An Allen key head is also commonly referred to as a hex key or hex-head screw. It is a six-sided key used to drive screws and bolts that have a hexagonal socket. Allen keys are typically made of steel, depending on the strength required.
Some Allen keys have a ball-end, which allows the key to access screws at an angle, typically up to 25 degrees. They are available in different lengths and sizes, and are used to drive screws with a head that has an Allen socket.
Is hex bolt same as Allen key?
No, hex bolts and Allen keys are not the same. Hex bolts, or hex cap screws, are a type of threaded fastener with a hexagonal head that requires a wrench or socket for installation. They are used in a variety of applications and available in a variety of material types, grades and sizes.
On the other hand, an Allen key (or hex key) is a multi-sided tool used to tighten and loosen screws that have an internal hexagonal recess in the head, such as a hex bolt. It is essentially a hexagonal-shaped wrench with a long handle for leverage.
As a result, hex bolts and Allen keys serve different purposes and work together to create a strong connection through the use of threaded fasteners.
Is Allen key torx?
No, an Allen key (also known as a hex key) and a Torx key are actually two different types of tools. An Allen key is a hexagonal wrench with a “L” or “T” shaped end that is used to drive an included fastener.
A Torx key is a Star-shaped wrench that is used to drive a Torx-head screw or bolt. Torx keys also come in varying sizes and lengths, and can be identified by their “star” shape and the size etchings on the surface.
While Allen keys and Torx keys both have the same goal of tightening or loosening a fastener, they serve very different purposes and are not interchangeable.
Are hex and Allen the same thing?
No, hex and Allen are not the same thing. Hex is a six-sided shape, while Allen is a type of screwdriver and fastener. Hex screws and fasteners are designed to be driven with an Allen wrench, which fits tightly into the hexagonal head of the screw or fastener.
They are commonly used to assemble furniture and other products, as well as to secure items in place. Hex screws are available in many different sizes and lengths, so it is important to make sure that you are using the correct size and length for the particular application.
Why are hex keys called Allen keys?
Hex keys, also known as Allen keys, were named after the Allen Manufacturing Company, who first created and patented the hexagon-shaped, L-shaped wrench in 1943. The hex key is designed to allow the user to quickly and easily drive bolts and screws that have a hexagonal head, as the wrench tool fits snugly over the head of the fastener.
The hex key is particularly helpful when fastening in tight or hard-to-reach spots. The Allen Manufacturing Company is still in business today, producing tools with the same hexagonal head shape and L-shaped handle.
Which screws are better allen screw or hexagon head?
It really depends on the application for which you are using the screws. Allen screws are cap screws with a hexagonal socket in the head, allowing them to be driven with a hexagonal screwdriver or a hex key.
Hexagon head screws are also cap screws, but they have a six-sided hexagonal head which allows them to be driven with a standard wrench. Both of these screws are quite strong and reliable, so it really depends on the specific application or project for which you need the screws and which type will be easier and more practical for you to use.
For example, if there is limited space available, the Allen screw may be the best choice to use because the hexagonal socket will fit into the small space. If there is more space then the hexagon head may be the best choice because the large head can be easily gripped with a wrench.
What are the different types of Allen keys?
Allen keys (also known as hex keys or hex wrenches) come in a variety of sizes and styles, including straight-shank, t-handle, folding and L-keys. Straight-shank Allen keys are simple L-shaped keys with a single arm and the hex-head on the end.
They are the most common type and are used for light duty tasks. T-handle Allen keys have the same L-shape body, but the arms of the key have been bent perpendicular to each other giving the key a T-shaped handle.
These are used for tasks that require a higher level of torque. Folding Allen keys are designed so that the arms of the key fold back into the handle when not in use, making them very compact and convenient to have around.
Finally, L-keys have a 90-degree bend at the end of the arm and come in a range of sizes, allowing them to access hard-to-reach areas. These are useful for working with small fasteners or in tight spaces.
What does a hex wrench look like?
A hex wrench, also known as an allen wrench, hex key, or allen key, is a tool used to drive screws and bolts that have a hexagonal socket in the head. It consists of a small, metal rod with one or more sides flattened or indented, resembling the shape of a hexagon.
At one end, the hex wrench has a male hexagonal head that inserts into the female hex-shaped opening, allowing the user to turn the wrench and fasten the bolt or nut. The opposite end varies in size and shape, usually with a finger grip for ease of use.
Hex wrenches are usually made from heat-treated alloy steel, but may also be produced from brass, aluminum, or plastic. They come in a range of sizes, from as small as 3mm up to 10mm, most commonly in sets of wrenches in different sizes.
What are hex sockets used for?
Hex sockets are used in many applications where a tool needs to grip a hexagon-shaped object. They are one of the most common types of sockets due to the variety of sizes and lengths available. Hex sockets can be used to tighten or loosen fasteners such as nuts, bolts, and screws.
They can also be used to hold tools such as ratchets, wrenches, and drivers, allowing for better grip on the fastener. Hex sockets are beneficial as they provide more acceptability than other shapes, and can grip the hexagon shape so they don’t slip while being tightened or loosened.
Hex sockets come in a variety of styles, such as deep hex sockets, impact hex sockets, and self-locking hex sockets. Deep hex sockets are designed to reach into difficult-to-reach areas, while impact hex sockets are designed to maximize torque and reduce wear.
Self-locking hex sockets are designed to stay securely on the fastener. Hex sockets are often used in automotive repair and maintenance, construction, and engineering industries.
How do I unscrew a threaded Allen key bolt?
Unscrewing a threaded Allen key bolt is generally a straightforward process, but there are a few key things to keep in mind.
