4 Most Common Overlooked Uses of Allen Keys

From IKEA furniture assembling to bike repairs, the Allen wrench set is the most common tool used to assemble the things together, or pull them apart and rearrange them with the latest set of Allen wrenches. Some may use only a single hex key to put together the furniture or some prefer to use various other tools in size and length. One can say that hex keys are super underutilised while their uses are becoming more and more common.

The use of fasteners is ever-evolving, with the latest technology the use of hex keys has changed with time. Some of the major construction work has shifted to automated tools that outperform a regular set of screws and secure fitting.

However, it’s not every other day that you’ll need to use the Allen key but at some point, you might have to. So, what is possibly the overlooked or ignored use of Allen keys that could be handy?

Let’s take a look.

1. Bike Repairs

Once upon a time, using bicycles was the common mode of transportation more than cars. When repair was needed, Allen wrenches were the dominant tools used for the very purpose. Allen wrenches are available in various sizes and used to repair the different types of applications. Even if you do not have a bike, someone you know might have one and that will need maintenance. But if you are an avid rider yourself, you’d want to pick the Allen wrench set that includes the folding Allen keys. These are easy to carry and pretty much convenient to use too.

2. Furniture Repairs

Another of the most common uses of the Allen wrench is to repair the furniture. If your furniture is two decades old (or maybe more) then you’ll likely need to use the hex keys.

Today’s contemporary designs have reduced the use of hex wrenches to a large extent. If you are a proud owner of the 20-year-old furniture the nuts and bolts in the furniture were considered to be the sign of trademark. The use of hex screws was important to assemble the pieces, secure them in the right place. The compact design is what made the use of Allen keys so useful and functional for taking care of the furniture.

For instance, the threaded inserts are driven into the furniture with a hex key as it can fit in tight spaces too to tighten the bolt and nuts.

3. Auto Repairs

Their accessibility to be used in tight spaces also made hex wrenches a perfect tool to repair the parts of cars and motorcycles. A nut or bolt if needed to be replaced or is unnecessary to use, you can expect a hex screw saving the day.

Even if you do not know how to repair your car, you’d still need to keep a set of Allen wrenches with you for any emergency case. For instance, you may need access under the seat or behind the glove compartment, nothing can do it better than the Allen keys. Especially the T-Handle Allen wrench is perfect for use.

4. Tools and Equipment

Certain types of equipment and tools are maintained and repaired with the Allen keys. This comes as no surprise that you do not need to be the machinist to use the set of Allen keys. Even the cordless drills come with insertable parts that are dependent on the hex screws to secure the screws and nuts into their place. Similarly, the use of a power saw also requires hex keys for changing the blade or to make any other adjustment.

For instance, the use of Short Arm Hex Key Set is one of the most practical Allen keys to use for smaller objects.

Allen keys and wrenches are a staple tool that is usable in a variety of ways. Any smart person would have the common sense to keep the latest set of Allen wrench for unorthodox use.