Metric tools only?

[joedodge]

Heavy truck mechanics still need standard and metric it would cripple you in the field to not have both.

 

[clinebarger]

GM cars are notorious for being both metric and SAE. I'd be interested to know if any 2018 models are completely metric.

The Buick 3.8L was the last GM engine to use SAE fasteners & The 2009 Buick Lacrosse was the last vehicle with that engine.

Ford on the other hand still uses some standard hardware in their HD trucks to this day (3/8" headed bleeder screws, And Dana 60's have always been SAE)

 

[bmwrd0]

I have been putting my metric in a box in an old cabinet on the other side of the shop. In my tradesman days, I worked on commercial AC, most of which is SAE. Enough so that I only kept a few pieces in the truck. When I jumped over to AT&T, nothing is metric due to needing to work on parts of the system that might be 100 years old (I worked in the old part of Berkeley). When I was in trade school, I worked for an auto electrician whose main business was building police cars. Very little was done in the metric system.

Now that I am out of trade, I just don't really need it. An old Peugeot bicycle and my DD are about it, and I never liked working on my DD. If I was going to buy a project car (have a project house) it would be an old English roadster or another Corvair.

I wouldn't recommend anyone focusing on the metric system mathematically, as it doesn't help you with one of the basic building blocks of everyday math, which is fractions. Learn that and how to manipulate and work with them and you will find that you already know metrics.

 

[manwithtools]

I wouldn't recommend anyone focusing on the metric system mathematically, as it doesn't help you with one of the basic building blocks of everyday math, which is fractions. Learn that and how to manipulate and work with them and you will find that you already know metrics.

You do realize that if we used the metric system we would not need to understand complicated fractions......

 

[rwa2004]

So what are ratchets? Does the purely metric world use the same 1/4", 3/8", and 1/2" and just call them 6, 19, and 13mm or do they have an actually different size drive?

I actually think it would be great if we could get our raw materials on board with the metric dimensions.

 

[928'er]

I still have SAE tools from my English car days (Jaguar, Rover, Triumph, MG) back when the English still built cars.

Haven't used my SAE tools (except on the only American car I've ever owned - a 1933 Franklin) since moving on to Italian and German cars over 30 years ago.

What frosts me are all the manufacturers offering sets including both metric and SAE tools. These sets get crossed off the list automaticly because I am NOT buying another SAE tool - ever.

 

[M6erfan]

So what are ratchets? Does the purely metric world use the same 1/4", 3/8", and 1/2" and just call them 6, 19, and 13mm or do they have an actually different size drive?

I actually think it would be great if we could get our raw materials on board with the metric dimensions.

Ratchets are pretty universal, world wide, for drive end size, that is, 1/4", 3/8" and 1/2". However you will see references to 6.35, 9.5, and 12.7mm drive sizes from our metric friends.

 

[techieman33]

If I'm working on my car then it's 50/50. And if I'm building something myself then I'll usually buy SAE hardware. It's hard not to when it's 1/3-1/2 of the cost of metric and there is a much much larger selection.

 

[jgromada]

I have some SAE stuff from the original Craftsman set i bought. Everything I've bought since has been metric just like every car I've purchased.

 

[Toolmaker65]

IMO the answer to this question is to buy what you need to do the work that needs to be done. If you only work on newer vehicles or foreign makes that are all 'metric' either as your full time job or hobby, then only buy mm tools. In my case, I have complete sets in both since I see both at work and at my home shop. I have found that at times it is easier to work in the mm system exclusively, but that is because of my trade. It is easier for me to read metric micrometers, calipers, and indicators when making parts that were designed overseas (Germany, Sweden, Japan, etc.) as opposed to taking the time to convert mm dimensions into inches (mistakes in punching numbers into a calculator or transposing digits when writing converted dimensions on the print). As such I have both "English" and metric micrometers up to 12" (300 mm).

The metric system will not eliminate 'complicated' fractions. Fractions are not complicated at all for people who can understand basic mathematics which has been part of building, construction, and manufacturing since the beginning of time - think of the Egyptians and the pyramids. It is easy - 12.5%=.125=1/8. Anything less than an even multiple of 1 unit of anything is a fraction. 1"=25.4 mm - looks like a fraction of something to me.

The moral of the story is buy what you need (or want). If you feel you have no need for SAE (English/US), don't buy it. If and when you do, buy what you need (want) and nothing more - no need to get complete sets of 1/4", 3/8", 1/2", and 3/4" drive sockets if all you need is a 1/2" socket.

