Comparison Intertool HT-2215 vs Intertool ET-6036

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.

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 universal joints supplied with the tool kit.

First of all, we emphasize that this device should not be confused with wrenches that have a cardan. For more information about them, see paragraph "Gimbal" above; here we are not talking about an independent tool, but about an auxiliary device that is installed as an intermediate link between the main tool (for example, a crank, see above) and a working nozzle. Such a device allows you to position the axis of rotation of the tool at an angle relative to the axis of rotation of the nozzle with fasteners; this can be very convenient, in particular, when working in hard-to-reach places where there is not enough space for a classic "straight" tool.

Several universal joints, usually, are provided in sets with several options for the size of the landing square (see above) — one joint for each size.

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.

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.