In this regard, it’s very like the uses of terms such as ‘Hoover’ and ‘vacuum cleaner’, or any number of similar examples where a popular registered trademarked name has bled over into common use as a generic label. A ball end Allen key set is also an increasingly popular choice for both professional and hobbyist users alike, and with good reason - ball end hex wrenches (sometimes known as ball end hex keys, or ball point hex keys) offer a far greater degree of versatility and flexibility in terms of access to smaller spaces.

This makes for a far more flexible tool overall, but these wrenches tend to be considerably more expensive than the basic L-shape Allen key; whether or not this would prove a cost-effective option for you will depend on how often you need to use the tool, and in what sorts of applications. Hex keys, commonly known as Allen keys/wrenches in the UK and various other countries, are a very simple hand tool of the general spanner and socket family, used for tightening and loosening hexagonal bolts and other compatible fasteners.Allen of the titular Allen Manufacturing Company who first managed to patent a method of cold-forming screw heads around a hexagonal die. These are basic but highly versatile hand tools that can be used for various jobs, from flat pack furniture assembly to professional applications. standard short arm allen key, 10mm standard short arm allen key and 14mm standard short arm allen key. As you might well have predicted already, the name ‘Allen’ when attached to these basic wrenches is actually a registered trademark, whereas the term ‘hex key’ is the generic version - although in casual use, the distinction between the two has become almost entirely blurred over time. Industrial historians seem to agree that hex socket screw drives were probably conceived rather earlier than this - likely sometime in the mid-to-late 1800s - but that it wasn’t until the early 20th century that hex head fasteners started being produced in any great numbers.

The advantage of this design is that it allows the hex key to be inserted into the fastener’s hexagonal recess at various angles other than 90 degrees straight down, which can be incredibly useful when space to manoeuvre is at a premium (for example, when trying to access a bolt that’s awkwardly positioned in a narrow gap between two panels, which is a fairly common occurrence with hex head fasteners). L-shaped Allen Key: the basic hex key can be used for a variety of applications, including bicycle adjustments and furniture assembly. This screwdriver set has been been manufactured from hardened chrome vanadium steel, which has been correctly tempered for greater strength and durability.There are numerous Allen key types sold on today’s market, many of which adhere very closely to the fundamental early design blueprint. Even though all Allen keys feature a hexagonal cross-section, these come in various sizes to better suit different applications.

These comfortable T-Handle HEX bits make it easy to apply more torque and are much preferred by professionals and regular users. These are oversized L-wrench with a comfortable grip that gives them similar benefits as of a T-handle.The term “Allen key” derives from the Allen brand name of Allen Manufacturing Company, the original producers of hex keys or hexagonal wrenches to fasten hexagonal set screws. To counter this, some high-end T-handle hex keys boast a sliding T-handle portion, where the crossbar of the handle can be repositioned off-centre. In short, a ball end hex key features a rounded hexagonal bulb at the driving end, as opposed to the standard flat hexagonal profile you’ll find on the majority of more basic models. They are a more flexible tool overall, but these wrenches tend to be considerably more expensive than the basic L-shape Allen key; whether or not this would prove a cost-effective option for you will depend on how often you need to use the tool, and in what sorts of applications. e. screws and other fasteners) than to the driver itself, and thus would seldom be applied to the actual hex key by most professional users.

By accepting all cookies, you agree to our use of cookies to deliver and maintain our services and site, improve the quality of Reddit, personalize Reddit content and advertising, and measure the effectiveness of advertising.Machine Mart Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority, register number 703528 and acts as a credit broker and not a lender. However, the longer shank can also be used as the ‘handle’ when more torque is required, provided the work area allows enough room to turn a longer-handled tool in. Duologi is the trading name of Specialist Lending Ltd, which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (register number 774712).