The fact that most fasteners at the box stores are US is no need to cry about it. That is the defacto standard and will be until there is a clear cut reason to change. If you look where the majority of those 'awful US' fasteners are made, it is usually China or India or somewhere overseas. They could easily say "We won't make these because they are not metric (mm)" and we would be forced to change overnight. So, put on your big girl *******, **** it up and buy a few standard sockets or whatever is needed to get the job done. The world or even the USA isn't 'perfect', it never has been and never will be.

 

[manwithtools]

Anything less than an even multiple of 1 unit of anything is a fraction. 1"=25.4 mm - looks like a fraction of something to me.

Dividing by ten is simple mater of moving a decimal point. Anything else is mental gymnastics. I grew up in the 70's and worked for international companies. I can easily work in yards and meters, inches and centimeters. thousands and millimeters. Give it some thought....

 

[mbshop]

I worked on Mercedes vehicles and buses my whole career and only after my retirement did I buy a set of std wrenches and sockets.

 

[bmwrd0]

You do realize that if we used the metric system we would not need to understand complicated fractions......

You do realize there is a reason that fractions came about, and that they are used, colloquially, universally? Also, do you know what a lini, an arshin or a chain is? Or that Japanese property is measured in tatami?

When you ask your wife if she wants any steak or chicken or salad, does she say "yes, given me a third of that." Or does she say "No, I don't need that much, give me .3333333333333... of that"

 

[jd_1138]

You may get by with metric only as a mechanic at a new car dealership, but for a home DIY person working on cars and home stuff it's good to have SAE and metric.

Even if the SAE stuff is some cheap USA CM or something. I loathe SAE. This country should've gone metric 100 years ago. Ugh.

 

[jd_1138]

You do realize there is a reason that fractions came about, and that they are used, colloquially, universally? Also, do you know what a lini, an arshin or a chain is? Or that Japanese property is measured in tatami?

When you ask your wife if she wants any steak or chicken or salad, does she say "yes, given me a third of that." Or does she say "No, I don't need that much, give me .3333333333333... of that"

Of course, we still need the mathematical concept of fractions in life, but in terms of fasteners and tools the metric system is way nicer.

I've been using metric exclusively for my DIY carpentry (and for relatives and friends) for years. It's a lot easier when measuring stuff and adding other pieces of wood to existing structures to just add whole #'s -- cm's and mm's.

 

[manwithtools]

You do realize there is a reason that fractions came about, and that they are used, colloquially, universally? Also, do you know what a lini, an arshin or a chain is? Or that Japanese property is measured in tatami?

When you ask your wife if she wants any steak or chicken or salad, does she say "yes, given me a third of that." Or does she say "No, I don't need that much, give me .3333333333333... of that"

If all you can give your wife is one third of what she wants, I feel for you.....

 

[Roundhouse]

I loathe SAE. This country should've gone metric 100 years ago. Ugh.

THe only metric that’s caught on on the US is the 9 millimeter


And hey
They’re are two types of countries in the world

Those that use the metric system
And
Those that have been to the moon !

 

[Roundhouse]

And workin on mid 80s to mid 90s vehicle requires both

Some bolts are sae
Some bolt are metric

Toyota’s are easy everyhing is 8-10-12 mm

V Ws are bizarre
Every size mm you can think of

 

[mcmtech]

I’ve still got both at work, we work on a handful of stuff from 1940-1970 that I still use it. I’ve debated bringing some of it home to free up some space in my tool box though. I did just need a 9/16 to to replace an abs module on a 2012 caddy the other day though, kinda surprised me.

 

[Citation]

So what are ratchets? Does the purely metric world use the same 1/4", 3/8", and 1/2" and just call them 6, 19, and 13mm or do they have an actually different size drive?

I actually think it would be great if we could get our raw materials on board with the metric dimensions.

What about tires? 16-225R60. That's a 16" rim with a 225mm wide tread a 60% aspect ratio (technically a dimensionless number). Funny thing. When I was in Japan 20 years back they advertised their TVs in inches even though the entire add would be in Japanese. I believe I noted they also used that hybrid inch-metric tire sizing.

 

[tanukiboy]

So what are ratchets? Does the purely metric world use the same 1/4", 3/8", and 1/2" and just call them 6, 19, and 13mm or do they have an actually different size drive?

I actually think it would be great if we could get our raw materials on board with the metric dimensions.

