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.
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.Extension
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").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.
Split ring wrenches
Number of
split wrenches supplied in the kit. Note that some modern kits include
only split wrenches, without any other fixtures or accessories.
According to the shape of the profile, such tools are a cross between open-end and box wrenches (see above). In fact, the working part of the split key looks like a cap ring, from which a small part was cut out, turning this ring into “horns”. However, such tools also differ from open-end wrenches: the “horns” mentioned are clearly bent towards each other, and the surface in contact with the fastener does not have the shape of the letter “U”, but of a pronounced hexagon or asterisk.
Thanks to this design, split wrenches provide a much better distribution of force over the fastener than open-end wrenches, and at the same time do not have such restrictions on use as box wrenches. To illustrate, we can cite the use of such a tool in a car service. It is split wrenches that are considered the best option for servicing brake systems, fuel and oil lines, etc.: they allow you to securely tighten fasteners and at the same time work without problems in hard-to-reach places and with hose attachments where box wrenches would be useless.
Note that most often modern split wrenches are made double-sided, with working profiles of different sizes at different ends. As for the quantity, it is worth considering here: sets with the same number of key
...s of the same type may differ in the specific sizes of these tools. Such nuances should be clarified before buying separately.