Do I need SAE tools?

[someguy1_8t]

Reading a couple of threads on this website(SAE VS Metric),it seems Metric is what's used Mostly these days even on modern American Cars.
Should I Use my Snap On student Discount to buy SAE tools or just stick to Metric?
At home I only use only Metric for my Family cars. I'm not sure where I will go after automotive school so not sure if I should invest in SAE.
If you suggest that I should use my Snap on student discount to buy SAE, what would be the important tools that I should get?
Thanks everyone.



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[Strouty]

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=122079

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=156550

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=98485

Many more, just do some searching.

 

[MrGiggles]

Everything has been metric since the mid-late 90s, regardless of manufacturer.

I have SAE tools and they mostly just sit in the box.

Get good SO tools in metric, get GW or something less expensive in SAE since they won't be used as much.

 

[MadTinkerer]

I agree with the above post. I work at a euro dealer so I took all my sae tools home. Now they just sit unused at home. If you plan on staying in the automotive field I wouldn't invest heavily in snap-on sae.

 

[someguy1_8t]

That's what I was thinking. Just go with craftsman or huskey for SAE


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[AutoTeck84]

The answer is definitely yes. Even if you work at a dealership you have to work on trade-in older cars. Plus you would be laughed out of there if you didn't have sae tools. Just don't go all out. Get a couple of go to set of sockets and wrenches. Trust me no one likes the guy borrowing basic tools out in the field

 

[countryroad82]

For the most part no not these days. I keep SAE because I tend to get older cars in my shop or other weird projects. But for you I would keep a 1/4" small set of sockets. Mainly for stupid interior panels as I still to this day run into SAE fasteners on occasion. No you don't need Snap On for it unless you're just wanting everything to match but I would keep some handy.

 

[Hondarancher4435]

If you go to work on cars you will primarily use metric tools but you will still encounter fastnersthat are standard and need to have the tools to fix them. I work on equipment for a living and encounter standard fasteners on a daily basis, I could not do my job without them and feel it's a necessity for any mechanic.

I also went through tech school a few years back and could have got the discount. I bought a limited amount of tools and now looking back had I known what it cost to get good tools without the discount I would have spent a few grand while I could get the discount.

I would say at a minimum you need a good set of combination wrenches 5/16-1 1/4in
1/4in and 3/8 or 1/2 sae socket sets

 

[General Geoff]

If you will be working on any American cars older than about 10 years, you will find the odd SAE fastener here or there.

 

[DieselJH]

I think it really depends on where you end up going. I would say 80-90% of what I use is SAE. But I also work on heavy duty over the road equipment. I wouldn't invest in Snap-on SAE tools if your not sure they are going to get used. I would look at gearwrench or even SK.

 

[justanengineer]

You'd be foolish not to invest in standard fractional, new domestic cars have a big percentage of fasteners that arent metric and the trend from 10 years ago of the amount of metric increasing is reversing now due to on-shoring suppliers. If you ever want to work heavy-duty, construction, ag, or other fields you wont find much metric, even overseas. Also, dont be fooled into thinking that "important" sizes are equivalent, removing high-torque SAE fasteners with a metric tool that isnt quite right will often lead to buggered fastener removal.

 

[zkling]

If you are in the automotive field, and work on somewhat modern passenger cars.....highly unlikely. Now if you work on a mix of new and old, especially machinery. Yes. About the only time I ever use metric is for cars and misc newer product repair. Otherwise around the shop everything is standard.

 

[four.cycle]

if you're going to work on Briggs & Stratton or Tecumseh engines you will need SAE. And yes, B&S is still building engines with 1/4-20 and 8-32 fasteners.

 

[BioNerd]

I wouldnt spend on snapon so I can get both imperial and metric in other good USA brands. Later on get your favorites in bling bling brands.

Mind that you'll need pneumatic tools, screw driver sets, pliers, hammers, PSE, etc.

Its better to have more tools than fewer. I think 99.9999% of this forum users agree with this last statement.

