Benchtop Organizers


  • Great for Any Benchtop or Breadboard
  • Breadboard-Mountable or Freestanding Tool Caddies
  • Magnetic Storage Tray for Tools, Parts, and Accessories

MPT01

Magnetic Storage Tray

The BT17 Tool Caddy is designed to hold 1/2" posts for quick access to pre-mounted components.
(Ball drivers and squirt bottles are included; posts and mounts are not included.)

TC2

Balldriver Set

TC4

Breadboard Mounted Tool Caddy
(Breadboard Not Included)

Application Idea

Related Items


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Thorlabs offers several balldriver kits that come with a holder designed to minimize laboratory clutter and keep tools organized and easy to find. The BT17(/M) balldriver holder can also hold Ø1/2" post mounted components. The MPT01 magnetic storage tray is ideal for retaining and tidying small tools, parts, and accessories. For larger equipment, consider a 19" rack system with various shelving options that can be used to organize a wide variety of laboratory equipment and tools. The 19" rack system can also be used to hold Thorlabs' optomechanical component kits.

Balldriver Dimensions

Balldriver Diagram
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

 

Hex Key Diagram
Non-Magnetic Hex Key Diagram
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"
  • Pack of 10 Hex Keys
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"
  • Note that the length and width are measured from the outer edge of the body, as shown in the diagram above to the right.
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"
  • Note that the length and width are measured from the outer edge of the body, as shown in the diagram above to the right.
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
BT17 SmartPack Packaging
Click to Enlarge

BT17 Packaging
Smart Pack

Smart Pack Goals

  • 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 BT17 and BT17/M packaging primarily consists of recycled paper and cardboard and weighs 41.27% less than the original packaging. This weight change results in a reduction in travel-based CO2 emissions of 107.78 kg per year for the BT17 and 129.34 kg per year for the BT17/M, 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.


Posted Comments:
Christian Goerke  (posted 2023-02-02 12:52:43.537)
Please also offer tool caddies without the tools.
jdelia  (posted 2023-02-06 08:29:45.0)
Thank you for contacting Thorlabs, and for providing this valuable feedback. While we do not offer the caddies separately as of now, I can certainly pass along your request to our design engineers through our internal suggestion forum. I have also reached out to you directly to discuss purchasing separate caddies as a component.
sremington  (posted 2017-03-01 11:05:37.62)
Hi, The organizers are a great idea. HOWEVER, a lot of us lab rats already have our tools, but need organizers. It would be a huge benefit if you would sell the organizers separately. I especially would be interested in seeing something very similar to your TC4 BUT have two sets of generic holes that would fit either imperial or metric balldrivers. Two sets because I use both imperial and metric balldrivers on a daily basis!
jlow  (posted 2017-03-02 11:42:35.0)
Response from Jeremy at Thorlabs: Thank you very much for the suggestions. We will look into providing the organizers separately.
thomas.harty  (posted 2016-09-23 13:22:57.727)
Is it possible to buy a TC4/M without the hex keys/ball drivers? We already have nicer ball drivers we prefer to use, but I would like to buy the caddy.
jlow  (posted 2016-09-23 01:46:00.0)
Response from Jeremy at Thorlabs: Yes we can supply the caddy.
apcolom  (posted 2016-03-10 17:01:29.79)
I would like to be able to buy just the caddy of the TC2 balldriver set. I had ordered some comfort-grip balldrivers from another vendor, and now I would like more of the same great TC2-caddies to put them in!
besembeson  (posted 2016-03-11 10:59:46.0)
Response from Bweh at Thorlabs USA. We can provide this to you. I will contact you please.
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Balldriver & Hex Key Kits

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.

Based on your currency / country selection, your order will ship from Newton, New Jersey  
+1 Qty Docs Part Number - Imperial Price Available
TC2 Support Documentation
TC220-Piece Balldriver and Hex Key Kit with Stand, Imperial
$105.11
Today
+1 Qty Docs Part Number - Metric Price Available
TC3/M Support Documentation
TC3/M15-Piece Balldriver and Hex Key Kit with Stand, Metric
$100.16
Today
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Benchtop Organizer with Balldrivers and Dropper Bottles

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. 

Based on your currency / country selection, your order will ship from Newton, New Jersey  
+1 Qty Docs Part Number - Imperial Price Available
BT17 Support Documentation
BT17Benchtop Organizer with Balldriver Set and Dropper Bottles, Imperial
$197.60
Today
+1 Qty Docs Part Number - Metric Price Available
BT17/M Support Documentation
BT17/MBenchtop Organizer with Balldriver Set and Dropper Bottles, Metric
$197.60
Today
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Breadboard Mountable Tool Caddy

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.

Based on your currency / country selection, your order will ship from Newton, New Jersey  
+1 Qty Docs Part Number - Imperial Price Available
TC4 Support Documentation
TC418-Piece, Breadboard Mountable Balldriver and Tool Caddy Kit, Imperial
$85.53
Today
+1 Qty Docs Part Number - Metric Price Available
TC4/M Support Documentation
TC4/M12-Piece, Breadboard Mountable Balldriver and Tool Caddy Kit, Metric
$79.29
7-10 Days
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19" Rack Organizer for Mounted Components

19 Inch Rack Shelf

The RK4102 is a steel shelf for the 19" Rack system sold by Thorlabs. The hole pattern makes it ideal for storing components mounted on TR Series Posts (see the image to the right).

Based on your currency / country selection, your order will ship from Newton, New Jersey  
+1 Qty Docs Part Number - Universal Price Available
RK4102 Support Documentation
RK4102Fixed Rack Shelf, Ø1/2" Holes, 1.5" Centers
$104.84
Today
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Magnetic Storage Tray

MPT01 Application
Click to Enlarge
MPT01 Storage Tray is Sized to Hold Small Tools and Devices
MPT01 Rear
Click to Enlarge
MPT01 Storage Tray Rear View with Ø3.25" (Ø82.5 mm) Rubber-Covered Magnet
  • 6" (152.0 mm) Diameter, 1.2" (31.0 mm) Deep Bowl with Pivoting Plastic Cowl
  • Contents Retained Magnetically
  • Durable Stainless Steel Construction
  • Protective Rubber Cover on Magnet Prevents Marring of Mounting Surface

This magnetic storage tray is ideal for securely storing small tools, cap screws, and other fasteners. It consists of a magnet attached to the outside of a Ø6" (Ø152.0 mm), 1.2" (31.0 mm) deep bowl. The Ø3.25" (Ø82.5 mm) magnet simultaneously holds the bowl against a ferrous surface (such as an optical table or breadboard) and secures magnetic parts into the tray. A rubber cover on the magnet protects the ferrous mounting surface from being marred.

When attached to a vertical surface, as shown to the right, a plastic cowl holds non-magnetic or loose items. The cowl pivots and clips in place at the upper and lower ends of travel to prevent accidental movement.

The maximum weight supported in the vertical configuration will depend upon the surface the tray is attached to and the position of the load relative to the magnet. If the tray is attached to a table frame and the load is centered within the tray, we recommend a maximum weight of 1 kg (2.2 lbs). For loads being held by the plastic cowl, we recommend a maximum weight of 0.5 kg (1.1 lbs).

Based on your currency / country selection, your order will ship from Newton, New Jersey  
+1 Qty Docs Part Number - Universal Price Available
MPT01 Support Documentation
MPT01Magnetic Storage Tray
$24.94
Today