Ryobi has a new power tool accessory storage system for select cordless drills and impact tools, called Rail System, which makes it easier to bring bits and fasteners to your work.
Basically, it’s a new kind of on-board bit storage.
There’s the suggestion that the Rail System could be expanded in the future, but perhaps that’s just hopeful thinking.
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At this time, it’s a 3pc assembly, with base mounting component, a magnetic bit holding attachment, and a magnetic tray that can pivot 180° (meaning it can fold up or down as needed).
The magnetic tray can be removed from the Rail System base and used standalone. It can be mounted to steel surfaces.
The “bit bar” can hold up to 8 1/4″ hex screwdriving bits – 4 on the top and 4 on the bottom – and a drill bit up to 1/2″ can be magnetically secured to its side.
The 3pc assembly is sold as a set, and also comes with 4 impact bits – PH2 (x2), SQ2, and T25.
Ryobi says that the attachments are “interchangeable and reversible.” They “slide on and off of the Rail system base for ultimate accessibility and organization.” This is why I said there’s the suggestion of future expandability.
Installation is easy – first you attach the Rail to your tool, and then you slide and secure the side attachments.
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I’m not seeing a list of compatible tools anywhere, but I’m thinking it should mount to most recent Ryobi 18V cordless drills and impact drivers.
Model: A10RA01
Price: $14.97
ETA: October 2024
Discussion
I’m wondering if this has the potential to be a bigger system.
Imagine, for example, a mini non-contact voltage detector. If NWS can make a voltage detector that attaches to the handle of their pliers, why not one that can attach to the side of a drill or driver?
What about a golf pencil holder? Mini bubble level?
I’d like to see Ryobi provide dimensions for 3D printing enthusiasts to build their own rail-compatible attachments.
While the accessory rail system will only benefit owners of select Ryobi 18V cordless drills and drivers, it’s a neat concept that can be built upon.
eddiesky
Drill/drivers are so cheap now that one is the drill, the other has the fastener bit. I put a neo-mag inside the battery-handle space so it can hold a bit in a pinch but I’m more about a solution to finding bits, aka storage, that isn’t a pain to put bits back (looking at you DeWalt). Plus I want direction button that a gloved thumb or non-gloved won’t easily put into other direction while using (looking at you Panasonic and Makita).
I think having 3D files for your tools, and Ryobi selling a 3D printer (black and neon green spools only!) for this, would be cool.
What about a sensor (gyro) that tells you via sound/LED that its 90degree or perpendicular to the surface? Or better lighting around the bit?
Oh, I used my 1/2″ M18 impact yesterday in the wrong direction and tore off a welded nut! I am impressed!
Saulac
Drills and drivers should at least have flat reference spots on the body to attack a bubble level, or accessories. I know flat spot are not sexy. But they do not have to be big. And if done well, they will look as good.
Robert
My work flow is similar to Eddiesky’s here. If I know I’m going to swap between drivers or bits, I set one up in each drill. Using the Dowel Max is a classic example. I need to drill deeper in the end grain piece than the other piece, so I have two drills with drill bits set to different depths.
So while I compliment Ryobi for continuing to give options, the potential drawbacks to this on-drill storage (hand clearance, bits attaching you, dropping bits) are too much for me to seriously consider it.
In any case, the Simon version Spearhead91 links seems less cumbersome. Though I don’t have any M12 tools.
Mike S
This is a great idea. Someone’s thinking.
Mark M.
The first thing I thought of is the clearance between the 2″ bits and the grip. I installed something similar on my M12 Surge (Bit___ something, BitMag?) that attaches with a single screw. At first I oriented it the same way as this rail system, but my finger would hit it. I ended up canting it down at a slight angle and then fixed it in place with hot glue, which is perfect. But all that to say: vertical bit storage near the grip can be iffy.
Bonnie
I’ve been gluing bit holders to the side of the head of my drivers for years now. Technically you can lose some clearance, but it’s basically never an issue.
s
even just having on-grip bit storage can be iffy.
i was originally excited about milwaukee’s onboard bit storage when they first debuted it as part of the ‘new’ brushless drills.
what i found is that the bits were hard to insert, fell out too easily, and the holder got in the way in far more situations.
i ended up abandoning the bit holder entirely, and just use extra pockets for the bits. not as elegant, but tool profile is more important to me.
