Thread: Whitworth Spanners on special - for the series drivers

I've got a set of whitworth/ba spanners circa 1920 you can have for $89 each......not each set.....each spanner

You really only need three sizes. 3/16, 1/4 and 5/16. All the other sizes there is a metric or imperial equivalent.

Dave.

i think that should be 89c not $89

Originally Posted by Mr Whippy

You really only need three sizes. 3/16, 1/4 and 5/16. All the other sizes there is a metric or imperial equivalent.

Dave.

Similar discussion going on in the Series 1 section.....

Some spanner size comparisons here:_
BSW,BS,,AF,BA and metric tool size equivalents.

If you work on an early Series vehicle then it would make sense to get a set of good quality Whitworth spanners. I've had mine for nearly 40 years and buy them now from trash & treasure markets. Sidchrome's for $1 to $2 if you're lucky, mind you, you've got to haggle.....

Thanks for the 'heads up' Ho Hars.


Colin

Originally Posted by ramblingboy42

I've got a set of whitworth/ba spanners circa 1920 you can have for $89 each......not each set.....each spanner

If they are attached to a 1920 Bentley (or similar) you're on!

Originally Posted by gromit

Similar discussion going on in the Series 1 section.....

Some spanner size comparisons here:_
BSW,BS,,AF,BA and metric tool size equivalents.

If you work on an early Series vehicle then it would make sense to get a set of good quality Whitworth spanners. I've had mine for nearly 40 years and buy them now from trash & treasure markets. Sidchrome's for $1 to $2 if you're lucky, mind you, you've got to haggle.....

Thanks for the 'heads up' Ho Hars.

Colin

I do the same when it comes to 1/4 and 5/16 whitworth. As I stated earlier, no other sizes are needed, (apart from 3/16) and the link above showing metric and imperial equivalents backs up my claim.

I have a stack of old sidchrome whitworth spanners and the only ones I use are the three I referred to earlier.

Dave.

Originally Posted by Mr Whippy

I do the same when it comes to 1/4 and 5/16 whitworth. As I stated earlier, no other sizes are needed, (apart from 3/16) and the link above showing metric and imperial equivalents backs up my claim.

I have a stack of old sidchrome whitworth spanners and the only ones I use are the three I referred to earlier.

Dave.

I wouldn't agree that the link backs up your claim, it depends on how well you want the spanner to fit and also the quality (tolerance) of your spanners.

Because I have a full set of Whitworth (BSF) spanners & sockets I use them. The only one that I sometimes use is 7/16" AF for 3/16" Whitworth but it depends on what brand of spanner the 7/16" AF is because sometimes it just won't fit.

Each to their own.....I'd still recommend using the right tool for the job. Let me know what you want for the old Whitworth Sidchromes........


Colin

Colin. Although I never use them I am a tool hoarder, so not for sale.

As for using the right tool for the job I could not agree more, but you also need to be realistic. Today I adjusted the chain on my motor bike. I had to loosen the axle. Being a Jap bike, all the nuts and bolts are metric, but I did not have a metric socket big enough. I found an inch and a quarter imperial socket to be a perfect fit, but technically is not the right tool as the nut is metric. I am not going to go out and purchase a metric spanner when the imperial was a good fit.

An 18 mm spanner is two thousands of an inch different to a 3/8 whitworth.
I reckon many tool manufacturers would probably have a +/- one thou tolerance in their tools. Most larger whitworths have a very close MM or imperial equivalent, and when the bolts are large a slightly loose fit does not matter. If the bolt head or tool is not damaged it is a good fit.

Dave.