Hand Tools
Metric vs. Standard Hand Tools
Workers in several industries require hand tools to get the job done. Auto mechanics, large equipment mechanics, construction workers, plumbers, electricians and more all require various hand tools, such as wrenches, sockets, ratchets, hammers, saws, and more. Wrenches and sockets come in two types of sizes: Standard (American) or metric. Workers in most industries require both sets of wrenches and sockets. For auto workers, some vehicles use standard-sized nuts and bolts, while other vehicles – usually Asian and European vehicles use metric sizes.
What is “Standard” or “American?”
Standard wrenches and sockets use the imperial measuring system – which we use in the United States. The irony is that the imperial system came from Britain. However, in the 1960s, Britain decided to switch to the metric system, though it was not officially put in place until the 1990s.
In the 1970s, the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) started using the imperial measurement system. This system is still common in many industries, including auto repair and construction.
The measurement units are stamped on wrenches and sockets. The most common wrench sizes are:
- 1/8-inch
- 5/32-inch
- 3/16-inch
- 7/32-inch
- ¼-inch
- 9/32-inch
- 5/16-inch
- 11/32-inch
- 3/8-inch
- 7/16-inch
- ½-inch
- 9/16-inch
- 19/32-inch
- 5/8-inch
Though 1/8 is the smallest standard wrench, sizes can go up to 7 inches.
Standard socket sizes are similar to standard wrench sizes. However, while sockets may be metric, the ratchets are standard. You can buy metric sockets to fit ¼-inch drive ratchets, 3/8-inch drive ratchets, and ½-inch drive ratchets.
What is “Metric?”
The metric system uses centimeters and millimeters instead of inches and feet. Unlike the standard fractions, metric sizes are usually whole numbers. However, some smaller sockets may be in half sizes, such as a 4.5 mm socket.
Most of the rest of the world uses the metric system or the International System of Units. Wrenches can be as small as 8 mm and as large as 178 mm. However, the more common sizes are 8 mm to 24 mm. Sockets generally come in sizes from 4 to 18 mm.
What is the Difference Between Standard and Metric – Besides the Sizes?
While standard and metric sockets and wrenches may look the same to an untrained eye, they do have some differences. In addition to the measurements and standard using fractions instead of the whole numbers that metric uses, other differences include:
Price
Metric wrenches and sockets are usually more expensive than standard wrenches and sockets. You can usually buy standard wrenches and sockets as singles, but it might be harder to find metric wrenches and sockets as singles in some places.
Application
Before Asian cars became popular, you’d be hard-pressed to find a metric wrench or socket in the United States. But since Asian and European cars are now as popular as American cars, you can easily find both standard and metric wrenches and sockets. However, if you were to try finding a standard wrench in other countries, you definitely have a hard time.
Can You Use a Standard Wrench or Socket on a Metric Bolt and Vice Versa?
In most cases, a standard wrench or socket that is close in size to a metric wrench or socket won’t fit on a metric bolt. Neither will a metric wrench or socket that is close in size to a standard wrench or socket fit on a standard bolt.
There is one exception: When a bolt or nut is worn so a standard wrench or socket that is the correct size is too small, a metric may fit – if the bolt is worn enough.
Metric and Standard Allen Wrenches
The only other hand tool that comes in both units of measurement is an Allen wrench. These wrenches are used for bolts with a hexagonal indentation in the head of a screw or bolt. Allen wrenches usually come in sets – you may find several on a ring or several in a metal case that pull out like a folding pocket knife. An auto mechanic will need a standard and metric set of Allen wrenches to do his job.
The Pros and Cons of Standard vs. Metric Hand Tools
The pros of standard hand tools include they come in various sizes, and you can purchase them individually. Vehicles, carpentry, and other industries in the United States use standard hand tools.
The cons of standard hand tools are:
- It is often difficult for people to interpret the fractional measurements.
- They are only available in the United States since most other countries only use the metric system.
The pros of metric hand tools include the following:
- The metric system is used all around the world except the United States. However, since we work on vehicles that use metric bolts and nuts, metric hand tools are also available in the United States.
- Metric tools use millimeters, which are easier to interpret than the fractions that standard hand tools use. It’s often easier to tell which is bigger when dealing with whole numbers for some.
The only con of metric hand tools is they often come in sets only, which means you have to put out more money when you need just one. However, some companies, such as Abolox, sell metric wrenches and sockets individually.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hand Tools
1) Where can I find metric hand tools?
Some hardware stores may carry metric hand tools, but in most cases, you can find them at auto parts stores, tool trucks and online stores such as Abolox. Choosing an online store often saves you money as they can buy in bulk and pass the savings on to you. Stores such as Auto Zone only have room for so much inventory and do not usually buy tools in bulk.
2) Is metric or standard better?
It’s not a case of one being better than the other – it’s a case of application. Some applications require metric, while others require standard. Most nuts and bolts used in the construction industry are standard. The automotive industry uses both, depending on whether the vehicle is Asian, European or American.
3) What cars use metric, and what cars use standard hand tools?
Generally, Ford, Lincoln, GM, GMC, Chevrolet, Cadillac, Dodge and RAM use standard, while BMW, Mercedes, Audi, Honda, Acura, Kia, Hyundai, and other Asian and European cars use metric.
4) Can I use a metric hand tool on a standard bolt?
You can, but you risk stripping the head of the bolt. The sizes are close, but they are not exact, and the tool may fit loosely or be a bit too tight. However, if the head of a bolt or a nut is worn just enough, you may be able to use a metric on a standard bolt or vice versa.
5) I’m just starting as a mechanic. Which sizes are the most common?
For wrenches, the most common standard sizes are ¼, 3/8, and ½. The most common standard sockets are the same. For metric, the most common sizes are 10 mm, 11 mm, 12 mm, 13 mm and 14 mm for wrenches and sockets.
Contact Abolox Today
Abolox carries hand tools for many industries, including automotive, construction, and oil and gas industries. We also carry personal protective equipment for many industries. Visit Abolox today to shop for hand tools whether you are just starting out in an industry or you are a pro with many years under your belt.
We carry only quality brands that will last a long time, regardless of what industry you are in. You’ll find that many of our tools are made in the United States, and many have limited lifetime warranties.
If you have any questions about which hand tools you need, the quality of the products we carry, or other questions, please call the office.
Finally, if you need something you don’t see on our website, call the office, and we will source it for you. Call Abolox at (321) 610-1896 with questions or if you need help with an order.