"Grade" referres to Imperial bolts (Grade 5, Gade 8). Metric bolts are are "Class" (Class 8.8, Class 10.9). Further, the metric Class number has meaning.... i.e. with Class 8.8, multiply the first numeral by 100; gives the nominal tensile strength in MPa (800 MPA). Multiply the second numeral by 10; gives the nominal yield strength as a percentage of tensile strength (80% x 800 = 640MPA).
I did not know that about tensile/yield strength calculation regarding metric class bolts. I love learning through people's comments, thanks for sharing!!
Our presenter has several teacher genes. Very well presented, nice summary. Unlike many other videos on similar topics, this one spares us the wandering focus and needless "as I said before" redundancies. Thank you, LFD.
Thanks for the nice comment. I do love to teach, always have, and has been part of or my full time role professionally within the construction and ag industries for the past 20 years. Always trying to refine my educational craft, and learn myself; I'm just an endlessly curious person. Hope to see you back again soon, and you find what I'm doing educational, interesting, and maybe even a bit entertaining. Cheers!
Thank you! I've been working on industrial manufacturing machines for over 35 years, the last 17 as an independent contractor. I work on machines from all over the world and I can tell you that a 19mm is closer to 3/4" than a 24mm is to a 15/16". As a matter of fact, I think 3/4" is defined as 19.02mm, while a 15/16" is defined as 23.8mm. With the 3/4" - 19mm pairing, they are .02 mm apart, but the 24mm - 15/16" pairing is .2mm apart - 10 times the difference of the 3/4" - 19mm.
@jdgower1 Agreed. Tekton has a couple of really handy charts that visually show the relationship between SAE & Metric for people that don't cross over often. I think it's a PDF file, and it's free. It's not something you'd need, but it's handy for home gamers to hang in the shop. You just look up Tekton conversion chart...
Also, what look like Phillips head screws on Japanese motorcycles are not Phillips head. They are JIS, which stands for Japanese Industrial Standard. You need JIS screwdrivers to loosen and tighten them properly. Phillips screwdrivers will normally round out the head on JIS screws. JIS screwdrivers work well for both JIS and Phillips head screws but Phillips screwdrivers only work well on Phillips head screws but not well on JIS screws.
That is a really interesting comment that I definitely wasn't familiar with regarding a JIS! I'm off to Google that topic. And, I had a video upcoming about screw drivers, I'll remember to mention that. Thanks for watching and commenting!
Yeah I rounded out the heads of screws on Japanese motorcycles for 40 years before I learned that JIS screws are made differently than Phillips. I believe that most everything that is made in Japan uses JIS screws.
@jeffreynorthrop9518 finally had a moment to look up the JIS Phillips. Super clear with those screw heads having the single depressed dimple on the screw head. I looked at my old Honda motorcycle and sure enough, there are the JIS Phillips screws. I appreciate you sharing. It's been fun to learn many things doing this, even from the comments.
Here in the rust belt, beating on a socket from the other set because the original size is no longer going to turn it is standard practice. One mm increments are not fine enough, so I have .5 mm sockets for some popular sizes, too. Going to the tool box can be more complicated than just a metric/SAE choice.
The 'rust best', you have my curiosity up.....is that the humid deep south or coastal area somewhere? Definitely nuisances to different places, thanks for sharing!
@@LearnedFromDad The rust belt is that part of the country from New England to the Chicago area where they use salt on the roads in the winter time. The salt and water rust and corrode any metals that can be oxidized, such as steel and aluminum. Bolts on cars are no longer their original size after two years on the road, but are swollen with rust. It also refers to all the shut down factories that are rusting away. Wheel lugs that have a chrome shell usually swell to 1/2mm larger than original. Other bolts will simply grind away if you use a socket of the size the bolt was originally, so you need to take something a bit smaller and hammer it on through the rust. It also helps to use generous amounts of penetrating oil and heat, but that the bolt is no longer the original size because it rusted away is typical. The SAE sizes often work when the bolt was originally metric; other times, a metric size will work on older cars where the original was SAE. Too often you end up just drilling them out, or welding on a nut if you have to.
@@kenchilton here in australia we have another issue...bsa and whitworth was popular... and we still occasionally get nuts and bolts NEW that have these wacky sizes... its bigger than 13, but smaller than 9/16... bit bigger than 10, not quite a 7/16... six point sockets help... sometimes. any OLD machinery... rip em out and retap to metric if the historic factor is unimportant...
Always room for improvement, isn't there. What will 20yrs from now bring us? Maybe RFID chip equipped hardware or something cool like that. Thanks for watching.
Three things I was taught about using crescent wrenches… First, when you use them incorrectly, they mostly function as corner rounders. Second, get a good quality crescent wrench that is made with tighter tolerances. You get what you pay for. And third, (and this is the one no one does) when you tighten the crescent wrench onto the head of the bolt keep your thumb on the worm gear so it stays as tight as possible.
Those are all awesome comments, thanks for sharing. I giggled regarding the first one....an effective tool for turning a hex into a circle many times. Particularly when using a smaller adjustable wrench, I'm with you on holding the worm gear. With my big hands I can hold with my thumb and still reach the end of the wrench to pull for best torque. Thanks for watching and stop back soon, much more to come. Cheers!
As an industrial mechanic i have both sets of wrenches in my tool boxes. I honestly prefer metric. This is fine with hex head bolts, if you want problems do this with socket head bolts😅.
Amen. Always challenges! Has always just blown me away that such a simple trick on hex head bolts is so often unknown. Thanks for what you do as a mechanic, the 'un-sung heros' of every industry!
Metric wrench increments are closer than English. So if in doubt, try the metric first. If you guessed wrong, one of the metrics in your hand will probably be close enough to work
It happens sometimes, right? Especially if someone else has been there ahead of you and already messed up the hex. Thanks for watching, stop back soon. Cheers!
You know, you bring up a really good point. Wouldn't it be ideal if wrenches/ratchets were sold in sets, exactly like you're saying, where regardless if the wrench is metric or inch, that they stack purely based upon comparative size? I like it.
The hex base on a rain bird impact sprinkler is 13/16, you need a thin wrench. I once struggled a weekend trying to remove a water pump from my little Honda car engine. I found out later that the bolt heads were tapered and beveled and needed a special Japanese wrench or socket.
Are you referring to an irrigation pivot rain bird for agriculture? I've got lots of sockets and such that have been ground down to fit in certain spaces. Appreciate you sharing.
Thanks for the comment. Understand. I had debated displaying a metric/imperial equivalency chart within the video, but I was trying to not go down that route. Rather, focusing specifically on pay attention to the hardware, and you'll know (most of the time) if it's metric or imperial. So, yes, used an 18mm to prove a bit of a point, versus the specific (near) equivalent of a 19mm. Cheers.
Oh my, good question. Ask a fleet of people and you'll get different responses of the definition of a screw versus a bolt. From what I've researched, there is NO universal/global standard definition. That said, many refer to the Machinery Handbook as a source of global truth. It says: "A bolt is an externally threaded fastener designed for insertion through holes in assembled parts, and is normally intended to be tightened or released by torquing a nut." "A screw is an externally threaded fastener capable of being inserted into holes in assembled parts, of mating with a preformed internal thread or forming its own thread and of being tightened or released by torquing the head." I'm sure others will argue a difference, but that is a commonly referenced definition.
the REAL challenge is to identify BSA/UN/SAE from BSW at a glance. whitworth threads. like NPT from BSPT. 55 versus 60 degree "iso" flank angle. some of the finer pitches can be a bit tricky, gas and plumbing is a nightmare of standards and non standards, LH and RH, and short thread lengths you cant measure properly... M5x0.8mm looks a lot like a... 3/16-32 UNEF? 3/16=4.75mm, and 32TPI=0.794MM... but to me, UNC just looks... steeper. deeper threads.
All of that variety makes my eyes roll back in my head. Apart from BSP, I can't identify any thread just by looking at it, so it's all trial and error for me. If you or @LearnedFromDad get time and can give more details, I would be grateful. Cheers.
You know, I still haven't (yet) experienced Whitworth threads, have only read about them. I need to buy some from the good old internet to see them. Same with a Nord-Lok washer. Thanks for sharing you experience. What industry did you experience so many different fastener variances? Cheers!
Worked in engineering for many years and can tell what head size by sight including metric sizes, imperial sizes.Thread sizes, metric, metric fine, bsf,bsw.unf,unc, bsp, bspf. Its easier this way. Bolts in uk are never marked this way and tell you very little.
Nothing beats years of experience! What type of engineering work? And, interesting regarding the bolts on the UK, what typically the standard they follow (EN, ISO, JIS, etc)? I've been all over the world for work, but ironically never to Europe....yet!
@@LearnedFromDad Varied started making chieftain tanks and armoured vehicles, Then printing presses after that service engineering in the field. Tended not to pay too much attention to standard numbers but BS EN 14399 imperial sizes and BS 3692 ISO for metric. After a while got spanner/wrench or socket size correct by visual most times, then if a bit loose next size down. Most new British stuff is now metric. Older equipment you have to watch for thread types more than head sizes. BSW (British standard whitworth) BSF (British standard fine).UNF (Unified national fine).UNC (Unified national course).BSP (British standard pipe). BSPF (British standard pipe fine). Great in the old days.The British standards institute was about the first of it's kind, and the standards it produces are largely copied for the metric system throughout Europe. The metric thread is a Whitworth form. This was developed at the Armstrong Whitworth factory where I started work.
@@michaelblacklock2655 that is fascinating. I've done so much in life, to date, and am always hungry for more new things.....endlessly curious (to a fault 😊). I enjoy all the variety life has to offer. Fearful of getting to the end of my days and saying "I wish I would have". Really appreciate you sharing. Take care, and see you back soon!
There are 3 metric standards also. ISO JIS and DIN. All with different head sizes. I prefer JIS because it makes more sense and Japanese cars and motorcycles are the most common imported.
I appreciate that comment. I need to look in my Machinery Handbook to get more familiar with the differences, learning to be done. If you would have said JIC to me in conversation, my mind would have immediately gone to hydraulic fittings. Thanks for watching and commenting!
@@LearnedFromDad I'm sorry I was wrong; It's not JIC it's JIS. I corrected my comment. I'm familiar with JIC also with hydraulic fittings and has a brain fart when I commented. 😂
@thomasjefferson1457 wait, so you're saying you're not perfect either? I've been learning more about JIS and DIN. I'm working on a video right now actually solving a mystery to many (I feel) about a specific JIS marking that I didn't cover and as I've learned, seems to baffle most (me included). Stand-by for that one!
@@LearnedFromDad I hope to see it. I learned of the different standards researching bolt head sizes. I was wondering why they made so many metric wrench sizes that didn't seem to fit anything. Like the 15MM. It appears nobody uses it except DIN. Then there's the 13MM the the Japanese don't use but ISO and DIN both use. I'm surprised they all didn't get together and standardize the bolt head sizes. They seem to quit getting along after anything above the 10mm wrench. 😂
Wow that makes sense now. In a standard metric country ive always wondered why some equipment and tools designed in America but sold internationally in metric had such odd nut bolt and screw sizes no-one would normally use like a 16 wrench. The designer still thinking old imperial sizes and finding the metric equivalent. Does this also extend to some of the odball metric units Americans sometimes use such as Calories and mols per decileter and always use milimeters and ignore all other prefixes thinking they different units. Just curious.
Everything you said about metric mostly only applies to European metric. JIS metric (japanese as found on all japanes cars) have a completely different marking system and are different size heads.
Appreciate the comment. Definitely knew I wasn't hitting all categories, but catching a majority, would have been good to state that more clearly. Opportunity for a follow-up video. Take good care!
This video is very helpful the next time I see clean shiny bolts on a car I'm working on. Rule of thumb is, if made somewhere besides USA, it's all metric, made in USA after 1990 it could be both, made after 2010 it's metric, but in building ships in US it still could be both SAE and metric but most likely SAE.........
You sound like my father, who was a marine engineer. For older (much older) English stuff, the same comments could apply. Thanks for sharing your knowledge.
