Hex/Allen Bolts and SAKs

[marlowe221]

We all know the various ways a SAK can turn a Phillips screw, and there’s plenty of them out there in the world.

But what about the dreaded hex/Allen bolt? The favorite fastener of IKEA and pressed wood, assemble-it-yourself furniture makers everywhere?

Any one have any tricks to tighten/loosen an Allen bolt with our favorite pocket tools?

[marlowe221]

Accidental double post… 

[nate j]

Not really a trick, but a 4 mm hex bit comes standard with SAKs that have the bit driver.

[gustophersmob]

depending on the size, sometimes one of the flat drivers can fit inside a hex head.  I doubt you could apply much torque without it slipping, but it may do in a pinch.

[Grand_Banana]

Not really a trick, but a 4 mm hex bit comes standard with SAKs that have the bit driver.

Generally these have done well for me as you don’t need much torque on the ikea type furniture. I haven’t tried anything else.

[marlowe221]

If only the SAKs with the bit drivers weren’t all so big!

I have seen a neat trick to turn a hex nut or bolt with the bottle opener on YouTube but I haven’t been able to find much of anything on Allen bolts so far.

[nate j]

If only the SAKs with the bit drivers weren’t all so big!

I have the CT-S and CT-M.

IMO, the S is a reasonable pocket carry, as it is in the same thickness range as many four-layer SAKs.

The M is a bit thicker and heavier in pocket than I prefer; mine lives in my laptop bag.

As I’ve said in other threads, I would love to see Vic put out a CT that had pliers, bit driver, large blade, combo tool, and corkscrew.

[Enginears]

Its not for high torque but the tip of the can opener has fit some in my furniture assembly history. The problem is on many pieces the clearance is such that you have to use the little L shaped allen keys on at least one side.