Is SAE or metric better?

Metric Measurements Metric is the preferred fastener measurement throughout the world. More exact than fractions of an inch, metric measurements–based on millimeters–are a precise representation of the diameter of the head of the fastener. Imported cars have used metric bolts for more than 30 years.

Are metric and SAE wrenches interchangeable?

Are SAE & Metric Interchangeable? Yes, you can use some sockets on both metric and SAE sizes. However, you need to be careful, as most times they are not exactly the same, and you can strip a bolt by using an SAE socket on a metric bolt and vice versa.

Do mechanics use SAE or metric?

Ever since the introduction of Ford’s Pinto engine in the ’70s and the 8.2 L Eldorado engine by Cadillac, Metric bolts has been the talk among auto repair mechanics and manufacturers. Today, most of the domestic cars prefer using Metric bolts over the SAE inch sized bolts.

Should I buy metric or imperial tools?

As you can see though, the comparison isn’t 100\% accurate and therefore you run the risk of using a tool that’s not quite fit for the job at hand. We therefore always recommend using imperial hand tools for imperial fixings and fittings, and metric tools for metric ones.

What are metric wrenches used for?

They have varied methods of measuring the width, diameter, and length. The metric wrenches will give you the measurement in 10cm, 8mm, and so on. But a standard wrench, on the other hand, will be measured in inches and therefore might include some fractions.

What is the difference between standard and metric wrenches?

The most apparent difference between these two types of wrenches is the measuring system. As the name suggests, metric and standard are two different measurement systems. Whereas a metric wrench adjusts nuts and bolts to metric, in contrast, a standard twist adjusts nuts and bolts to a standard metric.

How do you tell the difference between metric and SAE?

Metric and SAE fasteners are measured differently and with different vocabulary. SAE nuts, bolts and screws are measured by their thread count, or TPI (threads per inch) and their length. Metric fasteners are measured by length and pitch, or the distance between threads.

How do you tell the difference between metric and standard?

For both metric and standard bolts, the head size is the distance across the flats. For standard bolts, the head size is measured in inches or fractions of an inch. For metric bolts, head size is measured in millimeters. However, metric bolt head size is measured in millimeters.

Do most cars use metric or standard?

Most new American cars use exclusively metric fasteners. This is due to the increasing penetration of American cars in foreign markets, the increasing acceptance of metric fasteners by engineers, and the large quantity of components sourced overseas.

When did GM go metric?

1973
When General Motors decided to go metric in 1973, letters announcing the move were sent to its 47,000 suppliers. Six months later the manufacturer held a meeting for 600 of its suppliers of nuts and bolts to explain the thread system it had adopted.

What are the most common metric wrench sizes?

the most common metric wrench sizes are 10, 13, 15, 16, 18, 24, 27, 30, 32. If you look closly at the wrenches that are used the most and th ones that are missing from the craftsman sets, they are usually the ones listed above.

What size is a standard wrench?

Standard wrenches are available in packs of 1/16 inch increments up to 1 1/2 inches. The tool’s length varies proportionally to size, ranging from 4 inches to 2 feet; a longer tool maximizes the force required to tighten a larger nut and vice versa.

What are the standard wrench sizes in order?

Standard American wrench sizes, from the largest to smallest and measured in inches, are 5/8, 19/32, 9/16, 1/2, 7/16, 3/8, 11/32, 5/16, 9/32, 1/4, 7/32, 3/16, 5/32 and 1/8. Wrenches are available in a set or individually. A small set has six to 10 wrenches, ranging from 5/16 to 1 inch in size.

What does SAE stand for in tools?

SAE stands for the Society of Automotive Engineers and refers in this case to tools whose size is marked and aligned with fractions of an inch, eg. 3/8″.