Sae vs Metric sockets/wrenches?

[SHolt]

So I'm going to be switching careers to a commercial transport tech with in the next 6 months and I'm building up my sockets and wrenches.
I'm wondering what is used more? Am I better off building my metric socket and wrench sets first or my SAE?
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=528717&stc=1&d=1456003564

 

[Bondo]

commercial transport tech

Ayuh,.... Nice title, but exactly what equipment ya gonna be workin' on,..??.??

 

[JJThrasher]

Heavy trucks? Looks like you're going to need some larger tools.

 

[CNGsaves]

+1 to get up into 3/4" drive and LOTS of impact sockets !!

 

[shockwave]

Probably 3/4 and 1inch drive stuff and mostly sae but it also depends on body, or mechanical engine,general brakes,suspension or diagnostics need more detail

 

[SHolt]

Ayuh,.... Nice title, but exactly what equipment ya gonna be workin' on,..??.??

I'm trying to get on with Peterbilt.

 

[anndel]

Same here, build up your 3/4" drive tools at the minimum but include 1" drive tools. But before you go spending your money, as your new boss and ask if you can talk to some of the workers about tools.

 

[SHolt]

That's what I want to do. I'm trying to line up a day to go in and job shadow a tech so that's what I'll plan on asking them.
Thanks guys

 

[Skin]

Depends on brand but standard still dominates most of the stuff made state side especially older units that you'll b most inclined to see. Its 50/50 on newer production and like most shifts metric has started primarily with the engines.

 

[AA/FC]

You are probably going to need both SAE and metric so start building both sets as cash allows. The Peterbilt dealer closest to me is also a Hino dealer, which is a Japanese brand, which is most likely all metric. Mechanics at this dealer use both SAE and metric tools on a regular basis.

 

[The Toolest Guy]

So for you guys recommending 1" drive stuff. Where exactly do you find these large nuts and bolts that 3/4" can't handle, on a on-road truck or bus? I can't think of any.

Standard 3/4" sets go up to about 50mm / 2". With 60mm and 2-1/4" easy to find.

Just trying to save him some money as the only time I have seen 1" used is for industrial or large construction/mining machinery.

 

[ihateminimumwage]

So I'm going to be switching careers to a commercial transport tech with in the next 6 months and I'm building up my sockets and wrenches.
I'm wondering what is used more? Am I better off building my metric socket and wrench sets first or my SAE?
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=528717&stc=1&d=1456003564

Honestly, you probably would've been far better off asking this question as a continuation of your last thread.
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=318162

Now you're just starting all over again with the, "Buy the biggest and most 3/4" and 1" drive tools possible when starting out!" answers that were already debunked/corrected in the last thread.

 

[geartow]

Lots of 12 point bolts and nuts on commercial trucks. Just saying.

 

[JUNK-MAN]

Make sure to get 3/4 and 1in stuff along with building up the 1/2 set and lots of impacts and a heavy duty gun in 1/2, 3/4 and "1 and wrenches up to 2" I was told it used to be mostly SAE on large truck applications but times have changed you should get everything in MM too your bound to use it eventually and better safe than sorry.

 

[malykaii]

Honestly, don't ever cater your financial decisions to a job. Seen it way too many times. What if you realize in the first week that the place is a cluster f. What if your not a good fit and get let go in a month.

Yes, you want to look prepared... So just get a cheap affordable assortment.
GearWrench 80934 Socket Set
H.F. Large wrench set
H.F. 40996 3/4 Socket Set
Decent 1/2 gun, say IR or NitroCat
Pliers and Hammers
Torx Set (Vim)
Craftsman Box

That's what the tractor guys at work use for 90% of the day.

 

[SHolt]

Thanks for the info malykaii.

 

[otis66]

You will need wrenches and sockets up to 1 1/4 " Sae and up to 24mm metric. The company you work for will have anything bigger. I worked as a diesel mechanic for over 25 years and these are the tools I was only required to have of my own.

 

[Bondo]

You will need wrenches and sockets up to 1 1/4 " Sae and up to 24mm metric. The company you work for will have anything bigger. I worked as a diesel mechanic for over 25 years and these are the tools I was only required to have of my own.

Ayuh,.... Agreed,.....

I've been a heavy iron mechanic for decades, the most commonly used tools are a 9/16" socket, 'n end-wrench,...

For the metric equipment, the 17mm is the most commonly used tool,...

3/4", 'n 1" drive is used for very few nuts, 'n bolts, mostly driveline stuff,....

 

[crewchief888]

Ayuh,.... Agreed,.....

I've been a heavy iron mechanic for decades, the most commonly used tools are a 9/16" socket, 'n end-wrench,...

For the metric equipment, the 17mm is the most commonly used tool,...

3/4", 'n 1" drive is used for very few nuts, 'n bolts, mostly driveline stuff,....

everybody seems to think that const eq/heavy truck is all 3/4" dr..
ive been wrenching on const eq for 30 years,
my most used sockets are 9/16" 3/4", 10mm, 12mm, 13mm, 17mm, all 3/8" dr.
most used wrenches are 3/4" 1 1/4" & 1 3/8"

all depends on what you are working on, and what type of work you are doing

most shops have 3/4" dr sockets and impacts available for "shop" use

 

[The Toolest Guy]

everybody seems to think that const eq/heavy truck is all 3/4" dr..
ive been wrenching on const eq for 30 years,
my most used sockets are 9/16" 3/4", 10mm, 12mm, 13mm, 17mm, all 3/8" dr.
most used wrenches are 3/4" 1 1/4" & 1 3/8"

all depends on what you are working on, and what type of work you are doing

most shops have 3/4" dr sockets and impacts available for "shop" use

Sounds about right. I'm still waiting for people to tell me where the 1" drive sockets over 50mm fit on these trucks and buses.

 

[crewchief888]

Sounds about right. I'm still waiting for people to tell me where the 1" drive sockets over 50mm fit on these trucks and buses.

even when i worked at a deere const dealer, 1" dr wasnt used much at all, only for a few very specific nuts.

i think my biggest socket in 2 1/4" and that was for one specific nut.
wrenches go to 2", and i rarely needed anything bigger.

i can see if you were working on big haul trucks, or very large excavators/draglines....

 

[SHolt]

Thank you gentlemen this is helpful I appreciate it

 

[atomicpunk]

The only 3/4 and 1" drive stuff you should have to buy is the lug nut sockets, Good to have your own even if the shop provides them, the popular shop tools are usually beat to death if you can find them.
And yes you will need 1" drive lug nut sockets, because out here in the real world the 3/4" gun doesn't always get them off.
You should invest in a set of sockets for square head drain/fill plugs, male and female.