DanHoo
TVWBB Olympian
In fairness to the Brits, the only time I remember buying imperial gallons of gas was in Quebec, and I think they spoke French.You're a nut, I love it!
In fairness to the Brits, the only time I remember buying imperial gallons of gas was in Quebec, and I think they spoke French.You're a nut, I love it!
OK, if you want to be technical our system of measurement is derived from the English system but not an exact copy.In fairness to the Brits, the only time I remember buying imperial gallons of gas was in Quebec, and I think they spoke French.
When at school and in my early working career I worked exclusively in imperial measurements. I can now do both quite easily.Ironically Tony, our country adopted your system of measuring and them your country decided to change it. I remember studying the metric system in the 70's in anticipation of changing over as well. It only half way happened.
I would like to know about thread identification, it's just something I never paid any attention to.When at school and in my early working career I worked exclusively in imperial measurements. I can now do both quite easily.
Working in mm is a no-brainer when adding two measurements of length together. ie 29mm + 31mm = 60mm. Quick and easy.
1-7/64 + 1-3/32 = 2-13/64. Easy enough, for me, but takes a bit more brain power.
Don't get me started on thread identification and compatibility.
It can be a minefield, and needs special attention, especially when working with pneumatic/hydraulic pressure.I would like to know about thread identification, it's just something I never paid any attention to.
That was during a time when things were converting. Too slowly IMO. I honestly like metric. I just wish we'd get totally off the SAE system. And yeah, sometimes in a pinch an SAE is "close" but it's never a cigar. If you've ever worked on things some ham fist has tried to use SAE on when it's metric you will know. A kid at a tire shop messed up a bunch of the lug nuts on my Highlander because of it.My 2003 Tahoe had a made in Michigan sticker on the door jamb and was half metric half SAE
I sure hope not. Or that I’m gone when we do.Someday America will wake up and will go fully metric.
Aside from tradition, this is the only strength of standard over metric. Standard units are derived from traditional units that actually worked for people, while metric units are simply scientific results without regard to their user-friendliness. I believe that inches and pounds in particular are "right-sized" units. Centimeters are too small and kilograms are too big for day-to-day approximating.OK, if you want to be technical our system of measurement is derived from the English system but not an exact copy.
And here endeth the lesson. (I'm an old fart too having been trained as a young apprentice in the imperial system)........ I'm an old fart but frankly metric just plain makes more sense, is simpler to understand and work with
I beg to differ Scott. Half an inch is +/- 12.5mm. 1/4oz is 7 grams.Centimeters are too small and kilograms are too big for day-to-day approximating.
Totally agree. Although I do still think in imperial and metric. I have to, as I work on equipment that may have been manufactured 40/50 years ago, and equipment that was manufactured two months ago. So I need to have a foot in each camp. Metric is a no-brainer.It is my belief that there would be a large boost to our (USA) economy and our standard of living if we could switch to metric. I feel sad that we did not manage it back in the 1960s and 1970s. We are slowly evolving there out of necessity to interact with the global economy, but this slow process is costly and painful. Until we find the political will to help those who do not understand, are too stubborn, or are unwilling to learn, we will suffer under this slowly changing limbo for a long time. The issue is not political, it is about having the same standards as everyone else. There is no pride in adhering to archaic standards where the rest of the world moved on long ago.
I would be happy if we could all switch to square drive (Robertson) or star drive (Torx) screws, too. They are much better than slotted or Phillips head screws, in my opinion. I could settle for hex drive, but they aren't as good as square or star.