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 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).
Adapter
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.
Wrench sizes
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.
Hex wrenches
The number of
hex wrenches supplied in the kit. Note that some modern kits include
only hex wrenches, without any other fixtures or accessories. It is also worth emphasizing that in this case we are talking about the simplest hex wrenches. Imbus tools — similar in purpose, but different in design — are highlighted in our catalog in a separate category (see below),
Keys of this type usually have the form of L-shaped handles made of a hexagonal rod. Thus, the user can work with both the short and long side of the key; in the first case, the long part of the letter "G" works as a lever, providing a good effort, in the second — it plays the role of an extension. And such tools are used for bolts and other similar parts with a hexagonal cut in the cap. Such splines have a number of advantages over the classic straight and cross splines (in particular, better tolerating high torques), which makes them quite popular — in particular, in bicycles.
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.
Hex wrenches size
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.
Also in kit
Additional items included with the toolbox but not listed above. Here are some of those items:
— Adapter. Adapter from one type of mount to another. Quite often, adapters are designed to fit magnetic bits (see above) with a hex shank into a tool that uses a landing square, but there may be other options — for example, adapters between different sizes of the mentioned squares (see above).
— Holder for bits. A specific type of adapter designed to mount bits with a conventional hex shank in screwdrivers where a shank with a notch for a retainer is required. In extreme cases, they can also be used as improvised screwdrivers. Several holders can be supplied, in such cases they usually differ in length.
— Level. A tool for assessing the position of a particular surface. The simplest levels are for testing whether a surface is horizontal or not; however, tool kits usually include more advanced fixtures that allow you to also control verticality, and in some cases also check compliance with a 45 ° tilt and even measure a specific angle of deviation from the horizontal / vertical.
— Depth limiters. They are used together with drills (see above). They allow you to set the maximum drilling depth — the tool simply will not go further; this is useful in cases where you need to make holes of a given depth.
— Telescopic magnetic probe. A device in the form of an extendable rod (like an antenna or a pointer) with a strong permanent magnet at...the end. Facilitates the collection of small metal parts — for example, crumbled bolts or bits — including and in hard-to-reach places (like the space under the cabinet or a narrow gap between the boards).
— Lamp. Classic flashlight for lighting in dark places.
— Tester. He's an indicator. A specialized screwdriver for searching for a phase in electrical networks during electrical work. The indicator rod is almost completely covered with insulation, and a light bulb is located in the transparent handle. Such a device can also be used as a classic screwdriver, but it is not designed for applying great efforts — the main purpose is to search for the phase.
— Fastening devices — for example, screws with dowels. In normal cases, it is more convenient to buy fasteners separately, for specific needs; however, there are situations when the "emergency stock" provided in the kit is very handy.
This list is not exhaustive — manufacturers may provide other equipment, sometimes very specific.
Weight
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.