BELT 5195242 - Caterpillar

Illustration 1. Example of a metric gauge.
Illustration 2. Metric Dial Indicator.Dual capability also allows design and manufacturing to replace equipment and machinery gradually as new products and new facilities dictate. This process of evolution has now reached the point where new products and service tools are designed either entirely or primarily in metric units of measure.
Any change brings questions. The following information summarizes several concerns about the use of metric measuring and diagnostic tools.
1. Won't use of these new tools require making a lot of conversions? On the contrary, because Caterpillar publications already list all specifications in metric units, the need for conversions will almost be eliminated. A serviceman can simply compare the measurement on the tool with the metric specification given in the literature. Of course, conversions will be necessary in a few situations, for instance, if a serviceman is using a very old Service Manual or a Service Magazine article published prior to the use of metric units.
For these circumstances, conversion tables will be made available. A conversion calculator is another readily available and relatively inexpensive method of converting metric units to non-metric units or vice versa. Only the number to be converted and the function need to be entered. The calculator makes the conversion automatically.
2. Won't using metric-only tools be confusing? No. In fact, use of metric-only instead of dual scaling on gauges can help prevent the possibility of reading the wrong number. As tools are replaced, the metric-only tools will gradually eliminate the confusing variety of non-metric only, dual scaling and metric-only combinations now occurring, even within a single tool group.
3. Will I have to buy all new tools? No. The adoption of metric units for measuring and diagnostic tools does not make any existing dealer tools obsolete. Simply replace tools as they become broken or worn as you normally would.
4. What about hand tools and fasteners like nuts and bolts?No changes will be made to hand tools or fasteners. Caterpillar will continue to use unified-inch fasteners. Servicemen will not need to purchase new hand tools.