bob15
Well-known member
What you work on determines what is popular and what is not.
unpopular wrench sizes
- Thread starter sierradmax
- Start date
Professional Tool User
Well-known member
It really depends on what you work on. There may be special applications where I may need a 7 or a 9. 11 will be needed for Ford's, 16 may come up, 17 and 19 are necessary for Honda and Toyota. The only two metric sizes I wouldn't bother with on the list are 23 and 26. As for SAE sizes, 1/4 might come up for small sizes fasteners, anything in 32 of an inch seems to be pointless, 11/16 and 13/16 come up every now and then and 7/8 is one of the most common sizes.
sberry
Banned
11/32 is a gm ign thing. 17 is used once in a while, 16 really rare and 5/8, 11/16, 13/16 is a farm equipment thing mostly. 9 and 11 rare. 15 and 18mm on cars.
2ndGearRubber
Well-known member
7 - Ford, some german, replacement for 1/4 it seems
9 - rarely used, if ever.
11 - Brake bleeder screws.
16 - Every american car, common aftermarket bolt size.
17 - Every japanese car ever.
19 - Every japanese car ever.
23 - close to 15/16 IIRC. Some drain plugs and sensors.
26 - rarely used, if ever. 25.4 is 1 inch.
-----------------------------------------------
1/4 - hose clamps (that and 5/16 for every aftermarket "worm" clamp), older american stuff.
11/32 - machine screw size, absolutely ridiculous , X/32 should not exist.
11/16 - older american stuff, it's about 17mm
13/16 - older american stuff, about 21mm
7/8 - older american stuff.
By "older american", I'd say no newer than 2000, most cars they produced were mostly metric head size by then anyways. Nothing like a metric head on an SAE coarse pitch bolt.
7 I use, but incredibly rarely, probably been a few years. I'm thinking 129 chassis upper bow lock cylinders is the only thing I use them on. I also use 7mm on hose clamps, but thats usually a socket.
9 I use slightly more, some caliper bleeder screws.
11, 17, 19 I use daily. 11 for bleeder screws, 17 and 19 for suspension.
SAE, never.
9 I use slightly more, some caliper bleeder screws.
11, 17, 19 I use daily. 11 for bleeder screws, 17 and 19 for suspension.
SAE, never.
7 - jubilee hose clip /clamp adjustment bolt head
8/9 some toyota bleed ******* (wife's mark 1 yaris has them, ditto for many motorcycles)
11mm - brake bleed *******
16 is the new ISO m10 bolt head size, common as heck on GM Europe
17 - previous M10 bolt head size, still widely used as many manufacturers were tooled up for 17mm and stuck with it
18 - new ISO M12 bolt head size
19 - Previous M12 size, again really common due to so many being tooled up for 19mm
I just had to go and buy a set of British Standard Whitworth spanners to disassemble a vintage drawing table to repaint it.
8/9 some toyota bleed ******* (wife's mark 1 yaris has them, ditto for many motorcycles)
11mm - brake bleed *******
16 is the new ISO m10 bolt head size, common as heck on GM Europe
17 - previous M10 bolt head size, still widely used as many manufacturers were tooled up for 17mm and stuck with it
18 - new ISO M12 bolt head size
19 - Previous M12 size, again really common due to so many being tooled up for 19mm
I just had to go and buy a set of British Standard Whitworth spanners to disassemble a vintage drawing table to repaint it.
plinker
Well-known member
7mm is pretty common for interior hardware, I use little 4mm hex bolts for various things and this is the wrench size.
Hose clamps are either 1/4 or 5/16 for the most part, so quite common.
11mm on some caliper hose bolts and for Ford interior nuts, most likely use a 7/16 anyway.
I've used a 23mm on a spool cap jam nut cable control on log loader from Finland. same place uses 9mm for a grease fitting.
I've used my 26mm on something, dont remember exactly what, likely something that started out as a larger size and rusted down.
Many probably think "X" size wrench/socket is useless or uncommon, but between domestic, Asian & Euro vehicles there is a lot of variation in what is used.
Not to mention home projects & repairs of any sort, heavy equipment & hydraulics, heavy trucks & industrial.
Everything is useful or used for something.
Hose clamps are either 1/4 or 5/16 for the most part, so quite common.
11mm on some caliper hose bolts and for Ford interior nuts, most likely use a 7/16 anyway.
I've used a 23mm on a spool cap jam nut cable control on log loader from Finland. same place uses 9mm for a grease fitting.
I've used my 26mm on something, dont remember exactly what, likely something that started out as a larger size and rusted down.
Many probably think "X" size wrench/socket is useless or uncommon, but between domestic, Asian & Euro vehicles there is a lot of variation in what is used.