Would you like to see my Taiwanese milling machine that has some British Standard Whitworth threads on it. My Taiwanese engine lathe has all the handles made with Unified National threads. The point is to make sure what the thread is before trying to screw the bolt into a hole with an impact wrench. If you fly and notice a Rolls Royce badge on the engine cowling, the engine ignitor wiring harness connectors are probably Whitworth. This is to enable backwards compatibility.
@@aceroadholder2185 A milling machine made in Taiwan with USS thread pitch is very strange, I never bought anything from China or Taiwan that has USS bolts, sounds like a frustrating machine to work on...
A couple of decades ago, Costco were selling imperial spanners in metric Japan. Possibly a useful addition to the toolbox, but hardly a mainstream need.
Oh, interesting! And, you called then spanners, what country do you hale from? I remember my first trip to South Africa, I asked a guy to grab me a wrench and he brought back a ratchet....I was confused until he explained I needed a spanner 😀 Cheers!
@@LearnedFromDad Sorry for the delay. Cat on the keyboard. Can make a comparison between driving/car ownership in UK and Japan. Interested? Jack, the Japan Alps Brit
You won't believe me but if u go to a hardware store in Japan or Taiwan, you will see as many Standard bolts, wrenches, drill bits as Metric bolts, wrenches drill bits, etc.
Really?!?! Wow. I never would have guessed that. I've traveled a lot around the world, but never to either of those countries......maybe I should use "verifying your statement" as an excuse to visit.....what do you think?? 😁 Thanks for watching!
Great stuff James, I worked as a industrial mechanic for 25 years . We had some bolts that required a 2" wrench to tighten! We used a lot of Socket head bolts. I don't recall using anything harder than a grade 8 ! I will say this if that bolt is really tight, you better be on the money , else wise you will have to break out the universal pipe wrench !!!! In talking about grade , I would say that for example a grade 8. Grade 8 are usually gold in color ,or are they . Take head bolts for a car engine . They could be grade 8 and be oxide coated. We home owners don't a Rockwell meter laying around to check these things .
Thanks for the comment and watching! A delicate balance with these videos of being mostly targeted at the average human who has never been exposed, but still provide reasonable detail. I bet you came across a lot of interesting scenarios in those 25yrs of experience. Take good care!
@@LearnedFromDad you bet ya ! Striped out threads in cast iron !!! Broken off bolts , broken taps , seized nuts , seized dial pins !cracked this and cracked that . I could go on and on . Thank you for replying!
nice explanation and very well presented...if you are using fasteners a lot it is very useful to memorize what wenches and sockets interchange between SAE and Metric..eg i use 14mm when i need 9/16 as it fits nice and snug....a 1/2 inch wrench fits tighter on a 13mm bolt than a 13mm wrench etc...if you are desperate and need to remove an 18mm and only have a 3/4 or 19mm wrench, try slipping a dime between the wrench and the nut (open end only).
Agree, separating at least at that macro level makes life easier. I just used old coffee containers until I bought bins. And, I was just laughing to myself.....cross threading is natural (organic) loctite 😆 Thanks for watching, cheers!
Those grade markings can be found on bolts from the hardware store. Unfortunately, cars, motorcycles, lawnmowers, and just about any other OEM uses their own bolts without markings. Good video nonetheless.
Yes, certainly varies what a person may find, depending upon the object. So many bolts are not marked, and therefore you can't use this simple trick to identify which it is. Glad you enjoyed it regardless, thanks for watching!
Stainless bolts that are marked with A... are also metric (A2-70 for example). There are other letters for different steels, but most of us would only see austenitic steels regularily.
OK for new bolts. I have literally hundreds of bolts removed from equipment. Many have no markings at all but are high strength, and others have oddball markings that are not like what you show. The Mexican socket set (crescent wrench) ends up being the final answer!
Yeah, can be quite random what a person finds for markings. Can be tricky because certainly could run into things that are high strength, to some extent, like you say but without markings it's so hard to know specifically. And, I always refer to it as a left handed adjustable 😀 Thanks for watching!
thank you, good video. i am waiting also for a video on thread sizes ;-) i have some experiences of trying to thrust a SAE bolt into a metric hole... and the difference between different step size in SAE bolts is a topic worth mentioning.
When I was a kid working on my bike i used ro use a flat srew driver as a shim because u didnt have the right size wrenches, lots of stuff i used to rig up.
Haha, ahh yes, do with what you have. A flathead, a coin, anything. Mechanics and farmers are my people and my most favorite characteristic about them is their ability to just figure it out with what they have. My kids are occasionally thrilled by the random "make it work" hacks I come up with 😆
6 point sockets are handy because they make it easier to use on the wrong nuts and bolts. Might save you a trip if you have a 6 point metric that'll work on a standard.
If you can find them. OVer the last few years I've acquired nearly a full set of HF Quinn sockets in 1/4", 3/8", and 1/2" drive. Their standard is to have the short sockets be 12pt, and long sockets being 6pt. I've got mostly sets of old Craftsman in both 6pt and 12pt out in the shed(cheap bucket of very rusty sockets at a garage sale and some weren't able to be cleaned up)
I couldn't find anything metric on my 1980 Ford F-150 short bed yet. But being old I have plenty of standard and metric American made tools just in case.
Yes, understand, and I'm aware. I intention grabbed one size off to make a point....though what I should have done was used a bolt that was more appropriately misaligned across the two types. I also toyed with showing cross-over size info, but ultimately decided not to as the focus was simply "how do you look at a bolt head and (often) be able to identify it as metric or inch. Definitely planning to do a video soon about wrenches (spanners) and sockets where I'll more clearly cover the cross-over. Thanks for watching, and the feedback. Cheers!
i personally believe SAE up to 3/4 is the best system...once you memorize the 9 or so wrenches in that range it becomes very easy....also there are only two basic thread pitches 'normal folks' need to worry about...referred to as fine and coarse...with metric i lost count of the number of thread pitches and shaft to head size standards there are...
It's always fascinating to me the shear number of thread systems that do exist globally. And, agree, when I created this video (and others) the target audience is definitely the average human. But, I've definitely loved all the comments from engineers, machinists, mechanics, etc. Fun conversations.
Also perhaps worth pointing out that there are enormous numbers of metric bolts out there that do not have a strength class number on the head. Only the 'good' ones have that info, The vast majority of smaller metric bolts do not have any markings.
All US made aircraft hardware conforms to either AN (army navy standard), MS (military standard), or NAS ( I think that is national aviation standard). Using any other bolt is illegal even if it is better. Most AN hardware is grade five. The parts book for each aircraft specifies the exact part number for each bolt, nut, washer, or screw for each place on the machine. (by the way, SAE means Society of Automotive Engineers I think)
@donaldvandenberg4429 fascinating, thanks for sharing that regarding the aviation industry. I haven't had the opportunity to exist with the aviation industry, yet :) Appreciate you sharing, stop back again!
I would agree inside/around your home. The one place you may see it is your vehicle, particularly if you're underneath and where you're looking...such as around a trailer hitch. But, definitely pretty uncommon, as would be a 12.9 class metric. Thanks for watching!
You know, I've never tried those tools, but have seen the advertisement. Wondering of any others have had experiences they can share using these tools? Thanks for sharing and watching!
I was given a set of Metrinch tools many years ago by my in-laws. Love ‘em (both my in laws and the tools). The only frustration I’ve had is that the plastic hinges on the carry case broke and it is impossible to find a replacement. The item is listed on their website but has been out of stock for years.
There is one "interchangeable " size of bolts metric vs. unf (?) 10 mm maybe ? I do not remember. The same thread pitch and nearly same diameter . But: the threads engages not entirely. You can tighten the nut, but after time / load and vibrations the threads will be loose or stripped. Dangerous. Knowing it from brake lines ... . No marks on the nuts and cast iron.
@@YoeyYutch I think it was something around 10 mm. I know it from my TR 6 , where it was changeover from Imperial to metric calipper threads in some year. Some of this cars are driving with mismatched brake lines. As mentioned : it fits perfectly - but loose .
@@tenhendee5479Yeah if you threaded an M10 x 1.5 nut on a 3/8 - 16 stud or bolt, it should fit like you said, perfectly - but loose. Then after about five spins, it would either start binding up or stripping threads. A good example of why you can't just switch to the metric system.
Yes, you are 100% correct. My use of that term was wrong. This was one of my earlier videos where I definitely did not consider my global audience, that was my error.. There is no "standard", just different systems. In the USA, the term 'standard' is too often used, and I was unfortunately conditioned to say that. I've since changed what I say, thanks to my viewer comments....I now even correct my own father when he says "standard" 😀 Thanks for watching. Cheers!
I'm dying laughing because the same thief of the 10mm and 13mm exists in my life as well! I swear it's part of some greater life story plot....Christmas elves rebelling against all the 10mm hardware hurting their little finger so they steal all the tools and throw them in a giant pile somewhere to get even 😂
Appreciate your comment. And yes, I have plenty of knowledge, and always someone who knows more, but definitely intended for an average person to understand simple things. I've been told waaaay to many times, explain more simply (to an average person), so here we are. Thanks for watching, stop back!
Yep, that's correct. That's a key one I can always remember, based on the frequency I use it. I intentionally didn't touch on all the cross-over sizes, will do that when we talk about wrenches amd sockets. Thanks for watching!
Sorry for delay in response, I got behind! Yes, 100% accurate. I used that 18mm intentionally as an example of being sized well (imperial hardware to a metric wrench). I should have found a different piece of hardware that would have been a more appropriate example. Appreciate you watching and sharing. Cheers!
So, you're saying the good old universal/adjustable wrench? It certainly doesn't fit the bill sometimes. Hopefully not a high torque situation, too mamy times (as a younger guy) I have rounded off corners of the nut/bolt head. Hard lessons learned! Take good care!
Yeah, I just wish globally there was (1) way, everyone's lives would be easier. Not just hardware, but in all means of measurement. Way too many cases of conversion rounding errors, etc. Thanks for watching.
I don't like metric. I wished that all bolts were SAE It really makes me frustrated when half the bolts/nuts on my truck is SAE, and the other half is metric. Makes no sense.
Yeah, I hear ya about the mix of metric and imperial. In my experience at my own employer, the things we control we have universally used metric, however, many times there are 'off the shelf' sub-assemblies or components we buy have have imperial hardware. I suspect it would cost more to spec it one way (no longer 'off the shelf') and the gain is almost non-existent. And that is one key reason I made this intentionally simple video, is to just ensure the average person (in many cases) can look at the bolt head and have a fighting, easy, chance of understanding which General hardware family it's within. Much more beyond that with threads, etc, but a simple start.
Here's what I learned metric wrenches fit metric bolts and inch bolts better than inch wrenches fit metric and inch bolts. If you can only afford one set of wrenches and sockets get metric every time is 6 point sockets they will be most durable and long-lasting
But, it's always fun to own more tools, right 😉 appreciate the comment and watching. Will do another video on wrenches (spanners) and sockets at an upcoming point and will definitely talk more about some of the things you mentioned. Cheers!
@@LearnedFromDad I’m born in 1978, I do recall 😊 If we didn't know a guy who knew what to do, we were breaking plastic clips lol Now there are 10 videos on the Internet for every single thing that I know how to do (good internet) But the social media aspect went to shiit quickly (bad internet)
Thanks, I'm glad you learned! That's my #1 goal, share education that I'm familiar with, and let others expand via the comments. Stop back soon, much more to come!
When you get to looking at metric vs imperial thread sizes the worst has to be 6mm vs 1/4" they will start to go together but lock up after a few turns, that's when a gorilla swings on the wrench and starts to cause damage where using the right nut or bolt would have been so much easier.
Early 90's worked in a Japanese owned factory in maintenance. I asked a Japanese mechanic if the bolts on a machine we were working on was metric or standard. He said "metric 'is' standard". Oh, yea I guess you're right!
@markfloyd7206 isn't it wild how a single word can be referenced so differently around the world? All perspective! Great quote from the movie "The Interpreter"........'worlds have gone to war over words'....referring to interpretation. Cheers!
