Comparison Intertool ET-5126 vs Intertool ET-5100

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.

Number of hex sockets included in the tool kit.

All end heads are accessories for a collapsible tool; during operation, they are mounted on a ratchet, wrench or other similar device. The head itself has the appearance of a characteristic “cap”, which, during operation, is put on a bolt, nut, etc. This design, among other things, allows you to work with parts located in recesses and some other hard-to-reach places that cannot be reached with open-ended, captive or split keys. And compared to a set of classic socket wrenches, the holder plus socket set takes up much less space, providing almost the same functionality.

As for the 6 faces, this type of socket head is the most famous and widespread, because. most modern nuts and bolts have this shape.

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 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").

Number of combination wrenches supplied with the kit. Note that some modern kits include only combination wrenches, without any other fixtures or accessories.

Combined are called bilateral keys, on which different types of working profiles are located on different sides. Most often, such keys combine open-end and cap profile, very rarely — open-end and end. The technical features of each of these types are described in the corresponding entries in the glossary. However, anyway, the working dimensions of the profiles in one tool, usually, are the same — this allows, without changing the key, to choose the best option for a specific part, depending on the features of the work. As for the quantity, it is worth considering here: sets with the same number of keys of the same type may differ in the specific sizes of these tools. Such nuances should be clarified before buying separately.

Dimensions of the wrenches supplied in the set. Specified as a range — from the minimum to the maximum size. In this case, the specific distribution of different types of keys over the range may be different. An example is the following set: 17 open-end wrenches, 5 box wrenches, size range 6 – 24 mm. In such a set, box wrenches are almost guaranteed not to cover the entire range of sizes, but for open-end wrenches, this is quite likely. Such details can be specified separately.

Also note that a wrench size of 24mm or more is considered quite large for today's general purpose tools. However, on the market you can find sets that include wrenches for 27 mm, 30 mm and even 32 mm.

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

Number of classic screwdrivers supplied in the kit. Note that some modern tool kits include only screwdrivers, without any other fixtures or accessories.

Despite the proliferation of screwdriver handles with interchangeable bits (see above), traditional non-separable screwdrivers also remain popular nowadays. One of their advantages over collapsible counterparts is the convenience of working with different types of fasteners at the same time: keeping several separate screwdrivers with different sizes and types of tips on hand (for example, two flat and two cross-shaped ones) and taking a tool as needed is much more convenient than constantly changing bits on the screwdriver handle. Other advantages include strength, reliability, as well as matching the size of the handle to the size of the tip and the expected features of the work. So, screwdrivers for large fasteners are equipped with thick handles that allow you to develop a lot of effort; and with small tips, handles of small thickness are used, contributing to precision and accuracy.

As for the quantity, it is worth considering here: a larger number of screwdrivers gives more opportunities, however, the specific set of such tools (and opportunities) in different kits may be different. These details will not hurt to clarify before buying. Also note that it hardly makes sense to look for numerous screwdrivers for simple work — in suc...h cases, a handle with bits may be more convenient.