Draper 33506 Metric Hexagon Key, 3.5mm

Product Information

Allen™ wrenches are available as individual keys of a given size but are also sold in sets that contain a range of standard sizes. Allen™ keys are identified as being either metric-sized keys in millimeter sizes or SAE (Imperial) sized keys in fractions of an inch or decimal equivalents. Are typically double-ended, thus offering a ‘spare’ hex driver in case of damage or rounding to one end of the tool L-Shaped Hex Keys: L Shaped Hex Keys or L Keys are the most common type of hex key with a hexagonal tip at each end Long-reach Allen keys are a common feature of most good quality hex key sets, which tend to include a useful range of common wrench sizes and diameters (typically from around 1-1.5mm, up to 12mm and beyond). T-Shaped Hex Keys: T-shaped hex keys or T bar Allen Keys have a crossbar or T shaped handle at the end which provides a better grip

Hex key sets with T-handles are especially popular with mechanics and automobile enthusiasts, thanks in part to the fact that the T-handle Allen wrench offers certain user luxuries that standard hex keys don’t.

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Besides the common types described earlier, Allen™ wrenches are available with other features that improve safety or increase convenience for using the tool. Folding Allen Key Sets: Folding Allen Key Sets consist of an outer casing from which a selection of different sized Allen keys can be unfolded, a bit like a penknife or multi-tool

Figure 1 below shows the cross-sectional profile of the Allen™ wrench or Allen™ key. The important parameter that establishes the size of the Allen™ wrench or Allen™ key is the width across flats, which is the distance between any two of the faces of the tool that are parallel to each other. Allen™ screws and wrenches are not the be-all-end-all in the world of fasteners and tools. Some complaints focus on the tool size being too small to allow for one to apply sufficient torque in all cases. Also, inferior materials used in the manufacturing of either the wrench or the screw can render them easy to damage in spite of the increased number of pressure points. But they are still popular more than 100 years after William G. Allen™ filed for his patent and will likely be here to stay for the foreseeable future. SummaryHex keys or Allen keys are available in metric sizes and imperial sizes Imperial Allen Keys. They are also available in Allen Key Sets which include a range of popular hex key sizes including 12mm Allen keys. RS also supply Allen keys from leading brands such as Wera Allen Keys, Wera Allen Key Sets and Bondhus Allen Keys Tether-ready designs – These Allen™ wrenches include an opening on the handle which can be used to attach a tether that can secure the wrench to the user or to a fixed object such as a scaffold. This feature helps prevent the wrench from accidentally falling into a work area and causing injuries or equipment damage. This feature is useful when the tool user is working on an elevated platform. Figure 1 – The cross-section of an Allen™ key showing the measurement for width across flats Types of Allen™ Wrenches

Moving over to the right-hand side, we’ve provided the metric to SAE guide for Allen wrench conversions. Similar to the metric hex keys, the SAE hex wrenches don’t always have a perfect substitute as seen for SAE size 3/16″. Thus, we recommend that those with only a metric Allen wrench set add a separate SAE hex key set to their stable. Substituting Uncommon Hex Sizes A Hex Key is commonly referred to as an Allen Key, this is because Allen was the original manufacturer of the Hex key. Our range features options that are with or without a ball end, which allows users to screw at an angle Hex keys are made up from a strong, hard waring material, ensuring optimal strength and a long tool shelf life Like all hex wrenches, long-reach Allen keys are also sold with a variety of head and handle types for various more specialised applications - these can include:

How would you use a long reach hex key?

Allen™ wrenches or Allen™ keys are generally available in several different styles or types. The most common Allen™ wrench type is the one mentioned earlier – the L-shaped hex key – but there are other variations that incorporate different handle designs, utilize different materials, or add special features. A summary of the most common Allen™ wrench types is found below: