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”.
Why is the Allen key called an Allen key?
The “Allen screw” name for the socket head cap screw and “Allen key” for the wrench originate from the products of the Allen Manufacturing Company of Hartford, Connecticut. According to Bates, it is widely reported that the company trademarked the name “Allen wrench or key” for its range of hex wrenches in 1943.
What is the real name for an Allen key?
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.
Why was the Allen key invented?
It was produced as the companion piece to the company’s hexagonal socket screws. Making a screw whose head contained a socket was really a brilliant idea, offering an alternative to the protruding square head screws which required the use of a wrench with a square hole in it to tighten them.
Is there a difference between hex and Allen?
Allen wrenches, and hex keys are the same thing. “Allen” is simply a brand name.
Is an Allen key a hex key?
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.
Who invented Allen key?
William G. Allen
In 1909–1910, William G. Allen too patented a method of cold-forming screw heads around a hexagonal die (U.S. Patent 960,244).
What do you call a bolt with an Allen key head?
Socket Head Cap Screws, which are also known as Allen head screws are stock items at Lightning Bolt in many materials sizes. These screws come with a hexagonal cross-section socket in the head and require an Allen wrench or hex key to drive them into material and secure them into a structure.
What are Allen key bolts called?
socket screws
Allen key bolts, aka socket screws, come in many shapes and sizes. Popular types include socket head cap screws, socket button screws and socket set screws (grub screws).
How are Allen wrenches sized?
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 do you use Allen keys?
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 can I use instead of Allen key?
Wrenches Similar to Allen Wrenches
- Hex Wrench of Hex Key Wrench.
- Torx Key.
- Torque Wrench.
- Things Around the House.
- In Your Kitchen.
- Screwdrivers.
- Nuts and Bolts.
- Open Ended Wrench or Combination Wrench.
What is the largest Allen key size?
Allen Keys – Imperial
| Hex size | Length long arm | Length short arm |
|---|---|---|
| 9/64 inch | 132 mm | 23 mm |
| 5/32 inch | 140 mm | 25 mm |
| 3/16 inch | 160 mm | 25 mm |
| 7/32 inch | 180 mm | 27 mm |
How many types of Allen keys are there?
14 Different Types of Allen Wrenches.
Is an Allen wrench a screwdriver?
How Allen Keys Work. 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.
What is the smallest Allen key available?
Sizes contained in the set are 0.71mm , 0.89mm (the two smallest hex keys in this set are metric) – then 1.27mm (0.05″), 1/16″; (1.59mm), 5/64″ (1.98mm), 3/32″ (2.38mm) and 7/64″ (2.79mm).
Are Allen keys metric or imperial?
imperial. Allen keys are sold in sets, with a variety of sizes designed to fit different sockets. You can buy metric or imperial wrenches, depending on what kind of screws or bolts you’re working with. Most sets offer sizes ranging from 1-10 millimetres.
Are all Allen wrenches the same size?
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.
