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Balldrivers / Hex Keys


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Balldrivers / Hex Keys

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.

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Posted Comments:
Poster: tcohen
Posted Date: 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.
Poster:
Posted Date: 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".
Poster: jlow
Posted Date: 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.
Poster:
Posted Date: 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.
Poster:
Posted Date: 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.
Poster: landry.huet
Posted Date: 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.
Poster: bdada
Posted Date: 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.
Poster:
Posted Date: 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.
Poster: bdada
Posted Date: 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.
Poster: atkinsond
Posted Date: 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.
Poster: jjurado
Posted Date: 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).
Poster: iain
Posted Date: 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?
Poster: jjurado
Posted Date: 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.
Poster: bpatterson
Posted Date: 2011-05-16 18:46:02.0
You only have certain sizes of individual ball drivers listed. Can I purchase any size individually?
Poster: apalmentieri
Posted Date: 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.
Poster: rziegler
Posted Date: 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...
Poster: Laurie
Posted Date: 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.
Poster: rwilliams
Posted Date: 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
Poster: technicalmarketing
Posted Date: 2008-03-04 08:17:57.0
The 3/16" balldriver has been added back to BD-KIT
Poster: acable
Posted Date: 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.
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Balldriver & Wrench Kits
TC2 Imperial Balldriver and Hex Key Kit      
Balldrivers Hex Keys
0.050" 3/32"  9/64"  0.028" 1/16" 7/64" 5/32" 
1/16" 7/64" 5/32" 0.035" 5/64" 1/8" 3/16"
5/64" 1/8" 3/16" 0.050" 3/32" 9/64" -
TC3/M Metric Balldriver and Hex Key Kit      
Balldrivers Hex Keys
1.5 mm 3 mm  0.7 mm 1.5 mm 3 mm
2 mm 4 mm 0.9 mm 2 mm 4 mm
2.5 mm 5 mm 1.3 mm 2.5 mm 5 mm
  • 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 provides stability and easy placement anywhere in the lab.

Imperial balldrivers have a yellow handle, while metric ballrdivers have a red handle. All balldrivers have a high-strength alloy steel blade.

Based on your currency / country selection, your order will ship from Newton, New Jersey  
+1 Qty Docs Part Number - Universal/Imperial Price Available / Ships
TC2 Support Documentation TC2 20-Piece Balldriver and Hex Key Kit with Stand, Imperial $88.30
Today
+1 Qty Docs Part Number - Metric Price Available / Ships
TC3/M Support Documentation TC3/M 15-Piece Balldriver and Hex Key Kit with Stand, Metric $84.10
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Balldrivers

Among the most essential general purpose tools in any optics laboratory, balldrivers provide compatibility with standard socket-head cap screws, which are used for clamping and fastening and with a host of optomechanical actuating devices.

Unlike standard hex wrenches, the unique hex ball design of the balldriver tip allows them to operate at angles, which is ideal for hard-to-reach places. Imperial balldrivers have a yellow handle, while metric ballrdivers have a red handle. All balldrivers have a high-strength alloy steel blade. The BD-3/16L and BD-5ML have an extra long 8" shaft with an overall length of 11" (including handle).

Balldrivers can be purchased individually or in kits.

BD-KIT contains the following balldriver sizes: 0.050", 1/16", 5/64", 3/32", 7/64", 1/8", 9/64", 5/32", and 3/16"

BD-KIT/M metric kit contains the following balldriver sizes:1.5 mm, 2 mm, 2.5 mm, 3 mm, 4 mm, and 5 mm

Based on your currency / country selection, your order will ship from Newton, New Jersey  
+1 Qty Docs Part Number - Universal/Imperial Price Available / Ships
BD-3/16 Support Documentation BD-3/16 Customer Inspired! 3/16" Balldriver for 1/4"-20 Socket Screws $5.10
Today
BD-3/16L Support Documentation BD-3/16L Customer Inspired! 3/16" Balldriver for 1/4"-20 Socket Screws, Extra Long $7.20
Today
BD-5/64 Support Documentation BD-5/64 Customer Inspired! 5/64" Balldriver for #8-32 Set Screws $4.10
Today
BD-KIT Support Documentation BD-KIT Customer Inspired! Complete Balldriver Kit, Includes 0.050", 1/16", 5/64", 3/32", 7/64", 1/8", 9/64", 5/32", and 3/16") $26.92
Today
+1 Qty Docs Part Number - Metric Price Available / Ships
BD-5M Support Documentation BD-5M Customer Inspired! 5 mm Balldriver for M6 Socket Screws, Metric $7.20
Today
BD-5ML Support Documentation BD-5ML Customer Inspired! 5 mm Balldriver for M6 Socket Screws - Extra Long, Metric $8.20
Today
BD-KIT/M Support Documentation BD-KIT/M Customer Inspired! Metric Complete Balldriver Kit, Includes 1.5 mm, 2 mm, 2.5 mm, 3 mm, 4 mm, and 5 mm $26.92
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Benchtop Organizer with Balldrivers and Dropper Bottles
benchtop organizer
BT17(/M) Organizers are Ideal for Temporary Storage of Ø1/2" Post Mounted Components
  • Benchtop and Table Organizer
  • Includes a Full Set of Balldrivers
  • 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.

