Real close to ditching my SAE stuff...

[ChevyEFI]

If you're "tinkering in the garage," you're probably using the same tools on the car as you do on the house etc. etc.

I'd say put the SAE stuff aside but available. If you find particular sizes handy, put them back in the regular box.

 

[beerdog]

feel free to ditch them my way....haha

 

[Dimitri]

Keep the SAE, this is America after all!

The Metric Convention of 1875 set those wheels in motion. A total of 17 countries agreed to make the Metric system a international standard. The United States was one of those countries.

The American inch, and the British inch were different due to drift over time. In the end in 1951 Canada redefined the inch to equal 25.4mm exactly. Followed by the rest of the world adopting that by 1959 (including the US).

When NIST says those gage blocks are exactly 1 inch, they are checking it compared to it being exactly 25.4mm. NIST went Metric back in 1964, but as mentioned, the US adopted a metric inch in 1959.

Which is why today you still have that pesky "Survey" foot. That is because of the size of the American inch before it becoming 25.4mm exactly.

So really, deep down we are all just using metric tools.

Dimitri

 

[lbgradwell]

The American inch, and the British inch were different due to drift over time. In the end in 1951 Canada redefined the inch to equal 25.4mm exactly. Followed by the rest of the world adopting that by 1959 (including the US)

I have never, ever heard this before. That's quite amazing!

 

[Heavy Metal Doctor]

Up until maybe 5 years ago, I had barely any Metric tools at all even as a pro wrench working on brand new equipment -- all specialty stuff engineered / built here in the states. They have gone with international standards on some aspects of the machinery like hydraulic components, but the main "nuts/ bolts" of it is all SAE. So my toolbox has was up to that time about 95% SAE.
More and more metrics are creeping in as some major assemblies / more components are now sourced in the EU, but it has really hit hard now with some completely EU designed / built machines we have begun importing. I'm still only have the most basics for metric tools, but it's growing all the time. I just made a list of about 2 dozen items I need to add to cover metrics form the first big job on one of those EU machines.

IMO, I'd keep them all -- building up that set of tools and being set to handle any job that comes your way is part of the challenge and the fun in wrenching. When the toolbox gets full - buy another

 

[SMKS]

Yeah, I really don't use my SAE stuff too much. I sold a good part of it. I now have a set of SAE sockets and two sets of SAE wrenches that were cobbled together from cheap flea market purchases.

I use SAE stuff rarely in the garage on the mower, snow thrower, chainsaw, and I use it some in the house. That's how I can justify having two sets of SAE wrenches. One's in the house and one's in the garage.

I don't own any classic cars anymore, which is where I used to use SAE a lot. It's a shame really, the SAE stuff is generally way cheaper and easier to find used.

 

[d.mcfarland]

I just tore an old lawn mower apart with my SAE sockets. Beats throwing it in a dumpster.

I think the OP should thin the herd, but dedicate a regular portable box with SAE tools. Get's the best of both world for him. Have it when you need it, and it isn't taking up space in the larger box.

 

[jjjrmx5]

If you're "tinkering in the garage," you're probably using the same tools on the car as you do on the house etc. etc.

Not in my world.

Fix a lawn mower, SAE.
Fix a home fuse box , door knob, hinge or gas line. SAE.

Work on a German or Japanese Car. Metric.

Work on old 60's classic cars. SAE.

FAR from the same tools for many North Americans.

Unless you live in the EU, the Middle East or Asia and own no American based or made items. Then all metric so sell away.

Work on heavy eqiupment for a living and you learn real quick you still need SAE.

 

[knobby]

looking at a big box of whitworth spanners...

 

[farmall400]

I always thought I was in the minority here with using mostly sae. I have a bunch of metric stuff too but if my daily driver breaks I usually leave it broken unless it's rendered immobile. I should sell my metric stuff.

 

[Jim C.]

Mail them to "Mickey O" That should do it.....

Hey, I think I called "dibs" before Mickey did.

Jim C.

 

[steelespeed]

Lots of good advice here. I was surprised to log-on and see the thread at 3 pages in length.

First off, I am not anti-SAE. While I prefer the metric system 100 times over, I have no problems with fractions and decimals. Second of all, I am not an airplane mechanic, or a heavy equipment mechanic, or a diesel mechanic, or any of these other careers that still see a majority of SAE fasteners.

