Bike Repair Tips and Tricks

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Hex (Allen) key between 5 and 6? (sopuli.xyz)

submitted 2 weeks ago by colourlessidea@sopuli.xyz to c/bike_repair_tips@sopuli.xyz

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The hex nuts on the wheel axles of my bicycle are too big for a 5mm Allen key and too small for a 6mm one. What’s the name/size/something of one that would fit? I’ve been googling but to no avail. I know it exists because the shop I got it from had one (but they didn’t know what it was called either or where to buy one from).

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[–] slazer2au@lemmy.world 14 points 2 weeks ago (2 children)

Could it be a imperial bolt and you need to use a 3/16 because imperial to metric doesn't match up exactly?

[–] SpikesOtherDog@ani.social 4 points 2 weeks ago

I think between your comment and everyone else saying to try a 5.5, this is most likely it. Only other idea is that the holes are wallered out, but a slightly larger key and a hammer should fix that.

[–] colourlessidea@sopuli.xyz 3 points 2 weeks ago* (last edited 2 weeks ago) (1 children)

Ooh good info. That might be it!

Edit: is that in inches? If yes I guess that’s less than 5mm right? But maybe the next size up is in between 5 and 6

[–] slazer2au@lemmy.world 2 points 2 weeks ago

Somewhere between 3/16th inch and 1/4 inch.

[–] wiccan2@lemmy.world 6 points 2 weeks ago

The numbers are usually millimeters, try searching for a 5.5mm Allen key.

Lots of results when I search but no idea what country you're in so pointless me sending any links.

[–] calamitycastle@lemmy.world 5 points 2 weeks ago

Could it be a 5.5? Or a 5 plus a big elastic band maybe?

[–] Bonus@sopuli.xyz 4 points 2 weeks ago

5.5mm Allen wrenches are a thing, are popping up with my basic internet search.

[–] tychosmoose@lemmy.world 2 points 2 weeks ago (1 children)

Are you sure it's a hex and not a Torx? T30 Torx is approximately between 5mm and 6mm IIRC.

[–] colourlessidea@sopuli.xyz 1 points 2 weeks ago (1 children)

Yes pretty sure it’s a hex one!

[–] Perspectivist@feddit.uk 1 points 2 weeks ago

Torx bit might work too. I often use those when I don't have a hex set at hand. Or try the 5mm key but shim it with a rubber glove. Or file down a 6mm one.