Oh it is quite acceptable: lots of people use that terminology and everyone knows what it means. It is called 'standard" in the sense of being "regular" or "ordinary."
@grandrapids57 isn't it fascinating how perspective is different depending upon where you are? Definitely enjoy traveling, experiencing, and learning. Cheers!
I'm going to disagree with your assertion that 19mm isn't equal to3/4" close enough for them to be interchangable. There are 2 sizes I off the top of my head know are completely interchangeable, those being 13mm=1/3" and 19mm=3/4". The 3/4" being 0.05mm larger than 3/4" is not enough to call it a loose fit. 19mm is literally 0.002", or 2thou as a machinist would sat smaller than 19mm. That's within the tolerance range of most machined parts.
Also want to add, for some manufacturers like snap-on, they are literally the same actual part, and machined identically, and are interchangeable. They themselves know that the difference is so small and within the tolerance that they just have a kind of precision that all of them are the halfway between the two
Understand completely, and a fair comment. Was generally wanting to show those who aren't normally using wrenches/ratchets that some sizes are virtually identical and some aren't quite as close.
@harryboy3305 you bet, confident we handy people knew that was meant to be 13mm-1/2", but those not familiar would be mislead, good catch.....I missed that.....glad you pointed that out.
Yes, I wish I could take back my usage of the term 'standard'......that was a lesson learned into using a slang term inappropriately in the RUclips environment. I'll do better, I'm learning quickly. Thanks for watching!
Haha, yeah, that is absolutely a rookie mistake on my part 🤣. I failed to think about a global audience with some of my first videos I made. I blame my Tool & Die Maker dad for always referencing 'standard' for inch hardware. You have my attention with the role of Dutch international service engineer! Mind telling me more about that? I'm intrigued!
@LearnedFromDad I started my 'career' as an electrician. Very soon after that, I got involved in all kinds of heavy industrial projects. I can't get too deep into details without giving myself away, but I've been travelling the world. I've visited 34 countries and some of them over a dozen times. These projects also involved mechanical skills as well. In my youth, I had already been doing all kinds of mechanical hobby projects. I see the difference between an m6 and an m8 bolt or nut from a distance. I know all standard sizes and the pitch they have. I also know by heart which spanner to use.
@@wingnut2893fascinating! Your experiences sound amazing. I love learning and adventuring into the unknown. Have also traveled all over the US and world, albeit not as much as you,but I do love the thrill and experiences it brings. My current role doesn't have much travel, I need to adjust that. I imagine we'd have some fun and amazing stories to swap. Thanks for the conversation.
@LearnedFromDad it all was fascinating. I'm retired now and can only look back and be proud of what I've all achieved. Of course, I have an autismspectrum related 'talent'.That made me the technician with a lot of options to solve problems or prevent them from happening. My luck is that I speak three languages. Dutch, German, and English. That means it's easier to work all around the world. I'm sure we could work together and have a tremendous amount of fun.
Haha, you've got it made! Wouldn't it be great if the world could just agree on one type? That's a challenging political topic huh?! Where in Europe? I've been all over the world, but oddly never yo Europe (yet). Thanks for watching, cheers!
@@LearnedFromDad Ireland. The only metric I come across is vintage British made cars and tractors. Pre 1970s. I have a socket set that includes imperial but I doubt I’ve used them more than a handful of times. Occasionally a damaged metric bolt head might work better with a random imperial socket.
@@Dreyno when I started this channel, to help my kids learn and share with others, I never considered/imagined a global audience. Frankly, it's fun and humbling to know I'm able to do something I love (sharing/educating) on such a broad scale. And, further more, learn so much myself in the process. Really appreciate the comments, watching, and sharing. Cheers!
@@LearnedFromDad Lots of people out there grow up without learning the simplest of things. Either through a lack of guidance from the adults in their lives or plain laziness and lack of interest when they were younger. Channels like yours are a great resource for them.
Metric is a standard. A single standard. 'Imperial' is too- sort of. For example, the US uses three different length miles; can you name them? US pints and gallons are also smaller than elsewhere. Metric also avoids the vast majority of conversion factors- memorize 4.2 and you are just about there. But then you know this- the US went Metric in the mid 70s...
Thanks for the comment. Yes, the use of the term "standard" was definitely incorrect use of slang, an unrecognized error on one of my early videos. I teased my own dad for this incorrect education, as I've heard him (a retired tool and die maker) use the statement so many times 😊 And, my day job work across US, imperial, and metric measurements often so constantly faced with the conversion conundrum. Side note, I've seen some of your channel videos before. It's great stuff, keep it up!
The rest of the the word still refers to it as "British Imperial Units" specifically because imperial isn't "standard", it's not "American" and the SAE is an organisation that actually makes useful metric standards, especially in Aeronautic and aerospace, but even in fluid power systems.
The United States uses something called U.S. Customary Units of Measurement. British Imperial Units are an entirely different thing. If you want to dive down a huge rabbit hole, start with en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Imperial_and_US_customary_measurement_systems.
I learned a lesson using the slang term 'standard' in this video. Definitely didn't think globally, that 'standard' is completely variable. But, has generated some good conversations. Thanks for watching.
Hi Mike, thanks for the comment. Yes, definitely understand I didn't hit all categories. Was a balance of be thorough but not too long. Would have been good to call out some that I specifically wasn't going to touch on. Always learning. Stop back soon. Cheers!
@@LearnedFromDad In my experience in Australia, at least, steel rulers will often come with a conversion table on one side. The 12"/30cm ruler have in front of me lists the metric equivalents of 1 to 12 and 36 inches, half an inch, 1/4" and 3/4", plus all the (odd) eighths, sixteenths, and 32nds of an inch (up to five decimal places!). I think the 18"/45cm ruler I have in the workshop (which has more room) also has all the 64ths of an inch. It's arranged by imperial sizes, so it's easy to find the metric equivalents, but not so easy to go the other way.
@@PJRaymentthat's super convenient. I miss AU, spent 2 weeks there for work, what a great place with so many fun things to experience. And, the people were great. Thanks for sharing your experience!
Haha, well, I guess quick is relative. But, at least knowing the family (metric or inch/imperial) can be done at a glance. Actual size, a little more to do. Thanks for watching, cheers!
Yes, definitely wish the world could unify on a single measurement system. Makes me think about the phrase "can't we all just get along" 😊 Side note, your RUclips logo is really neat! Did you make it yourself? Thanks for watching.
We don’t care what other people do. A lot of people speak Chinese. Do you think we should all just “switch” to that language too? If it ain’t broke, don’t “fix” it.
@wulf67 definitely a fair statement. What I really should have said was "I just wish the world would agree on a single measurement system". I work in both inch and metric daily, and my biggest concern comes with conversion and errors that can be introduced with rounding. Thanks for watching. Cheers!
@@LearnedFromDad It can be annoying having two standards for nuts and bolts and wrenches and sockets when either one works just fine alone, but not as annoying as having to have 45 different drive bits for a screwdriver because although “the rest of the world has settled on a standard of measurement” when it comes to screw drives they can’t seem to decide between Philips, torx, posidriv, supadriv, JIS, Robertson, hex, double hex, external torx…And that doesn’t even count the security drives that are designed to make you throw up your hands and walk away.
@@wulf67ironic you mentioned screwdrivers, as I have a video in process regarding the basics of screwdrivers for a person who isn't experienced. It's a fine line of where to stop in explanation to educate, but not overwhelm a new person. May have to do a multi-part video.
Here in europe, metric is the "standard". But we also accept imperial units "standard" for certain applications. Just a nitpick, good video again though. ;)
'Standard' is such a trivial word, isn't it?! That's an interesting point, I appreciate you sharing. I look forward to the day the total world only has metric!
@@LearnedFromDad Sure is, as long as there are deviations from it. ;) But i can live with two competing standards. No rush to phase one out by force, that would only create more problems than we already have. :) Keep up the good work, cheers!
@@LearnedFromDad "Standard" comes from the SAE(Society of Automotive Engineers), as it is/was their standard sizing. I can't say I agree with looking forward to a world with only metric. The metric system is based on a Universe size scale. Imperial measurements are based on the human scale(i.e. a foot is roughly the length of your foot.) The Metric system goes for a meter(3.28ft) down to the Cm(0.32ft) in one step(and why does no one use the Decimeter, which roughly 1/3 of a ft). Within that scale, the Imperial system 3 different measurements easily converted into each other in easily scalable numbers(i.e. 1' ft equals 12 inches, 3ft equals 36 inches which also equals a yard. An inch is roughly the width of my thumb, a ft is roughly the length of my foot, and a yard is roughly the length of my arm.
@@samuelfinsky6466 Easy enough to work with just 2 primary competing standards. If you really look into it, the Machinists Handbook(I've got the 27th edition) has 305 pages of very fine print just on threads. They list at least 5 major thread systems(SAE, Metric, Acme, Buttress, Whitworth, Pipe) as well as a section on "other threads" which has about 25 other thread systems in it.
@@ravenbarsrepairs5594 I live in Europe, so I am used to the metric system and the imperial units are weird to me with weird conversion factors. For me, the fact that metric system is decimal makes it easy to convert between units to drop unnecessary zeros. If I measure/calculate something as, say, 1000 inches, I have to keep the zeros or divide the number by some weird coefficient (12 or 36) to get the larger units. On the other hand, converting 1000cm into 10m is easy. Why does nobody use dm? I can't speak for everyone, but for me, it is not really needed. For something small or if I need the precision I'll use millimeters. If the measurement is bigger than, say, 100mm and there is no need to be precise, then it's centimeters. Over a meter, just use meters (again, unless there is a need or precision). I don't like a lot of zeros, but I also don't like if there are lots of numbers after the decimal point, so 127.5cm is better for me than 1.275m. Since if is so easy to convert between the units, there is no need to have separate units for specific measurements (a yard is 3 feet, so converting to yards you don't really shorten the number and you also have to divide by 3), like feet for measuring the length of a cable ,but yards for measuring something else (you probably don't measure cable length in yards, but feet or inches if it's really short). It's annoying for me when I watch videos about airplanes and the altitude is something like 20000 feet. Too many zeros for my tastes, but it's not easy to convert that into miles. As for measuring things using my body, well, for everyone it is different, but for me, if I extend my arm, then the distance from my fingers to the shoulder of my other arm is pretty accurately 1 meter. I sometimes use this to measure cable length. For everything else I just use a tape measure or a small object with known size. Length may not be as confusing, but weight (something weighs 5 tons - so is it 5000kg, 5080kg or 4535kg?), the various types of ounces. So yeah, for me the imperial units are weird and confusing, but thankfully I only have to deal with them when watching videos and do not need them in real life.
Yes, you're absolutely correct, which I am very familiar with but when recording I didn't think about my global audience and what the generic term 'standard' would mean. Good learning on my part, and I've been correcting fellow American friends as I've talked to them over the past month 😀 Thanks for watching!
You would think with all the crap they stamp on the head... They could just stamp the size on there... 6 lines for grade 8, 3 lines for grade 5 no lines for grade 2 could this make any less sense... Who's on first what's on second 🤣🤦
That's too easy. Plus, then you wouldn't get the experience of buying hardware twice because you didn't measure and guessed wrong at the hardware store 😀
Mechanic who regularly works with nuts and bolts will tell the size just by looking at it, also it's easy to measure if necessary. But It's difficult to test grade.
Metric and imperial are not the only threads , there are bsp, Bspt , af, metric fine , metric corse, whitworth fine , corse , the list goes on and on , find a thread gauge and you will see how many differant threads and pitches of threads there are lol cheers 😂
Yes, absolutely. Originally recorded this video with the average person in mind who isn't generally familiar at all with hardware as a way to begin better understanding a way to simply identify the difference in the more common. Hardware is such an interesting, and variable world as you said! Thanks for sharing, cheers!
Haha, yes, fair statement. I work in both metric and imperial measurement system daily, it's like speaking two languages. I have been fascinated, however, with some of the differences in Metric hardware as it relates to DIN, JIS, EN, ASTM, ISO standards. Thanks for watching, stop back soon, more to come!
