Wrench sets
The types and characteristics for comparing wrenches provided above will help you decide on the choice of the necessary tool. However, it is much easier to keep with you sets of such devices of different types and formats.
Which keys are better to choose? It all depends on the specifics of your activity and other parameters. For example, when purchasing tools, it is better to focus not on the cost, but on the quality of the materials used - this is the only way the product will serve its owner faithfully for many years, and will not break after two months of use.
The average set includes:
- Carob
- Slip-on
- Combined
With these three types of products, you can easily unscrew or tighten almost any part. The size of the wrenches also plays a big role, since at a crucial moment the necessary tool may simply not be at hand.
That is why in the sets you will find different attachments and increase the range of work. An important factor will be the presence of socket wrenches, useful when working in recesses, for example, if you need to unscrew a bolt in a car wheel.
conclusions
To choose a reliable wrench
, necessary:
- 1. Select the type of key.
The most common is the carob type; it can be competed by the cap type and the combined type, which combines both options. When you need to work with parts made of soft materials that can be damaged by an open-end wrench, and you cannot use a spanner wrench, a split wrench is used. Balloon and spark plug wrenches are used to repair cars. A pipe wrench is useful when working with pipes. To accurately know the force applied, a torque tool is used. An imbus wrench is used for operations on fasteners with a hexagonal slot, and a radius wrench is used on parts that do not have external edges. - 2. Decide on the type of working profile and dimensions.
According to the type of working profile, the tool is divided into hexagonal and twelve-sided, and some keys have a star-shaped profile. The type of working part depends on the type of fasteners. The dimensions also need to be selected according to the size of the fastener. It is written under the working part on the pen. - 3. Take a closer look at the handle.
It can be cast, with a knob or ratchet. There are different shapes of the handle. Open-end and socket wrenches, for example, have a straight handle, while socket wrenches often come in various curved types. - 4. Pay attention to features.
By design, the keys are monolithic, adjustable and composite. Some instruments are available with an additional dielectric coating. The presence of reverse makes it possible to tighten and unscrew the fastener without removing the key from it. The hinge makes it more convenient to work in hard-to-reach places. An impact wrench is useful for loosening tight and rusty bolts and nuts.
Now you know everything to choose the right wrench. Happy shopping!
Types of wrenches
Wrenches are usually divided into several main types:
- Adjustable
- Monolithic
- Composite
Each of the above options has its own area of application, advantages and disadvantages, as well as technical features.
Adjustable wrenches
Divided into types:
- Pipe - have a special lever, thanks to which the part is clamped
- Adjustable - used by plumbers to grip pipes
- “French” is an outdated form of the product, popular in the 19th and 20th centuries
Monolithic keys
Non-adjustable, monolithic forms of wrenches are famous for their reliability (depending on the steel from which they are made):
- Rozhkovy – thanks to the large working area, allows you to work in hard-to-reach places
- Snap-on - a ratchet is placed on top of the key, with the help of which the fastener is unscrewed or tightened
- Combined - a combination of the two types described above
- End - allows you to work with fasteners in recesses
Composite keys
These tools come with a variety of attachments that can be easily removed and attached to the wrench, depending on the type and size of fastener you need to work with.
Working profile and dimensions
Work profile
- this is the part of the key that is in direct contact with the fastener. It can be hexagonal, hexagonal with a ball, twelve-sided, star-shaped, star-shaped with a hole or a ball.
Twelve-sided
and hexagonal profiles differ only in the number of edges. The advantage of the 12-sided one is that it needs 30° to rotate, while the 6-sided one needs 60°. This nuance allows you to work with a 12-sided tool in more cramped conditions.
Hexagonal
There are two types of tools: with an internal working part and with an external one. Hexagons with an external working part look like a regular metal rod with 6 edges or a spherical end. The ball makes it possible to work with parts located at an angle.
Less common are wrenches with a star-shaped TORX profile.
. Due to their shape, they have a large area of contact with the fastener. This allows you to apply a lot of force without fear for the integrity of the fastener.
They also come with internal and external working parts. Externally profiled keys look like an L-shaped metal rod with a star-shaped end. To work with fasteners in hard-to-reach places, some of them have a spherical profile
.
Sometimes there are fasteners with a pin in the center. Some TORX wrenches have a hole to work with them.
.
When choosing a tool, you should always pay attention to its size
.
It is written on the handle and indicates the size of the gap
- the distance between the jaws of the working profile. This parameter varies from 2.5 to 85 mm.
If the key is double-sided, then the size number appears next to each head. The throat dimensions of one device are side by side in the size range. For example, 8/10 means that one head has a distance between the jaws of 8 mm, and the second one is slightly larger - 10 mm.
