Tool Holder for a DeWalt Tool

Many DeWalt battery tools come with an optional belt hook. The user can also order a hex bit holder. I wanted to use the belt hook to make a magnetic tool holder for multiple tools.

Materials

• Ceramic magnets (approximately 1/2" x 7/8" x 1 3/4" each in a package of two. Get at Lowe's, Harbor Freight, most hardware stores)
• #14 steel sheet
• 1/8 x 3/4 inch steel bar
• Masking tape

Tools

• Angle grinder with a cutting wheel
• Grinder
• Measuring tools
• MIG welder
• Drill
• Vise
• Aluminum angle
• Spring clamps

I like to lay down masking tape and mark on it. I placed my two magnets next to each other and marked around them with a pencil. A fit too loose is better than a fit too tight. I used a cutting wheel on an angle head grinder to cut the piece of steel I would use.

I welded two pieces of 1/8" x 3/4" steel bar to the base piece with a corner weld joint as shown in the first photo. The finished product is shown in the second photo.

The 3/4" pieces are taller than the magnets and will keep bits from rolling off of the magnets in use.

A belt clip came with my driver/drill, but I have never used it. Extra belt clips are for sale from dealers and from Amazon.

I positioned the belt clip on the back of the welded assembly and made four welds to hold it in place. My intention was for the base or backing metal to be the same thickness as the belt clip. Also, I checked to be certain the driver/drill would still be able to rest on the battery after the tool holder was attached to the driver/drill.

I drilled through the screw hole in the belt clip through the base piece. Then I enlarged the hole to pass the head of the factory mounting screw.

Round corners and grind away rough or sharp edges.

Screw your new tool holder to the side of your DeWalt tool. Which side you choose is your choice. Slide the magnets into place. Add bits, etc. to take with you.

Because the tool holder is not bounded on all four sides, you can carry longer tools, like drills for a job that requires more than one size.