Ryobi 18V Battery latching connector (one-piece, no supports)

This Ryobi 18V battery latching connector was designed to be simpler and better than the existing models:

- Prints as a single piece - No support needed - Uses inexpensive Keystone 209 battery contacts, mounted so they can't slide off in use. - Useful for other projects like battery conversions, chargers, etc. - Just works The result works great – will soon be publishing another model using the Ryobi 18V connector to power a USB charger.

Parts required:

Qty Part

2 “Keystone 209” Battery Connectors. Plenty on Amazon and Ebay.

example: 50pcs Keystone 209 Battery Contacts on Amazon

1 Printed part

4 medium flat-head screws if you plan to mount it. Size 4 or 6

Assembly Instructions (see pictures):

- print model with no supports. PLA, ABS or PETG are all fine. - Make sure walls have are sliced with at least 2 lines thick, preferably 3.

- solder the wires to the contacts before attaching to the printed part to avoid melting the part. - Bend about 2-3mm of wire at 90 degrees and solder, so wire doesn't interfere with attaching connector - use solder flux for better solder adhesion to the contact

- Clip the contacts onto the side tabs, see pictures for installation. - small flat blade screwdriver will help install the clips

- Print the template if you plan to mount the connector in a board or panel. Use the template to mark the installation cutout and mounting holes.

Note: if the battery doesn't snap in easily, shave a tiny bit off the latch “fingers” to help it snap shut.

Why did I design this?

I appreciate the other Ryobi 18V connector models that have been out there for a number of years, but wasn't really happy with any of them. Some require printing and assembling multiple parts, some require a ton of supports, some have connectors that slip out of place during use, some are already built into a purpose-built device that I don't need/want.

I just wanted something sturdy that works really well, is reliable in use, easy to print, doesn't require expensive connectors and is adaptable to a lot of applications. No doubt it can be improved, but IMO it's a step forward. Hope you enjoy it!

Designed in FreeCAD , which is a very powerful but also temperamental and cantankerous piece of software.