Products HomeBalldrivers / Hex Keys
- Wide Range of Tools and Convenient Tool Holders Available
- Essential Balldrivers and Hex Keys for Everyday Use
- Quality Products for Long Life and Reliable Operation
CCHK
Color-Coded Hex Key Kit
HKTS-9/64
Hex Key Thumbscrews
TC2
Balldriver and Hex Key Kit
BD-3/16
BD-5ML
Extra Long Balldriver
BT17
Benchtop Organizer with Balldrivers
and Dropper Bottles
HK2A98
Hex Key Kit
HK316NM
Non-Magnetic, Titanium Hex Key
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| Screws Selection Guide |
|---|
| Cap Screws & Nuts |
| Setscrews and Thumbscrews |
| Low Profile Screws & T-Nuts |
| Thread Adapter Screws |
| Screw Kits |
| Balldrivers and Hex Keys |
| Interchangeable Hex Key Sizes | |
|---|---|
| Imperial | Metric |
| 0.050" | 1.3 mm |
| 5/64" | 2 mm |
| 5/32" | 4 mm |
Features
- Balldrivers and Hex Keys for General Use
- Non-Magnetic Hex Keys
- Tabletop and Breadboard-Mountable Organizers
- Color-Coded and Thumbscrew Hex Keys
- Interchangeable Balldriver Set
Thorlabs offers a wide range of general laboratory tools and tool holders to make the construction of an optomechanical assembly as quick and effortless as possible.
The table to the right lists common balldriver and hex key sizes that are interchangeable. For information on compatible balldrivers/hex keys and various types of screws, please see the Hex Key Compatibility tab.
| Imperial Hex Key Compatibility | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Balldriver (Hex Key) Size |
Compatible Screw Barrels | ||||
| Cap | Button Head | Flat Head | Setscrew | Low-Profile Cap | |
| 0.028" | - | - | - | #0 | - |
| 0.035" | - | #0 | #0 | - | - |
| 0.050" | #0 | #1, #2 | #1, #2 | #3, #4 | #4 |
| 1/16" | #1 | #3, #4 | #3, #4 | #5, #6 | #5, #6 |
| 5/64" | #2, #3 | #5, #6 | #5, #6 | #8 | #8 |
| 3/32" | #4, #5 | #8 | #8 | #10 | #10 |
| 7/64" | #6 | - | #10 | - | - |
| 1/8" | - | #10 | - | 1/4" | 1/4" |
| 9/64" | #8 | - | 1/4" | - | - |
| 5/32" | #10 | 1/4" | 5/16" | 5/16" | 5/16" |
| 3/16" | 1/4" | 5/16" | 3/8" | 3/8" | 3/8" |
| 7/32" | - | 3/8" | 7/16" | 7/16" | 7/16" |
| Metric Hex Key Compatibility | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Balldriver (Hex Key) Size |
Compatible Screw Barrels | ||||
| Cap | Button Head | Flat Head | Setscrew | Low-Profile Cap | |
| 1.3 mm | M1.4 | - | - | M2.5 | - |
| 1.5 mm | M1.6, M2 | - | - | M3 | - |
| 2 mm | M2.5 | M3 | M3 | M4 | - |
| 2.5 mm | M1, M3 | M2.5 | M1.469 | M5 | - |
| 3 mm | M4 | M5 | M5 | M6 | M4 |
| 4 mm | M5 | M6 | M6 | M8 | M5 |
| 5 mm | M6 | M8 | M8 | M10 | M6 |
| 6 mm | M8 | M10 | M10 | M12 | M8 |
| 8 mm | M10 | M12 | M12 | M14, M16 | M10 |
| 10 mm | M12 | M14, M16 | M14, M16 | M18, M20 | M12 |
| 12 mm | M14 | M18, M20 | M18, M20 | M22, M24 | M14 |
| 14 mm | M16, M18 | M22, M24 | M22, M24 | - | M16 |
| Interchangeable Hex Key Sizes | |
|---|---|
| Imperial | Metric |
| 0.050" | 1.3 mm |
| 5/64" | 2 mm |
| 5/32" | 4 mm |
Click to Enlarge
TC2 Packaging
Smart Pack
- Reduce Weight of Packaging
- Increase Usage of Recyclable Materials
- Improve Packing Integrity
- Decrease Shipping Costs
Thorlabs' Smart Pack Initiative is aimed at minimizing waste while providing adequate protection for our products. By eliminating any unnecessary packaging, implementing design changes, and utilizing eco-friendly materials, this initiative seeks to reduce the environmental impact of our product packaging.
The updated TC2 packaging primarily consists of recycled paper and cardboard and weighs 12.60% less than the original packaging. This weight change results in a 36.20 kg reduction in travel-based CO2 emissions per year, based on typical product sales.
As we move through our product line, we will indicate re-engineered, eco-friendly packaging with our Smart Pack logo, which can be seen above.
