Difference between metric and american standard tools? mechanic?

I bought a caftsman toold set that inclusdes both metric and standard tools, whats the point to this? im in usa califonia.|||Trust me, you will use the metric tools if you own a car made from the 90's on up to a new one no matter where it is made.|||Asian and Europeans cars are metrics.


American are standards|||Sure wish it was that easy James H. I wouldn't have to buy so many tools. American autos use 95% metric.|||They are made to fit different sized fasteners. Most everything (automotive) since 1988 uses metrics. Many non-automotive applications utilize the SAE-sized nuts/bolts.


You'll find a use for both sizes, no doubt.|||Welcome to the new age of autos. As for American cars using only Standard sizes , they began using metric on North American cars in the mid 80`s ie: 13 mm = 1/2" , 19 mm = 3/4" . You will find more and more cars using metric. Some things don`t change (yet) wheel nuts and studs , the rims sizes are the same but the width is in metric , and if you encounter Torx bolts/screws they are metric. And those of you that think only imports use metric . Try working on some of the more popular GM`s and Fords , when the only wrench that fits is an 18mm or a 7mm (dash screws) . Gm also uses odd sizes like 15 , 16 , 20 , and 23 when there is no " standard " equivalent " . 14=9/16 , 17=5/8 , 19=3/4, 21=7/8 Unless you have been living in your own little world for the past 25 years most of the major manufacturers have been converting to metric. Just be gratefull you have not had to deal with somthing as bacwards as B.N.S. British National Standard. Where you have things like 19/32nd`s and 27/64ths for regular sizes.|||Metric tools are measured in milimeters (mm). Standard Tools are measured in fractions of inches. To be able to work on cars you need both sets because of the variety of bolt and nut size. If you use the wrong size you will round the heads off on the bolts.|||Now days everything is metric as far as bolts go..Not just import cars anymore. But you did OK buying the complete kit. Because depending on the age of the vehicle you may still need standard items. About 1983-1984 American built vehicles actually used both standard and metric bolts on same vehicle...very upsetting|||Metric and standard are different sizes.





Foreign cars use metric, american cars use standard.





dont try to mix.. you end up damaging your nuts and bolts..





And your tools.