BT17 - Included with this organizer is a complete set of imperial hex balldrivers (0.050", 1/16", 3/16", 5/64", 3/32", 7/64", 1/8", 9/64", and 5/32") as well as two dropper bottles with acetone and methanol labels (chemicals not included).

BT17/M - This organizer comes with a complete set of metric hex balldrivers (1.5 mm, 2.0 mm, 2.5 mm, 3.0 mm, 4.0 mm, and 5.0 mm) as well as two dropper bottles with acetone and methanol labels (chemicals not included).

Based on your currency / country selection, your order will ship from Newton, New Jersey  
+1 Qty Docs Part Number - Universal/Imperial Price Available / Ships
BT17 Support Documentation BT17 Benchtop Organizer with Balldriver Set and Dropper Bottles, Imperial $124.00
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+1 Qty Docs Part Number - Metric Price Available / Ships
BT17/M Support Documentation BT17/M Benchtop Organizer with Balldriver Set and Dropper Bottles, Metric $124.00
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Interchangeable Balldriver Set

These Interchangeable Balldriver Sets are 8" long from the tip of the bit to the end of the handle, and have 3" 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 7 interchangeable bits in the following sizes: 5/64", 3/32", 7/64", 1/8", 9/64", 5/32", and 3/16". 6 of these bits fit securely in the yellow handle while the 7th must always be kept in the shaft, ready for use. The MBD/M contains 6 interchangeable bits in the following sizes: 2 mm, 2.5 mm, 3 mm, 4 mm, 5 mm, and 6 mm. Please note that you should not store all 6 bits in the red handle at the same time. One bit must 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 by the arrow in the photo to the right. Pull out the new bit, and slide the old one the rest of the way in.

Based on your currency / country selection, your order will ship from Newton, New Jersey  
+1 Qty Docs Part Number - Universal/Imperial Price Available / Ships
MBD Support Documentation MBD Interchangeable Balldriver Set, Imperial $33.25
Today
+1 Qty Docs Part Number - Metric Price Available / Ships
MBD/M Support Documentation MBD/M Interchangeable Balldriver Set, Metric $33.25
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Breadboard Mountable Tool Caddy

The TC4 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 following sizes:

TC4: 0.05", 1/16", 5/64", 3/32", 7/64", 1/8", 9/64", 5/32", and 3/16"

TC4/M: 1.5 mm, 2 mm, 2.5 mm, 3 mm, 4 mm, and 5 mm

Based on your currency / country selection, your order will ship from Newton, New Jersey  
+1 Qty Docs Part Number - Universal/Imperial Price Available / Ships
TC4 Support Documentation TC4 Breadboard Mountable Balldriver and Tool Caddy Kit, Imperial $70.40
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+1 Qty Docs Part Number - Metric Price Available / Ships
TC4/M Support Documentation TC4/M Breadboard Mountable Balldriver and Tool Caddy Kit, Metric $65.20
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Color-Coded Hex Key Set
  • Color Coded for Easily Distinguishable Sizes
  • Exposed Ends for Usual Hex Key Fit
  • Nickel Plated
  • Engraved Holder Included
  • Imperial and Metric Sets
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" 0.05" 0.035" 0.028"
Metric Hex Key Set
Color Green Teal Light Blue Red Yellow Purple Orange Blue Pink
Hex Key Size 5.0 mm 4.0 mm 3.0 mm 2.5 mm 2.0 mm 1.5 mm 1.3 mm 0.9 mm 0.7 mm
Based on your currency / country selection, your order will ship from Newton, New Jersey  
+1 Qty Docs Part Number - Universal/Imperial Price Available / Ships
CCHK Support Documentation CCHK 11-Piece Color-Coded Hex Key Set, Imperial $32.50
Today
+1 Qty Docs Part Number - Metric Price Available / Ships
CCHK/M Support Documentation CCHK/M 9-Piece Color-Coded Hex Key Set, Metric $32.50
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Hex Key Thumbscrews
POLARIS-K12AH with HKTS-5/64 Adjuster
Click for Details

POLARIS-K12AH with HKTS-5/64 Adjuster
HKTS-3/16 with 1/4-20 Cap Screw and UPH2 Post Holder
Click for Details

HKTS-3/16 with 1/4-20" Cap Screw and UPH2 Post Holder
  • For 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
  • Sold in Packages of 4

Hex Key Thumbscrews allow for quick, low-profile adjustment of hex-driven actuators, cap screws, and setscrews. Unlike a balldriver, they can be left in the screw's hex socket between adjustments for convenience. The 5/64" size is especially useful for adjusting our hex-driven kinematic mounts (see photo to the right).

