The Best Allen Wrench To Get the Job Done

Best Allen Wrenches Buying Guide

Given that it’s a very practical product, there are hundreds of Allen keys available out there, which might make it slightly difficult for you to decide about which one to go for. There are multiple variables involved and making a purchase decision might be tricky if you’re not familiar with the different variations that you can go for. Fortunately, we have been able to compile a comprehensive buying guide that will help you choose the best Allen wrench in 2024, making sure that all of your requirements are fulfilled. Here’s everything that you need to know before you can choose the right product.

What Are the Most Common Types of Allen Keys?

There are several types of wrenches, tailored to meet certain needs and requirements, but here are the ones that are the most commonly utilized:

L-Shaped

An L-Shaped Allen key is arguably the most popular and practical type. It’s bent in the shape of an “L”, with one shorter and one longer side. Both of the sides can be inserted into the socket, depending upon what your requirements are. Usually, using the longer portion as a handle provides more torque but also requires more clearance for you to be able to fasten a screw/bolt. On the other hand, the shorter side can be used as a handle if you’re looking for enhanced maneuverability, but that comes at the cost of the torque that will be generated.

T-Shaped

As suggested by the name itself, a T-Shaped Allen key is bent in the shape of a “T”, with a single drive key in the middle of the width of the handle. The shape of this product gives you more leverage to move the tool and generate more torque. The T-Shaped Allen key is often used when working with bikes and similar equipment in the motorsport industry.

Ball-end

The ball-end Allen key is another useful type of the same tool. As the name suggests, this product features a ball-end in the shape of a hexagon. Compared to the standard hexagon-shaped end of an Allen key, the ball end allows you to tighten screws and bolts when the screw/bolt socket is at a different angle with respect to the tool. The ball end allows you to operate the tool regardless of the angle, making it practical for instances when you’re working with insufficient clearance.

What Are the Different Sizes of Allen Keys?

While purchasing an Allen wrench, it is extremely important to understand the different sizes that you can opt for, in order to decide which one caters to your requirements. Different sizes can be used for different tasks and you should be able to decide which size would work for the task at hand. The following are the sizes that you can opt for:

• 1.5mm (1/16 inch)
• 2mm (5/64 inch)
• 3mm (7/64 inch)
• 5mm (3/16 inch)
• 6mm (7/32 inch)
• 8mm (5/16 inch)
• 10mm (3/8 inch)
• 14mm

Since specifying which size should be used for a certain task isn’t possible, it’s best that you evaluate the size that you require and make a purchase accordingly. Most people keep a set of multiple allen keys with them, which is the best way to go about it.  

Are Hex Wrenches Durable?

Hex wrenches are really easy to find at any hardware store because they’re easy to produce and use. Inherently, hex wrenches are supposed to be durable and robust, given the nature of the tasks that you’ll be performing with them. This makes it extremely important to ensure that you’re getting a durable set of hex wrenches, otherwise, you’ll end up wasting your money and you probably would not be able to accomplish the task at hand. 

One of the top concerns of owning a hex wrench is the rust that can damage the tool. Consequently, you should always prefer the ones that come with a rust-resistant coating, to keep your tools safe. Moreover, you should also take a look at the material that has been used in the wrench that you’re going to buy. While most of these products are made out of steel, the durability depends on the grade of steel that has been used. Naturally, high-grade steel would be more expensive but if it ensures that your tools will not get damaged or break-apart easily, it is worth the investment.

What Are the Things To Look Out for While Purchasing a Hex Wrench?

Here are the things that you should look out for while purchasing the products that suit your needs.

Chamfered or non-chamfered

Some Allen keys feature a small chamfer, which is a useful thing to have on your tools. While working with screws and bolts that are made out of softer materials and likely to get damaged while being tightened or loosened, it’s a good idea to opt for a chamfered wrench. The chamfer on the end can help minimize the damage that could be caused to the screws and bolts. Moreover, it is also easier to fit chamfered wrenches into the slot, compared to the non-chamfered ones.

Length

Allen Keys come in different lengths and you can go for the one that suits the task at hand. While shorter wrenches may come off as easier to carry and more durable in some cases, the longer ones allow you to exert more power. Moreover, the longer keys can also enable you to reach screws and bolts that are in tight spaces, while the shorter ones may not be able to do that. 

Insulation

You can also find hex wrenches out there that come with rubber/plastic insulation on the handle. This feature would come in handy if the task that you’re working on might expose you to electrical currents. Depending on the task that you will be using the wrench for, insulation can be an extremely important safety feature for you.

Material

Alloy steel and carbon steel are the most commonly used materials for Allen keys. Some manufacturers also use chrome vanadium to make wrenches that will have heavy-duty applications, given the properties of the material. Moreover, you can get some variations as far as the finish options are concerned and those include black oxide, chrome or nickel, which can protect the tool from rust.

For more information all about allen wrenches, view this video from West Torrance Robotics: