Metric interface socket driver

[Jeremy Williams]

Hi all,

I'm doing a DIY thing and I'm in the US... So when I want a socket driver I have one of these in my toolbox...

It has a 1/4 inch socket interface (the square end on the left) but I'm curious what my friends in not-the-USA have? What's the metric equivalent? I've tried searching and the amount of US-focused socket things with metric heads and 1/4 inch handle interfaces is drowning out the signal of what I'm looking for...

What is the rest-of-world equivalent to a 1/4 inch socket driver?

 

[swimlikethefish]

Most nuts and bolts are metric in Europe. But the drive end of the ratchet is imperial. They use the same standard: 1/4, 3/8, and 1/2 ratchets.

 

[Jeremy Williams]

Wow. I suppose that’s why I couldn’t find anything else. I am really surprised there isn’t an all metric socket standard!

 

[Southside]

1/4", 3/8", and 1/2" drives are the standard. They are used around the world.

 

[Angelo Farina]

Most nuts and bolts are metric in Europe. But the drive end of the ratchet is imperial. They use the same standard: 1/4, 3/8, and 1/2 ratchets.

Exactly!
We use the same square drive, in three sizes, all in inches also here in Europe. The nuts can be either metric or imperial, you choose...
Square drive sockets were never made in mm !
So you can purchase millimetric nuts, and they will work perfectly on your drive (or dynamo-metric tool).

 

[swimlikethefish]

If you want to get fancy you could call it a 6.35mm ratchet instead of 1/4" to make yourself feel better.

 

[Jeremy Williams]

I’m actually building a tool that would be turned by a quarter inch driver. I wondered if I could have a single socket interface On the tool that I’m building that would work in the US as well as in other parts of the world. I guess I have my answer!

 

[Angelo Farina]

I’m actually building a tool that would be turned by a quarter inch driver. I wondered if I could have a single socket interface On the tool that I’m building that would work in the US as well as in other parts of the world. I guess I have my answer!

It will work everywhere!

 

[michael-fisch]

Waterpipe and waterhose are also in inchs worldwide.

Michael

 

[CanadaDan]

I’m actually building a tool that would be turned by a quarter inch driver. I wondered if I could have a single socket interface On the tool that I’m building that would work in the US as well as in other parts of the world. I guess I have my answer!

I don't think the world will ever be able to completely abandon Imperial measurements for this very reason... too many deep rooted standards.

I'm curious what you're building