Metric System vs. Standard Unit...

[clearance]

Welcome, not to split hairs, actually going to split hairs, I worked construction a lot, 1/4s, 1/8s, 1/16 and then onto C hairs, smallest measurement, a blonde C hair. Never miked one though, can't say the .00 whatever they are. As long as you get the joist, stud, part you want, its all good.

 

[Dietley]

Thanks! Yep, the good old C hair is used in all trades, I think. Interesting thing is, whether you speak metric or imperial, a C hair is a mutually understood thing!

Personally, I think the metric system is the superior system, but I am comfortable using both, and I don't waste much time fretting over the issue, any more than a bilingual person worries about which language is best!

Cheers!

 

[buzz sawyer]

Thanks! Yep, the good old C hair is used in all trades, I think. Interesting thing is, whether you speak metric or imperial, a C hair is a mutually understood thing!

Personally, I think the metric system is the superior system, but I am comfortable using both, and I don't waste much time fretting over the issue, any more than a bilingual person worries about which language is best!

Cheers!

Dietley, you are right on with the reference to bilingual. It's often a good idea to learn a second language - not only to better get along in the world but also to train the mind. Guess you could say you hit the nail on the head -

Speaking of which, would anyone care to elaborate on metric nail sizes? I know it refers to the length and diameter - 50 x 3.0 is 50mm long and 3mm in dia. - seems close to a 6d nail. Was this developed using a comparison to the "penny" system or as an independent system?

 

[NOMOREGEARS]

Close Enough

I agree with you. I was very fortunate to work with a machinist who had no problems with either (his 9 years apprentice in Germany probably helped). His problem was with the people who misunderstood the difference in tolerances.
Nothing worse than an irate machinist when someone just told him the tolerance was .001 mm :yoyo: then isisted on it when they weren't man enough to admit they were wrong."Close Enough" would have been sufficient.