Best Short Arm Hex Keys of 2025

* We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation.
Short arm hex keys are essential tools for any DIY enthusiast or professional mechanic. These compact and versatile tools come in a variety of sizes and are designed to fit snugly into tight spaces. Made from high-quality materials like chrome vanadium steel, these hex keys are built to withstand the toughest jobs and provide long-lasting performance. Whether you're working on a car, bike, or household project, short arm hex keys are a must-have addition to your toolkit. With their precision fit and reliable durability, they make it easy to tighten or loosen screws and bolts with ease.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks
Top 10 Short Arm Hex Keys
GEARWRENCH 10 Piece Short Arm SAE Hex Key Set - 83500
The GEARWRENCH 10 Piece Hex Key Set is a versatile tool that is perfect for any DIY enthusiast or professional. Made with alloy steel, these hex keys are designed to provide maximum strength and resist rotational distortion. The chamfered edges on both ends of the keys make it easy to guide them into fasteners smoothly and quickly. With a short arm design, these hex keys provide greater access in confined spaces, allowing you to tackle any task with ease. The sizes are clearly marked on the caddy for easy identification, saving you time and effort. Measuring up to ASME standards, this hex key set is reliable and built to last. Whether you're working on a small project or a larger job, the GEARWRENCH 10 Piece Hex Key Set is the perfect addition to your toolbox.
Bondhus 0.050-3/8" & 1.5-10mm Stubby Ball End Hex Key
The Bondhus 20599 Stubby Ball End Hex Key set features angle entry up to 25 degrees on various sizes for easy access to screws with low overhead clearance. The low profile short arm reaches screws that are inaccessible with other hex tools. Made in the USA with Protanium steel, these tools are up to 20% stronger than the competitors. The ProGuard Finish provides up to 5x more rust protection than the leading brand, making it a durable investment for any tool collection.
EKLIND 17222 Double-Ball-Hex L-Key Combo (2 sets 22pc)
The EKLIND 17222 Double-Ball-Hex L-Key allen wrench Combo is a high-quality, professional-grade toolset made in the USA. The set comes with all common, popular inch and metric sizes, made from EKLIND Alloy Steel for optimum strength and torque. The ball-hex keys work at up to a 30-degree angle for access to hard-to-reach fasteners, while the stubby short arm ball key helps you work in tight spaces. The tools are color-coded and come with a plastic holder for easy organization. The set meets or exceeds all applicable standards.
DURATECH Hex Key Wrench Set, 30 Pieces
DURATECH Hex Key Wrench Set includes 30 pieces of long and short arm Allen Hex Wrenches with storage case. The set covers commonly used sizes and the heat-treated chrome alloy steel provides extra strength and durability. The classic L-shaped design allows high leverage and extra reach. The set comes in a foldable hinged storage case for easy organization and fast size selection.
TEKTON Short Arm Ball End Hex L-Key Set, 28-Piece KLX91312
TEKTON Hex L-Key Set, model KLX91312, includes 28 pieces of short arm ball end hex L-keys in a range of sizes. The short arm design allows you to work in tight spaces with better control. These L-keys offer increased leverage, ensuring a tight fit with fasteners. The quick-access holder keeps your tools organized for easy retrieval. With a 20-degree ball end angle, you can access fasteners easily while maintaining strength. Each key is marked for visibility and corrosion-resistant.
Eklind Tool 13509 Stubby-Ball-Hex-L Key allen wrench - 9pc set Metric MM sizes 1.5-10 Long series
Eklind Stubby-Ball-Hex-L Key Set is a set of industrial-grade professional tools made in the USA. These hex keys are designed to drive internal hexagon socket fasteners. Made with Eklind Alloy Steel, they offer optimum strength and are rust-resistant. The ball-hex keys allow for a 30-degree angle for hard-to-reach fasteners, while the stubby short arm key helps in tight spaces. The color-coded metric sizes and organized plastic holder make it easy to identify and access the right tool quickly.
Kingsdun 30-Piece Hex Key Set
The Kingsdun 30-Piece Hex Key Set includes both SAE and metric sizes, with short and long-arm options. The flat ball design allows for easy access in hard-to-reach spaces, while the heat-treated steel construction provides stability and durability. The set is perfect for bicycle repair, furniture installation, and general maintenance tasks. The folding storage case makes it easy to keep the keys organized and accessible.
ELEAD 27-Piece Hex Key Set
The ELEAD Hex Key Set is designed for durability and efficiency. Made from heat-treated chrome vanadium steel, these wrenches are built to last, providing you with 13 long reach and 13 short keys for various tasks. The innovative ball end design allows you to access socket cap screws at angles up to 25 degrees, making it easier to work in tight spaces. Additionally, the included torque handle gives you extra force for fastener engagement, which is especially useful for automotive and heavy-duty applications. With both metric and SAE sizes, this set ensures you have the right tool for every job.
JT Custom .050 Short Arm Hex Key L-Wrench 2 Pack
The JT Custom Hex Key L-Wrench 2 Pack is a must-have tool for any DIY enthusiast or professional. Made out of high-quality heat-treated black alloy steel, these hex key wrenches are designed to tighten and loosen socket head screws, including set, button, cap, and flat bolts. With a size of .050 x 1-3/4" long, they are perfect for working with miniature fasteners. The pack includes 2 matching hex keys, ensuring you always have a spare. Whether you're assembling furniture, fixing electronics, or working on a hobby project, these hex keys will provide the durability and precision you need. The JT Custom Hex Key L-Wrench 2 Pack is a reliable and versatile tool that will make your work easier and more efficient.
EKLIND Stubby-Ball-Hex-L Key Set
The EKLIND Hex Key Set offers high-quality, industrial-grade tools made in the USA. Featuring a range of smaller SAE inch sizes, these allen wrenches are perfect for driving internal hexagon socket fasteners. Made from heat-treated alloy steel, they provide excellent strength and torque while ensuring safety during use. The ball-hex design allows access to hard-to-reach areas at angles of up to 30 degrees, making it easier for you to tackle challenging tasks with ease.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the smallest hex key?
Allen wrenches can be measured in both millimeters or in standard sizes, which uses inches. Small specialty Allen wrenches can be as tiny as 2mm, or sizes larger than 25mm.
2. What is a long arm hex key?
Long-arm hex keys, on the other hand, provide greater torque. All long-arm hex keys have a longer vertical side than that of short-arm hex keys. The vertical side, of course, is the part that you'll grip and turn. With its long length, it will provide greater torque, thus allowing you to tighten fasteners more easily.
3. Is there a difference between Allen keys and hex keys?
The short answer is “there is no difference”. Really, these two names can be used interchangeably.
4. What can I use as a small Allen key?
Socket Wrench or Ratchet Wrench If you have one that will fit in the hex screw hole or hexagonal socket you are working with, a socket wrench may come in handy in place of an Allen wrench.
During our short arm hex key research, we found 24 short arm hex key products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 18,428 customer reviews through our big data system to write the short arm hex keys list. We found that most customers choose short arm hex keys with an average price of $14.87.
The short arm hex keys are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of short arm hex keys, including GEARWRENCH, Bondhus, Eklind Tool, DURATECH, TEKTON. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 385 consumers with an average rating of 4.7.

Harry Stack owns a small hardware store, his career landed him a depth of knowledge in categories such as tools, equipment, machinery and hardware. In his spare time, he usually repairs furniture, safes and appliances, and he knows how to make simple repairs to plumbing or electrical fixtures. His hobbies also include woodworking and fishing.