I also don't have the space in my small garage for a dedicated SAE box. If I did have the space, this thread would lose some of its point, wouldn't it? I see the value in having a small selection of SAE tools for those items that pop up, I just question if I really need more than one set of combo wrenches and a few 3/8 drive sockets. I mean, is there really a need for SAE from 5/16 all the way up to 1 1/2?

BTW, the vehicles that see most of my time are a japanese motorbike, a modern British motorbike, a 1998 Pontiac Grand Am, a 2007 Ford Focus, and a whole fleet of racing bicycles (all metric...I was a racer in my faster days).

I also agree that recouping the money lost while trying to sell and "thin the herd" might not be worth it. But, part of me would rather see these things used than sitting in a box collecting dust and hoping for the chance to spin a 1/2 inch nut.

Just thinking out loud. It's interesting to see how everyone else handles what seems to be a common problem.

 

[stolender]

Harley = SAE

 

[bcradio]

Keep the SAE for around the house, unless you don't work on house stuff... Also, you will need to go lower than 5/16 on your sizes so buy more SAE IMO

I always thought I was in the minority here with using mostly sae. I have a bunch of metric stuff too but if my daily driver breaks I usually leave it broken unless it's rendered immobile. I should sell my metric stuff.

This makes zero sense to me

 

[The Ratchet Man]

I mean, is there really a need for SAE from 5/16 all the way up to 1 1/2?

Um...yeah.

And you forgot 1/4"...

 

[texchappy]

Look on the bright side - at least you don't have anything that takes British standard/whitworth or you'd have even more drawers of things

BTW, if you have those, send them my way

 

[blackz26]

Keep the SAE for around the house, unless you don't work on house stuff... Also, you will need to go lower than 5/16 on your sizes so buy more SAE IMO




This makes zero sense to me

I get what he means. My dd is like that. Needs window motors, door pins, exhaust, tune up, ignition switch and so on. But it starts runs decent enough and stops. No need to put money in this rusted clunker. But its soon going to be replaced and be used as a tough truck.

 

[garthg]

I'd get rid of them and regain the space, toss them in a box and mail them to me, please pull out any Asian tools as well as any Thorsen, Barcalo or Fleet stuff before sending.

Mickey O
P.O. Box 123
Chicago, Il 60610

What's wrong with Thorsen?

 

[blackz26]

What's wrong with Thorsen?

He's probably referring to thorsen Taiwan and don't know they was USA at one point.

 

[0.511MeV]

I so very rarely use SAE that I've gone this long without owning a substantial amount of SAE tools. I bought a Gearwrench 1/4 drive pass-through SAE set when it was on sale for 9.99 at Advance Auto just because I was afraid I may need some SAE tools sometime. Otherwise, I only buy when I need something, so I have a random wrench or two and a handful of sockets.

I'm not about to get rid of any of it though. I can spare the small amount of space.

 

[LB-1911]

He's probably referring to thorsen Taiwan and don't know they was USA at one point.

 

[Zeke]

Haven't' run into any metric lag bolts yet.

 

[farmall400]

I get what he means. My dd is like that. Needs window motors, door pins, exhaust, tune up, ignition switch and so on. But it starts runs decent enough and stops. No need to put money in this rusted clunker. But its soon going to be replaced and be used as a tough truck.

Exactly.

 

[farmall400]

Haven't' run into any metric lag bolts yet.

A lot of machines are lagged with metric lag bolts when they come in from overseas. I use an adjustable for them. (metric adjustable)

 

[lbgradwell]

He's probably referring to thorsen Taiwan and don't know they was USA at one point.

I don't know why Mickey doesn't care for Thorsen, but I assure you it's not because he's unaware they were once made in the USA.

I'm not particular to Thorsen either and Barcalo is commonly not highly-regarded, but his aversion to Fleet is a surprise. If he dislikes Fleet, he needs to add at least Challenger to the list too...

 

[ganymede]

I don't know why Mickey doesn't care for Thorsen, but I assure you it's not because he's unaware they were once made in the USA.

I'm not particular to Thorsen either and Barcalo is commonly not highly-regarded, but his aversion to Fleet is a surprise. If he dislikes Fleet, he needs to add at least Challenger to the list too...

Agreed.
I like Barcalo but I can understand why they aren't liked. Perhaps Thorsen* too but Fleet?


* I love the model 77 rats though.

