Hex Keys & Allen Wrenches

Hex Keys and Allen Wrenches

Hex keys — also known as Allen keys or Allen wrenches — are one of the most commonly used hand tools in engineering and maintenance. AIMS carries an extensive range from premium brands including Bondhus, Wiha, Stahlwille, Ko-Ken and Champion, covering individual keys, folding sets and T-handle sets in both metric and imperial sizes.

Key Brands

Bondhus

Bondhus is a benchmark brand for hex keys in professional workshops. Their ProGuard-finished keys resist corrosion and are colour-coded for quick size identification. Available in ball-end L-wrench style, T-handle and long-arm versions, the Bondhus range covers metric and imperial in both individual and set formats.

Wiha and Stahlwille

Wiha and Stahlwille represent the premium German-engineered end of the range. Wiha hex keys are precision ground and hardened for close-tolerance fasteners and high-torque applications. Stahlwille tools are favoured in automotive and aerospace environments where dimensional accuracy and durability are critical.

Ko-Ken

Ko-Ken hex keys offer high-quality Japanese manufacturing with tight dimensional tolerances, popular in precision assembly and maintenance applications.

Types and Styles

L-Wrench (Short and Long Arm)

The classic L-wrench is the most versatile format. The short arm provides torque; the long arm accesses fasteners with limited clearance. Ball-end versions allow entry at up to 25–30 degrees off-axis, useful in confined spaces.

T-Handle Hex Keys

T-handle hex keys deliver more torque than L-wrenches and are faster to use repetitively. Preferred for production work, assembly lines and anywhere a large number of the same fastener needs driving in quick succession.

Metric vs Imperial

AIMS stocks both metric (mm) and imperial (inch/AF) hex key ranges. Most modern machinery uses metric fasteners, but imperial is still common in older equipment, American-made machinery and plumbing hardware. When ordering, confirm the drive size needed — a 1/4" AF fastener and a 6mm hex look similar but are not interchangeable.