All about toolboxes

Having high-quality and professional tools at home or at work will significantly improve the result and speed up any repairs or other tasks of a similar profile. The presence of a wide assortment of various products in stores and building supermarkets complicates the ability to choose the right product, therefore it is important to know what to look for in this matter. Knowledge of the best manufacturers, the complete set of the kit and its capabilities allows you to choose the most optimal option for work in any life situation.

Due to the wide variety of jobs where there is a need to use tools, there should be sets with different contents. Tools can be divided into groups such as:

• power tools;
• locksmith sets;
• carpentry;
• for auto repair.

If we talk about a set of power tools, then you can find a drill, grinder, screwdriver and similar devices in it. All together, they can hardly fit in one case, therefore, the set will often have the following configuration:

• screwdrivers of various types and sizes;
• pliers, side cutters;
• multimeter and screwdriver with indicator;
• stripper;
• soldering iron with solder, exhaust pump;
• knife, electrical tape, flashlight;
• hexagons of different sizes;
• crimper;
• tweezers.

This kit will be most suitable for electrical work, so electricians must check the contents of their suitcases and add missing items to it.

If we talk about a locksmith's set, then a hammer, screwdrivers, nippers, pliers will be an obligatory tool in it. In the modern configuration, you can also find a chisel, center punch, scribe and files. The case of the suitcase itself can be plastic, where there is a place for each tool and there is a fastening for it, which is very convenient in work, as it allows you to quickly find everything you need.

If we talk about a tool set for a carpentry profile, then you can find socket wrenches and heads, files with different shapes and sizes, metal brushes and equipment that allows you to dismantle the door trim. In work, you cannot do without a tape measure, pliers, a carpenter's knife, screwdrivers and a saw for wood.

The automotive equipment of the set includes a large set of tools: open-end wrenches, socket and wrenches, heads, flat and curly bits, hexagons, sprockets, screwdrivers, pliers, large and small ratchets. The motorist can independently select the contents of this kit so as not to have any problems in caring for the car.

If we consider instrumental cases by type, then they are divided into three types:

1. universal;
2. professional;
3. household.

In order to choose the right toolbox for yourself, it is important to know exactly what hand tools you will need for the job. Among the most important are several.

They are bought either as a set or separately, taking into account that there are products of different lengths, thicknesses and shapes, flat and cross-shaped. Their cost should not be too cheap, otherwise they will be made of low-quality material that will quickly fail.

It can be useful for a wide variety of purposes, except for simple hammering of nails, therefore it is important to choose the right equipment so that it is convenient and comfortable to work with it. The most optimal material for its manufacture is steel with alloying impurities. The handle can be made of wood or metal, finished with rubber.

Often, you can do just using pliers, but if necessary, you can purchase a set of pliers and round-nose pliers. To work safely with electricity, it is important to buy a tool with rubber grips.

In everyday life, you can usually do with open-end wrenches and hexagons ranging in size from 6 to 20 mm. For plumbing work, large sizes are needed, and for the convenience of using keys, it is also worth having heads for them.

They allow connecting a whole set of slack wrenches in one tool due to the possibility of adjusting the dimensions of the working part. For the home, it is best to buy 2 of these keys - a smaller and a larger one, which are suitable for any job - from screwing nuts to repairing pipes.

It will be needed in cases where the work involves electricity. Before unscrewing the outlet or screwing on the wire, you need to make sure that they are not energized. It is with this task that a screwdriver copes with an indicator at the end of the handle, which inside has a light bulb that lights up from contact with current.

It can have different lengths, therefore you need to choose a product depending on what exactly will need to be measured most often. If the distances are exclusively inside the room and do not exceed 5 meters, this will be the optimal minimum length of the tape measure, while the length of 10 meters is considered universal, which allows you to work with different objects. It is better that the tape measure has a semicircular shape, which will make it possible to independently take measurements due to the resistance of the tape from twisting and kinking. It is also worth paying attention to the protection of the tape measure from extraneous factors, which are often encountered during repair work. All this affects not only the cost, but also the weight of the product. The larger the protective layer, the heavier the tape.

A very useful thing for any renovation work where it is important to level the surface or set an object level. The optimal length will be a product from 0.5 to 1 meter. Larger products are used for professional purposes, it is more difficult to work with them without proper experience and skill.

In addition to the basic set of tools that should be at home or at work, it is worth noting additional ones, without which it is difficult to quickly and efficiently perform certain repair work:

• a set of brushes for painting;
• spatulas of different sizes;
• hacksaw with blades for wood and metal.

When forming a set that will be universal and most suitable for work, it is worth considering all possible situations that may occur during the repair.

