The problem with global manufacturing

[Tpondel]

Just changed the battery on my Deere 3033.

Battery terminal cables removed with 1/2”
Bolts holding the battery down … 13 mm

Really??? Glad I had both sets of wrenches.

 

[jyoutz]

Been that way for a long time.

 

[Carl_NH]

Use the 13MM on the cables too - it's only .050" oversize not a big deal with 6 PT wrenches

 

[ultrarunner]

Problem is parts and support can be non available.

Buying ceramics or items where parts is non issue… no problem.

Had a package unit A/C under warranty but almost 3 months for the replacement condenser to arrive.

 

[LittleBill21]

been like that a minimum of 20 years.

 

[mjonesnh]

Just changed the battery on my Deere 3033.

Battery terminal cables removed with 1/2”
Bolts holding the battery down … 13

Just changed the battery on my Deere 3033.

Battery terminal cables removed with 1/2”
Bolts holding the battery down … 13 mm

Really??? Glad I had both sets of wrenches

My battery clamps on my New Holland takes a 13mm on positive cable and a 12mm on the ground cable. Never have seen logic in that

 

[big bubba]

what's the big deal w/extra tools esp w/HF? it's global & cheap....having said that, we'll see how current tariffs play out, regards

 

[jyoutz]

what's the big deal w/extra tools esp w/HF? it's global & cheap....having said that, we'll see how current tariffs play out, regards

Another tool buying excursion to HF is always fun. Speaking of metric vs SAE, I’ve always thought it interesting that the U.S. has stuck with the English system, while the English have adopted metric. Another curiosity is that the U.S. money system is metric (multiples of 10).

 

[big bubba]

as a machinist in the past, metric, decimals, fractions, & SAE were easy equivalents for me.
i've always had a high regard for precision tools whether metric or SAE.

OP: wouldn't worry about having extra tools to accommodate different measuring systems.
what concerns me is the potential high cost of global tooling for domestic purchase given current tariffs. but i'm not stressed, i'm old & have what i need. feel for young mechanics tho trying to get a start.

 

[wolc123]

I think I know why the US has not adopted the metric system. It’s a strategic thing. Multiplying and dividing by 12 or 16 helps our young folks develop their minds, vs just using multiples of 10 for everything. Generally, the side with the best developed minds, on average, will prevail in a military conflict. That’s a big part of why the axis lost in WW 2. The metric system did them no favors.

That’s very similar to why, in the year 2025, we still can’t get accurate long range weather forecasts. The US has long enjoyed air power superiority over its potential adversaries. Foul weather neutralizes airpower. Accurate, long range weather forecasts would benefit our adversaries.

 

[BravoXray]

Metric sockets are good to use to hammer onto rusted inch dimension bolts and nuts.

 

[LittleBill21]

I think I know why the US has not adopted the metric system. It’s a strategic thing. Multiplying and dividing by 12 or 16 helps our young folks develop their minds, vs just using multiples of 10 for everything.

No its stupid, I have never done the math EVER, i literally just fit the next one and see if it fits. SAE should have died 20 years ago, Thank god it's in the minority now.

 

[ultrarunner]

50 years ago school said in 10 years all metric… must be using metric system to count years???

 

[Lineman North Florida]

No its stupid, I have never done the math EVER, i literally just fit the next one and see if it fits. SAE should have died 20 years ago, Thank god it's in the minority now.

I guess I don't understand the push to get rid of SAE and switch to metric, help me out, what makes metric superior?

 

[Richard001]

So why do we still have a clock with 12 hours ?
Can't we change that to 10 hours.

 

[LittleBill21]

I guess I don't understand the push to get rid of SAE and switch to metric, help me out, what makes metric superior?

considering its 1 and 10's vs fractions? not to mention its now 2 different sets of tools you need to own.

I'm sorry outside of SAE and kitchen measurements, I don't use fractions for anything, I would say 95% of people are in the same boat. why should i need to do math just to figure out what size I need. I know this is going to upset the old timers, but sorry, we should have converted everything to metric a long time ago.

 

[pmsmechanic]

There are a lot of American manufacturers that have been designing/engineering in metric for many years already. I don't mind one or the other. It's when you get a studded bolt with metric on one end and SAE on the other that I start to question the IQ of some engineers. Eg, Chevy transmission mounting bolts or Chevy brake bleeding screws.

 

[jyoutz]

I guess I don't understand the push to get rid of SAE and switch to metric, help me out, what makes metric superior?

It’s simple and doesn’t have weird non divisible numbers. Everything in the metric system is divisible or multiplicative by 10. Most of the world uses metric measurements and everyone in the U.S. who is trained in science uses it.

 

[LittleBill21]

There are a lot of American manufacturers that have been designing/engineering in metric for many years already. I don't mind one or the other. It's when you get a studded bolt with metric on one end and SAE on the other that I start to question the IQ of some engineers. Eg, Chevy transmission mounting bolts or Chevy brake bleeding screws.

I do cad design in metric, every time i get a request in SAE, I have to run it through a converter.

yes ford was a big fan of metric and SAE on the same vehicle.

 

[rScotty]

Metric is simpler, but SAE is not very challenging.
I'm not sure that we do ourselves any favors when we argue that the simplest path is the best one.