JavaScript seems to be disabled in your browser. For the best experience on our site, be sure to turn on Javascript in your browser.

FREE Delivery Australian OwnedSpend DISCOUNTS

Home
Driving
Keys

Keys

Keys

Long-shank Hobson Allen keys (hex keys) for installing internal-hex socket cap screws by hand. Sized by hex AF dimension across flats - 1.5mm, 2mm, 2.5mm, 3mm, 4mm, 5mm, 6mm, 8mm and 10mm in metric. Includes Post Hex (security / pin-in-hex) variants for tamper-resistant fasteners.

Also known as: Hex Keys, L Keys, Allen Wrenches, Hex Wrenches, T-Handle Hex Keys, Ball-End Hex Keys.

Allen keys are the hand-tool analog of Hex driver bits - the difference is form factor (L-shape vs straight 1/4" hex shank), not function. The same hex AF engages the same internal hex recess. Allen keys are essential for low-volume bench assembly, field service and access to recessed sockets where a power driver won't fit.

GRADES AND MATERIALS

Alloy Tool Steel, Zinc Silver Plated - the standard Hobson Allen key. Plated for modest corrosion protection; the underlying alloy tool steel is heat-treated for durability under high install-torque hand pressure. Ball-end variants let the key engage the recess at an off-axis angle - useful when the screw is in a recessed counterbore.

DRIVE AND INSTALLATION

Insert the bit into a 1/4" hex chuck or a magnetic bit holder. Verify the bit tip matches the fastener recess exactly - undersized bits cam out and strip the recess on the first install. Apply firm axial pressure during driving so the bit stays fully seated. For high-volume work, use power-length bits (50mm+) with a torsion zone to absorb impact-driver hammer blows.

Hex AF runs 1.5mm to 10mm metric. The key short arm fits into the recess; the long arm gives the lever for hand-torque. Apply force perpendicular to the long arm; over-rotating the short arm rounds the recess. Post Hex security keys have a centre hole at the working end to clear the central security pin.

A NOTE ON BIT WEAR AND CAM-OUT

Allen keys are wear items. Match the bit to the fastener recess exactly, lean into the drive so the bit stays fully seated, and replace bits at the first sign of tip rounding. Cam-out (bit slipping out of the recess under torque) is the failure mode - it strips the fastener recess and wears the bit tip simultaneously. If you're seeing cam-out, the bit is either wrong-size or worn.

SIZING AND LENGTHS

Sized by hex AF. Stock covers individual keys 1.5mm to 10mm. Security (Post Hex) variants stocked in the most-used 2.5mm to 6mm range. Long-arm format extends to 80mm+ for reach into recessed installations.

WHY AUSTRALIA TRUSTS BOLT & NUT

With 15+ years selling fasteners and tooling online from Brisbane, we hold over 25,000 stock lines and 200 million pieces - 98.75% of online orders placed before 1pm leave same day. Save more as you buy more - we offer up to 13 price breaks plus 3 spend-tier discounts. Read our customer reviews or get in touch if you need help picking the right Allen key.

YOU'RE ON A SECURE SITE

Copyright © 2026 Bolt & Nut Australia Pty LTD, ABN 45 159 328 604

Magento Website built By dZine-Hub

Spend up to $99 5% Discount
Spend between $100 - $249 10% Discount
Spend $250 and above 15% Discount