- Measure Shank. The first measurement that you will need to take is the overall length of the shaft of the bolt.
- Measure Unthreaded Area. Most hex bolts have an area that does not have threads.
- Measure Bolt Diameter.
- Count Threads.
- Make Note of Grade.
How do I know what size bolts I Need?
Your best bet is to buy a complete set of nut and bolt thread checkers, which come in individual pieces for each size (as well as male and female options), making them ideal for figuring out the bolt size needed on big machinery with not a lot of room to work with.
How do I know what size Allen Wrench I Need?
Hex wrench sizes are determined by the diameter of the screw. This is what you'll need to pay special attention to when choosing an Allen wrench. How Do I Know What Size Allen Wrench I Need? The Allen wrench dates back to the mid 1900s. It became the standard name for what had previously been called a hex key.
How do I know what size Allen key I Need?
Allen Key Size Chart. Most Allen wrenches have the size stamped clearly on the side of the tiny, angled tool. The inch or millimeter size may have rubbed off with use or may be entirely too small to read. In this case, an Allen wrench or hex key chart can make finding the right size for your socket head much easier.
How to strip a hex bolt with an allen wrench?
The smaller size of Allen wrench can easily strip a hex bolt or be stripped down itself. Before placing the hex key into the bolt, make sure the head is clean of dirt and debris.
How are Allen bolts measured?
Fastener length is measured from where the material surface is assumed to be, to the end of the fastener. For fasteners where the head usually sits above the surface, the measurement is from directly under the head to the end of the fastener.
What is the standard size Allen wrench?
Common SAE Hex Key Sizes Adding to our precision sizes, the common SAE Allen wrench sizes are 1/16″, 5/64″, 3/32″, 7/64″, 1/8″, 9/64″, 5/32″, 3/16″, 7/32″, 1/4″, 5/16 “, & 3/8″.
What size is a 4mm Allen key?
MM Substitutes for SAEMetric Hex KeyImperial Hex Size2.5 mm7/643 mm1/83.5 mm9/644 mm5/326 more rows•Nov 23, 2018
How many sizes are in an Allen key?
Allen Keys - ImperialHex sizeLength long armLength short arm1/8 inch126 mm20 mm9/64 inch132 mm23 mm5/32 inch140 mm25 mm3/16 inch160 mm25 mm9 more rows
Are Allen and hex the same?
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 size is M8 Allen key?
5mmMetric Allen Key TableSocket Shoulder ScrewKey Size8 (M6)4mm10 (M8)5mm12 (M10)6mm16 (M12)8mm3 more rows
How do you measure hex screw size?
They are measured from the top of the head to the tip. Hex and hex washer head screws and bolts, although flat on the top and the bottom, are measured from the bottom of the head. Oval head screws are an exception to the rule. The starting point for their length is at the widest point of the head.
What can I use if I don't have the right size Allen wrench?
A good example for smaller allen wrench nuts, you could likely use a set of flat-tipped tweezers, or even the flat edge on a pair of finger nail clippers. There are numbers of bathroom items that can be used in such cases, and again it is about being able to turn or spin this screw, nut or bolt to get it loose.
What size allen key fits an M6 bolt?
Allen Key M5 fits M6 Bolts/Screws. Allen Key M5 fits M6 Bolts/Screws. Allen Key (Also known as Hex Key, Hexagon Key, Socket Key, LN Key), sizes and its dimensions can be very handy while designing and selecting fasteners for your application.
What is hex size?
Hex nut size refers to its nominal thread diameter. Typically, sizes range from 1/4" to about 2 1/2". Size is specified in inches, usually fractional rather than decimal. Table 1 lists width across flats and across corners, and thickness.
How Do I Know My Allen Key Size?
The Allen wrench comes from the mid-1900s and has become the standard for what we know as a hex key. The Allen Manufacturing Company is a registered trademark and created a set of quality hexagonal wrenches, which are standard and metric sizes, where Allen key sizes in mm are common.
