Buyer's Guide
Allen wrenches are essential tools for every mechanic and DIY enthusiast. They come in various sizes, shapes, and finishes, but they all have one thing in common - they fit into allen keys. This makes them extremely versatile, as they can be used to tighten nuts, bolts, screws, and other fasteners. However, choosing the right size and type of allen wrench can be tricky. We've compiled a list of tips to help you make the right choice.
An Allen Wrench is a type of tool that has two flat sides that fit together like a nut and bolt. It was invented by George H. Allen in 1873, but he didn't patent his invention until 1875. The name "Allen" comes from the initials of his last name (G. H. An Allen Wrench is commonly referred to as an Allenswrench because of its similarity to a socket wrench. However, there are many types of wrenches besides the standard Allen Wrench, including open end wrenches, adjustable wrenches, ratcheting wrenches, and combination wrenches.
Allen wrenches are one of the most useful tools around. Whether you use them to tighten bolts or open doors, you'll appreciate how handy they are. But did you know that there are other uses for these versatile tools?
There are several reasons why you should invest in a set of allen wrenches. First, they're inexpensive. Second, they're durable. Third, they're compact and lightweight. Fourth, they're easy to store. Finally, they're easy to carry around. These four benefits alone make allen wrenches worth buying.
But there are other reasons to buy a set of allen wrenches. Here are five additional reasons to add this tool to your collection.
Allen wrenches come in various sizes. Some are designed for specific applications while others are made for general purpose use. However, you'll still have enough sizes to handle any job you throw at them.
Screws are usually found in pairs. One screw goes into a hole and another comes out. When you pull the two apart, you'll notice that the threads on the head of the bolt match the threads on the nut. To remove the bolt, simply turn the nut counterclockwise until it stops moving. Then, loosen the screw and pull it out.
Most keys fit only one lock. If you need to open multiple locks, you'll need allen wrenches. Simply insert the key into the lock and rotate the knob clockwise until the lock opens.
Sometimes, bolts stick in place due to corrosion. To remove them, you'll need an allen wrench. Insert the tip of the wrench into the hole where the bolt was inserted. Then, twist the wrench back and forth until the bolt pops free.
Allen wrenches are designed to grip tightly. As such, they're perfect for loosening stubborn bolts. Simply insert the tip of the wrench into the hole where the bolt was inserted. Then, apply pressure to the end of the wrench and twist it clockwise.
In addition to being useful, allen wrenches are attractive. Many manufacturers offer custom designs. Others feature bright colors or interesting shapes. Whatever design appeals to you, you'll love owning a set of allen wrenches.
If you've ever had the experience of trying to tighten something with a cheap allen wrench, then you'll understand how frustrating it can be. Cheap allen wrenches break easily and often leave you with a tool that won't work properly. This means that you have to buy another one just so you can continue working on whatever project you were attempting to complete. You may even end up having to purchase multiple allen wrenches if you keep buying cheap ones.
Fortunately, there are many different types of allen wrenches available. These include standard allen wrenches, metric allen wrenches, adjustable allen wrenches, and combination allen wrenches. Each type of allen wrench has its advantages and disadvantages. Let's take a closer look at them to see which one might be best suited for your needs.
Standard allen wrenches come in two sizes: 1/4" and 1/2". They are designed to hold fasteners such as bolts and screws. Standard allen wrenches are great for most applications because they are easy to use and affordable. However, they do tend to wear down quickly.
Metric allen wrenches are similar to their standard counterparts except they measure in millimeters instead of inches. Metric allen wrenches are ideal for measuring small parts like nuts and bolts. They are also useful for tightening fasteners that are difficult to reach.
Adjustable allen wrenches are designed to accommodate various sized fasteners. Adjustable allen wrenches are perfect for holding larger fasteners like machine screws and hex head bolts. They are also helpful for loosening large fasteners.
Combination allen wrenches combine the features of several other types of allen wrenches. For example, they can be used to loosen and tighten nuts and bolts with a single turn of the handle. Combination allen wrenches are ideal for those who want to save space by combining several functions into one tool.
Size matters. The first step when shopping for a set of allen wrenches is to determine how many wrenches you need. This may seem obvious, but if you don't know how many wrenches you need, you could end up spending more than necessary.
