Metric Tools

[rahalroxz]

Hi Everybody

I'm training at an Aircraft Maintenance hangar and I never found a place where I can use my metric tools. (I knew I only need imperial tools but the tool box I purchased had both metric and AF)

I have a lot of metric sockets and spanners which I think not usable at all. they are professional quality tools and I'm thinking to sell them.

Do you think it's a good idea? or will there be some cases I need to use metric tools for aircraft maintenance?
I guess they only add weight to my tool box.

Please give your idea.

Thanks in advance

[toolboxstickers]

There is a need for metric sockets, spanners, etc.- on every French-built aircraft! As far as light aircraft go, SOCATA, Robin/ APEX/ CEAPR, and PZL (Polish)all need them, if you're doing anything on the airframe. Engines are all Lycoming, however.

[TRC]

If you're only using Imperial stuff for the time being, take out the metric stuff and get another box for them - if they are decent quality you may well need them later on.

Not all aircraft are held together with Imperial fasteners, I've worked on types with both Imperial and metric on the same aircraft .

Good luck with your training.

[aquadraco]

I agree with the other replies - I started my training in 1966, and over the years I've used Whitworth, BA, BSF, AF and Metric tools. In the course of your career you never know what you'll be working on, so if you don't have room for it at the moment, just store it somewhere safe. One lesson I learned very early was to keep every tool - it'll be needed sometime

[Perrin]

saved the day

I never thought I would use my old WIT and BSF which I had locked away until the Good old ATP came into my life and the nasty brake control valve needed to come out the rule is, keep them all, some day some where?

Keep them up boys
Peter

[vs69]

Plus your car will likely be metric!

[Perrin]

good one

No a Rolls is A/F and thats what you get after working(?) over 50 years in
the plane game!
Keep them up boys
Pete

[vs69]

Ah I said LIKELY. The more discerning types out there will have something requiring BSW,or in my case a mish mash of what previous owners have made work. But I take your point perrin,do you have your own driver too?

[Swedish Steve]

When you change the electrically driven hydraulic pump on an Airbus A320 you remove the pump from the aircraft complete with a mounting cradle. To remove this cradle from the pump you need a metric spanner.
I had worked 30 years without a metric spanner till I found this out, and had to go and borrow some from the MT bay.

[NutLoose]

Some aircraft batteries terminals went over to metric for a while too.... I have the odd socket over 2 inches in diameter that came in my initial tool set and some 3/4 drive, never thought I'd ever need them, but have used them once or twice to get me and others out of the poo... So as said hang onto them. I also have metric in my box, a draw full of spanners etc, simply for those odd items that turn up and use them.

If you ever get onto Helicopters, the likes of Puma are all metric.

[rahalroxz]

hmmm I think I changed my mind now, I will keep those metric tools with me. Probably somewhere other than my 'already heavy' toolbox.

Most probably I'll be working on Airbus 320s so there will be some occasions I need to deal with the EDP with a metric spanner .

Thanks a lot for your replies guys, It really helped

[Perrin]

best tool of all

Don't forget the best tool of all THE PEN (ie ground checks satis I/A/W plz advise).

keep them up boys Pete

[R6DXB]

...and dont forget the APIC fuel filter housing.....

[TURIN]

Ah, but Perrin, is that a metric or imperial pen?

[vs69]

Metric but the refill is on a british cycle thread...

[Krystal n chips]

" until the Good old ATP came into my life and the nasty brake control valve needed to come out"

Any form of adulation for the most comprehensive example of "the biggest heap of junk that should never have flown, but did " would suggest the person opining such needs to consult a Doctor....at the earliest opportunity.....

You forgot the add the flap gear box replenishment....5/16 Whit. spanner required.

Only Woodford could have created this anomaly....and they did.

[3 Phase]

If you ever have the pleasure of working on A300's, you may be surprised when both your 3/8 spanner and your 7/16 spanner won't fit on certain contactors when you are trying to replace them Definitely worth keeping some metric tools stashed away somewhere!

[ericferret]

Try helicopters

S76C metric engine, A/F airframe.
AS355 and BO 105 A/F engine, metric airframe.

[unstable load]

Keep the metric stuff in a separate box, close by.
Sooner or later you will need them.

Never resist an opportunity to buy more......

[Perrin]

ref Krystal n Chips

Yes after years on the ATP I did go to the doctors, his name is Dr. Retirement
very nice man.

You all keep safe and keep them up.

Peter