How to Choose a Socket for Rachet?

[Foresty Forest]

I've got a nut that I need to undo. None of my sockets are large enough, so I want to buy one that fits. To get the right size socket, do I measure the nut from side to side or from point to point?

 

[Stivino]

Across the flats.

 

[JohnD]

what is the "thing" that the nut is on? About how old is it, and do you know what country it was made in?

If you know the sizes of some of the other nuts and bolts that may give clues.

metric is so easy.

 

[Astra99]

Yes, Metric is for the "thick" Europeans who find multiplying or dividing by anything other than 10 impossible to comprehend.

 

[JohnD]

SI is for sensible people.

There are only two, somewhat backward, countries in the world that don't use it.

 

[Astra99]

Eh????????????????????????????? The more you have to think about something, the greater the comprehension - hopefully!

 

[JohnD]

How big is a nut that fits a 3/8" BSW spanner?

 

[JohnD]

What size is a nut that fits a 12mm spanner?

 

[JohnD]

What size spanner fits a 2BA nut?

 

[Foresty Forest]

Across the flats.

I take it across the flats is the sides?

 

[Mottie]

I take it across the flats is the sides?

Yes. And get a six sided socket. Is it a nut on a car?

 

[Foresty Forest]

Yes. And get a six sided socket. Is it a nut on a car?

Ok Thanks. And if the nut is 18mm across, does that mean I get an 18mm socket?

 

[Mottie]

Yes.

 

[Foresty Forest]

It's a nut on the scarifier of my lawn mower - holding a cog in place - needs a socket as there's no access for a spanner...

 

[JohnD]

british made? Less than 30 years old?