Thanks for the comment. And, yes, as one of the early videos I did, I 100% didn't think strongly about a global audience, nor the use of poor 'slang' term of 'standard', to which globally doesn't exist. Definitely learned my lesson their. I've even been correcting my own dad, co-workers, and friends now when they use the term 'standard', as I learned my lesson 😀 Thanks for watching, stop back soon. Cheers!
From a metric point of view there is not much standard in imperial bolts. The grading seems very awkward. In the metric world the normal bolts used in the household are usually 8.8 and not very often 4.6. Those are the ones you get if you go to a hardware store to get bolts. Higher grades (10.9 and higher) are usually for machines and engines of better quality. Some cheap equipment may have even 4.6 bolts. There more grades in metric bolts than those. I wonder where you found a metric bolt of 18 mm wrench size? The standard wrench sizes around 18 mm are (actual bolt size and then wrench size): M8 13 mm M10 17 mm M12 19 mm M16 24 mm
Thanks for the positive comment. With the agricultural equipment I work on I see a lot of 10.9 and 12.9, with occasional 8.8. So the 18mm was just one I grabbed from a set, to generically prove a point of "it was an inch bolt, so should have known to grab an inch wrench". In that instance, a 19mm would have crossed over more appropriately. Interesting thing, I've learned is the head size of metric bolts are not all common, depends what governing standard its following such as ASTM, ISO, EN, DIN, or JIS. Suspect not touching some/one of those may be why you (or I) haven't used an 18mm specifically before. I found a reference document from bolt mfg "Earnest" that had a nice table showing the differences of head size across the different metric sizes.
Haha, yeah, possibly....depending where that mechanic is from. I just get tired of having to work in all units of measure all day, every day. Too many opportunities for rounding errors, etc. Thanks for watching, cheers.
A country only needs one logical, comprehensive measurement system. What it doesn't need is two, totally incompatible systems of measure in concurrent use. Imperial/USCS coexist so "Is that a metric ton, an Imperial ton or a US ton? Thus compounding the potential for error and confusion.
I may have been a little strong in my video comment about everyone moving to metric. What I was implying, more, is I sure wish the world had one measurement standard. I say that selfishly because I work in metric/US measurements daily and always run into conversion and rounding issues. But, I guess if it was all the same, we'd have less to learn about 😀 Cheers!
Options are valuable! I think anyone, globally, would just in general like a single measurement system to deal with. Thanks for stopping by, more content to come. Cheers.
Thanks for sharing. I was in the fence about showing a cross-over chart in this video, and decided not to because the main basis was to identify metric versus inch/imperial (if marked). I'll definitely touch on cross-over when talking about wrenches (spanners) and sockets. Cheers!
I hate metric!! As an old shade tree mechanic, we went from 2 thread types, coarse and fine, to several different 'pitches' in metric. Just because you have a 18mm bolt does not mean you can expect any old 18mm nut to fit! Nooo, you have to check the pitch of the threads, and there are several. Life use to be much more simple! :(
Difference between metric and standard... Oh boy metric is standard at the rest of the world. Imperial is the Non standard..... US is strange with their "standards" you are using imperial nearly alone beside the UK...
Oh yes, understand. The great hardware debate if metric or inch (imperial). Makes for often unnecessary challenges for all types of people. I'd love nothing more than a global use of one system or the other...I'm impartial to which. Thanks for watching, stop back soon!
Apologies if you felt that was misleading. And, fair statement, depending upon what bolt you're looking at, it may not be marked which hopefully you now know is an ungraded/classed bolt. So, in those cases you'll have to guess on wrench/spanner size. Possibly more what you were looking for was something like my other video where I talk about bolt size, which walks through measuring for metric versus inch hardware. ruclips.net/video/aAAcXy0yGoc/видео.html Thanks for watching and providing feedback. Cheers!
I like and agree,when he says that he wish that everybody should be metric,why ? Because it makes more sense. But then again,when I see all those Americans bend over to Trump,I understand why the Americans are still stuck with Imperial(standard) measerments. There is very few countries that still employ Imperial measurments.
Don’t you mean “there ARE” few countries that use Imperial? “Is” is singular. And why do you believe that metric “makes more sense?” Maybe Imperial makes sense but you just don’t understand…like why there are different forms of the verb “to be” in the English language.
@@wulf67 Thanks for the English lesson,but my primery langage is not English,so I write it the best I can or the way you English people speak it. As for the Imperial versus the metric systhems,I am old enough to tell you that I was raised and studied in imperial measurments,and I am fluent in both of them,but metric just makes more sense, you must of figured that by now.
@@LearnedFromDad Standard is/was the standard for the Society of Automotive engineers. Up until the 90's, everything mechanical made in the USA used that standard. It wasn't until manufacturing of heavy machinery and automotive went offshore that Metric became the norm, and for a decade plus, vehicles used a mix of the fasteners, based on when the components had been designed. The Jeep 4.0 in my '02 WJ has mostly metric fasteners, but components designed over a decade earlier, such as the engine, transmission, and transfer case, all use mostly standard fasteners, with the odd metric mixed in from modifications to those parts over the years.
I'll never get over that. Calling something that is none standard standard because one country uses it ubiquitously is a bit weird. When we say standard it's a regular size from the hardware. Normally between M4- M10. We call the old system Imperial sizes. It's certainly not standard at least not for over 100 years.
Yes sir, understand. I grabbed one wrench off for perspective, probably should have grabbed a different size bolt that didnt align in size like a 3/4 to 19mm. I debated about showing a comparison table of metric to inch wrenches, but decided not to as I was specifically trying to highlight for newer learner the simple way to (often) quickly identify a metric versus inch bolt. I'll definitely show crossover table when I do a video on wrenches/spanners/ratchets. Thanks for stopping by and sharing!
If you can't tell by just looking at the age/manufacturer/application, the threads, or bolt head markings, you probably need to just bring both sets. With time you'll just know what size it it. For most made in the past 20yrs things, it's likely metric if your not dealing with an industrial, homemade, or heavily modified item. I have a 2002 Jeep WJ, and it's got metric on all parts not redesigned past ~1995, and mostly SAE(with Metric for some changes made specific to the WJ) on the engine, transmission, transfer case.
You bet. I've just always been fascinated with how few people know you can (typically) look at head markings and understand if it's inch or metric hardware. Keep on wrenching!
Haha, yeah, about that. A hard lesson learned on on of my first videos, and not considering my global audience! I completely knew better, I've traveled the world and know the standardization of metric elsewhere than the US. However, I'll maybe blame my own dad (tool & die maker) for endlessly pounding into my head the term "standard" (for imperial/inch hardware) 😁
Thansk from the comment. You bet, mechanics and there experience is outstanding.....able to recognize at a glance. Just trying to help put all the non-mechanics be a little more knowledgeable. Understand the metric/imperial debate. Life would be easier for all with just one measurement system in general. Take good care!!
The lines on the bolt head are called Head Stamps . 19 MM X .03937 = .74803 3/4” is .750 13 MM X .03937 = .51181 1/2” is .500 The tolerance is acceptable . Good Video .
19mm is 19mm, 13 etc... no one should convert to crappy inch ! inch is a stupid way to write 25.4mm. Only one set of tools, metric. I rarely see inch fasteners and a crescent or vise grip is the way I handle it.
Yes, definitely understand there is commonly recognized cross over with the 19mm to 3/4". I intentionally grabbed an 18mm to be one size off to prove a point. Would be been better of lf grabbing a piece of hardware that was less aligned. Live and learn. I'll talk about commonly recognized cross overs when I get to wrenches (spanners) and sockets. Cheers.
"Grade" referres to Imperial bolts (Grade 5, Gade 8). Metric bolts are are "Class" (Class 8.8, Class 10.9). Further, the metric Class number has meaning.... i.e. with Class 8.8, multiply the first numeral by 100; gives the nominal tensile strength in MPa (800 MPA). Multiply the second numeral by 10; gives the nominal yield strength as a percentage of tensile strength (80% x 800 = 640MPA).
I did not know that about tensile/yield strength calculation regarding metric class bolts. I love learning through people's comments, thanks for sharing!!
So, basically the same thing
Metric fucks up the grade system too.
@@frederickking1660
Still stuck in the dark eh. (American engineer 50 years of practice)
Can one determine the diameter from the Grade or Class of the bolt?
Our presenter has several teacher genes. Very well presented, nice summary. Unlike many other videos on similar topics, this one spares us the wandering focus and needless "as I said before" redundancies. Thank you, LFD.
Thanks for the nice comment. I do love to teach, always have, and has been part of or my full time role professionally within the construction and ag industries for the past 20 years. Always trying to refine my educational craft, and learn myself; I'm just an endlessly curious person.
Hope to see you back again soon, and you find what I'm doing educational, interesting, and maybe even a bit entertaining. Cheers!
3/4" is interchangeable 19mm, not 18mm.
My 4 year old knows that..
Thank you! I've been working on industrial manufacturing machines for over 35 years, the last 17 as an independent contractor. I work on machines from all over the world and I can tell you that a 19mm is closer to 3/4" than a 24mm is to a 15/16".
As a matter of fact, I think 3/4" is defined as 19.02mm, while a 15/16" is defined as 23.8mm. With the 3/4" - 19mm pairing, they are .02 mm apart, but the 24mm - 15/16" pairing is .2mm apart - 10 times the difference of the 3/4" - 19mm.
@jdgower1 Agreed. Tekton has a couple of really handy charts that visually show the relationship between SAE & Metric for people that don't cross over often. I think it's a PDF file, and it's free. It's not something you'd need, but it's handy for home gamers to hang in the shop. You just look up Tekton conversion chart...
Also, what look like Phillips head screws on Japanese motorcycles are not Phillips head. They are JIS, which stands for Japanese Industrial Standard. You need JIS screwdrivers to loosen and tighten them properly. Phillips screwdrivers will normally round out the head on JIS screws. JIS screwdrivers work well for both JIS and Phillips head screws but Phillips screwdrivers only work well on Phillips head screws but not well on JIS screws.
That is a really interesting comment that I definitely wasn't familiar with regarding a JIS! I'm off to Google that topic. And, I had a video upcoming about screw drivers, I'll remember to mention that. Thanks for watching and commenting!
Yeah I rounded out the heads of screws on Japanese motorcycles for 40 years before I learned that JIS screws are made differently than Phillips. I believe that most everything that is made in Japan uses JIS screws.
@jeffreynorthrop9518 finally had a moment to look up the JIS Phillips. Super clear with those screw heads having the single depressed dimple on the screw head. I looked at my old Honda motorcycle and sure enough, there are the JIS Phillips screws. I appreciate you sharing. It's been fun to learn many things doing this, even from the comments.
I look forward to your video about screwdrivers.
@@jeffreynorthrop9518coming at-cha sooner than later!
Here in the rust belt, beating on a socket from the other set because the original size is no longer going to turn it is standard practice. One mm increments are not fine enough, so I have .5 mm sockets for some popular sizes, too. Going to the tool box can be more complicated than just a metric/SAE choice.
The 'rust best', you have my curiosity up.....is that the humid deep south or coastal area somewhere? Definitely nuisances to different places, thanks for sharing!
@@LearnedFromDad The rust belt is that part of the country from New England to the Chicago area where they use salt on the roads in the winter time. The salt and water rust and corrode any metals that can be oxidized, such as steel and aluminum. Bolts on cars are no longer their original size after two years on the road, but are swollen with rust. It also refers to all the shut down factories that are rusting away.
Wheel lugs that have a chrome shell usually swell to 1/2mm larger than original. Other bolts will simply grind away if you use a socket of the size the bolt was originally, so you need to take something a bit smaller and hammer it on through the rust. It also helps to use generous amounts of penetrating oil and heat, but that the bolt is no longer the original size because it rusted away is typical. The SAE sizes often work when the bolt was originally metric; other times, a metric size will work on older cars where the original was SAE. Too often you end up just drilling them out, or welding on a nut if you have to.
@@kenchilton here in australia we have another issue...bsa and whitworth was popular... and we still occasionally get nuts and bolts NEW that have these wacky sizes...
its bigger than 13, but smaller than 9/16... bit bigger than 10, not quite a 7/16...
six point sockets help... sometimes.
any OLD machinery... rip em out and retap to metric if the historic factor is unimportant...
