How do I know what size Allen Wrench I Need?
Ways to Find the Hex Key Size
- Stay Organized. When you buy a hex key set, it usually comes in a packet or container that has each size neatly labeled for you.
- Check Out the Tool Itself. Most hex keys come with the size imprinted on the side, which can be extremely helpful. ...
- Use a Hex Key Size Chart. There are nifty little charts available online to help, as well. ...
- Measure the Hex Key. ...
What size is an allen wrench?
This is a handy tool also known as a network wrench. These Allen wrenches are available in sizes of 200mm, 300mm, and 250mm. These tools are perfect for loosening or tightening angled nuts or screws.
What are the sizes of Allen wrenches?
Types, Sizes, Uses [Pictures & PDF]
- Types of Allen Wrenches. Read Also: The List of 30 Different Types of Pliers: How To Use Them? ...
- Common Sizes of Allen Wrench. The sizes of Allen wrenches are considered based on an inch or metrics. ...
- Advantages of Allen Wrench. Allen wrenches are easier to manufacture and are more economical. ...
- Disadvantages of Allen Wrench. ...
- Closing It Up. ...
What size Allen wrenches?
Allen wrenches are often quite small, and come in several standard sizes as determined by the SAE International, including 5/32-inch, 3/32-inch, 7/16-inch, 3/16-inch, 1/18-inch and ¼-inch sizes. Which size is best for a particular job? Keep reading this handy user’s guide to common Allen wrench sizes to find out.
How do I know the size of my Allen wrench?
Measure the Hex Key As long as you know how to measure a hex key, you can always determine the size you have. Hex keys measurements are done across-flats or AF. This simply means that they are measured from one flat side of the head to the one directly across from it.
What size is a 1/4 inch Allen wrench?
7 mmSAE Substitutes for MMImperial Hex KeyMetric Hex Size7/32″5.5 mm & 6 mm1/4″7 mm5/16 “8 mm3/8″10 mm6 more rows•Nov 23, 2018
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 Allen wrench size?
The common SAE Allen wrench sizes range from 1/16" to 3/8" in diameter. Of the sizes in this range, the most popular ones are 1/8″, 3/32″, 7/64″, 5/32″, 3/16″, 1/4″, & 7/32″.
What size Allen wrench is between 1 8 and 3 32?
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″.
Are all Allen wrenches metric?
Allen wrenches come in both SAE fractional-inch sizes and in metric sizes. The wrenches can be bought individually, but it's always best to buy them in sets, which are more economical and include all the most popular sizes.
How do you read bolt sizes?
0:212:23How to Measure Screws & Bolts - US & Metric Sizing | Fasteners 101YouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo when you read a bolt that says quarter 20 by 2 that means quarter inch diameter 20 TPI that'sMoreSo when you read a bolt that says quarter 20 by 2 that means quarter inch diameter 20 TPI that's threads per inch which would be here.
What is an m5 Allen wrench?
Used to loosen or tighten fasteners with a hexagonal socket in the head. Black Steel Alloy.
How do you read metric bolt sizes?
Metric Bolt SizesThe letter 'M' indicates that this bolt uses a metric thread.The number '8' refers to the nominal diameter of the bolt shaft in millimeters.The number 1.0 is the thread pitch of the bolt, which is the distance between threads, in millimeters.And the final figure, 20, is the length in millimeters.
How can you tell the difference between a metric and standard Allen wrench?
The standard wrench uses the imperial system, and its units are in inches and incorporate fractions. On the other hand, the metric wrench uses the international system of units, and the measurements are in millimeters. Also, the numbers are whole, making interpretation an effortless process.
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.
Are Allen keys metric or imperial?
Imperial vs metric hex keys Note, too, that hex keys and Allen wrenches are often sold in both metric and imperial (or SAE) versions, depending on the brand, supplier and origin/purchase location.
