Allen wrenches are a tool that anyone should have in their toolbox, no matter whether you own or rent a home or live in an apartment. So many things require Allen wrenches in order to fix or assemble them that you will find it very beneficial to own a set of Allen wrenches. There are several different types of Allen wrenches on the market.
Step One
Allen Wrench Socket Set - Most people will not think of a socket and ratchet set as having anything to do with Allen wrenches, but most good socket sets will also have Allen wrenches that fit the ratchet. This is handy because you get the benefits of an Allen wrench being attached to a ratchet. This allows you to loosen or tighten Allen screws and bolts more quickly without having to reset the Allen wrench with each turn. They are useful for all but the toughest to reach bolts.
Step Two
Ball Hex Wrench Set - A ball head Allen wrench set has a ball on the end that fits the Allen bolt. The main purpose of this type of Allen wrench is that they fit into tight places at all angles. You can find these with different types and sizes of handles. Some available models have the ball head on one end and the standard head on the other.
Step Three
L-Style Allen Wrench Set - This is the most common type of Allen wrench and is what most people picture in their mind when they think of an Allen wrench. As the name implies, they are L-shaped and come in various sizes. You can purchase them separately or in kits. They are also available as a handy tool that has six to eight wrenches in the kit and folds up like a folding knife so that you can carry it in your pocket.
Step Four
T-Handle Allen Key Set - The T-handle Allen wrench is much the same as the L-shaped wrench except that it has a T-shaped handle. This type of Allen wrench comes in various sizes and handle lengths. It is generally the largest and most durable type of Allen wrench, although you can buy some sets that are quite small. T-handle Allen wrenches are usually used for bigger jobs and are not good in tight spaces.