alfadan
Well-known member
Probably the last time I used one was in my shop press!
The 9 Millimeter Socket
- Thread starter Wamsutta
- Start date
Meursault74
Well-known member
They're good for spooling the hair I take off shopping cart wheels.What you guys use your 9mm sockets for?
oldschoolcraft
Well-known member
Could also be used for SAE 3/8 (9.5mm) that have rotten a bit.
Didn't really know there's SAE ones but makes sense of course
)Think some use a 6.5mm head too. It's the main reason why I own nut-drivers.
Grimm_the_Grey
Well-known member
you've got that last one backwards. 7/16" is .438 in. or 11.113mm.Sorry, I really hate to be that guy.....
.250" is 6.35mm
9mm is .354"
11/32" is .344"
I can tell 9mm is too big for 11/32" nuts but it's close enough & 8-32 fasteners are small so no worry of stripping the head/nut.
Just like 10mm is loose on 3/8" nuts (10-32) & 11mm is loose on 7/16" (1/4-20) but I use em anyway.
Uh oh, I can hear the socket police knocking on my door.
11mm is .4331 in.
Generally they're interchangable but sometimes you get a wrench that's on the big side and a bolt head that's on the small side or vice versa.
Yes I just did this recently, set valve lash on a z50a and Cb175k6. 9mm hex on the locknut. I took a Robertson head deck screw and threaded it into a short piece of 3/4" delrin rod. Cut off the pointy end that was sticking out and now have a nice tool for turning those adjuster screws.Honda motorcycle (smaller) engine rocker adjustment is a 9mm. Typically only requires a combo wrench, but sometimes is tight enough to warrant a socket to break it loose, before switching back to the closed end wrench and the square head specialty tool to turn it.
(file photo...never use a pair of pliers for this, lol)
Notgrownup
Well-known member
I don’t remember, i just keep picking some until on fits
Just a reminder that the GJ mantra “no skips” makes no sense. We don’t need 9mm sockets in every socket set. We need a way to address the 9mm fasteners when and where they occur.
For me, I only encounter them as bleeders. I have a brake bleeder wrench for that. I have useless 9mm sockets in almost every socket set I own. 11mm same.
“No skips“ is just plain dumb. It’s okay if that’s what you want, but for an Internet forum to recommend that as heartily as we do here, I’m not sure what else to call it.
These threads (what are std bolt head sizes?, when do we need non-stds tools?) are what GJ should be all about. This is info that (hopefully) helps people.
That said, 9&11, aren’t as bad as the guys who want 20-29mm in 3/8”drive
For me, I only encounter them as bleeders. I have a brake bleeder wrench for that. I have useless 9mm sockets in almost every socket set I own. 11mm same.
“No skips“ is just plain dumb. It’s okay if that’s what you want, but for an Internet forum to recommend that as heartily as we do here, I’m not sure what else to call it.
These threads (what are std bolt head sizes?, when do we need non-stds tools?) are what GJ should be all about. This is info that (hopefully) helps people.
That said, 9&11, aren’t as bad as the guys who want 20-29mm in 3/8”drive
KnurledNut
Well-known member
I have a special flexible nutdriver ABA branded just for their swedish 7mm clamps.
demarpaint
Well-known member
Brake bleeders come to mind.
ToolmanGary
Well-known member
9mm is the least used size in the box. I’ve only found 9mm on a counterfeit Honda engines and a VW engine, on the VW it was a 12 point 9mm, and luckily I had one and it was probably the first time it was used.
Bubba Fett
Well-known member
It is pretty funny that people want "no-skip" socket sets, but then complain that certain sizes never get used.
66HertzClone
ALLIANCE MEMBER
I think I remember it being used to remove the front side marker lights on the older Ford Taurus, not fun to reach and a commonly burned out bulb.
Are they the same people? (Honest question, I have no idea. I don't pay attention to that.)
