Socket Questions

[jadedcolt]

I am an engineering student in high school looking to solve a tool related problem. I asked these questions on the Mechanics subreddit, but the responses I got where from mechanics that work on specific vehicles and not necessarily anyone that is a hobbyist. Here are my questions: Do any of you find issues when working with tools? More specifically, do you ever have difficulties in finding the socket size you need? If you don't get it correct the first time, do you find it a hassle to go grab a new one from your drawer? Do you ever grab a metric sized socket when you actually needed a US standard size, or vise versa? I know with 10+ years of experience working with specific vehicles may result in being able to eyeball a bolt and know the size or have the background knowledge of what size bolts a manufacturer uses, but there are beginners that do not have the experience or knowledge and hobbyists that do not have the time and the experience to get to that level of expertise. Input from anyone is welcome.

Thank you for your time and input!

 

[hammerhead611]

Metric sockets on one color socket rail and SAE sockets on a different color rail.

After working with different size nuts/bolts/fasteners for bit, most people can tell the size of the bolt head/nut, etc just by looking at it. I started working as a millwright in 96 and within just a few months, I was able to look at a nut or bolt and get the correct size wrench or socket.

 

[xin]

I am an engineering student in high school looking to solve a tool related problem. I asked these questions on the Mechanics subreddit, but the responses I got where from mechanics that work on specific vehicles and not necessarily anyone that is a hobbyist. Here are my questions: Do any of you find issues when working with tools? More specifically, do you ever have difficulties in finding the socket size you need? If you don't get it correct the first time, do you find it a hassle to go grab a new one from your drawer? Do you ever grab a metric sized socket when you actually needed a US standard size, or vise versa? I know with 10+ years of experience working with specific vehicles may result in being able to eyeball a bolt and know the size or have the background knowledge of what size bolts a manufacturer uses, but there are beginners that do not have the experience or knowledge and hobbyists that do not have the time and the experience to get to that level of expertise. Input from anyone is welcome.

Thank you for your time and input!

The sizes are mostly from experience like on a specific model of Motorcycle (mainly Yamaha/Kawi/Suzuki/Honda) then like on auto's (Trucks GM) one knows what size you need by looking at it or from knowing that specific manufacturer. Like on those bikes it is going to be 8mm/10/12/14/17/19/22/24/27/30/32/36 - not forgetting 6mm and the Metric Allen sizes as well... GM will be lot of 10mm on the engines, then mixed sizes including the 13/mm/15mm/18mm and the traditional sizes in metric used.



As far as knowing it takes time and experience working on stuff then it is like 2nd nature to know what you need and/or the size or sizes to be expected. Best thing to do is to find projects to work on and you will see a pattern developing. Imports such as Toyota/Honda/Nissan ect... will use the 8mm/10/12/14/17/19 ect....



I stick to GM (trucks) and they are very easy to do work on (if needed) and have not changed on the fastener sizes (consistent) through the years.



Lastly, METRIC is the easiest to work with/use - started out on Motocross bikes round about 40 years of riding them - so I am Metric all the way. Growing up on a farm had the American 'SAE' sizes got to where I found the counter part in METRIC to them.



Metric for the win!

 

[fordnut85]

It all comes with experience, I still find myself swapping between metric and standard, I helps to familiarize yourself with the different markings on the head of metric and standard bolts.

 

[retDAC]

If I don't already know, I either grab a set or 2-3 sizes before I start. Sometimes it is a hassle to go get the correct size after starting.
Where feasible, I prefer to use the tighter size such as 5/16" instead of 8mm, 11mm instead of 7/16", 19mm instead of 3/4", 1-1/16" instead of 27mm.
Seldom encounter seriously corroded, painted fasteners which would call for sockets/wrenches broached toward the looser end of spec.

 

[protegeV]

I can't remember the last time I touched an SAE socket, though I do own some....I think.

