A security Allen key is a type of wrench used for tightening and loosening screws and threaded fasteners. It is often used in situations where it is important to prevent unauthorized access or tampering.
Unlike regular Allen keys, which are generally smaller and more basic, a security Allen key typically has a longer shaft and a specialized security head. The security head typically has two parts – a male end, which fits into the recess of the fastener, and a female end which is used to drive the tool.
The female end has indentations arranged in a specific pattern which corresponds to the head on the fastener; when the two parts are properly aligned, it is impossible to remove the fastener with regular Allen keys, as the hex recesses do not match.
This ensures that only a security Allen key can be used to remove the fastener – a perfect solution for locking down sensitive hardware, such as computer servers and other critical systems.
What is the difference between an Allen key and an Allen wrench?
An Allen key and an Allen wrench are both tools used to drive and remove fasteners with hexagonal (or Allen) sockets. However, there is a difference between the two. Allen keys are L-shaped tools and usually have a short handle and multiple interchangeable tips, making them suitable for tight spaces.
By contrast, Allen wrenches are T-shaped tools, generally have a longer handle than Allen keys and have only one tip. Both Allen keys and Allen wrenches are versatile tools that can be used for a wide variety of tasks but Allen keys are typically better suited for tight spaces and are better for tasks that require a lot of torque, while an Allen wrench is better for jobs that require more precision.
What are the different types of Allen keys?
Allen keys, sometimes referred to as “hex keys” or “hex-head keys,” are L-shaped hexagonal hand tools used to drive screws and bolts that have a hexagonal hole, or “hex head. ” Allen keys come in a variety of sizes and can be made from different materials such as steel, brass and nylon.
When identifying the different types of Allen keys, it is necessary to distinguish between imperial and metric measurements. Imperial Allen keys are measured in fractions of an inch, while metric Allen keys are measured in millimeters.
The two main types of Allen keys are standard hex-head and Tamper-Proof. Standard hex-head Allen keys come in a wide variety of lengths and sizes and can be used for any standard fastener. Tamper-proof Allen keys have either a “Pin-in-Hex” design or a “Torq-Set” design and are often used in security applications, where access must be restricted.
The three most common sizes of Allen keys are short arm, long arm and T-handle. Short-arm Allen keys are the most basic and are used for hard-to-reach screws when a tight fit is needed. Long-arm Allen keys, also known as “Extended,” are typically the longest type and are often used for lower torque applications.
T-handles are the most robust type, providing more torque and greater control when tightening or loosening screws.
Finally, offset Allen keys are L-shaped tools with one end having a softer, more flexible shaft that facilitates access to screws and bolts in tight spaces. These are often used in automotive applications, where an Allen key must properly fit and align with the screw or bolt in order to tighten it properly.
Is a hex key the same as an Allen key?
Yes, a hex key and an Allen key are essentially the same thing. A hex key, hex wrench, or Allen wrench is a small hand tool used to drive bolts and screws with a hexagonal socket in the head (a hexagon-shaped hole).
The tool typically has a shaft that is somewhat bent, allowing an operator to reach screw heads in confined spaces. Hex keys are commonly used in the assembly of bicycles, furniture, and certain toys, as well as in other general repair and maintenance tasks.
Because the Allen wrench is of a uniform length and diameter, it is easier to manufacture than a combination wrench, and the sizes of the tools are easily identified. Hex keys are often sold in multi-packs that contain several sizes of the same-size tool.
These sets usually range in size from 1.5 mm to 10 mm.
Are Allen wrench and hex key the same?
No, Allen wrench and hex key are not the same. An Allen wrench, also known as a hex key, is a tool used to drive screws and bolts that have a hexagonal socket in the head. The Allen wrench is shaped like a little L and is made of a hard metal.
It is used when you need to loosen or tighten a hexagonal screw head. On the other hand, a hex key is a similarly shaped tool made of a flexible, plastic material. It is used the same way as an Allen wrench, but is much more flexible and can be used in tighter spaces.
Additionally, hex keys come in a variety of different sizes, while Allen wrenches typically come in one standard size.