Balldriver Dimensions
Simplified Balldriver Diagram
Each of the benchtop organizers [e.g. TC2, TC3/M, BT17(/M) and TC4(/M)] have tools which share dimensions across hex sizes that are given below. Individual balldrivers can be purchased individually by clicking on the part in the Item # columns below. We also offer extra-long ball drivers with hex sizes of 3/16" or 5 mm which are not included in our benchtop organizers.
| Imperial Balldrivers | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Item # | Hex Size | Drive Shaft Length (S) |
Handle Length (H) |
Total Length |
| BD-050 | 0.050" | 3.17" | 1.50" | 4.67" |
| BD-1/16 | 1/16" | 3.30" | 1.50" | 4.80" |
| BD-5/64 | 5/64" | 3.60" | 1.78" | 5.38" |
| BD-3/32 | 3/32" | 3.47" | 1.89" | 5.36" |
| BD-7/64 | 7/64" | 2.95" | 2.15" | 5.10" |
| BD-1/8 | 1/8" | 3.12" | 2.17" | 5.29" |
| BD-9/64 | 9/64" | 3.27" | 2.84" | 6.11" |
| BD-5/32 | 5/32" | 3.55" | 2.85" | 6.40" |
| BD-3/16 | 3/16" | 3.67" | 3.49" | 7.13" |
| BD-3/16L | 3/16" | 7.86" | 3.49" | 11.35" |
| Metric Balldrivers | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Item # | Hex Size | Drive Shaft Length (S) |
Handle Length (H) |
Total Length |
| BD-1.3M | 1.3 mm | 79.9 mm | 37.6 mm | 117.5 mm |
| BD-1.5M | 1.5 mm | 85.7 mm | 38.0 mm | 123.7 mm |
| BD-2M | 2.0 mm | 87.8 mm | 48.0 mm | 135.8 mm |
| BD-2.5M | 2.5 mm | 98.3 mm | 48.0 mm | 146.3 mm |
| BD-3M | 3.0 mm | 81.2 mm | 55.2 mm | 136.4 mm |
| BD-4M | 4.0 mm | 94.3 mm | 71.0 mm | 165.3 mm |
| BD-5M | 5.0 mm | 108.3 mm | 86.9 mm | 195.2 mm |
| BD-5ML | 5.0 mm | 196.6 mm | 88.0 mm | 284.6 mm |
Non-Magnetic Hex Key Diagram
Standard and Color-Coded Hex Key Diagram
Hex Key Dimensions
Thorlabs offers a variety of hex keys. Standard hex keys are included with our benchtop organizers [e.g. TC2, TC3/M, BT17(/M) and TC4(/M)], as well as hex key kits (HK2A98 and HK2B88) and hex key packs (HK050 and 564HK). Titanium, non-magnetic hex keys are offered individually. Finally, we offer hex key sets with color-coded heat-shrink tubing that corresponds to the size of the hex for easy identification. Each of these varieties have slightly different dimensions, which are provided below. Some can be purchased individually by clicking on the part in the Item # columns below.
| Standard Imperial Hex Keys | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Item # | Hex Size | Length (L) | Width (W) |
| - | 0.028" | 1.26" | 0.24" |
| - | 0.035" | 1.27" | 0.38" |
| HK050a | 0.050" | 1.70" | 0.58" |
| - | 1/16" | 1.82" | 0.63" |
| 564HKa | 5/64" | 1.98" | 0.69" |
| - | 3/32" | 2.08" | 0.77" |
| - | 7/64" | 2.26" | 0.82" |
| - | 1/8" | 2.40" | 0.87" |
| - | 9/64" | 2.52" | 0.93" |
| - | 5/32" | 2.68" | 1.00" |
| - | 3/16" | 2.93" | 1.13" |
| Non-Magnetic Imperial Hex Keysa | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Item # | Hex Size | Length (L) | Width (W) |
| HK050NM | 0.050" | 1 7/8" | 5/8" |
| HK116NM | 1/16" | 2" | 3/4" |
| HK564NM | 5/64" | 2 1/16" | 13/16" |
| HK332NM | 3/32" | 2 1/4" | 7/8" |
| HK764NM | 7/64" | 2 3/8" | 1 15/16" |
| HK18NM | 1/8" | 2 9/16" | 1 1/16" |
| HK964NM | 9/64" | 2 3/4" | 1 3/16" |
| HK532NM | 5/32" | 3" | 1 5/16" |
| HK316NM | 3/16" | 3 5/16" | 1 1/2" |
| Imperial Color-Coded Hex Key Set, Item # CCHK |
||
|---|---|---|
| Hex Size | Length (L) | Width (W) |
| 0.028" | 1.30" | 0.26" |
| 0.035" | 1.25" | 0.40" |
| 0.050" | 1.69" | 0.58" |
| 1/16" | 1.85" | 0.62" |
| 5/64" | 2.01" | 0.68" |
| 3/32" | 2.12" | 0.75" |
| 7/64" | 2.26" | 0.81" |
| 1/8" | 2.39" | 0.88" |
| 9/64" | 2.54" | 0.92" |
| 5/32" | 2.69" | 1.00" |
| 3/16" | 2.94" | 1.11" |
| Standard Metric Hex Keys | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Item # | Hex Size | Length (L) | Width (W) | ||
| - | 0.7 mm | 32.4 mm | 6.2 mm | ||
| - | 0.9 mm | 32.8 mm | 9.6 mm | ||
