Draper 33568 Metric Hexagon Key, 16mm, Black

Product Information

Folding Allen Key Sets: Folding Allen Key Sets consist of an outer casing from which a selection of different sized Allen keys can be unfolded, a bit like a penknife or multi-tool This article will present information on Allen™ wrenches, what they are, their advantages, and the common sizes that are available in the marketplace. To learn more about other types of fastener products, see the list of related articles at the end of this article. What is an Allen™ Wrench?

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Pressure points – the hex design of the Allen™ screw distributes force from the tool against 6 surfaces compared with 4 for the Phillips head screw and 2 for the slotted screw. This makes it easier to loosen or tighten these fasteners and can make it less likely to strip or damage a fastener while loosening or tightening.

What is an Allen™ Wrench?

Non-sparking designs – While most Allen™ keys use an alloy steel or tool steel material in their fabrication, there are options available that utilize Beryllium Copper in lieu of steel. The Beryllium Copper material will not create sparks if the tool accidentally slips and strikes another metal surface. The non-sparking feature of this material makes these types of Allen™ wrenches suitable for use in applications where the presence of flammable gases or combustible liquids might exist. Size and weight – Allen™ keys tend to be smaller and lighter than the equivalent tools used to apply other fastener types, making them easier to carry. This can be an advantage for applications where mobility is important such as with cyclists that might want to carry a bike tool kit along on a ride.

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Besides the common types described earlier, Allen™ wrenches are available with other features that improve safety or increase convenience for using the tool. Tether-ready designs – These Allen™ wrenches include an opening on the handle which can be used to attach a tether that can secure the wrench to the user or to a fixed object such as a scaffold. This feature helps prevent the wrench from accidentally falling into a work area and causing injuries or equipment damage. This feature is useful when the tool user is working on an elevated platform.

Allen™ screws and wrenches are not the be-all-end-all in the world of fasteners and tools. Some complaints focus on the tool size being too small to allow for one to apply sufficient torque in all cases. Also, inferior materials used in the manufacturing of either the wrench or the screw can render them easy to damage in spite of the increased number of pressure points. But they are still popular more than 100 years after William G. Allen™ filed for his patent and will likely be here to stay for the foreseeable future. Summary