A hex key, often called an Allen wrench, turns screws with a six-sided socket. Sets differ in how many sizes they cover, whether they have inch and metric sizes, and whether the tip has a ball end that works at an angle. Some come as L-shaped keys, others fold like a pocket knife.
The six sets below range from a nine-key folding set to a 36 piece pair of cases. Sizes, finishes and piece counts come from each listing page and are the makers’ own claims. We have not used these sets ourselves. Where a listing leaves something out or mixes fields, we say so.
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What to Look For
| Feature | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Sizes | Match SAE (inch) or metric to the fasteners you own |
| Tip | Ball ends reach screws at an angle, straight ends grip fully |
| Style | L keys give reach, folding keys pocket easily |
| Storage | A holder keeps sizes together and marked |
Specs at a Glance
| Set | Pieces and sizes | Style | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| KLEIN BLS22 | 22; 1/16 to 3/8 in and 1.5 to 10 mm | Long L, ball end | Black phosphate finish; locking holder |
| Wera 950/9 | 9; metric | L key | Hex-Plus profile; size markings |
| Bondhus 20199 | Two sets: 1.5 to 10 mm and 0.050 to 3/8 in | L, ball end | Listed 25 degree working angle |
| Amazon Basics 36 | 36; SAE and metric | Long and short arm | Chrome vanadium; two hinged cases |
| Klein 70591 | 9 keys; 5/64 to 1/4 in | Folding | Two key positions; SAE only |
| CRAFTSMAN CMHT26020 | 20; SAE and mm | L, ball end | Black oxide; storage rack |
The 6 Best Hex Key Sets
1. KLEIN TOOLS BLS22 Long Ball-End Hex Key Set, 22-Piece
Twenty-two L-style keys in inch sizes from 1/16 to 3/8 inch and metric sizes from 1.5 to 10 millimeters. The maker says they are heat-treated and tempered steel with a black phosphate coating, ball ends that work at angles up to 25 degrees and an internal locking holder that stops keys falling out. The listing weight is 1.7 pounds.
Suits: a mixed inch and metric toolbox. Strengths: wide size range and a locking holder. Weaknesses: a ball end is not seated as fully as a flat tip. Skip it if you only need metric.
View KLEIN TOOLS BLS22 SAE and Metric Long Ball-End Hex Key Wrench Set, 22-Piece on Amazon
2. Wera 950/9 Hex-Plus Metric L-Key Set, 9 Pieces
A nine piece metric L-key set with the Hex-Plus profile, which the maker says helps socket head screws last longer. The keys carry size markings and clip material that the listing calls wear resistant, and the finish is a BlackLaser treatment. The page does not spell out the nine sizes, so check them before you order.
Suits: metric work. Strengths: marked sizes and a coated finish. Weaknesses: sizes not listed on the page and no inch keys. Skip it if you need inch sizes.
View Wera 5133164001 950/9 Hex-Plus Multicolour 2 L-key set, metric, BlackLaser, 9 pieces on Amazon
3. Bondhus 20199 Balldriver L-Wrench Double Pack
Two Balldriver L-wrench sets in one pack: the 10999 set from 1.5 to 10 millimeters and the 10937 set from 0.050 to 3/8 inch. The maker says the ball ends work at 25 degrees and are made for strength in small sizes. The details table has a torque figure that is not explained, so we do not rely on it.
Suits: mixed inch and metric work with ball ends. Strengths: two full sets. Weaknesses: the listing does not state the piece count. Skip it if you want a case with markings.
4. Amazon Basics 36-Piece Allen Wrench Set, SAE and Metric
Thirty-six keys in inch and metric sizes, with long and short arm lengths, in chrome vanadium steel with a black oxide finish. Two hinged cases hold them in marked slots. The listing says the set suits bicycles, motorcycles, vehicles, furniture and machinery.
Suits: a large general set. Strengths: 36 keys and two cases. Weaknesses: a lot to carry. Skip it if you want one compact case.
5. Klein Tools 70591 Folding Hex Key Set, 9-Key, SAE
Nine keys that fold into a holder, in inch sizes from 5/64 to 1/4 inch. Each key can be used straight out or at a right angle, and the hex ends are square cut for a full-depth fit. The listing weight is 7.84 ounces. One table field says box end, but the text describes folding hex keys.
Suits: a pocket or glove box. Strengths: keys stay together. Weaknesses: inch sizes only. Skip it if your fasteners are metric.
View Klein Tools 70591 Folding Hex Key Set, 9-Key, SAE Sizes on Amazon
6. CRAFTSMAN Hex Key Set with Ball-End, SAE/MM, 20 Piece
Twenty keys in inch and millimeter sizes with ball ends for angled access, in alloy steel with a black oxide coating. A storage rack keeps the keys and a handle together. The listing carries the CRAFTSMAN full lifetime warranty but does not split the count between inch and metric.
Suits: a home toolbox. Strengths: rack and handle included. Weaknesses: size split not stated. Skip it if you need to confirm every size first.
View CRAFTSMAN Hex Key Allen Wrench Set with Ball-End, SAE/MM, 20 Piece (CMHT26020) on Amazon
Care and Setup
- Push the key fully into the socket before turning.
- Match the size to the screw so it does not round out.
- Return each key to its slot after use.
- Wipe the keys dry before storing.
Mistakes to Avoid
- Using an inch key in a metric socket that looks close.
- Applying full force through a ball end at a steep angle.
- Assuming a piece count covers both inch and metric.
- Ignoring fields on a listing that disagree.
Hex Key Set FAQ
Are Allen wrenches and hex keys the same?
Yes. Allen wrench is a common name for a hex key, which fits a six-sided socket.
Which sets are SAE only?
The Klein 70591 folding set lists inch sizes only. The Wera set is metric. The others list both.
The Short Version
For a wide mixed set, the Klein BLS22. For metric, the Wera. For two ball-end sets, the Bondhus. For the most keys, the Amazon Basics 36. For a folding pocket set, the Klein 70591. For a rack and handle, the CRAFTSMAN.