An Allen wrench is a small, L-shaped tool with a hexagonal tip that is used to tighten or loosen screws and bolts. It is also known as a hex key or a hex wrench. Despite its small size, the Allen wrench is an essential tool for many DIY projects, especially those involving furniture assembly or electronics.
Definitions
An Allen wrench is a tool used to tighten or loosen screws or bolts with a hexagonal socket. It is typically L-shaped, with one end being a straight rod and the other end being bent at a 90-degree angle.
Origin
The Allen wrench was invented by William G. Allen in the early 1900s. Allen was working as a draftsman for the Hartford Machine Screw Company when he came up with the idea for a tool that could tighten screws with a hexagonal socket. He patented his invention in 1910 and it quickly became popular in the manufacturing industry.
Meaning in different dictionaries
- Merriam-Webster: “a wrench with a hexagonal socket for turning bolts and screws with hexagonal heads”.
- Oxford English Dictionary: “a small hand tool consisting of a hexagonal rod with a handle at one end, used for turning screws with a hexagonal socket”.
- Cambridge Dictionary: “a small tool with a hexagonal end that is used to turn screws and bolts with hexagonal sockets”.
Associations
The Allen wrench is often associated with DIY projects, furniture assembly, and electronics repair. It is also commonly used in the manufacturing industry for assembling machinery and equipment.
Synonyms
- Hex key.
- Hex wrench.
- Allen key.
- Allen driver.
Antonyms
There are no direct antonyms for Allen wrench, but other types of wrenches such as adjustable wrenches or socket wrenches can be used for similar purposes.
The same root words
The Allen wrench is named after its inventor, William G. Allen.
Example Sentences
- “Can you hand me the Allen wrench? I need to tighten this screw.”
- “I always keep a set of hex keys in my toolbox for DIY projects.”
- “The manufacturer recommends using an Allen wrench to assemble this piece of furniture.”