It’s called a “hex socket key” (hex short for “hexagonal”). The hex key, or at least its means of manufacture, was devised by the Allen Manufacturing Company of Hartford, Connecticut, and
patented in 1910
. It was produced as the companion piece to the company’s hexagonal socket screws.
Why do they call it 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”
.
Who is the Allen wrench named after?
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
.
Is it called an Allen key or Allen wrench?
Hex keys are
also known as Allen wrenches
. In the early 1900s, the Connecticut-based Allen Manufacturing Company launched its own branded hex key, naming it the “Allen wrench.” Today, hex keys are often referred to as Allen wrenches.
Are Torx and Allen keys the same?
There is a difference between an Allen Key and a Torx Key
. The hexagonal cross section is found in Allen keys, while the star- or asterisk-shaped cross section is found in Torx keys.
Who made Allen keys?
In 1909–1910,
William G. Allen
too patented a method of cold-forming screw heads around a hexagonal die (U.S. Patent 960,244).
What is the difference between Allen and hex?
Are hex and Allen keys the same thing? Although there’s always some potential for confusion wherever two different terms are used for the same item, in this case it’s pretty straightforward – to all practical intents and purposes, hex keys/wrenches
and Allen keys are indeed essentially the same thing
.
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.
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.
Why does the ball end hex key?
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.
Why does a ball end hex?
When you buy a hex key (Allen wrench) set, get them with ball ends. The advantage is that
their ball end make it easier to slide the wrench into the receiving slot
. You can reach in at an angle and feel your way to the needed drop-in position faster. Good for blind or inaccessible places.
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.
Can I use an Allen wrench instead of a Torx?
Torx to Allen Key Conversions
We actually
don’t recommend using your torx wrenches
in place of a hex key or Allen wrench. … With that being said, torx size, T9, won’t doesn’t really work with any of the SAE hex sizes. However, it’s actually a perfect match for metric size, 2.5 mm.
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.
How do you unscrew a Torx screw without a Torx screwdriver?
- Use a plastic toothbrush. Similar to its use on both Phillips and flat head screws, a plastic toothbrush can also be used to remove a Torx screw.
- Use a small flat head screwdriver.
- Break out the pin for security Torx screws.
How many types of Allen keys are there?
14 Different Types
of Allen Wrenches.
