Photo of Hex Keys
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Key selection features
Any shop selling tools will offer you a choice of several sets of hex, differing in content, manufacturers, price and quality. In order not to make a mistake in the choice, you need to have the necessary initial information about them.
A set of 12 hexagons or interchangeable hexagonal screwdriver heads is suitable for avid motorists and professional furniture assemblers, and for domestic use, a set of 5-6 keys will be enough for you.
When buying keys, please note that the cross-section can be different, in the form of a hexagon or a star, so you must know exactly which keys you need. It is better to purchase two types in advance, otherwise at the most crucial moment the necessary tool may not be at hand.
With the question of manufacturers, perhaps everything is very clear. Hex sets from well-known brands are much more expensive, but you get excellent quality tools for years to come.
A cheaper option is to buy Chinese counterparts. Many will say that now most of the goods are made in China, why not purchase the keys from this manufacturer. However, low quality is often hidden behind a cheap price, which means that your work may be defective.
In addition, you can damage the fastening parts, as a result of which you will have to purchase a new set of hexagons of different sizes and fasteners.
How to choose
A smart solution would be to buy a set of hex keys. Most likely, each of them has a use. Keys in a set differ by the distance between opposed edges in millimeters or fractions of an inch.
The standard dimensions of a hexagon in millimeters can be considered as follows:
- 0.7; 0.9; 1.0; 1.25; 1.3 and 1.5;
- from 2 to 6 (an increase of 0.5 mm);
- from 7 to 22 (an increase of 1 mm);
- 24, 25, 27, 30, 32, 36, 42 and 46 mm.
Depending on how many functions are planned to be performed using such a tool, a set with more or less keys is purchased; the manufacturer is selected and, accordingly, the price. If a set is bought for home use only for solving the most common household tasks, then there is no point in buying a large set.
For more specialized work or when buying a set for production, you should opt for professional sets or even several at once.An important factor is the alloy from which the key is made.
The set of hexagon heads is available in 2 versions:
- with standard hex ends;
- having a ball at the end of the key (it is convenient to work at an angle of up to 30 degrees).
Depending on how you plan to use the hexagon, you should pay attention to the possibility of manual use or in conjunction with a power tool. In addition to the standard L-shaped tool, the keys are also hexagons with a T-shaped handle, as well as in the form of attachments for use with a screwdriver.
Device
A classic screwdriver has three working elements:
Lever.
It can be made of various materials. These are wood, metal, plastic, rubber. A handle made of powder plastic is in great demand among professionals. This material has good strength data, which significantly increases the service life of the tool.
Another feature of the handle is its appearance. It should follow the shape of a clenched hand, which will create additional comfort when working. For an anti-slip effect, the manufacturer can give the element a relief or, for example, use rubberized inserts.
Kernel.
This part of the screwdriver must meet the maximum strength data, because during operation the main power load falls on it. The technology uses high-strength steel. After stamping, the rods undergo additional hardening.
Working tip.
Its shape is different. It all depends on the slot of the fastener with which you have to work. These are classic cross tips and more complex ones, in which even the edges of the star or hex are sharpened at certain angles. Ferrules with magnetic properties are popular, which further simplifies the work of screwing in fasteners.
As you can see, the simplicity of the device hides a number of features when choosing a suitable screwdriver.
Hex screwdriver
This modification is used in the assembly of furniture, household appliances, cars. It is designated HEX. There are options for screws with an internal recess in the hex slot. Additional designation of such handpieces is Driver. There may be more complicated options, for example, with a recess inside the hexagon itself. There are types of screwdrivers for high voltage applications. They are distinguished by a multi-layer coating of different colors, one of which is insulating. If, in the process of work, the bottom layer is exposed, this indicates the unsuitability of the tool for further use.
Types of hexagons
If this is your first encounter with this hexagonal assistant, then you should know that they are divided into two types:
- equipped with a standard tip;
- equipped with a ball on one end of the tool.
The second type of hex key makes it possible to work with an angle of inclination of almost 30 degrees, and after full scrolling, it does not need to be rearranged, as a result of which the time for the production of fastening work is reduced.
But you can't get by with one single hex key of the same size, so think carefully about this and get a full-fledged mixed-size set of internal hexagons. This is the most economical and budgetary option.
Features of operation
A hexagon is used for mounting (dismantling) fasteners that have a hexagonal contact area in the form of a recess. For effective and long-term service, the internal hexagons of the object must completely match the working surface of the key. This will prevent damage to the key and the unscrewed (screwed) element.
Due to their exceptional maintainability, hexagons will serve more than one cycle of work. If the edges of the key start to wear off, just go over them with a file and it is ready to work again.In cases where this technique does not help, the erased part of the key is simply cut off, leaving a new edge with clear edges.