Build a D-Ring Bit driver

This is simply a bit driver attached to a D-Ring carabiner. The bit holder slides around the ring allowing you get great leverage and get at hard to reach fasteners. It's a simple but versatile tool for your pocket, glove box or tool box. It's easy to make and you'll wonder how you ever got along without it.

Step 1 What you need

You'll need to get the following materials
D-Ring Carabiner (3-5 inch carabiners work best, bigger is better. They don't need to be "load bearing")
Hex Nut (large enough to slip into the carabiner and go all the way around. The flat sides need to be big enough to drill a 1/4in hole into)
Short Magnetic Bit Driver (The kind you'd use in a power drill)

You'll need the following tools
Hammer
1/4in Drill Bit
Center Punch
Square or Triangle needle file (must fit into a 1/4in hole)
J-B Weld (or what ever you prefer)
Drill or Drill Press (Not Pictured)

Comments

[ejk00]

I have the original Versa Tool that I keep in a travel tool bag. So far, it has made it through airport security without issue (as opposed to the original ratchet driver that I had, which was deemed "too long"). But I'm thinking this is going to be on the top of my project list, since I've been wanting a second one for a home tool bag.

[xefix]

Nice

[andreskyj]

Nice idea!

[SasquatchKid]

Nice i made it works great. I help the teachers all the time with this

[chipf]

To keep the nut from distorting when you tap the driver in you could always trun a tap through it and then thread a matching bolt in. It would give it sturdiness and also act as a stop for the bit driver depth.

[sleeepy2]

I've had JB Weld fail in situations with high torque. You haven't had that problem, I guess? Pretty cool.

[uglymike]

Most of the torque is taken be the nut with the hex hole filed into it, the JB Weld is mostly to keep the bit from falling out. When I made this the JB weld was what I had. Gorilla Glue or something similar would work just as well, or maybe better.

[lesrebnav]

welcome to the club

http://www.instructables.com/id/Key_Ring_Hex_Bit/

[uglymike]

I saw your instructable in the related list after I posted mine. I looked awesome, really well done. I'm totally making one and putting it in my toolbox.

[lesrebnav]

thanXs

[R4Man18]

He did come up with his own way to do it, used more readily available parts for a cheaper over all cost so it is a fairly successful original instructable and less than 2 months after yours was created so all in all I dont think it was a copy. Both are just like the versadriver too. Well done you two.

[lesrebnav]

hello, I never said it was a copy of my instructable, the start idea is the same, that's all. this is evidence that the great minds of diy are always linked have a good diy weekend

[MLB Baseball Guy]

I had one of those.. it's very practical sometimes.. saved my life more than once!

[SirBrittanicvs]

VERY creative. If I had some of that stuff laying around I'd definitely make one.

[mycroftxxx]

Beautiful handtool design. I wouldn't be surpised if these things don't show up as commercial devices in a year. What was your inspiration?

[Kardolf]

http://countycomm.com/versadriver.htm

It's already commercial, and has been for a few years, I think. Although, still a great idea, and well worth an instructable.

[uglymike]

I remember seeing this somewhere else before (I admit I stole the idea to make it instead of buying it) and I looked for it on the net but couldn't find it. I have to admit the original looks better and seems considerably stronger and at $12 is a great deal.

[lesrebnav]

hello, certainly here : http://www.instructables.com/id/Key_Ring_Hex_Bit/

[Kardolf]

Yeah, but there is something about making your own that just rocks! I totally give you Kudos for doing it.

[gregr]

This may be the inspiration http://www.instructables.com/id/Key_Ring_Hex_Bit/

[uglymike]

I actually looked for similar projects before I posted this one and didn't see the key ring hex bit until I posted this and it showed up as a related project. This is different enough I would have posted it anyways, but the funny thing is when I was at the hardware store I saw one of the shackles lesrebnev used for his instructable and had pretty much exactly the same Idea. Great minds....

[lewisb42]

Awesome idea. I have a slew of hex bits left over from a ratchet driver that broke. This would be the perfect thing for reusing them. Any thoughts on adding some O-rings to the inside of the hex nut to stabilize it on the carabiner? Good luck with your contest entry!

[uglymike]

If you used fat o-rings on either side of the nut it would hold the bit driver in the same position (but still allow it to spin) O-rings inside the nut could stabilize it, but I think they may roll out when moving the bit around the carabiner. Feel free to give it a shot and let us know how it works though.

[stone3408]

The military uses a screwdriver kit much like this for service on unmanned aircraft. I bought it off of a military surplus site that I can't seem to find. This is a great way to build one yourself. Greta Job!