Ratchets are pretty universal, world wide, for drive end size, that is, 1/4", 3/8" and 1/2". However you will see references to 6.35, 9.5, and 12.7mm drive sizes from our metric friends.

What about tires? 16-225R60. That's a 16" rim with a 225mm wide tread a 60% aspect ratio (technically a dimensionless number). Funny thing. When I was in Japan 20 years back they advertised their TVs in inches even though the entire add would be in Japanese. I believe I noted they also used that hybrid inch-metric tire sizing.

1/4" hex replaceable screwdriver bits in Japan are also listed as 6.35 mm.

Another example is bicycle parts. For example, I always thought it was weird that the standard size for headset bearings was 31.75 mm, until I realized that it's equal to 1 1/4".

Same in audio (speaker binding posts etc.) and photography (tripod screws etc.). Even in metric world, they are 1/4" or 3/8" or whatever. They may be specified as that or as equivalent metric units.

 

[JR 42]

THe only metric that’s caught on on the US is the 9 millimeter


And hey
They’re are two types of countries in the world

Those that use the metric system
And
Those that have been to the moon !

Coulda, woulda, shoulda been 10mm. Long live Col. Cooper.

These threads are fascinating to me for a bunch of reasons...

1. SAE tools are available everywhere used for cheap, I'm working on collecting all the weird dead x/32" stuff and have SAE basics to last my lifetime, bought new, cheap.

2. Everything attached to your house is probably SAE, like your plumbing.

3. My project hardware is all SAE. Mind blown by 2ndgearrubber's metric project hardware! If anyone knows where to find stainless coarse- thread metric wood screws, let me know... I'm short some screws for my Tacoma. I don't think I've ever seen a metric lag bolt either...

4. 12 is divisible by more numbers than 10, helping with layout. Chris Schwartz has written a fair bit about it. For simple layout work, apparently, inches are better.

5. The US never really switched to metric... nor Liberia, nor Myanmar... not sure if that's good company or not!

6. My very limited "mechanic" experience was working on old IH farm stuff (all basic SAE stuff) and 1970's trucks - all SAE.

7. This is GJ. You shouldn't quit until you've got all the dead x/32", Whitworth, pre- war USS, and any other weird size you can find!

What about tires? 16-225R60. That's a 16" rim with a 225mm wide tread a 60% aspect ratio (technically a dimensionless number). Funny thing. When I was in Japan 20 years back they advertised their TVs in inches even though the entire add would be in Japanese. I believe I noted they also used that hybrid inch-metric tire sizing.

I can finally consistently remember how this works, and it's frankly just nuts. I should look into how Europeans size tires, 'cause it can't possibly be so weird.

JR

 

[Roundhouse]

Well it’s not “just” one country that hasn’t switched

It’s 28% of the worlds economy
We have all the money
We can use whatever system we want

 

[ajunky]

Any true mechanic will have both sets.

A guy came to me today with a 2000 ford f150 that had cracked exhaust manifolds. I busted out the metric set and prepared to go at it. The very first thing I removed after the metric lugnuts was the plastic fenderwell which was 1/4. See what I mean ? Second step in. The rest of the repair was mainly metric with a few SAE.

Can you fix an exhaust system replaced by an exhaust shop without SAE ? Usually not.

Would you go to any shop that told you they could fix your problem because they didn't have a 1/2 wrench?

I've done old vehicles using metric and new vehicles only a year or two old using SAE.

The very first tools any mechanic buys is a complete set of SAE and metric sockets in 1/4, 3/8, and 1/2 without exception.

Spend the 200 bux, anything less makes you NOT a mechanic.

The only real exception to this rule might be something similar to an assembly line. I don't consider those mechanics.

Sent from my SM-N950W using Tapatalk

 

[Tennessee Cattleman]

A lot of USA made farm implements still use SAE, also we use SAE in pretty much anything fabricated in the shop. My SAE tools are still very active.

 

[2ndGearRubber]

Coulda, woulda, shoulda been 10mm. Long live Col. Cooper.

These threads are fascinating to me for a bunch of reasons...



3. My project hardware is all SAE. Mind blown by 2ndgearrubber's metric project hardware! If anyone knows where to find stainless coarse- thread metric wood screws, let me know... I'm short some screws for my Tacoma. I don't think I've ever seen a metric lag bolt either...

JR

I was under the impression that "screws" were neither metric or SAE in pitch. The only thing that could potentially be either is the center diameter, the "screw" section was just a spiral at a specified slope. I guess the slope has to be measured in something at some point, right?


