Are metric and standard sockets the same?

Metric socket wrenches fit fasteners where that nominal length is a round number of millimeters (8mm, 10mm, 15mm). “Standard” (often “inch” or “SAE”) socket wrenches fit fasteners where that nominal length is a round fraction of an inch (1/4″, 1/2″, 13/16″).

Do I need both metric and standard sockets?

In the US, you likely need both, elsewhere, probably just metric. Socket wrench sets use the same size drives (handles) for both metric and unified thread sizes, so just buy both sets of sockets.

How can you tell the difference between metric and imperial sockets?

You see, whereas the Metric system uses whole numbers with a letter denotation, the Imperial system uses fractions and, sometimes, symbols – a single set of quotes for inches and a single apostrophe for feet. For example, a quarter-inch wrench will appear as 1/4″.

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.

Is Ford SAE or metric?

With a few exceptions of really old carryover parts (like the 8.8 rear axle in a Crown Vic), Fords and all manufacturers are metric and have been for quite some time.

What’s the difference between metric and standard?

In the metric system, you measure length in centimeters and go to next higher unit by multiplying centimeters with 10. Thus, it is very easy to convert from a unit into another unit of length. On the other hand, in the standard system in Britain, a foot is the basic unit of length containing 12 inches.

Is imperial the same as SAE?

There are two different methods for measuring the hex sizes of sockets. The SAE (Society of Automotive Engineers) system uses inches, and the imperial or metric system uses millimeters.

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.

How do I know if my threads are standard or metric?

Metric threads are measured by their pitch. That is the distance from the crest of one thread to the crest of the next measured in millimetres. The pitch of a metric thread can be checked by direct measurement with a metric rule. Imperial threads have their pitch measured indirectly as a given number of teeth per inch.

How do I know if my bolts are standard or metric?

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.

When did Ford switch to metric?

6, subch. II § 205a et seq. The Metric Conversion Act of 1975 is an Act of Congress that U.S. President Gerald Ford signed into law on December 23, 1975.

Is Chevy metric or standard?

Registered. GM chassis fasteners are all metric these days.

What is the standard size of a socket set?

There are four common socket sizes: 1/4 inch (0.6 centimeters), 3/8 inch (0.9 centimeters), 1/2 inch (1.3 centimeters) and 3/4 inch (1.9 centimeters). In-between sizes are available too, starting with 1/4 inch (0.6 centimeters) and increasing every sixteenth of an inch (0.16 centimeters).

What is the standard socket set?

Sockets often come as a socket set with many different sizes or types of sockets to fit the heads of different-sized fasteners. A ratchet of the set size is often included with the socket set. Sockets are commonly available in fractional inch and metric sizes, and in short (shallow) and longer (deep) varieties.

What is the standard of the metric system?

The metric system is the world standard for measurement and is made of three basic units: the meter, gram and liter. The meter measures length, the gram measures mass and the liter measures volume.

What are SAE sockets?

SAE, which stands for the Society of Automotive Engineers, was used as the standard primarily on U.S.-made cars and trucks through the 1970s. SAE sockets are sized in inches and fractions of inches.