Saulac
At this point it better to have a holder that goes between the tool and the battery. Like those battery adapters, but have slots/compartments/space for storage. At least you will have to deal with only a longer battery, similar to when you use a bigger battery.
JoeM
I’ve only recently seen a DeWALT version of this, that replaces the belt clip and/or bit driver holder on the side rails, and holds multiple bits, I think it’s 4, including the bit holder/extender? But the fastener tray is new. I like that idea, I always like Ryobi’s ideas, but rarely do I like their tools. No reason, simply glad they’re giving DeWALT, Dremel, Milwaukee, and all the rest a good smack across the head with a gloved hand to challenge their thinking.
As to 3D Printing? Technically, if you’re an avid 3D Printing enthusiast, you’ve bought a 3D Scanner as well. Something this simplistic in shape would be no work at all to scan in, and open up as a design to be added to. Tray, Bit Holder, great. A grip to hold a full bullet level, or other bubble level to be held? A tone generator, an Arduino construction you’ve made to handle the gyroscope, in a little housing? It’s a print away. And I suspect if such things are going to be made, like all things from the 3D printing world, it’ll be made public. Only thing they won’t be able to do is put “Ryobi” on what they printed, unless they want the lawsuit bomb dropped on them from the company. Best case scenario? Don’t open the source, sell the idea to Ryobi directly so they can decide whether to buy it from you, or not. Patents will be required to ensure they can’t just steal it of course.
Ryan
I think these things are idiotic for what I work on. I already have issues fitting the tool in tight places, why hang crap off of it. A sharp drill bit sticking out to scratch things and put holes in upholstery is a great idea. Or better you are drilling overhead and extra drill bit snags on something and falls in your face.
fred
Having options is always nice. These are not ones that I’d choose. Some of these appurtenances seem too gimmicky to me – taking up more space than they are worth. Then too, working more often than not in the shop – my apron pockets hold most of the small tool items that I need. Also – I never recall any of our carpenters or installers every saying that on-board storage was something that would be nice to have – but I guess if I queried them today, I might get some who would like to try it out.
Rog
There’s a market for everyone. I use the Stealth Mount but holders on all my drills and drivers and find them to be very convenient and useful for the work I do.
Nick
I’ve got a bit holder on my M12 impact driver and use it all the time to swap between phillips and torx head bits.
Jer
What bit holder do you use?
MattT
So don’t buy it.
Mike
This is a great idea. The first thing I thought was hand clearance, but I’m sure they put some thought into it. I’d like to see the list of “select tools.” I expect this to show up on Thingiverse a month after it hits the stores. It’s bothersome that there’s a listing for this on Home Depot, but it’s “out of stock” (not in stock yet?), but Ryobi’s own website doesn’t list the rail system yet.
BigTimeTommy
Wouldn’t be surprised if this exact thing is already on thingiverse. Wouldn’t be the first time a big corporation has stolen a thingiverse design.
JJ
Looks nice, and I’m glad their swappable for left-handed users
MattT
I’d be surprised if there aren’t 3D printable versions of this available already, but if there aren’t, it won’t be long.
Tony Wolf
I use a ceramic magnet attached to the battery cover top to hold bits temporarily while actively doing the work. I’m still working on a container to hold non-magnetic items. Accessory holders in other places need to be easily removable for tight places. Magnetic wrist bands are great, and could be extended to be accessory holder sleeves.
I second the comment on providing more flat surfaces: I don’t have a 3D printer. I expect drill designers to begin thinking in terms of integrated drills and accessories.
Spearhead91
I use this one on my M12 Surge:
Simon Tools Magnetic Bit Holder… https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C5SBKN8C
CMF
Good idea. I have always wanted something minimal to hold a couple of bits. This could be both perfect but also a bit too much…I would have to try it to see if it helps more than it is cumbersome.
Matt L.
I have had this one on my drill & driver for a few years – it is great!
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0B29JKMRD
The amount of times it has been helpful versus in the way is 100 to 1.
its_jake
not gonna lie, that little tray is kinda cute though
Jared
Seems a bit bulky to me, compared to other bit-holding attachments for drills and impacts. The tray LOOKS silly to me, but with a strong-enough magnet, it’s probably just fine. I like that it pivots out of the way – probably no reason I’d want it horizontal in practice.