Why do some Allen wrenches have a ball on the end?

The ball end makes it easier to slide the key into the receiving slot. It allows you to reach at an offset 30 degree angle so that you can feel your way to the needed position much faster – great for blind or difficult areas to reach or if the bolt or screw is close to an obstruction on one side.

Is an Allen wrench the same as a hex key?

A hex key, also known as an Allen key or Allen wrench, is a small handheld tool that’s used for for driving bolts and screws with a hexagonal socket. They are available in many different sizes, though they all have the same hexagonal-shaped tip. To learn more about hex keys and the benefits they offer, keep reading.

Which end of an Allen wrench do you use?

When you need to use the Allen wrench, stick the short end of the L shape into the bolt head and press down on the longer side of the L to turn the bolt. Of course, the Allen wrench will only fit in a hex bolt (a bolt with six sides), so don’t try using the Allen wrench to screw in any other type of fastener.

Is a hex key and an allen wrench the same thing?

Hex keys and allen wrenches are essentially the same tools. The “key” end of allen keys is a hexagon, or six-sided, shape. Many items requiring assembly, including some furniture, certain children’s wagons and other gear, use hex head screws to secure matching parts together.

What size is an allen wrench?

Standard-Size Allen Wrench. The inch-based set of Allen wrenches is considered standard in the industry. A typical set will contain a wide range of sizes, including: 1/8 inch. 3/32 inch. 7/64 inch. 5/32 inch. 3/16 inch.

How is an allen wrench used?

In addition to assembling furniture, the Allen wrench is also commonly used for bike repairs . The unusual shape, plus the fact that the Allen wrench is small and light and capable of getting into hard-to-reach places on a bike, makes it particularly useful for cyclists to carry with them as they ride.

How are Allen wrenches made?

Allen wrenches, also called “hex keys,” start as large pieces of steel alloy known as billet. These 50- to 80-lb. blocks are loaded into a powerful hydraulic press that squeezes the malleable metal through a small opening, creating a long, rod-like piece. This rod is then attached to an empty spool that stretches and winds it into a coil of steel wire.