The tips of a hex screwdriver and an Allen key are the same but the difference lies in the shapes of these tools. Typically, an Allen key is L-shaped and a screwdriver is straight with a handle for more convenience.

It is important to mention that a hex key with a ball end makes point contact with the screw. A hex key with a straight end, in its turn, makes the line contact. Keep that in mind.

However, using a ball end hex key is not the best option when it comes to high-torque applications as you will lose some fastener engagement.

Hex keys with a ball end have one undeniable benefit - they are perfect for hard-to reach places, or, for example, if the bolt is located close to the obstruction on one of the sides. In this case, using a ball end hex key is more effective than using a regular hex key. With a ball-shaped end, it is easier to slide your key into the receiving slot. You will save your time, that’s for sure!

Allen wrenches are compact, portable, and lightweight, you can take them with you wherever you need to go. In addition, using them reduces fatigue, increasing your productivity.

These instruments are essentially L-shaped wrenches with 6 sides. They are used to drive hexagon-shaped recessed holes. Greek "hex" means "six". Hence the name.

An Allen wrench, in its turn, is a separate manual tool. However, both a hex bit and an Allen wrench have the same hexagon shape (if to look at the front side).

With a ball end hex key, the fastener access angle can be varied, there is no need to approach the fastener directly at a 90° angle, which is very convenient.

On our website, there are tools made by various manufacturers, choose the best Allen wrenches that meet your needs. It is possible to buy hex keys separately or in sets.

Nowadays, there are many hand tools to choose from. But this article is aimed to help you figure out the difference between an Allen wrench and a hex key.

For more than a century, people have been using these instruments, they are affordable and popular among many users the world over, including professional mechanics as well as those who need these tools for home use.

So, Allen vs hex head? Now you know there’s no difference. On Mega Depot, you can find hex keys that come in an array of sizes (measured by across-flats - the distance between the opposite ends of the flat side). Note that if your Allen wrench is bigger than it should be, the fastener or instrument may be damaged.

At the beginning of the 20th century, William G. Allen patented a cold drawing process for making hex socket set screws. Wrenches for turning such screws became widely popular. "Allen" is a registered trademark, however, even wrenches by other manufacturers are sometimes called Allen wrenches.

Have you ever assembled furniture? Or maybe you spend hours in your garage? Then you definitely used this tool. Some call it a hex key, others - an Allen wrench.