At AboutMechanics, we're committed to delivering accurate, trustworthy information. Our expert-authored content is rigorously fact-checked and sourced from credible authorities. Discover how we uphold the highest standards in providing you with reliable knowledge.
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. The name "Allen wrench" came from the Allen Company, a Hartford, Connecticut based manufacturer who produced the tool. Since then, the tool has gone by many names as numerous manufacturers have produced variations of the wrench.
This tool comes in several different shapes and sizes, but the most typical shape is an L-shape. This allows the user to take advantage of the wrench’s reach — while using the longer arm of the L-shape — or its torque capabilities while using the shorter arm of the L-shape. Some Allen keys come with a ball end on the longer arm of the L-shape to further aid in reach and allowing the wrench to be used at odd angles. The ball end, however, should not be used for torque purposes, as it can easily slip and damage the fastener as well as the tool itself.
Sizes of Allen keys are measured from one flat side to the other as opposed to corner-to-corner. They come in an array of sizes in both metric and standard and are available in extremely small sizes other drivers are not capable of accommodating. One of the advantages of the Allen key is its contact points: six sides in contact with the bolt or screw ensure plenty of surface area to turn the screw effectively.
An Allen key’s versatility becomes apparent when considering the many types of screws and bolts it can accommodate: it works well with recessed screw heads or headless screws as well as high-profile screw heads. Recessed heads and headless screws are protected from external damage and contact, thereby making an Allen key a good choice for exposed screws.
Because these tools are relatively inexpensive to produce, they are becoming more and more common in toolboxes. They are also commonly found included with products that require minor assembly by the consumer and may come in specialty sizes as a result. Bicycles, exercise equipment, furniture, and some home electronics commonly come with these tools included. More and more Allen keys are included in drill bit sets as well, and individual bits are available at most hardware stores.
AS FEATURED ON:
AS FEATURED ON:
-
![Allen key set.]()
Allen key set. -
![These ball-end Allen keys allow the screw and wrench to be out of alignment during tightening/loosening.]()
These ball-end Allen keys allow the screw and wrench to be out of alignment during tightening/loosening. -
![Socket-head cap screw - one type of screw that relies on Allen keys for tightening/loosening.]()
Socket-head cap screw - one type of screw that relies on Allen keys for tightening/loosening.
Discussion Comments
I bought an Anglepoise lamp about six years ago, but the tightening with Allen keys didn't seem to stay tight enough. Anyway, the base broke so I had to ditch the lamp, but was lucky enough to get another for a song at a jumble sale.
It was a model 90, superseded in 2004, but the traditional nuts and bolts tightening stays the way it is wanted. Redesigning doesn't always produce the best results! -- Ron O (England)
How are allen keys different than the screwdrivers with detachable heads of the same shape? I have a screwdriver set with many heads and some are shaped in stars and hexagons, circles, octagons, etc. Is this the same?
I find Allen keys to be difficult to use. Sometimes the Allen screw is just in the wrong place and your hand just can't fit where it's supposed to screw in. Of course, with the way that Allen wrenches are designed, it's supposed to make a screw more accessible than with a regular screwdriver, so I can see that point.
@plaid - I hope that you bought a crib from a reputable company. We also had a crib for one of our older children that had Allen screws, but seemed a little flimsy after it was all put together. A few months later there was a recall on it because of that fact - so it wasn't just me. You might want to research that aspect of your crib before you decide to use it long-term.
Most Allen Keys come in sets that feature a variety of sizes; this is the same aspect used with a normal wrench set, however, it is much, much cheaper (as the article states). You can find Allen screws used a lot in crib manufacturing these days, which I think doesn't really strengthen a crib. The crib we bought for our child had Allen screws and they just didn't seem to hold the structure together well at all.
Post your comments