Comparison MIOL 58-150 vs Alloid NG-4020P

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.

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.

The number of spark plug heads supplied with the tool kit.

Like all interchangeable heads, candlesticks are put on the appropriate device during operation — for example, a ratchet (see above) or a tap wrench (see below). The specifics of their use is reflected in the name: the main purpose of this type of nozzle is the installation and dismantling of spark plugs in automobile engines. By design, spark plug sockets are generally similar to end heads, but they are much longer — otherwise working with candles would be impossible.

There is no single standard for fastening modern spark plugs, so several spark plug heads can be supplied in a set. At the same time, note that with the same number of such accessories, their specific types in different sets may be different; this nuance needs to be clarified before buying.

The number of knobs supplied with the tool kit.

The collars are a composite tool and are used exclusively in combination with various nozzles, and sometimes with bits. As the name implies, they are designed to rotate such nozzles; moreover, the common point for all the knobs is that the nozzle is located perpendicular to the handle — this provides a large lever arm length and high torque with a relatively small effort on the handle. The specific design of the collars may be different. One of the most popular options is T-shaped devices, which can also vary: the nozzle mount can be located in the centre of the handle or closer to one of the edges, it can be movable or fixed, removable or non-removable, etc. There are also L-shaped collars, similar to socket wrenches (see above) with interchangeable nozzles; cardan, in which the mount is located at the very end and can be rotated to a selected angle, etc. If there are several wrenches in the kit, they usually have the same design, and the main differences are in the length of the handles, as well as the types and sizes of attachments for nozzles.

Note that in some sets, the role of a wrench can be played by a rigid extension (see below), equipped with a removable mount for the nozzle, and when such a mount is installed, it turns into a wrench handle. Such a device, when calculating the total number of units (see above), is considered as one item, although it performs two...different functions and is indicated in our catalog as both a crank and an extension.

The number of universal joints supplied with the tool kit.

First of all, we emphasize that this device should not be confused with wrenches that have a cardan. For more information about them, see paragraph "Gimbal" above; here we are not talking about an independent tool, but about an auxiliary device that is installed as an intermediate link between the main tool (for example, a crank, see above) and a working nozzle. Such a device allows you to position the axis of rotation of the tool at an angle relative to the axis of rotation of the nozzle with fasteners; this can be very convenient, in particular, when working in hard-to-reach places where there is not enough space for a classic "straight" tool.

Several universal joints, usually, are provided in sets with several options for the size of the landing square (see above) — one joint for each size.

— Plastic case. A rigid container made of plastic and designed for easy carrying in hands: small cases can be held directly by the body or put in a bag, larger varieties are equipped with a handle and look like suitcases. In fact, ease of transportation is the main advantage of all cases. And plastic, at a low cost, is not item to corrosion, has a relatively small weight, does not cool the hand much at low air temperatures, in addition, it can easily be given an original shape and color. The strength of this material is slightly lower than that of metal, but this drawback is not critical. This is due to two points: firstly, fairly strong types of plastic are used for tool cases, the reliability of which is quite sufficient for most cases; and secondly, due to the aforementioned lightness, the walls of the case can be made quite thick without compromising ease of use.

— Metal case. A type of case — a box or suitcase (see above for more details) — made of metal. Theoretically, this material is stronger and more reliable than plastic, but in practice this feature is partly (and sometimes completely) offset by the fact that the thickness of the walls in metal cases is less than in plastic ones — otherwise the weight of the container would be too great. In addition, metal can bend from impact (while plastic usually springs back), and it is more expensive. Therefore, this type of case is used relatively...rarely.

— Case/bag. This category includes various devices made of soft materials. Their design usually includes handles, straps and other devices for easy carrying, while they are more compact than hard cases. On the other hand, soft materials are less durable and provide worse protection from moisture and dust, as well as from the impact of tools on surrounding objects in case of accidental collisions; therefore, they are not used often.

— A tool tray. A device in the form of a flat surface with recesses-cells for tools. It is intended for permanent location in one place, and in most cases in a horizontal position. So this type of tool storage is especially appropriate when working in one place, not for carrying.

— Stand/shelf. Another type of stationary storage of tools, like the tray described above. Only in this case, the tools on the stand are placed vertically. This way, you can quickly get the necessary one and continue working. There are both tabletop and wall-mounted versions.

— Plastic holder. A method of storing sets of keys, which is a small plastic structure with recesses for different tool sizes. In most cases, it can be hung.

— Box. Boxes are usually understood as containers made of rigid materials, quite large and poorly suited for carrying in hands (this is their main difference from the cases described above). True, such containers are more convenient for transportation than stands/trays, but they are still designed for a long stay in one place rather than for constant movement.

— Trolley. A typical design on wheels, with a handle for easy transportation. Trolleys are quite bulky and are designed for rolling, not for carrying; they only make sense for use in large professional sets of several hundred items that cannot be carried by hand.

— Multitool. A type of tool kit where all the elements are concentrated in one case and are changed like in Swiss knives, being taken out of the case one by one. It is a pocket, camping option for all occasions, but mostly these are sets of Allen keys (a godsend for a cyclist).

— Case/cassette. A relatively small box without handles, which can have different designs — in the form of a lodgement “under the cover” of a transparent lid or a plastic holder with holes for individual items. In fact, the presence of slots for each item is a common feature of all such storage for the components of the set.

— Rail. A kind of metal "clamp" — a strip with curved edges that form a groove. Bits and end attachments are fixed side by side in this groove by the shank. Many rails are designed to insert and remove attachments one by one, so that you can get to an object in the middle of a row only by removing some of the objects from one edge.

— Ring. Both a bunch of keys attached to a ring and wrenches can be stored on a similar ring, naturally stronger and larger in diameter. In general, it is a fairly simple solution to keep all the keys at hand.

The total weight of the tool kit. Indicated with a case, stand or other storage/transportation device (see Tool Storage). First of all, you should pay attention to this parameter if you plan to often carry the kit over long distances — the lighter the weight, the easier it will be to do. At the same time, extensive sets inevitably turn out to be weighty.