Re: Metric/Standard Wrench/socket interchange list

Posted by PackardV8 On 2012/9/20 20:53:00

Sockets are not made to exact size. They have some clearence. Otherwide they would be at least a thumb press fit making them difficult to work with.

I have a set of Crafsmen, Snap-On, SK Wayne, among others all in metric and english. I have never been able to use a 13mm on a 1/2" head. Too loose due to clearence. There is some cross between metric and english at about the 5/16" and somewhere about 20mm sizes but i don't remeber exactly.

Te other problem is when sockets get worn. I have sockets i still use here that date back into the 1930's. My nearly worn out 1/2 12 point Plumb socket will still not fit a 13mm unless i drive it on with a hammer.


For anyone using tools on at least a weekly basis just buy a set of metrics and english. Anymore over the last 15 years they are showing up at garage sales and i've probably dug at lest 300 sockets out of the dumpsters over the years MOST of them good quality brand names..