Z Shaped Allen Wrench

[LOW1]

I just put together a wood platform bed. The manufacturer included a small z-shaped Allen wrench in the hardware package for the bed. It looked like this:

Z-Shaped Hexagonal Drive Allen Key

Find the most extensive fastener and fitting product offerings. Reliable Fasteners is a manufacturer and distributor operating in the hardware networks and the construction industry.

www.reliablefasteners.com

Although made of poor steel it worked very well. Fast to use and compact. It was even quicker than a drill with an Allen bit.

So now I want to get a set of them. Anyone know of a decent quality set?

 

[ecotec]

I just put together a wood platform bed. The manufacturer included a small z-shaped Allen wrench in the hardware package for the bed. It looked like this:

Z-Shaped Hexagonal Drive Allen Key

Find the most extensive fastener and fitting product offerings. Reliable Fasteners is a manufacturer and distributor operating in the hardware networks and the construction industry.

www.reliablefasteners.com

Although made of poor steel it worked very well. Fast to use and compact. It was even quicker than a drill with an Allen bit.

So now I want to get a set of them. Anyone know of a decent quality set?

I have had a few of those in my lifetime. They usually came with something that I had to assemble at work or a garbage disposal.

I have never seen them sold as a standalone tool. I can see how the shape would appeal to you, as you can use it like a crank.

 

[mike93lx]

How could it have been faster than a drill?

 

[LOW1]

How could it have been faster than a drill?

Find the right bit, insert the bit, lose the bit, rinse and repeat. And the drill would not fit where it needed to go.

And the thing weighed about 1 oz. Very easy to crank

 

[Nobody-named-Olli]

These are disposable/ one time tools. I just checked with one of my suppliers, available in 3, 4, 5 and 6mm. Pack of 100 4mm is approx. 6.40 EUR including VAT. … If you want the hardened variant, round handle, it’s 12.30 EUR including VAT for a 4mm pack of 100. (In this instance, since those are regular prices & not negotiated, it says a lot about what to expect … .)

I used to have a box full of them from when I started out a business and living on my own (IKEA …) all long gone.

I won’t rule it out completely, but I doubt these can be sourced as a “quality“ tool.

Kind regards,
Olli

 

[tool_scrounge]

So now I want to get a set of them. Anyone know of a decent quality set?

I bought a quality set many years ago. I’ll have to see if I can find them and get the branding. But that was the only quality set I have ever seen.

 

[KnurledNut]

Home Depot used to offer them branded as Husky.
They are discontinued now but can still be found on eBay.

 

[merkyworks]

Maybe zee-germans make a set

 

[Kscardsfan]

Home Depot used to offer them branded as Husky.
They are discontinued now but can still be found on eBay.

I found this set in the clearance section years ago and it's pretty handy to have around. I wish I could find an SAE set somewhere to match it.

 

[KnurledNut]

There was a 90° Husky version too. I don't see any of these available on eBay though.
Wouldn't be too hard to make a set from L-keys. If you used ball end keys that would give you both profiles in one tool, and the ball would be a little more comfortable to twirl.

 

[YesIHaveAHammer]

There is a set of speed hex keys by Kamasa UK, but beware - https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/threads/kamasa-vs-kamasa-tools.355831/

 

[YesIHaveAHammer]

it worked very well. Fast to use and compact.

What advantages over a normal L key?

I've used some.

I imagine it becomes less ergonomic above 4mm as you can't pinch it as comfortably between your thumb and finger.

The most similar tool I know of are offset screwdrivers for confined space access. Some have a different size on each end, whereas others have the same size but at a different rotation to allow use where swing space is limited.

 

[YesIHaveAHammer]

If you just want some cool hex keys though, Bondhus HexPro

 

[LOW1]

What advantages over a normal L key?

The shape makes it easier to turn. Instead of pulling on it like a ratchet you crank it with a circular motion. Much like raising or lowering a drill press.

 

[MiteyF]

Find the right bit, insert the bit, lose the bit, rinse and repeat. And the drill would not fit where it needed to go.

And the thing weighed about 1 oz. Very easy to crank

I mean... that's not really fair. It was only faster because it was included and you didn't have to look for the right bit. If you put the bit in the drill and it falls out, that's on you for not putting it in correctly.

If a drill doesn't fit, that's one thing. But if a drill is slower than a hand tool, you're using the drill incorrectly.

 

[mike93lx]

I mean... that's not really fair. It was only faster because it was included and you didn't have to look for the right bit. If you put the bit in the drill and it falls out, that's on you for not putting it in correctly.

If a drill doesn't fit, that's one thing. But if a drill is slower than a hand tool, you're using the drill incorrectly.

Yeah, feels a little silly, but I won't get between someone and buying a new tool

When I have a lot to do, I use a 3/8 socket adapter in a drill and just swap between the 2 sizes needed, if there are even more than one

 

[ecotec]

There are some super low torque applications where I do not like to use power tools.

 

[BWWgarage]

If you just want some cool hex keys though, Bondhus HexPro

I may have to add for bike repair ... break free with L and then turn to a straight spinner

 

[RTM]

There are some super low torque applications where I do not like to use power tools.

Prefab furniture assembly being one of them for me. I use a hex bit set and a Yankee screwdriver for IKEA stuff.

 

[BWWgarage]

Prefab furniture assembly being one of them for me. I use a hex bit set and a Yankee screwdriver for IKEA stuff.

I’m similar ... hex bit set + ratchet t-handle