T-Shaped Hex Keys: T-shaped hex keys or T bar Allen Keys have a crossbar or T shaped handle at the end which provides a better grip Long-reach Allen keys are a common feature of most good quality hex key sets, which tend to include a useful range of common wrench sizes and diameters (typically from around 1-1.5mm, up to 12mm and beyond). L-Shaped Hex Keys: L Shaped Hex Keys or L Keys are the most common type of hex key with a hexagonal tip at each end

Like all hex wrenches, long-reach Allen keys are also sold with a variety of head and handle types for various more specialised applications - these can include: Our range of long-reach Allen keys are manufactured by leading brands like Irwin, Stanley, Bahco, GearWrench, Wiha Tools, Facom, RS PRO, and of course the original trademark designer, Allen. How would you use a long reach hex key? Hex keys or Allen keys are available in metric sizes and imperial sizes Imperial Allen Keys. They are also available in Allen Key Sets which include a range of popular hex key sizes including 12mm Allen keys. RS also supply Allen keys from leading brands such as Wera Allen Keys, Wera Allen Key Sets and Bondhus Allen KeysHex keys have a number of important characteristics that make them particularly well suited to the straightforward, user-friendly fastening role that has made them so popular among operators of all experience levels. These include the fact that hex keys: A ball end Allen key set is also an increasingly popular choice for both professional and hobbyist users alike, and with good reason - ball end hex wrenches (sometimes known as ball end hex keys, or ball point hex keys) offer a far greater degree of versatility and flexibility in terms of access to smaller spaces. They achieve this by dramatically increasing the range of positions the user can stand in relative to the fastener they’re working on at the time. In particular, the T-handle design provides a more comfortable grip than the standard L-shaped hex key, but importantly it can also allow for significantly increased torque (provided the gauge of the hex wrench itself is high enough), because the additional weight of the T-handle acts as a counterbalance that can help to seat the tool more firmly and securely in the head of the fastener. Folding Allen Key Sets: Folding Allen Key Sets consist of an outer casing from which a selection of different sized Allen keys can be unfolded, a bit like a penknife or multi-tool

Where the additional access provided by a long-reach hex wrench is needed, you'd use the more elongated side as the ‘driver', and the shorter side therefore becomes the handle that you turn to tighten or loosen the fastener. However, when a hex bolt is within easy reach and there's plenty of space to work in, long-arm Allen keys can also be handy used in the reverse configuration - the longer side can help provide better grip and torque when operating as a handle. What types of long reach Allen keys are available? Are typically double-ended, thus offering a ‘spare’ hex driver in case of damage or rounding to one end of the tool Hex key sets with T-handles are especially popular with mechanics and automobile enthusiasts, thanks in part to the fact that the T-handle Allen wrench offers certain user luxuries that standard hex keys don’t.