What is another name for an allen wrench? | Common names for allen wrenches
An allen wrench, also known as a hex key or hex wrench, is a simple yet essential tool used to tighten or loosen screws and bolts with hexagonal sockets. The name “allen wrench” comes from the Allen Manufacturing Company, which patented and popularized the tool in the early 20th century. However, the term “allen wrench” is often used generically to refer to any hex key, regardless of brand or manufacturer.
In addition to “allen wrench” and “hex key,” this versatile tool is known by a variety of common names depending on geographical location and context. Some of the other names for an allen wrench include:
Hex wrench: This name is derived from the shape of the tool’s tip, which has six sides and resembles a hexagon. The term “hex wrench” is widely used, especially in industries such as construction, automotive, and furniture assembly.
L-key: The term “L-key” refers to the distinct L-shape of the tool, which provides leverage and makes it easier to turn bolts and screws. This name is commonly used in European countries.
Allen key: In some countries, particularly in the United Kingdom, the term “allen key” is the preferred name for this type of wrench. This name retains the association with the Allen Manufacturing Company, even when referring to non-Allen brand tools.
Regardless of the name used, allen wrenches are widely recognized for their functionality and ease of use. They come in various sizes, from small handheld tools used for delicate tasks, to larger versions used for heavy-duty applications. Whether you call it an allen wrench, hex key, or any other name, this tool remains an indispensable item in any home or professional toolbox.
What is another name for an allen wrench?
An allen wrench, also known as a hex key or allen key, is a tool used to tighten or loosen screws and bolts with a hexagonal socket. The term “allen wrench” is commonly used in the United States, while “hex key” is more commonly used in other parts of the world.
Here are some other common names for an allen wrench:
- Hex key
- Hex wrench
- Allen key
- Allen wrench
- L-key
- Inbus key (from the German brand Inbus, which popularized this type of tool)
- Hexagon key
- Internal hex key
No matter what name it goes by, an allen wrench is an essential tool for assembling and disassembling furniture, bicycles, appliances, and many other objects that use hexagonal sockets for fastening.
Allen wrenches typically come in a set with various sizes or can be purchased individually. They are often made of hardened steel and have a long, hexagonal shaft with a ball or sharp end for easy access to tight spaces. The size of the allen wrench needed for a specific screw or bolt can be determined by measuring the width across the flats of the hexagonal socket.
Understanding the different names for allen wrenches
Allen wrenches, also known as hex keys or hex wrenches, are commonly used tools for tightening or loosening screws with hexagonal-shaped heads. These versatile tools come in a variety of sizes to fit different screw sizes and can be found in almost every toolbox.
Hex Key
The term “hex key” is derived from the tool’s hexagonal shape. The word “key” is used to describe the tool’s function as a mechanical device used for turning screws.
Allen Wrench
The term “Allen wrench” is often used interchangeably with “hex key.” It originates from the Allen Manufacturing Company, which was founded by William G. Allen in the early 20th century. The company produced hexagonal wrenches and popularized the use of these tools.
Hex Screwdriver
Another common name for an allen wrench is “hex screwdriver.” This name emphasizes the tool’s function as a screwdriver, specifically designed for hexagonal screws.
Other Names
Besides the three main names mentioned above, allen wrenches are also referred to by various other names, including:
- Hex key wrench
- Inbus key
- Internal hex wrench
- Hexagon key
- Hex head wrench
- Allan key (a common misspelling of Allen key)
These alternative names may be used regionally or by specific industries, but they all refer to the same type of tool.
Conclusion
Understanding the different names for allen wrenches can help avoid confusion when searching for the right tool. Whether you call it a hex key, Allen wrench, or hex screwdriver, these tools are essential for any DIY enthusiast or professional tradesperson.
The various terms used to refer to allen wrenches
Allen wrenches, also known as hex keys, are commonly used tools in many industries and applications. They are designed to tighten or loosen hexagonal socket screws and bolts, and are known for their hexagonal or L-shaped design. While they are most commonly referred to as allen wrenches or hex keys, there are also several other terms used to describe these tools.
1. Hex key
The term “hex key” is often used interchangeably with allen wrench. The name “hex key” comes from the tool’s hexagonal shape, which allows it to fit securely into hexagonal socket screws and bolts.
2. Allen key
The term “allen key” is another common name for allen wrenches. It originated from the Allen Manufacturing Company, which was the company that first patented and produced these tools in the early 20th century.
3. Allen wrench
The term “allen wrench” is the most widely used name for this tool. It is often used in American English and is derived from the brand name “Allen” that became synonymous with this type of wrench.