 

[lightning02]

i use one just as much as the other but i dont work on one type of brand

 

[velillen01]

Im just a home DIYer type. But i went with a bit fancier stuff in metric. Then just went with more basic stuff for SAE. For car work its been almost all metric, but around the home i find plenty of SAE stuff

 

[TNToy]

What else are you going to screw your die grinder bits and air hose quick-disconnects into your shop tools with?

...A 15mm only kinda fits the 9/16" hex on all of your air couplers, after all.

Gear Wrench will do find for the smattering of SAE tools you'll want to keep around for non-automotive tasks like tightening a 5/8" or 11/16" wheel on your creeper.

 

[shockwave]

Yes you will need sae especially around rust on metric fastners

 

[Mark in Indiana]

IMO:
Having them and not needing them is better than needing them and not having them.

If you buy them right (used or a mid range brand), you'll get your money back if you feel that you'll never use them.

 

[SantaAna12]

Buy metric and look out for deals from relatives or good friends on the SAE stuff. You might be able to buy from a retiring mechanic. You might not need them at first.
Lots of boomers retiring soon. SAE on Ebay is generally cheaper. And might drop more.
FWIW: If your going to use them professionally, I would buy quality the first time. Personally, I would not look to GW for everyday use.

 

[NFH2740]

Heavy equipment and trucks tend to have SAE hardware. Metric is becoming more common on farm equipment produced by American manufacturers both here and at European facilities.

Be advised, if you want to make living as a mechanic, you will have to work on the above equipment. Buy SAE.

 

[John in OH]

You'd be foolish not to invest in standard fractional, new domestic cars have a big percentage of fasteners that arent metric and the trend from 10 years ago of the amount of metric increasing is reversing now due to on-shoring suppliers. If you ever want to work heavy-duty, construction, ag, or other fields you wont find much metric, even overseas. Also, dont be fooled into thinking that "important" sizes are equivalent, removing high-torque SAE fasteners with a metric tool that isnt quite right will often lead to buggered fastener removal.

Heavy equipment and trucks tend to have SAE hardware. Metric is becoming more common on farm equipment produced by American manufacturers both here and at European facilities.

Be advised, if you want to make living as a mechanic, you will have to work on the above equipment. Buy SAE.

Above guys are right on. If you expect to spend your entire life as a professional mechanic, you'll encounter many SAE fasteners, unless you are able (unlikely) to work exclusively on newer automobiles and motorcycles. Most guys will change employers numerous times over their careers and you never know when you may need to take a job in a truck, ag, or independent shop.

Regarding brands, GearWrench is OK for DYI'ers, but if you wrench professionally, get something better. You don't necessarily need Snap-On for all your SAE tools ... that's an unnecessarily expensive route to take. Go for USA-made tools such as Wright, Proto, SK, Williams US, or Armstrong.

 

[thegroundpounder99]

Yes you need them, as far as your discount, I'd get at least the wrenches and maybe 3/8 socket set. As others have mentioned a decent mid grade will do well also.


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[dmw16]

I work almost 100% on BMW's, but I still have a set of SAE tools, but it's just basic stuff. When I buy nice stuff it's metric.

 

[jrobb316]

For automotive yes you need SAE but you don't need snap on. Get on cripedistributing and piece together a full polish 1/4-1" USA wrench set for $60. Some craftsman sockets and maybe a set of Allen keys and call it a day. $150 total investment and be done. Spend your $$$ on metric.

 

[pauls_workshop]

That's what I was thinking. Just go with craftsman or huskey for SAE


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I like to recommend new adults to get SAE in vintage US made tools, as you can do this for really cheap getting used older tools in great shape. You can get them at garage sales or at Ebay auctions or Craigslist. Brands like US Craftsman, Proto, Blackhawk, Husky US (made by New Britain), Walden, Indestro-Duro, Wright, and a favorite, SK. You can get these tools used but in good shape for less than new Husky or Kobalt or Craftsman made in China. For metric, may still want the same vintage US made tools, as quality is much better, but you wont' get the latest inventions like the flank loading in wrenches or sockets that the modern designs would have. That is a little thing to me and not too important really. Once you try some good SK sockets, there is no going back to anything lesser. 60's vintage or newer SK are all great. Snap-on is fine of course or Williams (US) but you pay much more for that, which isn't worth it to me. - Paul

 

[AA/FC]

If you're gonna turn wrenches for a living, then I say yes you need SAE tools. Even if you end up in a shop where you work mostly on metric equipment, you still may end up needing SAE tools occasionally. Sure, it's one thing to not own some high-end expensive specialty tool that only serves one purpose, but as a tool junkie, and professional mechanic, I would be embarrassed to NOT own at least a basic set of SAE tools.

