Not nearly a Whitworth in a Commando

I am constantly learning what I don't know I don't know and just learned that essentially there are no real Whitworth threads in a Commando but maybe the case cover screws and they don't need no stinking special wrenches. Explains why I sometimes need 4 sets of tools, one of which only fits flats regardless of SAE, meteric or Whitworht. So what's the low down to bring me up to speed thread wide on Commandos? Sure use my 1/2" and 9/16" often more often than not.

Steve, Many times in wrenching, I see people getting by with something that "almost fits" or "fits good enough" so the hex doesn't round off. But, the fasteners get bitched up and have burrs, look like hell. You are correct, many Cdo fasteners are modern size, my '74 more than older models. I got wrenches and sockets (always 6 point) in Whitworth, only a few things need them. But, it's a respect thing to the ancient bike history, and bad karma will come upon you if METRIC and or pipe wrenches are used. :lol:
The absolute WORST thing I have is Snap-On "Flank Drive PLUS" combination wrenches in metric and inch. I bought them 20 years ago and didn't consider the propensity of the serrated open end to mar soft fasteners. If I could trade them for NON-"plus" I would in a heartbeat.


Remember cursing how domestic cars/trucks have a combination metric/inch fasteners requiring your entire tool box be emptied to complete a relatively small repair? They didn't invent it... just old and new design come together. The 6.2L diesel was designed in metric, and stayed that way, the 5.7L gas was a carried on small block, inch fasteners remained on unchanged bits to the end. Same thing with the old bike, as stuff was re-engineered, converted to modern threads, but stuff that went unchanged, well, was unchanged.

Metrinch will solve most conundrums.

Re: Not nearly a Whitworth thread in a Commando

Ugh Concours, I'd only needed SAE kit for mowers to go carts to cars and boats and home appliances, till I got graduated age 28 and working so got a '78 chevy cargo van with metric body and chassis fasteners, ugh. The mc-engine listee's mentioned Cdo's mainly had UNC threads not Whitworth which was news to me as I'd just ordered from vintage vender, but also found I could source engine studs from the auto parts drawers. Metrinch has worked on some stuck up fasteners nothing else gripped d/t head size or rounded off corners. Last time I re-built Trixie, from rod bolt let go at lazy 50 mph low throttle, I set aside every tool I used from my collection of 3 kits for a Norton only collection, to find mostly needed 14mm-1/4" W, 1/2" and 9/16" and 1.5" SAE. About 14 yr ago on NOC, INOA and BI lists we all got a big laugh out of Micheal Taqalieri in NY apartment hand filing his fasteners to fit his SAE kit. Does not seem so funny to me anymore, after dressing some the ones I found buggered before i had a chance too. There is a vintage mostly Harley shop near by that's got nice wall of drawers with all kinds of non Whitworth chromed bolts and acorn domed and piked nuts that I'm going to pick from to dress up Ms Peel's raw ends. One down side of the Metrinch is if ya lose a socket they don't sell single replacements.

There may not be much whitworth (coarse threads) in a Commando Steve, but most of the engine bolts and nuts use British Standard (BS) size heads and nuts, so use the same wrenches as whitworth does, as they are the old 26 threads-per-inch Cycle Thread (CEI).
All the cycle parts, on Commandos, are AF - or use AF type wrenches - as we seem to recall LAB pointing out here a while back, they are actually Unified National Fine. (?)
Also called SAE, and probably a few other things...

I have 3 sets of wrenches for bikes - an AF set for Commandos and american stuff, Whitworth (BS) for other earlier English bikes, and Metric for euro and japanese stuff. Having 3 sets, and always using the right one soon pays for itself, in not wrecking or damaging boltheads and nuts.
Unless you insist on SnapOn quality - and prices - they are not that expensive to acquire a goodly set of each.

The other thing is to get the spanners (wrenches to you people in the US) you need, rather than the full sets. This could include sockets and hex keys as required.
One of my pastimes is pratting around making small things out of metal. Because of where I live I'm in the fortunate position of coming across Metric. Whitworth, BSF, BS Cycle, BA, UNF, UNC, UNEF threads in sizes from about 1 mm (about 0.04" diameter) up to 10mm, a bit over 3/8". Being retired I simply could not afford to get sets of taps and dies to meet all eventualities, so I get good quality (HSS/GT) taps and dies in the sizes I require.
It means thatit's not so easy to have a big impressive shadow board with all your stuff on, but you can approach most tasks with the right gear. It doesn't matter how shiny a thing, is damaged hex fasteners stand out like a dogs do dads.
cheers
wakeup

A good friend of mine now approaching 70, has been a motorcycle mechanic, professionally all his working life. For the last 35 to 40 odd years he has made his living restoring classic and vintage motorcycles. He still has most of the tools that he bought during his apprenticeship in the 60s, they have been very well used and cared for. He has acquired a lot more in the meantime obviously. He is a living advert for buying good quality gear, as you need it. Buy cheap and buy twice, or three times.
cheers
wakeup