blending metric and imperial

[rye]

This is for my main go-to drawer.. duplicates just get tucked away. Still, I don't have a lot of space. (and it seems Dec 31st is a very quiet day at work.. diminishing returns is a theme of the day)

I’ve got my tools sorted in order of size including both metric and imperial, it seems everything I work on has so much either interchanged units, or fasteners with such poor size mfg tolerance, or half rusted away, it’s easier for me to just go down the line looking for the smallest wrench/socket that fits snug. Then I came to considering removing duplicates which I know has been discussed before elsewhere here. I thought others might like to see this visual that makes it obvious where you get diminishing returns compromising the fit. When you get over 1% size difference that might be the sweet spot. Though I’d consider 2.1% size differences to remove a total of 1/3rd of all sockets/wrenches!

Out of 57 sizes,
• 13 have 1.1% size difference or less (could remove 23% of sizes)
• 20 have 2.1% size difference or less (could remove 35% of sizes)
• 23 have 3% size difference or less (could remove 40% of sizes)

No way 1% difference is an issue. Probably 2% is ok as well. Going up to 3% you only drop 3 more duplicates, so 2.1%, or removing 20 sizes, is probably reasonable limit without compromising fit.

 

[4xdog]

Whatever works for ya. Kinda slow last day of the year, eh?

Personally, that would be complete chaos in my life, and a sure ticket to buggered nuts and bolts. It's the easiest thing in the world for me to keep inch and metric stuff separate.

 

[rye]

So Slow. but 3pm we're gone, nice new years treat..

If you remove the 13 <1% difference sizes, what's the sure ticket to getting them buggered? You will NEVER. EVER.* ****** a 5/16 nut with a 8mm socket, that wouldn't also have been buggered by the correct 5/16" socket in the first place.

but always true, whatever works for ya,

*(EVER!)

 

[404]

That is an interesting idea.. I sometimes look for the metric or imperial that is just a little smaller for a corroded or under size fastener. Putting them in this order of yours makes it easier to find the needed one. As I am **** retentive I would keep all the duplicates in place though.

 

[Steevo]

rye,
You are going to put a lot of us into therapy with crazy ideas like that.

 

[rye]

Garage is therapy.

 

[Gmonkee]

For years I carried a kit of SAE sizes adding in only the 10, 12, 15, 18 mm metric sockets. And it worked too.

For general repairs at least. When the money got better I got a full metric set and some jobs became easier. Then adding the 1/4" drive size opened other jobs into the easy range.
It was not a lot and all the sockets and wrenches fit a toolbag.

Yes, a little works much like a Robogrip pliers and a 2-in-1 screwdriver gets most of the population through any repair they might take on.
But to get into more detailed work other factors like smaller ratchets, thinner socket walls and other seeming minor details beyond just sizing. No need to go full GJ with 47 socket rails of every possible length and drive size but find that limit of where the smaller kit starts failing you.

I did the same on a recent job change and have reduced the weight carried daily to about 5 kilos, very little need to use shop stocks on most jobs.