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.Square drive size
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.
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.
Spark plug sockets
The number of
spark plug heads supplied with the tool kit.
Like all interchangeable heads, candlesticks are put on the appropriate device during operation — for example, a ratchet (see above) or a tap wrench (see below). The specifics of their use is reflected in the name: the main purpose of this type of nozzle is the installation and dismantling of spark plugs in automobile engines. By design, spark plug sockets are generally similar to end heads, but they are much longer — otherwise working with candles would be impossible.
There is no single standard for fastening modern spark plugs, so several spark plug heads can be supplied in a set. At the same time, note that with the same number of such accessories, their specific types in different sets may be different; this nuance needs to be clarified before buying.
Tap wrench
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.Universal joint
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.
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.