Total number of items
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.Socket heads (6 points)
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.
Socket heads sizes (6 points)
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.
Socket heads (E-profile)
The number
of E-profile sockets supplied with 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.
Specifically, this type of heads has a working part in the form of a six-pointed star, which is why such nozzles are also called “asterisks”, “Torx” or “internal Torx”. The latter option is used to avoid confusion with Torx keys (see above): the working part of such a key (“external Torx”) has the form of a star-shaped rod, while in the end head the working part has the form of a recess with similar outlines. As for the use of such heads, when used with “native” fasteners, the E-profile allows you to work at high forces without much risk of breaking the edges; and fasteners are used for such tools, in particular, in cars.
Socket heads sizes (E-profile)
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.
Bits
The number of
bits supplied with the tool kit.
A bat in this case is called a working nozzle, which plays the role of a screwdriver tip; in fact, they are most often used with screwdriver handles (see above).
Many types of splines (slots) are used in modern fasteners — starting with the well-known
straight, cross-shaped (
Phillips and
Pozidriv),
Torx sprockets and ending with exotics like Torq-set (a cross with lines shifted from the centre), Pentalobe (with five ledges), etc. .P. In addition, the size of the slots can also vary, and in many cases, tool matching in size is very important. Accordingly, the more bits supplied with the set, the more versatile it is, the higher the probability that it will contain a nozzle of the desired type and size. However, the specific list of bits in the kit also does not hurt to clarify — in order to make sure that it has all the varieties you need. In the characteristics of individual sets, these data are given in the paragraph "Bit sizes" (see below).
Bit holder
Auxiliary bench tool that adapts the fit of the bit to the drill chuck. One end of the
bit holder is fixed in the chamber, the other — in the shank of the bit, which allows you to work with any type of equipment. It is used when performing work on screwing fasteners in spaces where it encounters certain difficulties. Many bit holders have the ability to magnetically hold fasteners.
Combination wrenches
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.
Socket wrenches
Number of
socket wrenches supplied in the kit. Note that some modern kits
only include socket wrenches, without any other fixtures or accessories.
The working part of such a tool looks like a characteristic “cap” at the end of the handle (hence the name). This shape allows you to easily work in some hard-to-reach places where it is impossible to reach other types of wrenches — for example, recesses. But the general design of modern socket wrenches can be different. One of the most common options is an L-shaped handle with two "caps" of the same size, at both ends. When using a working profile on the short side of such a tool, the rest of the structure forms a long lever, allowing you to develop a fairly significant force; and the presence of a “cap” on the long side makes it possible to reach parts located in recesses of great depth and other similar places. Another design option is a wrench with a universal joint (see below); in such models, on different sides of the handle there are working profiles of different sizes. There is also a more specific version — a hollow tube with "caps" on both ends (also having different sizes) and a through transverse hole for a rod that plays the role of a rotary knob.
Separately, we note that socket wrenches are especially popular in car maintenance, although their use is not limited to this.