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A hex key (also, Allen key and Allen wrench) is a simple driver for bolts or screws that have heads with internal hexagonal recesses (sockets). Hex keys are formed from a single piece of hard steel hexagonal rod having blunt ends that fit snugly into similarly-shaped screw sockets.
What material are Allen wrenches made of?
Alloy steel and carbon steel are the most commonly used materials for Allen keys. Some manufacturers also use chrome vanadium to make wrenches that will have heavy-duty applications, given the properties of the material.
Are allen wrenches made of hardened steel?
Allen wrenches come in various qualities. The cheap ones are usually made from inexpensive steel grades. However, you can also find those made from hardened and high-quality steel grade. Generally, steels are hardened during manufacture by first heating them to a temperature between 800-900°C.
Are Allen keys tool steel?
Allen keys, known as allen wrenches, are an L-shaped bar with hexagonal ends crafted from durable carbon steel. Both ends of the wrench measure the same across the hexagonal flats and can be used interchangeably for varying torque needs when installing and removing fasteners.
How are L keys made?
First, the L-keys are washed to remove the oil and any other impurities, then they’re polished in a giant tumbler with ceramic stones and removed with magnets. After the polish, the tools are tumbled with corn grit to remove any excess moisture – important to prevent rust.
What is the strongest material for Allen keys?
The tempered and hardened chrome vanadium steel makes the hex keys highly durable. There is no chance of them breaking even if you apply a significantly higher pressure. The long arm of these hex keys can reach confined spaces easily.
What steel are hex keys made of?
Protanium is a type of steel developed specifically for use in hex and Torx tools and sockets. It is claimed to be the hardest and most ductile steel used for such tools. Protanium has very good wear resistance when compared to other steels.
How is an allen key manufactured?
Extrusion. Allen wrenches, also called “hex keys,” start as large pieces of steel alloy known as billet. These 50- to 80-lb. blocks are loaded into a powerful hydraulic press that squeezes the malleable metal through a small opening, creating a long, rod-like piece.
How do I get an Allen key?
One way to make an improvised allen wrench is to take a plastic ballpoint pen and remove the ink cartridge and writing tip. Then you can take a lighter and gently heat the end of the pen tube with a lighter, being careful not to burn it and soften the plastic.
Is hex key same as Allen key?
A hex key, also known as an Allen key is a simple tool used to drive bolts and screws with hexagonal sockets in their heads. From standard keys in chrome vanadium steel to extra-long with ballpoint heads in chrome molybdenum steel, there are a wide variety to choose from.
Are hex bits and Allen keys the same?
Are hex and Allen keys the same thing? Although there’s always some potential for confusion wherever two different terms are used for the same item, in this case it’s pretty straightforward – to all practical intents and purposes, hex keys/wrenches and Allen keys are indeed essentially the same thing.
Why are they called Allen wrenches?
The “Allen screw” name for the socket head cap screw and “Allen key” for the wrench originate from the products of the Allen Manufacturing Company of Hartford, Connecticut. According to Bates, it is widely reported that the company trademarked the name “Allen wrench or key” for its range of hex wrenches in 1943.
What is a hex socket?
A “hex” socket—short for “hexagonal”—is a socket that fits around a hexagonal (six sided) nut or bolt head. There are two types of hex sockets – six point and twelve point. The twelve-point socket—also sometimes called a “double hex” or “bi-hex”—has twelve angles in the bolt end.
What is Torx key?
Torx keys are also commonly known as star keys. Like hexagon allen keys, most torx keys are small enough to be carried in a pocket and enable the user to drive the appropriate fasteners without needing a separate screwdriver or power tool.
What is a hex key tool?
A hex key (also, Allen key and Allen wrench) is a simple driver for bolts or screws that have heads with internal hexagonal recesses (sockets). Hex keys are formed from a single piece of hard steel hexagonal rod having blunt ends that fit snugly into similarly-shaped screw sockets.
Who makes the best set of Allen wrenches?
1. Best-Rated Allen Wrench Set—TEKTON Hex Key Wrench Set 30-Piece. As Amazon’s choice for the best Allen key set with thousands of happy customers, the economical TEKTON hex key wrench set has 30 tools (15 long arm wrenches, and 15 short arm wrenches) ranging from sizes 0.028 to 3/8 inches.
What are the different types of Allen wrenches?
Different Types of Hex Keys L-Style Allen Wrenches. This is the standard Allen key and is easily found anywhere. T-Handle. This is a popular tool, mostly used in motorsport applications. P-Handle. Folding Hex Key. Ratcheting Drivers. Torque Wrench. Allen Screwdriver. Ball Hex Sets.
How many types of Allen key sets are there?
The three most common types of hex keys are L handle, T handle, and fold-up sets. The three common types of hex keys are L shaped, T shaped, and fold-up sets. The long arm on L shaped handles produces more leverage than the other hex wrench variants, allowing for higher torque and better reach into tight areas.
What are Allen key screws called?
Socket Head Cap Screws, which are also known as Allen head screws are stock items at Lightning Bolt in many materials sizes. These screws come with a hexagonal cross-section socket in the head and require an Allen wrench or hex key to drive them into material and secure them into a structure.
