Best Steel Hex Keys of 2025

Jennifer Fraser Avatar
Jennifer Fraser
Last Updated: 1 Feb 2025

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Steel hex keys are a versatile tool used for tightening and loosening bolts and screws with hexagonal sockets. These hex keys are made from durable steel and come in a variety of sizes to fit different bolts and screws. They are commonly used in DIY projects, furniture assembly, automotive repairs, and more. With their compact size and easy-to-use design, steel hex keys are a must-have for any toolbox.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Draper Redline 8 Piece Hexagon Key Set Cover #TOP 1
Draper Redline 8 Piece Hexagon Key Set
ftb score rating icon 9.8
HemBorta® 26pcs Metric/Imperial Allen Key Set Cover #TOP 2
HemBorta® 26pcs Metric/Imperial Allen Key Set
ftb score rating icon 9.7
HemBorta® 13-Piece Metric Allen Key Set Cover #TOP 3
HemBorta® 13-Piece Metric Allen Key Set
ftb score rating icon 9.5

Top 10 Steel Hex Keys

Draper Redline 8 Piece Hexagon Key Set

5010559680023
Blue
Draper Redline 8 Piece Hexagon Key Set Cover
Draper Redline 8 Piece Hexagon Allen Key Set | Metric/Imperial Combined Long Pattern Hand Tools | Hex Key Wrench Kit | Long Arm Chrome Vanadium Steel Kit | Keyring Type holder | 68002

The Draper Hex Key Set is crafted from hardened chrome vanadium steel, ensuring durability and reliability for your tasks. With sizes ranging from 1.5mm to 6.0mm, it offers versatility that guarantees the right fit for various applications. The extended long arm design is perfect for working in confined spaces, allowing you to manoeuvre easily and efficiently. Plus, the convenient keyring holder keeps your tools secure and accessible, so you can grab them whenever you need them.

What We Like
Durable chrome vanadium steel
Versatile size range
Extended long arm design
Convenient keyring holder
#TOP 2

HemBorta® 26pcs Metric/Imperial Allen Key Set

HB1022
Black Oxide
HemBorta® 26pcs Metric/Imperial Allen Key Set Cover
HemBorta® Allen Key Set Ball End Long 26pcs Metric/Imperial Alan Keys Sets 1.27-10mm Metric Allen Keys 3/64-3/8inch Imperial Allan Keyes, Heat Treated CRV Steel Hex Key Set

The HemBorta® Allen Key Set features 26 essential metric and imperial sizes, making it a versatile addition to your toolkit. The ball end design allows you to work at angles of up to 25 degrees, providing easier access to screws in tight spaces. Each key has chamfered edges on the short arm, ensuring smooth entry into hexagon screws. With a comprehensive range of sizes, this set caters to various applications, enhancing your efficiency and convenience during tasks.

What We Like
Wide range of sizes
Ball end for angled access
Chamfered edges for smooth entry
Durable heat-treated steel
Convenient tool clips included
#TOP 3

HemBorta® 13-Piece Metric Allen Key Set

HB2002
Black
HemBorta® 13-Piece Metric Allen Key Set Cover
HemBorta® Metric Allen Key Set Ball End 13pcs, Long Metric Alan Keys Sets 1.27-10mm MM Allen Keys, Heat Treated Hex Key Set with CRV Steel Allan Keyes

The HemBorta® Allen Key Set comprises 13 long metric hex keys, ranging from 1.27mm to 10mm, ensuring you have the right size for various tasks. The ball end design allows you to work at angles up to 25 degrees, making it easier to reach screws in tight spaces. Each key features chamfered edges, which help guide the tool smoothly into hexagon screws, reducing the risk of slipping. With its long arms, this set is perfect for accessing hard-to-reach screws, enhancing your efficiency in any project.

