Metric and SAE hex bits

[biscuit141]

A few weeks ago I picked up the HF Pittsburgh 6 pieces metric and SAE hex bit set. The metric has 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 and 10. The SAE has 5/32", 3/16", 7/32", 1/4", 5/16" and 3/8". While I am happy with the quality of the hex bits, I am second guessing my decision not to have purchased the 9 piece set, which adds SAE 1/2" drive: 1/2", 9/16" and 5/8" and Metric 1/2" drive: 12mm, 14mm and 17mm. Are these 6 additional sizes very popular? I have a feeling I would not run across them very often, but if I did I would be happy I had them.

 

[pipsters]

A 10mm hex is a pretty big hex. I've never seen anything bigger, of course doesn't mean it's not out there but pretty rare.

 

[biscuit141]

Yeah, that was my thoughts when I picked up the kit. I was just wondering if I will run across one one day and wish I had that size. My parents do have some farm equipment that does get worked on at my house and while my dad has pretty much every tool imaginable I am trying to build up my collection as well and I am always thinking of that "what if" scenario.

 

[wreckercologist]

I have another brand, but they go up to 3/4" and 19mm. I've used them all at one time or another, but it's going to depend on what you're working on.

Used the 19mm last week, and I use 5/8" a bunch (weekly). I see 8mm at times too. I notice your set didn't include that one.

Some fill/drain plugs are 12mm and 14mm.

 

[pipsters]

Yeah 8 is pretty common on cars. 9 I have never seen either.

 

[iroc409]

I use my 10MM hex for the drain/fill plugs on the front diff of my Tacoma, but that's it so far. Most usage has been smaller stuff, but I'm just a DIY.

 

[shoturtle]

For metric And sae hex socket I would have gone for a 13 pc set and and addition 7 if you need really big. I really hate sets that skip sizes, basic metric should cover all the sizes up 10mm if you need larger, then you add them.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/TITAN-16124...ools&hash=item3cc4abd5e5&vxp=mtr#ht_767wt_689

http://www.ebay.com/itm/TITAN-16131...ools&hash=item3cc52aee36&vxp=mtr#ht_777wt_689

http://www.ebay.com/itm/TITAN-16123...ools&hash=item3cc45a7712&vxp=mtr#ht_767wt_689

http://www.ebay.com/itm/TITAN-16130...ools&hash=item4841f82749&vxp=mtr#ht_695wt_689

 

[Justin1776]

9 I have never seen either.

Volvo XC60 front caliper bolts. I guess using a 10mm bolt is too much

 

[Dereklmartin]

9 is used on some ford brakes. 17mm on vw transaxles.

 

[jjjrmx5]

I am second guessing my decision not to have purchased the 9 piece set, which adds SAE 1/2" drive: 1/2", 9/16" and 5/8" and Metric 1/2" drive: 12mm, 14mm and 17mm. Are these 6 additional sizes very popular? I have a feeling I would not run across them very often, but if I did I would be happy I had them.

It all depends upon how much wrenching you do.

I always suggest looking over on the Snap-On, Mac and Matco tool sites and see what their full sets come with.

But--in a word, yes, skipped izes are usually meant to make you buy the fill-in's for all but the high end tools.

Some of the odd sized metric hex's are for securing things like Koni strut or shock tops during install or for odd joints or less used fasteners.

It's all a game.

But a complete set is the best if you can afford it.

 

[biscuit141]

Yeah 8 is pretty common on cars. 9 I have never seen either.

Sorry, it was 9 that is missing, 8 was included.

 

[dieselmike]

if you dont work on a lot of big planetary stuff, dont worry about this big stuff

 

[Dust]

14 is used on some Chrysler/Mercedes axle drain plugs. The HF one is the only one that will fit in the space on the front axles, as well, though only with either a low-profile ratchet, or a socket adapter for a wrench.

 

[rt dak]

17mm drain plugs on my E34 trans/differential. I think they're the biggest i've come across.

 

[jsaw]

I use 17 MM for trans fill plugs

 

[djb2]

10mm and 14mm are common sizes for differential drain and fill plugs on European makes. 14mm and 17mm are common sizes for transmissions. It's rare to see other metric sizes in that range.

Unless the design is ancient, most production parts use Torx where they might once have used hex.

 

[V70R]

14mm- VAG quattro/ 4 motion rear axle bolts

 

[concealer404]

I just had to use a 19mm hex on an MX3 steering rack i was working on. I wish i had known about those Titan sets, though.. i spent almost the same on the bigger HF impact set.