What Allen Wrench size fits in a garbage disposal?
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Despite being one of the most helpful kitchen appliances, a garbage disposal will get clogged or jammed at some point in their lifetime. Interestingly, you can easily free up the clog with just one tool; an Allen wrench! Ever heard of it? What is a garbage disposal Allen wrench? What Allen wrench size fits a garbage disposal?
If those are some of those questions that came to your mind when you heard of Allen Wrench, worry not. In this article, I’ll tell you everything you need to know about a garbage disposal Allen wrench!
What is a garbage disposal Allen wrench?
Sometimes referred to as a hex key or Allen key, an Allen wrench is a type of tool that is used to loosen or tighten bolts and screws. The tool was invented in 1922 by Henry F Phillips, who gave it the name. Since then, the tool has been widely used in various projects.
While there are many types of Allen wrenches, the L-shaped wrench is the most common one. At first glance, the tool is L-shaped, with one long handle branching at 90 deg into the shorter end. More notably, the end of the tool has a blunt, hexagon shape that fits snugly into bolt and screw sockets with the same shape.
That said, you can use a garbage disposal Allen wrench to manually unclog a blocked garbage disposal. Generally, the tool reaches down the drain and locks onto the bolts on the rotating plate. Once the wrench fits properly, turning it clockwise and counterclockwise will dislodge any clogs and debris that are stopping the disposal unit from working.
What size Allen wrench fits in a garbage disposal?
As already mentioned, a garbage disposal Allen wrench is mainly used to unclog a blocked disposal unit. Thanks to their ability to fit perfectly in the small hexagon hole located at the base of the garbage disposal.
The specific Allen wrench size you will need to unclog your garbage disposal will depend on the model of the disposal unit. However, most garbage disposals on the market require a 1 ⁄ 4 ” Allen wrench as it typically fits the small socket at the base of the garbage disposal housing.
Interestingly, most garbage disposal manufacturers include a garbage disposal Allen wrench with each unit. However, if you displace the wrench that came with your unit, the ¼” Allen wrench will do the trick. Alternatively, you can check the garbage disposal manufacturer’s manual to determine the ideal size for your unit. For instance, you may discover that some models require a 3/16” Allen wrench, while others are compatible with large sizes like ¼” or 5/16” Allen wrenches.
What Allen wrench size for a badger garbage disposal?
An Allen wrench is one of the most important tools you’ll need when repairing/ unclogging a badger garbage disposal. Most badger garbage disposal models require a 1⁄4” Allen wrench. Luckily, this is the most common size and you probably have it in your toolbox. Even better, a 1⁄4” Allen wrench is specially designed to fit into the hexagonal-shaped opening on the bottom of most badger disposal units.
However, in some cases, you may need a 3/16” Allen wrench to work on your Badger garbage disposal. For that, it’s good to double-check the ideal Allen wrench size for your disposal.
What Allen wrench size fits Insinkerator garbage disposals?
Similar to the Badger disposal models, most Insinkeratpor garbage disposals require a ¼” Allen wrench. Nonetheless, it’s important to check the manufacturer’s manual to be certain. Alternatively, you can look for this information on the side of your Insinkerator garbage disposal near the brand name. For instance, if the brand name is ‘456-Allen’, a ¼” Allen wrench is compatible with the unit.
Does this mean all garbage disposal Allen wrenches are the same size?
While the 1 ⁄ 4 ” Allen wrench size fits most units, all garbage disposals do not use the same Allen wrenches. After all, garbage disposals are available in different types and sizes, meaning you’ll need different-sized wrenches to fit various disposal units. In general, there are 4 common garbage disposal Allen wrench sizes; ¼, ⅜, ½, and 1”. To make sure you buy the correct garbage disposal Allen wrench size, always read the instructions before you settle on any wrench size/.
Conclusion; What Allen wrench size for garbage disposal?
Generally speaking, the ideal Allen wrench size for garbage disposal will vary depending on the model of the unit. However, in most cases, a 1 ⁄ 4 ” Allen wrench will help you take care of your clogged garbage disposal as it’s compatible with most models. Alternatively, you can look for an Allen wrench that is specifically designed for your particular garbage disposal model and brand. Either way, the correct Allen wrench size will help you unclog your garbage disposal and obliterate those kitchen messes and food waste in no time!