In compound and ring wrenches, instead of the pharynx size, the seat size
under the head. It is measured in inches.
Interesting to know:
Even keys are mechanics' tools, and odd keys are electricians' tools.
What you should pay attention to when choosing a tool kit for your car
When purchasing a kit, a car enthusiast needs to decide on the purpose of its use and build on his ability to work with the tool.
Let's define the criteria for selection:
- Purpose.
- The material from which the tool is made.
- Manufacturer's brand.
- Set sizes.
For those who have no difficulty in repairing any problem, you need to purchase the most complete set, based on your financial capabilities. In this case, it is better to buy tools made from an alloy of molybdenum and chromium. They are characterized by long service life and reliability.
For people who do not have great skills in working with wrenches and screwdrivers, they need a small universal kit. It can be made of an alloy of vanadium and chromium or hardened steel. However, you need to take into account: the latter material does not have a large margin of safety. It is usually used by companies from the Asian region when producing cheap products.
By the way, many well-known companies produce their products on this continent. However, the inscription “made in China” in the passport should not scare off the buyer. Production is under strict control of the manufacturing company. The determining factor when choosing will be the brand name and the company’s authority in the market.
Some car models have niches in the trunk for storing the kit. When going to the store, you should measure its dimensions. This will help you choose the right size box, and in this case the driver will not hear the rumble of the case spontaneously moving along the way.
When choosing, you should pay attention to the quality of fasteners for the tool. They must be reliable and durable, preferably made of metal
This will help maintain order inside the case and extend the life of its items.
Tool selection
We list the tools that should be present in a car kit:
- Phillips and flathead screwdrivers of various sizes and lengths.
- Open-end wrenches of the most popular sizes: 6-18 mm. Universal wrenches or with cap ends will also not be superfluous.
- Nippers, side cutters, pliers are a mandatory attribute of such a set.
- A set of socket heads 6-32 mm, the most popular tool for car repairs.
- Ratchets of various sizes.
- Extensions, swivel joints, cranks for working with parts in hard-to-reach places.
When purchasing, you need to take into account that the handles of all types of tools must be rubberized. This will allow you to protect yourself when working with tension and will help you hold it tighter.
Ratchet wrenches
This type of wrench is more complex in its design, since it contains a special mechanism with a ratchet, which is usually called a ratchet due to the specific sound that is heard when working with this tool. The main advantage of this type of wrench is that during rotational movements of the handle, you do not have to periodically remove the wrench from the nut or bolt and put it on again.
Again, we note that ratchet wrenches are considered a professional tool for car mechanics, as they greatly facilitate work in confined spaces and hard-to-reach places. In construction and for the installation of plumbing, they are used much less frequently. But if you want to have such a tool on your household, you should pay attention to the Jonnesway S04H3536S kit, which is a universal set of socket heads, collars, extensions and a number of other wrenches of the most common sizes.
Advantages and disadvantages of an adjustable tool
In domestic conditions, adjustable tools are used quite widely. But professional craftsmen don’t really like him. The reason for this attitude is the following disadvantages:
- The size of the head creates many difficulties if you have to work in places with difficult access.
- The play of the moving element prevents the fastener from tightly compressing.
- Over time, the worm mechanism wears out and the backlash increases.
- There is no possibility to create a significant torque.
- The movable jaw must be adjusted and adjusted regularly.
And the main advantage of the sliding wrench is the ability to change the distance between the two jaws.
Types and shape of the handle
Molded handle
is one piece with working profiles and, as a rule, is found in open-end and ring wrenches.
Some tools, most often end tools, provide for the use of a crank handle
— devices for creating torque.
In its simplest form, it is a straight or curved pin that is threaded into special holes in the key body. A more complex ratchet crank
has a ratcheting mechanism. It allows you to screw in and unscrew the fastener without removing the key from it.
Don't forget about the shape of the handle. With box wrenches it is most often S-, C-shaped, crescent-shaped or twisted
. The latest form allows you to work in hard-to-reach places.
L-shaped
The handle is most often found on socket wrenches. The long part of such a device works with the fasteners that are recessed into deep holes. The short part is needed to unscrew tight nuts: since the long part acts as a lever in this case, the torque is greater.
The most common socket wrench has a simple straight
form. Sometimes there are holes in it for installing a knob. This type of wrench is used where great force is not required, since it creates low torque.
Sometimes socket wrenches have a screwdriver handle
.
Just like straight lines, they cannot create a lot of torque. Balloon wrenches are usually made with a cross-shaped
handle. They have 3 or 4 working heads of different sizes. They are convenient for evenly tightening and unscrewing fasteners.
