No, Alan did not invent the Allen key. The Allen key was actually invented in 1910 by the Allen Manufacturing Company of Hartford, Connecticut, founded by Joseph D. Allen and his brother, William T. Allen.
It was originally called the “Allen Safety Set Screw” and was designed to be used with a wrench to allow for easier access to certain screws on machines. It is now more commonly known as an Allen key or hex key, due to its six-sided, hexagonal shape.
Who invented the hex wrench?
The invention of the hex wrench is often credited to Swedish engineer Erik Arfwedson in the early 1700s. After observing an ash tree that naturally had a perfect six-sided shape in its internal structure, Arfwedson realized he could use this shape as a tool to fasten and loosen objects.
He created a wooden version of what is now known as a hex wrench, and it quickly caught on in popularity among woodworkers, cabinet makers, and other craftsmen in Sweden. Since then, numerous versions of the hex wrench have been developed, with many electricians and mechanics using them today to securely hold and quickly install nuts and bolts.
Why are Allen keys hexagonal?
Allen keys, also known as hex keys or hexagon screws, come in a variety of sizes, but all of them are hexagonal in shape. This design is intentionally chosen for its versatility and simple strength. Hexagonal keys are particularly significant when it comes to installing furniture because the hexagonal shape allows the installer to have greater control over the tightening process, leading to better torque, while the edges of the hexagon support better contact with the head of the screw.
The hexagonal shape is also more efficient at transferring force, which is why it’s often used in applications requiring precise adjustments. The size and shape also make them ideal for fitting into narrow and awkward spaces, making DIY jobs much easier.
Hex keys are also easier to insert and remove from the fastener than their flat counterparts. As such, their hexagonal design helps prevent strain and excessive force from being applied when installing and removing a fastener.
In short, the hexagonal shape of Allen keys makes them the ideal tool for countless jobs which would otherwise be difficult or time-consuming.
When was Allen key invented?
Allen key was invented by William G. Allen in the early 1900s. He was inspired to create the tool after noting the difficulty in using standard wrenches on fasteners of different sizes. His invention revolutionized fastener use and made it easier to assemble furniture, fixtures, and machines.
The original Allen Key, consisting of a hexagonal or six-sided steel rod with chamfered ends, was patented in 1943. After gaining popularity among carpenters, mechanics, engineers, and manufacturers, the original design was further developed and made more complex to accommodate a variety of different types of fasteners.
The popularity of the Allen key soon spread far beyond its original market, becoming a standard tool in most households. Today, Allen key is a generic term that refers to any tool with a hex-shaped head, a perfect example of how a simple invention has evolved into a household name.
Why is an Allen key so called?
An Allen key (or “Allen wrench” or “hex key”) is so called because it was invented by the Allen Manufacturing Company in 1943 as an alternative to traditional screws and levers. The name itself is a reference to brothers William and Charles Allen, who founded the company.
Allen keys are unique in their design because they feature a hexagonal ends that allow you to increase or decrease the tension on a bolt or a screw, making them incredibly useful for a variety of assembly and disassembly projects.
Originally intended for use with the company’s own line of tools, Allen keys have since become a staple of toolboxes everywhere and are used by professionals and DIYers alike as a reliable and secure way to tighten or loosen bolts and screws.
What is the difference between a hex key and an Allen key?
Hex keys and Allen keys both refer to a type of screwdriver used for driving and loosening hexagonal headed screws or bolts. The difference lies mainly in their sizes, as hex keys are generally larger and more robust than Allen keys.
Hex keys are typically L-shaped and have a blade shape that is either a straight line or a ball-end variety. The straight line variety is better for reaching the screw head when space is limited, while the ball-end variety is easier to fit into tight spaces or when an angled approach to the head is required.
Hex keys come in a variety of sizes and typically come as part of a set.
Allen keys, on the other hand, are much smaller, more delicate tools designed specifically for driving and loosening hexagonal headed screws and bolts. They are usually formed as a short T-shaped handle and usually have a short blade with a curved, hexagonal-shaped head.
Allen keys come in a variety of sizes, but they are usually quite small and are usually only available as individual pieces. They are typically seen on the smaller screws used in furniture and delicate electronics, although they can be used on all sizes of hexagons screws.
How many types of Allen keys are there?
There are three main types of Allen keys: Hex keys (also known as Allen wrenches), Torx keys (also known as star keys), and Spline keys (also known as spiral keys). Hex keys are the most common type and have a hexagonal shape with a hollow center.
Torx keys have a six-pointed star shape instead of the hexagonal shape, and Spline keys have a spiral-shaped end and a square hole in the center. Additionally, there are also multiple sizes of each type of key to fit different sized screws.
The size is determined by the width of the key’s end, which ranges from 0.05 inch to 1 inch and is usually marked on the key itself.
What can I use instead of an Allen key?
