Table of Contents
What is the difference between an Allen wrench and a hex key?
The short answer is “there is no difference”. Really, these two names can be used interchangeably.
Why do screwdrivers generally have big handles?
Torque is in units of force times distance, but the distance of course is not distance along the axis of rotation (the screwdriver shaft) but instead distance away from the axis. This is one reason screwdrivers have handles; the bigger the handle, the more torque to the shaft is provided by a given force.
Why are Allen keys used?
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.
What is a hex key screwdriver used for?
To recap, a hex key is a tool used to drive bolts and screws with a hexagonal socket. With six driving points, they are easier to use and less likely to strip than their Phillip’s head counterpart.
Why are hex keys called Allen keys?
Originally named Allen Manufacturing Company, the business produced hexagonal set screws and wrenches to fasten them. The terms “Allen wrench” (American English) and “Allen key” (British English) are derived from the Allen brand name and refer to the generic product category “hex keys”.
Why technicians use Allen keys to fasten joints?
Why do some technicians use Allen keys instead of self-tapping screws to fasten joint? To summarize, a hex key is a tool having a hexagonal socket that is used to drive nuts and screws. They are easier to use and less prone to strip than their Phillip’s head equivalent since they have six driving points.
Why is the handle of screwdriver made of plastic?
Most screwdrivers do share an overall design. Electrician’s screwdrivers usually have plastic handles—because plastic insulates the user’s hands from the risk of electric shock—as well as plastic tubing that runs much of the length of the shaft.
Why are the handles of screwdrivers?
Solution: Plastic and rubber both are bad conductors of electricity. The handles of tools like screwdrivers and pliers used by electricians for repair work usually have plastic or rubber cover on them so that they do allow the current to pass through them and save the electrician from any electric shock.
How do you use L keys?
When you need to use the Allen wrench, stick the short end of the L shape into the bolt head and press down on the longer side of the L to turn the bolt. Of course, the Allen wrench will only fit in a hex bolt (a bolt with six sides), so don’t try using the Allen wrench to screw in any other type of fastener.
Why are hex keys so popular?
Hex keys are able to fit into small and compact spaces where larger tools, such as traditional screwdrivers or socket wrenches, isn’t possible. Furniture, for example, is often sold with one or more hex keys. The small and crammed spaces of furniture allow hex keys to easily fit inside and turn the fasteners.
What are Allen wrench sizes?
Adding to our precision sizes, the common SAE Allen wrench sizes are 1/16″, 5/64″, 3/32″, 7/64″, 1/8″, 9/64″, 5/32″, 3/16″, 7/32″, 1/4″, 5/16 “, & 3/8″. If we were to try to narrow down the Imperial sizes into a most popular list, it might include 1/8″, 3/32″, 7/64″, 5/32″, 3/16″, 1/4″, & 7/32″.
Why technicians use Allen keys instead of self tapping screws?