Is an Allen wrench and a hex wrench the same?

Allen wrenches, which are also called hex-key wrenches or hex keys, have a hexagonal cross section to fit various machine screws and set screws that have hexagonal-shaped recessed holes.

What are the two types of Allen wrenches?

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 can I use instead of a hex wrench?

Sometimes you can use small types of flat headed screwdrivers as an allen wrench by putting the end in the socket so that the 2 edges of the screwdriver work as leverage in the hole to turn it. A wider socket on the bolt or nut, use a wider flathead screwdriver.

What tool do you use to remove a hex screw?

Using a high-speed rotary cutter (or hacksaw) create a slot across the head of the hex bolt and remove with a flathead screwdriver. Obviously, this damages the bolt, but it is a useful technique, particularly when the bolt will be discarded or has become stripped.

Is a Torx the same as an Allen wrench?

T10 converts perfection over to a 7/64″ hex size. However, it joins the pack of torx wrenches without a metric hex size. Jumping up to T15, it’s basically the same size as 1/8″ hex….Breaking Down Each Torx to Hex Conversion.

Why is an Allen wrench called an Allen wrench?

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 do allen wrenches look like?

hexagon
The Allen wrench itself is a small L-shaped wrench with six sides. If you look at a cross-section of the Allen wrench, it looks like a hexagon. Since the Allen wrench has such a specific shape, it can only be used with items especially designed for it.

Why are hex wrenches called Allen wrenches?

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”.

How do you unscrew an allen screw without an Allen wrench?

How to Remove Allen Head Screws Without an Allen Head Screwdriver

1. Try to find a standard screwdriver that fits snugly between two of the points of the screw. It should fit with no wiggle room.
2. Get your hacksaw. Put a small toothed blade on the saw.
3. Use a standard screwdriver that fits the groove you just made snugly.

How do you remove a hex screw without a hex screwdriver?

Try a plastic toothbrush. Take a plastic toothbrush and lightly melt the end using a lighter or other source of heat. Once the plastic is soft you can insert it in the head of the screw and allow the plastic to harden once more. Once it is hard try to turn the screw counterclockwise to unscrew it.

What size is an allen wrench?

Allen wrench sizes. Allen wrenches come in a myriad of sizes, but in the industrial world where they are used, there are some standardized types. Virtually any inch-based standard set of Allen wrenches will contain the following sizes: 1/8 inch, 3/32 inch, 7/64 inch, 5/32 inch, 3/16 inch, 1/4 inch and 7/32 inch.

What is hex Allen key?

A hex key, Allen key or Allen wrench is a tool used to drive bolts and screws with hexagonal sockets in their heads. 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.

What is an allen key?

The Allen key is an everyday tool that goes by many names. Commonly known as a hex key, Allen wrench, zeta key, or hex head, it is a six-sided tool used as a driver for screws, bolts, and other fasteners designed to fit the tool.

What is a hex wrench?

Hex wrenches, also known as hex keys or Allen wrenches, are used to fasten bolts and screws with a hexagonal socket. These are handy tools and often come in sets with a range of sizes.