I see a case for two different kinds of toolkits. one is the shop one, which has to have everything to work on anything that might need work. size and weight are not big concerns here, so no skips make sense. The other is a portable kit, either to carry as a mobile mechanic's kit or as part of a toolkit for a vehicle/machine/tractor/whatever. That should have the tools needed to do the likely things, so if there are no 9mm heads on your vehicle, you don't need one. similarly, if the place they're used is to hold the rocker arm adjusters, you consider "is this a job I'll do (would do, if **** happens) outside the shop?". If no, skip.
Some people, including a lot of people around here, have both needs.
Hohn
Well-known member
CLose, but not the same. 9mm bullets (for 9mm and 380) are .355 diameter but the revolver cartridge bullets are 0.357"I thought 9mm was near a .380acp or .38spl or 357
Interchange them at your peril. Although I do know if instances where the adventurious types have used a bullet sizing die to squeeze the latter down to get some crazy heavy 9mm loads (more than the common 147gr max).
Chrome Vanadium Cody
Well-known member
- Joined
- Jul 25, 2021
- Messages
- 663
It’s one of those things where if you work on weird stuff you’ll run into these sizes eventually. Like I said I’ve only used 9mm tools on one project but I use 11mm (yes 11mm, not 7/16”) all the time. Why? My moped has a ton of fasteners where it’s 10mm on one side and 11mm on the other side. Part of the design ethos was to let someone work on it with as few tools as possible so no duplicate sockets or wrenches… but it led to some unexpected fastener sizes!
alfadan
Well-known member
I think I have an idea! Collect 9mm wrenches and sockets and have a few out when working on something. When you get pissed off and want to throw something, use the 9mm!
bwringer
Well-known member
There are certain motorcycle carburetors that have a 9mm hex on needle seat, so you need a deep well 1/4" drive 9mm socket to remove it.
Only one I've seen so far.
I did a tire change on a Buell motorcycle that used a 9mm socket head (allen) bolt somewhere on the rear end (I forget where...). We spent a desperate two hours scouring local stores for a set of no-skip hex keys or sockets, and finally found a cheapo set on clearance at a hardware store. (This was a few years before Harbor Freight started selling a no-skip Icon set.)
And no, it wasn't a 3/8"; that's 9.525mm.
Buells were neat machines, but you'd absolutely empty your toolbox and then some dealing with the wild, random array of metric, inch, and Klingon fasteners.
Only one I've seen so far.
I did a tire change on a Buell motorcycle that used a 9mm socket head (allen) bolt somewhere on the rear end (I forget where...). We spent a desperate two hours scouring local stores for a set of no-skip hex keys or sockets, and finally found a cheapo set on clearance at a hardware store. (This was a few years before Harbor Freight started selling a no-skip Icon set.)
And no, it wasn't a 3/8"; that's 9.525mm.
Buells were neat machines, but you'd absolutely empty your toolbox and then some dealing with the wild, random array of metric, inch, and Klingon fasteners.
I worked on both of those models during my days at the Honda shop back in the 70's!
Seems like I've used a 9mm on a brake bleeder- maybe on a Brembo caliper? I was watching a SMA video months ago and he used a 9mm socket for some front bumper area screws on a Chrysler car. And it didn't seem to be the case of a rusted 10mm as he said it was a 9.
I mostly agree with AEAdam, and I'm also not a die hard "no-skips" guy. I have a 1/2" drive 10mm socket that came with a set, I don't think I've ever used it and I probably never will. If I'm working on a fastener with a 10mm head, I'm going 1/4 drive most of the time, occasionally use 3/8 drive. I guess that's not exactly an example of no skip though, just a small socket to inflate the piece count on the set I guess.
But sometimes that "useless" bench warmer socket gets the call.
My 11mm x 3/8 drive socket sat in my toolbox for 20 years or more, never used. Then I did R&R on a bmw m54 intake and exhaust manifolds as part of an engine swap. 11mm hex on all those nuts, so it finally had its chance to shine. I think the 11mm x 1/4 drive got a workout too, on the end of a speed handle. Put me in, coach.