Allen Wrench Sizes
The long handle ball screwdriver is a versatile tool that features a long handle. The head of the screwdriver comes in several common sizes to easily allow you to screw in place an Allen head screw. The long handle allows you to easily reach into a tight space and help give you added torque that may be needed for stubborn screws.
SAE to MM Conversions
Building supplies can come from anywhere in the world, and it is not uncommon to see a mix of standard and metric bolt sizes. It follows that you must easily switch between the two units of measurement to ensure that you always have the right tool for the job.
Torx to MM to SAE Conversions
The Torx screw head is becoming more common because it is a durable and long-lasting screw design. The head of a Torx screw almost looks like a tiny star. While this type of screw is becoming more popular, many people have yet to purchase specific Torx socket sets or Torx wrenches. Luckily, it is easy to use a hex socket to work with a Torx screw.
Hex Key Conversions
While using an Allen wrench is certainly practical, many people choose to use a socket attachment to help make short work of hex bolts. A hexagonal socket is a perfect way to screw bolts into place quickly.
FAQs
Allen wrenches are commonly used in several applications ranging from assembling furniture to keeping your decking boards firmly in place. With so many Allen wrench options and hex key options, it can be downright overwhelming.
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.
When was the Allen wrench invented?
The Allen wrench dates back to the mid 1900s. It became the standard name for what had previously been called a hex key. The Allen Manufacturing Company created a set of quality hexagonal wrenches and produced them at a rapid pace.
What is the Allen key size chart?
Most manufacturers will publish an Allen key size chart. An Allen key size chart often comes with furniture you need to build on your own, such as baby cribs, outdoor swings or computer desks. Hold on to it or post it somewhere in the garage where you can hold up the key or socket screw head to the physical picture.
Do Allen wrenches come with divots?
Unfortunately, screws with divots don't come with the size of Allen wrench they require stamped conveniently on the topside or side of the screw. This makes finding the correct-fitting Allen wrench a bit of a challenge. If you truly aren't sure, you will have to make a good guess.
What size Allen wrench is used for SAE?
Similar to the metric hex keys, the SAE hex wrenches don’t always have a perfect substitute as seen for SAE size 3/16″. Thus, we recommend that those with only a metric Allen wrench set add a separate SAE hex key set to their stable.
What size wrench to use for SAE hex?
In the United States, larger metric half sizes like 6.5 mm aren’t standard in most hex key sets. However, the 1/4″ SAE hex wrench will likely work in place of a 6.5 mm wrench.
Where was the Allen safety set screw made?
Published advertisements for the "Allen safety set screw" by the Allen Manufacturing Company of Hartford, Connecticut, exist from 1910. Although it is unlikely that Allen was the first person to think of a hex socket drive, his patent for a manufacturing method and his realized product appear to be the first.
Where did the name Allen come from?
The " Allen " name is a registered trademark, originated by the Allen Manufacturing Company of Hartford, Connecticut circa 1910, and currently owned by Apex Tool Group, LLC. The standard generic name used in catalogues and published books and journals is "hex key".
When was the hex socket invented?
The scant documentation available indicates that the idea of a hex socket screw drive was probably conceived as early as the 1860s to the 1890s, but that such screws were probably not manufactured until around 1910.
Can you use hex on metric fasteners?
Because hex-style hardware and tools are available in both metric and Imperial and customary sizes (the latter sometimes labelled " SAE "), it is also possible to select a tool that is too small for the fastener by using an Imperial/customary tool on a metric fastener, or the converse.
Does the length of a key increase with the size of the socket?
Usually the length of the key increases with the size of the socket, but not necessarily in direct proportion. Variants of the tool have the short end inserted in a transverse handle, which may contain multiple keys that can be folded into the handle when not in use.
Did Hallowell mention Allen safety screw?
This account from Hallowell does not mention the Allen patent of 1910, nor the Allen safety set screw product line. Hallowell does describe, however, the same inspiration also mentioned in connection with Allen for a wave of adoption of the hex socket head, beginning with set screws and followed by cap screws.