Is an Allen wrench a hex key?
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Asked by: Pam Brown
A hex key (also, Allen key and Allen wrench) is a simple driver for bolts or screws that have heads with internal hexagonal recesses (sockets).
What is the difference between an Allen wrench and a hex key?
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.
Is an Allen wrench a hex head?
The terms “hex wrench” and “Allen wrench” refer to the same tool: an L-shaped hexagonal device designed to fit and drive bolts and screws that have a hexagonal socket in their heads.
What can I use instead of a hex key?
Socket Wrench or Ratchet Wrench
If you have one that will fit in the hex screw hole or hexagonal socket you are working with, a socket wrench may come in handy in place of an Allen wrench.
Is an Allen wrench a screwdriver?
Allen keys work like most other screwdrivers and wrenches but with a few nuances. You can use them by placing one of the ends inside a fastener with a hexagonal socket head and turning it. Turning the Allen key clockwise will tighten the fastener, whereas turning it counterclockwise will loosen or remove the fastener.
What are hex keys for?
A hex key, also known as an Allen key is a simple tool used to drive bolts and screws with hexagonal sockets in their heads. From standard keys in chrome vanadium steel to extra-long with ballpoint heads in chrome molybdenum steel, there are a wide variety to choose from.
Why is it called an Allen key?
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”.
What are the different types of Allen keys?
Different Types of Hex Keys
- L-Style Allen Wrenches. This is the standard Allen key and is easily found anywhere. …
- T-Handle. This is a popular tool, mostly used in motorsport applications. …
- P-Handle. …
- Folding Hex Key. …
- Ratcheting Drivers. …
- Torque Wrench. …
- Allen Screwdriver. …
- Ball Hex Sets.
What is hex screw?
Hex bolts, or hex cap screws, are large bolts with a six-sided head (hexagonal!) used to fasten wood to wood, or metal to wood.
What is the other name of Allen screwdriver wrench?
hex key
A hex key (also, Allen key and Allen wrench) is a simple driver for bolts or screws that have heads with internal hexagonal recesses (sockets).
Is Hex same as Torx?
No, they are two very different tools. The Allen wrench or hex key, as it is sometimes called, is a hexagon shape, that is why many refer to them as hex keys. The Torx key has a star shape. So if you are trying to use an Allen wrench on a Torx screw, it won’t work, and vise versa.
Can I use an Allen wrench instead of a Torx?
The size designations don’t match up, but if you loose your Allen wrenches, Torx wrenches can be used instead.
Can I use Allen key instead of Torx?
Originally Answered: What can you use instead of a Torx screwdriver? Sometimes an allen key will work, or even a flat blade screwdriver if it will jam between opposite points in the recess. Either way, be ready to replace the screw and/or the tool used because of damage. Your best bet is just to get a Torx key.
What are Torx hex keys?
Torx keys are also commonly known as star keys. Like hexagon allen keys, most torx keys are small enough to be carried in a pocket and enable the user to drive the appropriate fasteners without needing a separate screwdriver or power tool.
Is hex or torx better?
In order for a hex head to work and not strip out it requires quite a bit more depth for the head, the torx requires about 30 to 50% less depth. So they are well suited to applications that require a thinner bolt head to prevent clearance issues. This is the primary reason they are used as rotor bolts.
What is a torx bolt?
Torx is the trademark for a type of screw head, developed by Camcar Textron in 1967. It’s characterised by a distinct, 6-point star-shaped pattern and is often called a ‘star screw’ that requires a ‘star screwdriver’ with a ‘star bit’ to tighten and untighten them.
