Hex (Allen) key between 5 and 6?

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).

8 points · 13 comments · view on lemmy.world

13 Comments

slazer2au@lemmy.world · 14 pts · 234d (5 replies)

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 pts · 234d (2 replies)

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 · 1 pts · 214d (1 reply)

Looks like 5.5 isn’t it either - too small but 6 is too big :(

SpikesOtherDog@ani.social · 1 pts · 214d

7/32 SAE is the only option between them. Doubt you could find a 15/64 easily.

Send some pics of what you are working with. Probably should post it new for more attention, but put it here too.

colourlessidea@sopuli.xyz · 3 pts · 233d (1 reply)

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 pts · 233d

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

wiccan2@lemmy.world · 6 pts · 234d (1 reply)

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.

colourlessidea@sopuli.xyz · 2 pts · 214d

Tried a 5.5 today, that turned out to be too small too :(

calamitycastle@lemmy.world · 5 pts · 234d

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

Bonus@sopuli.xyz · 4 pts · 233d

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

tychosmoose@lemmy.world · 2 pts · 234d (2 replies)

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

colourlessidea@sopuli.xyz · 1 pts · 233d (1 reply)

Yes pretty sure it’s a hex one!

Perspectivist@feddit.uk · 1 pts · 233d

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.