Comparison tool Kits

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.

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.

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 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).

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 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.