| - | 1.3 mm | 43.8 mm | 14.4 mm | ||
| - | 1.5 mm | 45.8 mm | 14.9 mm | ||
| - | 2.0 mm | 51.2 mm | 18.0 mm | ||
| - | 2.5 mm | 56.8 mm | 20.0 mm | ||
| - | 3.0 mm | 65.1 mm | 21.6 mm | ||
| - | 4.0 mm | 72.6 mm | 25.6 mm | ||
| - | 5.0 mm | 82.0 mm | 32.2 mm | ||
| Non-Magnetic Metric Hex Keysa | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Item # | Hex Size | Length (L) | Width (W) | ||
| HKM15NM | 1.5 mm | 1 15/16" | 5/8" | ||
| HKM20NM | 2.0 mm | 2 1/16" | 3/4" | ||
| HKM25NM | 2.5 mm | 2 3/16" | 1 3/16" | ||
| HKM30NM | 3.0 mm | 2 3/8" | 1 15/16" | ||
| HKM40NM | 4.0 mm | 2 1/2" | 1 1/16" | ||
| HKM50NM | 5.0 mm | 2 3/4" | 1 1/4" | ||
| Metric Color-Coded Hex Key Set, Item # CCHK/M |
||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hex Size | Length (L) | Width (W) | ||
| 0.7 mm | 32.2 mm | 6.7 mm | ||
| 0.9 mm | 32.2 mm | 9.8 mm | ||
| 1.3 mm | 43.2 mm | 14.9 mm | ||
| 1.5 mm | 45.6 mm | 14.9 mm | ||
| 2.0 mm | 50.1 mm | 17.3 mm | ||
| 2.5 mm | 57.0 mm | 19.9 mm | ||
| 3.0 mm | 64.0 mm | 22.1 mm | ||
| 4.0 mm | 73.3 mm | 25.9 mm | ||
| 5.0 mm | 85.2 mm | 34.6 mm | ||
| Posted Comments: | |
user
(posted 2023-02-09 11:20:26.99) Die Schlüssel sind sehr lose in der Halterung und fallen sofort raus wenn man sie bewegt. Eine Halterung aus Kunststoff wäre hier vielleicht besser, da könnten die Bohrungen enger sein und die Schlüssel würde darin halten (siehe SwissTools Set PB210 H, da funktioniert das super) jdelia
(posted 2023-02-09 01:36:37.0) Thank you for contacting Thorlabs and for providing this valuable feedback. I can certainly this over to our design engineers through our internal suggestion forum. Hyeokjin Cho
(posted 2022-10-25 13:37:23.613) It cannot be used for Z-theta adjuster for fiberport collimator, since it collides with fiber connector. It would be very good if smaller hex key thumbscrews are available for fiberport collimator, as an alternative of L-shaped hex keys (falls off easily, collide with fiber, hard to put in a hole). cdolbashian
(posted 2022-10-31 01:04:09.0) Thank you for the feedback here! We appreciate feedback such as this since it helps us identify the needs of customers! I have submitted your request to our internal product development forum. Jackson Williams
(posted 2022-07-14 09:15:11.333) I was a little surprised at how short these hex keys are, but I was more shocked that the hex keys fit so poorly into the holder. When retrieving one key it's almost impossible to keep the others in place. jdelia
(posted 2022-07-18 03:18:10.0) Thank you for contacting Thorlabs, and for providing this valuable feedback as we are always looking for ways to improve our products. We can certainly pass along your input to our engineers through our internal suggestion forum. Justine Haupt
(posted 2021-02-12 10:44:10.087) Hello,
It would be good if you would sell *only* the top/holder plate, so that this nice tool stand can be built with on-hand posts, and for use with one's preferred hex keys. As it is now I'm going to print a couple out of CF-PLA, but I'd rather just buy them. YLohia
(posted 2021-03-05 09:58:49.0) Hello, thank you for your feedback. We will consider adding this to our catalog in the future. Xindong Song
(posted 2020-12-03 17:38:19.05) I love HKTS drivers a lot and use 0.050" and 5/64" very frequently. We also have a lot of screw tightening jobs in the lab that involves 3/32" screws. It will be really nice if you can add a 3/32" option to the already amazing HKTS series. YLohia
(posted 2020-12-04 02:34:11.0) Hello, thank you for your feedback. We will consider adding a 3/32" driver in the future. Jonathan Twichell
(posted 2020-08-21 08:38:45.253) They need color coded rings
The Bondhaus drivers at least have sizes imprinted, thorlabs ones do not.
