Whitworth and AF

[Sips]

Probably a stupid question but in terms of sockets and spanners are these the same?

New to classics and need to add to my metric collection, any recommendations? I think I need some decent spanners and Sockets but also a decent torque wrench - mine is as old as my Morris Minor and probably not exactly accurate!

[drivewasher]

Here you go http://www.mmoc.org.uk/viewtopic.php?f=4&t=18356

[JOWETTJAVELIN]

You need AF and a small selection of BA spanners.

The sizes you will use the most are 1/2" and 9/16" AF. Open-ended and ring spanners, in various shapes and sizes, are recommended.

[Sips]

Fantastic!

I shall get shopping!

[philthehill]

To answer your question - sockets and spanners are different.
Again Whitworth and A/F are different. Some metric spanners and sockets are useable on Whitworth (BSF) nuts and bolts.
Whitworth sockets are hard to come by these days. Auto jumbles are a good place to find them but check that they are not worn. The majority of Whitworth sockets I have came in a Bedford Whitworth/AF socket set which I bought over 40 years ago and they are still in good condition (even thought well used) and has been added to over the years.
http://www.frost.co.uk are selling Whitworth, A/F, Metric and BA combination spanners.
http://www.machinemart.co.uk are also selling Whitworth, A/F, Metric and BA combination spanners.
There are some Whitworth spanners for sale on the web and on 'e' bay.
My preferred make of spanner is Britool and they can be picked up at auto jumbles and can be still be found in some tools shops. Halfords professional range is not too bad and with a life time guarantee but no Whitworth.
What ever you get try and get the best you can afford as they will last a lot longer than the cheaper ones.

[Sips]

Thanks Phil, it is the case that as with most things in life cheap is never cheaper in the long run!

[MarkyB]

Don't think that you have to buy new to get quality, proper tools last at least one lifetime.
Look for the words Chrome Vanadium on them and you wont go far wrong.
I've bought good spanners from boot fairs and bric-a-brac shops.
When houses get cleared the garages do too.

[JOWETTJAVELIN]

Britool, King Dick, Brenco, Bacho for adjustable spanners - infact anything old and bearing the legend 'Made in England'. I have a few marked 'War Finish' still giving good service.

U.S. made stuff of the 1930s is of excellent quality.

[katy]

also a decent torque wrench - mine is as old as my Morris Minor and probably not exactly accurate!

If it's that old it's probably the needle type and if the needle is still in the middle there's nothing wrong with it.
If the needle is off centre it' still good, you just have to allow for the difference between the needle and zero.
The needle type torque wrench doesn't go out of calibration like the click type may do.

[philthehill]

My Britool torque wrench is over 40 years old, well used and is still accurate. The most important thing with a spring tension adjustment torque wrench is to let off the spring pressure when not in use. That way it will retain its accuracy.

[bmcecosse]

I strongly suggest you put all the metric tools away in a box - and DO NOT be tempted to use them on a Minor. Yes - the odd one is a 'near fit' on some Whit/AF bolts/nuts - but none are correct!!

[Sips]

They are locked away in the spare room, only to see daylight on the MX5!

Interestingly I cannot get an imperial socket to fit the wheel nuts only an 18mm metric will. What size should they be?

[katy]

My Britool torque wrench is over 40 years old, well used and is still accurate. The most important thing with a spring tension adjustment torque wrench is to let off the spring pressure when not in use. That way it will retain its accuracy.

Agree 100%.

[moggiethouable]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/British_Standard_Whitworth
this might elucidate regarding the original question.

[HarryMango]

Interestingly I cannot get an imperial socket to fit the wheel nuts only an 18mm metric will. What size should they be?

Wheel nuts need 3/8 Whitworth socket

Rog

[bmcecosse]

But indeed an 18mm socket is only a tiny amount larger -and fits very well! 18mm is not a 'preferred size' so they don't crop up all that often. But I do use one for this job with my windy gun.

[gtt1951]

Camberley Autofactors sell strips of Whitworth sockets.
I bought a strip set at the last Beaulieu Autojumble (brand new) from one of the tool sellers - he had 2 sets of different length strips with the longer ones having a few larger sockets in it. The shorter set was £10.00 (a bit cheaper than CAF).
I've used some of them already, can't remember metal content, but will look tonight when I get home (maybe include a photo as well).
George.

[philthehill]

gtt1951
I have looked on Camberley Auto Factors web site and the Whitworth Sockets mentioned in your post are not listed nor recognised?
Laser 3/8" drive Whitworth sockets are listed on some other Auto Factor web sites but not Camberley.
There is a local Camberley to me and I will call in there and ask tomorrow.
Any other info would be helpful.
Phil

[gtt1951]

Hello Phil,
I hope that they have not removed these items since their "make over" by the Andrew Page group. The main offices/outlet in "Camberley" (Hawley Lane, Farnborough), has been downsized and there are a lot less tools on display.[frame][/frame]
The picture above shows the ones I got from the Autojumble. They are Chrome Vanadium and are 1/2" drive. The CAF ones were about the same number on the "strip" and, if I remember correctly, were badged "Laser". They have had a number of "Tool Sales" in recent months, so may have got rid of stock. But, then again, not everything is on their website.
I use them quite a bit and, with their "loyalty card" one does get some discounts, even on Magnatec oil for my Peugeot deisel (and that is expensive).
I've just been on their website and keyed in the word SOCKETS and nothing at all was found (not even metric sockets) - most probably a very bad website!
Sorry I can't help any further on the CAF front,
George.

[philthehill]

George
Many thanks for the reply.
I will try the Camberly Autofactors in Andover tomorrow and let you know how I got on.
Phil