Table of Contents
What is the difference between an Allen wrench and a hex key?
The short answer is “there is no difference”. Really, these two names can be used interchangeably.
What can I use instead of an Allen wrench?
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.
What is a Allen wrench set used for?
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.
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.
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.
Is an Allen key and Allen wrench the same?
A hex key, also known as an Allen key or Allen wrench, is a small handheld tool that’s used for for driving bolts and screws with a hexagonal socket. They are available in many different sizes, though they all have the same hexagonal-shaped tip.
How do I remove Allen screws without Allen wrench?
Try a plastic toothbrush. Take a plastic toothbrush and lightly melt the end using a lighter or other source of heat. Once the plastic is soft you can insert it in the head of the screw and allow the plastic to harden once more. Once it is hard try to turn the screw counterclockwise to unscrew it.
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.
Why do Allen keys have a ball end?
The ball end makes it easier to slide the key into the receiving slot. It allows you to reach at an offset 30 degree angle so that you can feel your way to the needed position much faster – great for blind or difficult areas to reach or if the bolt or screw is close to an obstruction on one side.
Why are hex wrenches called Allen wrenches?
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.
Why are Allen bolts used?
The primary advantage of Allen bolts over hex bolts is that the tool used to do them up can be smaller than the head itself. So they are perfect for if you have a bolt that’s down inside a narrow opening. You can stick the Allen key down into the hole and do up the bolt.
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.
How many sides does Allen key have?
Alone, the basic Allen wrench has six sides, which allow for better grip when turning a bolt. That means the basic Allen wrench can only be used on hex bolts, as they have six sides themselves. However, you can buy socket sets that allow you to add different types of heads on the Allen wrench.
How many Allen wrenches are there?
14 Different Types of Allen Wrenches.
What is a TX bit?
Torx (pronounced /tɔːrks/) is a trademark for a type of screw drive characterized by a 6-point star-shaped pattern, developed in 1967 by Camcar Textron. A popular generic name for the drive is star, as in star screwdriver or star bits. Torx screws are also becoming increasingly popular in construction industries.
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 are Star Allen Keys called?
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.
