Know your Wrench Sizes
Selecting the correct metric wrench size can save time, prevent damage to fasteners, and make projects easier. A handy way to choose the right size is to start by understanding the sizes commonly found in metric wrench sets, which usually range from 6mm to 24mm. Check the fastener or bolt you're working with; it often has a stamped size, especially if it's part of automotive or machinery work. If you don't know the size, use a caliper or an adjustable wrench to measure the bolt head's diameter in millimetres. Then, match it with a wrench close in size, testing fit to ensure it doesn’t wiggle or feel loose. Keeping a chart of standard bolt and wrench size pairings can also be a quick reference for common tasks, saving you the hassle of trial and error.
METRIC SIZES | ||
Thread Size Diameter (mm) |
Hexagon Bolt/Nut Size S (mm) |
Cap Screw Size J (mm) |
M 3 | 5.5 | 2.0 |
M 4 | 7 | 3 |
M 5 | 8 | 4 |
M 6 | 10 | 5 |
M 8 | 13 | 6 |
M 10 | 17 | 8 |
M 12 | 19 | 10 |
M 14 | 22 | 12 |
M 16 | 24 | 14 |
M 18 | 27 | 14 |
M 20 | 30 | 17 |
M 22 | 32 | 17 |
M 24 | 36 | 19 |
M 27 | 41 | 19 |
M 30 | 46 | 22 |
M 33 | 50 | 24 |
M 36 | 55 | 27 |
M 39 | 60 | 27 (30) |
M 42 | 65 | 32 |
M 45 | 70 | - |
M 48 | 75 | 36 |
M 52 | 80 | 36 |
M 56 | 85 | 41 |
M 60 | 90 | 46 |
M 64 | 95 | 46 |
M 68 | 100 | 50 |
M 72 | 105 | 55 |
M 76 | 110 | 60 |
M 80 | 115 | 65 |
M 85 | 120 | 70 |
M 90 | 130 | 70 (75) |
M 95 | 135 | - |
M 100 | 145 | 85 |
M 105 | 150 | - |
M 110 | 155 | - |
M 115 | 165 | - |
M 120 | 170 | - |
M 125 | 180 | - |
M 130 | 185 | - |
M 140 | 200 | - |
M 150 | 210 | - |