4. Hexagon key
The term “hexagon key” is another descriptive name for allen wrenches. It refers to the hexagonal shape of the tool, which allows it to fit into hexagonal socket screws and bolts. This term is commonly used in British English.
5. L-key
The term “L-key” is used to describe the allen wrenches that have an L-shaped design. This design provides leverage and makes it easier to apply torque when tightening or loosening screws or bolts. The L-key term is often used to differentiate the L-shaped allen wrenches from the straight ones.
6. Inbus key
The term “Inbus key” is commonly used in German-speaking countries to refer to allen wrenches. It is derived from the brand name “Inbus,” which was the first company to manufacture and market these tools in Germany.
In conclusion, allen wrenches are known by various names such as hex key, allen key, allen wrench, hexagon key, L-key, and Inbus key. Regardless of the name used, these tools serve the same purpose of tightening or loosening hexagonal socket screws and bolts.
Common names for allen wrenches
An allen wrench is a type of hex key, often used to tighten or loosen screws with hexagonal heads. While it is commonly known as an allen wrench, it is also referred to by other names depending on the region or industry. Some common names for allen wrenches include:
- Hex key
- Hex wrench
- Allen key
- Allen screwdriver
- Hex driver
These terms are often used interchangeably and all refer to the same type of tool. The name “allen wrench” originated from the Allen Manufacturing Company, which first developed and patented the tool in the early 20th century. Since then, it has become a widely recognized and commonly used tool in various fields and applications.
Regardless of the name used, allen wrenches are characterized by their L-shaped design, with a hexagonal or hex-shaped end. This allows them to fit securely into screws or bolts with hex heads, providing a good grip for tightening or loosening. The other end of the wrench usually has a handle or grip for easy maneuvering.
The sizes of allen wrenches can vary, with different wrenches designed to fit different-sized hex head screws. Common sizes include 1/16″, 5/64″, 3/32″, 1/8″, 5/32″, 3/16″, 1/4″, 5/16″, and 3/8″. These sizes are often labeled on the wrench or packaging, making it easy to identify the right size for a specific screw or bolt.
| Size | Equivalent Metric Size |
|---|---|
| 1/16″ | 1.588 mm |
| 5/64″ | 1.984 mm |
| 3/32″ | 2.381 mm |
| 1/8″ | 3.175 mm |
| 5/32″ | 3.969 mm |
| 3/16″ | 4.763 mm |
| 1/4″ | 6.35 mm |
| 5/16″ | 7.938 mm |
| 3/8″ | 9.525 mm |
Allen wrenches are widely used in various industries, including automotive, construction, furniture assembly, and electronics. They are a versatile and essential tool for any DIY enthusiast or professional.
Exploring the popular names for allen wrenches
An allen wrench, also known as a hex key, is a small hand tool used to drive screws and bolts with hexagonal sockets. While it is commonly referred to as an allen wrench, it also goes by several other names depending on the region and industry. Here are some of the popular names for allen wrenches:
1. Hex key
The term “hex key” derives from the tool’s ability to tighten or loosen screws and bolts with hexagonal heads. It is widely used in various industries and is recognized worldwide.
2. Allen key
The term “allen key” is commonly used in European regions and is derived from the Allen Manufacturing Company, which invented and popularized the tool in the early 1900s.
3. Hex wrench
Similar to the term “hex key,” the term “hex wrench” is used to describe the tool’s ability to drive hexagonal fasteners. It is often used in industrial settings and by professionals who work with machinery and equipment.
4. L-key
The term “L-key” refers to the shape of the tool, which resembles the letter L. This name is often used in the United States and is widely recognized in the DIY community.
5. Allen screwdriver
While not as common as the previous names, the term “allen screwdriver” is occasionally used to describe the tool. It emphasizes the screwdriver-like function of the allen wrench.
Regardless of the name used, allen wrenches are an essential tool in many industries and DIY projects. They provide a secure grip and allow for precise torque application, making them versatile and reliable for various applications.
| Name | Region |
|---|---|
| Hex key | Global |
| Allen key | Europe |
| Hex wrench | Global |
| L-key | United States |
| Allen screwdriver | Global |
Commonly known aliases for allen wrenches
1. Hex key
The allen wrench is often referred to as a “hex key” due to its common use in tightening or loosening hexagonal screws and bolts.
2. Allen key
Another commonly used name for the allen wrench is “allen key,” which comes from the brand name “Allen Manufacturing Company” that originally patented the design.
3. Hex wrench
Similar to the “hex key” alias, the allen wrench is also known as a “hex wrench” due to its ability to fit into hexagonal screw or bolt heads.
