# Is there a difference between Allen wrenches and hex keys? **URL:** \ **Category:** Factual Questions\ **Created:** [December 4, 2015, 2:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-a-difference-between-allen-wrenches-and-hex-keys/739409 "2015-12-04T14:46:12Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![boffking](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/858c86/32.png) [@boffking](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/boffking)\ **Post date:** [December 4, 2015, 2:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-a-difference-between-allen-wrenches-and-hex-keys/739409/1 "2015-12-04T14:46:12Z")
Is there an actual difference between them or is it just a different name depending on what you use it for? People keep “Allen wrenches” to fix their bikes, but PC toolkits come with “hex keys”. Both tools look and feel exactly the same. ---
**Author:** ![Marvin\_the\_Martian](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/marvin_the_martian/32/2898_2.png) [@Marvin\_the\_Martian](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Marvin_the_Martian)\ **Post date:** [December 4, 2015, 2:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-a-difference-between-allen-wrenches-and-hex-keys/739409/2 "2015-12-04T14:55:19Z")
They are the same thing. “Allen Wrench” is a registered trademark for a particular brand of hex key. ---
**Author:** ![Marvin\_the\_Martian](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/marvin_the_martian/32/2898_2.png) [@Marvin\_the\_Martian](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Marvin_the_Martian)\ **Post date:** [December 4, 2015, 3:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-a-difference-between-allen-wrenches-and-hex-keys/739409/3 "2015-12-04T15:02:20Z")
Slight correction. [“Allen” is the registered trademark.](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hex_key) ---
**Author:** ![TriPolar](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/tripolar/32/3008_2.png) [@TriPolar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TriPolar)\ **Post date:** [December 4, 2015, 3:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-a-difference-between-allen-wrenches-and-hex-keys/739409/4 "2015-12-04T15:12:07Z")
The Allen company makes Allen wrenches. I have some of those. I’m sure the trademarked name has passed through a variety of companies over the years. ---
**Author:** ![Chefguy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/chefguy/32/138_2.png) [@Chefguy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chefguy)\ **Post date:** [December 4, 2015, 4:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-a-difference-between-allen-wrenches-and-hex-keys/739409/5 "2015-12-04T16:04:47Z")
> [@TriPolar](#): > > The Allen company makes Allen wrenches. I have some of those. I’m sure the trademarked name has passed through a variety of companies over the years. The Phillips Company makes Phillips screwdrivers, and the Crescent Tool Company makes Crescent wrenches, but nobody says ‘pass me that cross-tip sitting next to the open-end adjustable wrench’. Most people think that brand names are generics, I guess. ---
**Author:** ![RealityChuck](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/realitychuck/32/195_2.png) [@RealityChuck](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RealityChuck)\ **Post date:** [December 4, 2015, 5:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-a-difference-between-allen-wrenches-and-hex-keys/739409/6 "2015-12-04T17:20:35Z")
Allen specifically disclaims any trademark claim on “Allen wrench” (except in the slogan “The Allen Wrench People” in their ads). Other companies are thus free to call their tool an Allen wrench. Most likely, they lost a lawsuit and the name became public domain. ---
**Author:** ![Fool\_in\_the\_Rain](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/8491ac/32.png) [@Fool\_in\_the\_Rain](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fool_in_the_Rain)\ **Post date:** [December 4, 2015, 5:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-a-difference-between-allen-wrenches-and-hex-keys/739409/7 "2015-12-04T17:43:12Z")
[Genericized trademark](http://www.danataschner.com/trademark_genericized.html) > [@](#): > > Former trademarks which have become generic > > The following list comprises those marks which were originally created and used as trademarks, but which have subsequently become synonymous with the common name of the relevant product or service (ie. they are genericized trademarks properly so called). > > **Allen wrench (or Allen Key)- hexagonalscrewdriver (A rarity among generic words, ‘Allen wrench’ is no longer trademarked, but is still capitalized because it is named after a company)** A lot of trademarked names/products that have become genericized, like Coke, interesting list. ---
**Author:** ![CookingWithGas](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cookingwithgas/32/485_2.png) [@CookingWithGas](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CookingWithGas)\ **Post date:** [December 4, 2015, 5:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-a-difference-between-allen-wrenches-and-hex-keys/739409/8 "2015-12-04T17:44:11Z")
> [@Chefguy](#): > > The Phillips Company makes Phillips screwdrivers, and the Crescent Tool Company makes Crescent wrenches, but nobody says ‘pass me that cross-tip sitting next to the open-end adjustable wrench’. Most people think that brand names are generics, I guess. Vice-Grips, Torx drivers, the list goes on. ---
**Author:** ![Chefguy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/chefguy/32/138_2.png) [@Chefguy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chefguy)\ **Post date:** [December 4, 2015, 10:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-a-difference-between-allen-wrenches-and-hex-keys/739409/9 "2015-12-04T22:05:55Z")
> [@CookingWithGas](#): > > Vice-Grips . . . I’m sure you meant to say “adjustable quick-release clamp-jawed pliers”. ---
**Author:** ![Monty](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/monty/32/47_2.png) [@Monty](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Monty)\ **Post date:** [December 5, 2015, 12:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-a-difference-between-allen-wrenches-and-hex-keys/739409/10 "2015-12-05T00:24:00Z")
> [@CookingWithGas](#): > > Vice-Grips Don’t you mean [Vice Grips](http://www.livinghistoryfarm.org/farminginthe40s/machines_12.html)? ---
**Author:** ![MikeG](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mikeg/32/4329_2.png) [@MikeG](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MikeG)\ **Post date:** [December 5, 2015, 12:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-a-difference-between-allen-wrenches-and-hex-keys/739409/11 "2015-12-05T00:32:41Z")
And did you know Channelocks are actually water pump pliers? ---
