How do I know what size Allen Wrench I Need?
Ways to Find the Hex Key Size
- Stay Organized. When you buy a hex key set, it usually comes in a packet or container that has each size neatly labeled for you.
- Check Out the Tool Itself. Most hex keys come with the size imprinted on the side, which can be extremely helpful. ...
- Use a Hex Key Size Chart. There are nifty little charts available online to help, as well. ...
- Measure the Hex Key. ...
What size is an allen wrench?
This is a handy tool also known as a network wrench. These Allen wrenches are available in sizes of 200mm, 300mm, and 250mm. These tools are perfect for loosening or tightening angled nuts or screws.
What are the sizes of Allen wrenches?
Types, Sizes, Uses [Pictures & PDF]
- Types of Allen Wrenches. Read Also: The List of 30 Different Types of Pliers: How To Use Them? ...
- Common Sizes of Allen Wrench. The sizes of Allen wrenches are considered based on an inch or metrics. ...
- Advantages of Allen Wrench. Allen wrenches are easier to manufacture and are more economical. ...
- Disadvantages of Allen Wrench. ...
- Closing It Up. ...
What size Allen wrenches?
Allen wrenches are often quite small, and come in several standard sizes as determined by the SAE International, including 5/32-inch, 3/32-inch, 7/16-inch, 3/16-inch, 1/18-inch and ¼-inch sizes. Which size is best for a particular job? Keep reading this handy user’s guide to common Allen wrench sizes to find out.
How do I know the size of my Allen wrench?
Measure the Hex Key As long as you know how to measure a hex key, you can always determine the size you have. 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 are Allen bolts measured?
Fastener length is measured from where the material surface is assumed to be, to the end of the fastener. For fasteners where the head usually sits above the surface, the measurement is from directly under the head to the end of the fastener.
How are Allen sockets measured?
The best way to measure an Allen wrench, or the hex socket, is to use a caliper. It will give you the right size, including the metric or imperial size.
What size is a 1/4 inch Allen wrench?
7 mmSAE Substitutes for MMImperial Hex KeyMetric Hex Size7/32″5.5 mm & 6 mm1/4″7 mm5/16 “8 mm3/8″10 mm6 more rows•Nov 23, 2018
Are all Allen wrenches metric?
Allen wrenches come in both SAE fractional-inch sizes and in metric sizes. The wrenches can be bought individually, but it's always best to buy them in sets, which are more economical and include all the most popular sizes.
How do you read bolt sizes?
0:212:23How to Measure Screws & Bolts - US & Metric Sizing | Fasteners 101YouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo when you read a bolt that says quarter 20 by 2 that means quarter inch diameter 20 TPI that'sMoreSo when you read a bolt that says quarter 20 by 2 that means quarter inch diameter 20 TPI that's threads per inch which would be here.
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.
How can you tell the difference between a metric and standard Allen wrench?
The standard wrench uses the imperial system, and its units are in inches and incorporate fractions. On the other hand, the metric wrench uses the international system of units, and the measurements are in millimeters. Also, the numbers are whole, making interpretation an effortless process.
What is an m5 Allen wrench?
Used to loosen or tighten fasteners with a hexagonal socket in the head. Black Steel Alloy.
What size Allen wrench is between 1 8 and 3 32?
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″.
Are Allen and hex the same?
Nowadays, there are many instruments to choose from. This article is aimed to help you figure out 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 size bolt takes a 1 1 2 wrench?
US Bolt Head/Wrench SizeBolt DiameterHead and Wrench SizeHex Bolt - Lag Bolt - Square BoltHeavy Hex Bolt1"1-1/2"1-5/8"1-1/8"1-11/16"1-3/4"1-1/4"1-7/8"2"13 more rows
What is an Allen key?
Allen™ wrenches or Allen™ keys are generally available in several different styles or types. The most common Allen™ wrench type is the one mentioned earlier – the L-shaped hex key – but there are other variations that incorporate different handle designs, utilize different materials, or add special features. A summary of the most common Allen™ ...
What material is used for Allen keys?
Material options – Alloy steel is a common material used for Allen™ keys, but stainless steel is also available as a material choice. In addition, there are different finish options available, the most common being black oxide but chrome options exist as well.
What is a hexagonal socket head screw?