Not to mention home projects & repairs of any sort, heavy equipment & hydraulics, heavy trucks & industrial.
Everything is useful or used for something.
BDT/NWMN
Well-known member
Working on everything from antique to late model vehicles of all makes and sizes, agricultural and lawn equipment, appliances, electronics, power tools and toy trains will result in a need for those sizes.. If you don't work on all this stuff; one of the sets missing those sizes might suit your needs. But not having those sizes could be like having soup for dinner without a spoon.
Buickspec6231
Well-known member
A lot of 7/16" bolts have a 5/8" head but an 11/16" nut. I mostly work on older things and many rusty pieces. Sometimes those oddball sizes are exactly the right size for oxidized and corroded fasteners. Just a little tapping from a hammer and you have a perfect fit. I say never omit a size because it isn't used often.
retDAC
Well-known member
It's actually 24mm that is close to 15/16":
15/16" = 0.9375"
24mm = 0.9449"
Diff = 0.0074" or 0.79%
FWIW, 23mm is close to 29/32":
23mm = 0.9055"
29/32" = 0.9063"
Diff = 0.0007" or 0.08%
Spark plug 13/16
Classic VWs too. Four 17mm nuts hold the engine in! They can be found elsewhere too, but it escapes me at the moment.
Yes anything made under old DIN rules will have 17, 19mm all over the place. Around year 2000 DIN harmonized with ISO size so those things (M10, M12 bolts) are generally 16/18mm now.
At least that's how it is with VW/audi. Of course you still need 17/19mm to get wheels off, and probably other things. oil drain. etc.
90's and earlier VWs:
7 - gear clamps
8* - glue that holds interior together, like 1/4 or 5/16 sheet metal screws in an old chevy
9 - not sure I've ever used it.
10*
11 - brake hard lines, no where else
12 - bleeders? rare. maybe only remans, probably 10mm before oversize.
13*
14 - brake soft lines, no where else.
15*
16 - never
17*
18 - never
19*
starred things are used everywhere, preferred sizes.
I'm thinking that the 11 and 14mm sizes for brake lines are metrication of 7/16 and 9/16 - to go with the 4.75mm brake line (3/16"). They don't use those anywhere otherwise.
At least that's how it is with VW/audi. Of course you still need 17/19mm to get wheels off, and probably other things. oil drain. etc.
90's and earlier VWs:
7 - gear clamps
8* - glue that holds interior together, like 1/4 or 5/16 sheet metal screws in an old chevy
9 - not sure I've ever used it.
10*
11 - brake hard lines, no where else
12 - bleeders? rare. maybe only remans, probably 10mm before oversize.
13*
14 - brake soft lines, no where else.
15*
16 - never
17*
18 - never
19*
starred things are used everywhere, preferred sizes.
I'm thinking that the 11 and 14mm sizes for brake lines are metrication of 7/16 and 9/16 - to go with the 4.75mm brake line (3/16"). They don't use those anywhere otherwise.
timc930
Well-known member
I've used all of these, except maybe the 7 many times on German and English cars....especially the 11,16,17,19.
7, 9,11,16,17,19, 23, 26
7, 9,11,16,17,19, 23, 26
2ndGearRubber
Well-known member
jessecain1
Member
- Joined
- May 18, 2015
- Messages
- 8
while not as critical as my Allen sockets/wrenches. I use 7,11,17,19 almost everyday repairing CNC machines it would be almost unthinkable not to have them. So it's pretty critical, 7/8 is used on alot of our leveling feet on different equipment we have as well.11/16 13/16 is common for hydraulic lines. 11/32 is common in electrical terminals for motors. 26 is pretty common to on our pallet robot cells. really the only metric size I have never used is a 20mm looks brand new in my box.
Last edited:
byoungblood
Well-known member
1/4" is used for #4 nuts, 11/32 for #8. Recall that these screw sizes go WAY back, hence the odd sizes. I use them all the time in electronics stuff.
seber
Well-known member
I can't believe only one mention of 1/4". I have had to replace that socket twice due to wearing out. It's always about what you work on.
Milton Shaw
Well-known member
- Joined
- Feb 11, 2011
- Messages
- 4,839
5/8 fits most stop valve under sinks and behind toilets. 13/16 used to be the size on all 18mm spark plugs in Fords and on small equipment until they went to small plugs. My 13/16 deep spark plug socket I have had to use several times with an 13/16 wrench on the hex top as I could not get any extension or ratchet in the engine compartment. 13/16 used to be all Ford lug nuts and 3/4 for GM. 7mm is about all recent Ford dash screws. 11/32 is used on a lot of GM starter solenoids and other electrical terminals on motors etc. 9/32 I used to use a lot on Ford suspension to remove the grease plugs and replace with grease fittings.
