have 12-point 25/32 nuts on the brake bolts. Funny thing was, the heads of the bolts were 3/4 IIRC.

 

[snapmom]

A blue point 29/32

 

[imok]

I used 19/32" on 60s Ford big blocks, but since I am so old now and that was so long ago, I can not remember exactly what parts. I was constantly working on those cars trying to make them faster.

 

[The Dutchman]

At work I have a 1/2" drive shallow chrome socket, size 23/32". Tomorrow I'll try to remember to check what make, P/N it is.

 

[KEH]

I'm told 25/32 was for old Ford suspension parts, but i never used it. It's also close to some metric size, for modern use.

KEH

 

[TheGrooveking]

I'm told 25/32 was for old Ford suspension parts, but i never used it. It's also close to some metric size, for modern use.

KEH

Come to think about it I can remember using it to loosen and tighten the front spindle nuts on my dad's 72' LTD I forgot all about it. I remember telling him that none of my wrenches fit and he handed me his Indestro, which I now have

TheGrooveking

 

[leg17]

19/32 was old US Std (heavy) for 5/16 bolt.
25/32 was old US Std (heavy) for 7/16 bolt.
(Threaded fasteners have been 'standardized' a number of times in the last century or more. The socket head (allen type) was just last changed in 1960. Used to see machinery and tooling come in from overseas with the 1936 surplus fasteners mixed in. You needed two different allen wrenches for #8 and 5/16 SHCS.)
21/32 was for Ford connecting rods.
These three were offered by Sears until just this last generation or so.
Williams also listed them in their older catalogs.

The 23/32 and 29/32 have me stumped.

 

[Borrego]

I was in a pawn shop on Tuesday and bought a Taiwan 31/32 6 point 1/2 drive socket. Because I could..........Wish I could find a 21/32 6 point socket........

 

[ihredo4]

How about this one (I've never used) d.b.e. by the breaker bar.

Chuck

Chuck, You must send me ALL of those Superrenchs for proper disposal. Trust me that they are dangerous to your health. I am fully prepared to suffer the result of the damage to my health. The sooner you dispose of them the safer you will be.

 

[Jim C.]

I very recently used a 19/32" wrench and a 25/32" wrench while restoring a 1952 Delta heavy duty shaper. By the way, during the restoration, I learned that 25/32" is the equivalent of 20mm.

Jim C.

 

[Flyingbaldman]

boeing 727 brake holdown nuts. a doudle offset boxend is the weapon of choice.