How many of your tools are metric? I'm starting to collect more every time I work on anything other than the chevelle.
My son is going to Ferris state U for automotive tech and ahs a tool list almost 5 pages long of tools he needs. majority are metric. what's fustrating for me is some carrs have both.

Got sockets, box wrenches, Allen wrenches and other miscellaneous tools. Seems like you find metric fasteners in a lot of things, so they sure come in handy now and then. Not to mention how nice it is to have that slightly undersized metric wrench that you can pound onto a standard bolt head when you have rounded it off. :D

Yup, those pesky metric screwdrivers. Tough to find them too. Especially the metric phillp's head ones. l:)

If he has a 5 page list of sets, you're gonna need a REALLY big check. If it's like a list from a Craftsman set, it's 5 pages long and fits in a REALLY small toolbox.

I had to switch over to metric when I bought a 76 Datsun 260Z (don't ask how long ago, but it was really long ago).

8mm, 9mm, 10mm, 12mm sockets are used in 98% of the fasteners. Then 14mm, 17mm and 19mm.

3/8, 7/16, 1/2, 9/16...

Most of the rest are for show. I think I still have 6 or 7 metric sockets that I have NEVER used. (Like those teeny little wrenches in my Craftsman set. Haven't touched a single one in over 20 years).

Just out of curiosity, could you scan and post the list? I'd like to see how far off my set of tools is off from a "Master Mechanic's" set.

I'll try to scan or set up a link. I'm not that good with the puter

here's the list,
http://www.ferris.edu/htmls/colleges/technolo/Auto/WEB-CONTENT/AUTOMOTIVEMANAGEMENTToolList2007.pdf

Most of that stuff looks like it would be available in a standard Craftsman kit, shouldn't set you back too much....

That list has some oddball stuff on it. You won't find a 6-17mm combination wrench set anywhere. The standard sets are 10-19mm, and then you can buy the smaller ones ala carte. If he's going to do this for a living, I'd suggest stepping up to the full polished line of wrenches from Craftsman, they'll last longer, feel better in the hand, and clean up easier. I bought a set when they came out 15 years ago, and only ever had to return one of them, a 1/2" that I had the box end on the nut of a battery terminal. It was an 8D truck battery. The nut broke loose, and the wrench hit the positive terminal and started welding itself together. :eek: Never broke one otherwise. :noway: If he opts for the meter, look up the Matco meters, they have nice ones with automotive specific functions, and are cheaper than the Flukes.

My son also went to college in a program sposored by Ford Motor. While he was a senior in high school, we started buying him used Snap-on tools from Ebay. They sell at 1/3 to 1/2 off list price. There are no discounts on Snap-on, but they do make a really nice handling tool. If you work all your life with these tools, you'll have less breakage and problems than with Craftsman. Snap-on also will warrenty used tools that you buy, as long as they can read their name on the tool. Matco also has a hell of a deal for students. They will give 50% off ANY internet order that you place with them. Just before my son graduated, he made up a final wish list, and got $6000.00 worth of tools for only three grand. Of course dad had to foot the credit card bill for a few months until he paid me back. His mother and I also got a Snap-on tool box for him on Ebay. I paid $3000 for a $9000 box! That was his high school graduation/ birthday present for the year. I told him that this box would last all his life, and comes with a life time warrenty. In two years, he's already had to buy so many tools that the box is full. He has tools that I've never seen, and don't have the slightest idea what they do!! He bought a $300 tool set for changing the belts on these new engines. They call this progress and new engineering?? Good luck to your son.

What the he!! is a "self powered" test light?! Even my smart light that can read a ground requires battery from the car. If it's self powered, how do you find a circuit? They must mean something else. Like a standard test light.

Hey Darren, I bought a Craftsman set of combination wrenches that go from 7-22 mm. I paid $60 about 6 years ago, when someone broke into my shop and stole my Snap-on set.

Luckily, I was a slob and left my standard set scattered across the shop, so they didn't round up all those and steal them , too.

A good mechanic needs a full set of metric tools as well as SAE. For a mechanic just starting out Craftsman tools are very good. Make sure to get their pro series ratchets as the standard ones are mediocre.
Mike

I have the basics but on the stuff I work on I don`t need much. There are a couple things that are metric on Harleys but not much. Prettu much only need a 10mm 12pnt socket, 10mm wrench, long 6mm strasight allen socket and same in 12 mm. I can`t think of anything else that is metric on Harleys.

