Build a D-Ring Bit Driver

by uglymike

23K11824

Intro: 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)


STEP 2: Preparing the Nut

You will need to drill a hole in the side of the nut to accept the magnet bit holder. Use a center punch to start a pilot hole directly into the center of one side of the nut.
Drill a 1/4in hole into the nut.
Once the hole is drilled you will need to file the hole into a hexagon that matches the bit holder.
Be patient, this takes a while. You want the hole to be as tight as possible. You should nee to use the hammer to persuade the bit holder into place.

STEP 3: Attaching the Bit Holder

Now you need to attach the bit holder to the nut.
First you may need to grind down the bit holder until it fits in the center of the carabiner.
Use the hammer to persuade the bit holder into the hole you filed into the nut. Be careful as the nut may not be very thick on the sides and may split if forced to hard.
Also you don't want to got too far through into the nut or you won't be able to slip it onto the carabiner. If you go too far through just use a file to expand the threaded hole.
Once installed use some J-B Weld around the base to hold the bit holder in place.

STEP 4: Assemble and Enjoy

After the J-B Weld cures you slip the bit holder onto the carabiner and add some bits. To carry the bits you can use a small pouch that clips to the carabiner or find a bit holder keyring like in the pictured. (I got mine at Ace Hardware)

24 Comments

ejk00 12 years ago

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.

SasquatchKid 13 years ago

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

chipf 14 years ago

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 14 years ago

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

uglymike 14 years ago

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.

uglymike 14 years ago

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.

R4Man18 14 years ago

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 14 years ago

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 14 years ago

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

SirBrittanicvs 14 years ago

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

mycroftxxx 14 years ago

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?

uglymike 14 years ago

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.

Kardolf 14 years ago

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