I often wish for a universal joint at the tip, or a bendable but rotationally stiff section (two tight-wound springs wound in opposite direction nested?) or a flexure (hard to get enough angle but you guys are clever) YLohia
(posted 2020-08-24 09:17:47.0) Hello Jonathan, thank you very much for your feedback on our BD1-KIT. I have posted your suggestions on our internal engineering forum for further consideration as a future product. Jean-Gabriel Brisset
(posted 2020-02-10 13:21:18.093) Hello,
Would you be able to offer a 4-pack of 2 mm (metric) hex key thumb screws, or at least offer them separately from the whole range of sizes? We very often need the 2 mm screws and I am pretty sure they were offered separately last year (which was great).
Best regards,
JG Brisset YLohia
(posted 2020-03-12 08:46:47.0) Hello JG, we currently offer the HKTS-5/64, which is a four-pack of the 2 mm hex key thumb screws. Please note that this is a universal thread, so it works with both 2 mm (metric) and 5/64" (imperial). Felix Widmer
(posted 2019-12-13 09:41:32.79) We would have ordered if you had Hexkeys with ball-shaped endings. But alas, I could not find this on thorlabs. YLohia
(posted 2019-12-16 09:10:26.0) Hi Felix, thank you for your feedback. I have posted your idea on our internal engineering forum for further consideration as a product in the future. Bram Mooij
(posted 2019-10-04 10:33:02.197) I am a bit disappointed by this set. Our lab has a lot of these sets (also the imperial version). The grips are too small, so if any force is required they don't work very well. This holds especially for the 5mm and 3mm variants. Also, I miss the rotating end on the the 2mm and 1.5mm balldrivers. This is something that companies like Wera and Wiha do provide and help a lot in some cases. Their offerings are also much stronger, a lot of our lab's 0.05 inch and 1.5mm hex keys are a bit bent. I personally never order tools from Thorlabs because I prefer the alternatives elsewhere. If you would stock Wera, Wiha or similar I would order tools from Thorlabs. Do you have any plans to supply alternatives? YLohia
(posted 2019-10-04 11:13:18.0) Hello, thank you for your feedback. We are sorry to hear that the ball drivers in the BD-KIT do not hold up to the quality we strive for in every Thorlabs product. Currently, we source our ball drivers from Bondhus and have not made any plans of switching suppliers. That being said, I have posted your feedback on our internal product engineering forum for further discussion. Keith Grabiel
(posted 2019-08-01 16:39:37.17) Please send me the RoHS cert. Thank you. YLohia
(posted 2019-08-13 08:37:32.0) Hello, I have emailed you the RoHS certification for the BD-1/8. mgiacome
(posted 2019-01-01 18:01:16.943) I will literally rebuy all of my ball drivers if you put color coding on them like the color coded hex keys. YLohia
(posted 2019-01-02 10:03:15.0) Hello, thank you for your feedback. I have posted your suggestion to our internal engineering forum for further consideration. amber85h
(posted 2018-10-03 16:22:54.17) The interchangeable ball driver (MBD) is very difficult to use. The bits fit so tightly in the handle that it takes more time and effort to use it than to just go get the other ball drivers from across the lab. I know it's a delicate balance between them fitting snugly enough to stay in and not being awful to remove them, but this product could use another round of refinements. Maybe magnets, softer material, etc? I never use mine, unfortunately. Thanks for listening! YLohia
(posted 2018-10-04 08:50:21.0) Hello, thank you for your feedback. We are sorry to hear that the MBD is not meeting your expectations. At Thorlabs, we continuously strive to make our customers' experience in the lab better. We appreciate your suggestions and I have shared your feedback with the engineers responsible for this product for further consideration. aroy
(posted 2018-09-25 16:24:20.817) hyperlinking the images in the banner to the product description might be useful. For example clicking on the image of HKTS-9/64 could take us to the product (not the product page, that would be too specific) and we could look for the exact size/product on the list. rmiron
(posted 2018-09-26 10:20:07.0) Response from Radu at Thorlabs: Thank you for sharing this idea with us. I think it would be a useful enhancement for our website. I shared your feedback with our web team and I hope to see it implemented in the future. robert
(posted 2018-06-08 16:47:06.44) The BT17 and BT17/M are great, but very expensive because of the airfreight costs. Can you ship unassembled to reduce costs? We'd be interested in buying in packs of 5 in that case, and particularly if we could buy the stands only without bottles and ball drivers. llamb
(posted 2018-06-11 02:56:09.0) Thank you for contacting Thorlabs. Unfortunately we are not able to offer these kits disassembled as it would not be cost effective for the user. We may be able to offer the stand on its own however, without the balldrivers and bottles. I will reach out to you directly to discuss a possible quote. ludoangot
(posted 2017-12-06 00:19:38.193) Could you offer Hex Key Thumbscrews (your reference HKTS-...) in 5/32"? Some 1/4" screws use this size. nbayconich