What We Like
Comprehensive 13-piece set
Ball end for angled access
Chamfered edges for smooth entry
Long arms for tight spaces

HemBorta® 8pc Folding Allen Key Set

HB2004
Black
HemBorta® 8pc Folding Allen Key Set Cover
HemBorta® Folding Allen Key Set Metric, 8pc Alan Keys Sets with 1.5-8mm Allen Keys, Fold-Up Hex Key Set, CRV Steel Fold-Out Wrench Set 1.5, 2, 2.5, 3, 4, 5, 6 & 8mm Allen Keys Sets

The HemBorta® Allen Key Set features eight folding metric Allen keys, ranging from 1.5mm to 8mm. This compact set is ideal for remote work, ensuring you have the right size for bicycles, motorcycles, and machinery. Made from heat-treated chrome vanadium steel, the keys offer exceptional strength and rust resistance, making them durable for outdoor use. The chamfered edges allow for easy alignment with fixings, ensuring a smoother entry for efficient repairs and adjustments.

What We Like
Compact and portable design
Durable chrome vanadium steel
Chamfered edges for easy use
Range of useful sizes

HemBorta® 13-Piece Imperial Allen Key Set

HBIN001
Black
HemBorta® 13-Piece Imperial Allen Key Set Cover
HemBorta® Imperial Allen Key Set Ball End 13pcs, Long Imperial Alan Keys Sets 3/64-3/8 Inch SAE Allen Keys, Heat Treated Hex Key Set with CRV Steel Allan Keyes

The HemBorta® Allen Key Set includes 13 long imperial hex keys, ranging from 3/64 to 3/8 inches. With the ball end feature, you can easily access screws at angles up to 25 degrees, making it ideal for tight spaces. The chamfered edges on the short arm help you smoothly locate and guide the keys into screws, ensuring a hassle-free experience. Designed for versatility, these long keys allow you to tackle a wide variety of tasks with ease.

What We Like
Includes 13 useful sizes
Ball end for angled access
Chamfered edges for easy use
Long keys for tight spaces

Draper 30 Piece Long Arm Allen Key Set

33894
Blue
Draper 30 Piece Long Arm Allen Key Set Cover
Draper 30 Piece Hexagon Allen Key Set | Metric/Imperial Combined Long Pattern Hand Tools | Hex Key Wrench Kit | Long Arm Chrome Vanadium Steel Kit | Foldable Storage Case | 33894

The Draper Allen Key Set is designed for durability and versatility. Made from hardened chrome vanadium steel, it can handle heavy use, ensuring consistent performance in all your tasks. With sizes ranging from 0.7mm to 10mm and 0.028” to 3/8”, you can find the right fit for any job. The extended long arm design allows you to easily access tight spaces, making it ideal for those hard-to-reach areas. Plus, the durable plastic case keeps your tools secure and readily available whenever you need them.

What We Like
Durable chrome vanadium steel
Wide range of sizes
Long arm for tight spaces
Convenient storage case

DIY Doctor Hex Allen Key Set (9 Sizes)

Multi-colored
DIY Doctor Hex Allen Key Set (9 Sizes) Cover
DIY Doctor Hex Allen Key Set (9 Pieces) - Ranges from 1.5mm to 10mm in Diameter - Allen Keys Sets - Hex Key Set - Long Allen Key Set - Ball End Allen Key Set

The DIY Doctor Allen Key Set includes nine different sizes ranging from 1.5mm to 10mm, ensuring you have the right tool for any job. Each key is colour coded, allowing you to quickly find the correct size, which is particularly useful during complex repairs. Made from durable chrome vanadium steel, these keys are built to last, providing reliable performance over time. The increased length gives you greater torque, making it easier to loosen tight nuts and securely tighten any fittings.

What We Like
Variety of sizes available
Colour coded for easy identification
Durable chrome vanadium steel
Increased torque for tough jobs
#TOP 8

E·Durable 30 Pcs Hex Key Set for DIY

E·Durable
2021-01FU-4-33851
30 in 1
E·Durable 30 Pcs Hex Key Set for DIY Cover
E·Durable 30 Pcs Hex Key Set Imperial & Metric Hex Allen Key Sets MM(0.7mm-10mm) SAE(0.028"-3/8) Wrench Set CRV Steel Folding Key Set for Furniture Assembly Bike Maintenance Disassemble Install Cars

The E·Durable Hex Key Set is essential for both amateur and professional DIY enthusiasts. Its unique flat ball design allows you to easily remove and install socket cap screws, providing access to hard-to-reach areas. Made from heat-treated chrome vanadium steel, these wrenches are durable and reduce wear on both the tool and fasteners. The precision hexagonal keys offer long-arm options for extra leverage and short-arm versions for tight spaces, ensuring you can tackle any job with ease.

