steamyman
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tips if you lose an Allen Key.............a small screwdriver tighten these screws just as good.
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xlchainsaw
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you can also use the tang of a triangle type of file, just grind down to suit
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James
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Great tips guys
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Les Marsh
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I went to do that the other day but they have started using ones with a pin in the centre, so I just wedged a screwdriver in and snapped the pin off.
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Nick
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| Les Marsh wrote: | | I went to do that the other day but they have started using ones with a pin in the centre, so I just wedged a screwdriver in and snapped the pin off. |
Just buy a tamper proof bit. 
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Les Marsh
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| Nick wrote: | | Les Marsh wrote: | | I went to do that the other day but they have started using ones with a pin in the centre, so I just wedged a screwdriver in and snapped the pin off. |
Just buy a tamper proof bit. |
That defeats the idea of "if you haven't got"
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Nick
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| Les Marsh wrote: | | Nick wrote: | | Les Marsh wrote: | | I went to do that the other day but they have started using ones with a pin in the centre, so I just wedged a screwdriver in and snapped the pin off. |
Just buy a tamper proof bit. |
That defeats the idea of "if you haven't got" |
I would rather wait and use a proper tool to avoid damaging anything, unless you are planning on throwing away whatever you're taking out.
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IndianaRog
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Only downside of using a screwdriver in an Allen Key hole is that you can't put any real leverage on it without stripping out the hole, chewing up the screwdriver bit or both. I suppose in an emergency it is better than nothing...but since it can't be tightened properly anyhow, you might as well get another Allen Key. 
I used to lose them regularly til I bought a set that swivels from a common pin sort of like a pocket knife...10 different Allen Keys in a lump big enough that you don't tend to lose it.
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alan2525
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The nice thing about allen keys, if you have one and the end is rounded off, it's dead easy to grind the end and get a nice fit again!
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xlchainsaw
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ive also been known to grind down a piece of steel and make one when ive been desperate
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johnreid
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Many Allen set Screws are hardened steel and quite difficult to drill out. If at all possible wait a day or two and get the proper tool for the Allen screw, in the long run you will be far happier. This has been learned from experience so I think I am saving you all the heartache.
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Dave B
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I've found that "Torx" bits will fit hex (Allen) heads as well...
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alan2525
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I used to work in IT one time and an engineer was called out to work on a laptop. I was taking the Mic out of him being called an Engineer and comparing changing a laptop screen to some of Isambard Kingdom Brunells Efforts...he was having a struggle getting the last screw out of the chassis of a laptop at the time.
...working in IT, you need a sense of humour - especially at someonme elses expense!
Anyhow he was using a small TORX screwdriver to undo the screws on the cover over the memory slots, leaning on it to get some purchase...then there was a big loud crash as he slipped and punctured right through the laptop with the screwdriver...it gave me a laugh though! That'll void yer warranty for sure!
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