The Allen screw, also known as a hex head screw, uses an Allen wrench to tighten and remove. It is a high-strength fastener made from various metals and is commonly used in machine building, high performance, and aircraft applications. The fine thread pitch holds tight without the need for lock washers or nuts, and the flat surface of the screw head evenly distributes the load. The smaller size of the socket head screw requires less physical space and produces an audible snap when properly tightened.
An Allen screw, or hex head screw or bolt as it is otherwise known, is a type of fastener that uses a hex wrench often referred to as an allen wrench or Allen key to tighten and remove. This fastener is used in a myriad of applications where a strong bolt or screw is required. Requiring less space than the common hex nut and bolt to place a wrench on the fastener, the socket head cap screw is often done in tight tolerance applications where space is at a premium. Often used in machine building, high performance and aircraft applications, the socket head cap screw is a very high strength fastener that is commonly manufactured from the highest quality steel and hardened aluminum to ensure creating a quality fastener for each application.
The most common type of cap screw is made from high strength tool steel, however, these fasteners are also made from many other types of steel and alloy metals. Stainless steel, aluminum and titanium are also used to manufacture the Allen screw. Made famous for the extremely high breaking point of the fastener, the Allen screw is capable of being used in extreme duty applications where even the highest degree of common fastener could fail. Typically produced in a very fine thread configuration, fasteners are also available in coarse thread versions.
The fastener’s fine thread pitch is so adept at holding tight when subjected to torque that lock washers and nuts are rarely used under any circumstances. The flat surface found on the underside of the fastener head is such that the load is uniformly applied to the entire surface of the screw head without the aid of a flat washer. Many flat washer use cases are based on the type of metal the fastener is used in, with a softer metal requiring a flat washer. This is done to avoid the tendency of the Allen screw to dig into the surface of the metal it is fastening.
The socket head screw is smaller than a comparably sized hex nut or bolt, so it requires less physical space for the fastener to occupy. Using an Allen key or Allen socket to install and remove the fastener allows the user to choose the tool for different space issues. When tightened properly, the telltale sound of an Allen screw coming loose is an audible snap or clicking sound. Snapping is indicative of a quality fastener that provides substantial holding force.
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