RYOBI Drill / Driver Belt Clip

I love my RYOBI drill / driver set, but using them together gets annoying sometimes when you can't have them at the ready. My nail gun has a very nice belt clip, and I wanted something similar for my drill / driver. I couldn't find any good DIY options online, so I decided to make one myself.

DISCLAIMER: I checked the manual for "use and care" guidelines, but didn't find anything about modifying your tools. Chances are though, that this would void any warranty on the tool. So proceed at your own financial risk.

Step 1: Get Some Belt Clips

This Ryobi P320 / P360 Fastener (4 pack) I got on Amazon, and is listed as "Replacement" parts. I'm 99% sure that RIGID uses the same clips. This 4 pack was $10.00 (only 3 pictured, the 4th was already on one of my tools).

Step 2: Tools You Will Need

(roll over the image for the breakdown)

Step 3: Position and Mark Where You Want the Clip

I took a cue from my nail gun, and positioned the clip in the same location. The balance of the tool when hanging upside down (from your belt) makes this location a good spot.

Draw a line across the top of where the clip bends away. Here you will cut a small groove allowing the clip to settle in. This helps anchor the clip, and keep it from spinning around.

You also need to mark where you will be drilling your hole for the screw. Use the Awl to create a divot in the plastic. You're drill bit will need this divot to help keep it in place.

Step 4: Double Check Your Work

You can see another reason why this is a good spot for the clip. The battery doesn't really fit up into the base of the tool at this location (i.e., there is empty space where the nut can fit and still allow the battery to plug in).

ANOTHER DISCLAIMER: I only have the thin Lithium batteries, and I haven't tested any of the larger batteries. The larger ones may have a different profile that fits up into the base of the tool. If you have those batteries, it's probably best to double check before you begin.

Step 5: Find Some Hardware

So this step can vary depending on what you want to use. I had these pieces on hand, and they happened to work. I can't tell you what the size/pitch is of the screw, but that is a 5/32" drill bit.

The screw should be about 1/2" to 5/8" long to allow space for the clip, 2 nuts, and the plastic portion of the tool that the screw fits into.

Step 6: Carefully Drill the Hole

I used my clamps to keep the driver steady while I drilled. Take it slow and careful. If your drill bit is properly set into the divot that you made with the Awl, the bit shouldn't 'wander,' and you'll get a nice clean hole.

When you drill through plastic, it tends to leave shavings and burrs behind. Carefully clean these up with your utility knife.

Step 7: Make Some Room for the Nut

This step may vary depending on where you decide to put the clip, and how big of a nut you use.

Even with a small screw and nut, the hole I drilled didn't leave room for the nut on the inside, so I had to use my rotary tool to remove some of the plastic. I used a standard medium sized cutting/engraving bit.

Here, I secured my driver in my bench vise. I used bits of cloth as padding so the teeth on the vise didn't mar up the tool. Be careful, and take it slow. I was able to go about 1/8" down, cutting out the plastic and I didn't breach through to the other side (the "Mag Tray" is right on the other side of where you're cutting, so you probably don't want to go too deep here).

Step 8: Double Check Your Work, Again

The first chunk I took out wasn't quite enough, and the screw was sticking through at a funny angle. I needed to cut a little deeper, and here is the result. The screw and nut fit well, and are perpendicular to the tool's base (this means the clip will be parallel to the base).

Step 9: Cutting the Groove

Again, being slow and careful is the key.

Here I used a carbide cutting wheel on my rotary tool (you could probably use a cut-off wheel also).

My first pass with the cutting wheel wasn't quite right, so I had to go back and widen the groove. It's easy to remove material, but you can't put it back once its gone.

Step 10: Tightening Things Up

Once you have the fit the way you like it, secure the tool in the vise and use the pliers to get the nut nice and tight.

If you planned well, it should turn out great!

Step 11: All Done

I'm right handed, and hang my tools up this way. I realized afterward that if you had both drill and driver hanging from your belt, one of the two will be backwards... Not a big deal, but something to think about. The built-in mounting locations on the nail gun are on both sides for exactly this reason! Good product design. Now if only they put belt clips on the other tools as well... not-so-good product design.

Hence, the Instructable! Good luck.