Hex Keys

Hex keys, also known as Allen keys, Allen wrenches, or hex wrenches, are essential driving tools for engineers, technicians, and tradespeople working with hex socket fasteners across industrial, automotive, and maintenance applications.

RS NZ stocks an extensive range of hex keys and Allen key sets to suit professional requirements. Available formats include L-shape, T-bar, and folding hex key sets, with both metric and imperial sizing to cover international and legacy fastener standards.

Whether you need a single replacement key or a full workshop set, RS NZ offer individual Allen keys and multi-piece sets from leading brands such as Wera, Bondhus and more.

Types of Hex Key

Selecting the correct hex key format depends on the task, access conditions, and torque requirements.

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. The short arm fits into the fastener socket, while the long arm provides leverage; reversing the key results in faster rotation at lower torque. These keys suit general assembly, maintenance, and workshop use across a broad range of fastener sizes.

T-Bar Allen Keys

T-bar hex keys feature a crossbar handle perpendicular to the shaft, allowing a two-handed grip and significantly greater torque than an L-key of equivalent size. Well-suited to high-torque applications and repetitive fastening tasks in production and maintenance environments.

Folding Allen Key Sets

Folding sets house multiple hex key sizes within a compact outer casing, with keys that fold out individually like a penknife. The format keeps the full size range organised and accessible for field service, site work, or portable kit.

Hex Key Sets

Hex key sets include multiple key sizes in one holder, making it easy to access the right size when needed. Available in both metric and imperial measurements, these sets are useful for workshops, maintenance tasks, and jobs involving different fastener sizes.

Tip Types: Standard vs Ball-End

Hex keys are available with two tip profiles, each suited to different access conditions.

Standard Flat Tips

They require straight-on axial alignment with the fastener to achieve full contact across all six driving faces. This ensures maximum torque transfer and is an ideal choice for final tightening, high-torque fasteners, or any application where fastener rounding is a risk.

Ball-End Tips

Also called ball-point tips, they feature a rounded hexagonal profile that allows access to fasteners at angles of up to 25–30°, making them useful in tight or hard-to-reach spaces. They transfer less torque than standard flat tips and are not suitable for high-torque applications.

Both tip types are available in the Wera and Bondhus ranges stocked by RS NZ.

Features and Benefits of Hex Keys

Hex keys offer several specification-driven advantages relevant to professional buyers:

• Six-Point Contact Design: Six-point contact between the tool and fastener distributes driving force evenly across all six faces, reducing cam-out and minimising fastener rounding compared to flat-blade or Phillips drivers.
• Durable Chrome Vanadium Steel Construction: Chrome vanadium steel construction is standard across Wera, Bondhus, and RS PRO ranges, providing the hardness and toughness required for reliable performance under repeated loading in industrial environments.
• Corrosion-Resistant Finishes: Black oxide or chrome finish provides corrosion resistance, extending service life in workshop and field conditions where tools are exposed to moisture or cutting fluids.
• Enhanced Torque Transfer with Wera Hex-Plus: Wera Hex-Plus profile, available on select Wera Allen keys, distributes driving force along the flat walls of the fastener socket rather than concentrating it at the corners. This reduces wear on both the tool and fastener head, and is rated to transfer up to 20% more torque than a conventional hex profile.
• Metric and Imperial Size Availability: Metric and imperial sizing is available across the RS NZ range, ensuring compatibility with both current metric fastener standards and legacy imperial equipment encountered in automotive, agricultural, and older industrial plants.

Choosing the Right Hex Key

When selecting a hex key, several factors can help determine the most suitable option for the task.

• Format: L-shaped hex keys suit most general workshop and maintenance tasks. T-bar keys are preferable for high-torque or repetitive fastening where grip comfort and leverage matter. Folding sets are the practical choice for portable field or service kit use.
• Tip Type: Use standard flat tips for final tightening and high-torque applications. Select ball-end keys where angled access to recessed or obstructed fasteners is required.
• Metric vs Imperial: Metric (mm) and imperial (inch/AF) sizing are not interchangeable. Confirm the fastener standard before purchasing; using the wrong measurement system can damage fasteners and tools.
• Size: Match the hex key exactly to the fastener socket. Common metric sizes run from 1.5 mm to 10 mm. An ill-fitting or worn key risks rounding the socket, making fastener removal significantly more difficult.
• Sets vs Individual Keys: Sets are cost-effective for workshops and maintenance kits that encounter multiple fastener sizes. Individual keys are appropriate for replacing worn items or for applications requiring a single specific size in quantity.
• Brand: Wera and Bondhus are suited to professional and premium industrial use. RS PRO offers cost-effective sets for general workshop requirements. Facom and SAM are well-regarded in industrial maintenance environments.

Applications of Hex Keys

Hex keys are used across a broad range of professional environments:

• Manufacturing and Assembly: Hex socket fasteners are standard in machinery, equipment frames, and production line assemblies where flush-fitting, high-strength fastening is required.
• Automotive Maintenance and Repair: Used on engine components, brake callipers, suspension hardware, and interior fittings, where hex fasteners are prevalent across both passenger and commercial vehicles.
• Bicycle and Sports Equipment: Seat posts, handlebars, brake components, and derailleur adjustments on bicycles, as well as exercise equipment and other sports apparatus, commonly use hex socket fasteners requiring precise, controlled driving.
• Furniture Assembly and Fit-Out: Hex keys are the standard tool for ready-to-assemble furniture and joinery fit-out, where hex socket bolts are used for structural connections.
• Electronics and Precision Engineering: Small metric hex keys (1.5 mm to 3 mm) are used in electronics assemblies, instrument housings, and precision equipment where compact, flush-head fasteners are necessary.
• HVAC and Plumbing: Valve adjustment, fitting assembly, and equipment housing access in HVAC and plumbing installations frequently require hex keys.
• General Workshop and MRO Maintenance: Hex keys form part of the standard hand tool kit for maintenance, repair, and operations across industrial and commercial sites throughout New Zealand.

Hex keys complement Torx keys, screwdriver bits, and ratchet spanner sets available within the our range of hand tools.

Order Allen Keys and Hex Key Sets Online

RS NZ is a trusted supplier and distributor of hex keys and Allen key sets, stocking an extensive selection from Wera, Bondhus, Facom, SAM, and RS PRO. Browse individual keys and sets online, filter by format, tip type, size, and brand, and place your order with confidence.

Ordering & Delivery Information for NZ

Orders for hex keys can be placed online or by phone on 0800 888 780. Once your order is submitted, we provide an order confirmation and can send email updates when your order is processed and dispatched. Many locally stocked items are available for next-working-day delivery, while extended-range products may take longer.

For more information related to delivery, please visit our delivery page.