I helped my son replace gaskets on oil pan and valve covers on his '85 Corvette this past weekend. With a mid 1980s up to early 2000s GM, you better have a full toolbox. SAE and metric, we used them all. Engine is mostly SAE sizes, chassis seems like a mix. He was using 10mm and 11mm sockets to pull the oil pan screws. I checked them out with a caliper, said hey bud, use these 3/8" and 7/16" instead. They fit better.
But sometimes that "useless" bench warmer socket gets the call.
My 11mm x 3/8 drive socket sat in my toolbox for 20 years or more, never used. Then I did R&R on a bmw m54 intake and exhaust manifolds as part of an engine swap. 11mm hex on all those nuts, so it finally had its chance to shine. I think the 11mm x 1/4 drive got a workout too, on the end of a speed handle. Put me in, coach.
I helped my son replace gaskets on oil pan and valve covers on his '85 Corvette this past weekend. With a mid 1980s up to early 2000s GM, you better have a full toolbox. SAE and metric, we used them all. Engine is mostly SAE sizes, chassis seems like a mix. He was using 10mm and 11mm sockets to pull the oil pan screws. I checked them out with a caliper, said hey bud, use these 3/8" and 7/16" instead. They fit better.
I use 1/2 10mm all the time. IF I'm working with 1/2 already and discover a 10, I've got the ratchet or impact out already, faster to switch sockets than grab a different drive tool. If I am expecting a bunch of tens, then 1/4 or 3/8 is likely to be used, depending on my mood and what else is there. That's true of most of the overlaping sizes, too.
oldschoolcraft
Well-known member
Okay Mr Smarty Pants, if you dont have 11mm sockets, then how do you deal with 7/16" SAE fasteners?
In all seriousness, I like the idea of no skips from 8mm to 19mm including SAE that doesnt very closely overlap, which is 3/8", 1/2", 9/16" and 11/16" in that range.
The reason for that is to deal with the possibility of out of spec or damaged fasteners. I dont feel the need for no skips in 20mm+ because there's really only a handful of sizes relevant to me - 22mm, 24mm, 27mm with a special 12-point 30mm for axle nuts and special thin wall 21mm for lug nuts. So really just three 3 sizes above 19mm.
I dont hate skipping 9mm, but to me it seems reasonable to do a no skips 8 to 19 because it's a limited range. I agree 11mm isn't something I see, but it's basically the same as 7/16" which is a common SAE fastener size so I'm either going to have an 11 or a 7/16 and its easier for me to buy 8 to 19 set of no skips and then add in four SAE sizes as singles.
What I'm doing with my tool set is having multiple toolkits. There's general purpose which has fewer types of sockets, but there's no skips. And then there's specialty car kit which has more variety of sockets and wrenches but skips and only has the relevant sizes to my needs. That gives me lots of options for the fasteners I know I will encounter, while still retaining some capability to hit some off fastener size if needed.
For all I know, I'll wind up installing some aftermarket Chinese part from Autozone in a time crunch that is all that's available and it will have a 9mm bolt on it.
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darrowco
Well-known member
I just used a 9mm socket taking apart an old hvac fan motor. Using a 9mm is not an everyday activity. I keep all my 9mm's next to the whitworth and BS tools 
Grimm_the_Grey
Well-known member
I'd guess that 20mm is used even less than 9mm, overall. But you probably don't have a 20mm in your box so what you said is technically still correct, I suppose.
Vw clutch cover bolts are the only time I’ve used a 9mm. Had to hunt around for an old set of 12pt sockets.
Never seen one on a bleeder, they’re normally 10 or 11 over here
20mm, now that's a size I can't ever remember using in my entire life. Up until late last year I had never used 18mm either.
But again 9mm & 11mm I use very often at work simply because I use them "wrong". OEM fasteners on the vehicles are all metric but the equipment we install use imperial, SAE, standard, or whatever you wanna call it. So I just use metric sockets & wrenches to save space & keep it simple. The only exception are 9/16" sockets & wrench cause 14mm won't always fit the 9/16" we use.
