Is there a diff between a hex head and a allen head?

Reply Subscribe

Thread Tools

Search this Thread

Oct 2, 2002 | 09:19 AM

Gary

Thread Starter

On The Tree

Joined: Nov 2001

Posts: 190

Likes: 0

From: Port Saint Lucie, Fl

Is there a diff between a hex head and a allen head?

They are both six sides?!?! I got some bolt sizes, and they were stated in both hex and allen types.

Oct 2, 2002 | 10:31 AM

nthnwbr

On The Tree

Joined: Aug 2002

Posts: 165

Likes: 0

From: St. Louis, MO

Re: Is there a diff between a hex head and a allen head?

A hex is a standard bolt, you would use a wrench on(external hex). An Allen is a bolt you would use a Allen wrench on(internal hex).

Oct 2, 2002 | 10:34 AM

Gary

Thread Starter

On The Tree

Joined: Nov 2001

Posts: 190

Likes: 0

From: Port Saint Lucie, Fl

Re: Is there a diff between a hex head and a allen head?

<blockquote>quote:<hr />Originally posted by nthnwbr:
A hex is a standard bolt, you would use a wrench on(external hex). An Allen is a bolt you would use a Allen wrench on(internal hex).<hr /></blockquote>Explain this to me then: <img border="0" title="" alt="[Confused]" src="images/icons/confused.gif" />

<blockquote>quote:<hr />
From Rob Moser on T/A performance cover:

The bolts on the performance covers are as follows:

Cover Bolts, Main Cap Load Bolts, and Drain Plug - 1/4" allen head

Fill Plug - 1/2" allen head

Nuts on Load bolts - 3/4" hex head
<hr /></blockquote>- The socket set I got from Home Depot (to fit inside the bolts like an allen wrench) are called Hex heads. So basically there is no difference..

[ October 02, 2002, 10:51 AM: Message edited by: Gary ]

Oct 2, 2002 | 11:01 AM

2xLS1

TECH Senior Member

iTrader: (25)

Joined: Nov 2001

Posts: 5,649

Likes: 9

From: Warr Acres, OK

Re: Is there a diff between a hex head and a allen head?

Hex head when referring to a wrench = allen wrench style.
Hex head when referring to a bolt = 6 or 12 point head requiring a open end/box end wrench, or socket.

Oct 2, 2002 | 01:26 PM

Fulton 1

TECH Junkie

iTrader: (9)

Joined: Dec 2001

Posts: 3,326

Likes: 0

From: WA

Re: Is there a diff between a hex head and a allen head?

As the others have pointed out - generally an allen head bolt/screw will be a cap screw with an internal hex (i.e. requiring an Allen wrench to install/remove). A hex head bolt would be one that has your standard 6-point head. A double hex would be a 12-point. These would require your standard socket or combo/open end wrench to install.

Here's a link showing different nuts and bolts and stuff, which may help clarify: http://www.absofast.com/