The most common combination wrench and socket size available for Standard American (SAE) are 1/4-in, 3/8-in, 1/2-in, 5/8 in, 3/4-in, and 7/8-in, and 1-in, and are often included in a standard wrench or socket set because they are flexible to work within any setting whether for DIY or heavy-duty professional work.
The Metric conversion for the common wrench sizes above would be sized 6.5mm, 9mm, 14mm, 16mm, 19mm, 22mmm, 24mm, although these are not precise conversions, they are accurate enough to not slip your nuts or bolts in.
Both Standard and Metric Sizes above, which are readily available and easily memorable, are used for the sizing of the Adjustable Wrench, Combination Wrench, Torque Wrench, Socket Wrench, and Ratchet Wrench.
Another tip for the day is that depending on the application, where you will use a wrench set, will mostly determine what is common in that field.
For example, Sizes 1/4-in and 3/8-in are commonly used on an automotive hex nut or a bolt head because of their small diameter and also because they fit into most places without taking up too much space, thus they are known as being the go to “universal” wrench sizes for this reason.
If you are working on a pipe with oversized nuts and bolts, then you would want to have a wrench set that can only offer size 5/8-in and larger, so you can easily fit well and tighten or loosen the nuts and bolts.
Other than knowing the most common wrench sizes, knowing the wrench sizes in proper order would also help you further what you know with your wrench set as well as get the best possible size for your current project.
Common Sizes for Other Types of Wrenches
Flare Nut Wrench
the most common sizes for flare nut wrenches are often written in SAE sizes, and they are size 3/8-in, 7/16-in, 1/2-in, 9/16-in, 5/8-in, 11/16-in, 3/4-in, 7/8-in.
While the most common flare nut wrench sizes in the metric system are sizes 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, and 17.
Pipe Wrench
The most common sizes for Pipe Wrenches are often written in SAE sizes, and they are size 6-in, 8-in, 10-in, 12-in, 14-in, 18-in, 24-in, 36-in, 48-in, and 60-in.
Pipe Sizes
While the most common Pipe Sizes would be in the ranges of 1/8-in to 1/2-in, 1/4-in to 3/4in, 1/4-in to 1 1/4-in, 1/2-in to 1 1/2-in, 1-in to 2-in, 1 1/2-in to 2 1/2-in, 2-in to 3 1/2-in, 3-in to 5-in, 3-in to 6-in.
The Metric Wrench Size is Adopted Worldwide
With only a few countries not using them, getting familiar with the metric system for wrenches helps a lot with easily identifying the proper wrench size and socket wrench size you would need.
This will result in easily working with your adjustable wrench fastener and your metric wrench set.
Metric socket sizes and a metric bolt as well have the exact same measuring system as the wrench, so you can say its a handy and easy to remember setting for these tools.
Also, knowing the ‘difference between the SAE and Metric Wrench’ sizes are helpful so you can compute or convert SAE or Metric depending on the measurement of your adjustable wrench or deep socket.
The SAE Socket Size is Useful Everywhere
Most people in America often go with a wrench that has the Proper SAE Size and the Metric Wrench because they are familiar with it.
Of course, anyone is free to buy either Metric or SAE Wrenches, and they are both also fairly easily obtainable regardless of the country you’re in.
In the end, it’s a matter of preference when choosing between the Metric or SAE.
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Weldon is a Single Dad who loves teaching others about the workaround in the house. He loves to write about DIY and Home Improvement Hacks and just recently had his first child. You’ll have some fun read with his write-ups and more of his works in his own home!
