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Glite Dictionary
Inbus key

Inbus key

9.0
A small metal tool with a six-sided end for turning screws with a matching hole
  • noun
  • /ˈɪnbəs ki/
  • Specialized
translation icon : llave Allen
  • He accidentally stripped the bolt by using the wrong size Inbus key.

Examples

  • I searched my toolbox for an Inbus key to assemble the furniture.

  • The instruction manual suggests using an Inbus key to tighten the screws.

  • I need an Inbus key to fix this furniture.

  • The Inbus key is essential for tightening the screws.

  • I searched my toolbox for an Inbus key to assemble the furniture.

  • The instruction manual suggests using an Inbus key to tighten the screws.

  • He accidentally stripped the bolt by using the wrong size Inbus key.

Synonyms

Allen wrench
vsInbus key
  • US
2 4.1

A small L-shaped tool with a six-sided end used to turn bolts with six-sided holes

focuses on turning screws specifically rather than bolts
hex key
vsInbus key
  • Specialized
1 4.2

A small L-shaped tool used to turn screws with a six-sided hole

is the general term not limited to small L-shaped tools
Inbus wrench
vsInbus key
  • Specialized
7.9

A small metal tool with a six-sided bar for turning screws with matching holes

uses an alternate common name rather than that wording
Allen key
vsInbus key
  • UK
4.7

A small L-shaped metal tool used to turn bolts and screws with six-sided holes

is narrower used mainly for turning screws rather than general bolts
Unbrako key
vsInbus key
  • Specialized
7.4

A small metal tool with a six-sided tip that turns screws with a six-sided hole in the head

is described as designed to turn such screws rather than simply used
Unbrako wrench
vsInbus key
  • Specialized
7.3

A tool like an Allen key for turning bolts and screws with six-sided sockets

is the generic tool term rather than a particular brand name

Surface Forms

Inbus key singular
Inbus keys plural

Morphology

Inbus + key

The element 'Inbus' is a technical/brand-specific term (not a productive English morpheme) and provides no transparent semantic cue that would let a learner infer 'hexagonal wrench' from 'Inbus' + 'key'. While 'key' signals a tool, the specific shape/function (Allen/hex key) is lexicalized and language-specific, so a B1 learner who only knows the surface words would not reliably derive the intended meaning.

Etymology

The noun Inbus key probably comes from the German word Innensechskant, which means 'inside six-sided', or from a company that used the short name 'INBUS'. An Inbus key is a small L-shaped tool with a six-sided end that fits inside matching screws, so the name points to the tool's shape and use.