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.
How to use an allen wrench properly?
Even decent Allen wrench sets are inexpensive compared to other tools. Read on to learn more. Try to find a standard screwdriver that fits snugly between two of the points of the screw. It should fit with no wiggle room. If it's a perfect fit, you can often turn the Allen head screw with that. Don't force it if it isn't an exact match.
Do you need to buy all wrenches in sets?
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. And since metric-size hex screws are more common than ever, be sure to buy two sets of Allen wrenches, one SAE and one metric.
Can I use an allen wrench to disassemble a desk?
Doing a solid assembly of a desk or shelf isn’t likely with a substitute; however, disassembling something can be a breeze. Pick a cheap Allen wrench set on Amazon. Look at the size and shape of your Allen wrench, or hex key, screws or bolts. Are they deep, wide sockets, or are they shallow and wide?
What else can I use if I don't have a allen wrench?
Wrenches Similar to Allen WrenchesHex Wrench of Hex Key Wrench. What is this? ... Torx Key. A Torx key is used to tighten and undo fasteners, including bolts and scre. ... Torque Wrench. ... Things Around the House. ... In Your Kitchen. ... Screwdrivers. ... Nuts and Bolts. ... Open Ended Wrench or Combination Wrench.More items...
How do you get an allen screw out without an Allen wrench?
How to Remove Allen Head Screws Without an Allen Head ScrewdriverTry to find a standard screwdriver that fits snugly between two of the points of the screw. It should fit with no wiggle room. ... Get your hacksaw. Put a small toothed blade on the saw. ... Use a standard screwdriver that fits the groove you just made snugly.
Can you use a drill instead of an Allen key?
Converting an Allen wrench into a drill When putting together boxed furniture, you can convert an Allen wrench into a drill bit. You require an Allen wrench, a pair of pliers, and bolt cutters.
How do I remove a small Allen screw?
0:000:46REMOVING a stripped or rounded allen screw (fast and easy technique)YouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThere we go now it's starting to move if it starts to get stuck just keep moving it back and forthMoreThere we go now it's starting to move if it starts to get stuck just keep moving it back and forth put a little oil on it. Now once you do get it out you can replace it with a new one.
How do I know my Allen key size?
Measure the Hex Key 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.
How do you make an Allen wrench?
One way to make an improvised allen wrench is to take a plastic ballpoint pen and remove the ink cartridge and writing tip. Then you can take a lighter and gently heat the end of the pen tube with a lighter, being careful not to burn it and soften the plastic.
Are hex bits and Allen keys the same?
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.
How do you use a small Allen wrench?
When you need to use the Allen wrench, stick the short end of the L shape into the bolt head and press down on the longer side of the L to turn the bolt. Of course, the Allen wrench will only fit in a hex bolt (a bolt with six sides), so don't try using the Allen wrench to screw in any other type of fastener.
What to use for Allen wrench nut?
2. Screwdrivers.
Is there an Allen wrench in 2021?
Caleb Mayo. on Apr 14, 2021. It is frustrating when you go to take something apart, or put it together, and it requires an Allen wrench, but there is not one to be found . There are several ways to get around this with a little bit of ingenuity and patience.
Can you use a flathead screwdriver as a hex wrench?
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.
Can you use a plier to remove an Allen wrench?
Some Allen wrench screws are actually bolts and have a nut on the reverse side. In this case you can use pliers to remove the nut and it will come free. If you do not have access to a pair of pliers then you can use two butter knives as leverage and place them tightly on either side of the nut.
What is a wrench used for?
Used to loosen or tighten nuts, bolts, pipes and pipes fittings they prove their usefulness many times over.
How to loosen a nut with a coin?
Take two large coins (2 pence coins work perfectly for this) and place them on either side of the nut. Grip the coins between the knuckles of your index and middle fingers for extra grip and twist in the direction needed to loosen the nut.
How to use duck tape to loosen bolts?
Duct tape is useful in almost any situation but you may be surprised to learn that you can use it to loosen bolts. First tear off a section roughly 12 inches in length, after this tear it down the middle so you are left with two 12 inch strips.
Can you make a spanner with two nuts and two bolts?
Another nut and bolt. If you don’t have any of the previously mentioned objects but have plenty of nuts and bolts lying around, you can still create a makeshift spanner with two nuts and two bolts.
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.
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.
Can hex keys damage sockets?
While Allen wrenches and hex keys seem durable enough, they can cause damage if you use the wrong size on a socket screw head. 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.
What is an Allen Wrench?
I remember the first time someone asked me to get them an Allen wrench out of the toolbox. It was my dad and it took me a long time to find a wrench. When I handed it to him, he said that was not an Allen wrench, went to the toolbox himself, and fetched one out.
What is Allen Wrenches Used For?
The reason that I could not take my day bed apart with a regular screwdriver or a drill is due to the fact that it is put together with what is known as hex screws. A hex screw is used quite often when fascinating together metal like my day bed frame is made of, wood and even plastic.
How to Measure an Allen Wrench
To know which wrench size you need for the job you are doing, you will need to know the hex size of the hex screw that is used for the object you are attempting to put together or take apart since the Allen wrench size will depend upon it.
FAQs About How to Measure an Allen Wrench
An Allen wrench, also known as an Allen key or hex key, is used to turn screws and bolts that have hexagonal sockets.
What is an Allen wrench?
But don’t be fooled by its humble appearance, the Allen wrench is an effective hand tool that can produce an incredible amount of torque. In fact, no toolkit is complete without a set of Allen wrenches. Allen wrenches, which are also called hex-key wrenches or hex keys, have a hexagonal cross section to fit various machine screws ...
What is a folding Allen wrench?
Folding Allen wrenches come in a convenient, compact housing that’s similar to a pocketknife. The individual wrenches fold out and the housing acts as a handle for increased torque. However, because the wrenches are permanently attached, you’re limited in some tight-space situations.
How many points of contact does an Allen wrench have?
Most importantly Allen wrenches have six driving points of contact, so they’re easier to use and much less likely to strip or slip (known as cam out) than Phillips or slotted screwdrivers. Most DIY furniture kits come with an Allen wrench that fits the included hex screws.
What is a hex fastener?
On motorcycles, hex fasteners allow an engine cover to be mounted flush to the engine case without protruding bolt heads. Most motors and machines, including anything with belts and pulleys, have tiny setscrews that only accept Allen wrenches.
Can you buy Allen wrenches individually?
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. 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. And since metric-size hex screws are more common ...
Do Allen wrenches come with a split ring?
Fortunately, Allen wrenches come in several different styles to suit most users’ needs. Some wrenches come attached to a metal split ring, which keeps all the wrenches linked together, but makes it awkward to use an individual wrench in tight spaces, unless you first detach the wrench from the ring. Folding Allen wrenches come in ...
What is an Allen wrench head?
The head is made with a six sided hole in the center. The Allen wrench fits down into it. Allen head wrenches usually come in sets, many times they're attached to a ring to make it easy to keep track of them. Even decent Allen wrench sets are inexpensive compared to other tools. Read on to learn more.
How to make Allen head screw?
Step 1. Try to find a standard screwdriver that fits snugly between two of the points of the screw. It should fit with no wi ggle room. If it's a perfect fit, you can often turn the Allen head screw with that. Don't force it if it isn't an exact match. Just try the next step.