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.

Number of classic screwdrivers supplied in the kit. Note that some modern tool kits include only screwdrivers, without any other fixtures or accessories.

Despite the proliferation of screwdriver handles with interchangeable bits (see above), traditional non-separable screwdrivers also remain popular nowadays. One of their advantages over collapsible counterparts is the convenience of working with different types of fasteners at the same time: keeping several separate screwdrivers with different sizes and types of tips on hand (for example, two flat and two cross-shaped ones) and taking a tool as needed is much more convenient than constantly changing bits on the screwdriver handle. Other advantages include strength, reliability, as well as matching the size of the handle to the size of the tip and the expected features of the work. So, screwdrivers for large fasteners are equipped with thick handles that allow you to develop a lot of effort; and with small tips, handles of small thickness are used, contributing to precision and accuracy.

As for the quantity, it is worth considering here: a larger number of screwdrivers gives more opportunities, however, the specific set of such tools (and opportunities) in different kits may be different. These details will not hurt to clarify before buying. Also note that it hardly makes sense to look for numerous screwdrivers for simple work — in suc...h cases, a handle with bits may be more convenient.

— Plastic case. A rigid container made of plastic and designed for easy carrying in hands: small cases can be held directly by the body or put in a bag, larger varieties are equipped with a handle and look like suitcases. In fact, ease of transportation is the main advantage of all cases. And plastic, at a low cost, is not item to corrosion, has a relatively small weight, does not cool the hand much at low air temperatures, in addition, it can easily be given an original shape and color. The strength of this material is slightly lower than that of metal, but this drawback is not critical. This is due to two points: firstly, fairly strong types of plastic are used for tool cases, the reliability of which is quite sufficient for most cases; and secondly, due to the aforementioned lightness, the walls of the case can be made quite thick without compromising ease of use.

— Metal case. A type of case — a box or suitcase (see above for more details) — made of metal. Theoretically, this material is stronger and more reliable than plastic, but in practice this feature is partly (and sometimes completely) offset by the fact that the thickness of the walls in metal cases is less than in plastic ones — otherwise the weight of the container would be too great. In addition, metal can bend from impact (while plastic usually springs back), and it is more expensive. Therefore, this type of case is used relatively...rarely.

— Case/bag. This category includes various devices made of soft materials. Their design usually includes handles, straps and other devices for easy carrying, while they are more compact than hard cases. On the other hand, soft materials are less durable and provide worse protection from moisture and dust, as well as from the impact of tools on surrounding objects in case of accidental collisions; therefore, they are not used often.

— A tool tray. A device in the form of a flat surface with recesses-cells for tools. It is intended for permanent location in one place, and in most cases in a horizontal position. So this type of tool storage is especially appropriate when working in one place, not for carrying.

— Stand/shelf. Another type of stationary storage of tools, like the tray described above. Only in this case, the tools on the stand are placed vertically. This way, you can quickly get the necessary one and continue working. There are both tabletop and wall-mounted versions.

— Plastic holder. A method of storing sets of keys, which is a small plastic structure with recesses for different tool sizes. In most cases, it can be hung.

— Box. Boxes are usually understood as containers made of rigid materials, quite large and poorly suited for carrying in hands (this is their main difference from the cases described above). True, such containers are more convenient for transportation than stands/trays, but they are still designed for a long stay in one place rather than for constant movement.

— Trolley. A typical design on wheels, with a handle for easy transportation. Trolleys are quite bulky and are designed for rolling, not for carrying; they only make sense for use in large professional sets of several hundred items that cannot be carried by hand.

— Multitool. A type of tool kit where all the elements are concentrated in one case and are changed like in Swiss knives, being taken out of the case one by one. It is a pocket, camping option for all occasions, but mostly these are sets of Allen keys (a godsend for a cyclist).

— Case/cassette. A relatively small box without handles, which can have different designs — in the form of a lodgement “under the cover” of a transparent lid or a plastic holder with holes for individual items. In fact, the presence of slots for each item is a common feature of all such storage for the components of the set.

— Rail. A kind of metal "clamp" — a strip with curved edges that form a groove. Bits and end attachments are fixed side by side in this groove by the shank. Many rails are designed to insert and remove attachments one by one, so that you can get to an object in the middle of a row only by removing some of the objects from one edge.

— Ring. Both a bunch of keys attached to a ring and wrenches can be stored on a similar ring, naturally stronger and larger in diameter. In general, it is a fairly simple solution to keep all the keys at hand.