Seems like it would be simpler to stamp what they are than using a code.
Always room for improvement, isn't there. What will 20yrs from now bring us? Maybe RFID chip equipped hardware or something cool like that. Thanks for watching.
@@LearnedFromDadYes, I like the way you think... Changes aren't permanent, but change is - : The Professor, Mr. Neil Peart. ...
@Clownmeati8 great quote!
Three things I was taught about using crescent wrenches… First, when you use them incorrectly, they mostly function as corner rounders. Second, get a good quality crescent wrench that is made with tighter tolerances. You get what you pay for. And third, (and this is the one no one does) when you tighten the crescent wrench onto the head of the bolt keep your thumb on the worm gear so it stays as tight as possible.
Those are all awesome comments, thanks for sharing. I giggled regarding the first one....an effective tool for turning a hex into a circle many times.
Particularly when using a smaller adjustable wrench, I'm with you on holding the worm gear. With my big hands I can hold with my thumb and still reach the end of the wrench to pull for best torque.
Thanks for watching and stop back soon, much more to come. Cheers!
As an industrial mechanic i have both sets of wrenches in my tool boxes. I honestly prefer metric. This is fine with hex head bolts, if you want problems do this with socket head bolts😅.
Amen. Always challenges! Has always just blown me away that such a simple trick on hex head bolts is so often unknown.
Thanks for what you do as a mechanic, the 'un-sung heros' of every industry!
Metric wrench increments are closer than English. So if in doubt, try the metric first. If you guessed wrong, one of the metrics in your hand will probably be close enough to work
Excellent!
And thank you for no seizure inducing annoying intro music.
Haha, I haven't really ever been a fan of background music. Maybe someday, in the right moments, but must be modest and not distracting.
Once I did a complete rebuild of an AMC 304 engine just with metric tools. It worked fine. Some sockets I had to hammer on, and remove with pliers.
It happens sometimes, right? Especially if someone else has been there ahead of you and already messed up the hex. Thanks for watching, stop back soon. Cheers!
I've merged my wrenches/sockets together.
They are sorted from smallest to largest.
I use the smallest one that fits.
You know, you bring up a really good point. Wouldn't it be ideal if wrenches/ratchets were sold in sets, exactly like you're saying, where regardless if the wrench is metric or inch, that they stack purely based upon comparative size? I like it.
@@LearnedFromDad Necessity is the mother of invention.
lol
@@anonamouse5917I said that exact phrase to somebody just a couple days ago, haha......I think it was my kid actually 😊
@@LearnedFromDad Say, "Frank Zappa necessitated The Mothers of Invention". Post your kids reaction here.
The hex base on a rain bird impact sprinkler is 13/16, you need a thin wrench. I once struggled a weekend trying to remove a water pump from my little Honda car engine. I found out later that the bolt heads were tapered and beveled and needed a special Japanese wrench or socket.
Are you referring to an irrigation pivot rain bird for agriculture? I've got lots of sockets and such that have been ground down to fit in certain spaces. Appreciate you sharing.
@@LearnedFromDad No, referring to a standard homeowner lawn sprinkler rainbird.
3/4" Wrench technically equals 19mm. 18 is too small.
Thanks for the comment. Understand. I had debated displaying a metric/imperial equivalency chart within the video, but I was trying to not go down that route. Rather, focusing specifically on pay attention to the hardware, and you'll know (most of the time) if it's metric or imperial. So, yes, used an 18mm to prove a bit of a point, versus the specific (near) equivalent of a 19mm. Cheers.
True but 1/2" + a dime is 10 mm
@@williamfocha5168 LMAO
Awesome video. I learned so much. One question: What's a bolt?
Oh my, good question. Ask a fleet of people and you'll get different responses of the definition of a screw versus a bolt. From what I've researched, there is NO universal/global standard definition.
That said, many refer to the Machinery Handbook as a source of global truth. It says:
"A bolt is an externally threaded fastener designed for insertion through holes in assembled parts, and is normally intended to be tightened or released by torquing a nut."
"A screw is an externally threaded fastener capable of being inserted into holes in assembled parts, of mating with a preformed internal thread or forming its own thread and of being tightened or released by torquing the head."
I'm sure others will argue a difference, but that is a commonly referenced definition.
the REAL challenge is to identify BSA/UN/SAE from BSW at a glance. whitworth threads.
like NPT from BSPT.
55 versus 60 degree "iso" flank angle.
some of the finer pitches can be a bit tricky, gas and plumbing is a nightmare of standards and non standards, LH and RH, and short thread lengths you cant measure properly...
M5x0.8mm looks a lot like a... 3/16-32 UNEF?
3/16=4.75mm, and 32TPI=0.794MM...
but to me, UNC just looks... steeper. deeper threads.
All of that variety makes my eyes roll back in my head. Apart from BSP, I can't identify any thread just by looking at it, so it's all trial and error for me. If you or @LearnedFromDad get time and can give more details, I would be grateful. Cheers.
That's easy in the US because we don't use whitworth.
@@Joe-bm4wx i bet you do without realising it.
and then the age of things matters.
You know, I still haven't (yet) experienced Whitworth threads, have only read about them. I need to buy some from the good old internet to see them. Same with a Nord-Lok washer.
Thanks for sharing you experience. What industry did you experience so many different fastener variances? Cheers!
Worked in engineering for many years and can tell what head size by sight including metric sizes, imperial sizes.Thread sizes, metric, metric fine, bsf,bsw.unf,unc, bsp, bspf. Its easier this way. Bolts in uk are never marked this way and tell you very little.
Nothing beats years of experience! What type of engineering work? And, interesting regarding the bolts on the UK, what typically the standard they follow (EN, ISO, JIS, etc)?
I've been all over the world for work, but ironically never to Europe....yet!
@@LearnedFromDad Varied started making chieftain tanks and armoured vehicles, Then printing presses after that service engineering in the field. Tended not to pay too much attention to standard numbers but BS EN 14399 imperial sizes and BS 3692 ISO for metric. After a while got spanner/wrench or socket size correct by visual most times, then if a bit loose next size down. Most new British stuff is now metric. Older equipment you have to watch for thread types more than head sizes. BSW (British standard whitworth) BSF (British standard fine).UNF (Unified national fine).UNC (Unified national course).BSP (British standard pipe). BSPF (British standard pipe fine). Great in the old days.The British standards institute was about the first of it's kind, and the standards it produces are largely copied for the metric system throughout Europe. The metric thread is a Whitworth form. This was developed at the Armstrong Whitworth factory where I started work.
@@michaelblacklock2655 that is fascinating. I've done so much in life, to date, and am always hungry for more new things.....endlessly curious (to a fault 😊). I enjoy all the variety life has to offer. Fearful of getting to the end of my days and saying "I wish I would have".
Really appreciate you sharing. Take care, and see you back soon!
Thank you. I learned something.
Excellent, mission accomplished! My favorite thing is educating (and learning). Stop back soon, much more to come!
There are 3 metric standards also. ISO JIS and DIN. All with different head sizes. I prefer JIS because it makes more sense and Japanese cars and motorcycles are the most common imported.
I appreciate that comment. I need to look in my Machinery Handbook to get more familiar with the differences, learning to be done. If you would have said JIC to me in conversation, my mind would have immediately gone to hydraulic fittings. Thanks for watching and commenting!
@@LearnedFromDad I'm sorry I was wrong; It's not JIC it's JIS. I corrected my comment. I'm familiar with JIC also with hydraulic fittings and has a brain fart when I commented. 😂
@thomasjefferson1457 wait, so you're saying you're not perfect either? I've been learning more about JIS and DIN. I'm working on a video right now actually solving a mystery to many (I feel) about a specific JIS marking that I didn't cover and as I've learned, seems to baffle most (me included). Stand-by for that one!
@@LearnedFromDad I hope to see it. I learned of the different standards researching bolt head sizes. I was wondering why they made so many metric wrench sizes that didn't seem to fit anything. Like the 15MM. It appears nobody uses it except DIN. Then there's the 13MM the the Japanese don't use but ISO and DIN both use. I'm surprised they all didn't get together and standardize the bolt head sizes. They seem to quit getting along after anything above the 10mm wrench. 😂
Wow that makes sense now.
In a standard metric country ive always wondered why some equipment and tools designed in America but sold internationally in metric had such odd nut bolt and screw sizes no-one would normally use like a 16 wrench. The designer still thinking old imperial sizes and finding the metric equivalent.
Does this also extend to some of the odball metric units Americans sometimes use such as Calories and mols per decileter and always use milimeters and ignore all other prefixes thinking they different units. Just curious.
Everything you said about metric mostly only applies to European metric. JIS metric (japanese as found on all japanes cars) have a completely different marking system and are different size heads.
Appreciate the comment. Definitely knew I wasn't hitting all categories, but catching a majority, would have been good to state that more clearly. Opportunity for a follow-up video. Take good care!
This video is very helpful the next time I see clean shiny bolts on a car I'm working on. Rule of thumb is, if made somewhere besides USA, it's all metric, made in USA after 1990 it could be both, made after 2010 it's metric, but in building ships in US it still could be both SAE and metric but most likely SAE.........
Glad it helped
You sound like my father, who was a marine engineer. For older (much older) English stuff, the same comments could apply. Thanks for sharing your knowledge.
@tonywright560 you're welcome. I love to share what knowledge I have. Take good care!
Would you like to see my Taiwanese milling machine that has some British Standard Whitworth threads on it. My Taiwanese engine lathe has all the handles made with Unified National threads.
The point is to make sure what the thread is before trying to screw the bolt into a hole with an impact wrench.
If you fly and notice a Rolls Royce badge on the engine cowling, the engine ignitor wiring harness connectors are probably Whitworth. This is to enable backwards compatibility.
@@aceroadholder2185 A milling machine made in Taiwan with USS thread pitch is very strange, I never bought anything from China or Taiwan that has USS bolts, sounds like a frustrating machine to work on...
A couple of decades ago, Costco were selling imperial spanners in metric Japan. Possibly a useful addition to the toolbox, but hardly a mainstream need.
Oh, interesting! And, you called then spanners, what country do you hale from? I remember my first trip to South Africa, I asked a guy to grab me a wrench and he brought back a ratchet....I was confused until he explained I needed a spanner 😀 Cheers!
@@LearnedFromDad
Sorry for the delay. Cat on the keyboard.
Can make a comparison between driving/car ownership in UK and Japan. Interested?
Jack, the Japan Alps Brit
You won't believe me but if u go to a hardware store in Japan or Taiwan, you will see as many Standard bolts, wrenches, drill bits as Metric bolts, wrenches drill bits, etc.
Really?!?! Wow. I never would have guessed that. I've traveled a lot around the world, but never to either of those countries......maybe I should use "verifying your statement" as an excuse to visit.....what do you think?? 😁
Thanks for watching!
Great stuff James, I worked as a industrial mechanic for 25 years . We had some bolts that required a 2" wrench to tighten! We used a lot of Socket head bolts. I don't recall using anything harder than a grade 8 ! I will say this if that bolt is really tight, you better be on the money , else wise you will have to break out the universal pipe wrench !!!! In talking about grade , I would say that for example a grade 8. Grade 8 are usually gold in color ,or are they . Take head bolts for a car engine . They could be grade 8 and be oxide coated. We home owners don't a Rockwell meter laying around to check these things .
Thanks for the comment and watching! A delicate balance with these videos of being mostly targeted at the average human who has never been exposed, but still provide reasonable detail. I bet you came across a lot of interesting scenarios in those 25yrs of experience. Take good care!
@@LearnedFromDad you bet ya ! Striped out threads in cast iron !!! Broken off bolts , broken taps , seized nuts , seized dial pins !cracked this and cracked that . I could go on and on . Thank you for replying!
nice explanation and very well presented...if you are using fasteners a lot it is very useful to memorize what wenches and sockets interchange between SAE and Metric..eg i use 14mm when i need 9/16 as it fits nice and snug....a 1/2 inch wrench fits tighter on a 13mm bolt than a 13mm wrench etc...if you are desperate and need to remove an 18mm and only have a 3/4 or 19mm wrench, try slipping a dime between the wrench and the nut (open end only).
