Hex 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.

However, if the widespread embracing of this new standard spread quickly throughout the industrial world, it wasn’t until the onset of WWII that hex drive screws and wrenches - be they trademarked Allen originals, or any number of similar duplicate designs that popped up around the same time - really began to gain traction on the domestic market. This screwdriver set has been been manufactured from hardened chrome vanadium steel, which has been correctly tempered for greater strength and durability. 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.

It’s a simple design innovation that offers a nice usability bonus, and while not necessarily a dealbreaker - overall hex key quality is far more important when it comes to making a purchase decision - it might be a feature worth looking out for if you’re in the market for a new hex key set anyway. The registered Allen key name originated in the US sometime around 1910, when the the Allen Manufacturing Company based in Connecticut first secured the trademark.

This makes for a far more flexible tool overall, but these wrenches tend to be considerably more expensive than the basic L-shape Allen key; whether or not this would prove a cost-effective option for you will depend on how often you need to use the tool, and in what sorts of applications.This 6 piece jumbo hex key set has been manufactured from heat treated steel and features a blackened oxide coating to protect against corrosion. They are a more flexible tool overall, but these wrenches tend to be considerably more expensive than the basic L-shape Allen key; whether or not this would prove a cost-effective option for you will depend on how often you need to use the tool, and in what sorts of applications. Duologi is the trading name of Specialist Lending Ltd, which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (register number 774712). However, the longer shank can also be used as the ‘handle’ when more torque is required, provided the work area allows enough room to turn a longer-handled tool in. 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.