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.

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.

The number of ratchet wrenches in the toolbox. The name of such tools comes from the ratchet mechanism installed in them, which emits a characteristic crack during operation.

First of all, we emphasize that the term "ratchet wrench" in this case means a composite tool — in the form of a handle with a seat for interchangeable nozzles (for example, socket heads of one type or another — see above). Do not confuse such a tool with more traditional wrenches that have similar equipment (for more on such wrenches, see "Ratchet (ratchet)"). Nevertheless, the meaning of the ratchet mechanism in this case is absolutely the same: thanks to it, the ratchet rotates the fastener only when turned in one direction, while the captured part remains motionless during the reverse movement. Thus, for constant rotation of the fastener in one direction, it is enough to swing the tool back and forth — this is much more convenient than periodically rearranging it or turning it full 360 °. The change of direction is usually carried out by a switch built into the ratchet.

Several ratchet wrenches included in one set, usually, differ in the size of the landing square (see above) and the length of the handle itself.

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.

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").

— Plastic case. A rigid container made of plastic and designed to be easy to carry in your 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. Actually, ease of transportation is the main advantage of all cases. And plastic, at a low cost, is not subject to corrosion, has a relatively small weight, does not cool the hand very much at low air temperatures, and besides, it can easily be given an original shape and colour. The strength of this material is somewhat lower than that of metal, but this drawback is not critical. This is due to two points: firstly, rather strong varieties of plastic are used for tool cases, the reliability of which is quite sufficient for most cases; and secondly, due to the mentioned lightness, the walls of the case can be made quite thick without sacrificing ease of use.

— Metal case. A variety of cases — boxes or suitcases (see above for details) — made of metal. Theoretically, this material is stronger and more reliable than plastic, but in fact this feature is partly (and sometimes completely) leveled by the fact that the wall thickness in metal cases is less than in plastic ones — otherwise the weight of the container would be too large. In addition, metal can bend under impact (whereas plastic usually springs), and it costs more. Therefore, this type of case is used relatively rarely....

— Case / bag. This category includes various devices made of soft materials. They are usually designed with handles, straps and other accessories for easy portability and are more compact than hard cases. On the other hand, soft materials are less durable and offer poorer protection both from moisture and dust and from the impact of tools on surrounding objects in case of accidental collisions; therefore they are used infrequently.

— Lodgement. Device in the form of a flat surface with recessed cells for tools. It is designed to be permanently 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. Another type of stationary storage of tools, like the lodgement described above. Only in this case, the instruments on the stand are placed vertically. Thus, you can quickly get what you need and continue working. There are both desktop and wall-mounted versions.

— Plastic holder. A way to store sets of keys, which is a small plastic structure with recesses for different tool sizes. Moreover, in most cases it has the possibility of suspension.

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

— Trolley. Characteristic design on wheels, with a handle for easy transportation. Carts are quite bulky and designed to be rolled, not carried; it makes sense to use them only in extensive professional sets for several hundred items that cannot be carried by hand.

— Multitool. A kind of tool kits, where all the elements are concentrated in one case and change like in Swiss knives, being removed one by one from the case. It is a pocket, hiking option for all occasions, but mostly these are sets of hex wrenches (a godsend for a cyclist).

— Cassette. A relatively small package that can have a different design — for example, in the form of a lodgment covered with a transparent lid or a plastic holder with holes for individual items. Actually, the presence of nests for each item is a common feature of all cassettes.

— Rail. A kind of metal "clip" — a strip with curved edges forming a gutter. In this chute, bits and end bits are fixed side-by-side by the shank. Many rails are designed to be inserted and removed in turn, so that you can only get to the item in the middle of the row by removing some of the items from one edge.

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