Re:International System of Units overhauled in historic vote
by analog31 on Friday November 16, 2018 @07:28PM
(#18473075)
As of today, they are both implemented using fundamental constants. ;-)
But indeed, most people worldwide are surprised when you tell them that there is no standard inch or standard pound sitting in a vault somewhere. Most machines, and most design software, have a button that switches between US and metric, and the machine itself doesn't care. More and more new products in the US use metric fasteners unless it's for something where a standard applies to exactly one thing, such as spark plug thread. I have used my metric tools more than my US tools in the process of doing repairs around the house, on my car, and my bikes.
One fastener on my bike uses Whitworth threads.
For all intents and purposes, it has ceased to matter.
But indeed, most people worldwide are surprised when you tell them that there is no standard inch or standard pound sitting in a vault somewhere. Most machines, and most design software, have a button that switches between US and metric, and the machine itself doesn't care. More and more new products in the US use metric fasteners unless it's for something where a standard applies to exactly one thing, such as spark plug thread. I have used my metric tools more than my US tools in the process of doing repairs around the house, on my car, and my bikes.
One fastener on my bike uses Whitworth threads.
For all intents and purposes, it has ceased to matter.