What Is An Allen Wrench?
An Allen wrench is a small, L shaped piece of metal with a six sided tip. You use it to turn special screws that have a matching six sided hole in the top. The Allen Manufacturing Company trademarked this specific hex key design in 1910. The brand name became so popular that almost everyone in the US calls it by the company name today. You might also hear people call it a hex key or an Allen key. They all mean the exact same thing.
These tools look very plain. They do not have moving parts or fancy handles. You just hold the metal bar and turn. The long side of the L shape gives you reach to get into deep holes. The short side gives you leverage to turn tight screws. You will use this tool a lot when you move in. It is essential for Your First Week as a Homeowner because you will likely build flat pack furniture or adjust hardware.
Why You Need One
You cannot use a normal screwdriver on a hex screw. A flathead or Phillips screwdriver will just spin around and ruin the metal. Hex screws are very popular because they do not strip easily. Manufacturers can tighten them very firmly at the factory. This makes them perfect for heavy items that take a lot of weight or vibration.
You will find these screws all over your house. They hold your bed frame together. They keep your bathroom towel bars tight against the wall. They lock your door handles in place. If you do not have a set of these wrenches, you will get stuck trying to do basic repairs. Most flat pack furniture comes with a cheap, disposable hex key in the box. However, those free tools are hard to hold and easy to lose. Buying a real set is a smart move.
Where You Will Use It
You will run into hex screws in many different home systems. Here are the most common places you will need this tool.
- Furniture: Almost all modern beds, desks, and chairs use hex bolts. You will need the wrench to tighten wobbly legs.
- Plumbing fixtures: Look under the handle of your bathroom or kitchen sink. You will usually see a tiny hole. You need a very small Allen key to take the handle off. This is a common step in basic Plumbing repairs.
- Garbage disposals: If your disposal jams, you do not need to panic. Go look under the sink. The bottom of the disposal unit has a hex hole in the center. You can stick a large Allen wrench up into that hole and crank it back and forth to unjam the motor. This is a great trick for fixing Appliances without calling a pro.
- Bathroom hardware: Toilet paper holders and towel rings attach to the wall with tiny set screws. These screws require a very small hex key to tighten.
Metric Versus Standard Sizes
This is the tricky part about hex keys. They come in two different measuring systems. One system is metric and uses millimeters. The other system is standard, or SAE, and uses fractions of an inch. You need both sets in your toolbox.
If you buy a piece of furniture from Europe or Asia, it will use metric screws. If you buy a product made in the US, it might use standard screws. You can never tell just by looking at the screw head. You have to test fit the wrench. Always pick the wrench that fits the tightest. If the tool feels loose inside the screw, stop turning. You are using the wrong size. If you force it, you will strip the screw. A stripped screw becomes a smooth metal circle that you cannot turn at all.
What It Costs
These tools are very cheap. You can buy a basic set of standard and metric Allen wrenches for 10 to 20 dollars at any hardware store. A high quality set with comfortable handles might cost 30 to 50 dollars. Keep in mind that ranges vary based on where you live and shop. You can buy them as loose individual keys, folded sets, or bits that fit into a power drill. A folded set is usually the best value for a beginner.
