32nd's inch wrenches

[Joe Piro]

I am researching to buy a new set of American made fractional combination wrenches and I'm into my usual OCD detail mode.
The SK 15 piece (SK#86255) and SK 16 piece (SK#86014) both include 9/32" and 11/32" wrenches.
The Wright Tool Co. similar sets (#714 or #715 or full polish #914 and #915) do not include those two sizes and when I search the Wright catalog, it appears that they don't even make them.
How useful are 9/32 and 11/32 ? Off-hand can anyone suggest applications for them? In other words how likely am I to miss them? I have those sizes in a set of Snap-on ignition wrenches but they are open end (they didn't cost much because they're so small LOL).

I appreciate your experiences with this.
Thanks,
Richard (new-1st post)

 

[rlitman]

8-32 nuts are 11/32 across the flats. The wrench doesn't come up much for me, but the nut driver does.

 

[Joe Piro]

Hmmm.... I did some more web search and read (didn't verify yet) that an 8-32 nut is "typically" 11/32". So I checked and my 40 year old Snap-on nut driver set includes an 11/32".
However I'm still welcoming more feedback

 

[Joe Piro]

Thanks rlitman. Your reply slipped through while I was out looking in my tool room. It seems like I might need the small wrench 'cause the nut driver won't fit in a lot of places.

 

[SeisMec]

If you're working 50s, 60s and some 70s cars, an 11/16 occasionally comes in handy. eg ignition points. 1/4" drive socket on 1/4" breaker bar probably takes care of everything rlitman's nut driver wouldn't. Same thing is probably true of even older cars, but I haven't worked on any of those.

 

[Joe Piro]

I'm going to close this thread since I discovered a lot of information about many 32nd inch fasteners in another post on this site. (search 19/32nd's)
But rlitman, thanks for such a prompt answer!

BTW how do I close a thread?

 

[DOUGD]

I don't recall ever using 9/32" I have used 11/32" on a few rare occasions. Aviation aircraft avionics wiring will sometimes have an 11/32" nut but it is rare and a socket or nut driver did the job just fine. Buy the wrench set you like and simply buy the 9/32 or 11/32 from another manufacture if needed.

 

[JoeMcGov]

I'm going to close this thread since I discovered a lot of information about many 32nd inch fasteners in another post on this site. (search 19/32nd's)
But rlitman, thanks for such a prompt answer!

BTW how do I close a thread?

"Last thing I remember, I was
Running for the door
I had to find the passage back
To the place I was before
"Relax, " said the night man,
"We are programmed to receive.
You can check-out any time you like,
But you can never leave! "

 

[rlitman]

"Last thing I remember, I was
Running for the door
I had to find the passage back
To the place I was before
"Relax, " said the night man,
"We are programmed to receive.
You can check-out any time you like,
But you can never leave! "

LMAO! These things do take on a life of their own.

 

[BlakeTheCarGuy]

11/32 is the same as a 9mm I’ve used the wrench and a socket on my dads Freightliner many times especially for the lights going down the side of the cab. And some brake bleeders too. 9/32 I’ve used before in sockets but never a wrench.


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[2ndGearRubber]

Some of the old /32 sizes where metric equivalent. 19/32 is basically 15mm.

11/32 seems to be the only /32 size I ever use.

 

[Schurkey]

I've got three 11/32 combo wrenches, plus whatever's in the sets of little "ignition wrenches".

I can't remember EVER using 'em.

Tempted to go buy some 8-32 fasteners just to give those wrenches something to do.

 

[TNToy]

I’ve been turning wrenches professionally on nearly everything that has tires at some point in the past 20 years.

You’ll never need a **/32 sized wrench. 1/16th increments and your full array of metric ones do everything you’ll need.

 

[Kscardsfan]

The older the vehicle, the more likely it has weird assed fasteners like that. But like people have pointed out above, metric sets cover almost all those sizes now days.

 

[cvairwerks]

In the Mil-Spec and electronics world, the 5, 7, 9 and 11/32 wrenches are used fairly often.

 

[Dozerhand]

I've always figured 3/8 and up are a set of wrenches and 11/32 on down are a different set.

 

[californiaHank]

I've always figured 3/8 and up are a set of wrenches and 11/32 on down are a different set.

Exactly. You need another set of wrenches. This is GJ, after all. What other advice did you expect?

You can get 'extra shiny' from Snap-On: Their seven piece 'midget combination wrench' set goes from 3/16 to 3/8 and includes 7/32, 9/32, and 11/32 - https://shop.snapon.com/product/Mid...t-Combination-Wrench-Set-(3-16-3/8")/OXI707BK

I'm sure there are alternative choices in 'luxury German satin' and 'jewelry quality Japanese' that would be equally hard on your wallet.

 

[whateg01]

11/32 is the same as a 9mm I’ve used the wrench and a socket on my dads Freightliner many times especially for the lights going down the side of the cab. And some brake bleeders too. 9/32 I’ve used before in sockets but never a wrench.


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9 mm on a tight 11/32 nut sounds like a good way to round it over. The 9 mm is probably a little big and the nut is probably a little small. 9/16 and 14 mm are roughly the same difference in size, but they are also almost twice as big, so the error doesn't cause problems.

