{"id":119946,"date":"2024-10-24T01:31:57","date_gmt":"2024-10-24T08:31:57","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blogv2prod.wpenginepowered.com\/blog\/?p=119946"},"modified":"2025-01-03T22:51:27","modified_gmt":"2025-01-04T06:51:27","slug":"garage-tools-101-hex-key-vs-allen-wrench","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/garage-tools-101-hex-key-vs-allen-wrench\/","title":{"rendered":"Garage Tools 101: Hex Key vs. Allen Wrench"},"content":{"rendered":"<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC \"-\/\/W3C\/\/DTD HTML 4.0 Transitional\/\/EN\" \"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/TR\/REC-html40\/loose.dtd\">\n<html><body><span class=\"span-reading-time rt-reading-time\" style=\"display: block;\"><span class=\"rt-label rt-prefix\">Reading Time: <\/span> <span class=\"rt-time\"> 5<\/span> <span class=\"rt-label rt-postfix\">minutes<\/span><\/span><style>.kadence-column119946_0ed33b-37 > .kt-inside-inner-col,.kadence-column119946_0ed33b-37 > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{border-top-left-radius:0px;border-top-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-left-radius:0px;}.kadence-column119946_0ed33b-37 > .kt-inside-inner-col{column-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-sm, 1rem);}.kadence-column119946_0ed33b-37 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;}.kadence-column119946_0ed33b-37 > .kt-inside-inner-col > .aligncenter{width:100%;}.kadence-column119946_0ed33b-37 > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{opacity:0.3;}.kadence-column119946_0ed33b-37{position:relative;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kadence-column119946_0ed33b-37 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kadence-column119946_0ed33b-37 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-column kadence-column119946_0ed33b-37 inner-column-1 qk-look-widget\"><div class=\"kt-inside-inner-col\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-ultimate-post-row ultp-block-552295  qk-main-wrap\"><div class=\"ultp-row-wrapper\"><div class=\"ultp-row-content\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-ultimate-post-column ultp-block-cd1143\"><div class=\"ultp-column-wrapper\"><style>.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading119946_030d74-87, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading119946_030d74-87[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading119946_030d74-87\"]{text-align:center;font-size:20px;font-style:normal;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading119946_030d74-87 mark.kt-highlight, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading119946_030d74-87[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading119946_030d74-87\"] mark.kt-highlight{font-family:Inter;font-weight:500;font-style:normal;color:#f76a0c;-webkit-box-decoration-break:clone;box-decoration-break:clone;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading119946_030d74-87 img.kb-inline-image, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading119946_030d74-87[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading119946_030d74-87\"] img.kb-inline-image{width:150px;vertical-align:baseline;}<\/style>\n<div class=\"kt-adv-heading119946_030d74-87 summary-title wp-block-kadence-advancedheading\" data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading119946_030d74-87\"><span>Summary<\/span><\/div>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The only difference between an Allen wrench and a hex key is their names. Both names are used to describe a six-sided, L-shaped tool used to tighten or loosen fasteners that have six-sided openings.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Hex key fasteners are popular in the automotive industry, plumbing, and construction. You can use a set of hex keys to replace brake pads, change oil filters, and adjust your vehicle&rsquo;s brakes.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>To use a hex key, first inspect the fastener, wear the correct gear, and position the hex key properly before turning it.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Standard hex keys come in sets, and there are other types of hex key types on the market such as ball-ended hex keys, hex screwdrivers, and hex bits.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\n<p>There are a lot of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/handy-garage-tools-and-accessories-for-new-drivers\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"garage tools\">garage tools<\/a> out there, many of which are essential for various DIY projects. Hex keys and Allen wrenches are staples of many tool boxes around the country. But you might be wondering, &ldquo;What&rsquo;s the difference between an Allen wrench and a hex key anyway?&rdquo; Let&rsquo;s find out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Hex Key vs. Allen Wrench Differences<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The only difference between an Allen wrench and a hex key is their names. It&rsquo;s no use comparing what&rsquo;s better when comparing an Allen wrench vs. a hex key because they&rsquo;re essentially the same tool. Both names are used to describe a six-sided, L-shaped tool used to tighten or loosen fasteners that have six-sided openings. These tools come in various sizes but are generally compact and easy to maneuver in tight spaces.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The name &ldquo;hex key&rdquo; is the broader term, and it comes from the tool&rsquo;s shape. The Greek word &ldquo;hex&rdquo; means six, and it perfectly describes the tool&rsquo;s hexagonal, six-sided shape. As for the &ldquo;key&rdquo; portion of the name, that comes from how the tool fits into the six-sided fasteners. It slides into the shape much like how a key slides into a lock, hence the name.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The term &ldquo;Allen wrench,&rdquo; on the other hand, comes from the 1900s inventor, William G. Allen, who was responsible for patenting the original tool&rsquo;s design, as well as the iconic six-sided fasteners. These fasteners have only gotten more popular since Allen&rsquo;s time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Hex keys go by many other variants of these two names, like hex wrench and Allen key. &ldquo;Allen key&rdquo; is a trademarked name that&rsquo;s since become so tied to the tool that other manufacturers use the Allen name to describe their products as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Hex Key Uses<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Thanks to their small size and easy maneuverability, there are many uses for hex keys and their related fasteners. Hex key fasteners are popular in the automotive industry, plumbing, and construction. If you buy a hex key set for your garage toolbox, you&rsquo;ll likely be able to pull it out for other things as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For automotive repair, you&rsquo;ll usually use a set of hex keys to replace brake pads, change oil filters, and adjust your vehicle&rsquo;s brakes. There are various fasteners around the brake calipers and gas tank that use hex key fasteners as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How To Use a Hex Key<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Using a hex key is fairly simple, but we&rsquo;ve compiled some helpful tips.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Step One: Inspect the Fastener<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Before you slot in the hex key, double-check the associated fastener. Check that it isn&rsquo;t stripped and that you&rsquo;re using the right hex tool size for it. If the fastener has a tamper-resistant pin, you&rsquo;ll need to use a tamper-resistant hex key to remove it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Step Two: Wear the Correct Gear<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Hex keys typically don&rsquo;t have a handle, and they&rsquo;re designed to fit in small, tight spaces to remove the related fasteners. This means that you might hurt your hands if you aren&rsquo;t careful when using them. Wear a set of gloves to protect your hands when using hex keys.