Modular HEX-bit storage

I liked the modular bit holder system from MHEU right from the start and immediately began printing for my entire bit collection. After my first attempts, however, I noticed that the original is only really suitable for round bits (router bits or Festool centrotec bits). The original only has three guide bars, which hold round shanks well, but with hexagonal bits you have to insert them very precisely, otherwise they wobble. In addition, the holes for short bits are too deep – bit + hole = 25 mm = impossible to remove.

That's why I took the original holder and designed a completely new one. Since there was no CAD data for the original, I started from scratch and designed the holder with a hexagonal hole that holds a normal bit securely, does not jam and allows the bit to be removed again.

During the design process, it occurred to me that the relatively large holders could also accommodate several bits. After a few tests, the final result was a holder with a total of three slots.

The bits can be easily removed from all holders and inserted – even with slightly thicker fingers. You only need to sort them a little when distributing short and long bits – don't mix them wildly.

Since I had to start from scratch with the design anyway, the STEP files are also included for your own experiments.

Tipps for printing:

1. For durability, I prefer PETG or ASA for my workshop. These holders are also made for PETG, which always swells or shrinks a little during printing. Other materials may require a test print and some scaling first.

2. The 3mf file and STLs include the original rails from MHEU. Since my holder is 16 mm wide, the rail must always be scaled accordingly in length (length only). If the scaling factor is less than 10%, this does not cause any problems with the screw holes.

...and in general

1. Since the bits are removed in three different directions, the clip mechanism of the holder may not be strong enough to keep the holder on the rail – especially the horizontal bit works against this.

   I therefore secured my holders at the bottom with a small bar, which works perfectly (see pics)

   For the upload, however, I also modified the holder again so that each holder can be invisibly fixed through the rail with a 3x12 mm screw (SPAX etc.). Longer screws can also be used, as the rail is also screwed to a base – but pre-drilling is advisable here.