7/16" hex bit uncommon?

[supersteve]

I just received an order of tools and in it was my Wright hex bit set #311. This covers 1/8" through 5/8" but for some reason the set doesn't include a 7/16". Is this something you fractional/SAE guys just never use? Should I get one to round out the set?(of course I should! lol)

 

[Outlawmws]

Well you would be covered for socket head bolts for 1/2 and 5/8, but you would be missing a hex socket for 9/16 NC and NF socket head bolts... Lets see, when have I ever used a 9/16 and needed a socket head on it.... that would be... never! (But there is always tomorrow...)

(But yes, I do have a 7/16 hex socket...)

 

[WWIIjeep]

7/16" hex bit is used for 9/16-12 UNC and 9/16-18 UNF socket set screws and cap screws. 9/16-12 UNC and 9/16-18 are recognized standard sizes, but they're very rare to find in actual use.

The only two normal applications I can think of are set screws on some Brown & Sharpe taper shank tool holders, and chuck jaw adjusting screws on some older Pratt-Burnerd and South Bend 4-jaw chucks.

If you're not a machinist, you probably won't ever need one, and for that matter, even if you are a machinist you may not ever need one.

But, since a 7/16" hex bit would complete your set, you probably should buy one, because otherwise, that gap in the sizes is going to grate on you, and become more noticeable with each passing year, until finally, you snap under the pressure....

 

[Gary S]

I"d just use what you have, and if you need the 7/16" some day, run to the store and buy one when you need it. That is why we have stores.

 

[supersteve]

I"d just use what you have, and if you need the 7/16" some day, run to the store and buy one when you need it. That is why we have stores.

But.......but.......what if the Wright dealer is all out? Then the socket i get wouldn't match!