Ok, so I'm making a kit to work on my car that I am going to bring to my summer house where I work. I have not done any work on my car myself other then some basics. I have a whole socket set, but do not want to bring it all. What are some good socket sizes to have with me. Metric or imperial?

Thanks

For the most jobs i done, Metric has been better. Also have torx and hex.

sound the horn!!!! imperial

So metric or imperial, now I'm confused?

i've never even heard of imperial before. is that like standard?
I always carry a small set of metric, torx, allen, and a bunch of flat and phillips screwdrivers

Imperial is inches (base unit). So something like a 3/4 inch socket. What sizes of sockets are commonly used though, my large set ranges from 1 1/2 inch to 1/8 inch. This is also true for metric respectively. Which of these almost 80 sockets do I actually need?

If it's relative to the bimmer, it's in metric, so I would assume imperial would be pointless.

Awesome. Now down to 40 sockets. :D As for the imperial ones, I might bring them along and use them to throw at unsuspecting innocent people. Everyone needs a imperial socket with 1/2 drive now a'days. Right?

Honestly, you can take apart a good portion of your car with a good basic 50 buck home tool kit that comes in a plastic carrying case. I have one that I take on every road trip. I couldn't do a clutch job with it, but if I busted an alternator or AC compressor I'd be in good shape. And if I borrowed/bought one extension I could have the intake manifold off.

Honestly, you can take apart a good portion of your car with a good basic 50 buck home tool kit that comes in a plastic carrying case. I have one that I take on every road trip. I couldn't do a clutch job with it, but if I busted an alternator or AC compressor I'd be in good shape. And if I borrowed/bought one extension I could have the intake manifold off.

+1

Maybe get a backup "travel kit" - Sears often has small mechanic's toolkits on sale.

Otherwise, 8mm through 17mm six-point sockets should take care of almost everything. Also definitely pack your Torx bits, and 8mm-17mm combination wrenches.

You won't need the Imperial (inch increments) stuff.

Sounds good. I've got all that stuff in my larger kit and will just bring with me what I need.
Thanks Nathan