(posted 2017-12-08 09:03:16.0) Thank you for contacting Thorlabs. We can offer 5/32" hex thumbscrews as a custom order item. I will contact you directly with more details about our custom capabilities rbjaculbia
(posted 2017-03-14 10:06:43.183) Hi,
Do you offer non-magnetic allen wrench / ball drivers? Thanks! tfrisch
(posted 2017-03-15 08:58:24.0) Hello, thank you for contacting Thorlabs. While we don't currently offer any non-magnetic ball drivers or allen wrenches, I can reach out to you directly about where to find them. nherrick
(posted 2015-08-27 08:54:02.73) People are always losing and stealing my ball drivers! Would it be possible to order ball drivers individually, as opposed to by-the-set? The M1.5 seems to be particularly coveted by thieves. (I could buy from another source, but then they wouldn't match your set. I even tried the manufacturer's website, but to no avail.) besembeson
(posted 2015-09-25 05:44:34.0) Response from Bweh at Thorlabs USA: Unfortunately we don't sell the individual ball drivers as it is not cost effective for the user. You may have to consider the BD-KIT/M: http://www.thorlabs.com/thorproduct.cfm?partnumber=BD-KIT/M spv1985
(posted 2013-12-17 07:26:41.28) Hi,
This is a constant user of THORLABS(c) mechanichs speaking. A lot of times i have regreted about a lack of T-shaped hex ball screw-drivers, that I have seen in hands of COHERENT field engineers, cause usual screw-drivers are not suitable for a strong tightening in difficult high-density schemes. I would like to see them in the product catalogue of THORLABS, so i could buy it.
Best wishes.
Pavel jlow
(posted 2013-12-17 09:08:44.0) Response from Jeremy at Thorlabs: Thank you for your feedback. We will start carrying these in early 2014 as our regular stock items. We can send you a free sample once we have these in stock. tcohen
(posted 2012-09-13 13:12:00.0) Response from Tim at Thorlabs: The current design is made to be compatible with the standard 2” edge spacing found on our optical tables ends and breadboards without being inconveniently large on smaller breadboards. The edge spacing on optical table sides can vary beyond 2.5”. Based on your feedback we are reviewing this design to see if changes would make this product more convenient. user
(posted 2012-09-11 17:34:47.0) The TC4 does not fit on your optical tables. It can be attached to the ends but when attached to the sides of the table the holes for the ball drivers interfere with the table top. The slots need to extend another 0.5". jlow
(posted 2012-08-29 10:31:00.0) Response from Jeremy at Thorlabs: Thank you very much for your feedback. I have posted this idea in our internal forum and we will look into this. user
(posted 2012-08-29 03:51:08.0) product suggestion: color-coded ball-driver sets. have the handles in different colors for size, with another colored ring for metric/imperial. user
(posted 2011-11-28 17:19:59.0) A response from Tyler at Thorlabs: Thorlabs doesn't currently sell a torque wrench but we can send you a few links to torque wrenches that we use internally. Also we can discuss with you ways to achieve the stability that you are looking for. landry.huet
(posted 2011-11-28 09:50:55.0) Dear Sir,
Given the complexity of my optomechanical setup, I need all my apparatus to be as tight as possible. Trying to achieve this, however, I destroyed several screws, post and post holders. Do you sell torque wrenches, or would you recommand any hex torque wrenches to use with your products, to maximize tightening while avoiding destruction of screws and threads ?
Thank you very much. Best regards. bdada
(posted 2011-11-08 18:41:00.0) Response from Buki at Thorlabs:
Thank you for participating in our Feedback Forum. We appreciate your input in our product design and we will ask our production team to consider it. user
(posted 2011-11-08 11:38:46.0) There seems to be room for a second 3/16" ball driver near the mounting slots, as well as 2 more 5/64" drivers near the current one. Having these extra parking spaces would be great, no need to fill them when selling the complete kit, just give us more parking. bdada
(posted 2011-07-15 19:07:00.0) Response from Buki at Thorlabs:
Thank you for your feedback. I will pass on your idea to our production team. As a short term solution, I could send you another BD-KIT, or I could send you the HK050, which is a 10 pack of the 0.05” hex key. If a hex key is not convenient for you, you could purchase the ball driver from a hardware store. atkinsond
(posted 2011-07-15 12:36:40.0) It would be great if you sold the 0.050 balldrivers separately. They are so fine that they break often and we now have about three sets without the little guy. jjurado
(posted 2011-07-08 13:09:00.0) Response from Javier at Thorlabs to iain: thank you very much for contacting us. The required hex key size for the 4-40 screws used to secure the ER rods is 0.05". We offer this size ball driver as part of the TC2 ball driver and hex key kit and the BD-KIT, and we also sell a pack of 10 hex keys of this size (HK050). iain
(posted 2011-07-08 06:02:11.0) Which size of hex key is required to do up the #4-40 setscrews in the end of Thorlabs 30 mm cage rods such as the ER1?