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Step Three: Position the Hex Key Properly<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>It&rsquo;s always best to position the hex key perpendicular to the fastener when inserting it. The hex key&rsquo;s L-shaped design is designed to form a right angle when one end slots into the hex key fastener.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Step Four: Turn the Hex Key<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Turn the hex key clockwise to tighten the fastener and counterclockwise to loosen it. Be careful not to overtighten the fastener, or you might risk stripping the fastener or damaging your hex key. If the fastener is stuck, you can try applying penetrating oil or heating it using a hairdryer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Hex Key Types<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>While the standard hex key is the L-shaped tool we described earlier, there are various hex key types and sizes available on the market. You&rsquo;ll often find hex keys sold as a set of 7 to 12 differently sized pieces. The most common hex key size you&rsquo;ll need for automotive fasteners is the 5\/32-inch hex key.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Here are some of the other hex key types out there:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Ball-Ended Hex Keys<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Some hex keys have a ball-shaped end that makes it easier to access angled fasteners. The balled end makes insertion much easier, and it allows you to turn the hex key even when it&rsquo;s at an angle. This is usually best for low-resistance fasteners. Trying this technique on fasteners with higher resistance might strip the fastener.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Hex Screwdrivers<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Hex screwdrivers have a proper handle and are straight rather than L-shaped. It&rsquo;s easier to grip but more difficult to maneuver in tight spaces under the hood.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Hex Bits<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Hex bits fit in drills, socket and ratchet sets, and impact drivers. This makes turning them that much simpler, but too much force can strip hex key fasteners.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Alternative<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>A Torx bit will actually work better than a hex key or Allen wrench if you have one that fits snugly into the head of the fastener. You can also add some valve grinding compound to help an Allen wrench grip a partially rounded out Allen head fastener.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/car-torx-bits-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"image of a car torx bits\" class=\"wp-image-123826\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/car-torx-bits-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/car-torx-bits-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/car-torx-bits-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/car-torx-bits-600x400.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/car-torx-bits-1200x800.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/car-torx-bits-150x100.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/car-torx-bits.jpg 1500w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\"><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Torx bits | Image Source: Richard McCuistian<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Now that you know a hex key is simply an Allen wrench under a different name, you can properly stock your garage toolbox with them. They&rsquo;re very handy to get to those hard-to-reach areas, and you&rsquo;ll never know when you might need one.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Where to Find Garage Tools for Your DIY Repair Needs<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>A trusty toolbox is a dedicated DIYer&rsquo;s best friend. Car repair and maintenance tasks are certainly easier when you&rsquo;ve got all the tools you could possibly need to keep your daily driver in tip-top shape. Here at <a href=\"http:\/\/carparts.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\" aria-label=\"CarParts.com\">CarParts.com<\/a>, you&rsquo;ll find every tool and accessory on hand to have a complete toolkit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>When it comes to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/tools-and-garage\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"garage tools\">garage tools<\/a>, our website doesn&rsquo;t compromise on quality. All our products were carefully handpicked by industry professionals and passed the highest quality control standards from reputable manufacturers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Simply hit up the search bar to start browsing our aftermarket tools and garage accessories. For a more personalized shopping experience, you can use the search filters to further refine the catalog according to your preferred brand, price range, quantity, and more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>All our products also come with a low-price and lifetime replacement guarantee, so you don&rsquo;t have to worry about breaking the bank for your repairs. Order now, and we&rsquo;ll deliver all the tools you need straight to your doorstep in as fast as two business days.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Don&rsquo;t miss out on the best deals on the market, and shop for high-quality tools right here at CarParts.com!<\/p>\n<\/body><\/html>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p><span class=\"span-reading-time rt-reading-time\" style=\"display: block;\"><span class=\"rt-label rt-prefix\">Reading Time: <\/span> <span class=\"rt-time\"> 5<\/span> <span class=\"rt-label rt-postfix\">minutes<\/span><\/span>There are a lot of garage tools out there, many of which are essential for various DIY projects. Hex keys&#8230; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/garage-tools-101-hex-key-vs-allen-wrench\/\" rel=\"nofollow\">Read More<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":120385,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_genesis_hide_title":false,"_genesis_hide_breadcrumbs":false,"_genesis_hide_singular_image":false,"_genesis_hide_footer_widgets":false,"_genesis_custom_body_class":"","_genesis_custom_post_class":"","_genesis_layout":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[3768],"tags":[],"ppma_author":[2607,2985],"class_list":{"0":"post-119946","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-lifestyle","8":"entry"},"acf":{"adrotate_specific_mobile_ad":"","adrotate_specific_desktop_ad":""},"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.5 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Garage Tools 101: Hex Key vs. Allen Wrench - In The Garage with CarParts.com<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Hex keys and Allen wrenches sound like completely different tools, but are they really? Learn all about these garage toolbox essentials.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/garage-tools-101-hex-key-vs-allen-wrench\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Garage Tools 101: Hex Key vs. Allen Wrench - In The Garage with CarParts.com\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Hex keys and Allen wrenches sound like completely different tools, but are they really? 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