zeskant

Zeskant is a Dutch term meaning hexagon or hexagonal. In geometry it refers to a six‑sided polygon, most commonly a regular hexagon with six equal sides and interior angles of 120 degrees. The word is also used in engineering and manufacturing to describe hexagonal shapes found in fasteners and tools.

In hardware, zeskant denotes hexagonal cross‑sections used for fastening and turning. A hex bolt and a hex nut have hexagonal profiles that provide a stable grip for wrenches or sockets. Driving a hex fastener requires a tool that matches the hexagonal shape, such as a hex key (Allen key) or a corresponding hexagonal socket.

Sizes for hex fasteners are specified by the distance across the flats (AF) of the hex head or nut, measured in millimetres. This across‑flats dimension determines the appropriate wrench or socket size. Hex fasteners range from small sizes used in electronics and appliances to large industrial hardware, with standardized series in many countries.

Beyond mechanical fasteners, the term zeskant is used more generally for hexagonal forms in design and nature, including tiling patterns and honeycombs, as well as components and tools that employ hexagonal symmetry. The widespread use of six‑sided geometry underpins both functional hardware and decorative or structural applications.