 

[bobcatdan]

If it's taking space in your roller, get an older carry box and drop them in there, and put it on a shelf somewhere. Then if you do need them, you at least have them...

This.

 

[G_P]

I enjoy working on old "vintage" machines and stuff. Therefore Most fasteners I encounter are SAE.

If I'm working on cars its 95% percent metric though. Haven't encountered a SAE fastener on a car in a LONG time.

Also most tools I find at yard sales are SAE. For some reason around my town people think Metric is rare and price it like its solid gold.

 

[bcradio]

I get what he means. My dd is like that. Needs window motors, door pins, exhaust, tune up, ignition switch and so on. But it starts runs decent enough and stops. No need to put money in this rusted clunker. But its soon going to be replaced and be used as a tough truck.

makes sense.... I guess it depends on your definition of broken then.

If its just worn out but still works, I'd not worry till it goes completely out. If my window motor goes completely out though, you bet i'm fixin' it.

 

[jmm]

Asking for trouble, in my opinion. Why not just consolidate SAE into less space, or have it stored away but still accessible?

 

[greasemonkey44]

i build alot of stuff with sae fasteners
the availibilty in the is just better
cant say i have ever seen metric threaded rod except in catalogs
lots of aftermarket stuff is built with sae
same with older chevy trucks, up through 99 the diff cover bolts are 1/2 on many
trailers people bring in are usually built with sae parts
lots of brake line nuts, ac line connectors
i actually have more sae now then ever

but i cant say what youll need; just what ive needed

 

[johnachak]

My answer is, how would you decide which to keep to guarantee that when you need an SAE tool, you will have the right one? At worst, I would consign them to a toolbox in a corner somewhere so they'll be there if you need em.

 

[johnachak]

How about if you work on a mower, while on a plane?

 

[byoungblood]

I enjoy working on old "vintage" machines and stuff. Therefore Most fasteners I encounter are SAE.

If I'm working on cars its 95% percent metric though. Haven't encountered a SAE fastener on a car in a LONG time.

Also most tools I find at yard sales are SAE. For some reason around my town people think Metric is rare and price it like its solid gold.

Work on anything with a Dana rear end. You'll use metric tools to remove it, then break out the SAE stuff to work on it. Right back to the late 80s all over!

 

[wmartin]

How about if you work on a mower, while on a plane?

A Haiku:


SAE lives on
While Boss 302 valve lash
Still needs adjusting

 

[Davefr]

What's wrong with Thorsen?

You can send all the old Thorsen to me. Their old exposed gear ratchets could fit into tight spaces where these SO pear head pigs couldn't even dream of getting into.

Maybe that's why Thorsen was a favorite for aircraft techs.

 

[garthg]

I don't know why Mickey doesn't care for Thorsen, but I assure you it's not because he's unaware they were once made in the USA.

I'm not particular to Thorsen either and Barcalo is commonly not highly-regarded, but his aversion to Fleet is a surprise. If he dislikes Fleet, he needs to add at least Challenger to the list too...

I've got a few old Thorsen USA pieces which I bought as NOS some years ago, including a 24mm combo wrench, and the quality seems decent, perhaps just a little below SK.

 

[Bikes&Bowties]

Tough call, you never know when you are going to need them. I have an 07 Acura TL with locking lug nuts and a broken removal key. I was able to bang a deep 3/4 12 point socket on each wheel and get all of the locking lug nuts off w/o ordering a new removal key (didn't want the locks anyway)....you never know when you will need certain tools to make your life a hell of a lot easier, even if it is a use one time and throw away type deal...

In reality you could have used a 19mm for that purpose... Or a female ez out...

 

[srmofo]

Haven't' run into any metric lag bolts yet.

exactly, if its a car theres a 95% chance Im reaching for metric ( idont work on many classics)

If its not a car, theres a 95% chance Im reaching for standard.

Besides how much room does a set of sockets and wrenches really take up?

Souunds like you need a better way to organize your tools

 

[lbgradwell]

I've got a few old Thorsen USA pieces which I bought as NOS some years ago, including a 24mm combo wrench, and the quality seems decent, perhaps just a little below SK.

Yes, I'm not saying there is anything at all wrong with Thorsen - just that it is not a brand I seek out.

I do have a Thorsen 77JC ratchet and a 1/4" Giller socket set made by Thorsen...