Best Allen Wrenches

Hex wrenches are also known as Allen wrenches. They were first manufactured by the Allen Manufacturing Company in 1909. They are tools with a six-sided, or hexagonal, head. They'll be used for bolts and screws with hexagonal sockets. They'll usually come in sets, with the wrenches spanning a certain range of sizes. But there are various types of Allen wrenches, each giving you a certain mechanical advantage in turning hex screws. You might have an L-key, T-handle, or ball-shape Allen wrench, and each has its pluses and minuses.

We've put together this Allen wrench buyer's guide to help you select the best Allen wrench that answers to your needs. It'll help you:

1. Choose the right type of Allen wrench,

2. See useful tips about that type of Allen wrench,

3. Read reviews of different brands of Allen wrenches, and what customers are saying,

4. Select the right brand of Allen wrench, and

5. Compare prices and find the best deals.

• Allen wrench sets: Since the Allen wrench must fit the socket-head screw perfectly, you'll have to get a wrench with exactly the correct size. You can get sets of 6, 8, 9, 13, 26, or even 30 pieces. The sets can come either as:

  • Separate pieces, where each wrench is stored in an individual pouch. They can either be

    • L-keys, where the wrench has the form of the letter L. Each end will have the hexagonal shape and size.

    • T-handles, where the wrench has the form of the letter T. It will work like a corkscrew, where you insert the end of the wrench and rotate with the handle.

  • Fold-ups: You'll want this because it delivers the torque of a T-handle Allen wrench, but is so compact it can fit in your hand or pocket. This is a folding wrench set, much like a Swiss Army knife, but just with Allen wrenches.

  • Ball end Allen wrench: This type of hex wrench was developed in 1964 by John Bondhus. It allows the user to be able to turn a socket-head screwwithout holding the wrench perpendicular to the hex nut. Wera and Bondhus make L-keys Allen wrenches that are two component: one end is a ball-shape, and the other end is the flat hex shape.

• Security version: There are hexagonal screws that have a hole for a pin in the center. That can be used to not allow standard hex wrenches from working on the hex nut.

Based on all the consumers' reviews we've scanned, these are the top things they mentioned about their new stuff:

• Durability: Wera makes Allen wrenches with Hex-Plus technology. They are wrenches with a larger contact zone in the screw head. It helps extend the life of the hex socket screws, because there is less friction and less of a chance of ruining the shape of the hex nut.

• Rust-proof: Bondhus makes the 20199 Balldriver L-wrench pack, which features ProGuard finish, in order to ensure rust-proof tools. The coating is 5 times more effective in preventing the tools oxidizing.

• Tool size: The longer the Allen wrench, the more leverage and torque it will provide. That's why T-handles are popular—they allow you to turn the screw with more hand strength. You'll see that Bondhus sells a set of T-handles of various sizes, from 2-10 mm diameter, with each handle progressively longer.

• Variable sizes: Allen wrench sets will have each tool marked in both inches and millimeters. Typically the dimension of the wrench will be etched into the metal.

• Best to get the largest set: If you have a bicycle that uses a particular six of hex screw that you have to tighten from time to time, then maybe you can get along with just certain Allen wrench sizes. But if not, it's best to get the largest range of sizes. Otherwise you might find that you have the wrenches just below and just above the desired size.

• Versatile handle: DeWalt's DWHT70265 Ratcheting T-Handle set will have Allen wrench heads or bits that fit into a magnetic standard handle, as well as Philips and flat-head screwdriver heads.

• Angle: The typical Allen wrench head must be inserted at a 90-degree angle to the head of the hex screw. That limitation might make it impossible to fit the Allen wrench into the hex screw. The ball end head can be inserted at 15 or even 25 degrees from the perpendicular. 

Bondhus—is a tool company located in Monticello, Minnesota. They were founded in 1964 by John Bondhus, when he innovated a new type of hex wrench. They make Ball End, Hex, and Torx tools, for a number of professional applications.

Wera—is a hardware company in Burlington, Ontario. They make screwdrivers, ratchet wrenches, L-Keys, torque tools, hammers, and more.

DeWalt—was founded in 1922 by Raymond DeWalt, as makers of woodworking machines, but they expanded over the years to making power tools and accessories for professional woodworkers and contractors. They now make drills, screwdrivers, holesaws and sockets. They are now a subsidiary of Stanley Black and Decker, and have their headquarters in Towson, Maryland.

Tekton—are makers of an all-in-one pliers, as well as screwdrivers and socket wrench sets. Their headquarters is located in Grand Rapids, Michigan. They make pliers, snips, wrenches, files, hammers, measuring tools, screwdrivers, and more.