What Is An Allen Key

What is an Allen key used for?

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.

What is the difference between a hex key and an Allen 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.

Why is an Allen key called an Allen key?

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”.

What can I use instead of an 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.

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.

Do Allen keys come in different sizes?

Adding to our precision sizes, the common SAE Allen wrench sizes are 1/16″, 5/64″, 3/32″, 7/64″, 1/8″, 9/64″, 5/32″, 3/16″, 7/32″, 1/4″, 5/16 “, & 3/8″.

How do you remove Allen screws without Allen keys?

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.

Is it alum key or Allen key?

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

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.

Where are Allen tools made?

Made with pride in the U.S.A. since 1950. The EKLIND Bright-Ball-Hex L-Key allen wrench Combo- Inch / MM (2 sets 22pc) meets the most stringent requirements of professional mechanics, tradespeople, do-it-yourselfers and hobbyists. Products Made in the USA are built better and last longer.

Can you use a drill instead of an Allen key?

Can I put an Allen wrench in a drill? Yes. You can cut off the branch of the L-shaped hex key.

Does Ikea furniture come with Allen keys?

IKEA’s couches do come with the necessary tools for customers to construct their furniture. This will most likely contain an Allen key, which is designed to fit with IKEA’s screws.

What is the IKEA tool called?

It is called a “hex key”, “Allen key”, or “Allen wrench”. You can also find socket wrench tools with this hexagonal drive shape.

Are Torx and Allen keys the same?

There is a difference between an Allen Key and a Torx Key. The hexagonal cross section is found in Allen keys, while the star- or asterisk-shaped cross section is found in Torx keys.

How do I find my Allen key size?

Most Allen wrenches have the size stamped clearly on the side of the tiny, angled tool. The inch or millimeter size may have rubbed off with use or may be entirely too small to read. In this case, an Allen wrench or hex key chart can make finding the right size for your socket head much easier.

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.

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 the largest Allen key size?

What sizes do Allen wrenches come in? Allen wrenches can be measured in both millimeters or in standard sizes, which uses inches. Small specialty Allen wrenches can be as tiny as 2mm, or sizes larger than 25mm.

What’s the difference between imperial and metric Allen keys?

Imperial to Metric for Allen Keys As you’ll notice, there isn’t always a perfect substitute. For instance, Metric size 9 mm doesn’t have an imperial counterpart. With more and more hardware being produced internationally, both SAE and metric hex key sets will have a place in your tool set.

How do you make an Allen key at home?

6 Answers Find a bolt whose head is the required size. Insert the bolt head half-way into the socket. Find a bolt whose head is the required size. Turn two nuts on and counter-tighten them (jam them together). You can get a decent set of hex wrenches for $10 – $15; possibly much less if you wait for a sale.

What are Imperial keys?

Code 326230 Price ^∗ € 40.50. Allen Keys Imperial. These Standard Allen Keys offer a larger range of sizes than the stainless types. These Allen keys or wrenches from WERA feature a Hex-Plus head on the short arm, and a six-sided ball head on the long arm.

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.