But again 9mm & 11mm I use very often at work simply because I use them "wrong". OEM fasteners on the vehicles are all metric but the equipment we install use imperial, SAE, standard, or whatever you wanna call it. So I just use metric sockets & wrenches to save space & keep it simple. The only exception are 9/16" sockets & wrench cause 14mm won't always fit the 9/16" we use.
Wrench97
Well-known member
Swelled up Ford lug nuts........
I'm pretty sure I remember one of my past motorcycles using a 20mm axle nut. Had to loosen it to adjust the chain tension.
KnurledNut
Well-known member
Fan motor? 11/32.I just used a 9mm socket taking apart an old hvac fan motor. Using a 9mm is not an everyday activity. I keep all my 9mm's next to the whitworth and BS tools
Crazyjake8493
Well-known member
I've used 7mm and 9mm on some grease fittings on my tractor. Made me realize my ratcheting wrench set is missing both of those sizes, which I'll have to order soon.
oldschoolcraft
Well-known member
I have limited experience on cars, but what I'm gathering is for purposes of a streamlined mobile mechanic kit, I could run:
8, 10, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19 (Skipping 9 and 11)
add in 3/8", 7/16", 1/2", 9/16" and 11/16" for SAE
If I do run across an 11mm, I could use the 7/16" but since 11mm sounds rare, I'm guessing 7/16 is more common and I should pick the more common size to be the better fit.
Skipping 5/16" because that's basically 8mm and skipping 5/8" because that's close to 16mm, and skipping 3/4" as being basically 19mm
If you're worried about 9mm brake bleeders consider getting a Lisle brake bleeder wrench for $14 that will probably work better than the combination wrench or socket, if that's the only thing you're doing with it.
8, 10, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19 (Skipping 9 and 11)
add in 3/8", 7/16", 1/2", 9/16" and 11/16" for SAE
If I do run across an 11mm, I could use the 7/16" but since 11mm sounds rare, I'm guessing 7/16 is more common and I should pick the more common size to be the better fit.
Skipping 5/16" because that's basically 8mm and skipping 5/8" because that's close to 16mm, and skipping 3/4" as being basically 19mm
If you're worried about 9mm brake bleeders consider getting a Lisle brake bleeder wrench for $14 that will probably work better than the combination wrench or socket, if that's the only thing you're doing with it.
chevy.stroker
Well-known member
I'm confused about the mobile mechanic comments. If I was making my living being mobile, where time is money, I wouldn't want to be wasting an hour chasing a $4 to $15 socket/wrench/nut driver.
Anyway, just my thought.
Anyway, just my thought.
oldschoolcraft
Well-known member
Oh sorry for the confusion, I guess it should be more commonly called a Junkyard Mechanics Kit. Where you're carrying your tools so you have to keep it light.
When I say mobile mechanic, I guess it's confusing because most people think of professional mobile mechanic. Whereas I'm referring to mobile home gaming mechanic where you travel somewhere else to do the work because you live in an apartment. I guess very few people actually do that, so I can see why it's confusing.
VolvoRyan
Well-known member
I used a 20mm once.... and was amazed that it was indeed the size. Volvo used the AW7X transmissions (Toyota A4XX) for all of the OHC, RWD models (1975-98). Bell housing bolts seemed to be DIN/ISO/JIS depending on where the cars were made, and how the trans was supplied. This meant the fasteners could have 17mm, 18mm, or 19mm heads. Fun!
Messing with brake bleeders and flare fittings with cheap tools is the most expensive way to do brake work. You get one go on this stuff. No mulligans.
-Ryan
Grimm_the_Grey
Well-known member
I use 7mm and 9mm wrenches more often than sockets in those sizes. Mostly on stainless quick links which always seem to be 7, 9, and 11mm these days
Grimm_the_Grey
Well-known member
I would have had to check if there was a similarly sized
I've heard they're out there, but I've never seen one myself. I do have 20 mm sockets and wrenches though, because having them means I'll never encounter a 20mm bolt head... unless I loan them out or something. Then, all of the sudden, BAM! 20mm everywhere