Previous in Forum: Rigid insulation for small ovens   Next in Forum: which type of Diaphragm valves I should select
Close
Close
Close
5 comments
Rate Comments: Nested
Anonymous Poster

Difference between Allen and Hexagonal Bolts

06/14/2008 6:06 PM

What is the diff betwn Allen and Hexagonal bolts???

Reply
Interested in this topic? By joining CR4 you can "subscribe" to
this discussion and receive notification when new comments are added.
Power-User
United States - Member - US Navy Veteran

Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Nothing sucks more than that moment during an argument when you realize you're wrong.
Posts: 301
Good Answers: 22
#1

Re: Difference between Allen and Hexagonal Bolts

06/14/2008 7:00 PM

Application (top/side clearance) and user preference.

I hate hex head bolts almost as much as I hate flat head screws!

I've also found that cheap Allen Head bolts (socket head cap screws) are usually tougher than cheap hex head bolts.

Talk to a fastener supply Rep. for bulk prices and general info.

Look in a copy of the Machinery's Handbook for detailed info.

__________________
You never know when it will strike, but there comes a moment when you know that you just aren't going to do anything productive for the rest of the day.
Reply
Guru
New Zealand - Member - Interested in everything- see my Profile please APIX Pilot Plant Design Project - Member - Member Engineering Fields - Electrical Engineering - Member Engineering Fields - Power Engineering - Member Engineering Fields - Civil Engineering - Member Hobbies - Musician - Autoharp and Harmonica Hobbies - Hunting - Member Hobbies - Fishing - Member

Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Christchurch, (The Garden City), South Island, New Zealand
Posts: 4395
Good Answers: 230
#2

Re: Difference between Allen and Hexagonal Bolts

06/14/2008 8:37 PM

Hello Guest,

Is this a Class or Homework Question?

Reply here, with

Kind Regards....

__________________
"The number of inventions increases faster than the need for them at the time" - SparkY
Reply
Guru
Philippines - Member - New Member Engineering Fields - Instrumentation Engineering - New Member Engineering Fields - Control Engineering - Who am I?

Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: Northern Mindanao, Philippines
Posts: 2147
Good Answers: 53
#3
In reply to #2

Re: Difference between Allen and Hexagonal Bolts

06/14/2008 10:50 PM

Hmmm, yes, the question is too easy to be from someone who's not a student. However, just to comment on details about the things that I didn't get from school and only learned from the school of hard knocks:

  • Hex head bolts have generally bigger heads than allen heads. Makes it unsuitable or difficult to use for small equipment.
  • I can use a number of different tools to move a hex head bolt but am limited to only two for the allen head (an allen key or a small (very small) pipe wrench).
  • Most allen head bolts are recessed or "buried" while hex heads are usually raised. If a hex head is worn (rounded), I can use other tools to get it off. However, a recessed and worn allen head is a very big pain to remove. There's a special tool for this but I usually can't find it (someone else is using it).
  • In tight spaces, hex heads are difficult to remove since a wrench needs space around it to turn. Only option in this case is to use a socket wrench with an extension. Allen heads don't need much space for the allen wrench.
__________________
Miscommunication: when what people heard you say differs from what you said. Make yourself understood.
Reply
Guru

Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Edinburgh, Bonnie Scotland
Posts: 1335
Good Answers: 23
#4
In reply to #3

Re: Difference between Allen and Hexagonal Bolts

06/15/2008 1:29 AM

Torx (star) bits can be used where the damage to an allen head is not too severe. The slightly tapered design allows for "remodelling" with gentle application of a "Glesga screwdriver" (hammer).

__________________
Madness is all in the mind
Reply
Guru
United Kingdom - Member - Olde Member!! Engineering Fields - Instrumentation Engineering - New Member

Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: Dunstable, England
Posts: 2821
Good Answers: 45
#5
In reply to #4

Re: Difference between Allen and Hexagonal Bolts

06/15/2008 8:38 AM

ROFLMAO @ 'Glesga screwdriver'

First time I've heard a hammer called that !!!

__________________
A little knowledge is a dangerous thing - Googling is far worse!
Reply
Reply to Forum Thread 5 comments
Copy to Clipboard

Users who posted comments:

Electroman (1); GM1964 (1); markar (1); Sparkstation (1); Vulcan (1)

Previous in Forum: Rigid insulation for small ovens   Next in Forum: which type of Diaphragm valves I should select
You might be interested in: Bolts, Captive Screws, Anchors

Advertisement