Thanks for the tip!
When harvesting used hardware I separate the sae and metric to their own bins. Another way to save time and not cross thread.
Agree, separating at least at that macro level makes life easier. I just used old coffee containers until I bought bins.
And, I was just laughing to myself.....cross threading is natural (organic) loctite 😆
Thanks for watching, cheers!
Those grade markings can be found on bolts from the hardware store. Unfortunately, cars, motorcycles, lawnmowers, and just about any other OEM uses their own bolts without markings. Good video nonetheless.
Yes, certainly varies what a person may find, depending upon the object. So many bolts are not marked, and therefore you can't use this simple trick to identify which it is. Glad you enjoyed it regardless, thanks for watching!
Stainless bolts that are marked with A... are also metric (A2-70 for example). There are other letters for different steels, but most of us would only see austenitic steels regularily.
Thanks for the comment. Yes, for an average person, I was definitely targeting common hardware. Quite the slippery slope it could go down.
I’ve found everything is metric except for older stuff. The only time I go into my SAE side. Is when I’m working on lawnmowers and snowblowers.
And so much depends upon where a said thing was manufactured and what vintage. Thanks for sharing!
OK for new bolts. I have literally hundreds of bolts removed from equipment. Many have no markings at all but are high strength, and others have oddball markings that are not like what you show. The Mexican socket set (crescent wrench) ends up being the final answer!
Yeah, can be quite random what a person finds for markings. Can be tricky because certainly could run into things that are high strength, to some extent, like you say but without markings it's so hard to know specifically.
And, I always refer to it as a left handed adjustable 😀
Thanks for watching!
thank you, good video. i am waiting also for a video on thread sizes ;-) i have some experiences of trying to thrust a SAE bolt into a metric hole... and the difference between different step size in SAE bolts is a topic worth mentioning.
I did post that exact video soon after this one, jump over to my channel and check out the "Hardware" playlist!
Who cares about what it is.. Use a vise grip pliers.. Universal fit. After all it's only a bolt head not heart surgery.
Haha, yeah, sometimes the vice grip shoe does fit. And, I'd say no harm in spreading a little knowledge. Cheers.
When I was a kid working on my bike i used ro use a flat srew driver as a shim because u didnt have the right size wrenches, lots of stuff i used to rig up.
Haha, ahh yes, do with what you have. A flathead, a coin, anything. Mechanics and farmers are my people and my most favorite characteristic about them is their ability to just figure it out with what they have. My kids are occasionally thrilled by the random "make it work" hacks I come up with 😆
6 point sockets are handy because they make it easier to use on the wrong nuts and bolts. Might save you a trip if you have a 6 point metric that'll work on a standard.
If you can find them. OVer the last few years I've acquired nearly a full set of HF Quinn sockets in 1/4", 3/8", and 1/2" drive. Their standard is to have the short sockets be 12pt, and long sockets being 6pt. I've got mostly sets of old Craftsman in both 6pt and 12pt out in the shed(cheap bucket of very rusty sockets at a garage sale and some weren't able to be cleaned up)
I couldn't find anything metric on my 1980 Ford F-150 short bed yet. But being old I have plenty of standard and metric American made tools just in case.
Classic old Ford, nice! I was always a Chevy square body guy myself. Thanks for watching!
Thanks for the chart, l like it.
@@ronsreadyornotshop you bet! Probably others out that with alternative data, but I've liked using this one as it's pretty concise. Cheers!
Thanks!
You're welcome! Hope you enjoyed. See you back soon. Cheers!
I thought everyone knows 3/4 is interchangeable with 19mm
Yes, understand, and I'm aware. I intention grabbed one size off to make a point....though what I should have done was used a bolt that was more appropriately misaligned across the two types. I also toyed with showing cross-over size info, but ultimately decided not to as the focus was simply "how do you look at a bolt head and (often) be able to identify it as metric or inch. Definitely planning to do a video soon about wrenches (spanners) and sockets where I'll more clearly cover the cross-over. Thanks for watching, and the feedback. Cheers!
i personally believe SAE up to 3/4 is the best system...once you memorize the 9 or so wrenches in that range it becomes very easy....also there are only two basic thread pitches 'normal folks' need to worry about...referred to as fine and coarse...with metric i lost count of the number of thread pitches and shaft to head size standards there are...
It's always fascinating to me the shear number of thread systems that do exist globally. And, agree, when I created this video (and others) the target audience is definitely the average human. But, I've definitely loved all the comments from engineers, machinists, mechanics, etc. Fun conversations.
Also perhaps worth pointing out that there are enormous numbers of metric bolts out there that do not have a strength class number on the head. Only the 'good' ones have that info, The vast majority of smaller metric bolts do not have any markings.
Yes, any unmarked bolt could never be trusted to what its capabilities actually are. And, agree, there are TONS of them. Thanks for sharing!
I wonder about possible confusion in aircraft and other critical applications, where wrong grades of bolts might be used.
Oh, for sure! Maybe someone can comment about hardware typically used in aviation. Thanks for watching!
All US made aircraft hardware conforms to either AN (army navy standard), MS (military standard), or NAS ( I think that is national aviation standard). Using any other bolt is illegal even if it is better. Most AN hardware is grade five. The parts book for each aircraft specifies the exact part number for each bolt, nut, washer, or screw for each place on the machine. (by the way, SAE means Society of Automotive Engineers I think)
@donaldvandenberg4429 fascinating, thanks for sharing that regarding the aviation industry. I haven't had the opportunity to exist with the aviation industry, yet :)
Appreciate you sharing, stop back again!
wouldn't it be great if they actually put the size of head on the bolt, so you knew what wrench to use.
But that would take away the talent of knowing (obscure) facts like reading lines around a hex pattern 😀
Ive never seen a grade 8 used in any homeowner application and only occasionally a grade 5.
I would agree inside/around your home. The one place you may see it is your vehicle, particularly if you're underneath and where you're looking...such as around a trailer hitch. But, definitely pretty uncommon, as would be a 12.9 class metric. Thanks for watching!
"Metrinch" work well.
You know, I've never tried those tools, but have seen the advertisement. Wondering of any others have had experiences they can share using these tools?
Thanks for sharing and watching!
I was given a set of Metrinch tools many years ago by my in-laws. Love ‘em (both my in laws and the tools). The only frustration I’ve had is that the plastic hinges on the carry case broke and it is impossible to find a replacement.
The item is listed on their website but has been out of stock for years.
@libbyd1001 well, now I need to find some to try, just out of principle. Can never have enough tools 😂
There is one "interchangeable " size of bolts metric vs. unf (?) 10 mm maybe ? I do not remember. The same thread pitch and nearly same diameter . But: the threads engages not entirely. You can tighten the nut, but after time / load and vibrations the threads will be loose or stripped. Dangerous. Knowing it from brake lines ... . No marks on the nuts and cast iron.
Hmmmm, I'm not 100% sure, but I bet someone will know and comment.
10-32 and M5 x 0.8 is the closest match I know of among common sizes. 10-32 would be like M4.8 x 0.79.
@@YoeyYutch I think it was something around 10 mm. I know it from my TR 6 , where it was changeover from Imperial to metric calipper threads in some year. Some of this cars are driving with mismatched brake lines. As mentioned : it fits perfectly - but loose .
@@tenhendee5479Yeah if you threaded an M10 x 1.5 nut on a 3/8 - 16 stud or bolt, it should fit like you said, perfectly - but loose. Then after about five spins, it would either start binding up or stripping threads. A good example of why you can't just switch to the metric system.
Since when were freedom units described as "standard"?
Yes, you are 100% correct. My use of that term was wrong. This was one of my earlier videos where I definitely did not consider my global audience, that was my error.. There is no "standard", just different systems.
In the USA, the term 'standard' is too often used, and I was unfortunately conditioned to say that. I've since changed what I say, thanks to my viewer comments....I now even correct my own father when he says "standard" 😀
Thanks for watching. Cheers!
Why does my 10 mm sockets and wrenches always disappear?
I'm dying laughing because the same thief of the 10mm and 13mm exists in my life as well!
I swear it's part of some greater life story plot....Christmas elves rebelling against all the 10mm hardware hurting their little finger so they steal all the tools and throw them in a giant pile somewhere to get even 😂
Just stamp the size of socket you need. Done
Keep it simple, right? Cheers!
Not the most accurate I know (all you trade ppl u gotta chill) this is for DYIers n hobbyists and the channel is awesome and underrated.
Appreciate your comment. And yes, I have plenty of knowledge, and always someone who knows more, but definitely intended for an average person to understand simple things. I've been told waaaay to many times, explain more simply (to an average person), so here we are. Thanks for watching, stop back!
I think 13 mm & 1/2" are interchangeable.
Yep, that's correct. That's a key one I can always remember, based on the frequency I use it. I intentionally didn't touch on all the cross-over sizes, will do that when we talk about wrenches amd sockets. Thanks for watching!
The video showed a 3/4" vs 18 mm. Try a 3/4" vs 19 mm instead. This is a common size for lug nuts on a car.
Sorry for delay in response, I got behind! Yes, 100% accurate. I used that 18mm intentionally as an example of being sized well (imperial hardware to a metric wrench). I should have found a different piece of hardware that would have been a more appropriate example. Appreciate you watching and sharing. Cheers!
Just use Metrinch sockets or wrenches.
So, you're saying the good old universal/adjustable wrench? It certainly doesn't fit the bill sometimes. Hopefully not a high torque situation, too mamy times (as a younger guy) I have rounded off corners of the nut/bolt head. Hard lessons learned! Take good care!
Metric all day long… who needs fractions in measuring…. Only the insane… 🤯
Yeah, I just wish globally there was (1) way, everyone's lives would be easier. Not just hardware, but in all means of measurement. Way too many cases of conversion rounding errors, etc. Thanks for watching.
I don't like metric. I wished that all bolts were SAE
It really makes me frustrated when half the bolts/nuts on my truck is SAE, and the other half is metric. Makes no sense.
Yeah, I hear ya about the mix of metric and imperial. In my experience at my own employer, the things we control we have universally used metric, however, many times there are 'off the shelf' sub-assemblies or components we buy have have imperial hardware. I suspect it would cost more to spec it one way (no longer 'off the shelf') and the gain is almost non-existent.
And that is one key reason I made this intentionally simple video, is to just ensure the average person (in many cases) can look at the bolt head and have a fighting, easy, chance of understanding which General hardware family it's within. Much more beyond that with threads, etc, but a simple start.
Here's what I learned metric wrenches fit metric bolts and inch bolts better than inch wrenches fit metric and inch bolts. If you can only afford one set of wrenches and sockets get metric every time is 6 point sockets they will be most durable and long-lasting
But, it's always fun to own more tools, right 😉 appreciate the comment and watching. Will do another video on wrenches (spanners) and sockets at an upcoming point and will definitely talk more about some of the things you mentioned. Cheers!
Thank you for putting the Fastenal guide in the video
I sometimes forget I can refer to th internet to find these resources
You're welcome! Remember the days before the internet? I do, there were definitely goods and bads about it.
@@LearnedFromDad
I’m born in 1978, I do recall 😊
If we didn't know a guy who knew what to do, we were breaking plastic clips lol
Now there are 10 videos on the Internet for every single thing that I know how to do (good internet)
But the social media aspect went to shiit quickly (bad internet)
Wow! That was great. I never knew any of it. Thank you!
Thanks, I'm glad you learned! That's my #1 goal, share education that I'm familiar with, and let others expand via the comments. Stop back soon, much more to come!
When you get to looking at metric vs imperial thread sizes the worst has to be 6mm vs 1/4" they will start to go together but lock up after a few turns, that's when a gorilla swings on the wrench and starts to cause damage where using the right nut or bolt would have been so much easier.
Hahaha, yup! Often times, brute force only causes you trouble!
Helpful video, thanks!
Glad it was helpful!