An 8-32 setscrew (5/64" hex) secures the replaceable hex bit, which can be reversed if the tip is stripped. Contact Tech Support to order replacement hex key bits.

Based on your currency / country selection, your order will ship from Newton, New Jersey  
+1 Qty Docs Part Number - Universal/Imperial Price Available / Ships
HKTS-050 Support Documentation HKTS-050 NEW! Customer Inspired! 0.050" Hex Key Thumbscrew (4 Pack) $22.50
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HKTS-5/64 Support Documentation HKTS-5/64 NEW! Customer Inspired! 5/64" (2 mm) Hex Key Thumbscrew (4 Pack) $22.50
Lead Time
HKTS-1/8 Support Documentation HKTS-1/8 NEW! Customer Inspired! 1/8" Hex Key Thumbscrew (4 Pack) $22.50
Today
HKTS-9/64 Support Documentation HKTS-9/64 NEW! Customer Inspired! 9/64" Hex Key Thumbscrew (4 Pack) $22.50
Today
HKTS-3/16 Support Documentation HKTS-3/16 NEW! Customer Inspired! 3/16" Hex Key Thumbscrew (4 Pack) $22.50
Today
+1 Qty Docs Part Number - Metric Price Available / Ships
HKTS-3M Support Documentation HKTS-3M NEW! Customer Inspired! 3 mm Hex Key Thumbscrew (4 Pack) $22.50
Today
HKTS-5M Support Documentation HKTS-5M NEW! Customer Inspired! 5 mm Hex Key Thumbscrew (4 Pack) $22.50
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Hex Key Kits
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
HK2A98 Imperial Hex Key Kit
Item Approx. Qty. Item Approx. Qty.
0.028" Hex Key 20 7/64" Hex Key 20
0.035" Hex Key 20 1/8" Hex Key 20
0.050" Hex Key (HK050) 20 9/64" Hex Key 20
1/16" Hex Key 20 5/32" Hex Key 20
5/64" Hex Key (564HK) 20 3/16" Hex Key 20
3/32" Hex Key 20 - -
Based on your currency / country selection, your order will ship from Newton, New Jersey  
+1 Qty Docs Part Number - Universal/Imperial Price Available / Ships
HK2A98 Support Documentation HK2A98 220-Piece Hex Key Kit, Imperial $76.69
Today
+1 Qty Docs Part Number - Metric Price Available / Ships
HK2B88 Support Documentation HK2B88 190-Piece Hex Key Kit, Metric $74.59
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1/4" Square Drive Hex Bit Kits

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 in our broad product line. Each bit is engraved with the hex size as seen in the photo to the right.

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, 2.0 mm, 2.5 mm, 3.0 mm, 4.0 mm, and 5.0 mm
Based on your currency / country selection, your order will ship from Newton, New Jersey  
+1 Qty Docs Part Number - Universal/Imperial Price Available / Ships
BDSH-KIT Support Documentation BDSH-KIT Customer Inspired! 1/4" Bit Driver Square Drive to Hex Kit $40.00
Today
+1 Qty Docs Part Number - Metric Price Available / Ships
BDSH-KIT/M Support Documentation BDSH-KIT/M Customer Inspired! 1/4" Bit Driver Square Drive to Hex Kit, Metric $30.00
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Hex Key Packs

In keeping with our 'green' initiative, we have ceased to supply hex keys with most of our optomech and cage system products. We now offer these key sets in packs of 10 at a small charge.

HK050:
Set of ten 0.05" hex keys mainly for use with #4-40 setscrews in our cage plate series.

564HK:
Set of ten 5/64" hex keys used with many optomech applications.

Based on your currency / country selection, your order will ship from Newton, New Jersey  
+1 Qty Docs Part Number - Universal/Imperial Price Available / Ships
HK050 Support Documentation HK050 Customer Inspired! 10 Pack of 0.05" Hex Keys $3.10
Today
564HK Support Documentation 564HK 10 Pack of 5/64" Hex Keys $3.10
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