Obviously circles wouldn't work, but what advantages do a hexagonal profile have over triangular, square, pentagonal, heptagonal, etc.
Or does the shape have little or no impact ?
2006-08-30 23:01:38 · 11 answers · asked by dumberthangeorgebush 5 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Engineering
Kitten, and your answer would be the same !!!
2006-08-30 23:06:52 · update #1
Allen keys are made the shape they are so that there are more corners. As each corner of the key contacts the opposing corner in the Allen stud, this gives optimal leverage to aid in the turning of the stud. If there were more coners on the Allen key it would be harder to manufacture the Allen key and the studs as well which would cost more. The corners would be smaller and less contact would be made in the stud, therefore reducing the efficiency of the Allen key.
2006-08-30 23:17:51 · answer #1 · answered by Confused . com 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
There are some very good reasons. Because it is a hex, you have more possible positions to put the Allen key in everytime you turn it to tighten or loosen.
If it was a square there would be only 4 possible positions. If it was a triangle, there would only be three.
This is very handy when trying to tighten or loosen something in a tight spot where you can't move the tool very far each time.
Also, having more sides (than a square or triangle) distributes the force over a greater surface area therefore allowing more torque to be applied to the screw/bolt or whatever it is.
2006-08-30 23:07:19 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 4⤊ 0⤋
The One is correct, all his reasons are what i would have said. The main one i think is that having 6 faces gives 6 times the surface area coming into contact with the cap or grub screw, so it is 6 times less likely to slip. Think about how often a flat blade or Philips screwdriver slips and burrs out the head of a screw compared to an allen/cap/grub screw, or even a flat head bolt using an open jaw spanner, compared to a ring spanner, it's the same principle.
2006-08-30 23:15:41 · answer #3 · answered by highbriddrummunkey 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Torque is the force times perpendicular distance. So more surfaces suppose to be less torque! Flat scewdriver gives most torque, and round head gives least torque!
At the time of allen, he just wanted to make a tool of higher professionalims, because allen scew can be opened by the allen key of exactly size. Just like the scew of handphone today, so nonprofessional can't simply open.
2006-08-31 00:22:51 · answer #4 · answered by LJ 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Because there are hundreds of different type of these tools, some ARE Triangle, some are star shape...
But these have different names, different types of keys.
I suppose the advantage of an Allen Key is that it is simple to make and strong.
2006-08-30 23:10:51 · answer #5 · answered by stickyricky 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The more sides equates to more Torque can be applied to the Allen bolt before the tool / key slips and/or twists the Bolt or the Key/Tool
2006-08-30 23:07:05 · answer #6 · answered by Perry 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Cause it´s the best option between square and circle. If they were octagonal they wouldn´t have enough surface to turn tight, if they were pentagonal it would be difficult to put them in the hole...... and triangulars can be easily twisted.
2006-08-30 23:11:23 · answer #7 · answered by itifonhom 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Because Dr Allen who invented them had a hexagonal head.
2006-08-30 23:05:35 · answer #8 · answered by AusPixie 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
the number of sides help spread the force of rotating the bolts evenly so that a smaller head can be used and hence a smaller key
2006-08-30 23:15:31 · answer #9 · answered by break 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
They allow more torque per side
2006-08-30 23:05:58 · answer #10 · answered by bty937915 4 · 2⤊ 1⤋