**Author:** ![Richox](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/8797f3/32.png) [@Richox](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Richox)\ **Post date:** [December 5, 2015, 1:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-a-difference-between-allen-wrenches-and-hex-keys/739409/12 "2015-12-05T01:16:27Z")
> [@Chefguy](#): > > The Phillips Company makes Phillips screwdrivers, and the Crescent Tool Company makes Crescent wrenches, but nobody says ‘pass me that cross-tip sitting next to the open-end adjustable wrench’. Most people think that brand names are generics, I guess. This is not a criticism of you, chefguy, but yes absolutely i have heard just such remarks many hundreds of times, haha. The penetration of the brand name association isn’t as strong outside of the US I imagine. Allen key is pretty synonymous, but most people familiar with tools where i am from will call them hex keys and use other non branded identifiers the majority of the time. ---
**Author:** ![aceplace57](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/aceplace57/32/3500_2.png) [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Post date:** [December 5, 2015, 2:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-a-difference-between-allen-wrenches-and-hex-keys/739409/13 "2015-12-05T02:10:02Z")
Skil Saw used to be generic for any portable power saw. Now its called a circular saw. Shows on HGTV and DIY try to get tradesmen to say reciprocating saw instead of SAWZALL . But often the older carpenters will say, I need the SAWZALL to cut a hole for a window. I’ve always heard carpenters say SAWZALL in the real world. No matter what brand tool they actually use. ---
**Author:** ![boytyperanma](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/4491bb/32.png) [@boytyperanma](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/boytyperanma)\ **Post date:** [December 5, 2015, 2:19am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-a-difference-between-allen-wrenches-and-hex-keys/739409/14 "2015-12-05T02:19:03Z")
> [@MikeG](#): > > And did you know Channelocks are actually water pump pliers? Tongue and groove pliers. Personally I like to screw with my apprentices and cycle through multiple names. It’s fun to see how long it takes before they realize I’m just screwing with them ‘Hand me the 14" Stillson, I’m going to need the 14" Ridgid again, wipe down the pipe wrench and put it away.’ By the time they’ve worked with me for a bit they know every possible tool name for the ones I use. ---
**Author:** ![bobot](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bobot/32/21622_2.png) [@bobot](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bobot)\ **Post date:** [December 5, 2015, 2:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-a-difference-between-allen-wrenches-and-hex-keys/739409/15 "2015-12-05T02:32:05Z")
Bondhus makes an allen wrench hex key that has a ball end on the long end that enables the wrench to be held at various angles while still being engaged in the screw. [http://bondhus.com/bondhus\_products/tool\_categories/l-wrenches/index.html](http://bondhus.com/bondhus_products/tool_categories/l-wrenches/index.html) ---
**Author:** ![aceplace57](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/aceplace57/32/3500_2.png) [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Post date:** [December 5, 2015, 3:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-a-difference-between-allen-wrenches-and-hex-keys/739409/16 "2015-12-05T03:29:04Z")
> [@boytyperanma](#): > > Tongue and groove pliers. > > Personally I like to screw with my apprentices and cycle through multiple names. It’s fun to see how long it takes before they realize I’m just screwing with them > > ‘Hand me the 14" Stillson, I’m going to need the 14" Ridgid again, wipe down the pipe wrench and put it away.’ By the time they’ve worked with me for a bit they know every possible tool name for the ones I use. Have you asked him to get a spanner out of your toolbox yet? Amazing how many young guys don’t know that term. ---
**Author:** ![boytyperanma](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/4491bb/32.png) [@boytyperanma](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/boytyperanma)\ **Post date:** [December 5, 2015, 4:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-a-difference-between-allen-wrenches-and-hex-keys/739409/17 "2015-12-05T04:05:29Z")
> [@aceplace57](#): > > Have you asked him to get a spanner out of your toolbox yet? > > Amazing how many young guys don’t know that term. I don’t like using spanner for my mechanics wrenches, they are all combo box end wrenches in my standard bag. I feel spanner is more appropriate to duel open end wrenches. ---
**Author:** ![aceplace57](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/aceplace57/32/3500_2.png) [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Post date:** [December 5, 2015, 6:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-a-difference-between-allen-wrenches-and-hex-keys/739409/18 "2015-12-05T06:36:04Z")
> [@boytyperanma](#): > > I don’t like using spanner for my mechanics wrenches, they are all combo box end wrenches in my standard bag. I feel spanner is more appropriate to duel open end wrenches. I agree spanners are open end wrenches. Goes back to when they were designed to wind springs. They are open ended in Webster’s illustrations. [http://beta.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/spanner](http://beta.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/spanner) ---
**Author:** ![GuanoLad](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/guanolad/32/42_2.png) [@GuanoLad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GuanoLad)\ **Post date:** [December 5, 2015, 6:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-a-difference-between-allen-wrenches-and-hex-keys/739409/19 "2015-12-05T06:45:58Z")
When I was a kid we called them “Allen Keys” which portmanteaus both, so there’s a useless data point for you. ---
**Author:** ![Dag\_Otto](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/439d5e/32.png) [@Dag\_Otto](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dag_Otto)\ **Post date:** [December 5, 2015, 4:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-a-difference-between-allen-wrenches-and-hex-keys/739409/20 "2015-12-05T16:00:56Z")
> [@Chefguy](#): > > the Crescent Tool Company makes Crescent wrenches, but nobody says ‘pass me that… …open-end adjustable wrench’. Most people think that brand names are generics, I guess. Not PC, but from hanging around bike shops I’ve heard that called a Mexican speed wrench. There is also the BFR - Big Fucking Wrench. [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-a-difference-between-allen-wrenches-and-hex-keys/739409.md?page=2)