Do I need to buy both Metric and Imperial versions of this hex/allen key tool?

Question

Hi... the online toolshop I go to offers 2 sets of hex keys in both Metric and Imperial versions.

First set being imperial: Chrome vanadium. Sizes: 1/16", 5/64", 3/32", 1/8", 5/32", 3/16", 7/32", 1/4", 5/16" & 3/8"

Second set being metric: Chrome vanadium. Sizes: 2, 2.5, 3, 4, 5, 5.5, 6, 7, 8 & 10mm

Sorry if it sounds stupid but measurement stuff was never my strong point.... bombarded by different systems I turned off from it all.

I want to have Hex keys to fit stuff I might need to work with. Would the sizes between imperial and metric be the same or slightly different please. I'd buy both sets if have to.... but ofc if they are the same I'd prefer not to waste money.

Thanks.

Answer 1

you only need the metric sizes as imperial fixings have not been use on cars for many years. Buy top quality keys, i tend to prefer the type that you operate with a socket and ratchet as you can tap the drive all the way home before you apply any pressure, this reduces the risk of rounding of the bolt.

Answer 2

A hex key and an allen wrench are 2 different tools, but you will need both standard and metric to work on most anything these days, I have both all the way up to 60mm, and they break/strip out and have to be replaced on occasion, cheap ones are not a good investment. If it is made in China don't buy it. A good folding allen whench set will cost you at least $20 dollars and it doesn't have the larger sizes in it.

Answer 3

Hi, it all depends what your gonna be using the keys on. If the equipment is relatively new, then only the Metric ones will be required. If what you have to work on is more than say 30yrs old, then chances are the Imperial keys would fit.
Some of the keys in the different sets will be very close to each other size wise, but not the same!

Answer 4

Rounded off Hex bolts are not good. Get both sets of "L" shaped wrenches. I do this professionally and like hex on 3/8" socket wrenches. Northern Tool, or Harbor Freight is good enough for the occasional wrencher, A step up would be Craftsman "Sears" Or GO FOR IT "Snap-On Tools" see a Jobber in your area "Warrantied for your lifetime and beyond".

Answer 5

If you have a local Poundland store near you, they sell them. The quality is quite good for the price, I use them all the time and they wear well, I buy 2 sets at a time and keep one for standby. Don't be conned into paying dearly for high priced tools, they do not always live up to their image. They are only as good as the fastener you are using, and some of the imported fasteners leave much to be desired in the tolerance department.

Answer 6

I have both and recommend you get both not all metric and imperial will fit both are just enough off to strip the head of the bolt out or the tool, just makes it simpler to have the right size.
Have fun

Answer 7

I'd get both, even if the imperial set is used only once its worth it.

Also - check out screwfix - very cheap.
You might find it cheaper to get other tools locally than pay for postage from websites.

Answer 8

they arent the same, some are close enough, but they arent eh same. 10mm is almost 3/8 11mm is 7/16 12mm is odd 13mm is 20 thou bigger than 1/2inch 17mm is 5/8

buy both sets...

Answer 9

The Law of Sod dictates that if you only buy the one, it's the other you need! They're not the same, though some are pretty close, so buy both.

Answer 10

Your best bet is to do what I've done. Get both then when you get one thats a odd size your more likely to have the right size.