What Is Hex Key?
A hex key (also known as an Allen key Allen wrench) is a simple driver for screws or bolts with hexagonal clearance, unlike the more commonly seen Phillips or Flathead versions.
Hex keys are made of a single hexagonal rod of solid steel with a blunt end that fits perfectly into screw coils of the same size The rod bends 90º to form two incredibly long “L” shaped handles.
The tool is usually grasped and twisted by the long arm, producing a considerable force at the end of the short arm; It can also be held with your little hand to reach chains in inaccessible places and quickly turn chains with the torque-charged
Hex keys are characterized by socket size and are manufactured to tight tolerances. Therefore, it is usually sold in containers of different sizes. Key length generally increases with size, but not proportionally.
In this design, the smaller end plugs into the extended handle, which can have several keys of different sizes that can be folded into the handle when not in use.
Different Types Of Hex Key
1-L-Style Allen Wrenches.
2-T-Handle.
3-P-Handle.
4-Folding Hex Key.
5-Ratcheting Drivers.
6-Torque Wrench.
7-Allen Screwdriver.
8-Ball Hex Sets.
9-Key Ring Sets.
1- L-Style Allen Wrenches:
This is a standard Allen key and is easily found anywhere. The L-shape allows it to reach tight surfaces and gives it control when needed. If you only want one set, this would be the perfect choice. There are many options on the market, although 1.5-10mm can be used.
2- T-Handle:
This is a popular tool, widely used in motorsports. Thanks to the T-handle, you can turn the key easily, giving you enough leverage in normal use. The Beta 951 keys can be slid into position to create an L-shaped tool. These are quickly gaining popularity among bicycle mechanics.
3- P-Handle:
Such Allen keys can be found in many professional offices. These are oversized L-wrenches with a strong grip that offers the same advantages as a T-handle.
4- Folding Hex Key:
These are generally popular with cyclists and motorcyclists. Unlike other Allen keys, it is nearly impossible to lose a folding Hex key, as the handle is sealed and typically folded at 90 degrees from the storage handle for maximum strength.
5- Ratcheting Drivers:
Ratcheting Hex drivers provide better speed compared to traditional Allen wrenches. These tools are more dynamic, as they can be used with screw bits and even sockets. They are of various kinds. The bits of the Ratcheting Hex Drivers can be used in an electric drill driver. This is popular with people who work with rotor bolts.
6- Torque Wrench:
A torque wrench is an essential part of any workshop, especially when working with delicate materials. But there is no substitute for the Hex key.
7- Allen Screwdriver:
This will be very easy when low torque and tight clearance are the main things you are working on. This is good for adjusting levers and some disc brake levers. The typical size in the market is 1.5-5mm.
8- Ball Hex Sets:
These wrench sets are different from other hex sets on the market. They have ball-shaped heads at hard edges, where the L-shaped key doesn’t quite reach them.
9- Key Ring Sets:
These are primary L-formed Hex or Toque keys mounted on a key ring with a spring maintaining clip. These keysets are very affordable and can be installed in a home or car for convenience. To use the long arm, you have to twist and pull the key out of the holder. Instead, the key must be pushed and twisted.
Features Of Hex Keys
Some of the features of the hex key are:
- The instrument is simple, compact and lightweight.
- Screws or screw connections are protected from external damage.
- There are six points between the bolt and the driver.
- Only a limited number of bolt heads can be installed.
- The tool can use headless and penetrating screws.
- The screw can be held in place by the key when inserted into its hole.
- The torque applied to the screw restricts the length and diameter of the key.
- The device is inexpensive to manufacture, so it can be integrated with products that require end-user assembly.
- Either end of the tool can be used to take advantage of the range or torque.
- The tube can be reconstructed by grinding damaged ends.
5 Uses For Allen Keys
Here are 5 uses for Hex keys that will change the way you build, decorate and manage workstations.
1-Bicycle repair:
These are the basic tools used to adjust and resize bikes. The variety of sizes allows them to be used in a variety of applications, and their compact size makes them easy to carry. If you are a regular rider, you can opt for a foldable hex key.
2-Decorative items:
Allen screws are important fixtures for securing furniture in place. It allows you to assemble furniture without adding too much unnecessary furniture. Their compact design is characteristically characteristic and sturdy when packed. Since pieces of furniture can have tight spots and need to share your hands, you can use some long Hex keys.
3-Cars and motorcycles:
You will need an Allen Keyset to properly configure your vehicle. Allen wrenches are helpful when accessing areas under the seats, as are areas under the dash such as the rear of the glove compartment. A T-handle hex wrench is recommended for repairing cars and motorcycles.