What We Like
Versatile for various DIY tasks
Durable heat-treated steel construction
Easy access to tight spaces
Convenient folding storage case
Precision tools for effective use
#TOP 9

D.A.Y. Republic 14 Piece Hex Key Set

Hexagonal Key Set
14 Piece Set
D.A.Y. Republic 14 Piece Hex Key Set Cover
D.A.Y. Republic 14 Piece HEX Key Allen Key Set ON A Convenient Metal Ring, Metric 2mm 2.5mm 3mm 4mm 5mm 6mm 1/16” 5/64” 3/32” ⅛” 5/32” 3/16” & 7/32” (14 Piece Set)

The D.A.Y. Republic Hex Key Set is a 14-piece collection of precisely machined hexagonal keys, designed to make loosening and tightening nuts, bolts, and screws much easier for you. Secured on a convenient metal ring, these keys are easy to access, keeping your workspace tidy. Made from heat-treated steel with a zinc-plated finish, they offer exceptional durability and resistance to corrosion. Their innovative design includes stretchable springs on each key, enhancing usability and convenience, allowing you to tackle various tasks with ease.

What We Like
Convenient key ring storage
Durable zinc plated steel
Precision machined for ease
Wide range of sizes
Great for various applications

Draper 10 Piece T-Handle Hex Key Set

33869
Blue
Draper 10 Piece T-Handle Hex Key Set Cover
Draper 10 Piece T-Handle Hexagon Allen Key Set | Metric Long Pattern Hand Tools | Hex Key Wrench Kit | Long Arm Chrome Vanadium Steel Kit | Steel Wall Mounting Stand| 33869

The Draper T-Handle Hex Key Set is designed for precision and efficiency, featuring a t-handle design that maximises torque for effective tightening. Crafted from durable chrome vanadium steel, these tools offer reliability with added corrosion protection. The chamfered ends allow for easy insertion into bolts and screws, enhancing your efficiency during use. With sizes ranging from 2.0 mm to 10 mm, this versatile set ensures you have the right tool for any task, big or small.

What We Like
Ergonomic t-handle design
Corrosion-resistant steel construction
Chamfered ends for easy use
Wide range of sizes
High versatility for various tasks
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What steel are hex keys made of?

Alloy steel and carbon steel are the most commonly used materials for Allen keys. Some manufacturers also use chrome vanadium to make wrenches that will have heavy-duty applications, given the properties of the material.

2. Are hex keys the same as Allen keys?

A hex key, also known as an Allen key is a simple tool used to drive bolts and screws with hexagonal sockets in their heads. From standard keys in chrome vanadium steel to extra-long with ballpoint heads in chrome molybdenum steel, there are a wide variety to choose from.

3. What are Allen key bits called?

Hex keys, also known as allen keys, are used to tighten or loosen bolts and screws that have a hexagonal head. They are a versatile tool and useful in many settings. Quality hex key sets are made from durable steel, and some feature multipurpose keys with a hex at one end and a ball at the other.

4. Are hex keys the same as Torx?

No, they are two very different tools. The Allen wrench or hex key, as it is sometimes called, is a hexagon shape, that is why many refer to them as hex keys. The Torx key has a star shape. So if you are trying to use an Allen wrench on a Torx screw, it won't work, and vise versa.

Editor's Notes

During our steel hex key research, we found 306 steel hex key products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 29,696 customer reviews through our big data system to write the steel hex keys list. We found that most customers choose steel hex keys with an average price of £7.27.

The steel hex keys are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of steel hex keys, including Draper, HemBorta, DIY Doctor, D.A.Y. Republic.

Written by
Jennifer Fraser Avatar

Jennifer Fraser is a licensed contractor specializing in sales, maintenance, and kitchen, bathroom, and home appliances, tools, and utilities. She owns a store in Leeds where you can get any home and tool appliance. Jenny has a degree in literature, but she combines her knowledge and experience with her degree to publish DIY articles on solving home appliances issues to keep up the family enterprise.