8 Best Allen Wrench Sets

Buying An Allen Wrench Set

Allen wrenches are essential for working with Allen or hex fasteners. Keeping a full set on hand keeps you prepared to tackle a wide range of screw and bolt sizes.

Unlike Phillips or flat-head screws that can be tightened or loosened with a driver that’s a little larger or smaller, Allen fasteners require an exact fit. An Allen wrench set (AKA a hex wrench set) takes up minimal space in a toolbox or kitchen drawer. They’re relatively inexpensive, considering their usefulness.

Here are a few factors to keep in mind when choosing the best Allen wrench set for your needs:

• Material: Most Allen wrenches are made of some kind of alloy or carbon steel, which is fine for occasional use. If you plan on using them a lot, look for a set made of stronger vanadium steel, or at least one with a protective black-oxide finish to increase longevity.
• Size: Examine the dimensions of your potential set to ensure it will fit in your drawer, glovebox, coat pocket or toolbox. Most sets will provide the commonly used wrench sizes. If you need one that’s especially large or small, double-check to ensure it’s included.
• Style: Allen wrenches are available in metric (millimeters) or SAE (inches and fractions of inches) sizes, so choose the one fits your specific fasteners. If you’re not sure, go with a set that has both.
• Handle: While basic L-shaped wrenches are perfectly fine, if you want to generate a lot of torque, consider a T-handle Allen wrench set. These are usually longer, with a large, molded handle that fits in the palm of your hand. Folding sets house the wrenches in a single handle, like a Swiss army knife, which also makes it easier to generate more torque.
• Cost: Allen wrench sets can cost from a few dollars to more than $100, depending on the quality and quantity of wrenches. If you’ve got the budget, steer clear of the cheapest option. These are more likely to not fit correctly, resulting in stripped wrenches or fastener heads.
• Quantity: To be prepared for a wide range of fastener sizes, choose a set with a high number of wrenches. This might cost a few dollars more, but the extra pieces could be worth the peace of mind.