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 (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.
Bits
The number of
bits supplied with the tool kit.
A bat in this case is called a working nozzle, which plays the role of a screwdriver tip; in fact, they are most often used with screwdriver handles (see above).
Many types of splines (slots) are used in modern fasteners — starting with the well-known
straight, cross-shaped (
Phillips and
Pozidriv),
Torx sprockets and ending with exotics like Torq-set (a cross with lines shifted from the centre), Pentalobe (with five ledges), etc. .P. In addition, the size of the slots can also vary, and in many cases, tool matching in size is very important. Accordingly, the more bits supplied with the set, the more versatile it is, the higher the probability that it will contain a nozzle of the desired type and size. However, the specific list of bits in the kit also does not hurt to clarify — in order to make sure that it has all the varieties you need. In the characteristics of individual sets, these data are given in the paragraph "Bit sizes" (see below).
Adapter
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.
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.
Wrench sizes
Dimensions of the wrenches supplied in the set. Specified as a range — from the minimum to the maximum size. In this case, the specific distribution of different types of keys over the range may be different. An example is the following set: 17 open-end wrenches, 5 box wrenches, size range 6 – 24 mm. In such a set, box wrenches are almost guaranteed not to cover the entire range of sizes, but for open-end wrenches, this is quite likely. Such details can be specified separately.
Also note that a wrench size of
24mm or more is considered quite large for today's general purpose tools. However, on the market you can find sets that include wrenches for
27 mm,
30 mm and even
32 mm.
Hex wrenches size
Working size range of hex wrench sizes (see above) supplied with the kit. This parameter allows you to evaluate how the keys fit the dimensions of the fasteners with which they are planned to be used.
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.