Thanks to the availability of sets for every taste, you can easily choose the option that suits you in terms of price, appearance and content. Among the most popular are:

• universal;
• professional;
• for home use.

The universal version is a box that contains all the basic tools that can be used to repair a small breakdown of any nature.The composition usually contains tools such as screwdrivers, pliers, side cutters, heads, keys and bits. The number of items can be different:

• bits can be from 4 to 142 pieces;
• drills can be from 1 to 30;
• ratchet keys - from 1 to 5;
• screwdrivers - from 1 to 7;
• hammer usually 1;
• pliers - 1 to 2.

If an autoset is purchased, then it will also have additional socket heads, the number of which can range from 13 to 500 pieces.

The quantitative composition may vary depending on the manufacturer. The Inforce set has 150 devices, Berger has 151 parts, Force and Cobalt - 142 parts each. The latter are considered to be among the best. If you are buying a quality mini-set, then you should pay attention to the Taiwanese manufacturer Shyang Yun Hardware Co, who released the Force set with 82 parts. If there is a desire to have one large case for all needs, then you should pay attention to the product "Swiss Tools", which contains 187 items distributed over functional areas in the form of separate plastic containers available for use outside the suitcase.

The professional type of kits is often sold in a suitcase and equipped with the necessary equipment for a specific type of activity. The composition includes heads, a ratchet with an extension, a cardan wrench, bits. On average, the number of items in professional kits ranges from 250 to 300 pieces.

The professional set is designed for a specific profile:

• for auto repair;
• locksmith;
• carpentry;
• dielectric;
• hinge-pliers;
• for working with electronics.

Stels car kit consists of 94 parts, Berger has 148 parts and is considered the most complete and convenient option for working with a car. Martix Professional has 216 instruments in its composition and is considered a universal product from the German brand. Quite good is the domestic professional Likota tool kit, which includes 108 parts. If we talk about a large set, then it is worth highlighting Renaissance, which looks like a suitcase on wheels and consists of 186 elements.

Each set has its own specifics and content, therefore, before buying, you need to check the most important tools for a specific type of activity. The carpentry version should be with a lantern. For other varieties, an inch tool is often used, which is purchased as a complete set or selectively.

There are also kits for household use, which contain few tools, but they are all regularly used in everyday life. This is a hammer and nails, screwdrivers, tape measure, pliers, knife. It is recommended to buy the minimum configuration and supplement it at your discretion.

In addition to filling, it is worth paying attention to what exactly the tools are located in. They may be:

• in blister - cellophane film with a plastic snake;
• in a cardboard box - it is lightweight, inexpensive, but, like cellophane, unreliable;
• in case - looks like a suitcase, in which the walls are made of durable plastic, which makes it possible to reliably protect the tool from external influences;
• another option - metal cases, they are more expensive, but less comfortable;
• in a case - fabric cover with a handle, made specifically for certain items; its ability to fully protect its content is weak, therefore it is often not recommended to use it;
• in a stand - a specialized structure with cells in which the tool is placed (usually it is stationary and does not move), suitable for long-term storage of items needed in everyday life or work;
• In the box - it is a durable product that is inconvenient to carry with you, but it is convenient to transport, therefore, it is best to use it as a stationary storage place for inventory;
• in the cart - is a structure on wheels that can be transported a short distance for ease of use. There are a lot of tools in it, because the weight of the cart is very large and it is very difficult to move it manually.

Thanks to the knowledge of the required number of tools, you can choose the optimal size of the box so that it is convenient to use in work.

A set of tools is now a necessary and useful thing, therefore, when buying, it is important to evaluate all their advantages and disadvantages and choose a reliable and high-quality option. Depending on the number of parts inside, the material of their manufacture, as well as the strength of the tool case, the price range can vary greatly. A cheap set will be easier to buy, but it will not last long, especially if you have to use it often. Expensive items must be carefully checked so that the cost is not overpriced for inappropriate quality goods. The most complete description can be obtained by considering the most popular products of domestic and foreign manufacturers, as well as reading reviews about them.

Among the options worth highlighting is a professional set. Ombra OMT 143 SL, the advantage of which is the high-quality processing of all tools, because their appearance is fully consistent with the price. Ease of use is also excellent. The equipment is manufactured from chrome vanadium steel.

Among its advantages are:

• optimal cost;
• case made of durable but lightweight metal with high-quality locks;
• a large number of socket heads;
• there is a set of screwdrivers;
• complete with hex and torx heads.

Based on customer reviews, there were no shortcomings in this set.

The next option belongs to domestic samples and is called "Arsenal C 1412L90"... It can be used both at home and for professional auto repair. The tool material is chrome vanadium steel. In total, the set consists of 90 items.

