Even if you are not familiar with the names Allen keys or Torx wrenches keys, there are chances that you may have used them. No matter whether you are a professional or a keen DIYer, having these tools in your box will ensure a lot of jobs are done. Both these tools are designed to fasten or loosen their corresponding fasteners and perform the same function.
What is an Allen key?
An Allen key, also known as a hexagon key, is used for tightening and loosening bolts and screws that have six sides or are hexagonal. Allen wrenches are normally part of an Allen wrench key set that is found on a ring. This ensures that the set is kept in one place. Allen keys are also known as hex keys, hex wrench, or Allen wrench.
The Allen keys are “L” shaped tools and were developed by Allen Manufacturing Company, which is how they got their name.
Allen wrenches have a number of applications and are used in many small industrial units to manufacture toys, musical instruments, motorbikes, garages, automotive engines, and consumer electronics. They are widely used in furniture assembly and are mostly found in self-assembly kits.
Allen wrenches are available in a number of sizes; some of the popular ones that are found in any Allen key set are 5/32 inch, 3/16 inch, and 1/4 inch. If you are a professional, you can also look to buy the following sizes – 3/32 inch, 7/6 inch, 1/8 inch, 9/64 inch, and 7/32 inch Allen wrenches.
What is a Torx wrench?
A Torx key is used to tighten or loosen bolts and screws that have six-pointed heads or have star-like heads. Torx keys are available individually but are generally sold as sets, with different types available for various applications. Torx keys are also known as star or six-point keys.
Torx wrenches are also available in different sizes, some of the popular ones that are found in any Torx set are ¼ inch, 3/8 inch, ½ inch and 3/4 to 1 inch.
Torx wrenches are used for engine repairs, on motorcycles, for tire changes and in consumer electronics devices
Can you use an Allen Key on a six-point fastener or use a Torx Wrench on a hex screw head?
RS Components does not recommend using your Torx wrenches in place of an Allen wrench or vice versa. There are chances that you will damage or even break your Torx wrenches on a hex screw head. The tips of a Torx wrench are fragile and are prone to bending and snapping if they do not fit snugly inside of the screw head. This is because there is one single contact point inside of a hex screw for the star point and once the torx tip touches the star point it will bend in the opposite direction.
The additional stability that Torx screws offer makes them useful in any application where precision is preferable to overt force.
You may even damage and strip the fastener while using the wrong wrench or key. When fastening a screw into place, we always recommend using the correct bit type and size. This practice will make your tools last longer and your hardware will break less frequently.
If you need help finding the right Allen keys for your project, visit our website and browse to take a look at all the high-quality brands available.