What Are Allen Wrenches Used For

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 is the purpose of an Allen wrench?

Hex keys, commonly known as Allen keys/wrenches in the UK and various other countries, are a very simple hand tool of the general spanner and socket family, used for tightening and loosening hexagonal bolts and other compatible fasteners.

What kind of screw uses an Allen wrench?

Socket screws are a type of machine screw that have a cylindrical head to receive an Allen wrench.

What is the difference between Allen keys and allen wrenches?

The short answer is “there is no difference”. Really, these two names can be used interchangeably.

Why technicians use Allen keys?

Why do some technicians use Allen keys instead of self-tapping screws to fasten joint? To summarize, a hex key is a tool having a hexagonal socket that is used to drive nuts and screws. They are easier to use and less prone to strip than their Phillip’s head equivalent since they have six driving points.

What do you call a bolt with no head?

A screw without a head is sometimes called a blind screw. Two types include dowel screws and set screws. Used for joining wood, dowel screws feature threads at both ends. Set screws are fully threaded and usually driven using an internal wrenching drive.

What are Allen key bolts 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.

Is an Allen wrench a hex key?

Hex keys, commonly known as Allen keys/wrenches in the UK and various other countries, are a very simple hand tool of the general spanner and socket family, used for tightening and loosening hexagonal bolts and other compatible fasteners.

Why technicians use Allen keys to fasten joints?

There are many benefits for the use of the screws and Allen keys: They are economic and easier to produce. Their lever arch mechanisms allows you to apply increased tightening torque. The key does not risk to get out from screw.

Are hex head and Allen the same?

Allen wrenches, and hex keys are the same thing. “Allen” is simply a brand name. It was created to fit into screws with a hexagonal screw head and thus became known as a “hex key.” So “Allen wrench” is the brand while “hex key” is the generic term.

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.

Where are Allen bolts used?

Allen keys are used to tighten and loosen screws. We use Allen keys and bolts for the same reason we use hammers and pipe wrenches – they’re used for entirely different and largely unrelated purposes.

What do you call a nut with a built in washer?

A flange nut is a nut that has a wide flange at one end that acts as an integrated washer. This serves to distribute the pressure of the nut over the part being secured, reducing the chance of damage to the part and making it less likely to loosen as a result of an uneven fastening surface.

What is the hole a screw goes into called?

That is simply called a threaded insert.

What do you call a screw with a flat end?

If it’s got a nut, with a flat bottom at the end of the shank, it’s not a screw – it’s a bolt! Oval-head screws, also called “pan heads”, can be seen on the surface, but are not as highly visible as round-head screws, used in decorative applications, such as furniture design.

How do I use Allen key?

Allen keys work like most other screwdrivers and wrenches but with a few nuances. You can use them by placing one of the ends inside a fastener with a hexagonal socket head and turning it. Turning the Allen key clockwise will tighten the fastener, whereas turning it counterclockwise will loosen or remove the fastener.

What can I use instead of Allen key?

Wrenches Similar to Allen Wrenches Hex Wrench of Hex Key Wrench. Torx Key. Torque Wrench. Things Around the House. In Your Kitchen. Screwdrivers. Nuts and Bolts. Open Ended Wrench or Combination Wrench.

How are Allen wrenches measured?

Sizing. Hex keys are measured across-flats (AF), which is the distance between two opposite (parallel) sides of the hexagon.

Are Allen wrenches metric?

Allen wrenches come in both SAE fractional-inch sizes and in metric sizes.

What kind of steel are Allen wrenches made from?

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.

What is a hex screwdriver used for?

Hex screwdrivers, like all types of screwdrivers, are available in an extensive range of both standard and metric sizes. These screwdrivers can make the process of loosening and tightening hex nuts, bolts and screws much easier.

Is hex driver a hand tool?

A screwdriver is a tool, manual or powered, used for driving screws.Screwdriver. A slotted or “flat-blade” screwdriver Other names Turnscrew Classification Hand tool Types See List of screw drives Related Hex key Wrench.

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.