Measuring an imperial Allen head bolt?

[dobbslc]

I need to get an Allen key for the vice clamp bolt on my recently purchased Draper metal bandsaw but it's imperial along with most of the rest of the nuts and bolts on it. How can I measure what size Allen key to get?

 

[rory1]

The same as you would with a metric Allen key but turn the rule over so it reads in inches instead of MM!

 

[Bill Edwards]

Vernier callipers?
Or just buy a cheap set with every size so you'll have the right one: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/30pc-Larg...874120?hash=item3d30cef348:g:u9UAAOSwjDZYfjLB

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Draper-Me...987967?hash=item3d2a7f417f:g:xM4AAOSw5cNYm2~p

 

[rtbcomp]

Measure across the flats, an internal caliper would be the easiest to use, but a ruler is OK

 

[wookie]

or if it's chewed up at all use torx bits.

 

[armalites]

Just get some of these, best Allen keys you can buy, lifetime warranty and really not that expensive at £14.21 delivered

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Bondhus-1...678703?hash=item35f93b48af:g:hEMAAOSwoydWmMrm

You can get a twin pack which include thes the metric and imperial for less than £20

I think the downfall of many Allen head bolts/screws is people using metric in imperial and vice versa. If it's not a tight fit it's not right

 

[Pete.]

Just get some of these, best Allen keys you can buy, lifetime warranty and really not that expensive at £14.21 delivered

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Bondhus-1...678703?hash=item35f93b48af:g:hEMAAOSwoydWmMrm

You can get a twin pack which include thes the metric and imperial for less than £20

I think the downfall of many Allen head bolts/screws is people using metric in imperial and vice versa. If it's not a tight fit it's not right

Cheers I just bought those. I have several metric sets but no decent imperial.

 

[dobbslc]

Thanks guys it looks like someone bas been using metric bolts in imperial threads!
I've run a good imperial grub screw through the threads and it seems ok.
Looks like the bolts are 18tpi can I just order some off eBay to replace the old ones?

 

[RonA]

I need to get an Allen key for the vice clamp bolt on my recently purchased Draper metal bandsaw but it's imperial along with most of the rest of the nuts and bolts on it. How can I measure what size Allen key to get?

Does this table help any?
http://www.reglover.com/desktop/reg/resources_dimension_bolt_hex.php
RonA

 

[slim_boy_fat]

Thanks guys it looks like someone bas been using metric bolts in imperial threads!

I think I've just discovered the same thing.

or if it's chewed up at all use torx bits.

Thanks for that tip, I'll give it a try before I resort to the welder and BFH.

 

[dobbslc]

Does this table help any?
http://www.reglover.com/desktop/reg/resources_dimension_bolt_hex.php
RonA

Not sure to be honest!

I'll need to order a few bolts so I'll have a measure up and see if I can find what's needed.