My 2002 monte carlo was all metric, so I had to keep both kinds on stock.

More and more all the time. Need the a lot on my chrysler and 05 GMC truck....but usually only find out midway through a job or after tear down and get PO'd, pack it up, head to the store. I finally bought a fairly complete set in deep and standard sockets and the ratcheting standard wrenches.

I just hate needing stuff and not having it on hand.

I have the full set of each.

What these guys are saying about Snap on tools is true. When you make your living with them, it makes a difference. Hands will be dore from handling all the sharp edges on teh Craftsman standard tools.

I started buying Snap-On when I got strong enough to start breaking Craftsman wrenches. Sure, the warranty is the same, but when you are in the middle of a customer's car, and they are waiting for it, Who has time to run to Sears?

Stay away from the Craftsman standard ratchets, unless you are into punishment. The pawls just don't hold, and the direction lever sticks out far enough from the side to trip it just as you get your full weight on it. I can show you the scar that ended my Craftsman ratchet's life ;)

See if there are any pawn shops near you. Many times they have really nice tool sets that people in need had to hock. He can probably pick up most of what he needs at swap meets and pawn shops or even ebay. Replace the frequently used items along the way with the good stuff. That leaves the cheapies for those times when he needs to grind the box end of a 3/8 for header bolts, or needs to make a weird bend to get to something.

That said, I'll probably start my kids with Craftsman stuff aside from the ratchets.

Another trick, if you get the industrial finish Snap On or Matco tools, they usually cost quite a bit less than the chrome ones. The 3/8 to 1" combo wrench set I bought many years ago cost 75 bucks less than the chrome set.

There's my $0.80 (my cents are pegged to oil)

K

The big box on the right is all metric.Small box next to it is standard.
http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a214/shoddy_f-body/other%20stuff/DSCF0006.jpg?t=1213226921

I've been checking Craigslist for tools. There are a lot of snap-on boxes for sale. usually the bases. I looked over the list and it's for the associates degree and he is going for the B.S. degree. that requires more tools. The list I posted was for the small "portable box" that sits on top of the base.
I just picked up a used mac tool box and it will do me fine. I'll do what 70isfine is doing and have my old one for metric and the mac for the SAE and air tools. By the way nice camaro rag top. 67?

Don't spend a cent on the Craftsman screwdrivers they are terrible. I buy Mac Tools now the Snap On guys were such jerks I stopped buying their stuff. If the rep is ok then that is all that matters.

My first metric tools were metric pliers and crescent wrench. I now have a set of metric 'ratchet' wrenches. Sockets, some with a Craftsman set, other's seperate. Allens, combination wrenches and my favorite the metric hammer. You need both when working on most US cars, not the hammer, it's bi-sexual, but definately the others.

A good relationship with your local Snap-on guy is always good. I had a 10 year old ratcheting screwdriver that was starting to get sloppy and had a broken plastic piece on it. No questions asked, gave me a replacement and I was on my way. The Craftsmen people have also broken in to a wrench set to replace a broken ignition wrench (very small).

I've got a mixture of metric and standard at home, but all my work tools are standard. Airbus hasn't gone to metric yet.:D Daren

If your boy is looking to wrench for a living he'll need mostly metric these days. There is still a little standard left out there, but primarily the Big Three have gone Metric.

I wrench for a living on Nissans, obviously all metric at work, in a good size sanp on box. At home I have very little metric, wrench set and sockets are about it, but a full set of most everything I need in standard for my classics.

Devin

Just a tip, when shopping for a torx set, make sure they have the tamper proof pin hole. I bought a set and took them home to find out they were useless!

I have been getting tools for Christmas since I was 11 (had an rc car). You can never have too many! Last month I went through and cleaned up/organized my tools and man do I have a collection! I have everything from 2mm through 35mm (including the 4.5 and 5.5 sizes!) and 3/32in through 2in. Also, a good investment is the ratcheting combo wrenches. They have saved me from many busted knuckles and burnt hands!

You can save alot of money by finding deals on ebay. My buddy had one of the greatest scores ever! He found a local mechanic shop that was being closed, and bought an ENTIRE full size chest of matco tools for about $400!!! I got a drill press, reciprocating saw, angle grinder, and air tool set for $200!

