An Allen Wrench set is a set of Allen Wrenches or also called as “Hex Wrench” or hex key. It is a special tool that is used to manipulate a certain kind of bolt. This tool got its name because of its simple hexagonal shape. Unlike the traditional wrenches that have vise structures that are usually used to grip bolts from side or to cover the bolt, the Allen Wrench Set works differently by fitting directly into a concavity in the nut, bolt, or a screw. Allen wrenches comes in a variation of sizes and styles that fit different types of hardwares. Usually, hex wrenches are sold together in a progressive set.
An Allen wrench is one of the most popular and common tool and a must-have tool in your toolbox. Allen wrenches can be easily distinguished by its L-like shape and they could be utilized using either the long or short side of the tool. They could be very handy in a variety of purposes, but commonly, Allen wrench sets are used for automotive repair, used to unclog those nasty clogged sinks, or for putting together pre-fabricated furnitures.
You might want to ask how to use Allen Wrench set? It’s just quite very simple. The Allen wrench simply fits into a hexagonal space in the middle of the head of the bolt. You can simply just insert the Allen wrench then just turn it clockwise or counterclockwise to tighten or to loosen up the bolt. Because of their small sizes, you could have a hard time to get a grip with a hex wrench. It is also wise to choose the best quality of Allen Wrench Sets by buying the popular brands. Cheap sets also has corresponding low quality and might bend easily when excessive pressure is applied or by turning it the wrong way.
There are also different sizes of Allen wrenches. Generally, Allen wrench set are bought together and is availed with different sizes of hex wrenches. They are very ideal for small bolts that generally ranges in size from 2-10 millimeters or from 1/32-inch-5/16-inch. They are also ideal for small spaces or for those wrecked up equipments that are hard to reach. Allen wrenches offer high torque for tightening and loosening bolts. Its multiple sides provides users a good grip in the bolt head/hole to prevent any slippage from the wrench. Always remember to purchase Allen wrench sets that are made of first-cast steel for a maximum strength.
When purchasing a dedicated set of Allen wrenches, you can find a number of options that are available on your local hardware shops. Every set can be made up of loose wrenches which then gives you the option of using both long and short sides, thus enabling you to use the wrenches in more situations. To help you decide on what to buy, let me site some examples of wrench sets.
We have the Jackey hex wrench set. The average price of this wrench set is $50. This set is typically a set of 12 or more wrenches set into a case with a central point. Its style just looks a lot like a foldout Swiss army knife. With this kind of set, you are ensured not to lose any of the wrenches because they are all in one place. However, they are usually short and straight and are connected together. This will take away the opportunity to use them at angles and will most likely give you trouble to grip them.
There is also the loose hex wrench set. This set costs about $100. This Allen wrench set is usually a set of 24 pieces and each wrench piece is separated from each other. Wrench sets that offer the very best value will range from 1/32 inch all the way up to 5/16 inch. It is best to look for multi-angled set and with the tip on the long end being a high-strength ball tip. Hex wrenches need to be made to high tolerances to provide real strength and they should be made of alloy steel that’s been heat treated. With this kind of set, you will be able to handle all jobs involving an allen wrench.
Lastly, there is the ring Allen wrench set. You can buy this kind of set for as low as $20. A ring allen wrench set is a 12-piece set that is attached to a keyring. This kind of set is just fine for as long it has the ability to remove individual wrenches from the ring. And if the set that you bought doesn’t have this ability, then this set has the same limitation as the jackey set. Allen wrenches on a key ring will retain the “L” shape. But unless you can remove each wrench from the key ring, you can only use the short side of the wrench.
Common brands that are available in the market and on online shopping sites are:
1. Thumper Talk
2. Stanley
3. Fuller Tool
4. Wiha
5. Calvan
But then of course, there are still many brands that you can choose from. So decide for yourself on which brand and set types that would be best for you and for your budget.