Not all screws and other fasteners require the use of a traditional wrench or screwdriver. Each varies in size and design, so you will need the right tool for the fastener.
One particular tool which is very popular when it comes to constructing furniture is an Allen wrench, also called an Allen key, or a hex key.
A hex key is designed to fit perfectly into the head of a hexagonal screw which makes fastening a screw quick and easy for DIYers, as there is no need for any other tool like a drill wrench, or any other type of fastener.
Allen keys can have different ends, such as aball end, and some even have a hole in them but why does an Allen key need a hole?
In this article, we take a closer look at this underestimated tool that comes in a vast range of different sizes, and we find out what you can use an Allen wrench with a hole for.
Why Do Some Allen Keys Have Holes?
Allen keys have a very distinct L-shape, and with the majority of these wrenches, you can use both sides to fasten or unfasten a screw with a hex head. Hex keys are a truly essential piece of modern furniture construction.
Some Allen wrenches have a hole in the center which allows you to insert the wrench into a fastener that contains a pin or a post in the center of the hexagonal screw head.
These are more unusual types of screws, also often referred to as tamper resistant or security hex screws.
These hex screws are hexagonal with a small post or pin at their center, so you can only unfasten or fasten them with a tamper resistant hex key which is an Allen wrench with a hole.
These security screw Allen keys have a hole both on the long end as well as the short end, so you can use both ends for fastening the screw.
It’s worthwhile pointing out here that Allen wrenches with holes do not just work with these special types of screws, and can actually also be used with drive bolts, and bolts with a hexagon shape on the top.
They can also be used for other hexagonal fasteners that do not have a post or pin in the center.
What Is An Allen Key?
There are a number of different names for Allen keys. They are often also called Allen wrenches or hex keys.
An Allen wrench is an L-shaped tool usually made of metal. It can be used to install or remove fasteners that have a hexagonal head, and negate the need for a wrench, screwdriver, or any other tool used to tighten furniture.
Allen keys are made as a single piece of metal which is shaped at an angle with a short and a long end.
Both ends have a hexagonal shape, so you can use both sides to fasten or unfasten as a hex screw Such screws have a hexagon shape upon the top, called a hex recess which accommodates a hex key.
There are also some specialty Allen keys. For example, Allen hex keys with a hole in the middle allow you to fasten security screws which have a pin in the center.
But some Allen keys also have a ball-shaped end which allows you to get into smaller spaces.
Allen hex wrenches come in a variety of different sizes, so you can match the size of your screw with the correct size hex key.
How Do Allen Wrenches Work?
Allen wrenches work in a similar way to other wrenches and screwdrivers. Using an Allen key is very simple.
All you have to do is place one of the ends inside a screw or other fastener that has a hexagonal socket.
Then turn the Allen wrench either clockwise or anti-clockwise depending on whether you want to fasten or remove the screw.
You can use both the short and the longer end of an Allen wrench to install or a remove a fastener.
But by turning the long arm, you can create more torque which requires less effort to turn the wrench.
This is particularly important to remember when you have a fastener that doesn’t come loose so easily. Then, a little more torque is handy to remove the screw.
On the other hand, when you use the short arm, then you have more room to move around in a tight space.
Benefits Of Allen Keys
An Allen wrench has a number of advantages over a screwdriver and other wrenches.
Quick Screw Fastening Without Power Tools
As L-shaped wrenches are very easy to use, they come in handy whenever you don’t want to connect a power tool and you just need to quickly fasten a hex screw.
You also do not need to have a special attachment, like a bit, with an Allen key. This makes it one of the simplest tool that is available for removing and installing fasteners.
Protection Against Screw Stripping
When you use a high powered tool, there is a great risk that you unintentionally strip the fastener you are working on.
This can make it much more difficult to fasten the screw, and you may have to dispose of it.
On the other hand, with an Allen wrench, you just insert the hexagonal end into the fastener and turn the short or long arm.
Thanks to this perfect match between Allen key and screw, there is a perfect grip which reduces the risk of stripped screws.
Low Price
Allen hex keys are relatively cheap compared to other tools, and that’s why they can often be found in consumer-built furniture.
It’s an ideal solution as it offers the buyer to assemble the furniture pieces without the need for any additional tools.
Plus, you get to keep all the Allen keys once you assembled your furniture.
Where To Use Your Allen Wrench?
Allen keys come in handy whenever you are trying to fasten or remove a hex screw. Here are a few different applications where you can use an Allen wrench.
Furniture Repair And Assembly
With almost every piece of flatpack furniture today, you also get an Allen key. This allows you to assemble your furniture without buying any additional tools.
Allen keys are very lightweight and they fit perfectly into the hex screws that are often used in furniture repairs.
Allen wrenches are also quite small, so you can use them in the tight spaces on furniture.
Bicycle Repair
Whenever you walk into a bicycle repair shop, you are guaranteed to see different size wrenches and Allen keys.
Thanks to their availability in different sizes, Allen wrenches make for ideal bike repair tools.
But as these wrenches are so compact in size and weight, every rider can also carry one in case of bicycle emergency repairs.
Car And Motorcycle Repairs
While the automotive industry typically uses larger power tools for any repairs, there are also large Allen wrenches that are suitable for car and motorbike repairs.
For example, you will be able to see T-handle Allen wrenches in use regularly.
Tool Repairs
Allen wrenches aren’t just practical when it comes to repairing larger items. You can also use an Allen key to repair and maintain any machinery and heavy tool.
You may also need an Allen key when you want to adjust a blade in any type of power saw.
Final Thoughts
Allen keys can be used in a large variety of applications, including repairs of bicycles, motorbikes, electronics but also unfastening security hex screws.
You will need an Allen wrench with a hole in it. This fits the small pin in the center of security hex fasteners making it easy to unscrew or fasten them.