There are a variety of tools that can be used as an alternative to an Allen key, such as screwdrivers, wrenches, pliers, socket wrenches, hex keys, or even a adjustable wrench. Screwdrivers are great for removing or replacing screws and can be used in tight spaces.
Wrenches are great at turning and loosening nuts and bolts. Pliers can also be used to hold or twist small objects and fasteners. Socket wrenches and hex keys are great for tightening or loosening nuts and bolts.
Finally, adjustable wrenches are great for work in tight spaces and are highly adjustable to fit a range of nut and bolt sizes.
What is the biggest Allen key size?
The biggest Allen key size is usually referred to as a “tamper-proof” Allen key and is commonly used in electronic and electrical applications. It is made up of metric sizes, with M12 × 1.5 being the largest Allen key commonly used.
The tamper-proof Allen key typically features a pin in the middle of the head of the bolt, which helps to prevent the bolt from being tampered with or loosened. As the size of the Allen key increases, so does the strength of the bolt as well as its ability to resist tampering.
What is an Allen wrench used for?
An Allen wrench, also known as a hex key or hexagon key, is a type of wrench used to help unscrew or tighten bolts and screws, typically with a hexagonal shape at one end. It’s used for many different tasks, from assembling furniture to adjusting bike brakes.
In furniture assembly, the Allen wrench is often used to secure bolts and other pieces together. The hexagonal shape of the Allen wrench helps to ensure that the screws are secured firmly and tightly into place.
For bike repair and maintenance, Allen wrenches are used to adjust and tighten derailleurs, brakes, and other parts. The hexagonal shape of the wrench makes it easy to get a secure fit, ensuring that each piece is snug and secured properly.
In any job where tight and secure fits are necessary, an Allen wrench may come in handy. With its hexagonal shape and wide range of sizes, it’s often the go-to tool for many home repair and maintenance tasks.
Why is it called Allen wrench?
The Allen wrench gets its name from the company that first developed the product. The Allen Manufacturing Company, founded in Hartford, Connecticut in 1910, created a unique hexagonal wrench that would fit socket head screws.
The tool became so popular that it was quickly known simply as the “Allen wrench”, even though other companies had similar products. The original company eventually changed its name to the Allen-Bradley Company and introduced its own line of wrenches.
While other companies’ products have since become popular, the term “Allen wrench” is still used generically to refer to this type of wrench. It remains the preferred choice among many professional tradespeople because of its precise fit and its ability to work in tight spaces.
What are the two types of Allen wrenches?
The two types of Allen wrenches are hex keys and ball-end hex keys. Hex keys are the most common type and are used for a variety of applications. They have a uniform, 6-sided shape and come in a range of sizes to fit the specific requirements of the project.
Ball-end hex keys are designed for working on hard-to-reach screws, such as those in awkward angles. They feature a ball-shaped end that allows for up to a 25-degree tilt off the screw head when loosening or tightening.
This makes them perfect for working in confined spaces.
Can you use a drill for Allen wrench?
No, a drill cannot be used for an Allen wrench. An Allen wrench (also known as a hex key, hex wrench, or Allen key), is a small, L-shaped tool specifically designed to drive screws with a hexagonal socket in the head.
A drill, on the other hand, is a power tool used for drilling holes in a variety of materials, and does not have the capability to hold and drive an Allen wrench. To use an Allen wrench, you must have a wrench specifically designed for it.
Is a hex screw same as Allen?
No, a hex screw is not the same as an Allen screw. An Allen screw also known as a hex screw, has a hexagonal head and requires a hexagonal wrench or Allen key to drive it. It is used primarily in applications where the head of the screw cannot be seen once it is installed, because the hexagonal shape is easier to fit into tight spaces.
A hex screw on the other hand, has a hexagonal shaped head and requires a hex driver to drive it. It is mainly used when the head of the screw can be seen once it is installed and it is also used to provide strength and durability to the fastening.
Is hex and Allen the same?
No, Hex and Allen are not the same. Hex is a hexadecimal number system, which is a base 16 numbering system generally used in computer programming and digital electronics. Hex numbers contain a combination of sixteen symbols that range from 0 to 9 and A to F, and each hex digit is four binary bits longs.
On the other hand, Allen is a surname derived from many different sources. While it may have originally been derived from a given name, it is now most commonly used as a surname around the world.
Is it alum key or Allen key?
The correct answer is Allen key. An Allen key, or Allen wrench, is a tool used to drive hex-headed bolts and screws. It was developed by Peter L. Allen of Hartford, Connecticut in 1943. The Allen key is usually a silver-colored hexagonal steel rod with a small ball or flat tip at one end.
It is designed to fit into the recessed hexagonal socket of certain bolts and screws. The Allen key is commonly used for assembling furniture, for the installation and repair of bicycles, motors, and other machinery, and in many other situations.
