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 the
...se items in different sets may be different; so when choosing, it is worth specifying not only the number of tools, but also their specific composition.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).
Screwdriver handle
Number of
screwdriver handles supplied with the tool kit.
Such handles, in fact, are screwdrivers without a tip — in its place there is a seat for a bit. It can be either a square (see above) or a hexagon socket, often magnetic; in fact, the presence of more than one handle in the kit is typical mainly for cases where different types of fasteners are used. Also note that, in addition to fixed mounts, in which the bit is fixed rigidly, there are also reversible devices — with a ratchet mechanism, similar in operation to ratchets (see above).
Theoretically, bits can be used with other types of tools — for example, the ratchets described above — and in many sets this possibility is directly provided. At the same time, it is work in the format of a screwdriver that is considered the classic option, and often it is he who is optimal.
Adjustable wrench
Adjustable wrenches are all types of wrenches in which the distance between the jaws (that is, the working size) can be changed at the request of the user. The most famous type of such a tool is open-end wrenches (see above), in which one sponge is made movable and moves using a characteristic worm mechanism; colloquially, they are sometimes referred to as plumbing. Also referred to as adjustable are the so-called gas or pipe wrenches. Their jaws are located at an angle to the handle, and the mechanism is designed in such a way that the key not only adheres to the fastener, but also compresses it. Both varieties are quite common, so before purchasing a set of tools with an adjustable wrench, it would be useful to clarify the type of this wrench.
Note that the range of adjustment of such tools is quite extensive. In one fixture, it may well cover almost all sizes of fasteners found both in everyday life and in many areas of professional use (with the exception of perhaps the smallest or largest — but other tools can be provided for them). Therefore, usually, it does not make sense to include more than one wrench in the delivery set.
Hex wrenches
The number of
hex wrenches supplied in the kit. Note that some modern kits include
only hex wrenches, without any other fixtures or accessories. It is also worth emphasizing that in this case we are talking about the simplest hex wrenches. Imbus tools — similar in purpose, but different in design — are highlighted in our catalog in a separate category (see below),
Keys of this type usually have the form of L-shaped handles made of a hexagonal rod. Thus, the user can work with both the short and long side of the key; in the first case, the long part of the letter "G" works as a lever, providing a good effort, in the second — it plays the role of an extension. And such tools are used for bolts and other similar parts with a hexagonal cut in the cap. Such splines have a number of advantages over the classic straight and cross splines (in particular, better tolerating high torques), which makes them quite popular — in particular, in bicycles.
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.
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.
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 such cases, a handle with bits may be more convenient.Slotted
Screwdrivers with flat tips, originally designed for a slot in the form of a slot. Note that such tips are quite versatile, they can be used with cross slots, and even with asterisks — the only thing is that in such cases it is impossible to apply great efforts due to the high probability of tool breakage.