I used to have a ball driver lying around in the lab which was really handy to have around when working with cage system components. Do you sell a ball driver for these tiny setscrews? jjurado
(posted 2011-05-17 13:53:00.0) Response from Javier at Thorlabs to bpatterson: Thank you very much for contacting us. We might be able to offer certain hex key and ball drivers sizes individually. I will contact you directly to get your requirements. bpatterson
(posted 2011-05-16 18:46:02.0) You only have certain sizes of individual ball drivers listed. Can I purchase any size individually? apalmentieri
(posted 2010-02-17 17:17:11.0) A response from Adam at Thorlabs to Rziegler: I agree that this type of modification would be a good idea. I too have had issues with these holders when using them on a crowded table. I will pass this along to our engineer department as a customer inspired idea. A short term fix for this problem may be to clamp the TC2 to the table using a few CL5. rziegler
(posted 2010-02-17 14:54:19.0) Im assuming the base is weighted. Any thoughts on making it magnetic? This would help keep it from being pushed off a crowded table... Laurie
(posted 2008-03-18 10:23:33.0) Respnse from Laurie at Thorlabs to rwilliams: The stands can be purchased separately, but a special order needs to be requested through our tech support department. Please call them at 973-300-3000 and ask to speak to an applications engineer. Thank you for your interest in these organizational items. rwilliams
(posted 2008-03-11 14:56:28.0) Can I get the stand only for TC2 and BT17? I have lots of the tools already that I need to organize. Id be looking for 3 copies of each.
regards,
Rich technicalmarketing
(posted 2008-03-04 08:17:57.0) The 3/16" balldriver has been added back to BD-KIT acable
(posted 2008-01-18 15:28:07.0) The BD-KIT had contained a 3/16" balldriver, please add it back to the package even though the supplier doesnt ship their kits that way. |
Zoom| TC3/M Metric Kit Contents | |
|---|---|
| Balldrivers | Hex Keys |
| - | 0.7 mm |
| - | 0.9 mm |
| - | 1.3 mm |
| 1.5 mm (BD-1.5M) | 1.5 mm |
| 2 mm (BD-2M) | 2 mm |
| 2.5 mm (BD-2.5M) | 2.5 mm |
| 3 mm (BD-3M) | 3 mm |
| 4 mm (BD-4M) | 4 mm |
| 5 mm (BD-5M) | 5 mm |
| TC2 Imperial Kit Contents | |
|---|---|
| Balldrivers | Hex Keys |
| - | 0.028" |
| - | 0.035" |
| 0.050" (BD-050) | 0.050" (HK050) |
| 1/16" (BD-1/16) | 1/16" |
| 5/64" (BD-5/64) | 5/64" (564HK) |
| 3/32" (BD-3/32) | 3/32" |
| 7/64" (BD-7/64) | 7/64" |
| 1/8" (BD-1/8) | 1/8" |
| 9/64" (BD-9/64) | 9/64" |
| 5/32" (BD-5/32) | 5/32" |
| 3/16" (BD-3/16) | 3/16" |
- Facilitates Organization
- Available in Imperial and Metric Sizes
- Convenient Stand Included
This balldriver tool kit, available in both imperial and metric sizes, offers a wide range of the most commonly used balldriver and hex key sizes and houses them in a convenient stand. The stand is precision-machined and labeled with a discrete location for each balldriver and hex key. The wide base (IB3) provides stability and easy placement anywhere in the lab. See the Tool Dimensions tab above for the lengths of the included balldrivers and hex keys.
Imperial balldrivers have a yellow handle, while metric balldrivers have a red handle. All balldrivers have a high-strength steel alloy blade.
Zoom| BD-KIT/M Metric Kit Contents |
|---|
| Balldriversa |
| 1.5 mm (BD-1.5M) |
| 2 mm (BD-2M) |
| 2.5 mm (BD-2.5M) |
| 3 mm (BD-3M) |
| 4 mm (BD-4M) |
| 5 mm (BD-5M) |
| BD-KIT Imperial Kit Contents |
|---|
| Balldrivers |
| 0.050" (BD-050) |
| 1/16" (BD-1/16) |
| 5/64" (BD-5/64) |
| 3/32" (BD-3/32) |
| 7/64" (BD-7/64) |
| 1/8" (BD-1/8) |
| 9/64" (BD-9/64) |
| 5/32" (BD-5/32) |
| 3/16" (BD-3/16) |
- Available Individually and in Kits
- Imperial and Metric Options Available
- Color-Coded to Easily Distinguish Imperial and Metric Parts
- Extra Long 3/16" and 5 mm Balldrivers Available
Among the most essential general-purpose tools in any optics laboratory, balldrivers are used to secure standard cap screws and setscrews in optomechanical assemblies. Balldrivers can be purchased individually or in kits. See the tables to the right for the balldrivers included with each kit.