The word "Standard" is not an acceptable term for SAE hardware. BOTH inch measure and Metric fasteners are standardized. Join the world, Friend!
Yeah, simple mistake, I knew better. 🫣
Early 90's worked in a Japanese owned factory in maintenance. I asked a Japanese mechanic if the bolts on a machine we were working on was metric or standard. He said "metric 'is' standard". Oh, yea I guess you're right!
@markfloyd7206 isn't it wild how a single word can be referenced so differently around the world? All perspective!
Great quote from the movie "The Interpreter"........'worlds have gone to war over words'....referring to interpretation. Cheers!
Oh it is quite acceptable: lots of people use that terminology and everyone knows what it means. It is called 'standard" in the sense of being "regular" or "ordinary."
@grandrapids57 isn't it fascinating how perspective is different depending upon where you are? Definitely enjoy traveling, experiencing, and learning. Cheers!
I'm going to disagree with your assertion that 19mm isn't equal to3/4" close enough for them to be interchangable. There are 2 sizes I off the top of my head know are completely interchangeable, those being 13mm=1/3" and 19mm=3/4". The 3/4" being 0.05mm larger than 3/4" is not enough to call it a loose fit. 19mm is literally 0.002", or 2thou as a machinist would sat smaller than 19mm. That's within the tolerance range of most machined parts.
Also want to add, for some manufacturers like snap-on, they are literally the same actual part, and machined identically, and are interchangeable. They themselves know that the difference is so small and within the tolerance that they just have a kind of precision that all of them are the halfway between the two
Understand completely, and a fair comment. Was generally wanting to show those who aren't normally using wrenches/ratchets that some sizes are virtually identical and some aren't quite as close.
13mm not 1/3
@harryboy3305 you bet, confident we handy people knew that was meant to be 13mm-1/2", but those not familiar would be mislead, good catch.....I missed that.....glad you pointed that out.
Metric is standard in a huge amount of places!
Yes, I wish I could take back my usage of the term 'standard'......that was a lesson learned into using a slang term inappropriately in the RUclips environment. I'll do better, I'm learning quickly. Thanks for watching!
just ask it any geography question and if the bolt answers "asia!!", it's imperial.
I've never talked casually to a piece of hardware before, only in anger when it won't loosen! Maybe I need to try a different tactic. Cheers!
To me, a Dutch international service engineer, metric, is the standard.
Haha, yeah, that is absolutely a rookie mistake on my part 🤣. I failed to think about a global audience with some of my first videos I made. I blame my Tool & Die Maker dad for always referencing 'standard' for inch hardware.
You have my attention with the role of Dutch international service engineer! Mind telling me more about that? I'm intrigued!
@LearnedFromDad I started my 'career' as an electrician. Very soon after that, I got involved in all kinds of heavy industrial projects. I can't get too deep into details without giving myself away, but I've been travelling the world. I've visited 34 countries and some of them over a dozen times. These projects also involved mechanical skills as well. In my youth, I had already been doing all kinds of mechanical hobby projects. I see the difference between an m6 and an m8 bolt or nut from a distance. I know all standard sizes and the pitch they have. I also know by heart which spanner to use.
@@wingnut2893fascinating! Your experiences sound amazing. I love learning and adventuring into the unknown. Have also traveled all over the US and world, albeit not as much as you,but I do love the thrill and experiences it brings. My current role doesn't have much travel, I need to adjust that. I imagine we'd have some fun and amazing stories to swap. Thanks for the conversation.
@LearnedFromDad it all was fascinating. I'm retired now and can only look back and be proud of what I've all achieved. Of course, I have an autismspectrum related 'talent'.That made me the technician with a lot of options to solve problems or prevent them from happening. My luck is that I speak three languages. Dutch, German, and English. That means it's easier to work all around the world. I'm sure we could work together and have a tremendous amount of fun.
@@wingnut2893amazing! Thanks for sharing with me.
metric rules USA is so behind!!!
I can't disagree, the metric system has a lot of benefits. In general, just wish a single, global measurement system existed. Cheers!
How I tell the difference is this. I look around and realise I live in Europe. Is the item I am working on in less than half a century old? Metric.
Haha, you've got it made! Wouldn't it be great if the world could just agree on one type? That's a challenging political topic huh?! Where in Europe? I've been all over the world, but oddly never yo Europe (yet). Thanks for watching, cheers!
@@LearnedFromDad Ireland. The only metric I come across is vintage British made cars and tractors. Pre 1970s. I have a socket set that includes imperial but I doubt I’ve used them more than a handful of times. Occasionally a damaged metric bolt head might work better with a random imperial socket.
@@Dreyno when I started this channel, to help my kids learn and share with others, I never considered/imagined a global audience. Frankly, it's fun and humbling to know I'm able to do something I love (sharing/educating) on such a broad scale. And, further more, learn so much myself in the process. Really appreciate the comments, watching, and sharing. Cheers!
@@LearnedFromDad Lots of people out there grow up without learning the simplest of things. Either through a lack of guidance from the adults in their lives or plain laziness and lack of interest when they were younger. Channels like yours are a great resource for them.
Metric is a standard. A single standard. 'Imperial' is too- sort of. For example, the US uses three different length miles; can you name them? US pints and gallons are also smaller than elsewhere. Metric also avoids the vast majority of conversion factors- memorize 4.2 and you are just about there.
But then you know this- the US went Metric in the mid 70s...
Thanks for the comment. Yes, the use of the term "standard" was definitely incorrect use of slang, an unrecognized error on one of my early videos. I teased my own dad for this incorrect education, as I've heard him (a retired tool and die maker) use the statement so many times 😊
And, my day job work across US, imperial, and metric measurements often so constantly faced with the conversion conundrum.
Side note, I've seen some of your channel videos before. It's great stuff, keep it up!
@@LearnedFromDad Very kind, thanks!
The rest of the the word still refers to it as "British Imperial Units" specifically because imperial isn't "standard", it's not "American" and the SAE is an organisation that actually makes useful metric standards, especially in Aeronautic and aerospace, but even in fluid power systems.
The United States uses something called U.S. Customary Units of Measurement. British Imperial Units are an entirely different thing. If you want to dive down a huge rabbit hole, start with en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Imperial_and_US_customary_measurement_systems.
I learned a lesson using the slang term 'standard' in this video. Definitely didn't think globally, that 'standard' is completely variable. But, has generated some good conversations. Thanks for watching.
This is super informative! Thank you!
Glad it was helpful!
What about SHCS?
Hi Mike, thanks for the comment. Yes, definitely understand I didn't hit all categories. Was a balance of be thorough but not too long. Would have been good to call out some that I specifically wasn't going to touch on. Always learning. Stop back soon. Cheers!
Offer it a Camel and a Newport. Metric takes the Camel. Can also use warm vs. cold beer but cigarettes are easier
Haha, I've never heard that one before! Thanks for watching!
Cool. Also, 22mm=7/8",19mm=3/4" and 5.5mm=7/32".
Appreciate that! It definitely would have been helpful if I would have added a chart of sizes that aligned. Thanks for watching.
@@LearnedFromDad
In my experience in Australia, at least, steel rulers will often come with a conversion table on one side. The 12"/30cm ruler have in front of me lists the metric equivalents of 1 to 12 and 36 inches, half an inch, 1/4" and 3/4", plus all the (odd) eighths, sixteenths, and 32nds of an inch (up to five decimal places!). I think the 18"/45cm ruler I have in the workshop (which has more room) also has all the 64ths of an inch.
It's arranged by imperial sizes, so it's easy to find the metric equivalents, but not so easy to go the other way.
@@PJRaymentthat's super convenient. I miss AU, spent 2 weeks there for work, what a great place with so many fun things to experience. And, the people were great. Thanks for sharing your experience!
Quickly huh?
Haha, well, I guess quick is relative. But, at least knowing the family (metric or inch/imperial) can be done at a glance. Actual size, a little more to do. Thanks for watching, cheers!
The whole world has already switched to the metric system, it's time for the Americans to do the same
Yes, definitely wish the world could unify on a single measurement system. Makes me think about the phrase "can't we all just get along" 😊
Side note, your RUclips logo is really neat! Did you make it yourself? Thanks for watching.
We don’t care what other people do. A lot of people speak Chinese. Do you think we should all just “switch” to that language too? If it ain’t broke, don’t “fix” it.
@wulf67 definitely a fair statement. What I really should have said was "I just wish the world would agree on a single measurement system". I work in both inch and metric daily, and my biggest concern comes with conversion and errors that can be introduced with rounding.
Thanks for watching. Cheers!
@@LearnedFromDad It can be annoying having two standards for nuts and bolts and wrenches and sockets when either one works just fine alone, but not as annoying as having to have 45 different drive bits for a screwdriver because although “the rest of the world has settled on a standard of measurement” when it comes to screw drives they can’t seem to decide between Philips, torx, posidriv, supadriv, JIS, Robertson, hex, double hex, external torx…And that doesn’t even count the security drives that are designed to make you throw up your hands and walk away.
@@wulf67ironic you mentioned screwdrivers, as I have a video in process regarding the basics of screwdrivers for a person who isn't experienced. It's a fine line of where to stop in explanation to educate, but not overwhelm a new person. May have to do a multi-part video.
Here in europe, metric is the "standard". But we also accept imperial units "standard" for certain applications.
Just a nitpick, good video again though. ;)
'Standard' is such a trivial word, isn't it?! That's an interesting point, I appreciate you sharing. I look forward to the day the total world only has metric!
@@LearnedFromDad Sure is, as long as there are deviations from it. ;) But i can live with two competing standards. No rush to phase one out by force, that would only create more problems than we already have. :)
Keep up the good work, cheers!
@@LearnedFromDad "Standard" comes from the SAE(Society of Automotive Engineers), as it is/was their standard sizing.
I can't say I agree with looking forward to a world with only metric. The metric system is based on a Universe size scale. Imperial measurements are based on the human scale(i.e. a foot is roughly the length of your foot.) The Metric system goes for a meter(3.28ft) down to the Cm(0.32ft) in one step(and why does no one use the Decimeter, which roughly 1/3 of a ft). Within that scale, the Imperial system 3 different measurements easily converted into each other in easily scalable numbers(i.e. 1' ft equals 12 inches, 3ft equals 36 inches which also equals a yard. An inch is roughly the width of my thumb, a ft is roughly the length of my foot, and a yard is roughly the length of my arm.
@@samuelfinsky6466 Easy enough to work with just 2 primary competing standards. If you really look into it, the Machinists Handbook(I've got the 27th edition) has 305 pages of very fine print just on threads. They list at least 5 major thread systems(SAE, Metric, Acme, Buttress, Whitworth, Pipe) as well as a section on "other threads" which has about 25 other thread systems in it.
@@ravenbarsrepairs5594 I live in Europe, so I am used to the metric system and the imperial units are weird to me with weird conversion factors.
For me, the fact that metric system is decimal makes it easy to convert between units to drop unnecessary zeros. If I measure/calculate something as, say, 1000 inches, I have to keep the zeros or divide the number by some weird coefficient (12 or 36) to get the larger units. On the other hand, converting 1000cm into 10m is easy.
Why does nobody use dm? I can't speak for everyone, but for me, it is not really needed. For something small or if I need the precision I'll use millimeters. If the measurement is bigger than, say, 100mm and there is no need to be precise, then it's centimeters. Over a meter, just use meters (again, unless there is a need or precision). I don't like a lot of zeros, but I also don't like if there are lots of numbers after the decimal point, so 127.5cm is better for me than 1.275m.
Since if is so easy to convert between the units, there is no need to have separate units for specific measurements (a yard is 3 feet, so converting to yards you don't really shorten the number and you also have to divide by 3), like feet for measuring the length of a cable ,but yards for measuring something else (you probably don't measure cable length in yards, but feet or inches if it's really short). It's annoying for me when I watch videos about airplanes and the altitude is something like 20000 feet. Too many zeros for my tastes, but it's not easy to convert that into miles.
As for measuring things using my body, well, for everyone it is different, but for me, if I extend my arm, then the distance from my fingers to the shoulder of my other arm is pretty accurately 1 meter. I sometimes use this to measure cable length. For everything else I just use a tape measure or a small object with known size.
