What is an Allen Wrench?
- An Allen wrench is known as one of the simplest and most common hand tools you should have in your tool box.
- It has a variety of uses, from fixing your motorcycle to putting together assemble yourself furniture.
- You can buy Allen wrenches as individual pieces or in complete sets, which are more affordable and less likely to get lost.
What are some substitutes for an allen wrench?
Wrenches Similar to Allen Wrenches
- Hex Wrench of Hex Key Wrench. A hex wrench is basically the same thing as an Allen wrench and works the exact same way but is used when the screw ...
- Torx Key
- Torque Wrench. ...
- Things Around the House. ...
- In Your Kitchen. ...
- Screwdrivers. ...
- Nuts and Bolts. ...
- Open Ended Wrench or Combination Wrench. ...
- Socket Wrench or Ratchet Wrench. ...
- Impact Wrench. ...
What is the function of an allen wrench?
Types of Hex Key
- L-Style Hex Wrench. The most common model of Hex key or Allen wrench is L style. ...
- P-Handle Hex Wrench. The P handle Allen wrench is very popular, especially for professional work; it looks a lot like a big L shape, but it has a grip to ...
- T-Handle Allen Wrench. ...
- Folding Hex Key. ...
What to use instead of allen wrench?
- When you’re working on a project with someone else and you only have one drill/driver.
- When you’re waiting for the drill/driver to recharge.
- When you only need to tighten up one screw and finding and setting up the drill/driver is simply not worth the effort.
- When you’re the apprentice and the boss tells you to use a screwdriver.
- When the screw is in a
Is a hex key and an allen wrench the same thing?
Hex keys and allen wrenches are essentially the same tools. The "key" end of allen keys is a hexagon, or six-sided, shape. Many items requiring assembly, including some furniture, certain children's wagons and other gear, use hex head screws to secure matching parts together.
What is an Allen wrench used for?
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.
What kind of screw do you use an Allen wrench for?
Of course, the Allen wrench will only fit in a hex bolt (a bolt with six sides), so don't try using the Allen wrench to screw in any other type of fastener. The other most common way an Allen wrench is used is to pick a lock.
Is an Allen wrench the same as a hex wrench?
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.
Why is Allen wrench considered as the most important among screwdrivers?
Most importantly Allen wrenches have six driving points of contact, so they're easier to use and much less likely to strip or slip (known as cam out) than Phillips or slotted screwdrivers.
Why is it called Allen wrench?
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".
How do you tighten an allen screw?
To tighten new, standard, alloy, cup point set screws, install an allen wrench with the short end in the socket, long end in your hand, and tighten until the wrench bends or twists about 30° (1 hour on a clock face). Then the set screw is as tight as it should be.
What can I use instead of an Allen wrench?
Wrenches Similar to Allen WrenchesHex 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.More items...•
Do cars use Allen keys?
Since furniture pieces can have tight spaces and require long reach, you can use a set of long arm Hex keys. Cars and Motorcycles– You would need an Allen key set for the proper maintenance of your car.
What is the meaning of Allen screwdriver?
: an L-shaped hexagonal metal bar either end of which fits the socket of a screw or bolt.
What tool is used to tighten screws on a laptop?
Torx screwdriver: Used to tighten or loosen screws that have a star-like depression on the top, a feature that is mainly found on laptops.
What tool is used to loose and tight different screws?
screwdriverA screwdriver is used to manually tighten or loosen different types of screws. You hold a screwdriver by the handle. The shaft of a screwdriver connects the head and handle.
What is an Allen wrench?
So what is an Allen wrench you may ask? Alright, we’ll finally tell you. It’s the L-shaped tool that takes the form of a hexagonal key. Allen wrenches are used to fasten hex screws into wood, metal, and even plastic. And as you may have guessed, it’s the tool displayed in the picture above. The name Allen comes from it’s origins as a registered trademark of the former Allen Manufacturing Company from Hartford, CT. As of right now, it’s currently owned by Apex Tool Group (ATG). It’s our understanding that ATG would prefer that the standard name, “ hex key “, pick up momentum (which is certainly understandable). However, it appears that Americans have decided that they prefer the name, “Allen wrench”.
Where does the name Allen come from?
The name Allen comes from it’s origins as a registered trademark of the former Allen Manufacturing Company from Hartford , CT. As of right now, it’s currently owned by Apex Tool Group (ATG). It’s our understanding that ATG would prefer that the standard name, “ hex key “, pick up momentum (which is certainly understandable).
What is a ratcheting hex driver?
Ratcheting hex drivers offer superior speed over traditional Allen wrenches. Also, ratcheting drivers are a more dynamic as a tool since they be used with screwdriver bits & even sockets.
Can you lose a folding hex wrench?
Bicyclists & motor bike riders love the compact design of folding hex keys. And unlike similar options, it’s nearly impossible to lose a folding hex wrench since they’re contained in the handle.
What is an Allen wrench?
An Allen wrench is one of the simplest wrenches to use. 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. Since the Allen wrench has such a specific shape, it can only be used with items especially designed for it.
What wrench do you use to assemble furniture?
If you've ever bought furniture you've had to put together yourself, the manufacturer likely included an Allen w rench for you to use when you have to assemble it. In addition to assembling furniture, the Allen wrench is also commonly used for bike repairs.
Can an Allen wrench fit a hex bolt?
Of course, the Allen wrench will only fit in a hex bolt (a bolt with six sides), so don't try using the Allen wrench to screw in any other type of fastener. The other most common way an Allen wrench is used is to pick a lock.
