Do we really need SAE sized tools?

[duanedragon]

I am a tech in a wheel and tire shop that caters to light and medium duty service trucks. I love my tools but am a little annoyed that I must have 2 sets of tools, one for metrics and one for SAE. There are weeks that go by without using a single SAE sized tool. 99% of the time I will use my metric tools on SAE fasters (11mm= 7/16, 13mm= 1/2, 14mm= 9/16, etc). Before this digresses into a conjecture-fueled browbeating about the dangers of rounding off fasteners I would like to put that argument to rest by asserting that, while SAE tools fit SAE fasteners better, by the time that better fit makes any difference you are into torque ranges well beyond that sized fasteners working range. Most of the thread damage I see is caused by over-tightening. There have been times where a 1 5/16 combination wrench or a 1 inch 1/2 drive impact socket has saved my bacon but it still irks me that half of my tool collection is used only 1% of the time.

Are there any mechanics here that use only metric tools?

Any indispensable SAE sizes?

What metric sizes equate to SAE sizes? I'm aware of the aforementioned common sizes and 16mm= 5/8, 19mm= 3/4, 21mm= 13/16, 22mm= 7/8, but what are some of the weirder sizes like 1 1/2?

 

[BajaBound]

This is a very interesting topic! I have found my sae becoming bastardized. lol

My Dodge Cummins is all metric!

 

[Kirbot]

Well, I'm no pro but...
I can count all the times that I have used Metric tools on one hand.

I guess it just depends on who you ask.

Sounds like maybe you could get by without SAE, but I know I couldn't.

No Metric on 1980s Jeeps... (well, very little at least)

 

[Freakazooid52]

13mm isnt close to 1/2 its bigger and wont work at all really, same with 14mm and 9/16. 9/16 is close to 14.4mm.

only metrics that are close enough to SAE are 11mm, 16mm, 19mm 21mm 22mm and so on.

So yes, you need SAE sockets dont cut corners and round off some bolts with the wrong socket and look stupid at the shop

 

[ybnormal70]

Ok, 25.4mm per inch, so 1.5" = 38.1MM.

L8r,

Kevin

 

[Jimmyg]

I use SAE 95% of the time, metric to me is a dirty word

 

[Layspeed]

I hardly use my SAE tools also, but when they're needed, I'm glad they're there. IF you only work on newer stuff, then there are no standard/SAE sized bolts anymore, so you probably won't need them. I agree with what Freakazooid52 says. Also, 1-1/4" is pretty close to 32mm. It is kind of annoying that both sets are needed, but there's not much you can do about it.

 

[t100]

depends on what the customers the mechanic is servicing. for you maybe. think about this, why metric fasteners are normally more expensive? because there are fewer of them around compare to standard.

if you are an industrial mechanic, almost everything SAE.

modern vehicles, metric covers most.

if you work on race cars, pretty much all fucked.

 

[cglasgow]

As long as you encounter SAE fasteners, you need SAE tools. End of story.

>Any indispensable SAE sizes?

Yes -- any that fit fasteners you need to turn. Only you know what sizes those are so only you can say for sure what sizes you need. But don't skimp and don't be lazy -- use the right tool for the job!

 

[znowaczyk]

If you are going to call yourself a pro, tool up as one. Sure, my standards dont get used much, but working in an all makes all models indy shop, you never know what is going to come through the door. Having the standards in the box will save tons of headaches of rounding a fastener. And as stated above, not all of the combos you stated in your post work. even the 21mm doesnt work very well with the 13/16. 19 to 3/4, 22 to 7/8 and 24 to 15/16 are the only ones I ever interchange

 

[mrbreezeet1]

I know 1 1/4" = 32mm.pretty close, 31.75
1 1/2 pretty close to 38 MM
Thanks,
Tony

 

[Gary S]

I live in the old world. My tools are for at home, and I own all old vehicles and US made yard equipment, so I'm still using my SAE tools about 98% of the time. My metric tools seldom get used. For metric, I mostly get by with a Crescent wrench and a Vise Grip.
Life is great!!

 

[UncleJoe]

All the really great mechanics I have ever known always use the right tool for the job. Sure you can make do with something or you can do it right. In my life experience those that cut corners are rarely in the group that folks would consider great mechanics.

Are you really saving that much or are you establishing a life long pattern of just getting by. That is no way to become good at anything.

 

[Ben Iv]

If you own or wrench on any REAL american cars You do. There is nothing metric on my 69 or 65, plus there is metric and sae on my 99 gmc.

 

[BQuicksilver]

I asked the same thing a few months ago. If we could use 3 letter searches this wouldn't be asked over and over. FWIW I rarely use SAE.

 

[Thumper]

If anyone ever lets you get close enough to work on a vehicle that advertises the motor in CID, you will find them necessary, otherwise carry on.

LMAO...X2......in the real world an old school mechanic ( not a tech ) could handle damn near anything that rolled through the door because he had the right size tools to do it the job without rounding off bolts......

If ya wanna just be a cheap ***.......get yourself several pair of RoboGrip pliers and whack away....

