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Why is an Allen wrench used?
An Allen key or Allen wrench is also known as Hex key. This is a small handheld tool used for turning bolts and screws which have hexagonal sockets.
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’s an Allen wrench look like?
The Allen wrench itself is a small L-shaped wrench with six sides. If you look at a cross-section of the Allen wrench, it looks like a hexagon. When you need to use the Allen wrench, stick the short end of the L shape into the bolt head and press down on the longer side of the L to turn the bolt.
What is the difference between an Allen key and a hex key?
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 can I use if I don’t have an Allen wrench?
Sometimes you can use small types of flat headed screwdrivers as an allen wrench by putting the end in the socket so that the 2 edges of the screwdriver work as leverage in the hole to turn it. A wider socket on the bolt or nut, use a wider flathead screwdriver.
Can I put an Allen wrench in a drill?
Can I put an Allen wrench in a drill? Yes. You can cut off the branch of the L-shaped hex key. Create a straight wrench that can fit into the chuck of a power drill.
Is a hex wrench an Allen wrench?
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.
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.
Who is Allen wrench named after?
Originally named Allen Manufacturing Company, the business produced hexagonal set screws and wrenches to fasten them. The terms “Allen wrench” (American English) and “Allen key” (British English) are derived from the Allen brand name and refer to the generic product category “hex keys”.
Why are monkey wrenches called monkey wrenches?
Charles Moncky, a Baltimore mechanic, invented the monkey wrench around 1858. Moncky’s wrench was named using a purposeful misspelling of his name. Stillson, a steamboat firefighter, received a patented on September 13, 1870 for an invention later known as the Stillson pipe wrench.
How many Allen wrenches are there?
14 Different Types of Allen Wrenches.
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.
What is an Allen wrench with hole in the middle?
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.
Is a Torx the same as an Allen wrench?
No, they are two very different tools. The Allen wrench or hex key, as it is sometimes called, is a hexagon shape, that is why many refer to them as hex keys. The Torx key has a star shape. So if you are trying to use an Allen wrench on a Torx screw, it won’t work, and vise versa.
How many sides does an Allen wrench have?
These instruments are essentially L-shaped wrenches that have six sides. They are utilized to drive hexagon-shaped recessed holes. Greek “hex” means “six”.
How do I remove Allen screws without Allen wrench?
How to Remove Allen Head Screws Without an Allen Head Screwdriver Try to find a standard screwdriver that fits snugly between two of the points of the screw. It should fit with no wiggle room. Get your hacksaw. Put a small toothed blade on the saw. Use a standard screwdriver that fits the groove you just made snugly.
How do I know my Allen key size?
Hex keys measurements are done across-flats or AF. This simply means that they are measured from one flat side of the head to the one directly across from it.
How do you cut Allen wrench?
Start by securing the hex key wrench in a vise and cutting off the shorter end of the wrench with a hacksaw or grinder. Chuck the straight piece of wrench in a drill and set the torque on the lowest setting, so it will slip instead of damaging the piece or fastener.