Fasteners come in a wide variety of types, sizes, and materials. Among the most useful fasteners are ones that are equipped with a hexagonal-shaped recess in the head of the fastener. These types of fasteners are known as hexagonal socket head screws or Allen™ screws, a nod to the man who patented the idea of a fastener ...
What is ball end Allen key?
Some ball-end Allen™ keys feature a ball at one end of the driver and a shorter driver that extends off the handle with a standard hex head. Others can use a ball at both ends of the tool or only have a single driver with a handle.
Why use a longer handle?
The longer portion can be used as the handle to supply greater torque but also requires more clearance to swing in an arc. When the shorter end is used as a handle, there is greater maneuverability but a decrease in supplied torque. Typically made of alloy steel and available in two different lengths – short and long.
Can you use a wrench with a high torque socket?
Generally, these types of wrenches are not recommended for use in high torque applications as the engagement with the fastener when using the ball end is reduced. Applying excessive torque can strip the hex surfaces of the socket or snap the ball off the wrench. Lengths are also available as long and short.
Is Allen key lighter?
This makes it easier to loosen or tighten these fasteners and can make it less likely to strip or damage a fastener while loosening or tightening. Size and weight – Allen™ keys tend to be smaller and lighter than the equivalent tools used to apply other fastener types, making them easier to carry.
Allen Wrench Sizes
The long handle ball screwdriver is a versatile tool that features a long handle. The head of the screwdriver comes in several common sizes to easily allow you to screw in place an Allen head screw. The long handle allows you to easily reach into a tight space and help give you added torque that may be needed for stubborn screws.
SAE to MM Conversions
Building supplies can come from anywhere in the world, and it is not uncommon to see a mix of standard and metric bolt sizes. It follows that you must easily switch between the two units of measurement to ensure that you always have the right tool for the job.
Torx to MM to SAE Conversions
The Torx screw head is becoming more common because it is a durable and long-lasting screw design. The head of a Torx screw almost looks like a tiny star. While this type of screw is becoming more popular, many people have yet to purchase specific Torx socket sets or Torx wrenches. Luckily, it is easy to use a hex socket to work with a Torx screw.
Hex Key Conversions
While using an Allen wrench is certainly practical, many people choose to use a socket attachment to help make short work of hex bolts. A hexagonal socket is a perfect way to screw bolts into place quickly.
FAQs
Allen wrenches are commonly used in several applications ranging from assembling furniture to keeping your decking boards firmly in place. With so many Allen wrench options and hex key options, it can be downright overwhelming.
What is an Allen wrench?
An Allen wrench is one of the most popular and common tools in the average do-it-yourselfer’s toolbox. This wrench, identifiable by it L-shaped head, can be used for a variety of purposes, but mainly it’s used in automotive repair, for unclogging sink garbage disposals, and for putting together pre-fabricated furniture. Allen wrenches are often quite small, and come in several standard sizes as determined by the SAE International, including 5/32-inch, 3/32-inch, 7/16-inch, 3/16-inch, 1/18-inch and ¼-inch sizes. Which size is best for a particular job? Keep reading this handy user’s guide to common Allen wrench sizes to find out.
What size wrench do I need for a bike?
In standard measurements, the most common Allen wrench sizes for the tasks listed above (that is, automotive repair, bike work and furniture assembly) are the 5/32-inch, 3/16-inch and ¼-inch sizes. Therefore, even if you don’t want to buy a hole set of Allen wrenches, it’s still a good idea to have at least these sized wrenches in your tool kit.
How many millimeters are in a small Allen wrench?
10.0 millimeters. 12.7 millimeters (1/2 inch) The smaller-sized allen wrenches need more maintenance than the larger ones. You can more easily strip the head on a small allen wrench if you're not careful.
Do you need an Allen wrench for assembly?
Since allen wrenches are small and fairly cheap, you'll probably find that one has been included with any at-home assembly furniture. However, allen wrenches can be useful on other ways around the house, especially if you do a bit more than just put together the odd bookcase or two. In that case, you'll want a range of allen wrenches ...
What size Allen wrench is used for SAE?
Similar to the metric hex keys, the SAE hex wrenches don’t always have a perfect substitute as seen for SAE size 3/16″. Thus, we recommend that those with only a metric Allen wrench set add a separate SAE hex key set to their stable.
What size wrench to use for SAE hex?
In the United States, larger metric half sizes like 6.5 mm aren’t standard in most hex key sets. However, the 1/4″ SAE hex wrench will likely work in place of a 6.5 mm wrench.