 

[GirlnAgarage]

For me choosing the right size to try on a nut or bolt or me has gotten better with experience. I have it by the 3rd but first and second are getting more often. That includes choosing between both metric and SAE.

 

[Leaflessshadetree]

I usually just grab the tools that are close to the sizes I'm going to use and put them in a tray/box/cart that will be near the job.
It would be nice to have sizes more clearly printed on sockets for when I'm putting them back.

 

[Road_runner]

Try working on British made cars from the late 1970s��

They are a mixture of metric and imperial sizes. My dad usually remembered what was what but after he passed away 3.5 years ago, I didn’t feel that my hobby was much fun. Only just started up again and struggling at times getting the right type (metric or imperial) but the size is usually there or there abouts and I am getting better with practise.

 

[_Riddle]

My toolbox is all metric. I have SAE sockets but they are in another drawer and never get used. I can eyeball 8, 10, and 12 mm fasteners since I normally wrench on my motorcycles and those are the most common sizes. When working on a bike its not a big deal to go back and grab something out of my box, but when I'm underneath a car and don't have the right socket it can be annoying.

A big part of working efficiently is staying organized. I'm not a professional so I'm not concerned with beating flat rate or shaving minutes off a repair, but I always keep my box organized. Sockets and wrenches go back to the correct spot on the trays, screwdrivers back in the foam cutout case, etc. I know exactly where everything is in my box, but maybe that just means I don't have enough tools yet!

 

[unslow1]

I keep SAE and metric separate it the toolbox. When I'm grabbing a socket I usually get what I think it is then the size on either side. It's pretty rare to miss by more than one size. I'd really like to see sockets marked more clearly. When you are under a car even on a lift the lighting can make the size hard to read. In the toolbox several years ago I went to peg style socket organizers.

 

[Dakkyz]

I can normally eye ball a 10-13-17-19 but normally if I think it's a 17 I will bring a 16-18 as well.

With Torx and there been very little difference with a T25-27-30 I will bring the whole set.

 

[Mr Ratchet]

If I'm working on any of the cars in my garage, I know they are metric. I just take the whole Hansen tray. I usually grab the right size the first time but, some times it may take 2 or 3 guesses. I'm better with standard sizes. I use standard sizes about 60% of the time and Metric 40% of the time on what I work on.

 

[L.Cheapo]

Never an issue. Proper organization keeps the metric and SAE separate and in order. Experience tells me what size a fastener is just by looking at it, aside from the rare oddball stuff. Not a pro.

 

[woody 73]

My eyes are not what they used too be, getting old *****! I do like the plastic socket racks they do help me out very much. Anyhow I have a nice wall chart listing all the different thread sizes and that helps me out big time.

Funny thing I liked those Harbor freight colored sockets but the color comes off very fast and it hurts me being color blind. I so wish that other American companies used some kind of color (not just a tiny band) like the kobalt ones. I did pick up a used Matco set that has large colored blue numbers, (I think or green in color) they do help me out. Craftsman at one point had the large readable numbers but some of them wear out fast over time.

Hope that helps you out a little bit...

 

[Ole Slewfoot]

How does one get to be an engineering student in high school?

 

[Wamsutta]

Complaint:

The title of the pole has nothing to do with the title of the thread.

Socket Questions

What rank would you give yourself in regards to working on cars ?

 

[protegeV]

Complaint:

The title of the pole has nothing to do with the title of the thread.

Socket Questions

What rank would you give yourself in regards to working on cars ?

I think he's trying to get a feel for his audience, even though there's no direct correlation between the poll results and the category which each individual poster falls into.

 

[Wamsutta]

I think he's trying to get a feel for his audience, even though there's no direct correlation between the poll results and the category which each individual poster falls into.

That could be, but the pole is not going to tell him the "rank" of each individual replying.

 

[scubadoober]

I only reach for metric to the point I don' even keep SAE out to grab. The last time I used SAE was putting together my kid's swing set. I can generally eyeball metric fastener size in the first shot.

