Comparison Intertool Storm ET-8111 vs Intertool ET-6108SP

The total number of core items included in the set.

In this case, the main items are all devices that are directly used during work: non-separable tools (traditional wrenches, hammers, pliers ...), elements of collapsible tools (for example, a ratchet for removable heads and 5 such heads will be considered 6 units) , as well as accessories (such as extensions or universal joints). Additional accessories — such as lights — may or may not be included in this count, depending on the manufacturer; however, there are usually few such accessories, and they do not fundamentally affect the total number of items.

The most modest modern tool kits include up to 25 units. However, such kits are very popular — they are inexpensive and at the same time can be very versatile. 25 – 50 items is still quite a small number, 50 – 75 pcs can be called an average, 76 – 100 items are more than average, and the most extensive modern sets can include 100 – 150 items or even more.

The general rules for choosing this parameter are obvious: a more extensive set, usually, is more multifunctional, but more expensive, weighs more and takes up more space. It is also worth bearing in mind that with a similar number of items, the specific assortment of these items in differ...ent sets may be different; so when choosing, it is worth specifying not only the number of tools, but also their specific composition.

The size of the "seat" for which the socket heads included in the package are designed (see below), in other words, the size of the square hole on the back of the head used for installation on a ratchet, wrench or other similar tool. Accordingly, the tool for working with heads supplied in the kit has the same dimensions of the landing square; and in the absence of such tools in the kit, data on the size of the heads will be useful for its selection.

There is a generally accepted standard for these sizes, providing for the designation in fractions of an inch — from 1/4 "to 1". Thanks to this, heads and tools from different sets can be quite compatible — just matching in size is enough. Most often in modern hand sets there are options in 1/4 "and 1/2", a little less often — 3/4" and 3/8". Some sets include several variants of the landing square at once.

Working size range of hex sockets (see above) supplied with the kit. This parameter allows you to evaluate how the heads fit the dimensions of the fasteners with which they are planned to be used.

Working size range of E-profile sockets (see above) supplied with the kit. This parameter allows you to evaluate how the heads fit the dimensions of the fasteners with which they are planned to be used.

Varieties of bits (see above) included in the set.

Note that this paragraph specifies not just the size, but also the type of slot for which this or that bit is designed. This type is indicated by a letter index followed by a number describing the size — for example, SL5. Here are the most popular designations found in modern bits:

— SL. Flat bits for straight slot. The size is indicated in millimetres.
— Ph. Classic cross bits. The size is indicated by a conditional number.
— P.Z. Bits for a modified cross slot with improved engagement, have additional edges. The size is indicated by a conditional number.
— TX, T. Torx bits, with six-pointed sprocket tips. The size is indicated by a conditional number.
— H. Hex bits, with hex tips. The size is indicated in millimetres.


If there is more than one bit of a certain type in the set, the number is specified after the designation, for example, PH2x2.

An adapter for docking seemingly incompatible elements from a set. For example, socket heads with an unsuitable landing square on a ratchet, screwdriver handle or in a drill driver. The adapter provides full-fledged work with all the required list of tools from the set.

The number of ratchet wrenches in the toolbox. The name of such tools comes from the ratchet mechanism installed in them, which emits a characteristic crack during operation.

First of all, we emphasize that the term "ratchet wrench" in this case means a composite tool — in the form of a handle with a seat for interchangeable nozzles (for example, socket heads of one type or another — see above). Do not confuse such a tool with more traditional wrenches that have similar equipment (for more on such wrenches, see "Ratchet (ratchet)"). Nevertheless, the meaning of the ratchet mechanism in this case is absolutely the same: thanks to it, the ratchet rotates the fastener only when turned in one direction, while the captured part remains motionless during the reverse movement. Thus, for constant rotation of the fastener in one direction, it is enough to swing the tool back and forth — this is much more convenient than periodically rearranging it or turning it full 360 °. The change of direction is usually carried out by a switch built into the ratchet.

Several ratchet wrenches included in one set, usually, differ in the size of the landing square (see above) and the length of the handle itself.

Number of screwdriver handles supplied with the tool kit.

Such handles, in fact, are screwdrivers without a tip — in its place there is a seat for a bit. It can be either a square (see above) or a hexagon socket, often magnetic; in fact, the presence of more than one handle in the kit is typical mainly for cases where different types of fasteners are used. Also note that, in addition to fixed mounts, in which the bit is fixed rigidly, there are also reversible devices — with a ratchet mechanism, similar in operation to ratchets (see above).

Theoretically, bits can be used with other types of tools — for example, the ratchets described above — and in many sets this possibility is directly provided. At the same time, it is work in the format of a screwdriver that is considered the classic option, and often it is he who is optimal.

The type of extension included with the tool kit.

Extensions refer to "intermediate" devices, if necessary, installed between the main tool (like a screwdriver handle, see above) and the working nozzle. As the name implies, they allow you to increase the length of the working part of the tool — for example, to get to hard-to-reach places. Here are the main options for such devices:


— Hard. Rigid rod extension. It does not give such freedom of action and the ability to get to hard-to-reach places as flexible (see below), but it is considered more reliable, allows you to develop great efforts (often the same as when working without an extension cord) and even allows the use as an improvised lever. Some rigid extensions may also have a crank function (see above).

— Flexible. An extension in the form of a flexible tube, usually made of a metal spiral. Such an extension, like a universal joint (see above), allows you to position the nozzle at an angle to the axis of rotation of the main tool — while the range of such angles is much wider (in some cases they can reach 180 °), and the long length and high mobility of the device are even more expands freedom of action. The disadvantage of flexible extensions is less suitability for work with greater efforts than the rigid ones described above.

— Rigid/flexible. This option is indicated for sets equipped with both types of...extensions described above. This makes it possible to choose an option depending on the specific situation.

If there are several extensions of the same type in the kit, they, usually, differ in the size of the attachment (see "Landing square").