Project "hardware" to me is actually threaded items that you can buy as nuts/bolts. Never really considered nails, screws, and whatnot threaded hardware, although I suppose they are. I buy that stuff based on whatever material I'm working with and its requirements. I was referring to hardware for cars/motorcycles mainly. Although I did use metric hardware to install my shower curtain rod holders.

A screw with a diameter of 3/16, and a T30 torx head. Metric or SAE? My buddy has an '82 AMC eagle, with a Jeep 4.0 swap. Metric, SAE, Torx, E-torx, 12 point. Sometimes metric heads with SAE pitches and vice versa!

 

[toolmutt]

It's still about 50/50 for me.

 

[Citation]

Coulda, woulda, shoulda been 10mm. Long live Col. Cooper.

These threads are fascinating to me for a bunch of reasons...

1. SAE tools are available everywhere used for cheap, I'm working on collecting all the weird dead x/32" stuff and have SAE basics to last my lifetime, bought new, cheap.

2. Everything attached to your house is probably SAE, like your plumbing.

3. My project hardware is all SAE. Mind blown by 2ndgearrubber's metric project hardware! If anyone knows where to find stainless coarse- thread metric wood screws, let me know... I'm short some screws for my Tacoma. I don't think I've ever seen a metric lag bolt either...

4. 12 is divisible by more numbers than 10, helping with layout. Chris Schwartz has written a fair bit about it. For simple layout work, apparently, inches are better.

5. The US never really switched to metric... nor Liberia, nor Myanmar... not sure if that's good company or not!

6. My very limited "mechanic" experience was working on old IH farm stuff (all basic SAE stuff) and 1970's trucks - all SAE.

7. This is GJ. You shouldn't quit until you've got all the dead x/32", Whitworth, pre- war USS, and any other weird size you can find!





I can finally consistently remember how this works, and it's frankly just nuts. I should look into how Europeans size tires, 'cause it can't possibly be so weird.

JR

There is actually a discussion among some mathematicians that the world would have been better if we used a base 12 vs base 10 number system. It's worth noting that in ancient times numbering systems weren't always base 10. Anyway, the argument is that 12 is a better number because it can be evenly divided into the fractions we use most commonly, ie 1/2, 1/3, and 1/4. Base 10 can only be divided evenly by 1/2. 1/4 at 0.25 isn't too bad but 1/3 of course is a rather impractical 0.3333(repeat that 3 until the end of time).

If we had such a system then the benefits of things like the metric system (every unit an is a clean decimal shift from the previous one) would be retained, but we would also get the very useful fractional numbers that are natural to work with (especially in geometry and layouts). A bit off subject but least anyone think that Metric is an all together better system, no, it just that the compromises are less awkward vs those in SAE units.

 

[HazetMatt]

My tools are primarily to work on my cars. I've never owned an American car, and probably never will, so I end up never needing SAE tools. Fine by me, I'm more than happy to just buy one set of sizes. I do have a set of 3/8 SAE sockets but I use them so infrequently that they are in a little box in my closet. Last time I needed one was to work on an American made suitcase that had 7/16 bolts. I replaced them with metric.

 

[kythri]

What about tires? 16-225R60. That's a 16" rim with a 225mm wide tread a 60% aspect ratio (technically a dimensionless number).

P-Metric tire sizes are wonky.

My Vic is shod in P235/55R17, so:

235mm tire width
55% of that for sidewall height = 129.25mm
17" diameter rim

Wheel bolt pattern is 5x4.5" or 5x114.3mm.

Oops. Fractions.

Apparently there are some wheels that the diameter is expressed in mm, but I'd venture that those are few and far between.

 

[Sportsman762]

I think the key to if you use metric tools is what your working on. When I am working on the New Holland 655C backhoe that was made in Belgium the SAE set is neglected. However when I am working on old Allis Chalmers 7050 the metric is ignored. I have to keep both around, however most of the stuff I work on is older, or American made so I tend to reach for SAE more. My most common tool is the breaker bar and piece of pipe. If it is not rusted, then my guerrilla armed boss over tightened it. The pipe works equally well on metric or SAE.

