The problem with global manufacturing

[Bentrim]

When started working in the late 60's almost everything was sae, once you started using the it became easy to look at a bolt or nut and pick the right wrench.
The biggest issue that bothered me was fine thread, course thread. Massey on the tractors and combines used course thread, the Perkins engines used fine thread.
Then I learn metric has THREE thread pitches.
As the manufacturers started importing products found metric started to creep in. so I purchased a set of metric wrenches and sockets only to find a lot of sizes "interchange".
Even service manuals are using metric system, glad my torque wrenches are marked in both.

 

[Yamezz]

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

I don't think it's a problem with global manufacturing - it's a problem with America stubbornly refusing to be dragged into the 18th century. I could write an A4 page of things America does different to (just about) everyone else in the world.

 

[camshawn]

If you are building, just pick a tape measure that goes with the plans……metric plans, metric tape, standard plans, standard tape. Your eye will pretty quickly adjust to the scale you are using. Math is still math.
With mechanical things, have both sets of wrenches and get on with the job. If the standard doesn’t fit, try the metric or get out the “crescent”. My Dad got me a set of ratcheting box ends back in the late 70’s that have a 12 point type design, 6 points are standard and the other 6 points are metric. If one doesn’t feel quite right, just move one tooth on the box end and you are off to the races.

 

[dicktill]

<snip> My Dad got me a set of ratcheting box ends back in the late 70’s that have a 12 point type design, 6 points are standard and the other 6 points are metric. If one doesn’t feel quite right, just move one tooth on the box end and you are off to the races.

Never seen that design; what brand are they?

 

[camshawn]

Never seen that design; what brand are they?

I will look tomorrow when I go up to the shop. They are good quality. One of his friends was importing stuff at that time and he brought home a few things for my tool box when I was in high school.

 

[Williy]

Back in the 50's the triumph motor cycle had not sae not metric
but whitworth

willy