Length may not be as confusing, but weight (something weighs 5 tons - so is it 5000kg, 5080kg or 4535kg?), the various types of ounces. So yeah, for me the imperial units are weird and confusing, but thankfully I only have to deal with them when watching videos and do not need them in real life.
Metris IS standard in 98% of the world.
Yes, you're absolutely correct, which I am very familiar with but when recording I didn't think about my global audience and what the generic term 'standard' would mean. Good learning on my part, and I've been correcting fellow American friends as I've talked to them over the past month 😀
Thanks for watching!
Not in Canada, you could have mixed imperial and metric on the same component, very frustrating
Irrelevant for the purposes of this discussion
@@ronfox5519 Not as irrelevant as your comment, chill out.
You would think with all the crap they stamp on the head... They could just stamp the size on there...
6 lines for grade 8, 3 lines for grade 5 no lines for grade 2 could this make any less sense... Who's on first what's on second 🤣🤦
That's too easy. Plus, then you wouldn't get the experience of buying hardware twice because you didn't measure and guessed wrong at the hardware store 😀
Mechanic who regularly works with nuts and bolts will tell the size just by looking at it, also it's easy to measure if necessary. But It's difficult to test grade.
This video is amazing all I need now is Time Machine to go back 50 years and someone still using imperial
Thanks! Simple explanation to be (hopefully) helpful to any average person. And yes, the metric/imperial debate! 😀
most of the "standard" bolts shown are USS, not SAE
Thanks for sharing that. Like many Americans I too often use the term SAE when referring to 'inch' hardware. Cheers.
Metric and imperial are not the only threads , there are bsp, Bspt , af, metric fine , metric corse, whitworth fine , corse , the list goes on and on , find a thread gauge and you will see how many differant threads and pitches of threads there are lol cheers 😂
Yes, absolutely. Originally recorded this video with the average person in mind who isn't generally familiar at all with hardware as a way to begin better understanding a way to simply identify the difference in the more common. Hardware is such an interesting, and variable world as you said! Thanks for sharing, cheers!
"I wish the world would all switch to metric". Isn't it? All but Liberia, Myanmar, and the United States use Metric.
Haha, yes, fair statement. I work in both metric and imperial measurement system daily, it's like speaking two languages.
I have been fascinated, however, with some of the differences in Metric hardware as it relates to DIN, JIS, EN, ASTM, ISO standards.
Thanks for watching, stop back soon, more to come!
Metric IS Standard.
Thanks for the comment. And, yes, as one of the early videos I did, I 100% didn't think strongly about a global audience, nor the use of poor 'slang' term of 'standard', to which globally doesn't exist. Definitely learned my lesson their. I've even been correcting my own dad, co-workers, and friends now when they use the term 'standard', as I learned my lesson 😀
Thanks for watching, stop back soon. Cheers!
The only thing metric does is make fasteners compatible it will never make a Ford water pump fit a Toyota.
Haha, that's a fair statement and made me laugh 😃 Thanks for watching, take care!
From a metric point of view there is not much standard in imperial bolts. The grading seems very awkward.
In the metric world the normal bolts used in the household are usually 8.8 and not very often 4.6. Those are the ones you get if you go to a hardware store to get bolts.
Higher grades (10.9 and higher) are usually for machines and engines of better quality. Some cheap equipment may have even 4.6 bolts.
There more grades in metric bolts than those.
I wonder where you found a metric bolt of 18 mm wrench size? The standard wrench sizes around 18 mm are (actual bolt size and then wrench size):
M8 13 mm
M10 17 mm
M12 19 mm
M16 24 mm
Thanks for the positive comment. With the agricultural equipment I work on I see a lot of 10.9 and 12.9, with occasional 8.8.
So the 18mm was just one I grabbed from a set, to generically prove a point of "it was an inch bolt, so should have known to grab an inch wrench". In that instance, a 19mm would have crossed over more appropriately.
Interesting thing, I've learned is the head size of metric bolts are not all common, depends what governing standard its following such as ASTM, ISO, EN, DIN, or JIS. Suspect not touching some/one of those may be why you (or I) haven't used an 18mm specifically before. I found a reference document from bolt mfg "Earnest" that had a nice table showing the differences of head size across the different metric sizes.
"I wish the world would switch to metric", said no real mechanic, ever.
Haha, yeah, possibly....depending where that mechanic is from. I just get tired of having to work in all units of measure all day, every day. Too many opportunities for rounding errors, etc. Thanks for watching, cheers.
A country only needs one logical, comprehensive measurement system. What it doesn't need is two, totally incompatible systems of measure in concurrent use. Imperial/USCS coexist so "Is that a metric ton, an Imperial ton or a US ton? Thus compounding the potential for error and confusion.
I may have been a little strong in my video comment about everyone moving to metric. What I was implying, more, is I sure wish the world had one measurement standard. I say that selfishly because I work in metric/US measurements daily and always run into conversion and rounding issues.
But, I guess if it was all the same, we'd have less to learn about 😀 Cheers!
gallons always get me. theres the british gallon versus the us gallon... ffs.
a litre is a litre...
@@paradiselost9946 My feelings exactly.
I will agree with u I wish the USA would never had anything to do with metric.
My opinion
Thanks
Options are valuable! I think anyone, globally, would just in general like a single measurement system to deal with. Thanks for stopping by, more content to come. Cheers.
11/16 = 17mm
Thanks for sharing. I was in the fence about showing a cross-over chart in this video, and decided not to because the main basis was to identify metric versus inch/imperial (if marked). I'll definitely touch on cross-over when talking about wrenches (spanners) and sockets. Cheers!
@@LearnedFromDad no bother. A 3/8 ( 9.5mm ) can sometimes work as a tight fitting 10mm.
I hate metric!! As an old shade tree mechanic, we went from 2 thread types, coarse and fine, to several different 'pitches' in metric. Just because you have a 18mm bolt does not mean you can expect any old 18mm nut to fit! Nooo, you have to check the pitch of the threads, and there are several. Life use to be much more simple! :(
Yes, sure doesn't seem to be any simpler these days! Thanks for sharing and watching, cheers!
Difference between metric and standard... Oh boy metric is standard at the rest of the world. Imperial is the Non standard..... US is strange with their "standards" you are using imperial nearly alone beside the UK...
Oh yes, understand. The great hardware debate if metric or inch (imperial). Makes for often unnecessary challenges for all types of people. I'd love nothing more than a global use of one system or the other...I'm impartial to which. Thanks for watching, stop back soon!
most bolts the average guy comes across don't have markings which makes this video useless for most of us...kind of a misleading title
Apologies if you felt that was misleading. And, fair statement, depending upon what bolt you're looking at, it may not be marked which hopefully you now know is an ungraded/classed bolt. So, in those cases you'll have to guess on wrench/spanner size.
Possibly more what you were looking for was something like my other video where I talk about bolt size, which walks through measuring for metric versus inch hardware. ruclips.net/video/aAAcXy0yGoc/видео.html
Thanks for watching and providing feedback. Cheers!
I like and agree,when he says that he wish that everybody should be metric,why ? Because it makes more sense.
But then again,when I see all those Americans bend over to Trump,I understand why the Americans are still stuck with Imperial(standard) measerments.
There is very few countries that still employ Imperial measurments.
Just another of those topics where it would be great if we, as a world, could all just get along. Need more kindness in everyone's day to day. Cheers!
@@LearnedFromDad With Trump and his sycophants around,it is practically impossible.
Don’t you mean “there ARE” few countries that use Imperial? “Is” is singular. And why do you believe that metric “makes more sense?” Maybe Imperial makes sense but you just don’t understand…like why there are different forms of the verb “to be” in the English language.
@@LearnedFromDad Tell that to Maga's they have promote that kind of attitude.
@@wulf67 Thanks for the English lesson,but my primery langage is not English,so I write it the best I can or the way you English people speak it.
As for the Imperial versus the metric systhems,I am old enough to tell you that I was raised and studied in imperial measurments,and I am fluent in both of them,but metric just makes more sense,
you must of figured that by now.
metric = standard
I quickly realized how the term "standard" is relative, particularly based on where a person may live. Always learning!
@@LearnedFromDad Standard is/was the standard for the Society of Automotive engineers. Up until the 90's, everything mechanical made in the USA used that standard. It wasn't until manufacturing of heavy machinery and automotive went offshore that Metric became the norm, and for a decade plus, vehicles used a mix of the fasteners, based on when the components had been designed. The Jeep 4.0 in my '02 WJ has mostly metric fasteners, but components designed over a decade earlier, such as the engine, transmission, and transfer case, all use mostly standard fasteners, with the odd metric mixed in from modifications to those parts over the years.
I'll never get over that. Calling something that is none standard standard because one country uses it ubiquitously is a bit weird.
When we say standard it's a regular size from the hardware. Normally between M4- M10.
We call the old system Imperial sizes. It's certainly not standard at least not for over 100 years.
3/4 = 19 , 1/2 = 13.....
Yes sir, understand. I grabbed one wrench off for perspective, probably should have grabbed a different size bolt that didnt align in size like a 3/4 to 19mm. I debated about showing a comparison table of metric to inch wrenches, but decided not to as I was specifically trying to highlight for newer learner the simple way to (often) quickly identify a metric versus inch bolt. I'll definitely show crossover table when I do a video on wrenches/spanners/ratchets. Thanks for stopping by and sharing!
Matric = the standard 😅 SAE is outdated😂😂
Noted 😀
If you can't tell by just looking at the age/manufacturer/application, the threads, or bolt head markings, you probably need to just bring both sets. With time you'll just know what size it it. For most made in the past 20yrs things, it's likely metric if your not dealing with an industrial, homemade, or heavily modified item. I have a 2002 Jeep WJ, and it's got metric on all parts not redesigned past ~1995, and mostly SAE(with Metric for some changes made specific to the WJ) on the engine, transmission, transfer case.
whitworth kills me... lol.
You bet. I've just always been fascinated with how few people know you can (typically) look at head markings and understand if it's inch or metric hardware. Keep on wrenching!
Imperial is standard? 😂. The rest of the world is using metric, so thats is the standard.
Haha, yeah, about that. A hard lesson learned on on of my first videos, and not considering my global audience! I completely knew better, I've traveled the world and know the standardization of metric elsewhere than the US. However, I'll maybe blame my own dad (tool & die maker) for endlessly pounding into my head the term "standard" (for imperial/inch hardware) 😁
@@LearnedFromDad it's okay, it is/was your dad's POV. As long as we learn, its 👍
Any good machanic can see the imperial pitch is coarse like a wood screw ! Anyway, you onky find these garbage imperial fasteners in North America.
Thansk from the comment. You bet, mechanics and there experience is outstanding.....able to recognize at a glance. Just trying to help put all the non-mechanics be a little more knowledgeable.
Understand the metric/imperial debate. Life would be easier for all with just one measurement system in general.
Take good care!!
The lines on the bolt head are called Head Stamps .
19 MM X .03937 = .74803
3/4” is .750
13 MM X .03937 = .51181
1/2” is .500
The tolerance is acceptable . Good Video .
19mm is 19mm, 13 etc... no one should convert to crappy inch ! inch is a stupid way to write 25.4mm. Only one set of tools, metric. I rarely see inch fasteners and a crescent or vise grip is the way I handle it.
@@jpcaretta8847 I never realized I just met a GENIUS with a CRAPPY ATTITUDE ! Are you a Mr. KNOW IT ALL too ?
@@vicpetrishak7705 kind of, indeed ! And thank Ford who indirectly made the US inch exactly 25.4mm. The brits were less lucky.
Yes, definitely understand there is commonly recognized cross over with the 19mm to 3/4". I intentionally grabbed an 18mm to be one size off to prove a point. Would be been better of lf grabbing a piece of hardware that was less aligned. Live and learn. I'll talk about commonly recognized cross overs when I get to wrenches (spanners) and sockets. Cheers.
SAE rules. Metric is for French ladies.
Haha, I'm not exactly sure about that, but ya never know. I'm just happen if the hardware doesn't come loose and fall out.