A good quality hex set is a staple for any garage. Also known as Allen keys, they’re used to tighten or loosen bolts and screws that have a hexagonal head. An incredibly versatile tool and very useful in many settings.
Anyone who has bought anything flatpack from IKEA will be familiar with an Allen key. You may even have many of them, as they’re given away with every flatpack purchase. You’ll also see hexagonal-headed bolts on things like bicycles and many other products around the home.
While the supplied Allen key may work for that piece of furniture, their future use is limited because they are not durable. Plus, having many of the same-sized Allen keys seems as useless as having only one set of spanners. Thankfully, at CAR, we’ve found the best sets of those, too.
What to look for in a Hex Set?
Quality hex sets, also called hex key sets, are made from durable steel. Some feature multipurpose keys with a hex at one end and a ball at the other - these are incredibly handy with hexagonal-shaped bolts and screws, which are hard to reach or at an awkward angle.
There are also different types. Let’s look and see which might suit you best as you navigate what you thought might have been just a quick and simple decision.
Folding hex sets – Pocket-sized for quick and easy use and fitting perfectly into a tool belt. This is a set of hex keys which are all kept together in one easy-to-hold casing.
Straight hex keys – think of these as a screwdriver for hex keys – each with a different-sized hexagonal head to get the job done.
L-shaped hex keys are the ones you’re likely to see delivered with your flat-pack furniture.
T-handle hex keys – These are a favourite amongst mechanics with a more comfortable grip. The T-handle also allows for a significant increase in torque. However, they can be less versatile when working in tighter spaces.
Ball end hex keys – These have a hexagonal-shaped ball at one end and a flat hexagonal shape at the other. The hexagonal ball allows the user to undo or tighten a bolt or screw from an awkward angle.
The best hex sets
www.toolstation.com
This eight-piece set will help you complete a DIY job or mechanical job. Each one of the hex keys is made from sturdy chrome vanadium steel that’s been hardened and tempered for durability. There is a hexagonal ball end on the long blade and a conventional hexagonal end on the short blade. The soft grip handles add to comfort, and the steel storage rack can be wall mounted for ultimate storage.
Pros
• Sturdy and durable
• Very reputable brand
• Hexagonal ball end
Cons
• A set of eight is relatively small, but should cover most DIY jobs
www.toolstation.com
Each hex key is individually marked according to its size, so it's nice and easy to identify the one you want for any particular job. They're made from chrome vanadium steel that's been heat-treated and tempered for toughness and corrosion resistance. The tips of the keys are chamfered, meaning they'll slot easily into the sockets and fastenings you're working with, ensuring a tight connection. You'll find sizes ranging from 1.5 mm to 10 mm in the pack, so they're a versatile and good all-around choice. They're stored in a plastic holder to help keep your kit organised.
Pros
• Compact
• Durable
• Rust and corrosion resistant
Cons
• Because of the shorter length, they’ll lack torque
www.toolstop.co.uk
If you work in imperial and not metric, this handy little pocket set could be for you. The chamfered edge means it’s easy to get the hex key into bolts and screws, and a comfortable handle means you can apply the torque without hurting your hand. Super handy if you have a car from the USA.
Pros
• Handy size
• Great for quick jobs
Cons
• Measurements are in imperial
With the blades made from chrome vanadium steel for reliable strength and durability, this 10-piece set also has a T-handle with an ergonomic handle moulded to the shape of your hand. The set comes in a robust and wall-mountable metal stand, so you don’t have to bundle them into a toolbox. With a group ranging from 2mm – 10mm, you should be able to use these for simple model building up to working on your car.
Pros
• Plenty of sizing options
• T-handle design
Cons
• With the handles made from plastic, they can be uncomfortable or slip
www.screwfix.com
A relatively small set of six, yet there’s much to like about it, a classic T-handle design with a ball end on the longer blade and a normal hex end on the T-handle. The Polypropylene and rubber ergonomic handle means that you can comfortably turn the screw and for them to remain with as much grip as possible.
Pros
• Ergonomic handle
• Trusted brand
Cons
• No carrying facility
www.wiggle.co.uk
The L-key set is super handy for many reasons, and if you’re a cyclist, you’ll know how tricky it can be to remove bottle cages and get them back in again; here, the hexagonal ball end comes in handy. However, these are not strictly for cyclists, as these hex tools will work for any hex bolt or screw.
Pros
• Compact set
• Wide range of sizes
• Colour coded
Cons
• High price
Frequently Asked Questions
Imperial vs Metric
The imperial system is one which is used in the UK from 1824 to 1965. It’s a standardized measurement using units such as pounds (lb) for weight, and distances are measured in feet and inches.
The Metric system uses units such as grams and kilos for weight and millimetres, centimetres and kilometres for distance.
What is a hex key used for?
The simple answer is that a hex key is a hand tool which is used to tighten and loosen screws and bolts with a recessed hexagonal drive socket.
Why not just use a standard screw?
The hexagonal recess means that there are six contact surfaces in the screw or bolt, allowing for greater torque and less chance of slipping or stripping the screw.
Are hex keys and Allen keys the same thing?
While it can be confusing that one thing is given two different names, to all intense and purposes, yes, Allen keys and hex keys are the same.