They
are usually made of hardened steel hexagonal bars with blunt ends that fit into
screw sockets of the same size. These hexagonal bars are bent at 90º, forming
two sides of unequal length, like the letter "L" of the alphabet.
The
tool is held by its long handle and rotated, creating a greater torque at the
tip of the short handle. Allen wrenches are designed to fit the socket size and
are manufactured to very tight tolerances. These tools are commonly used to
fasten hex-type screws into wood, metal, and even plastic.
Types
of Allen Wrenches
Types of Allen Wrench are as follows
1.
L-style Allen wrench
2.
T-handle Allen wrench
3.
P-handle Allen wrench
4.
Folding hex
5.
Ratcheting hex
6.
Torque wrench
7.
Allen screwdriver
8.
Ball hex
9.
Adjustable Allen wrench
10.
Combination Allen wrench
11.
Open-end Allen wrench
12.
Socket Allen wrench
13.
Crowfoot Allen wrench
These
are standard-type Allen wrenches, readily available online or at a local
hardware store. This Allen wrench is shaped like an L, so it can reach tight
spaces and provide control when needed.
If
you are looking for a set, this would be a great choice. Although there are
many options available in the market, here the 1.5-10mm L size Allen wrench is
perfect for all needs.
2. T-handle Allen Wrench
The
T-Handle Allen Wrench gives you an instant way to turn the wrench, which
greatly facilitates general use. T-handle wrenches are the most popular among
bike mechanics and are widely used in the motorsport industry.
3. P-handle Allen Wrench
The
P-Handle Allen Wrench is a modified version of the L-style Allen Wrench with a
comfortable grip on the twist giving it the same advantages as the T-Handle.
These types of Allen wrenches are very commonly seen in professional workshops.
4. Folding Hex
Folding
hacks have small arm keys that fold into a storage handle. This folding hex
storage handle can be made of metal or plastic as needed. Folding keys are
typically used by folding at 90 degrees from the storage handle to apply
maximum torque.
However,
this gives you a significant advantage in that folding keys will fold through
180 degrees or more, allowing you to access hard-to-reach fasteners or replace
fasteners more quickly. Will they are growing in popularity among motorcyclists
and cyclists?
5. Ratcheting Hex
Ratcheting
hex counterparts offer superior movement and are available with either a
folding handle design or a T-handle. They will often come with screwdriver
bits. Bits are held onto the handle by means of a magnetic bit holder, which
houses the entire Mechanism.
Reaching
hex wrench bits are useful in electric drill drivers. Therefore, this makes it
perfect for rotor bolt handlers.
6. Torque Wrench
This
type of Allen wrench is used to apply a specified torque to a fastener such as
a nut, bolt, or lug screw. It is similar to a socket wrench with a special
internal mechanism. These are used where the rigidity of screws and bolts is
important.
It
is an essential tool for any workshop, especially when working with sensitive
components. However, this torque wrench is not a replacement for the hex
counterparts.
7. Allen Screwdriver
These types of Allen wrenches are used
when your project involves tight clearance and low torque. They look just like
a screwdriver, except they have a hex or Torx-shaped profile on the tip.
Spinner
handles typically have a hexagonal cross-sectional shape that runs the entire
length of the Allen wrench. An Allen screwdriver set is perfect for adjusting
disc brakes and other types of levers. The most common sizes of Allen
screwdrivers you'll find are 1.5mm to 5mm.
8. Ball Hex
A
ball hex is a simple tool used to turn bolts and screws with hexagonal socket
heads. These consist of ball-molded heads with hard edges. The ball end of the
Allen wrench makes it easy to slide the key into the receiving slot.
It
allows the user to reach up to a 30-degree angle so you can get to the position
you need. It's great for getting into tight spaces that are beyond the reach of
L-shaped counterparts.
9. Adjustable Allen Wrench
Adjustable Allen wrenches have a
movable jaw to adjust the size of the wrench and a fixed point of the jaw at
the top of the wrench. This is a handy tool also known as a network wrench.
These Allen wrenches are available in 200mm, 300mm, and 250mm sizes.
These tools are perfect for loosening
or tightening angled nuts or screws. In addition, it is used in applications
such as plumbing, electrical, self-assembly furniture, and car repair. If you
want to get an adjustable Allen wrench, you will need to choose according to
the size of the wrench.
Combination
Allen Wrench is designed with double ends with a box end on one side and an
open end on the other. A box-end Allen wrench is available with a locking ring
for different diameters depending on the size.
They
are often called multi-purpose tools because the open end of an Allen wrench is
used to loosen and tighten bolts and nuts in tight spaces, while the box end
provides a firm grip around them. These are mostly found in bicycle repair
applications.
These
are types of Allen wrenches, designed to be used as an advantageous tool for
tight project areas that are usually difficult for thicker or larger wrenches.
Typically,
they are made with different-sized holes to fit the required nuts or bolts.
This Allen wrench has a U-shaped opening at each end that provides a firm grip
for objects.
These
types of Allen wrenches consist of a hollow cylinder that is firmly attached to
the end of the handle and is fitted with a bolt to loosen or tighten. A socket
wrench is considered a useful tool for use in objects of various sizes.
As
they can provide unmatched performance and speed, they are useful from multiple
angles. They are often called shaft wrenches.
Croft
Allen wrench tools are similar to box-end or open-end wrenches, the only
difference being that the tool does not have a handle and has an opening in the
back of the wrench face.
These
types of Allen wrenches can fit into the side of a bolt or nut, just like
you've probably seen in their socket counterparts. They are ideal for tight
spaces and useful in various fittings such as valve adjustments, clutch or
brake, power steering, and some abs modulators.
Common
Sizes of Allen Wrench
Allen
wrenches are sized on an inch or metric basis.
Standard
Size Allen Wrench: Allen wrenches are considered the standard in the industry
based on inches. It will have a wide range of sizes in all types of sets.
European
Size Allen Wrench: Metric sizes are used as the standard in Europe. This
includes the typical size of an Allen wrench in mm.
|
Sr.# |
Inch-based Sizes |
Metric Sizes |
|
1 |
1/8 inch |
2.5 mm |
|
2 |
3/32 inch |
3 mm |
|
3 |
7/64 inch |
4 mm |
|
4 |
5/32 inch |
5 mm |
|
5 |
3/16 inch |
6 mm |
|
6 |
1/4 inch |
8 mm |
|
7 |
7/32 inch |
10 mm |
Advantages
of Allen Wrench
·
Allen wrenches are
easier to manufacture and more economical.
·
The lever arch
mechanism of an Allen wrench can provide a much tighter torque.
·
The key does not
run the risk of slipping, so as not to damage the surfaces around the screws.
·
Allen keys prevent
accidental separation of fasteners.
·
Because they are
used with hexagonal fasteners, they will hold fasteners better than
screwdrivers and wrenches.
·
They have a strong
grip action that prevents the fasteners from snapping during installation or
removal.
Disadvantages
of Allen Wrench
· When most of the
force is applied to the edges at shallow depths, this will cause wear on the
Allen wrench.
· If you are using
your Allen wrench regularly, the tip of the Allen wrench may break. To avoid
this, pay attention to the condition of the tips.
Closing
It Up
As
I said above, an Allen wrench is a small tool used to turn bolts. The design is
user-friendly and the price is also important when you consider what you are
buying. Allen Wrench also offers a lifetime guarantee, making it even better
value for money.