It is best to start with the fact that the wrench itself belongs to the category of hand tools.
Key General Description
At present, it is quite difficult to imagine carrying out any repair work that would do without such devices. The thing is that the bolted connection is one of the most common today. Naturally, for each connection, a nut and a bolt with a certain size are used, which means they must use keys with different sizes. In addition to the fact that the instruments differ in this parameter, they also come in different types: carob, spigot, ratchet, etc.
Due to the fact that in different situations it is necessary to use different types of these devices, sets of combination wrenches were invented. Having such a kit at hand, you can unscrew almost any bolted connection without any significant problems.
Brief description of the kit and scope
Naturally, a kit can be called only that kit, the contents of which will allow you to easily carry out operations such as tightening or loosening bolts and nuts of various sizes. Such a set should consist entirely of combination wrenches. The main requirement for such a set was that the keys contained in it should correspond in size to all the main categories of bolts and nuts. If you touch on the topic of the type of combinations, then there are no specific requirements, types can be very different. However, as practice shows, the most popular are those sets that contain keys with a combination of a horn and a cap.
If we talk about the scope of use of combination wrenches, then it is almost limitless. It is possible to list all categories in which this type of tool is used. It is simpler to say that he found his application in any work that requires a process such as loosening or twisting bolted joints. For these purposes, carob, cape or ratchet types of combinations are used.
Set selection. Main criterion
If we talk about how to choose the right set, which contains a certain type of combination wrenches, then it is worth saying that there are a fairly large number of approaches. However, among the many, there is one that is considered the most optimal in order to choose the most suitable set for a certain type of work.
Naturally, the key criteria will be the type of keys. Currently, the most common type is a wrench. This type is represented in almost all sets, which means that you need to start from the fact that one head will always be of the carob type. The essence of the choice is to select a view for the second head. Combination wrenches can have either an additional ratchet head or a ring head. It is important to note here that the principle of operation of both heads is the same. The only difference is that the ratchet does not have to be removed each time after scrolling and re-thrown. Therefore, if there is a possibility of a choice between Carob-horn and Carob-rattle, it is better to take the second option.
Additional criteria for tool selection
An additional selection parameter will be the dimension of the keys themselves. This parameter is currently measured in millimeters. Based on this, any good set should contain a minimum of 6 keys, with sizes from 8 to 19 mm. However, there are also extended versions of the kits. In this case, the number of keys increases to 12 or 15 pieces. Thus, the tools will have additional dimensions with 6, 7, 15, 22 mm, etc. Concluding, we can say that an additional selection criterion will be to decide whether the set of six keys is enough for work or is it better to immediately purchase an extended version.
Tool Material
Naturally, one of the important selection criteria is the material from which the tool is made. The quality of the feedstock, which was used to create the key, will depend on its characteristics, such as its service life, its behavior during operation, etc. A quality device is considered to be one made of chrome vanadium steel with an additional coating of zinc or other substances. The presence of an additional layer is necessary, as it will prevent such a defect as the rapid occurrence of corrosion and rust on the surface of the tool. Most often, the key itself indicates which material was used to create it. In addition, it is recommended to buy such things only from trusted manufacturers.
The least decisive, but still important for some, factor is the case, which contains the keys. It can be made of iron, plastic or fabric. It is best to choose the most comfortable option for yourself, which is suitable for the workplace.
Ratchet Wrenches Combination Wrenches
The main quality due to which this type of tool became so popular was that it is much easier to repair a car engine with it. For this reason, it is used by both ordinary car enthusiasts and professional workshops. It is worth noting that ratchet wrenches, like others, can be of different sizes, the choice of which depends on the task assigned to them. The most important criterion for choosing a combination ratchet wrench was the material from which it is made. The thing is that the ratchet should have a huge margin of safety, as well as very tightly fit the nut or bolt when loosening or twisting.
Quite popular companies for the production of quality products are TOPTUL and JTC. These companies produce the best ratchet wrench sets.
Key selection
If the task is to choose a key with a ratchet nozzle, then there are several basic criteria:
- The first parameter is the key design. Currently, the most popular end assembly nozzles. If we talk about sets of wrenches combined, then the most common are spanners and ratchets.
- The second important parameter is the size of the landing square. Through this, the connection of the end head and ratchet nozzle of the key. This square has three standard sizes 1/2, 1/4, 3/8.
- The direction of movement of the key. There are two options. The first category of keys is one-way, the second category is called reversible and can have a flag or disk switch.
- The last point of choice was the manufacturer companies. Some of the best are INTERTOOL, OMBRA, JONNESWAY, TOPTUL.
GOST combination wrenches
Production and all the technical requirements for the keys are spelled out in state document 16983-80. The action of this paper applies to all combination wrenches having open and annular throats with sizes from 5.5 to 55 mm. The main objective of the production of these devices is export and use for household needs. It is allowed to make a pharynx in the form of a hexagon. The main material for the production is steel grade 40HFA. However, other steel grades can be used, but taking into account the fact that they underwent heat treatment, and their mechanical properties are not lower than that of the 40KhFA marking product. The strength of the keys should belong to group C or B, depending on what type of head is used.