Why do metric sockets come in 1/4", 3/8" and 1/2" drive?

Jstpssng · Mar 30, 2020

dragoneggs said:
Ha ha... for all those that think the Chinese can't build quality. Don't underestimate them. They build a lot of crap but that is what a lot of Americans like... cheap crap.

You made a typographical error, but I fixed it for you.

dragoneggs · Mar 30, 2020

Jstpssng said:
You made a typographical error, but I fixed it for you.

Thank you... better yet, 'they build a lot of crap that a lot of Americans like'

quicksandfarmer · Mar 31, 2020

bunyip said:
Back to sockets, my socket set is both metric and SAE all nicely laid out in separate rows and I have some ring spanners that are SAE one end and metric the other, cannot even remember where I got those.

That would make me absolutely crazy.

bunyip · Mar 31, 2020

It does me after being used to one size apart, whoever dreamt this up should be shot with a ball of their own *****.

not2old · Mar 31, 2020

My first car was a 1962 Volvo 544 Sport that had a recycled body design that was metric but the new design running gear was SAE. My next car was a 1967 Volvo 123GT that was mostly SAE. My mother had a 1973 Volvo that kept the SAE running gear, but the new body was back to metric. I'm used to using both on one vehicle, but find it very pleasant to work on one that doesn't use both. Even my 1990 F250 uses some metric, such as the transmission.

RandyT · Mar 31, 2020

Most US spark plugs use SAE hex but all have metric threads. I think the only metric hex plug I deal with is on Honda ATV's which is 18 mm.

Agvg · Mar 31, 2020

Stahlwille spark plug socket, 20,8 mm

Agvg · Mar 31, 2020

Most all else think 21 will do

Ken · Mar 31, 2020

bunyip said:
It does me after being used to one size apart, whoever dreamt this up should be shot with a ball of their own *****.

I have and use a set of square sockets for working on old tractors and farm equipment. also, remember the Ford wrenches.
came with the "T" He had own measurement.
so now when needing a 1/2 or 9/16 wrench instead of 2 tools it is a handful to loosen a nut on a bolt.
My problem with metrics is threads. loosen and retighten a bolt and thread is loose.