Its advantages include:

• reasonable price;
• a convenient and small case with metal locks;
• a large number of socket heads;
• equipment with two types of hinged pliers;
• there is a set of screwdrivers;
• good quality products.

The product of a Taiwanese company deserves special attention. Jonnesway SO 4H 52478S... It is used all over the world. Thanks to the good completeness and reliability of all tools, the set is still one of the most demanded. The products are made of high quality chrome vanadium steel, with rubberized handles on screwdrivers and socket wrenches. There are 78 items in the case.

Of the pluses, it is worth noting:

• high class material for the manufacture of tools;
• equipment with a hinge-pliers tool;
• wide range of screwdrivers;
• full selection of hexagons.

There are, however, several drawbacks here:

• no bits included;
• weak case locks.

If there is a need to purchase a large set for auto repair, then you should pay attention to the set King Tony 9507 MR... it contains 107 items that fit in a small and handy suitcase. Its material is chrome vanadium steel. The handles have a specialized material that is resistant to aggressive media and acids.

Among the advantages of the kit it is worth noting:

• easy-to-use case;
• a large number of socket heads;
• pliers tool;
• a complete set of screwdrivers.

There is only one drawback in this case - the very high cost of the set, therefore it will not be an acceptable option for everyone.

For lovers of German quality, it is worth talking about the set Matrix Professional 13555, which houses 216 instruments. Its material is chrome vanadium steel, the case has an ergonomic shape and shockproof structure.

Among the clear advantages are the following:

• use of quality raw materials for tools;
• unlimited product warranty;
• a large selection of tools;
• durable and convenient case with a comfortable carrying handle;
• the presence of a super lock head, which makes it possible to easily unscrew any fasteners;
• the presence of ratchets and socket heads with different sizes.

Among the minuses it is worth noting:

• no bit magnetization;
• no ratchet on the screwdriver handle;
• the set does not contain a pliers tool.

Another domestic set - "Matter of Technology 622789", deserves attention due to the functionality and quality of products that are manufactured at a Russian enterprise located in Taiwan. Its material is high-alloyed chrome vanadium steel. In a set of 89 tools.

Advantages:

• high-quality material of manufacture;
• the presence of a pliers tool;
• complete with percussion instrument;
• full set of screwdrivers;
• set of hexagons.

Among the minuses, one can only note the absence of socket heads with a size exceeding 27 mm in the set. To the positive qualities of this set, consumers consider a wide range of items and an abundance of necessary items of excellent quality, and negative - the absence of combination keys.

Among the options that are marked with average quality, one can single out "Stankoimport" for 107 parts, Partner PA-4099 for 99 parts and Renaissance YD-1039-01 for 186 parts. The choice of a specific set should be made, guided by its contents, so that it contains all the tools necessary for work, the quality of which does not raise questions. Dimensions must be selected for specific needs.

To buy high-quality and easy-to-use equipment, you first need to know exactly where it will be used and by whom.

There are such areas of application:

• for home;
• for precise work;
• for all occasions;
• gift option.

If the set is taken for home use, then you should not purchase something very expensive and large, a set of equipment needed in every home will do. Use for precise work requires the choice of a narrow-profile set, where there is everything necessary for a specific activity and there are no minor details that are rarely needed.

For a master who can boast of the ability to repair everything and everywhere, a set for all occasions is suitable, which includes the most useful and demanded tools as much as possible. But the gift set can have a different appearance and content. There are even female toolboxes. This is a small case, beautifully and stylishly designed and containing a small but useful set of parts.

For the right choice, it is worth considering a number of criteria.

• Determine the type of kit and what exactly it is bought for. It can be designed for the repair of plumbing, household appliances, machinery, electrical equipment, or it can be universal, capable of helping in several situations at once.
• It is worth paying attention to the body of the suitcase, which contains the tool, it must be strong and reliable. You need to check the hinges and locks to make sure they are of good quality and hold well. When opening and closing the suitcase, there should be no friction of parts or large gaps.
• When choosing a quality set, you need to pay attention to the material from which each element is made. The presence of comfortable handles is also important for comfortable use of the devices. A full and unhurried inspection of the product will immediately allow you to understand whether the product is of high quality or not.
• For the convenient use of the suitcase, it is important that each part is well fixed in its place, otherwise during wearing everything will fall into one pile and it will be impossible to find the right part quickly.
• Depending on the needs, it is worth choosing the optimal dimensions of the suitcase so that it is convenient to place it in a car or garage or to carry it in your hands.

Not everyone is able to independently make a high-quality expert assessment of a certain product, therefore, knowledge of the aspects of the choice will allow not to make a rash purchase and find the best option that will be convenient to use.

For information on what toolsets are, see the next video.