Types of Allen Keys and Their Uses [with Pictures]

What is Allen Key?

Types of Allen Keys and Their Uses [with Pictures] :- Hexagon and Torx keys are simple equipment specially designed for turning their respecting fasteners. It doesn’t matter whether you are a keen DIYer or a professional, having both a hexagon and torx key close to hand at most of the times ensures one thing that you’re not slowed down when you come across any fastener.

A hexagon key objective is tightening and un-tighten fasteners – both bolts and screws – that have hexagonal (six-sided) recesses, or indents, in their heads. These are known as “in-hex” (which is short for internal hexagon) heads. While they may occasionally be available individually but, they are most often sold as sets, with different types of sets available for various circumstances.

A Torx key is for tightening and un-tighten fasteners – both bolts and screws – that have Torx (six-pointed, star-like) recesses, or indents, in their heads. While Torx keys may occasionally be available individually but, they are most often sold as sets, with different types of sets available for various circumstances.

Types of Allen Keys / Types of Hexagon & Torx key

1. Standard Allen Keys / L-Style Allen Wrench: ( Types of Allen Keys )

Standard hexagon and Torx keys are generally sold as a set with a storage sleeve (plastic), holder or box that helps it to organise them in ascending order of their size.Unlike the hex keys, which are generally measured across their flats and sized in eithermetric or imperial measurements, Torx keys have their separate sizing and designation system, so we do not need separate imperial and metric sets from each other.

What Manufacturers often do is color code the storage box just to help themselves distinguish their metric set of hex keys from their set of imperial. Standard torx and hex key sets are available with various different features such as ball ends, chamfered edges, non-magnetic or magnetized fastener holders.

2. Keyring Allen Key Set: ( Types of Allen Keys )

Ring sets are simple L-shaped hex or Torx keys which are mounted on a keyring with a clip which is spring retaining. These key sets are commonly very cheap and can be stored with your house or car keys for easy convenience. The are attached to the ring in such a manner that to use the long arm, you have to twist and pull the key away from the retaining clip present. To replace the key their on the retaining clip, you push the key and then twist it.

3. T-Handle Allen Key: ( Types of Allen Keys )

T-handle sets generally come in four designs: one-piece continuous loop, sliding T-handles, and plastic T-handle with a short arm; plastic T-handle without a short arm. T-handle keys with various different features such as chamfered edges, non-magnetic holders are available just to name a few.

4. Sliding T-Handle Hex Key: ( Types of Allen Keys )

The metal bar which forms the T-handle can be slide from one side to the opposite. By sliding the bar absolutely to one side greater torque can be applied. The sliding bar can also be of much high use when working in restricted areas such as close to a wall.

5. Plastic T-Handle Without a Short Arm: ( Types of Allen Keys )

Plastic T-handle hex and Torx keys gives us an advantage of applying more torque to a fastener than we can with the long arm of a regular hex key. With larger sizes, the plastic T-handle is generally used with the help of both hands. Good quality plastic T-handles are most often made of two types of plastic (generally referred to as being a bi-material), one of which is a called TPR (thermoplastic rubber). The TPR gives the handle a cushioned, soft feeling and provides better grip for the person using it.