Telescopic handle
allows you to increase the length of the tool. This makes the lever arm longer, which in turn increases the torque transmitted to the nut.
Devices with T-bar
handle is often used when working with bicycles and motorcycles.
Recommendations for selection
When choosing a tool, follow these guidelines:
Look at the quality characteristics of the alloy used. Remember the importance of choosing the correct size of sponges. Be sure to check the reliability of the worm gear. Try to choose a key with the optimal price-quality ratio. Please check the technical information before purchasing. characteristics of the product you like. Consider the measuring system in which the instrument operates.
In conclusion, we note that purchasing such a useful device as an adjustable wrench is not fuss-free. Consider carefully which modification is best suited to your specific application. Good luck!
Universal wrenches
Classic instruments are being replaced by new, more advanced and reliable devices. Thus, universal wrenches are designed to facilitate the process of mounting/dismantling fasteners. They have a multi-functional head that can grip bolts of various shapes and sizes, locking them in a convenient position.
In modern apartments and houses, people try to use every centimeter as efficiently as possible, and there is not always space to store a whole bunch of tools. With a universal wrench, you can quickly tighten a bicycle wheel, and in a few minutes you can go fix the plumbing.
A good alternative is double-sided wrenches, and options with an adjustable design will be a good replacement for the type of product described above.
However, it is worth understanding that we are talking about housework, and not about the professional activity of, say, a pipeline fitter - specialists use large kits that contain everything they need to fix any problem.
The Best Automotive Tool Kits
The equipment sets are equipped with the tools necessary for the job. They usually include bits, drills, and keys of various types.
A group of products that are in demand among car enthusiasts has been selected.
BOSCH bit set 2.607.017.164 (43 items)
The products of the famous German concern BOSCH are well known in the world. The products are distinguished by their quality and have a long service life. This is confirmed by certificates of compliance with international standards.
This set contains bits (36 pcs.) with various slots, commonly used 6, 8, 10 mm socket heads. Quick-change and magnetic holders will make work easier.
Pros of the set:
- It can be used not only for car repairs, but also at home.
- The case has a convenient compact size and reliable niches for tools.
- The bits of the set have all kinds of splines necessary for work: straight, cruciform, asterisk.
Cons of the set:
- Sturdy placement of products in a case presents certain inconveniences: items cannot be easily removed from their locations.
- Also, owners of the set complain about the rapid appearance of rust on items.
Deko DKMT62 (62 items)
This Malaysian company is a relatively new player in the market, founded in 2013. However, the affordable price and good quality of the product have already made it popular among consumers.
The company exercises strict control over production. Finished products are tested on a special stand. Based on the results of the inspection, the commission determines their suitability.
Buyers are captivated by the reasonable price of the set, as well as its small size. Its dimensions: 335x185x75 mm and light weight: only 1.8 kg allow you to comfortably carry it to your workplace or transport it in a car.
Pros of the set:
- The components of the kit are made of chrome vanadium steel, which guarantees high wear resistance and quality of the products.
- The protective coating layer provides increased resistance of the tool against corrosion.
- Availability of tools that do not always appear in such kits: 9.5-inch hammer, scissors, pliers, construction knife, tape measure.
Cons of the set:
- The short length of the tape measure is 3 meters.
Makita D-37194 (200 items)
The products of this manufacturer from Japan need no introduction: they are popular among car enthusiasts and home craftsmen on all continents.
The set is impressive in the number of items – 200 units. This set is suitable primarily for professional use, although any man would hardly refuse such a gift.
Pros of the set:
- The tools are compactly placed in a convenient case measuring 113x337x544 mm. The weight of such a solid set is surprising - only 6.2 kg, which allows you to conveniently carry it over various distances.
- The presence of such a set excludes the purchase of other sets or tools - everything is in the Makita D-37194.
- This kit has a wide range of activities. With the help of its products, you can install or dismantle components and mechanisms of a car, make holes using drills in wood, metal, concrete, brick, and also carry out other operations.
Cons of the set:
- Some users have complaints about the quality.
Where to stop for an ordinary person
Just like a set of electrical installation tools, it is recommended to keep a good bunch of wrenches of different types and formats at home. Any device is useful on the farm, and it is very convenient when they are at hand.
The photo of the wrenches included in the sets shows that the equipment is extensive: tools of different sizes, attachments and many accessories that make working with fasteners easier. However, a good-quality universal unit is also suitable for the average person.
Devices coated with chrome or nickel look beautiful only in the first months of operation, but over time they will peel off and slip out of your hands - which cannot be said about instruments with a matte surface.
Personal protective equipment, in this case thread gloves, will save you from burns, minor scratches and cuts - in addition, you will not get your hands dirty when working.
