Unfortunately wrenches and other such tools are usually cheaper per each when you buy a set. That system usually ends the problem you have enountered.

My metric first sets were a (1) 1/2 inch drive sockets in 8-9-10-11-12-13-14-15-17mm sizes.

(2) 1/4 inch drive very small sockets (10mm is about halfway from smallest to largest).

(3) Combination set (open+box end) smaller sizes and larger sizes, up to 17mm.

I have added to that boxful over the years, but the practice of buying in sets has always paid off with fewer extra trips to the store. For the (1) and (2) sets I already had an old toolbox with the ratchet drives and SAE sockets.

The smallest nut on the alternator is - as I recall - 8 mm. Use a box end. Don't loose the nut, unlike others on the car there are only a very few to cannibalize. The 10mm nuts and bolts abound.

Consider a variable speed electric screwdriver, maybe later. Mine has been valuable in odd orientations, like the screws holding the brush set onto the alternator rear plate.

Good Luck with all your Volvo work. Hands are happier in vinyl gloves, too. Less skin lost in scrubbing and no grease under the nails. $8/box of 100 at ACE hardware.

Bob

:>)

They vary so you will need to measure it with a micrometer, drill gage, etc
to be sure. It is probably metric. The big ones are usually 6mm which is
a little smaller than ¼" and requires a 10mm wrench.
--
George Downs Bartlesville, Heart of the USA!

Hi Simon,

I've made many, many wasted trips to Lowes, and will undoubtedly make many more, as my memory of what they carry fades. Sometimes I'm just unhappy about empty bins.

The nut you're after is a standard M5. It will have a thread pitch of 0.8mm and the normal hex size is 8mm. Lowes has spotty metric coverage in our town.
--
Art Benstein near Baltimore

Middle age is when you choose your cereal for the fiber, not the joy.