Metric vs Standard, Imperial or SAE - Wrenches, Sockets, Bolt Size Chart + Mechanic Math

Рет қаралды 184,572

4 жыл бұрын

How do you tell if a bolt or nut is standard or metric, and what size wrench or socket to use? The charts below show which are interchangeable between metric and standard, aka imperial or SAE (Society for Automotive Engineers), millimeters vs inches, and how they compare in thousandths of an inch.
When a metric and standard size are similar, it's best to use the smaller of the two sizes if it will fit your bolt. Less than .005" is not usually noticeable. Over .010" tighter may not fit.
View or download and print chart from our website (I keep one in my toolbox):
PDF: www.silkfromthehartz.com/SAE-...
JPG image: www.silkfromthehartz.com/imag...
Word document: www.silkfromthehartz.com/SAE-...
Word doc highlighted w/yellow: www.silkfromthehartz.com/SAE-...
Which vehicles are SAE, Metric, or Mixed?
US vehicles pre-1970: All SAE
US 1970 - 90's: Mixed SAE & Metric
US vehicles after 2000: All Metric
Foreign non-US vehicles: All Metric
How to read bolt heads to determine if a bolt is metric or SAE:
No Markings or mfg. initials: Uncertain, likely SAE grade 2
SAE grade 3 to 8: 1 to 6 Radial Lines; 307A, A325; Stainless: F593C or similar
Metric: A number; 2, 4, 6, 8.8, 10.9, 12.9; 8.8 = grade 5; Stainless: A2-70 or similar
Mechanic Math example: 5/8" SAE wrench: 5 ÷ 8 = .625 inches (decimal equivalent in inches)
16 mm Metric wrench: 1 mm = .0394 inches x 16 = .630 inches, so the 16 mm is 5 thousandths of an inch bigger than 5/16”, which is close enough. Since the 5/8" wrench or socket is a tiny bit smaller, it will fit tighter on the bolt or nut (whether it is metric or standard) and reduce the chance of stripping, so if it fits, I'd use the 5/8".

Пікірлер: 206

@f-puppet4059 2 жыл бұрын

I like how you spaced the SAE measurements in relation to the metric measurements, so that we can have an idea of just how much difference there is to them. Thank you very much. Just what I needed in my toolbox. I've printed and laminated a few of these cards thanks to you!

@jackmoran6045 2 жыл бұрын

Ford and Chevy trucks still are not 100% metric

@hoffmanxgunnar Жыл бұрын

And this is why I bought a full metric cause you can use most metric on standard and not so many standards on metric so if you only get one get metric

@lastking2114 9 сағат бұрын

This video should be showed in schools! Thanks for making the chart readily available to print!

@kenkennedy5516 Жыл бұрын

Watch out for the American icon Harley Davidson……fully mixed up metric and whatever was lying about at the assembly time……2009 on…..🫣🚀

@IDIturboDiesel 3 жыл бұрын

There is a substitute for 15mm and that is 19/32 which some tool sets have.

@codywinkle3621 Жыл бұрын

God i really wanted the info but the smacking through the mic was too much to keep going

@mywa8314

I did not understand shiz

@thomasshelby1922

If God existed we have 1 set that everybody used and I wouldn’t have wasted what would be added up to Days digging through tools to find the right one.

@kingduckford

I drive several 1980's Fords, so I must have a full set of each Metric and SAE. That said, my experience is ALWAYS use the proper socket and NEVER use one that is "close enough" because that IS how you strip stuffe. Better safe than sorry, because you know just how fun it is to take out a rounded head bolt....

@Prolific_Knives

This is likely the best conversion chart that I have seen out there describing the similarities and differences between mm and sae sizes. Thank you sir.

@tinamarie4875 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you for the valuable information, plus I also appreciate that you go right to the point and not try to humor us withlame jokes or unnecessary silliness or annoying background music and etc. Keep up the good work!

@evarage57 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you for making this video. I am a scottish mechanic and ive only ever worked with metric bolts and nuts. i am about to travel to germany to start a new job as a heavy equipment mechanicfor the US Army. This has helped alot!

@dandannoodle19 2 жыл бұрын

never had to work with standard, this similar comparison of metric sizes to standard helped me place the sizes better in my head as I will begin working with SAE. TY so much for the video and the image for later jogging

@growthmindset6549 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you for such a comprehensive video! Just learned so much. Keep up the good quality videos!!

@adventurevin7600 2 жыл бұрын

This us great! I downloaded and printed a few of the charts to give to friends. This helps a great deal when I need to hold an opposing nut attached to a bolt. You explain it so clear and in minimal time. Thanks for providing the chart!

@DennisRackers

Thank you! Your table on interchangeability is the only such document I found in a quick search and it will save me from time and hassle of doing the math or trial-and-error with the wrenches. I found your table while looking for a way to reduce the number of wrenches I carry when I'm away from my garage tools.

@shtika

Excellent chart. Downloaded , thank you. I do have 17/32 , 19/32, 21/32 and 25/32 sockets however never used them except for show and tell and bets with co-workers.

@JNC1973 2 жыл бұрын

You my friend are a life saver. I've been trying to figure for days what kind of bolt I need to replace that held on my clutch pulley wheel on my mini bike and nobody could answer my question. Now after stumbling upon your video I need Metric cause it does say 8.8 on the bolt head. I learned something new today. :)

@anocri Жыл бұрын

Fantastic informative video. Didn't know the differences all these years, and glad to know the differences. Was using the wrenches based on the fit. The chart is awesome so I can dance between SAE and mm in an attempt to find the correct size wrench for a bolt.