A full set of Allen wrenches will prepare you to deal with any size hex fastener you may come across.
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A full set of Allen wrenches will prepare you to deal with any size hex fastener you may come across.
Our editors and experts handpick every product we feature. We may earn a commission from your purchases.Learn more.
Allen wrenches are essential for working with Allen or hex fasteners. Keeping a full set on hand keeps you prepared to tackle a wide range of screw and bolt sizes.
Unlike Phillips or flat-head screws that can be tightened or loosened with a driver that’s a little larger or smaller, Allen fasteners require an exact fit. An Allen wrench set (AKA a hex wrench set) takes up minimal space in a toolbox or kitchen drawer. They’re relatively inexpensive, considering their usefulness.
Here are a few factors to keep in mind when choosing the best Allen wrench set for your needs:
Thanks to a ratcheting handle, this DeWalt Ratcheting Wrench Set lets you keep the head of the wrench inserted at all times. That can be a huge time-saver during extended tasks.
The ergonomic shape of the T-handle makes for a comfortable grip. The 31 pieces prepare you for a range of fastener sizes. And I’ve always been impressed with the quality and durability of DeWalt’s locking storage cases, like this one.
I’ve used this Amazon Basics Set. I liked how snugly each wrench fit into the case, and how easily they came out I needed one.
The hinged storage cases are easy to open and close, and feature convenient size markings for all 26 wrenches. Their ball-end design makes them handy for hard-to-access components. They can be used while angled up to 25 degrees.
The long shafts and wide, cushioned T-handle of these Eklind Allen wrenches make them an easy choice for anyone who works on heavy-duty machinery or automotive projects. These handles are slip-resistant too, so you’ll still apply the leverage you need even if your hands are wet or greasy.
A satisfied Amazon customer described them as the “best wrenches I’ve used,” adding they “fit the right size bolt perfectly every time, and provide ample grip for loads of torque if you need it.”
This Allen wrench set from Horusdy is a cost-effective alternative to similar T-handle options, and includes SAE and metric sizes. Unlike the DeWalt Ratcheting Hex Key Wrench Set above, the wrenches can be used with or without the T-handle, making it an especially multi-functional option.
The storage case also features a keyhole cutout on the back, so you can hang it from a hook or nail. That ensures you won’t have to go rummaging through a drawer or toolbox every time you need a wrench.
This Klein tools hex wrench set folds all nine of its wrenches into the handle, Swiss army knife-style. That means you can use the handle to generate a lot of leverage, and never have to worry about losing individual wrenches.
I’ve used this exact model for years. Although it offers a limited number of sizes compared to other sets, the compactness makes it worth the compromise.
At its extremely low price, this 10-piece Husky hex wrench set offers many of the same features as more expensive options. These include a durable black-oxide finish, stamped size indicators and chamfered (beveled) ends that allow the wrenches to slide into place easier.
Husky also includes a lifetime warranty, no receipt required, if you ever have issues. I love small sets like these just to toss into the glove box or backpack as an emergency backup to a higher-end set.
The extra-long arms of this Titan hex-wrench set (the largest wrench is nine inches!) make it well-suited for generating extra torque or working on hard-to-reach fasteners. The sizes are laser-etched onto the wrenches for easy identification, and the textured finish ensures a solid, sturdy grip.
One Amazon reviewer writes, “The length and the strength makes them the perfect option for just about any job I’ve done.”
The wrenches in this set are easy to distinguish from each other. Unlike typical black options, these bold colors make the wrenches easy to spot in a cluttered workspace.
I’ve used Wiha products in the past and always appreciated their precision craftsmanship and dedication to creating a high-quality product. One satisfied Amazon reviewer writes the bright colors also come in handy because “it makes the wrenches easy to spot in poor lighting conditions.”