 

[mrbreezeet1]

I hardly use my SAE tools also, but when they're needed, I'm glad they're there. IF you only work on newer stuff, then there are no standard/SAE sized bolts anymore, so you probably won't need them. I agree with what Freakazooid52 says. Also, 1-1/4" is pretty close to 32mm. It is kind of annoying that both sets are needed, but there's not much you can do about it.

Yeah, like when I was taking the pulley off my Delta drill press, the top nut, I miked it, but was like OK should I use a 1 1/4" or a 32mm. LOL
Think I settled on a 32.
Thanks,
Tony

 

[OccupantRJ]

At work, I use SAE 99% of the time, and at my home shop it's about 50/50 of metric/SAE. Tractor and autos are metric. Mowers, shop equipment, and forklift are SAE.

 

[nissan_crawler]

I use the proper tool for the proper fastener. SAE for SAE, and metric for metric. I wouldn't let anybody that thought it was acceptable to do otherwise, work on my vehicle.

If a fastener is brand new, in 100% condition, you might be right, it might work fine. If it's already rusty, or somebody used the wrong size 3x before...you might be the one to round it off, and now I, the customer, will have to pay you to fix what you used the improper tool on.

Would the proper tool have rounded it off? Maybe, maybe not. But a few thousandths here or there can make a big difference.

FYI, what I work on (professionally), there are only 3 metric things I've came across. A 10mm and 15mm bolt (probably mess with these once every two years or so), and a 6mm allen wrench (probably used it last 5 years ago). I still have the proper tools for them, and wouldn't consider using anything else.

My homebox is full of SAE, and Metric. I probably wrench on something once a month at best, but everything is there.

 

[vette-kid]

Im about 50/50 in my garage. The 78 is pretty well all SAE, believe it or not there are a few sae on the Tacoma as well, although its mostly Metric. I seem to remember a mixed bag on the interior of the Z06, but I havnt done too much under it yet.

If I had to take mine into the shop for anything, I would be a little pissed if I found out the mechanic was using metric on sae bolts, and would probably not go back there again. Id be really pissed if he rounded it tightening it back up and then left it there for me to deal with the next time I decide to turn a wrench on it. Dont be lazy and cheap, get the right size tool for the job!

 

[vssjim]

It really just depends on what you work with, I don't know anybody that can only have one or the other anymore, twenty years ago maybe but not now. In the senenties the bolt holding carbon canisters in GM cars had a 10mm hex so that is when i remember it stating on US made cars and english cars you never knew when it would be one of three sizeings.

 

[treasureseeker]

I started out when all there was on American cars was SAE and I have more SAE than metric but hardly ever use them but I am still adding to them, just in case.

 

[freeskier]

i use my SAE on my 67 firebird and 54 healy and my metrics on my cooper and bike

 

[Jim C.]

I'm not a pro mechanic, but I do like to tinker with old cars from the 1960s and old woodworking machines from the 1950s. All I ever use is SAE. As a matter of fact, I recently found a need for a few sizes of SAE wrenches in 32nd increments, versus the more common 8th and 16th increments. I guess it depends on what you work on. Obviously old USA made cars and machinery will need SAE tools. The newer stuff is metric. I rarely use my metric tools. Now, I could use a metric wrench to turn an SAE bolt. However, since I'm not a pro tech, and I'm not on the clock or worried about buying a tool that might not earn its keep, I'll look for the appropriate SAE tool. Also, I'm a fanatic about keeping old cars and machines original, and I'll go out of my way to use SAE tools as was originally intended by the car's and/or machine's manufacturer. That's why I went out and bought some old SAE wrenches in 32nd increment sizes when metric tools would have done the job. SAE job = SAE tools (Even if a metric tool will work.) That's also why I probably need a bigger tool box.

To partially answer your other question about SAE and metric equivalents, I have recently learned that 25/32" is very close to 20mm.

Jim C.

 

[Case IH]

It sounds like you answered your own question....if you use sae at all what would you do without them? I would just keep it and use them when needed

 

[srmofo]

Yes we need SAE tools. Almost all of the equipment I come across, from mowers to my drill press use SAE. Almost all the hardware I buy for doing things around the house use SAE; lagbolts, carriage bolts, etc. My trucks use SAE, and anytime I pull something domestic that isnt fuel injected into the shop I pull out the SAEs. They're everywhere and they were used for a long time and still are used commonly on just about anything that is not an automobile

 

[greasemonkey44]

Yes we need SAE tools. Almost all of the equipment I come across, from mowers to my drill press use SAE. Almost all the hardware I buy for doing things around the house use SAE; lagbolts, carriage bolts, etc. My trucks use SAE, and anytime I pull something domestic that isnt fuel injected into the shop I pull out the SAEs. They're everywhere and they were used for a long time and still are used commonly on just about anything that is not an automobile

hit the nail on the head
sae is everywhere, hose clamps is another example, after market parts as well
sometimes you can cheat it with metrics and sometimes you cant thats why you have both sets. I use sae about once a week, except some sae deep well impacts i use for lugs(3/4,13/16,7/8). we also have alot of larger sae sockets we use on metric stuff occasionally, you dont need a perfect fit on a big enough fastner

 

[ibedayank]

duanedragon Tell you what you come on down with all metic tools and we will see how much you can get done. as far as 7/16 being 11mm compare with a caliper.

