Lastly, there’s one other added benefit to having both SAE & metric hex keys. In the United States, larger metric half sizes like 6.5 mm aren’t standard in most hex key sets. However, the 1/4″ SAE hex wrench will likely work in place of a 6.5 mm wrench. In scenarios like these, use the chart to estimate the correct alternative. You can test different sizes till you find the best match. We do recommend starting slowly to ensure that you don’t damage the hardware. Our range of long-reach Allen keys are manufactured by leading brands like Irwin, Stanley, Bahco, GearWrench, Wiha Tools, Facom, RS PRO, and of course the original trademark designer, Allen. How would you use a long reach hex key? Long-reach Allen keys are a common feature of most good quality hex key sets, which tend to include a useful range of common wrench sizes and diameters (typically from around 1-1.5mm, up to 12mm and beyond). Ball end hex keys Ball ended hex keys allow access to fasteners in tighter spaces, giving the user an in creased range of angles from which to access the part thanks to its rounded hexagonal bulb-shaped head. Straight hex keys These resemble screwdrivers and function in much the same way except the head features either a flat or ball ended hex key, instead of the traditional screwdriver bit.

Note you always fit or remove pedals from the crank end of the pedal spindle. If your pedals have a bolt, cap or screw on the outside end of the pedal spindle, this is only used to service the bearings. Left vs right pedals explained – what are the differences? There are a number of things to take into account when choosing the right hex key for the job, below is a few of the main points of consideration. The same is true for fitting, where turning the spindle towards the front of the bike will tighten the pedals onto the crank whatever side the pedal is on. Did you know that most people use the wrong screwdriver for the job? It’s essential to distinguish between the various screwdriver types and know what screw you’re using. A set from Halfords will include a variety of screwdrivers for slotted head screws, Phillips drive screws and Pozidriv screws, perfect for any job. Impact drivers & screw bits Like all hex wrenches, long-reach Allen keys are also sold with a variety of head and handle types for various more specialised applications - these can include:

What are the factors to consider before buying an Allen key & hex key?

Torque needed **- When tightening or loosening a fastener (particularly loosening) the amount of torque needed to move the part is key. An L-shape or T-handle have particular leverage in this area, their extended handles allow for greater torque when dealing with fasteners

There are a few variations of hex keys available, the most common and the one that is synonymous with the tern Allen key is the L-shaped hex key. To help choose the right key for the job we have outlined the most common types below as well as a few of their features and benefits. Hex keys are available in many different sizes and in both imperial and metric measurements. The size needed will depend on the size of fastener you're working with. Where the additional access provided by a long-reach hex wrench is needed, you'd use the more elongated side as the ‘driver', and the shorter side therefore becomes the handle that you turn to tighten or loosen the fastener. However, when a hex bolt is within easy reach and there's plenty of space to work in, long-arm Allen keys can also be handy used in the reverse configuration - the longer side can help provide better grip and torque when operating as a handle. What types of long reach Allen keys are available? T-handle hex keys The T-handle feature a good grip thanks to the shape of its handle, from where it gets its moniker, allowing for significantly increased torque. Size of fastener - probably the most important consideration as the wrong sized key either won't fit the fastener or fit loosely resulting in either damaging the tool or rounding off the fastener making it difficult to remove.Moving over to the right-hand side, we’ve provided the metric to SAE guide for Allen wrench conversions. Similar to the metric hex keys, the SAE hex wrenches don’t always have a perfect substitute as seen for SAE size 3/16″. Thus, we recommend that those with only a metric Allen wrench set add a separate SAE hex key set to their stable. Substituting Uncommon Hex Sizes Access to fastener **- Operating in tight working environments can result in limited access to the fastener you're working on. Ball-end hex keys allow for tightening and loosening of fasteners at a variety of angles, so if you're working in places where space is limited they might be the answer to your troubles. Hex keys also referred to as Allen keys or Allen wrenches are used in the application of loosening and tightening hexagonal fasteners. They are used in a variety of industries and are also a handy domestic tool with many uses. They are available in a number of different sizes with both imperial and metric variations available.