First, ensure that you have the right equipment. You’ll need an Allen key that is the right size for the bolt, a ratchet wrench, and a breaker bar (or a socket wrench).
Next, use some penetrating oil to help loosen the rusted bolt. Leave the oil to work overnight if necessary.
Once it’s ready, put the Allen key and the ratchet wrench together and fit them onto the bolt, making sure the Allen key is tightly secured and the ratchet is placed firmly over one of the flats of the bolt.
Push the ratchet handle counter-clockwise. As the bolt begins to turn, support the movement of the wrench handle with the breaker bar or socket wrench. This will help prevent the wrench from slipping or snapping.
With some patience and the proper tools, you should be able to unscrew the threaded Allen key bolt.
How do you remove stubborn Allen bolts?
Removing stubborn Allen bolts can be tricky, but it is possible. Here are a few steps you can take to help loosen them up:
1. Apply penetrating oil or lubricant to the head of the bolt a few hours before attempting to unscrew it. This will help to loosen up the metal and make the process easier.
2. Use a ratchet and the correct-sized Allen head wrench for your bolt. Make sure the bit is in good condition and fits the head of the bolt snugly.
3. Apply force by placing your hand over the wrench, and twist counter-clockwise.
4. If the bolt is still stuck, use a penetrating oil or lubricant again and let it sit, then repeat the process.
5. As a last resort, use a pair of vice grips or a pipe wrench to get extra leverage on the bolt. If the bolt is still not coming loose you may need to replace it.
How do you remove Allen key bolts without an Allen key?
Depending on the size and type of Allen key bolt. One option is to use two flat-head screwdrivers. Insert one screwdriver in the front of the bolt and hold it in place while inserting another screwdriver in the back.
Then, turn either of the screwdrivers in a clockwise direction to loosen the bolt.
Another option is to use pliers. Wrapping some electrical tape around the end of the pliers can help grip the Allen key bolt and make it easier to loosen. Place the pliers in the hexagonal hole in the Allen key bolt and turn in a counter-clockwise direction to loosen the bolt.
Using the right screwdriver bit can also help remove the Allen key bolt. Find a bit that fits in the head of the bolt and select either a manual or power drill. Using a manual drill, turn the bit in a counter-clockwise direction and the bolt should be loosened.
If using a power drill, make sure to use a low speed and keep a firm grip on the drill.
Finally, the bolt can be cut off with a hacksaw or grinding wheel. With the hacksaw, carefully cut around the edges of the bolts until it loosens. With the grinding wheel, make sure to use an appropriate protective shield and gently grind away the edges of the bolt.
What is the difference between an Allen wrench and a hex key?
An Allen wrench and a hex key are similar tools used for tightening and loosening the fasteners that use the star-shaped hexagonal shape on the screws. The difference lies in the shape of the tool itself: an Allen wrench is formed like a L-shape, while a hex key is formed like a T-shape.
Additionally, an Allen wrench is also sometimes referred to as a hex key, hex driver, or even a socket key.
The key advantage of the T-shape hex key is that it’s easier to hold and turn than the L-shape of an Allen wrench. The L-shape of the Allen wrench can sometimes be difficult to keep secure while you’re turning it, and so the hex key might be the tool of choice if you’re working in a confined area, or when time and ease of use are essential.
On the other hand, an Allen wrench offers an overall better grip and is better suited for larger fasteners that a T-shape hex key might struggle with due to its weaker handle.
In general, both an Allen wrench and a hex key are effective tools for dealing with hexagonal screws, and the decision for which one to use will depend on your individual needs.
What are hex bolts?
Hex bolts, sometimes referred to as hex cap screws, are a type of bolt with a hexagonal head and machine threads. The most common sizes for hex bolts are between 1/4 to 3/4 inch, but can range up to several inches in diameter.
They are used for fastening and tightening applications in a wide variety of materials, from wood to metal. Hex bolts are differentiated from other types of bolts by their six-sided, hexagonal head, which allow for different types of wrench or socket to fit on the head for ease of installation.
They are also often made from stainless steel, corrosion-resistant materials, or plated in zinc or other finishes to provide additional protection against rust. Hex bolts are most commonly used in automotive, industrial and construction settings, but can also be useful in the home and garden for projects requiring the added strength and security of a bolt.
What tool do you use for hex head screws?
The tool commonly used to tighten and loosen hex head screws is a hex key, also known as an Allen key or Allen wrench. It is a simple tool that has a hexagonal end and fits into the hexagonal-shaped head of the screw, allowing you to turn it in either direction and apply torque.
Hex keys come in various sizes to fit all common hex screws, and are easy to find at most hardware stores. Using a hex key is an easy and efficient way to tighten and loosen hex head screws on a variety of objects.
How do you get a stripped Allen screw out of a faucet handle?
Getting a stripped Allen screw out of a faucet handle can be a tricky task, depending on the severity of the stripping and the type of material the Allen screw is made from. If the Allen screw is made of a softer metal, such as aluminum or brass, you can use some pliers to try to grab the edges and turn it with enough force to loosen it up.
If the head of the Allen screw is too badly stripped, or the material is a harder metal like steel, then the pliers will not be able to provide enough gripping to loosen or remove it. In this case, you can try rapidly tapping on the head of the Allen screw with a small hammer and a punch made from a harder material (like steel), and then use pliers to try to remove it.
If this still does not work, then you may need to use an extractor bit made for removing stripped Allen screws and head screws. To attach the extractor bit, use a drill to drive the bit into the head of the Allen screw and then turn the extractor bit in a counterclockwise motion until it loosens and can be removed.