Quality. Allen wrenches are made of quality materials. Look for wrenches that are made of steel or chrome plated steel. Chrome plated steel is less expensive than stainless steel, but it doesn't hold up as well over time.
Length. Wrenches come in various lengths. Choose the length that fits your needs. Longer wrenches are useful for tightening bolts that are farther away from the work area. Short wrenches are handy for working on items near the surface.
Shape. Some wrenches are shaped differently than others. Round wrenches fit round objects while box wrenches fit square objects. Square wrenches are easier to grip and rotate.
Material. Allen wrenches are available in several materials including brass, aluminum, plastic, and wood. Brass is strong and durable, but it can rust. Aluminum is lightweight and corrosion resistant, but it isn't as sturdy as other materials.
Finish. Most allen wrenches come in black, silver, or gold finishes. Black is classic, but silver and gold are popular colors these days.
Brand. There are dozens of companies that manufacture allen wrenches. Make sure you check out reviews online to learn about each brand. Some manufacturers produce higher quality wrenches than others.
Allen wrenches are essential tools for any mechanic. Allen Wrenchs are commonly used to tighten nuts and bolts, remove stubborn screws, and open up tight spaces. Allen wrenches are named after George W. Allens original design. He created his own version of a ratchet style tool by combining two existing designs. His creation was patented in 1892 and became known as the "Allis" brand name. Today, there are hundreds of manufacturers making thousands of variations of allen wrenches.
1. Craftsman - A well respected manufacturer of quality tools, craftsman offers a wide variety of allen wrenches. Their wrenches range from basic models to heavy duty models. Craftsman's wrenches are manufactured in America and feature durable materials and dependable construction. Craftsman allen wrenches are backed by a lifetime warranty.
2. Milwaukee - Another American company, Milwaukee makes some of the highest quality allen wrenches on the market. Milwaukee produces a large number of allen wrenches ranging from basic models to heavy duty models. Milwaukee allen wrenches are built to last and are constructed from tough steel. Milwaukee allen wrenches are backed by a lifetime warranty.
3. Snap On - One of the oldest names in the industry, snap on manufactures some of the cheapest allen wrenches on the market. Although their wrenches are cheap, they are still good quality. Snap On allen wrenches are made from hardened steel and feature a strong grip handle. Snap On allen wrenches are backed by a 1 year warranty.
4. Black & Decker - Black & Decker is a household name in home improvement. They offer a wide selection of allen wrenches including basic models to heavy duty models. Black & Decker allen wrenches are made from hardened steel and feature a comfortable grip handle. Black & Decker allen wrenches are backed by a 3 month warranty.
5. Harbor Freight Tools - Harbor freight is a leading supplier of power tools. They manufacture a wide array of allen wrenches including basic models to heavy duty models.
FAQs
An allen wrench is a type of tool commonly found at hardware stores. Allen wrenches have a hexagonal head and six sides. They are designed to tighten nuts and bolts.
Allen wrenches were invented by Henry Allen in 1873. He was inspired by the shape of a nut he saw while working on his bicycle.
To use an allen wrench, first loosen the bolt or nut with your fingers. Then turn the allen wrench until the head fits tightly against the bolt or nut. Tightening the allen wrench will make the bolt or nut tighter.
You should always apply enough force to tighten a bolt or nut. Too little force could result in loosened bolts or nuts, while too much force could strip threads off the bolt or nut.
No, allen wrenching requires no special skills. Anyone can learn how to use an allen wrench.
Allen wrenches should last about 10 years. If they start breaking after this amount of time, then it's probably time to buy new ones.
Yes, but you'll need to purchase an allen bottle opener. These are available at most home improvement centers.
Yes, allen wrenches come in various sizes. Most allen wrenches are marked with numbers indicating their size.
The number one choice for allen wrenches is the Milwaukee brand. Other brands include Craftsman, Snap-On, Porter Cable, and Stanley.
Yes, you can sharpen an allen wrench. To sharpen an allen wrench, simply run it along the edge of a file or knife blade. Make sure to never put the sharp end of the allen wrench into water.
Store your allen wrenches in a plastic bag inside a box. Keep them out of direct sunlight and heat.