How do I know my Allen key size?
In order to know your Allen key size, you will first need to use a metric ruler to measure the size of the Allen key end. Usually, the Allen keys have a size printed on the shank or on the head of the Allen key itself.
This will tell you what size Allen key it is. If there is no size printed on the Allen key, you can measure the width of the Allen key end with a metric ruler.
The size of the Allen key end will typically be represented in millimeters, but you could also find it in inches. If the measurement is in millimeters, you can use a conversion chart to convert the size measurement to inches.
Once you have determined the size of the Allen key, you can then go to a local hardware store to purchase the correct size Allen key for your application.
How many Allen key sizes are there?
Also known as hex keys or hex-head cap screws, available in the market. The exact number of sizes depends on the type of Allen key being considered. Standard metric keys come in 2mm to 10mm sizes, while American sizes range from 0.
050″ to 3/8″, with various fractions in between. For standard US measurements, there are about 20+ different sizes. You can also find Allen keys in miniature sizes, ranging from 0.7mm to 3mm. So the exact number of sizes depends on the specific tools and materials used to make them.
Is an Allen key a wrench?
No, an Allen key is not a wrench. It is actually a type of screwdriver—specifically, one designed for use with hexagon-headed screws. Unlike typical flat-head and Phillips-head screwdrivers, using an Allen key requires the user to insert it into the screw head and turn in order to loosen or tighten the screw.
Wrenches, on the other hand, are used with nuts and bolts. They usually have an open-ended jaw or adjustable setting so that they can be tightened or loosened against the nut or bolt in question.
Is there another name for Allen wrench?
Yes, an Allen wrench is also sometimes referred to as a hex key or hex wrench. The name Allen wrench comes from the Allen Manufacturing Company founded by brothers Leroy and William Allen, who created and patented the Allen wrench in 1943.
The Allen wrench is a type of wrench or driver with a hexagonal shape, used to drive bolts and screws with a hexagonal socket in their heads. The hex key provides an easy way to turn fasteners with a single tool, and it is much more efficient than having to use multiple tools when turning screws.
As the name suggests, the hex key is usually made from hexagonal-shaped steel, though plastic versions are also available.
Why is it called Allen wrench?
The Allen wrench, also known as the hex key, is a popular tool used for tightening and loosening various fasteners. It is so named because it was patented by the Allen Manufacturing Company in 1943. The Allen Manufacturing Company, founded by brother-in-laws William G.
Allen and Carlton Nichols, specialized in producing special twist drills and other tools designed for the automotive and aircraft industries.
The Allen wrench is simply a hexagonal metal rod that is inserted into a hexagonal or six-sided socket. The hexagonal shape makes it difficult for the wrench to slip out of the socket, and the metal rod allows it to provide more torque than a traditional screwdriver.
The innovative design of the Allen wrench means it can be used for a variety of different purposes, from unscrewing bolts and nuts to opening bottle caps and adjusting the height of furniture. The name has stuck, and the Allen wrench is now a popular tool in many households and professional workshops.
What do you do if you don’t have a hex key?
If you don’t have a hex key, there are some other options to try. You can use pliers to turn the screw, if the head of the screw is exposed enough. If the head of the screw is thinner than the pliers are wide, you can also slip a strip of metal or a flathead screwdriver underneath the head of the screw and twist.
If neither of these options work, you might be able to find a way to improvise a hex key. Taking an Allen wrench and filing one of the corners flat may be a viable option. If worst comes to worst, you could try to unscrew it with a nail or drill bit.
Be careful, though, as you don’t want to further damage the screw.
Which one is an Allen key?
An Allen key (also known as a hex key or hex head) is a type of specialized screwdriver commonly used to assemble furniture and similar items. It has a hexagonal-shaped head that helps grip and turn the screws.
The head can be single or double-sided, depending on the type and size of screw. The sizes of Allen keys are measured using metric (millimeters) or imperial (inches) measurements. They come in a wide range of sizes and can be found in most hardware stores.
Typical uses include installing or adjusting screws on furniture, bicycles, machinery, toys, and so on.
