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Allen Keys

About Allen Keys

Allen keys are also known as hex keys or hex wrenches. These are simple hand tools that belong to the socket and spanner family. These keys are used for tightening and loosening hexagonal bolts and other compatible fasteners.

The hex or allen keys are often seen as a single piece of steel formed into a small L-shape. With this raw format, you can find several variations from one manufacturer to another. Each of these available options is suitable for doing specific jobs. However, in any case, they are a highly versatile and fundamental tool for driving and fastening. And they are exclusively used across an array of application and product categories. For the same reason, most professionals and habitual DIY individuals own a few sizes of hex keys.

Types of hex keys you can find in the market today

There are several types of hex wrenches that you can find in the market today. Many of these closely adhere to the initially designed blueprints. However, some manufacturers have added their features or design aspects to make an updated basic model. Commonly a hex key set contains a one-piece hexagonal shaft steel tool in varying sizes. In addition, based on the supplier and brand, there can be slightly exotic versions available in hex key socket sets. Here we will elaborate on some common types of Allen keys that you may use in a lifetime.

T-handle hex keys

These keys have a t-shaped handle. They are a famous tool with automobile enthusiasts and mechanics because the T-shape offer user luxuries that standard hex keys do not. The unique shape offers a better grip as compared to the L-shape. In addition, it allows significantly increased torque because the additional weight of the T-handle offers a counterbalance that will help to seat the tool securely and firmly in the fastener head.  However, a trade-off is that these keys can be less versatile when you need to access smaller places with low clearance around the fasteners.

L-style and P handle wrenches

The L style is a standard Allen key that is easily available online. Here the L-shape helps you reach the tightest spots while serving all the control needed. So, if you are looking for getting only one Allen key socket set, the L-style is a perfect option to get most of the jobs done. There are many choices available in the market, but 1.5 – 10 mm is a valuable item to own. Likewise, P-handle Allen keys are a common tool in professional workshops. They are also depicted as oversized L-wrenches with a comfortable grip that benefits the same as a T-handle.

The ball end hex keys

These sets are also gaining popularity among both hobbyists and professionals. These keys offer versatility and a higher level of flexibility in terms of access to the smallest places. It is done by dramatically increasing the range of positions any user can stand in a while on it at a time. In addition, these keys feature a rounded hexagonal bulb at the driving end. One major advantage of this style is that it allows the hex key to be inserted into the fastener’s hexagonal recess at angles other than 90 degrees straight down. With several advantages, the simplistic design offers an amazing usability bonus.

Folding hex key and ratcheting drivers

Folding keys are mostly popular among cyclists and motorbike riders. Unlike any other hex key, it is almost impossible to lose a folding Allen key. This is because they are enclosed in the handle. These keys can fold out at 90 degrees from the storage handle, offering maximum torque. Whereas ratcheting hex drivers offer better speed as compared to most Allen wrenches. They are dynamic members of the family and are used with screwdriver bits and sockets. They are available in a wide range of sizes and styles.

Tips on how to buy Allen key tools online in the UAE 

When it comes to making your tool kit, the best metric Allen wrenches are a must-have. Luckily, just like many other tools and accessories, you can also find Allen key tools online. Any retail search engine can offer you the best possible hex wrench set price online in the UAE. It does not matter what brand you choose to buy from; there are some basic rules you need to follow if you want to buy the best Allen wrench set to do maximum job types for you. Here are some points that you may need to consider making a smart purchase.

  • Chamfered vs non chamfered – Chamfered keys are best if you work with bolts and screws made of soft metals. They have slightly rounded ends hence are less likely to damage the screws/bolts while tightening. At the same time, the non-chamfered wrenches have square ends and thus provide more rotational power.
  • The purpose of your hex key – Both bolts and screws come in different sizes. It means that you will need different sizes of Allen screwdrivers from job to job. If you work with toys and electronics, you will need smaller hex wrenches than the larger size. Contrary to working with cars, bikes, and lawn machines, buy Allen key sets in bigger sizes.
  • The length – As we speak of the size or diameter of the wrench, the length is also important to address. Here a rule of thumb is that the longer the wrench, the more power it has. Also, longer Allen wrenches allow you to reach the screw or bolt in tight places. The same feature can help you deal with tightening and loosening of screws in shorter models.
  • The durability of the set – When it comes to Allen key wrenches, durability is of great importance. These keys or wrenches will be dealing with the most challenging jobs; they need to be of high quality and durable enough to sustain all the exerted power during the tightening and loosening of metallic nuts and bolts.
  • Price and brand – As your Alen wrench set will stay with you for years to come, it is important to look for a high-quality item that can resist rust and pass all the time tests. Look for top branded items as professionals recommend them. However, such items will come with some additional cost which is worth paying for.

If you are looking for branded and high-quality professional tools and accessories but have a limited budget, explore Shops.ae. This is where you will find top brands like Dewalt, Wiha, Husky, or Facom to match all your DIY tool needs. Here you can use the unique price comparison tool to compare and buy branded items at economical rates. You can also find cheaper items by exploring and comparing products from different brands – all available on a single platform.

Question & Answer

Why are Allen keys called Allen keys?

The name comes from the original manufacturers of the Allen key. It was the Allen Manufacturing Company that produced these hexagonal screw sets for the very first time. And they named the product with their brand name and referred to generic product category, now we know as hex keys. So although many other competitors in the market are manufacturing these hexagonal wrenches and keys, they are still named after the first manufacturers.

Is a hex key the same as an Allen key?

Allen wrenches and hex keys are the same tools. The key end of the Allen key is hexagonal in shape (size sided).  These keys are used in different assembling processes, including some types of furniture, children wagons, and other gears. Both the tools are formed of a single piece of hexagonal rod usually made of hard steel. It also has blunt ends that are meant to fit snugly in the screw sockets. The bent in L shape with unequal arms is also a prominent feature.

What can I use instead of the Allen key?

Sometimes you can use a small type of flat-headed screwdriver as an Allen wrench by putting the end in the socket. This alignment helps to pit the socket so that the two edges of the screwdriver work as leverage in the hole to turn it. Also, a wider socket on the nut and bolt use a wider flathead screwdriver.  You can also use a standard screwdriver that fits snugly between the two points of the screw. Finally, at times small-sized flat-headed screwdriver has a hex wrench by placing the end in the socket so that the two edges of the driver work as leverage in the hole to turn.

How do I know the appropriate Allen key size?

Most Allen wrenches have the size stamped clearly on the side of a tiny, angled tool. However, the millimetre or inch size may have rubbed off with use or might be entirely too small to read. Here hex key and Allen wrench chart can make finding the right size for your socket easier. However, screws with divots do not come with the size of Allen wrenches, and they require stamped conveniently on the topside or side of the screw.

Where can I buy the Allen key online in the UAE?

For DIY tools like wrenches and Allen keys, it is better to look for a reliable seller. While buying online, you can check any top-rated retail search engine . For instance, at Shops.ae, you can find products from top brands like Bondhus, Wera, Swiss Tools, Craftsman, Eklind, or Stanley. Here you can also use the unique price comparison tool. This tool can help you find cheaper, branded items in a few clicks.

Meanwhile, at Shops.ae you can also find tools and accessories brands like Ikea, Big W, B&Q, Giant, and Lidl.

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