Oh, and to you other guys, you have probably seen them but those new craftsman combo wrenches that look like they're twisted are awesome! I bought a few common sizes (1/2-3/4) and they are nice.

I have a full set of both SAE and Metric tools, all Snap-On. I even have 1/2" metric impact sockets. They come in handy once in a while. My dad used all these for his job. I have them now. There are even random tools in his toolbox from work I have no idea what they are for.

A couple of years ago we started working on a lot of cars and pickups, that forced us to get metric upped, eventually you will have to have it all, so just buy it right up front.

Metric? I have a full set.

(1) Crescent wrench
(1) Vice grip

For metric bolts, you need a wrench only to remove the bolt before you toss it in the trashcan. No vehicle worth owning has any metric bolt that needs to be put back in once it is removed.

My dad used all these for his job. I have them now. There are even random tools in his toolbox from work I have no idea what they are for.

I have my grandpa's set and some of them look like they're from another planet!

That reminds me, my grandpa MADE a set of open ended wrenches to work on his 1990's gm cars and trucks! He cut a full set of standard and a full set of metric combo wrenches and welded the open ends of one standard and one metric together! One open side would be standard and the other would be the closest size in metric! :thumbsup:It was really cool! He gave them to me but then needed them when he started working on his 94 GMC again.

8mm, 9mm, 10mm, 12mm sockets are used in 98% of the fasteners. Then 14mm, 17mm and 19mm.
13mm & 10mm are the most popular, here..

I've been accumulating alot to work on My Kid's car's. Not too mention My New Chevy's.

13mm & 10mm are the most popular, here..


LOL, funny you should say that! I just replaced a timing belt, waterpump, and alternator on a 88 BMW (requires you to also remove radiator, brackets, intake box, valence panel, lower bumper etc...) and all I needed was an 8, 10, and 13mm!!

Oh, and a crescent wrench for the bracket adjusters (19mm), those are the darndest things! For those who have never seen them, to adjust the belt tensions you just turn the bolt and it has a geared collar on it. The collar teeth engage with the bracket teeth and the belt gets tighter! Much easier then the three handed screwdriver pry bar I used to have to do on my chevelle!

Metric? I have a full set.

(1) Crescent wrench
(1) Vice grip

For metric bolts, you need a wrench only to remove the bolt before you toss it in the trashcan. No vehicle worth owning has any metric bolt that needs to be put back in once it is removed.

My Chevelle does

Metric? I have a full set.

(1) Crescent wrench
(1) Vice grip

For metric bolts, you need a wrench only to remove the bolt before you toss it in the trashcan. No vehicle worth owning has any metric bolt that needs to be put back in once it is removed.

You must not have ever done much mechanical work, judging from those statements.

You must not have ever done much mechanical work, judging from those statements.

I guess every Corvette made since the 80's isn't worth owning? :confused:

I guess every Corvette made since the 80's isn't worth owning? :confused:

Well, there were a few years in witch that might be true ;):D

It seems like I'm using my metric tools more and more everyday.

Before too many more years our SAE tools will be almost not needed.

my main problem with Metric ........... is its hap-hazard mixing in with standard stuff on the same cars :clonk:

when I load the cart to head over to the project ... across the garage or out in the parking lot ..... its a real pain to have to unload several drawers worth of Standard & metric tools !!

not to mention the COST of having to have a complete setups in Both !! :clonk:

an then Washing & putting away all of those sets :angry:

my main problem with Metric ........... is its hap-hazard mixing in with standard stuff on the same cars :clonk:


My first encounter with this was in a '71 Camaro. It was really frustrating to round off bolts just because I didn't know they were metric, so I learned the hard way that you always have to be on the lookout for those "surprise bolts" they had thrown in there. I think that the booster in my '69 Chevelle is actually attached to the firewall with M10 bolts, but I hope that's it.

You must not have ever done much mechanical work, judging from those statements.


Actually, I do all my own mechanical work, and I've been doing it since most of the people here were in diapers. I just refuse to drive vehicles that are metric. I like old Detroit iron with SAE bolts.

I have both in my toolbox, I do all my own mechanical work, my two cars are a '99 buick regal (all metric), and the '71 chevelle (obviously standard). I've had to upgrade tool boxes a number of times, and I'm still out of room, and every other project I do, I end up buying more tools. The one I keep putting off on the list is a set of metric ratchet wrenches... the standards have been proven to be worth their weight in gold many times.