Don't even get me started on the whitworth stuff....

 

[Alchymist]

Military gear (read radar, ecm, etc) are all SAE.

 

[chrisziem]

If I worked on all metric vehicles, I still would have some standard Craftsman sockets and wrenches on standby.

 

[spongerich]

I mostly work on my Japanese and European bikes and cars, so aside from working on the occasional lawnmower or home repair (no metric fasteners in my 200 year old house) or tuning up my shop machinery I rarely use SAE tools.

That said, since there are *sp* many SAE tools around, it's easy to find bargains on gently used quality USA tools like Williams, SK, etc. I've got SAE wrenches in several styles as well as sockets from 1/8" up to 1-1/2" and I've probably spent a total of $200 on them all. If you're a professional, it doesn't make sense not to have them.

 

[Shipfittin]

Are there any mechanics here that use only metric tools?

Actually in my job I only use SAE, we do not use a single metric size. But I work for the Navy, so that's why we don't use any metric. At home I use a mixture between SAE and Metric. My F-150 and Chevy Blazer's both require SAE and Metric tools. And just like the fellas said, when it comes to carrage bolts and so forth, you've got to have it.

As far as using and Metric socket to fit an SAE bolt, I don't get it. If it's within a hair, sure, but if you can wiggle it to within 1/16" of play then get the right socket. You are going to either round off the socket or aid in it being rounded off in the long run. It's all part of being a craftsman and practicing your trade.

And all of us have tools that we rarely use, it's the nature of the beast. I may only use my plumb bob 1% of the time at work, but it's still in my tool bag. There are situations where it is in invaluable tool to have.

 

[znowaczyk]

And all of us have tools that we rarely use, it's the nature of the beast. I may only use my plumb bob 1% of the time at work, but it's still in my tool bag. There are situations where it is in invaluable tool to have.

I bought a $125 injector puller for a cummins diesel and have used it...once!

 

[justanengineer]

I wont argue the merits of either system...though I do prefer SAE units in both my former blue collar career as well as my current mechanical engineering one. I too find it strange that anybody working on vehicles would ask this question, but Ill let others beat on that one. Interesting tidbit for all of the SAE lovers (like myself) out there. Technical drawings for anything and everything automotive that I have ever seen are done in metric, even though they may include SAE fasteners or be SAE sizes, due to all the outsourcing done in industry.

 

[Fedwrench]

It all depends on what you work on. I work on a fleet of mostly domestic badged late model cars and SUvs. We have sae tools but, they are seldom used. They spend more time gathering dust. I can't remember the last time we even bought an sae tool. However, it's better to have them and not need them, than to need them and not have them. It's to the point that I don't ecen buy used sae tools anymore.

 

[johnnybentwrench]

I know a few guys in there 80's and 90's still spinning wrenches on Motorcycles and cars. german & English, They use SAE on german stuff all the time. They think we are funny and foolish for buying so many different wrenches.

I used to use a giant SAE 1" 5/16 for a 36mm. I now have a 36mm for it. I got by just fine as a guy who keeps his own stuff working and running

 

[Alchymist]

I wont argue the merits of either system...though I do prefer SAE units in both my former blue collar career as well as my current mechanical engineering one. I too find it strange that anybody working on vehicles would ask this question, but Ill let others beat on that one. Interesting tidbit for all of the SAE lovers (like myself) out there. Technical drawings for anything and everything automotive that I have ever seen are done in metric, even though they may include SAE fasteners or be SAE sizes, due to all the outsourcing done in industry.

I've seen many a drawing dual dimensioned. Interestingly enough, some were designed sae, and dimensioned such as "1.00" (25.4mm)", while those designed metric were dimensioned "24mm (0.945")".

 

[d4dawg]

I didn't think I will ever need any SAE tools because all I've owned and currently own and plan to own are either Japanese or European late model cars. That is until I was doing research on aftermarket exhaust systems for the VW GTI. The ones that I am interested in are from US companies, and yup, SAE bolts and nuts are required for the install. SAE tools are now on my shopping list.

 

[larry_g]

The simple answer to the question is YES. Some can get by with just SAE, some with just Metric. And a large percentage of the worlds population can get by with no wrenchs at all.

lg
no neat sig line

 

[JeepsAreBuilt]

Yep.. gotta have SAE and Metric tools. I have sets of both at work and at home. It's alot of tools. I use mostly Metric at work, this is true.. so I find myself spending more money on metric tools. For example, I like to keep my tools very organized.. I buy organizers and use them with the metric tools. I buy more metric tools, like ratcheting wrenches, swivel sockets. Dont forget to buy torx, torx plus, allen sae and metric, e-torx, tamper proof torx, triple star.. all in various forms, sockets(in diffrent drive sizes as needed), bits, screwdriver type, extra long, L shape type, impact, chrome. I have not came across the need for tamper proof torx plus or 5 star torx. Buy it all, organize it all, and be happy.