 

[dscheidt]

The older the vehicle, the more likely it has weird assed fasteners like that. But like people have pointed out above, metric sets cover almost all those sizes now days.

the 32nds sizes are USS nut sizes, which were a couple wrench sizes bigger than the corresponding bolt head. (Why? To confuse, I think. but it also allows a set of wrenches with no duplication to fasten bolts, which is a big advantage if tools are expensive.) They were largely obsolete by WWII, but some sizes hung around on machine tools, heavy equipment, and electronics. Some Ford suspension nuts were 25/32nds as late as the late 60s.

 

[BlakeTheCarGuy]

9 mm on a tight 11/32 nut sounds like a good way to round it over. The 9 mm is probably a little big and the nut is probably a little small. 9/16 and 14 mm are roughly the same difference in size, but they are also almost twice as big, so the error doesn't cause problems.

Really? When I hold them over top each other they appear exactly the same and when I use them interchangeably they fit perfectly.


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[rlitman]

Really? When I hold them over top each other they appear exactly the same and when I use them interchangeably they fit perfectly.

11/32" is 8.73mm

 

[BlakeTheCarGuy]

11/32" is 8.73mm

Didn’t know that. They seem the same to me. Maybe I need to use the right size wrench from now on LOL. I’ll have to find my 11/32 wrench I haven’t seen it in awhile I think it’s with my extra tools.


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[Crazyjake8493]

I can't think of any time I've ever needed something like 9/32 or 11/32 in a wrench, but I use 11/32" nut drivers very often for work.

 

[FireBros.]

I’ve been turning wrenches professionally on nearly everything that has tires at some point in the past 20 years.

You’ll never need a **/32 sized wrench. 1/16th increments and your full array of metric ones do everything you’ll need.

I’ve seen this same idea quoted over and over again. While it may be true for the average diy’er or shade tree mechanic, no toolbox is complete without some 11/32 wrenches and sockets. Like stated earlier, 8-32 fasteners use that size for the hex head or nut, and that size is common in many american products From 20 years ago or more.
Yes you won’t find it on modern cars and 9mm is close, but most people who like to work on stuff also like old stuff too, and 9mm is one of the most common sizes skipped in a metric set.

 

[PSCo1867]

I gathered up some old 32nd's. There definitely was a need back in circa early-mid 20th century. I know this has been discussed on GJ. The two smaller sockets are snap-on 3/8" drive 12 pt 17/32" and 19/32". The other sockets are snap-on 1/2" 12 pt 19/32" and 25/32". The DOE wrench in the middle that's 19/32" and 11/16": I don't know the manufacturer. The wrench below it is the exact wrench flipped to the other side. Interesting how they marked the other side 15 mm for 19/32" and 18 mm for 11/16".

 

[bob15]

The 11/32 wrench is used on delco starters from the 1960's into the 1990's. The starters aren't just on GM cars, but also on trucks, ag and construction equipment and boats. Also useful on these starters, a 5/8 socket in 1/4" drive.

 

[bob15]

I’ve been turning wrenches professionally on nearly everything that has tires at some point in the past 20 years.

You’ll never need a **/32 sized wrench. 1/16th increments and your full array of metric ones do everything you’ll need.

Maybe you might want work on older stuff before making comments like that......

 

[RandyRanderson]

The 11/32 wrench is used on delco starters from the 1960's into the 1990's. The starters aren't just on GM cars, but also on trucks, ag and construction equipment and boats. Also useful on these starters, a 5/8 socket in 1/4" drive.

Yep. Was gonna post the same thing.

Also, the distributor hold down screws on my jeep are #2 Phillips, but have a 9/32 hex. One of the phillips slots stripped from age and filth, so my 9/32 combo was a lifesaver.

Someone mentioned 1/4" earlier. My JD650J is all metric except for the wiring harness connector bolts, which are 1/4 hex.

 

[Al Borland]

Clearly, you don't have "all" the wrenches.
Now get out there and get them.

 

[MikeF2316]

11/32 used to be a very important wrench for what I used to do 40+ years ago. I can't remember the last time I used it, but it's still in my toolbox between the 5/16 and 3/8. I inherited a bunch of SAE screws and nut from my dad, and I'll bet I'll use some 8-32 stuff sooner or later.

 

[BFHtime]

I am researching to buy a new set of American made fractional combination wrenches and I'm into my usual OCD detail mode.
The SK 15 piece (SK#86255) and SK 16 piece (SK#86014) both include 9/32" and 11/32" wrenches.
The Wright Tool Co. similar sets (#714 or #715 or full polish #914 and #915) do not include those two sizes and when I search the Wright catalog, it appears that they don't even make them.
How useful are 9/32 and 11/32 ? Off-hand can anyone suggest applications for them? In other words how likely am I to miss them? I have those sizes in a set of Snap-on ignition wrenches but they are open end (they didn't cost much because they're so small LOL).

I appreciate your experiences with this.
Thanks,
Richard (new-1st post)

The Wright wrenches are very nice, they make some of the best wrenches out there. I believe they are the best value in high quality wrenches. They are also the most comfortable wrench to pull on as far as box end in line with open end combination wrenches. You will not be disappointed with Wright wrenches.