Which Size Do I Use
Allen screws are not pre-stamped on the top or side of the screw with the Allen wrench size needed and can add to the difficulty of locating the correct Allen wrench.
What Size is a 4mm Allen Key?
Here you can find the best SAE Allen wrench for a given metric size. Metric to SAE hex wrenches don’t always have a perfect opposite, so you’ll need a separate metric hex key set, which is recommended as more hardware is produced internationally.
What is the Most Common Allen Key Size?
In standard measurements, the most common Allen wrench sizes and bolts for common tasks are 5/32-inch, 3/16-inch, and ¼-inch sizes.
Metric Sizes or Standard Sizes?
Using your Allen wrenches can dictate if the sizes are standard or in Metric. The right size, for instance, could be a metric if you have a foreign car.
Types of Allen Wrenches
Allen wrenches or Allen keys are available in different styles. The most common is the L-shaped hex key, yet you have variations incorporating different handle designs, different materials, or special features.
How many millimeters are in a small Allen wrench?
10.0 millimeters. 12.7 millimeters (1/2 inch) The smaller-sized allen wrenches need more maintenance than the larger ones. You can more easily strip the head on a small allen wrench if you're not careful.
Do you need an Allen wrench for assembly?
Since allen wrenches are small and fairly cheap, you'll probably find that one has been included with any at-home assembly furniture. However, allen wrenches can be useful on other ways around the house, especially if you do a bit more than just put together the odd bookcase or two. In that case, you'll want a range of allen wrenches ...
What is an Allen key?
Allen™ wrenches or Allen™ keys are generally available in several different styles or types. The most common Allen™ wrench type is the one mentioned earlier – the L-shaped hex key – but there are other variations that incorporate different handle designs, utilize different materials, or add special features. A summary of the most common Allen™ ...
What material is used for Allen keys?
Material options – Alloy steel is a common material used for Allen™ keys, but stainless steel is also available as a material choice. In addition, there are different finish options available, the most common being black oxide but chrome options exist as well.
What is a hexagonal socket head screw?
Fasteners come in a wide variety of types, sizes, and materials. Among the most useful fasteners are ones that are equipped with a hexagonal-shaped recess in the head of the fastener. These types of fasteners are known as hexagonal socket head screws or Allen™ screws, a nod to the man who patented the idea of a fastener ...
What is ball end Allen key?
Some ball-end Allen™ keys feature a ball at one end of the driver and a shorter driver that extends off the handle with a standard hex head. Others can use a ball at both ends of the tool or only have a single driver with a handle.
Why use a longer handle?
The longer portion can be used as the handle to supply greater torque but also requires more clearance to swing in an arc. When the shorter end is used as a handle, there is greater maneuverability but a decrease in supplied torque. Typically made of alloy steel and available in two different lengths – short and long.
Can you use a wrench with a high torque socket?
Generally, these types of wrenches are not recommended for use in high torque applications as the engagement with the fastener when using the ball end is reduced. Applying excessive torque can strip the hex surfaces of the socket or snap the ball off the wrench. Lengths are also available as long and short.
Is Allen key lighter?
This makes it easier to loosen or tighten these fasteners and can make it less likely to strip or damage a fastener while loosening or tightening. Size and weight – Allen™ keys tend to be smaller and lighter than the equivalent tools used to apply other fastener types, making them easier to carry.
Check Out the Hardware Store
Most (if not all) hardware stores have sizing plates that you can test your fasteners on, with both male and female options, as well as imperial and metric.
Buy Your Own Sizing Plates & Thread Checkers
If you plan on using them a lot, it might be worth it to invest in some sizing plates and thread checkers for yourself, some of which you can use on that engine as discussed above.
Print Out Size Charts for Free
The poor man’s version of sizing plates and thread checkers are size charts that you can print out at home. The Bolt Depot has some excellent charts that you can print off for both imperial and metric fasteners, as well as nuts and washers.