 

[The Fall]

I work a couple days per week at a hot rod shop. 1975 or earlier cars, although early '80s carbureted engines come in periodically. Almost all domestic cars, including the old independents. The owner doesn't have metric wrenches. I have a set of Craftsman metric combo wrenches. Those are the only metric tools at the shop besides a set of 3/8" 6-point chrome sockets and HF 1/2" impacts (all mine). It's the exact opposite: 97% SAE. The Snap-on guy will only bring out 6-point SAE chrome/impact sockets out if they're on sale and he's pushing them. It works out great because the pawn shop is loaded with SAE tools for cheap. I'm fine with metric, but I prefer Imperial because I also work as a draftsman and everything is broken down into inches/fractions on elevations, sections and floor plans. I'm very comfortable with SAE/Imperial. I would feel the same way about metric if I used it daily instead. At the end of the day, it's about getting the job done.

 

[JR 42]

I was under the impression that "screws" were neither metric or SAE in pitch. The only thing that could potentially be either is the center diameter, the "screw" section was just a spiral at a specified slope. I guess the slope has to be measured in something at some point, right?


Project "hardware" to me is actually threaded items that you can buy as nuts/bolts. Never really considered nails, screws, and whatnot threaded hardware, although I suppose they are. I buy that stuff based on whatever material I'm working with and its requirements. I was referring to hardware for cars/motorcycles mainly. Although I did use metric hardware to install my shower curtain rod holders.

A screw with a diameter of 3/16, and a T30 torx head. Metric or SAE? My buddy has an '82 AMC eagle, with a Jeep 4.0 swap. Metric, SAE, Torx, E-torx, 12 point. Sometimes metric heads with SAE pitches and vice versa!

I'm the same with project hardware, but when I'm buying nuts and bolts and washers for misc. stuff it's SAE - butter, 5, and 8 are readily available from a locally- owned place I like. It's just what I'm accustomed to. I can totally see where you're coming from - my only experience with metric hardware is maintenance on a few Japanese- brand vehicles, thankfully not a daily exposure in my case.

I should say I'm not even aware of metric coarse thread screws exactly, just that I pulled one of the grimy slightly rusted kickplate screws off my 99 Tacoma, tried to find a stainless screw to match at the local awesome hardware store, and failed - it wasn't a a normal- size, commonly available screw- between 8 and 10 root diameter IIRC. I'll pull another tomorrow to verify. I recall looking for another screw (door latch) for the same rig with similar confusing results. Those particular screws got jacked, along with some other futzy interior door hardware that's harder to replace. Currently rocking a vise grip window crank...

Don't keep parking quarters in old Altoids tins if you also keep Toyota hardware in Altoids tins, meth addicts will take all your tins... I guess it all sounds the same when you shake the tin!

Lolz at AMC hardware, I've always wanted a 4wd AMC Eagle, manual, despite its flaws. Had an old J20 once upon a time...

JR

 

[Fedwrench]

You guys need SAE tools just to have something to fill the space in those mega expensive truck brand tool boxes you have.

 

[takai]

I wish I was metric only, have only one set of SAE stuff, and that is just because it came with the metric gear as a full set. Boy do I have a lot of Whitworth gear though. Rarely sees the light of day, but damned if I’m going to buy it all again if I ever get British-fever again.

 

[JR 42]

There is actually a discussion among some mathematicians that the world would have been better if we used a base 12 vs base 10 number system. It's worth noting that in ancient times numbering systems weren't always base 10. Anyway, the argument is that 12 is a better number because it can be evenly divided into the fractions we use most commonly, ie 1/2, 1/3, and 1/4. Base 10 can only be divided evenly by 1/2. 1/4 at 0.25 isn't too bad but 1/3 of course is a rather impractical 0.3333(repeat that 3 until the end of time).

If we had such a system then the benefits of things like the metric system (every unit an is a clean decimal shift from the previous one) would be retained, but we would also get the very useful fractional numbers that are natural to work with (especially in geometry and layouts). A bit off subject but least anyone think that Metric is an all together better system, no, it just that the compromises are less awkward vs those in SAE units.

Yes! The gist IIRC is that with base 12 you have more whole- number divisors - 2, 3, 4, and 6. In metric, you've got 2 and 5. So your earthy ancient English carpenters using inches an eon ago could easily figure out eye- pleasing/ not- screwed- up design... which they did.

That said, I can't manage eye- pleasing/ not screwed up anything using any system.

I agree, both inch and metric have there upsides and downsides, like every other damn thing.

Metric length units can be messy, IMO - there are too many options. Depending on the scale in which you work you have to pick mm, cm, or m, and not mix them - the downside to the easy decimal shift is that it's all too easy to eff up a simple measurement by a factor of ten or more if you're not paying attention. And who uses decimeters and decameters?

