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.
Why is it called an 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”.
Is Torx and Allen wrench the same?
| Torx Size Allen Wrench Conversion | T40 9/32′′ |
|---|
Is Torx better than hex?
The Torx design allows for a
higher torque
to be exerted than a similarly sized conventional hex socket head without damaging the head and/or the tool.
Is Star key same as Torx?
Yes, Torx and star are used interchangeably to describe the bit, they
are the same thing
. Yes that is a torx head screw.
What is the difference between an Allen wrench and a hex key?
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 does an Allen wrench look like?
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 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). Supplied in a handy plastic holder.
What is the point of Torx screws?
Torx screws are typically used in vehicles, motorcycles, bicycles, computer systems, hard disk drives and consumer electronics. The unusual star-shaped head makes them far more secure than regular flat-head or cross-head screws and allows higher torque transmission so screws and bolts can be tightened more securely.
What is the difference between Torx and Torx Plus?
The Torx Autosert feature guides the driver bit accurately into the recess creating a self-centering engagement action. Torx Plus is
designed for high torque transmission
. This means that higher torques can be used to securely tighten fasteners without incurring additional wear and tear on the tools.
What does a Torx head look like?
The Torx screw head system is shaped
like a six-pointed star
, and to many users is simply referred to as a star screw that requires star screwdrivers of star bits to install them.
What is the most common Torx size?
The most common Torx screws are
T6, T8, T10, T15, T20, T25 and T30
. All Chapman Star driver sets contain the bits to drive those screws. Coming in close second to the most common sizes are T27 and T40 Torx screws, and Chapman's larger Star bit sets contain those drivers.
What can I use instead of a hex key?
Screwdrivers
Sometimes you can use small types of flathead screwdrivers as a hex wrench by putting the end in the socket so that the two edges of the screwdriver work as leverage in the hole to turn it. The wider the socket on the bolt or nut, the wider the flathead screwdriver you will want to use.
Do not use the hex driver which is too big for the boat you are using?
2. To
loosen
and tighten bolts with a hexagonal (six-sided) head, use a hex. driver. … Do not use the hex driver which is too big for the bolt you are using.
Do not use the hex driver which is too big for the bolt you are using?
Use a hex driver, shown in Figure 2-10, to loosen and tighten bolts that have a hexagonal (six-sided) head. Hex bolts should not be over-tightened because the threads of the bolts can be stripped. Do not use a hex driver that is too large for the bolt that you are using.
What is the function of Allen wrench?
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
.
