Socket set

www.xing.com/profile/Neil_Shorney · Post by **hornmeister2000** » Wed Nov 24, 2004 12:49 pm

Hello, me again!

I have always used a metric socket set on my Minor, which doesn't quite fit but seems to do the job. I'm looking to get something more suitable. Am I right in thinking a Whitworth set would do the job, and if so, what are the sizes I should be looking for?

Thanks

Post by **Matt** » Wed Nov 24, 2004 12:53 pm

You want an A/F set....

Post by **Cam** » Wed Nov 24, 2004 1:30 pm

AND a Whitworth set!

In metric probably from 22mm down to about 7mm with equivalents in AF and Whitworth.

If you have those and the same in sockets you can pretty much tackle anything (except the BIG ones - steering wheel nut and front pulley nut) but you can get the correct sockets for those easy enough.

Post by **ColinP** » Wed Nov 24, 2004 1:50 pm

Well, my wife has a Kamasa socket set with A/F, Whitworth and Metric sockets. I've jus t"borrowed" it.

As I understand the labels inside, you don't need a complete set of every brand. Some of the metric, WW and A/f sizes are so close that one socket will fit more than one type - which is why the set contains 8 A/f, 8 WW and lots of metric sockets. I find myself hunting between the different ones for just the right fit, so it's seems to work.

It's possibly earier to find these sets than just an A/f set.

Colin

Post by **Cam** » Wed Nov 24, 2004 1:54 pm

My set (over 15 years old) has all 3 sizes, and they can be VERY useful!

A good example is 13mm. If it's a slack fit then a 1/2" AF if SLIGHTLY tighter. If it's a tight fit then a 1/4" Whitworth is SLIGHTLY slacker.....

I use all 3 types, but most often Whitworth and AF.

Post by **Kevin** » Wed Nov 24, 2004 2:19 pm

Agree with the others my set also has all 3 , if you go to a good motorist accessory shop it should be quite easy to pick one up or you could try ebay just make sure its a well known make
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll? ... Track=true

Post by **simmitc** » Wed Nov 24, 2004 3:22 pm

I've seen some sockets desrcibed as "metrinch" because they're designed to fit both sizes of nuts. Never used them, but I thinj they're available from Frost Restoration, as tools and accessories reseller.

Post by **woo** » Wed Nov 24, 2004 3:41 pm

AF spanners and are often referred to as SAE these days. So look for both types.

Engine, Gearbox and Back Axle are usually AF/SAE
Brakes and Chassis/Body are usually Whitworth

Post by **Cam** » Wed Nov 24, 2004 3:52 pm

"metrinch" because they're designed to fit both sizes of nuts.

Has anyone tried these? as it sounds more like they won't fit either!!!

Post by **ericwork** » Wed Nov 24, 2004 4:16 pm

yep. In fact I have a set of metrinch spanners too, as well as all my metric/ af/whit'/pipe/mole spanners. They work suprisingly well. the internal feature is a series of half cylinders (semi-cylinders?) which act upon the flats of the nut, so there is more movement to take up the slack before they work but they do grip well and do not seem to damage the nut at all.

Eric

Post by **ColinP** » Wed Nov 24, 2004 4:46 pm

Neil,

You may find Kelkoo quite good!

e.g.
http://www.tooled-up.com/Product.asp?PI ... rer=Kelkoo

Colin

Post by **aupickup** » Wed Nov 24, 2004 6:12 pm

i got all my spanners from looking at bootsales, very often you can get exactly what you want and good makes

Post by **Matt** » Thu Nov 25, 2004 12:39 pm

Has anyone tried these?

We use them on the veteran occasionally and they seem pretty good......

Post by **lowedb** » Thu Nov 25, 2004 1:05 pm

I'm with Cam. It's best to have all the versions. On mine, the body is mostly whit, but the engine AF. On the body, however, corrosion has reduced the head sizes on the bolts so 13mm is quite useful.

I've used the metrinch but only combi spanners not sockets. The big problem is tthe amount of freeplay before they take up drive on the flats. The other thing is they can still round a bolt in spite of some claims otherwise.

There's a place in Crewe that advertises Whit spanners and socket sets in the classified section (I think) of prac classics. I keep meaning to buy a set so I can give my Dad his apprentice prize back. I got some spanners from the spring resto sale at the NEC for about 10 quid.