Can you use an Allen wrench to open a lock?
Allen wrenches come in a range of sizes, so as long as you have one small enough to fit into a lock for which you've lost the key, you can use it to try to open the lock. Simply stick the end of the Allen wrench into the key tunnel and…sorry, we're not going to teach you how to pick a lock! Cite This!
How many points of contact does an Allen wrench have?
Unlike Phillips or slotted screwdrivers, Allen wrenches feature six driving points of contact, making them easier to operate and less likely to slip or what we know as cam-out.
What is a T handle wrench?
T-Handle wrenches are designed to provide the user with increased reach and leverage. Car mechanics and machinists frequently prefer T-handle wrenches over other hex wrenches.
What is a hex fastener?
Hex fasteners allow engine covers to be secured flush to the engine case on bikes, eliminating the need for protruding bolt heads. Most motors and machines that feature belts and pulleys have small setscrews you may only access with small special Allen wrenches.
Can you install a fastener on an Allen key?
An Allen key has hexagonal ends on both ends. As a result, you can install or remove a fastener from either end if it fits.
Can you use a screwdriver to install a fastener?
Not all fasteners can be installed using a standard screwdriver or wrench. Some have a socketed head that fits an Allen key. Allen keys are small, hand-held, manually operated tools used to install and remove these unique fasteners. You can install or remove a fastener by twisting an Allen key in the fastener’s head if it is supported.
Which end of a socket delivers more torque?
The long end lets you reach a narrow location while using the short end delivers more torque on your socket.
Can you use a split ring on a wrench?
Some wrenches will be joined to a metal split ring, which keeps all of the sizes of wrenches together , although it is difficult to use an individual wrench in confined spaces unless you remove the ring is first.
What is an Allen wrench?
But don’t be fooled by its humble appearance, the Allen wrench is an effective hand tool that can produce an incredible amount of torque. In fact, no toolkit is complete without a set of Allen wrenches. Allen wrenches, which are also called hex-key wrenches or hex keys, have a hexagonal cross section to fit various machine screws ...
What is a folding Allen wrench?
Folding Allen wrenches come in a convenient, compact housing that’s similar to a pocketknife. The individual wrenches fold out and the housing acts as a handle for increased torque. However, because the wrenches are permanently attached, you’re limited in some tight-space situations.
What type of Allen wrench is used for hex screws?
Finally there’s one more type of Allen wrench worth mentioning: T-handle Allen wrenches. These are popular with mechanics and technicians that work with hex screws all the time. Each wrench is affixed to a large handle that provides both comfort and enhanced power for really amping up the torque.
How many points of contact does an Allen wrench have?
Most importantly Allen wrenches have six driving points of contact, so they’re easier to use and much less likely to strip or slip (known as cam out) than Phillips or slotted screwdrivers. Most DIY furniture kits come with an Allen wrench that fits the included hex screws.
What is a hex fastener?
On motorcycles, hex fasteners allow an engine cover to be mounted flush to the engine case without protruding bolt heads. Most motors and machines, including anything with belts and pulleys, have tiny setscrews that only accept Allen wrenches.
Can you store two Allen wrenches?
One challenge of owning two entire sets of Allen wrenches is how to store them so that they’re neatly organized and readily accessible. Fortunately, Allen wrenches come in several different styles to suit most users’ needs. Some wrenches come attached to a metal split ring, which keeps all the wrenches linked together, but makes it awkward to use an individual wrench in tight spaces, unless you first detach the wrench from the ring.
Can you buy Allen wrenches individually?
Now use the speed of the drill to quickly tighten all the hex screws. 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. And since metric-size hex screws are more common ...
What is an Allen wrench used for?
Allen wrenches most often are used to tighten or loosen Allen screws or bolts. This is most commonly done on bicycles or furniture. However, it seems that more industries are using Allen wrenches.
What is a fold up Allen wrench?
Allen wrench fold-up sets are similar to the T-shaped Allen wrenches, except they have the handle of the fold-up set to use as the method of turning the wrench. This is great because it can be adapted in a couple of different ways. The folding hex wrench can be used almost identically as the T-shaped Allen wrench, with the wrench halfway folded up and the handle acting like the cross-section to turn.
What is the purpose of inserting the short arm of the L into the hex head?
If needed, inserting the short arm of the L into the hex head will allow users to manipulate a lot of leverage and torque on the long arm of the L-shaped wrench. This can be especially beneficial for loosening very tight screws. The longer end of the wrench can be used for hard-to-reach places as well.
Do you need an Allen wrench to assemble furniture?
Often, when you buy furniture or other projects to assemble at home, an individual wrench is provided in the materials. Still, single Allen wrenches are hard to keep track of, and it is good sense to keep a complete set of wrenches on hand if you need them.
Can Allen wrenches be used with hex keys?
Regardless of the design of your hex keys, it is essential to know the proper way to use an Allen wrench. Many of the designs have different pros and cons. However, the application of the tools does not vary much between the wrenches.
Can hex fasteners fit in a screwdriver?
Consumers can also find a hex fastener designed to fit in a screwdriver with replaceable heads, designed for a torque wrench, and even intended to be used with a drill. These are generally adapters that will fit onto a more familiar tool instead of buying a set of traditional Allen wrenches. These can be a terrific option for those not comfortable with the different shapes of the Allen wrench.
Can you buy Allen wrenches individually?
Allen wrenches can be purchased individually or in sets. I recommend buying them in a set to have all of the different sizes in case the need arises. I also recommend purchasing both a standard American set as well as the metric size.
