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 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.
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.
Bit holder
Auxiliary bench tool that adapts the fit of the bit to the drill chuck. One end of the
bit holder is fixed in the chamber, the other — in the shank of the bit, which allows you to work with any type of equipment. It is used when performing work on screwing fasteners in spaces where it encounters certain difficulties. Many bit holders have the ability to magnetically hold fasteners.
Imbus wrenches
The number of
imbus keys included in the tool kit.
Such keys are a type of hex key (see above). In fact, even ordinary hex keys are often called “imbus” (from INBUS, the trademark under which they were once patented). However, in our catalog, only those hex keys are classified as imbus keys, the design of which includes a characteristic rounded tip, similar to a ball soldered to the end of the key. Such a tip allows you to tilt the wrench at a certain angle relative to the axis of rotation of the fastener when working, which can be very convenient when working in hard-to-reach places.
Imbus wrenches size
The range of working sizes of imbus keys (see above) supplied with the set. This parameter allows you to evaluate how the keys fit the dimensions of the fasteners with which they are planned to be used.
screwdrivers for phones
Number of precision screwdrivers ("telephone screwdrivers") supplied with the tool kit. Note that some of these kits are specialized kits that include
only screwdrivers for phones.
The colloquial name of such tools is due to the fact that they are widely used in the repair of mobile phones and other portable equipment (MP3 players, cameras, etc.). Some time ago, the name “watch screwdrivers” was also widely used — for similar reasons. And the term “precision” means that such devices are highly accurate and well suited for fine work with small details, where accuracy is much more important than high effort. Thus, "phone screwdrivers" have a specific design that distinguishes them noticeably from ordinary screwdrivers. So, the general shape of the tool remotely resembles a nail: the handle is made slightly thicker than the working part, and a characteristic cap is provided in the upper part of the handle. This hat is made to rotate, it is convenient to hold the tool with the other hand if you need maximum accuracy and stability.
As for the quantity, in general, the more precision screwdrivers in the kit, the wider the possibilities for using such a tool. At the same time, note that sets with a similar number of such screwdrivers may differ in their specific assortment — that is, in the types of slots for which they are designed, and in the size of the working part. These details should be clarified separately.
Screwdriver
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.