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In 1909–1910, William G. Allen too patented a method of cold-forming screw heads around a hexagonal die (U.S. Patent 960,244).
Why is Allen key called 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 is the real name for an Allen key?
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.
Who invented the ball end Allen wrench?
In 1909–1910, William G. Allen too patented a method of cold-forming screw heads around a hexagonal die (U.S. Patent 960,244).
Why was the Allen key invented?
It was produced as the companion piece to the company’s hexagonal socket screws. Making a screw whose head contained a socket was really a brilliant idea, offering an alternative to the protruding square head screws which required the use of a wrench with a square hole in it to tighten them.
What do you call a bolt with an Allen key head?
Allen key bolts, aka socket screws, come in many shapes and sizes. Popular types include socket head cap screws, socket button screws and socket set screws (grub screws).
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.
What is the largest Allen key size?
Allen Keys – Imperial Hex size Length long arm Length short arm 9/64 inch 132 mm 23 mm 5/32 inch 140 mm 25 mm 3/16 inch 160 mm 25 mm 7/32 inch 180 mm 27 mm.
How old are Allen keys?
The hexagon key was first patented in 1909 by William G. Allen (US Patent 960244), but some evidence suggests the idea of a hex turning tool may have been thought of as early as the 1860s.
Why are Allen keys hexagonal?
These instruments are essentially L-shaped wrenches that have six sides. They are utilized to drive hexagon-shaped recessed holes. Greek “hex” means “six”. Hence the name.
What is the smallest Allen key?
Sizes contained in the set are 0.71mm , 0.89mm (the two smallest hex keys in this set are metric) – then 1.27mm (0.05″), 1/16″; (1.59mm), 5/64″ (1.98mm), 3/32″ (2.38mm) and 7/64″ (2.79mm).
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.
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.
How are Allen wrenches sized?
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 a screw without a head called?
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 is Panhead screw?
A pan head self-drilling screw has a rounded base and a flat head that sits on top of the material it fastens. With its large diameter and high edges, the drive slot is deep, which allows for increased torque while minimizing the risk of damage to the screw.
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 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.
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.
What 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.
Is there a 2.25 mm Allen wrench?
Designed for the miniature fasteners this basic aluminum handle comes with a 2.25mm hex nut wrench #29212. The hex wrench is for hex nuts that measure 2.25mm across the flats of the hex material or across the Star corners. Please note we also carry wrenches for 2.0mm and 2.5mm hex material.
Are Allen keys metric or imperial?
Imperial vs metric hex keys Note, too, that hex keys and Allen wrenches are often sold in both metric and imperial (or SAE) versions, depending on the brand, supplier and origin/purchase location.