Unlike standard hex wrenches, the unique hex ball design of the balldriver tips allows them to operate at angles, which is ideal for tightening or loosening screws in hard-to-reach places. Imperial balldrivers have a yellow handle, while metric balldrivers have a red handle. All balldrivers have a high-strength steel alloy blade. The BD-3/16L and BD-5ML have an extra long 8" (20.3 cm) shaft with an overall length of 11" (27.9 cm), including the handle. For the lengths of all of our balldrivers, see the Tool Dimensions tab above.
The BD-1.3M is labeled as a 1.27 mm balldriver. Please note that the industry standard is to round 1.27 mm hex measurements to 1.3 mm, and thus the BD-1.3M is compatible with all 1.3 mm hex components. For compatibility information between other balldrivers/hex keys and screws, see the Hex Key Compatibility tab above.
Zoom| BT17/M Metric Organizer Contents |
|---|
| Balldrivers |
| 1.5 mm (BD-1.5M) |
| 2 mm (BD-2M) |
| 2.5 mm (BD-2.5M) |
| 3 mm (BD-3M) |
| 4 mm (BD-4M) |
| 5 mm (BD-5M) |
| BT17 Imperial Organizer Contents |
|---|
| Balldrivers |
| 0.050" (BD-050) |
| 1/16" (BD-1/16) |
| 5/64" (BD-5/64) |
| 3/32" (BD-3/32) |
| 7/64" (BD-7/64) |
| 1/8" (BD-1/8) |
| 9/64" (BD-9/64) |
| 5/32" (BD-5/32) |
| 3/16" (BD-3/16) |
- Benchtop and Table Organizer
- Includes a Full Set of Balldrivers
- Imperial and Metric Options Available
- Stores Cleaning Supplies & Dropper Bottles (Chemicals Not Included)
- Storage and Protection of Post-Mounted Components
This benchtop and table organizer saves time and protects mounted optics by providing a temporary storage area on an optical table. Each organizer comes with imperial or metric hex balldrivers as well as two non-reactive plastic dropper bottles with acetone and methanol labels (chemicals not included). The lengths of the included balldrivers are listed in the Tool Dimensions tab above.
Zoom| TC4/M Metric Caddy Contents |
|
|---|---|
| Balldrivers | Hex Keys |
| 1.5 mm (BD-1.5M) | 1.5 mm |
| 2 mm (BD-2M) | 2 mm |
| 2.5 mm (BD-2.5M) | 2.5 mm |
| 3 mm (BD-3M) | 3 mm |
| 4 mm (BD-4M) | 4 mm |
| 5 mm (BD-5M) | 5 mm |
| TC4 Imperial Caddy Contents |
|
|---|---|
| Balldrivers | Hex Keys |
| 0.050" (BD-050) | 0.050" (HK050) |
| 1/16" (BD-1/16) | 1/16" |
| 5/64" (BD-5/64) | 5/64" (564HK) |
| 3/32" (BD-3/32) | 3/32" |
| 7/64" (BD-7/64) | 7/64" |
| 1/8" (BD-1/8) | 1/8" |
| 9/64" (BD-9/64) | 9/64" |
| 5/32" (BD-5/32) | 5/32" |
| 3/16" (BD-3/16) | 3/16" |
- Organizer Bolts Directly to Optical Table
- Includes Complete Set of Balldrivers and Hex Keys
- Imperial and Metric Options Available
The TC4(/M) Tool Caddy is a great balldriver kit organizer that offers a convenient storage area and bolts directly to an optical table. The caddy includes balldrivers and hex wrenches in the sizes listed in the table to the right. Imperial balldrivers have a yellow handle, while metric balldrivers have a red handle. All balldrivers have a high-strength steel alloy blade. The lengths of the included balldrivers and hex keys are listed in the Tool Dimensions tab above.
Zoom| MBD/M Metric Balldriver Bits |
|---|
| 2 mm |
| 2.5 mm |
| 3 mm |
| 4 mm |
| 5 mm |
| 6 mm |
| MBD Imperial Balldriver Bits |
|---|
| 5/64" |
| 3/32" |
| 7/64" |
| 1/8" |
| 9/64" |
| 5/32" |
| 3/16" |
- Interchangeable Bits Stored in Handle
- Easily Swap Bit Sizes
- Imperial and Metric Options Available
The MBD(/M) Interchangeable Balldriver Sets are 8" (20.3 cm) long from the tip of the bit to the end of the handle and have 3" (7.5 cm) long steel alloy bits. The bit selection in each set was specially chosen to fit the most common hex sizes used in Thorlabs' products. Unlike standard hex wrenches, the unique hex ball design of the balldriver tip allows it to operate at angles, which is ideal for hard-to-reach places.
The MBD set contains seven interchangeable bits (see the table to the right). Six of these bits are stored securely in the yellow handle, while the seventh is pre-inserted into the main shaft, ready for use. The MBD/M set contains six interchangeable bits, which should not be stored in the red handle at the same time. One bit should always be kept in the shaft so that the others can be removed with ease.