 

[crewchief888]

ive been wrenching at cost eq dealers for over 30 years.

i rarely grab the wrong size wrench or socket. even if i cant see the fastener i'm after 95% of the time i get the right one by feel.

 

[La Petite Tools]

I constantly grab the wrong size and usually get it on the 2nd or 3rd go but it is rather annoying. I have too much useless information in my head to make room for the useful information.

 

[Ji m]

I'd label myself an Expert Beginner

Did my first engine swap 30 years ago on the street in front of my house with a rented engine crane and barely a set of my own tools.

Now I have a garage and lots of tools but I swear sometimes my skills have slipped since I was a teenager doing swaps in the street

I just bring the socket rail with me to the car now so I don't have to guess the size.
On blind bolts that I can't see I use the "push your thumb on to the bolt" to compare to the socket size with the impression left on my thumb trick.

As far as Metric vs Std it depends on what I'm working on,
only a couple of the vehicles I wrench on have mixed fasteners.

Good luck with your poll.

 

[JimNC]

Being a teenager I suggest that you just start guessing and in a surprisingly short period you’ll find that you’re right most of the time.

 

[Stillgottimefor1]

I am an engineering student in high school looking to solve a tool related problem.

Please tell me you aren’t trying to design yet another ‘fits all socket’.! Just kidding. Wish there had been forums like this when I was your age.






Sent from my iPhone using The Garage Journal mobile app

 

[Tonyuk]

I am an engineering student in high school looking to solve a tool related problem. I asked these questions on the Mechanics subreddit, but the responses I got where from mechanics that work on specific vehicles and not necessarily anyone that is a hobbyist. Here are my questions: Do any of you find issues when working with tools? More specifically, do you ever have difficulties in finding the socket size you need? If you don't get it correct the first time, do you find it a hassle to go grab a new one from your drawer? Do you ever grab a metric sized socket when you actually needed a US standard size, or vise versa? I know with 10+ years of experience working with specific vehicles may result in being able to eyeball a bolt and know the size or have the background knowledge of what size bolts a manufacturer uses, but there are beginners that do not have the experience or knowledge and hobbyists that do not have the time and the experience to get to that level of expertise. Input from anyone is welcome.

Thank you for your time and input!

I've been a mechanic by trade since i left college, and now work for Audi for the past 15 years, but still wouldn't class myself as an "expert", always new stuff to learn with modern vehicles.

Working on German cars there's a few things i always grab, no matter what job its going to be. 10,13,16,18,19 & 21mm sockets & spanners. T25,27,30 & 45 torx bits. M8-14 spline sockets.

Swivel adaptors, extensions, torch, magnet, mirror, plenty of rags, fender cover, small pry bar, connector tool.

Impacts, blow gun, die grinder etc..

 

[mmb617]

If I know in advance whether the fastener is metric or SAE I can usually tell what size it is by looking at it. In that case I usually only grab the one socket and most of the time it fits.

The problem is some cars like my Mustang use both metric and SAE and I can't tell by looking whether it's 1/2" or 12mm for example. Often a bolt head will have either a number stamped on it indicating metric or the grade markings indicating SAE, but nuts don't have those. In that case I grab both a metric and an SAE socket and see which one fits best.

I'm just a hobbyist working in my garage so if I'm wrong and have to go to the box and get a different wrench it doesn't cost me anything.

 

[Mgdoug3]

I farm and use both. SAE I can guess right the first time since I'm used to the common size. Metric is a little tougher but getting better. If I'm not sure, I look at the bolt head and can tell if it's metric or SAE. My biggest problem is telling the difference between 3/8, 10mm and 7/16.

 

[DGersic]

For stuff I work on, mostly old and rusty, it’s a **** shoot. Sure, when it was new, that bolt had a 9/16” head on it. Now, 17 years later, it came off because I used my air hammer to pound a 13mm impact socket on to it, after the “correct” 9/16” rounded it off. I usually just grab a few SAE and metric that should be close and go with whatever fits best.