I know I have used every size SAE and Metric that I have. Still have to use metric crescent wrench on occasions or sizes I don't have. LOL
I know I have used every size SAE and Metric that I have. Still have to use metric crescent wrench on occasions or sizes I don't have. LOL
kythri
Well-known member
One of my sewing machine tables has bolts with 20mm heads. Had to buy a socket for it.
bmwrd0
Well-known member
9mm is used on Huret derailleurs. Vintage French Goodness!
But really, there is a use for each and every size, you just might not work on that piece of equipment. I needed a 19/32 to detach my '50 Delta scroll saw from the factory table. But I had a Proto in that size!
But really, there is a use for each and every size, you just might not work on that piece of equipment. I needed a 19/32 to detach my '50 Delta scroll saw from the factory table. But I had a Proto in that size!
retDAC
Well-known member
For those not so blessed with a good old American size wrench/socket, 15mm works:
15mm = 0.5906"
19/32" = 0.5938"
Diff = 0.0032" or only 0.54%
dr_clyde
Well-known member
I really don't understand threads like this. They make wrenches and sockets of all these sizes for a reason, because there are fasteners that use them.
Either you want a well equipped tool set, or you don't.
There are some applications where having only the wrenches you need are advised, (mobile tools, ect), but for the most part, I think a complete wrench set is a good investment.
Either you want a well equipped tool set, or you don't.
There are some applications where having only the wrenches you need are advised, (mobile tools, ect), but for the most part, I think a complete wrench set is a good investment.
kythri
Well-known member
What size does the Hotmail truck use?
I don't know about hotmail but had an AOL mail truck once that was all Whitworth.
Your not including the cheap group. The ones that believe that just getting the job done with the most cost effective way with out regards that there is a reason to do it properly with the correct tool.
Some of the odd sizes have not worked as they were sold. Sockets make great press tools, wrenches can work well in prying or supporting positions. Your limited by your imagination if you have the tools in your kit or your wallet if that is what governs your decision making.
In a professional setting having the tools normally makes you money. Most of my tools have paid for them selves.
timc930
Well-known member
+1, I'm no pro, but I am heavy into (car) projectss and maint right now. I have used every metric size that I own, from 4-30 at least once, can't remember when I've used my 4 and 7, but I am sure if I have not, the time will come, and it will be nice to have when I need it.
Nick Danger
Well-known member
Ah, memories. In the mid-1970s, I bought myself a metric bicycle. My parents gave me a set of Powercraft metric wrenches for Christmas, because there were no metric tools in the house. It was one of those partial sets. I needed an 11mm wrench to get anywhere. It also had 9mm and 7mm.
I quickly filled in the gaps in the set. I'm still using those wrenches.
I quickly filled in the gaps in the set. I'm still using those wrenches.
Lassen Forge
Well-known member
7 was a points plate on some japanese motorcycle I owned (Yamaha? Old Suzuki?), it was a replacement for the fricking pseudo-phillips strip-o-matic screw head that it came stock with. The 4 was for the nuts holding the dash gauge panel together on my old Mazda wagon so I could replace the light. Damn, that was a while ago...
All your odd sizes are pretty common on older Imported motorcycles. The 16 is (usually) ford or some older mopar, both it and the 26 are found on European (German or some Italian) cars.
Jeez, my old Harley has most of those. the larger 3 are common spark plug or axle nut or somesuch. 1/4 is pretty common behind the dashboard and for non-automotive apps (as is 5/16). I can't remember what that 11/32 was used for, but a lot of old fasteners translated to the "32nds" sizes.
plinker
Well-known member
#8 machine screws use 11/32nd for the nuts.
There is truth in this. Everyone must live within their means so I don't recommend buying a bunch of tools you can't afford just to have them. On the other hand sockets and wrenches are fairly cheap and trying to figure out which sizes you need and avoid buying the ones you don't seems very silly and will only save a few dollars and a small amount of storage space. Within reason just buy every size then you will have it when you need it or when you need something that exact diameter to tap in a seal, etc.
I use all the metric sizes you list, aside from 26mm, I cant remember ever using that one. I used 9mm this morning on a Mikuni main jet.
I hardly ever use any SAE.
Handyfarmer
Well-known member
that 3 1/2" socket I have i think I have only used it once,
I think I have use many of my larger sockets on my press for pressing out bearings or bushings more than on bolts,
I think I have use many of my larger sockets on my press for pressing out bearings or bushings more than on bolts,