The metric system is absolutely beautiful for conversion between units, though : 1 mL = 1 cc = 1 g of water. Why doesn't a fluid ounce of water actually weigh one damn ounce? It's close, but not quite, and that's not even including Britain's weird- *** everything- has- more- in- it- than- the - American- measure ( just kidding, you guys got there first... I can only assume an Imperial gallon was the amount of mead Henry the First could chug once a sennight, or some damn thing!).

And I'll take an Imperial pint, cheers!

JR

 

[Toolmaker65]

Checked back in to see what the discussion was producing here and I was amazed at what has happened

First, anything that is threaded is a screw, bolt or nut. Wood screws are screws, hex head cap screws (what most people call 'bolts', the things that hold your cylinder heads on) are screws, bolts are bolts but still threaded and therefore screws. To find out the exact definition and see a picture of each beast, please refer to Machinery's Handbook. Most people who are not machinists or toolmakers will pass out or puke looking at all the data and definitions of each. In my 24th edition Machinery's this data comprises 196 pages, complete with footnotes referring back to various standards set by ANSI. You gotta look that up on your own.

Second, if it is a screw it is available in US/English/SAE - whatever you want to call it as well as metric. So yes Virginia, there are metric lag screws.

Related to all of these screws is a chapter specifically dedicated to various screw threads and threading: unified screw threads, metric screw threads, acme crew threads, square threads, spark plug threads, hose coupling threads, electric lamp threads, and the like. This is another 266 pages....so there are coarse, fine, and extra fine threads. The neat thing about all of this is that there are plenty of mind contorting fractions and decimals in here, which makes it extremely fun reading

In the end, it does not matter if it is SAE or metric, a screw of comparable size in either system that is made out of the same grade of steel will have equal holding power when torqued properly - end of argument over metric being better than SAE or vice versa - it just doesn't matter from the engineering end of holding something together

The only benefit of metric over standard as far as I can tell is for someone who is way way way over the top OCD worse than myself is that with metric you have nice whole numbers forged into your wrenches or sockets which looks a lot neater than those messy fractions - that is unless you need a 4.5 or 5.5 mm socket or wrench. The problem with SAE is that the fractions are not nice and neat thanks to some no grease under the fingernails, pale, i can't lift a 16 oz (0.4536 kg) hammer mathematician said that fractions need to be simplified. Personally I have no problem calling a 1/4" wrench a 4/16" wrench, but would actually prefer 8/32" as I still have some of the old x/32" wrenches and sockets, so it would just make my box look so much neater and uniform

I think we have deviated from the question which is kind of a basic beginner wrench turning question as far as what to have in your box for that first job type of thing. It all depends on what you work on. Newer and/or import cars you can probably get away with all metric, but may need to have one or two SAE wrenches or sockets for those oddball jobs. Older vehicles, trucks, farm implements, and industrial applications will require both. To be a first class mechanic, restoration expert, or customizer will require both plus a heck of a lot more.....I don't think Jay Leno is going to hire you if you show up with more than a basic set of Harbor Freight metric sockets and combination wrenches. For DIY and hobby use you will probably need both. A craftsman is capable of working in or with either system without any undue distress and is capable of using all methods of measurement, including fractions - at least that was what was taught to me in shop in school and when I got into my trade. If you could not read a tape measure or scale ('rule') there was no point in walking through the door.

Just my $0.02 on this (again)

 

[Gmonkee]

Its about successful commumication of a size. Both parties need to understand the same system and know the standards are solid.

One man can nuild a boat with cubits and digits. It can be a good boat. He cannot relay the sizes to a helper to make the parts for him and know they fit perfectly.

I can build a tin box to your exact specs. If I have the object it must fit I can build it without measuring anything and knowing how many units wide or tall.

If I try to teach another how to build that same box I must be able to communicate in a known unit how big it must be.
It does not matter the name of said unit as long as it is fixed in size.

 

[Tom White]

They’re are two types of countries in the world

Those that use the metric system
And
Those that have been to the moon !

How many times has this line been used on these forums? Can't someone come up with something new? Getting a bit stale.

 

[Tom White]

Well it’s not “just” one country that hasn’t switched

It’s 28% of the worlds economy
We have all the money
We can use whatever system we want

And all the national debt/budget deficit we can handle....possibly more than we can handle.