What Size Allen Wrench For Garbage Disposal?

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Allen wrench is a must-have tool to fix block, malfunctioned, or jammed garbage disposal. 

But what size Allen wrench for garbage disposal? To fix the garbage disposal, you need to use the right size and type of Allen wrench.

Let’s dive into the article to know what size Allen wrench you need.

What is the Size of Allen Wrench For Garbage Disposal?

The right size depends on your garbage disposal model. But the standard size of the Allen wrench is 1/4 inch.

You can use a 1/4 inch Allen wrench to fix most of the garbage disposal. But some units may not fit with this size.

It is important to check the disposal bolt size to find the correct size Allen wrench.

Depending on bolt size and garbage disposal model, your wrench size also varies.

Here is a table outlining the recommended size of Allen wrench for garbage disposals:

Garbage Disposal Brand	Allen Wrench Size
InSinkErator	1/4 inch
Waste King	1/4 inch or 3/16 inch
KitchenAid	1/4 inch or 3/32 inch
Moen	1/4 inch or 3/32 inch
GE	1/4 inch or 3/32 inch

How To Choose The Right Size Allen Wrench For Garbage Disposal?

Choosing the right size Allen wrench for your garbage disposal is important to ensure proper maintenance and repair.

Here are some steps to follow to choose the right size Allen wrench for your garbage disposal:

Determine the brand and model of your garbage disposal:

The recommended size of Allen wrench for your garbage disposal may vary depending on the brand and model.

Check the user manual or manufacturer’s website to find the specific size recommended for your disposal.

Measure the Allen wrench opening:

If you don’t have the user manual or can’t find the recommended size online, you can measure the opening of the Allen wrench port on the garbage disposal.

Use a ruler or calipers to measure the distance across the opening of the port in millimeters or inches.

Compare the measurement to standard Allen wrench sizes:

Once you have the measurement of the opening, you can compare it to standard Allen wrench sizes.

The most common sizes for garbage disposals are 1/4 inch, 3/16 inch, and 3/32 inch. Choose the closest size to your measurement.

Try different sizes:

If you’re not sure which size is the best fit, try different sizes until you find the one that fits snugly into the opening without being too loose or too tight.

Purchase a set of Allen wrenches:

If you have multiple garbage disposals or other appliances that require Allen wrenches, consider purchasing a set of various sizes to have on hand.

This can save you time and hassle in the future when you need to perform maintenance or repairs.

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How To Use An Allen Wrench?

An Allen wrench, also known as a hex key, is a simple tool used to tighten or loosen hexagonal bolts or screws.

Here are some steps to follow to use an Allen wrench:

Identify the bolt or screw: Locate the hexagonal bolt or screw that you need to tighten or loosen. It will have six sides and a small hole in the center.

Choose the correct size Allen wrench: Select an Allen wrench that matches the size of the hole in the center of the bolt or screw.

Using the wrong size can damage the bolt or screw and the wrench.

Insert the Allen wrench: Insert the short end of the Allen wrench into the hole in the center of the bolt or screw.

Turn the Allen wrench: Use the longer end of the Allen wrench to turn the short end in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction to tighten or loosen the bolt or screw.

Apply pressure evenly: Make sure to apply pressure evenly and steadily to avoid stripping or damaging the bolt or screw.

Use two hands if necessary: If the bolt or screw is difficult to turn, use two hands to apply more force evenly.

Remove the wrench: Once you have tightened or loosened the bolt or screw, remove the Allen wrench from the hole in the center of the bolt or screw.

How To Remove Allen Wrench For Garbage Disposal?

Often our garbage disposal gets jammed. To fix this issue, you need to remove the Allen wrench.

Follow the below steps to remove the Allen wrench:

• Unplug the power switch of the garbage disposal

• Put a hex key into the disposer hole at the bottom.

• Then rotate the hex key counterclockwise to loosen and take out the Allen wrench.

• Now take a pair of pliers to discard the Allen wrench from the hole.

To fix a leaked garbage disposal, you should replace the Allen wrench. Follow the below steps:

• Unplug the power switch.

• Take out the hex key from the disposer

• Apply pliers to remove Allen’s wrench.

• Next, pick a screwdriver to take out the screws that hold the disposal.

• Pull the disposal to take it out from the cabinet.

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How To Fix A Garbage Disposal With Allen Wrench?

If you have a malfunctioning garbage disposal, you can easily fix it using an Allen wrench. 

The most common issues of garbage disposal can be solved with an Allen wrench. Let’s know how to fix garbage disposal with an Allen wrench.

• First, turn off the power supply of the garbage disposal.

• Then find the reset button from the bottom area and click it.

• If your problem still exists, locate the motor

• Now take an Allen wrench to loosen the bolts or screws that hold the motor.

• Apply a pair of pliers to remove the screws quickly

• When the screws are loosened, simply remove the motor

• Inspect it to find any defect or damage.

• If the motor is damaged, you should replace it.

• If the issue is with the blade or housing, then fix it yourself.

• Then reconnect the motor and tighten the screws again to fix it in the right place.

Clean The Disposal

• Use tongs to clean debris from the disposal

• When the impeller rotates freely, switch the breaker on.

• Switch on the water and garbage disposal

• Repeat the above steps for cleaning disposal if it does not spin.

This simple step is enough to fix a malfunctioned garbage disposal. But if you find it complex, you can take professional help.

FAQs on what size Allen wrench for garbage disposal

Bottom Line

Hopefully, this guide will help you regarding what size Allen wrench for garbage disposal.

You don’t need to be confused about the size and type of wrench for disposal.

Follow our tips to choose the right size Allen wrench and fix your disposal. It is a simple tool that can fix any clogged garbage disposal.

You don’t need to waste money on other tools if you have the right size Allen wrench.