As far as metrics go, you can't live without an 8mm, 10mm, 13mm, 14mm, and 15mm. You will end up using those most of the time, especially the 10.

Sometimes I feel like im an SAE wrench living in a metric bolt world.

Sometimes I feel like im an SAE wrench living in a metric bolt world.

lol

Im a professional mechanic and I have easily double the metric tools compaired to the standard tools.

Actually, I do all my own mechanical work, and I've been doing it since most of the people here were in diapers. I just refuse to drive vehicles that are metric. I like old Detroit iron with SAE bolts.

Your going to be driving cars that are at least 25 years old or more. 90% of the world including the US went to the metric system in the early to mid 80s.

Your going to be driving cars that are at least 25 years old or more. 90% of the world including the US went to the metric system in the early to mid 80s.


Correct, and driving 25 year old vehicles makes for lot fewer repairs because the older vehicles are so much better built than the new plastic vehicles. That means less wrenching and more time to relax. My daily driver just turned 27 this month.
Also, no car payments.

Actually, I do all my own mechanical work, and I've been doing it since most of the people here were in diapers. I just refuse to drive vehicles that are metric. I like old Detroit iron with SAE bolts.

And you've been using vise grips to remove metric bolts, then throwing them away and putting an SAE bolt back in the hole?

And you've been using vise grips to remove metric bolts, then throwing them away and putting an SAE bolt back in the hole?

I'd like to see that

And you've been using vise grips to remove metric bolts, then throwing them away and putting an SAE bolt back in the hole?

Nope. On my older vehicles, all the important parts are SAE. Anything bolted in with metric fasteners needs to be tossed in the trash.
My entire drivetrain, engine, tranny, and differential are SAE. Only non important things like the smog pump were metric, and after removing them once with vice grips, I tossed the bolts and everything they held in place. It cleans up the vehicle and solves the metric problem. My metric problem went to the landfill decades of years ago.

Nope. On my older vehicles, all the important parts are SAE. Anything bolted in with metric fasteners needs to be tossed in the trash.
My entire drivetrain, engine, tranny, and differential are SAE. Only non important things like the smog pump were metric, and after removing them once with vice grips, I tossed the bolts and everything they held in place. It cleans up the vehicle and solves the metric problem. My metric problem went to the landfill decades of years ago.

I guess that works, until you want to install an automatic with overdrive

I guess that works, until you want to install an automatic with overdrive

I had a 700R4 once. I hated it worse than any other tranny I ever owned. I hope to never own another one. Make my trannys all old manual trannys please.

Nope. On my older vehicles, all the important parts are SAE. Anything bolted in with metric fasteners needs to be tossed in the trash.
My entire drivetrain, engine, tranny, and differential are SAE. Only non important things like the smog pump were metric, and after removing them once with vice grips, I tossed the bolts and everything they held in place. It cleans up the vehicle and solves the metric problem. My metric problem went to the landfill decades of years ago.

Let's see, if you're daily driver is 27 years old, that means it's a 1981 year vehicle which means it has metric bolts on it, I know my mom's 81 Olds 98 Regency is metric, I've worked on it enough. All GM G body cars are metric, they're old detroit iron and RWD.

Let's see, if you're daily driver is 27 years old, that means it's a 1981 year vehicle which means it has metric bolts on it, I know my mom's 81 Olds 98 Regency is metric, I've worked on it enough. All GM G body cars are metric, they're old detroit iron and RWD.

I don't own a G body. I own a Chevy truck. The entire drivetrain and chassis is SAE, unlike the cars made in the 80s. I've managed to get rid of all the metric bolts in the drivetrain. I have some metric left in the body, but if I have to remove them, it is easy to drill and tap body holes to SAE and get rid of the metric ones.

I don't own a G body. I own a Chevy truck. The entire drivetrain and chassis is SAE, unlike the cars made in the 80s. I've managed to get rid of all the metric bolts in the drivetrain. I have some metric left in the body, but if I have to remove them, it is easy to drill and tap body holes to SAE and get rid of the metric ones.

:sad::sad: That is the most stupid thing i ever heard. All that so you don't have to buy metric tools? Metric makes more sense if you think about it. If a 12 mm wrench is to small go to 13mm if 12mm is to big go to 11mm. No fractions involved.