The History of the Allen Wrench (2024)

FAQs

What is the history of the Allen wrench? ›

William G. Allen patented this idea in the US in 1909, and his eponymous company would become synonymous with the wrench required by his safety screws. Hex nuts and keys became a dominant mode of fastening after World War II, when Allied countries realized the importance of having interchangeable fasteners.

Hexagons are the shape of efficiency

Hexagons have six sides, which means they have six points of contact with the bolt or screw. This provides a greater amount of torque and reduces the likelihood of slippage compared to other shapes, such as squares or triangles.

A hex key, also known as an Allen key or Allen wrench, is a small handheld tool that's used for for driving bolts and screws with a hexagonal socket. They are available in many different sizes, though they all have the same hexagonal-shaped tip. Is a Torx the same as an Allen wrench?

In 1964, John Bondhus began manufacturing the original “Balldriver®” ball end hex tool which he invented.

While there may have been precursors to this tool, and in fact you can see an example of bone tools that act as a primitive wrench for putting leverage on various things, the oldest patented wrench arrived in 1835 and is credited to Solymon Merrick and it appears his design was based in part on English or early coach ...

'Wrench' is derived from Middle English wrench, from Old English wrenċ, from Proto-Germanic *wrankiz ("a turning, twisting"). The oldest recorded use dates to 1794. 'Spanner' came into use in the 1630s, referring to the tool for winding the spring of a wheel-lock firearm.

A hex key (also, hex wrench, Allen key and Allen wrench or Inbus) is a simple driver for bolts or screws that have heads with internal hexagonal recesses (sockets).

The ball end of an Allen key is designed to pivot up to a certain angle, typically around 25 degrees. This means you can approach the screw from a slightly different angle and still get the leverage you need. It's like having a secret weapon in your toolbox!

Hex keys are also known as Allen wrenches. In the early 1900s, the Connecticut-based Allen Manufacturing Company launched its own branded hex key, naming it the “Allen wrench.” Today, hex keys are often referred to as Allen wrenches.

For this reason Bristol set screw are often used in softer, non-ferrous metals. Compared to an Allen drive, Bristol set screws are less likely to strip for the same amount of torque. Bristol set screws come with 4 flutes on the smaller sizes and 6 flutes on larger sizes.

Are there two types of Allen wrenches? ›

Although all Allen wrenches do the same job, there are some key differences you need to know. Size: Allen wrenches are available in SAE or metric sizes. If you're not sure which you need, go with a set that has both. This won't cost much more and ensures you're covered for a wide range of tasks or projects.

Hex keys, also known as Allen wrenches, are small L-shaped tools with a hexagonal end that fits snugly into hexagonal sockets, while screwdrivers come in different shapes and sizes and are used to manipulate screws with slots, Phillips heads, or other specialized designs.

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".

It happens to the best of us — finding a screw that's stuck on a faucet, towel bar, robe hook, or piece of machinery. The tiny hexagonal fasteners known as Allen screws can often seize up over time due to rust or dirt buildup.

Allen Wrenches, or hex keys as they are commonly called, have been around since the mid 1800s but were made into the common wrench you see today by Allen Manufacturing Company out of Connecticut in the early 1900s.

Benefits of Using a Hex Key Over a Screwdriver

First and foremost, a hex key allows for a better grip and torque, making it easier to apply the necessary pressure. Additionally, hex keys come in a variety of sizes, allowing for a better fit on different bolts and screws.

Also known as a hex key, an Allen key is an L-shaped tool that's used for the installation and removal of fasteners with a hexagonal head. They consist of a single piece of material, typically metal, that's formed into a right angle. Both ends of an Allen key are hexagonal.

The ball end of an Allen key is designed to pivot up to a certain angle, typically around 25 degrees. This means you can approach the screw from a slightly different angle and still get the leverage you need. It's like having a secret weapon in your toolbox!

There is a variety of Allen keys available in today's market. L-shaped Allen Key: the basic hex key can be used for a variety of applications, including bicycle adjustments and furniture assembly. T-shaped Allen Key: this type of hex key offers a higher grip and is ideal for car and motorcycle maintenance and repairs.