Allen Wrenches!! Size and organize?

[Baldguy]

Still finding my garage since the boy married (my other threads are under the user Bladguy? Mods were kind and corrected my poor spelling, thank you).

Today I jumped in on allen wrenches. Why in the world do I, or better yet, HOW did I, end up with nearly 100 allen wrenches?!? Ain't got a clue. Rarely use them. Maybe 40yrs of hot rods will do that.

Anyways. Some are in little holders. Most are loose. Spent 2 hrs today mic'ing them to get sizes. Just like sockets, I have asst sizes, but gobs all the same size.

My questions to ya'll.
1) I presume they are metric and sae? How do I tell the difference? Or is it even possible at this point?
2) What is your preferred method of organizing them? Size only? Or do you also consider the length and have row A for short, and row B for long?

Have found lots of ideas how to keep them organized, just got get there.

Thanks ya'll.

 

[Htscheg]

Throw them out and get yourself two good sets and just start over!!! Not worth the aggrivation of trying to sort them lol

 

[Noworries]

I just sorted out all mine so i kind of laughed when you said 100.. im probably 3x that.. ill be honest my primary go to set for the past 2 years is the harbor freight ball end t-handle sae/metric set... no complaints HOWEVER to answrr your question i took all my loose hex wrenches (Allen is actually a brand) and kept anything made in usa and a few west germany they are in one big pouch all the unmarked stuff i tossed.. absolutely no organization what so ever.. like my taps��

 

[ChefRex]

I never toss them at least the better quality ones, I bend, cut, modify to my needs.

 

[908Jim]

Toss the no-name junk and see what's left. If you can make a complete set or two using your holders, great. If not, toss them in a jar to cut/bend when needed and buy yourself a new set.

 

[Baldguy]

Thanks for the replies.

Allen actually a brand? Didn't know that, but just like we say "weedeater" and "skilsaw", or "AR"15, it doesn't suprise me.

 

[ChefRex]

Black ones are usually the better quality, silver are generally junk.
Cut them down for low profile work and the bits you cut off can be used for super low profile stuff.
Yes Allen is a name.