To change a bit, firmly pull the bit out of the shaft. Insert the top of the bit that was just removed into the hole on the bottom of the handle that houses the bit you would like to use next. Tightly grip the handle and push the old bit into the hole, which will cause the new bit to come out of a hole located at the base of the shaft, as indicated in the video to the right. Pull out the new bit, and slide the old one the rest of the way in.
Zoom
Click to Enlarge
Each key is engraved with its hex size.
- Non-Magnetic, Titanium Hex Keys
- Corrosion Resistant
- Rounded for Easy Gripping
- Sold Individually
- Imperial and Metric Options Available
Thorlabs' non-magnetic hex keys are offered in nine imperial sizes from 0.050" to 3/16" and six metric sizes from 1.5 mm to 5.0 mm. The 0.050" hex key is fully compatible with a 1.3 mm hex. Made of titanium and resistant to corrosion, these hex keys are suitable for a range of applications in which interference from magnetic tools is undesired. The length and width of these hex keys is listed in the Tool Dimensions tab above.
Zoom
- Color Coded for Easily Distinguishable Sizes
- Exposed Ends for Usual Hex Key Fit
- 90º Bend, Black Oxide Finish
- Engraved Holder Included
- Imperial and Metric Options Available
| CCHK Imperial Hex Key Set | |||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Color | Red | Yellow | Teal | Purple | Orange | Green | Blue | Pink | Light Green | Light Blue | Light Orange |
| Hex Key Size | 3/16" | 5/32" | 9/64" | 1/8" | 7/64" | 3/32" | 5/64" | 1/16" | 0.050" | 0.035" | 0.028" |
| CCHK/M Metric Hex Key Set | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Color | Green | Teal | Light Blue | Red | Yellow | Purple | Orange | Blue | Pink |
| Hex Key Size | 5 mm | 4 mm | 3 mm | 2.5 mm | 2 mm | 1.5 mm | 1.3 mm | 0.9 mm | 0.7 mm |
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- Convenient Adjustment of Hex-Driven Actuators and Quick Component Assembly
- Available in Popular Imperial and Metric Sizes
- Red Anodized Adjustment Knob with Engraved Hex Size
- Replaceable Hex Tip
- Individual Sizes Sold in Packs of Four
- Kits Available with Multiple Sizes
Hex Key Thumbscrews allow for quick, low-profile adjustment of hex-driven actuators, cap screws, and setscrews. Unlike balldrivers, they can be left in the screw's hex socket between adjustments for convenience. Each size comes in a pack of four thumbscrews. We offer two kits containing one hex key of each size. The HKTS-KIT imperial kit contains 0.050", 5/64", 1/8", 9/64", and 3/16" sizes, and the HKTS-KIT/M metric kit contains 1.3 mm, 1.5 mm, 2 mm, 2.5 mm, 3 mm, and 5 mm sizes.
The 5/64" size is especially useful for adjusting our hex-driven kinematic mounts (see photo to the right). In addition, this size is fully compatible with 2.0 mm hex sockets. The 0.050" size is fully compatible with 1.3 mm hex sockets.
Each thumbscrew incorporates an 8-32 setscrew with a 5/64" [2.0 mm] hex that secures the replaceable hex bit, which can be reversed if the tip is stripped. Contact Tech Support to order replacement hex key bits.
Zoom| HK2B88 Metric Hex Key Kit | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Item | Approx. Qty. | Item | Approx. Qty. |
| 0.7 mm Hex Key | 20 | 2.5 mm Hex Key | 20 |
| 0.9 mm Hex Key | 20 | 3 mm Hex Key | 20 |
| 1.3 mm Hex Key | 20 | 4 mm Hex Key | 20 |
| 1.5 mm Hex Key | 20 | 5 mm Hex Key | 20 |
| 2 mm Hex Key | 20 | 6 mm Hex Key | 10 |
Zoom
Click to Enlarge
Each Bit is Engraved with Hex Size for Ease of Use
These Hex Driver Bit Kits are compatible with our TD24 and TD75 torque drivers as well as traditional 1/4" socket wrenches. The hex sizes available correspond with many of the hex screws used across our product lines. Each bit is engraved with the hex size as seen in the photo to the right.
Please refer to the engraving on the bit for the appropriate hex size. The sockets have engraved sizes on them that may not match the engraved sizes on the hex bit.
| Hex Driver Bit Kit Contents | |
|---|---|
| Imperial Kit | 0.050", 1/16", 5/64", 3/32", 7/64", 1/8", 9/64", 5/32", and 3/16" |
| Metric Kit | 1.5 mm, 2 mm, 2.5 mm, 3 mm, 4 mm, and 5 mm |
Zoom- 10 Packs of Hex Keys
- Available in 0.050" (1.3 mm) and 5/64" (2.0 mm) Sizes
Two of our most commonly used hex key sizes are available in packs of ten. Our 0.050" (1.3 mm) hex keys are primarily used with 4-40 setscrews in our cage plate series, and our 5/64" (2.0 mm) hex keys are used in a wide variety of optomechanical components with 8-32 setscrews.
Balldrivers / Hex Keys