WORKSHOP TEST
Page 111
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METRINCH SOCKETS
• A normal socket will only (accurately) fit one size of nut or bolt-head. It has 12 internal serrations (except on very small sizes) giving 12 theoretically identical positions at which the socket can grip the hexagonal nut or bolt head. As each socket fits a unique size of hexagon, one socket is needed for each size to be worked on.. This can mean that a mechanic or workshop needs a huge selection of sockets, especially if it has to work on bolts and ,.rnits made to differing standards such as metric, !INF and The Richmond Tool division of Bowater subsidiary Titan (UK) is marketing a potential solution to the problem of , many separate sockets, under the name Metrinch. As its name implies, this range of sockets combines similar metric and imperial sizes in combined sockets. In each socket, six of the 12 serrations fit an imperial size, while the six interspersed between them fit a close metric size. For
example, one socket has teeth to fit both 13min and V: inch AF nuts and bolts. The sockets come in various sizes of sets or as individual replacement items for those who already have socket sets.,,
new development is the 'offering of sets which fit the .BSF,Whitworth hexagon sizes along with metric.
Over the last couple of
months, we have used a seven-piece Metrinch socket Set in normal vehicle repairs. This set is claimed to replace 14 conventional sockets in the range 10-19mm and 3/s-,:ti inch, and uses the universal square drive. The sockets appear to be of good quality, with plating which has stayed unmarked in use and with a high standard of finish. Independent tests conducted by the Sheffield Testing Works attest to the strength of the sockets. , In use, ,the Metrinch sockets work well, especially on nuts and bolts in good condition. It becomes second nature to rotate the socket to fit it to a hexagon which is the larger of the two sizes covered by that socket, but it is not quite so easy to be sure that it is properly located on the smaller size when that is required.
On worn hexagons, this latter problem becomes more acute: in extreme cases the socket will slip one twelfth of a m
turn fro the larger' size to the smaller before gripping. The danger in this is that such Slipping accentuates the rounding of the points of the worn hexagon. which may eventually make it impossible to turn even with the right-sized socket.
It is unlikely that an existing user of dedicated sockets will want to change over to using these combination pieces as much as occasional users will find them an attractive means of obtaining large numbers ot socket sizes for a small outlay.
T w
he se en-piece set has a reconunended retail price of M95 including VAT: a 14piece one (equivalent to 26 conventional sockets) including Iwo spark-plug sockets, ratchet and extension bars costs k35.99. A 15-piec,, one equivalent to 30 normal sockets costs 31.99; a 20-piece one equivalent to 36 sockets, two sparkplug sockets and with a variety of handles and joints costs 159.95. Individual Metrinch sockes cost between .1.4:9 and 49.
Metrinch sockets come from: Titan (UK) Ltd
Richmond Tool Division Hartworth Trading Estate Hampton Road West Feltham
Middlesex TW13 6DH Phont: 01-898 8295