Sent from my iPad using The Garage Journal mobile app

 

[Movin/on]

I work almost exclusively on older cars and parts that are 40+ and even 80 years old so most are SAE. My sockets and wrenches are in 4 different drawers. Ratchets and breakers bars are all SAE so a separate drawer. When a SAE socket won't fit on a rusted nut or bolt head the 6 point metric will often suffice when pounded on the offending fastener. Usually after a O/A heat application to orange hot.
I voted expert hobbyist

Movin/on

 

[jadedcolt]

That could be, but the pole is not going to tell him the "rank" of each individual replying.

I am new to this website, I did not realize that the poll would not show the usernames of those that voted. I was trying to determine my audience. I have spoken face to face with hobby mechanics, automotive teachers, and professional mechanics to determine whether this is a real issue. So far, all of these people have agreed and explained how a solution could benefit them. I was trying to determine who this problem mainly effects.

 

[GrayFlattop]

If it's a problem, IMO that is due to inexperience. The more you work with tools, the more you will find that the problem isn't the tool, it's the human wielding the tool.

 

[PelicanPines]

Cars... metric
Equipment used to fix cars... SAE

 

[LXCam]

So far, all of these people have agreed and explained how a solution could benefit them.

A solution to what??

 

[protegeV]

Cars... metric
Equipment used to fix cars... SAE

Fair assessment.

 

[Ohmthis]

I chose “expert hobbyist” because I work on everything (motorcycles, quads, boats, trailers, jet skis, cars trucks, tractors) pretty whatever needs to be fixed. BUT, I work industrial maintenance and have been in trades for over 20 years now. Guessing turns into knowing with experience. I haven’t had to go get another tool because with repartition I’ve learned what to bring to the job.

 

[jgromada]

I call myself intermediate but I've tackled some big jobs especially on my BMW. I replaced the steering rack and rebuilt the front end. I think an "expert" would just dive in and know intuitively what they need to do. I end up researching most things a bit except if i have done a job before like brakes. I always recognize that there is room for learning something new.

I work almost exclusively on metric fastener cars so that is primarily what I use. I do have SAE tools since there are always other type things that require tools.

I can't say I always grab the right size socket or wrench, but I am getting better when you start to recognize trends with certain manufacturers. I have a small cart I bring out and then have a selection of sockets at the ready.

 

[PelicanPines]

Cars... metric
Equipment used to fix cars... SAE

Fair assessment.

I actually found my comment amusing when I realized it. I keep my SAE stuff in my 5 drawer cart... I have a complete set of metric in my box closest to my driveway... (I never roll my cart outside)

Whenever I'm working on a "tool"... my tractor lift for instance... it was all SAE... that's when I realized...

 

[bwringer]

Everything I work on is metric. Specifically, almost always Japanese brands, so I have my socket rails and wrench racks set up with only JIS sizes. 8, 10, 12, 14, 17, 19, 21, 22, 24, 27, 30, 32, 36mm, etc.

The other metric sizes and oddballs are on other rails and racks in the back of the drawers in case a Euro car or a Chevy or Ford stops by (FCA vehicles are politely but firmly asked to leave )

I have a bottom drawer full of rusty inch **** in case a lawn mower, Harley, or other agricultural appliance stops by and I can't otherwise get rid of it.

I, for one, would really prefer to see tool kits that don't fluff up the parts count and waste space and money with useless inch ****. I'd love to have a nice neat reasonably priced metric-only kit to stash in our Toyota vehicles.

I'd also love to see more products available in sets that don't skip sizes, or that would make it easier to buy a JIS or DIN/SAE metric set and then an available add-on kit that fills in the missing sizes.

 

[PT Doc]

I have not read all of the responses so this might be a repeat. I use the black HF socket trays. They hold the sockets business end up so a bolt or nut can be test fit. This tray design is much better than the inverted Hanson style in my opinion. Otherwise I take a guess if its metric or standard based on where its made and go from there.