4-Equipment:
Among other uses, Allen wrenches can help repair and maintain heavy equipment and machinery. Drill bits rely on keeping the bit tight. Similarly, all power saws need an Allen wrench to make blade changes or minor adjustments. Allen wrenches with short handles are commonly used for these tasks.
5-Electronic devices:
Allen wrenches are gaining popularity among people involved in electronics repair and maintenance. As the size of electronic devices gets smaller, Allen keys are being used to support the size. This chain holds computers and large television screens together. You can buy a torque wrench for this. They are staples in every electrician’s toolbox.
How To Remove The Inner Loose Allen Bolt?
The thin sunken bolt with Allen’s head on it was torn, the hex wrench had no grip, and the pliers couldn’t grip the sinking bolt. It was a greasy bolt so it would have been very hard to pry.
To remove Allen safe bolts with per-sinking cut
Cut a notch in the screw head. Insert a screwdriver into the slot and hammer it counterclockwise to loosen the bolt. Utilize the driver to loosen the bolt.
Use the same procedure for Phillips or crosshead screws.
Use a spinning/cutting wheel, not a saw blade. Apply the rotating cutting wheel gently, do not force it or it will break. If this is a hardened steel or stainless steel joint (which is more durable), it is best to use a pressed cutting wheel. Use a Twilight Mask to keep Twilight from breathing off the disc!
How About A Round Allen Key Bolt?
The problem is usually caused by rounding the hex head with an Allen wrench. It always seems like the keys just aren’t tight enough. If you don’t know how to deal with this, a small task can turn into a huge headache! Here are some tips to prevent the problem in the first place and how to deal with it if it happens.
Prevention:
Here is a list of things to do to prevent the hex head bolts from going round
- Always clean the hex head hole properly. Repair damage with a pick or small screwdriver.
- The key must fit firmly under the bolt head. Do not use expired keys
- Try to beat the bolt head with a hammer and punch before attempting to remove it
- This shock treatment helps to slightly soften the grip of the bolt head
- Do not use the key with gentle rotation. This can actually increase the chances of a head injury.
- Instead, use a quick twist or flick of the key to loosen the bolt
Cure:
If it still happens, here are some ways to remove the bolts
- If the damaged bolt is outside, try locking it in with two vise grips to loosen the head.
- Use a sharp needle and hammer as a substitute. Take a cut end of the head and hammer the head counterclockwise.
- Use torx or small stars. This has become my favorite method. You may need to grind or turn the edge to tighten it. Check out the notes below:
- If all else fails, the bolt head will need to be drilled. If space is tight, rent an orthogonal drill.
- Motor mount bolts (especially 116, 123, and 126 chassis) – You can’t mount the head on some of these as they are up in the hole in the subframe If you can’t get a star socket or oversized hex out you have to drill head the and proper replacement motor mount An arm must be required.
- I always have a set of Torx bits in my toolbox with hex head bolt problems. You should look for a Torx bit that is slightly larger than the size of the bolt head. You can then hammer the bit into the bolt head for a super tight fit.
- This may require changing the Torx bit on the grinder. You can grind the sides a bit or, as in the picture below, grind the tip to fit the bit tighter on the damaged bolt head. This is a real job.
Related FAQ’s
How would you evaluate a hex key?
Answer: A triangle is measured in cross-flat (AF), which is the distance between two parallel (parallel) sides of the triangle.
Why are they called “hex keys”?
Answer: These devices are basically hexagonal L-shaped keys. Used to touch holes with an inner square. In Greek, “hex” means “six”. Hence the name.
What is the purpose of a hex key?
Answer: Commonly referred to as an Allen wrench/wrench in the UK and various other countries, a hex wrench is a very simple hand tool of the common spanner and socket family, used to tighten and loosen hexagonal bolts and fasteners other corresponding.
Why are they called “Allen Wrenches”?
Answer: In the early 20th century, William G. Allen patented a cool drawing technique for hex socket set screws. Turning the keys to this chain would make Allen famous. “Allen” is a registered trademark, but keys from other manufacturers are also sometimes referred to as Allen keys.
What are the two hex keys?
Answer: However, there are two main types of hex keys, namely short-handled and long-handled hex keys..
Is a hex key a screwdriver?
Answer: Hex wrenches, also known as Allen wrenches, are small L-shaped tools with square ends that fit perfectly in a hexagonal socket, while screwdrivers come in various shapes and sizes, they are used to create slots,; The Phillips head, among other special inventions, is a screwdriver.
What is the difference between short and long hex keys?
Answer: The longer hex keys increase strength and torque, making them ideal for energy-intensive applications. On the other hand, a short-handled hex wrench is useful in tight spaces where a longer tool might not work.
