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.
Is a hex key the same as an Allen wrench?
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
. To learn more about hex keys and the benefits they offer, keep reading.
Is a hex key an Allen key?
A hex key, also known as an Allen key is a
simple tool used to drive bolts and screws with hexagonal sockets in
their heads.
What can I use instead of a hex wrench?
2.
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.
What are the two types of Allen wrenches?
- L-Style Allen Wrenches. This is the standard Allen key and is easily found anywhere. …
- T-Handle. This is a popular tool, mostly used in motorsport applications. …
- P-Handle. …
- Folding Hex Key. …
- Ratcheting Drivers. …
- Torque Wrench. …
- Allen Screwdriver. …
- Ball Hex Sets.
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.
What does a hex 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).
Why is it called Allen key?
The “Allen screw” name for the socket head cap screw and “Allen key” for the
wrench originate from the products of the Allen Manufacturing Company of Hartford, Connecticut
. According to Bates, it is widely reported that the company trademarked the name “Allen wrench or key” for its range of hex wrenches in 1943.
How do I make a hex key?
Make an Emergency Hex Key / Allen Wrench: This can be done by
cutting the pointy writing tip off a pencil and cutting the edge down until it will fit
. Pieces of wood of certain sizes can be used, as well. A plus is that the pencil can be reused afterwards. Shave the sides of the pencil down to size.
How do you remove a hex screw without a hex screwdriver?
By adding a couple of nuts to the threaded end and locking them tightly together, you can place the head of the bolt into the head of the hex bolt and then use a
spanner
on the nut or grips on the threads to turn the bolt which in turn will spin the hex bolt.
How do you use an Allen wrench faster?
To speed up the furniture assembly process, cut off the short L-leg of the wrench with a grinder or
Dremel tool
, then chuck the remaining long leg into a cordless drill. 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.
Can I put an Allen wrench in a drill?
Turn those lonely allen wrenches into an entirely new tool by cutting off the branch of the “L” shape and creating a straight hex driver that can
fit into the chuck of any power drill
, just like a normal drill bit.
What is another name for Allen wrench?
A hex key
(also, Allen key and Allen wrench) is a simple driver for screws that have heads with internal hexagonal recesses (sockets).
How many sides does a hex wrench 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.
What is the difference between hex and Torx?
However, Torx keys have a
six-
pointed star-like shape, instead of the six flat sides of a hex key. Unlike hex keys, which usually have a hexagonal cross-section along their entire length, Torx keys frequently have a circular cross-section, with the Torx shape only appearing at the ends of the tool.