And lastly, "do I need SAE tools" is not a question anyone can answer for you. It's 100% up to the fastener that you happen to be working on. It's not a decision you get to make. Lol.

 

[Wakefield]

Does Wright still sell more SAE than metric?

 

[AutoTeck84]

It might be rare that you see a inch fastener but you will see some anywhere you go. I would be willing to bet if you went bmw you would see bolts that owners put in theirselves or on fluid lines. If you work domestic you will be doing recalls on old vehicles and trade ins. Plus think if a family member wanted you to work on their car or a favor to your boss, ect. I learned a while back to not invest a great deal in standard. But they are needed. Good deals on eBay because most people buy up metric and inch is a harder sale.

 

[John in OH]

Does Wright still sell more SAE than metric?

From what I can tell without making an exhaustive investigation, Wright appears to provide a pretty complete range of metric tools. Obviously, since Wright is not specifically an "automotive" tool company, they may not have all of the specialized hand tools that are used only on cars.

 

[OutsideMachinist]

Does Wright still sell more SAE than metric?

Probably. They are more of an industrial supplier. Anything industrial is generally at least a mix if not all SAE. I never use metric at work. Yes I would get SAE OP. It doesn't have to be snapon. Find out how much you can get them for with your discount and compare those prices to new sae for other quality manufacturers or slightly used. Then decide if the extra cost is worth it for yourself.

 

[d.mcfarland]

In America you will always need SAE. With 1/2 off Snap On, you can always sell them for what you have invested in them. Do yourself the favor now, especially since you have no idea where you will end up working. So get what you are guaranteed to need at some point.

 

[jd_1138]

I'd definitely also buy SAE. The only complication in your case is that you want to take advantage of the Snap-On student discount. I'd say if finances are tight, skip the SAE SO tools and buy other brands like SK and Proto off ebay.

 

[MrMechanic383]

I worked at dealership for 10 years and never once needed a single SAE tool. There was 49 line technicians and 12 used car techs and collectively we maybe had a full set.

There is no need for them in a dealership setting. The oldest cars you will work on will be less than 10-12 years old.

 

[four.cycle]

buy other brands like SK and Proto off ebay.

^ this.

or any number of other US-made brands.

 

[jerseykat1]

You will need some 3/8" sockets. Why? Because they are slightly smaller than 10mm and you can beat them on to Rounded or rusted 10mm nuts or bolts, it works every time. That's if you don't have twist sockets.

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[d.mcfarland]

I worked at dealership for 10 years and never once needed a single SAE tool. There was 49 line technicians and 12 used car techs and collectively we maybe had a full set.

There is no need for them in a dealership setting. The oldest cars you will work on will be less than 10-12 years old.

YOU being key there. Jeep alone uses 1/2 bolts still, and so do many trucks. SAE is at least needed in sockets and possibly wrench.

 

[fivespdcat]

I've been working in various capacities in the US auto industry including purchasing, engineering and sales and cannot remember buying, working with our specifying SAE for anything outside of oil filter threads. In my work kits never bothered to carry SAE and most of the Techs didn't either. We're not even allowed to reference inches. Now working on your house or machines is a different story.

That 1/2" was probably a 13mm...

 

[Ponchoguy]

if you're going to work on Briggs & Stratton or Tecumseh engines you will need SAE. And yes, B&S is still building engines with 1/4-20 and 8-32 fasteners.

And the old gold uses it too....

 

[d.mcfarland]

That 1/2" was probably a 13mm...

I'm not saying brand new Jeeps. I was unclear with that so I apologize. Older Jeeps used SAE fasteners up until 2004 or later. They were basically leftovers so they used them until they ran out, or at least that's how the story basically goes.