Can you use a metric socket on a sae bolt? socket set questions.

[pmsmechanic]

11/16 = 17mm

An 11/16" will work on a 17mm. Not the other way around unless the 17 is pretty sloppy. I find even the 1/2"/13mm to be a stretch. The 13mm will fit on the 1/2" but 1/2" on a 13mm is a pain. Your always fighting it on and off unless it's worn a bit.

!/4" = 6.350mm
5/16 = 7.938mm This one interchanges pretty good. Think GM battery bolts
3/8" = 9.525mm
7/16" = 11.112mm
1/2" = 12.7 mm
5/8" = 15.875mm
11/16" = 17.463mm
3/4" = 19.05mm This one also interchanges pretty good.
13/16" = 20.638mm
7/8" = 22.225mm
15/16" = 23.813mm
1" = 25.4mm

 

[DieselBound]

Keep in mind that not all spec'd sockets are the same spec. I've sometimes used an SAE in place of a metric (even though the metric is supposed to be right) because the metric socket isn't in perfect agreement with the bolt/nut; and, vice versa. That is, I'll grab something and test fit. I don't care what it says on the outside, I care whether it fits properly. I suppose that $20 a piece SnapOn sockets are manufactured to excellent tolerances, but I ain't a professional mechanic and therefore cannot justify (cost wise) having a stockpile of them. I don't know what's faster, measuring and then finding the right size OR grabbing and trying... but, my observations have been that even if you think you have the right size it might not be a good fit (grab again!).

 

[Wagtail]

Sorry but I'm in the 'buy the proper socket' camp. My JD's are all metric and I bought the JD metric set of tools (heck, I was in the parts shop anyway so 'why not?') But I also bought a small set of SAE sockets too... just in case.

I've used exactly one of those SAE sockets so far; but I had it!

It's not going to be just your tractor(s) that you're going to be working on either. Implements all tend to loosen up due to usage and general vibration.

Get'em on sale, an early Christmas pressie or for your birthday.

[Treat yourself to a torque wrench while you're at it. :thumbsup:]

 

[Redneck in training]

Not all sockets are created equal. Sockets with "lobes" generraly have better grip than straight hexagon. Snap On or Metrinch are examples. There other brands too.

 

[RickB]

An 11/16" will work on a 17mm. Not the other way around unless the 17 is pretty sloppy. I find even the 1/2"/13mm to be a stretch. The 13mm will fit on the 1/2" but 1/2" on a 13mm is a pain. Your always fighting it on and off unless it's worn a bit.

!/4" = 6.350mm
5/16 = 7.938mm This one interchanges pretty good. Think GM battery bolts
3/8" = 9.525mm
7/16" = 11.112mm
1/2" = 12.7 mm
5/8" = 15.875mm
11/16" = 17.463mm
3/4" = 19.05mm This one also interchanges pretty good.
13/16" = 20.638mm
7/8" = 22.225mm
15/16" = 23.813mm
1" = 25.4mm

Nobody suggested the Imperial wrenches work on metric hardware. The OP has metric tools.

 

[TheMan419]

I can't remember what I paid for it, I am sure it was less than $100, but the first set of sockets I bought had both imperial and metric in the box. Also had deep sockets and not deep. They are even craftsman and at that time said made in the USA on the box and on each socket.

Of course you could get 64 Pc 1/4 in., 3/8 in., 1/2 in. Drive SAE & Metric Socket Set if you are just going to use it occasionally.

 

[LD1]

I agree you need both sets. But sometimes you just don't feel like spending half an afternoon looking for where you last placed a given size.

5/16 = 8mm
7/16 = 11mm
9/16 = 14mm
5/8 = 16mm
3/4= 19mm
7/8= 22mm
15/16 = 24mm

Those I will use interchangeably with no concerns.

1/2 and 13mm or 11/16 and 17mm I will use in a pinch.

Absolutely nothing close for 10mm, 12mm, 15mm, or 18mm

 

[Gary Fowler]

Over the years I have bought sets of both sockets and wrenches in SAE and Metric. None of them are high dollar yet all have worked pretty well. I did break the jaw on one wrench (9/16" I believe) and welded the jaw back on with a 7018 rod and it is still holding. I did have to grind the jaws a bit for proper fit.

I also bought a set of 1" drive sockets from Harbor Freight that have worked well. One is metric an one is SAE both go up to 2 or 2.5" I think. Each was around $60 (several years ago) and I have used them on my tractor and equipment even with an impact and no damage.

Every home mechanic and or tractor owner needs a complete set of SAE and Metric sockets and wrenches and they don't have to be high dollar to work sufficiently for occasional use. I have a mixture of Craftsman, Stanley, Kobalt and a few with no name brand like the HF stuff and most have been very good.

 

[mcfarmall]

To answer the OP's fundamental question...no. You're in West Virginia, go to the nearest Harbor Freight store and buy some SAE sockets and wrenches. Heck, print off a few 20% off coupons and pick up a set each day on the way home from work.

 

[LD1]

I find that once you get to big sizes like a 3/4 drive set, you only need one set. Metric or SAE take your pick. Because at those sizes tolerances aren't as critical and either will work.

I do have a set of jumbo metric wrenches from harbor freight. 35mm, 38mm, 41mm, 45mm and 50mm.

They work just fine as:
1-3/8, 1-1/2, 1-5/8, 1-3/4, and 2.

I honestly think they are the same 5 wrenches they sell as the SAE set, just different etching for the sizes