Comparison bits / Sockets

The total number of items in the set. In this case, both the actual bits and end heads are taken into account, as well as additional accessories such as an adapter, a bit holder, etc.

The more items in the set, the wider its possibilities. However, note that the specific composition of the kit may be different, so when buying it is worth specifying not only the number of items, but also their specific types.

The size of the square of the bits / sockets supplied in the kit.

The seat square is a standard fixture used in bits and sockets. For installation on a bit holder, ratchet, etc., the size of the square must correspond to the size of the seat. However, complete fixtures (like the same bit holder) by definition have fasteners of the right size, so you have to pay attention to the size of the square mainly if you plan to use nozzles with third-party tools.

Also note that the overall dimensions of the complete bits / heads can be estimated from the landing square: the larger the square, the larger the nozzles. For example, in 1/2" sockets, the size starts from 8 – 10 mm, and in 1" sockets — from 24 mm.

The total number of sockets for 6 faces supplied in the set.

The hex profile is extremely popular in today's fasteners, sometimes even referred to as "standard". This is due to ease of manufacture, a large contact area with nozzles (which allows you to work with high forces), as well as suitability for use in hard-to-reach places (without a “ratchet wrench”, such fasteners can be rotated every 60 °, which in most cases is quite enough). As a result, if there are socket heads in the set at all, there will most likely be hexagonal nozzles among them.

Sockets are classified into two subcategories according to the depth of the working part.

— Standard. The depth of the working part of the standard sockets is sharpened exactly under one nut in height. They have a limitation due to their length for performing operations for assembly and disassembly of nuts on long studs or deep-seated bolts.

— Deep. The main purpose of deep sockets is to work with fasteners on high studs and in hard—to-reach places where it is impossible to reach with a standard socket. Such sockets will serve as a useful addition to the short standard ones.

The ratchet wrench is made in the form of a lever with a seat for the socket head. The seat is equipped with a ratchet mechanism, thanks to which you can work without rearranging the key: when moving to the “working” side, the lever pulls the nozzle along with it, and when moving back, the nozzle remains motionless. Thus, to rotate the nozzle, it is enough just to swing the handle back and forth, which is much more convenient than constantly rearranging the tool. To select the direction there is a special switch. Turning to the “non-working” side is accompanied by a characteristic crack, hence the name.

Tap wrench is a T-shaped or L-shaped device for turning sockets; L-shaped wrench can have seats at both ends.

A device in the form of a long rod, one end of which is inserted into the tool, and a working nozzle (usually a socket head) is attached to the other. The extension allows you to reach fasteners in hard-to-reach places where you can't reach with a regular-length tool.

Way of storing tools, standardly provided by the kit.

— Plastic case. Hard case made of plastic with nests for items included in the set; nests can be provided both in the lower half and on the lid. The case can be useful not only as a storage / transportation device, but also as an element of space organization directly at the workplace. Solid walls reliably protect the contents from both contamination and contact with foreign objects. Plastic cases are less durable than metal cases, but in most cases this difference is not critical.

— Metal case. Metal cases are in many ways similar to the plastic cases described above. This material is considered more durable than plastic, but in fact this difference is insignificant — especially considering that rather thin metal is used for tool cases. Another feature of such storage is tool nests: in metal boxes, they can be very conditional, or even absent altogether.

— Rail. The rail in this case is a clip plate, usually metal, on which nozzles are placed in a row. They are inserted into the longitudinal groove and fixed by the landing square. It is best to remove the nozzles from the rail in turn, shifting to the edge of the groove. Therefore, this method is mainly suitable for long-term storage, and not for everyday placement in the workplace.

— Cassette. This term can refer to several types of packaging. So, some cassettes look like small boxes with nests for objects and a transparent lid; ot...hers have the appearance of an oblong trough, in which nozzles are placed side by side; still others look like a cylinder with holes in the end, playing the role of nests. The common features of all cassettes are: firstly, small size (this is how cassette boxes differ from cases); secondly, the presence of clearly allocated places for each item.

— Blister packaging. Packing made of dense transparent polymer, complemented by a backing of paper or transparent material. Note that many blisters are disposable and are designed only for the delivery of the kit to the end customer; after extracting the contents, such disposable packaging becomes unusable.

— Plastic holder. Plastic bar with protrusions on which complete nozzles are put on. Holders are not as convenient for long-term storage as cases, because they do not cover the contents of the kit from contamination. On the other hand, this is a rather convenient option for the daily organization of the workplace — each item is removed from the holder independently of the others, and the holder itself is relatively small.

— Lodgement. Open tray with recesses for individual items. Note that not all lodgements are suitable for carrying without additional packaging: items in the nests may not lie very tightly and fall out when the tray is turned over. Trays are slightly better for long-term storage than plastic holders, and are also handy for organizing your workspace.

— Case. A soft case, usually, made of dense fabric and with nests for individual items. However, “soft” is a relative term: some cases have hard walls and resemble boxes. A rather specific type of packaging that is rare.

— Cardboard box. Cardboard is inexpensive, but fragile and wears out quickly. Therefore, cardboard boxes are designed rather for the role of “sales packaging”: sets are delivered and sold in them, but after unpacking, such containers are poorly suitable for further storage.