Skip to main content
Glite Dictionary
hex key

hex key

1 4.2
A small L-shaped tool used to turn screws with a six-sided hole
  • noun
  • /hɛks ki/
  • Specialized
translation icon : llave hexagonal
  • The instruction manual specifies that a hex key is required to attach the shelves.

Examples

  • Apart from this, you will be needing a pair of scissors, screwdrivers, A hex key and some tape.

  • She grabbed a hex key from the toolbox to fix the loose seat on her bicycle.

  • Next we have a hex key over here and that one, How does that move it?

  • And then they have a a hex key opening on one end that do you then use to drive into the wood.

  • OK, yeah, so all right, just grab the the hex key and then just start turning, turning this yes, turn the screw until you can feel some Yeah, you can start turning with the with the hand as well.

  • A mechanic can release the clutch by reaching down the center of the drum shaft with a hex key and loosening the screw.

    Academic text (2002)

  • To assemble the furniture, you will need a hex key to tighten the bolts.

Synonyms

Allen wrench
vshex key
  • US
2 4.1

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

is small and L shaped rather than other handle types
Allen key
vshex key
  • UK
4.7

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

is smaller and L shaped rather than generic driver forms
Inbus wrench
vshex key
  • Specialized
7.9

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

is the compact L shaped form emphasizing small size
Inbus key
vshex key
  • Specialized
9.0

A small metal tool with a six-sided end for turning screws with a matching hole

is specifically the small L shaped version used by hand
Unbrako wrench
vshex key
  • Specialized
7.3

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

is the general common name rather than a brand specific term
Unbrako key
vshex 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 specifically the small L shaped version rather than larger drivers
screw key
vshex key
  • Specialized
5.5

A small tool that fits into a screw head to turn it

is the small L shaped kind for screws with hexagonal recesses specifically

Surface Forms

hex key singular
hex keys plural

Morphology

hex + key

The compound is compositional: 'hex' (hexagonal / six-sided) + 'key' (a small tool) directly yields the idea of a small tool with a hexagonal cross-section for turning screws. Although somewhat technical vocabulary, the meaning follows standard word-combination logic and would be derivable by a B1 learner who knows both constituents.

Etymology

Hex key: The name hex key comes from hex meaning 'six-sided' and key because the tool fits into a screw head like a key fits into a lock. So a hex key is a small L-shaped tool whose six-sided end turns those matching screws.