4. Hexagon key
The allen wrench may also be referred to as a “hexagon key” due to its six-sided shape, which perfectly matches the hexagonal heads of the fasteners it is used with.
5. L-key
Some people simply call the allen wrench an “L-key” due to its typical L-shape design, which allows for easy application of torque.
6. Inbus wrench
In some parts of the world, particularly in Europe, the allen wrench is known as an “inbus wrench,” named after the original manufacturer Inbus BV.
7. Six-sided wrench
Describing its shape and purpose, the allen wrench is sometimes called a “six-sided wrench” to emphasize its ability to tighten or loosen fasteners with six-sided heads.
Alternative names for allen wrenches
An allen wrench, also known as a hex key or hex wrench, is a commonly used tool for driving screws and bolts with hexagonal sockets. While the term “allen wrench” is widely recognized, there are several other names that are used interchangeably to refer to this type of tool:
- Hex key
- Hex wrench
- Hexagon wrench
- Allen key
- Allen wrench
These alternative names stem from the various features and characteristics of the tool. The name “hex key” and “hex wrench” are derived from the hexagonal shape of the tool’s socket. The term “hexagon wrench” emphasizes the six-sided nature of the tool. “Allen key” and “Allen wrench” are named after the Allen Manufacturing Company, which popularized the tool in the early 20th century.
No matter what you call it, this versatile tool is a must-have in any toolbox. It is commonly used in various applications, including furniture assembly, bicycle repairs, and automotive repairs. The ability to fit into tight spaces and provide a firm grip makes it an essential tool for both professionals and DIY enthusiasts alike.
Different labels for allen wrenches
1. Hex key
The correct technical term for an allen wrench is a hex key. It derives its name from the fact that it is used to tighten or loosen screws or bolts with hexagonal socket heads.
2. Allen key
The term “allen key” is a common alternative to the more formal “hex key”. Both terms refer to the same tool and are used interchangeably in everyday language.
3. Hex wrench
The term “hex wrench” is another name for an allen wrench. As with the previous terms, it is used to describe a tool used to fasten or loosen screws or bolts with hexagonal socket heads.
4. L-shaped wrench
An allen wrench is often referred to as an “L-shaped wrench” because of its shape. The short end of the tool forms an L-shape, providing leverage and ease of use when tightening or loosening screws.
5. Allen driver
The term “allen driver” is another name for an allen wrench. It is often used in the context of power tools or screwdrivers that can accommodate different sizes of allen wrench tips.
6. Allen key set
When a set of allen wrenches of various sizes is packaged and sold together, it is commonly referred to as an “allen key set”. These sets often come in a convenient carrying case for easy storage and organization.
7. Screw hex key
The term “screw hex key” is another way to describe an allen wrench. It emphasizes the use of the tool specifically for screws with hexagonal socket heads, distinguishing it from other types of wrenches.
8. Metric or imperial hex key
Allen wrenches can be categorized into metric or imperial sizes, depending on the measurement system used. The terms “metric hex key” or “imperial hex key” highlight the different measurement systems and can help users choose the correct size for their screws.
9. Inbus wrench
In some European countries, an allen wrench is known as an “inbus wrench”. This term is derived from the German brand “Inbus”, which is a well-known manufacturer of hex keys.
10. Allen screwdriver
The term “allen screwdriver” is often used to describe a screwdriver specifically designed to accommodate a hex-shaped tip. This type of screwdriver allows for easier tightening or loosening of screws with hexagonal socket heads.
These are some of the different labels commonly used to refer to allen wrenches. Regardless of the label, this versatile tool remains an essential part of any toolbox or repair kit.
FAQ
What is another name for an allen wrench?
Another name for an allen wrench is a hex key.
Are allen wrenches and hex keys the same thing?
Yes, allen wrenches and hex keys are the same thing. They both refer to a tool with a hexagonal shape used to tighten or loosen screws or bolts with hexagonal sockets.
Why are allen wrenches called hex keys?
Allen wrenches are called hex keys because they have a hexagonal shape. “Hex” refers to six sides, and “key” refers to a tool used for turning or unlocking something, such as a bolt or a screw. So, a hex key is a tool with a hexagonal shape used for turning or unlocking hexagonally-shaped sockets.
Are there other common names for allen wrenches?
Yes, besides “allen wrench” and “hex key,” there are a few other common names for this tool. Some people also refer to it as a hex wrench, a hexagon wrench, or a hex key wrench. These names all describe the same type of tool with a hexagonal shape.
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