8 Best Allen Wrench Sets

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Buying An Allen Wrench Set

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:

• Material: Most Allen wrenches are made of some kind of alloy or carbon steel, which is fine for occasional use. If you plan on using them a lot, look for a set made of stronger vanadium steel, or at least one with a protective black-oxide finish to increase longevity.
• Size: Examine the dimensions of your potential set to ensure it will fit in your drawer, glovebox, coat pocket or toolbox. Most sets will provide the commonly used wrench sizes. If you need one that’s especially large or small, double-check to ensure it’s included.
• Style: Allen wrenches are available in metric (millimeters) or SAE (inches and fractions of inches) sizes, so choose the one fits your specific fasteners. If you’re not sure, go with a set that has both.
• Handle: While basic L-shaped wrenches are perfectly fine, if you want to generate a lot of torque, consider a T-handle Allen wrench set. These are usually longer, with a large, molded handle that fits in the palm of your hand. Folding sets house the wrenches in a single handle, like a Swiss army knife, which also makes it easier to generate more torque.
• Cost: Allen wrench sets can cost from a few dollars to more than $100, depending on the quality and quantity of wrenches. If you’ve got the budget, steer clear of the cheapest option. These are more likely to not fit correctly, resulting in stripped wrenches or fastener heads.
• Quantity: To be prepared for a wide range of fastener sizes, choose a set with a high number of wrenches. This might cost a few dollars more, but the extra pieces could be worth the peace of mind.

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DeWalt Ratcheting Allen Wrench Set

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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.

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Amazon Basics Allen Key Allen Wrench Set

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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.

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Eklind Allen T-Key Allen Wrench Set

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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.”

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Horusdy 30-Piece Allen Wrench Set

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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.

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Klein Tools Folding Allen Wrench Set

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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.

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Husky SAE Short-Arm Hex Wrench Set

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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.

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Titan Nine-Piece Extra-Long Hex Wrench Set

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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.”

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Wiha Color-Coded Hex L-Key Set

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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.”