ISO 2936-2014 PDF

Full title and description

Assembly tools for screws and nuts — Hexagon socket screw keys. International standard specifying dimensions, tests, designation and marking, and minimum hardness requirements for hexagon socket (hex) screw keys (commonly called Allen keys / hex keys) used for tightening hexagon socket screws and socket set screws.

Abstract

ISO 2936:2014 defines the geometric dimensions, method of test, designation conventions and marking for hexagon socket screw keys. The standard also specifies minimum Rockwell hardness values the tools must meet. Its requirements apply to hexagon socket screw keys intended for tightening hexagon socket screws of property class ≤ 12.9 (per ISO 898‑1) and to socket set screws (per ISO 898‑5). The document was issued in 2014 (Edition 6) and has been subject to periodic systematic review and confirmation by the ISO technical committee responsible for hand tools.

General information

• Status: Published (confirmed at review; remains current)
• Publication date: 2014-05 (Edition 6; often cited as 28 April 2014 / May 2014)
• Publisher: International Organization for Standardization (ISO)
• ICS / categories: 25.140.30 (Hand tools; assembly tools)
• Edition / version: Edition 6 (ISO 2936:2014)
• Number of pages: 9

Scope

Specifies dimensional requirements for hexagon socket screw keys, method of test to verify strength/hardness, designation and marking of the keys, and minimum Rockwell hardness values to ensure adequate performance and safety. The scope covers keys used for tightening hexagon socket screws up to the mechanical property class limits indicated and for socket set screws; it is intended for manufacturers, testing laboratories and users concerned with interchangeability, safety and conformity of hex keys.

Key topics and requirements

• Standardized nominal dimensions for hexagon socket screw keys (sizes and tolerances).
• Method of test to verify mechanical properties and hardness.
• Minimum Rockwell hardness values required for different sizes/types.
• Designation system for identifying key size and type.
• Marking requirements for traceability and conformity.
• Application limits referencing fastener property classes (e.g., compatibility with screws up to property class ≤ 12.9).

Typical use and users

Used by manufacturers of hand tools and hex keys, fastener and screw producers, quality assurance and testing laboratories, tool specifiers and purchasers (procurement), maintenance and assembly workshops, and standards/technical committees. The standard helps ensure interchangeability, safety and adequate mechanical performance of hex keys in industrial, automotive, maintenance and general assembly contexts.

Related standards

Standards referenced or commonly used together include ISO 898-1 (mechanical properties of fasteners — bolts, screws and studs), ISO 898-5 (mechanical properties of fasteners — set screws), and national/adopted versions (for example DIN/UNI adoptions of ISO 2936). Earlier withdrawn editions of ISO 2936 (e.g., 2001, 1995 editions) are replaced by the 2014 edition.

Keywords

hexagon socket screw key; hex key; Allen key; hex key dimensions; assembly tools; hand tools; Rockwell hardness; designation; marking; ISO 2936; socket set screw; tool standards.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ISO 2936:2014 is the international standard that specifies dimensions, test methods, designation and marking, and minimum hardness for hexagon socket screw keys (hex keys / Allen keys) used with hexagon socket screws and socket set screws.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers nominal sizes and tolerances for hexagon socket screw keys, the method of test for mechanical properties, minimum Rockwell hardness values, designation conventions and marking requirements; and it defines the intended compatibility range with fastener property classes.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Tool manufacturers, fastener producers, QA/test laboratories, purchasers/specifiers, maintenance and assembly technicians, and standards committees use it to ensure safe, interoperable and conforming hex keys.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: The 2014 edition (Edition 6) is the current published version. The document has been subject to ISO systematic reviews and confirmations and remains the valid edition in force (it replaced earlier withdrawn editions).

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: It belongs to the family of ISO standards addressing assembly tools for screws and nuts (hand/assembly tools standards) and is linked by application and normative references to related fastener standards (for example ISO 898 series for mechanical properties).

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Hexagon socket screw key, hex key, Allen key, assembly tools, Rockwell hardness, dimensions, designation, marking, ISO 2936.