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Old 12-14-2012, 10:37 AM   #1
theprodigy
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Default SAE or Metric socket for 2011 WRX wheels?

Sorry, spare my noob question. I searched and couldn't find anything.

I have a 2011 WRX. I need to buy a socket set for the wheel lug nuts. Do I buy the SAE or metric sockets?
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Old 12-14-2012, 10:55 AM   #2
Unabomber
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You don't need a set, you need ONE socket. You can buy either 19mm or 3/4", the correct size has been debated here since Jefferson was in office.
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Old 12-14-2012, 11:14 AM   #3
mtarr07
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Originally Posted by Unabomber View Post
You don't need a set, you need ONE socket. You can buy either 19mm or 3/4", the correct size has been debated here since Jefferson was in office.


Use all the sockets!
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Old 12-14-2012, 11:23 AM   #4
theprodigy
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Didn't word it quite right...should have said if I had to buy a set, would I be better off buying the sae or metric set. It's a better deal to buy them as a set than individually anyways. I'm looking beyond just the wheels, obviously. But it sounds like I can go with either. thanks.
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Old 12-14-2012, 11:25 AM   #5
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The rest of the car is going to be predominantly metric.
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Old 12-14-2012, 11:25 AM   #6
mtarr07
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Originally Posted by theprodigy View Post
Didn't word it quite right...should have said if I had to buy a set, would I be better off buying the sae or metric set. It's a better deal to buy them as a set than individually anyways. I'm looking beyond just the wheels, obviously. But it sounds like I can go with either. thanks.
No, dont go with either. Subaru's are built off of 10mm and 12 mm sockets. You can practically take the entire car apart with those 2 sockets.
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Old 12-14-2012, 11:54 AM   #7
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Quote:
Originally Posted by mtarr07 View Post
No, dont go with either. Subaru's are built off of 10mm and 12 mm sockets. You can practically take the entire car apart with those 2 sockets.
This. But I would extend the list to: 10, 12, 14, 17, 19. That will do about 99.9% of any work you will do on your car.

As for metric vs SAE, you can get virtually any size in either, but 10mm in fractions is going to be really tough to find. I think its like 13/32 iirc, good luck finding that in a kit.

Last edited by happs subi; 12-14-2012 at 11:59 AM.
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Old 12-14-2012, 11:59 AM   #8
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Quote:
Originally Posted by mtarr07 View Post
No, dont go with either. Subaru's are built off of 10mm and 12 mm sockets. You can practically take the entire car apart with those 2 sockets.
True story, but add in 14 and a few others. But I replaced an entire motor using basic hand tools and the 10, 12, 14 combo. Only needed a "special" socket for head bolts.
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Old 12-14-2012, 12:01 PM   #9
theprodigy
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Thanks, guys. I'll go pick up a metric set.
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Old 12-14-2012, 12:09 PM   #10
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Originally Posted by HinshawWRX View Post
True story, but add in 14 and a few others. But I replaced an entire motor using basic hand tools and the 10, 12, 14 combo. Only needed a "special" socket for head bolts.
I was going to add 14mm, but I've only had to use that on a few occasions (compared to how often im using a 10 and 12mm). Literally, for 99% of people that do your "basic" bolt ons, all you're ever going to use is a screwdriver, a 10mm and a 12mm. But now we are just getting picky, haha.

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Originally Posted by theprodigy View Post
Thanks, guys. I'll go pick up a metric set.
There ya go young patowan!

PS. Your SN is quite comical.
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Old 12-14-2012, 12:32 PM   #11
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Originally Posted by mtarr07 View Post
Literally, for 99% of people that do your "basic" bolt ons, all you're ever going to use is a screwdriver, a 10mm and a 12mm.
Common first mods include suspension and downpipe, neither of which can be done with just a 10 & 12. Add 14, 17, and 19 to your list.
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Old 12-14-2012, 12:33 PM   #12
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Originally Posted by Unabomber View Post
You don't need a set, you need ONE socket. You can buy either 19mm or 3/4", the correct size has been debated here since Jefferson was in office.
Probably because 3/4" = 19.05mm so the difference is extremely minimal. That being said as you know you should always go with the smallest socket that will fit over a nut and I believe with the rest of the car being metric the size is definitely intended to be 19mm.

Argument solved!!!
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Old 12-14-2012, 12:38 PM   #13
mtarr07
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Originally Posted by leecea View Post
Common first mods include suspension and downpipe, neither of which can be done with just a 10 & 12. Add 14, 17, and 19 to your list.

Go hug a cactus. I'm wrong. My badddd. What the eff are you using a 19mm for? I think I used 17mm for some suspension stuff.
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Old 12-14-2012, 12:40 PM   #14
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Go hug a cactus. I'm wrong. My badddd. What the eff are you using a 19mm for? I think I used 17mm for some suspension stuff.

^generally have to take the wheels off to get at the suspension
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Old 12-14-2012, 12:42 PM   #15
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Originally Posted by theprodigy View Post
Thanks, guys. I'll go pick up a metric set.
If you can, get some 6-pt sockets, a variety of extensions, and a breaker bar.
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Old 12-14-2012, 12:44 PM   #16
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Originally Posted by J-hop View Post
^generally have to take the wheels off to get at the suspension
19mm is strut to knuckle, at least on my car. Need it to remove struts for spring or strut changes, or even just to max out front negative camber with stock suspension.
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Old 12-14-2012, 12:45 PM   #17
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^generally have to take the wheels off to get at the suspension
Ahhh dang. I wasn't thinking about that. I have a tire iron for that. So it doesn't count. Bahahahah
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Old 12-14-2012, 12:57 PM   #18
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Ahhh dang. I wasn't thinking about that. I have a tire iron for that. So it doesn't count. Bahahahah
Haha just giving you a hard time
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Old 12-14-2012, 01:54 PM   #19
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Quote:
Originally Posted by theprodigy View Post
Sorry, spare my noob question. I searched and couldn't find anything.

I have a 2011 WRX. I need to buy a socket set for the wheel lug nuts. Do I buy the SAE or metric sockets?
You're car is Japanese. Go buy Metric.

Honestly, I think even American cars these days are being built with Metric bolt sizing.
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Old 12-14-2012, 02:12 PM   #20
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To take the car apart? Only one size needed:



Putting it back together, now that's a different story.
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