UPGRADING the Ryobi Vac-Attack Leaf Vacuum and Mulcher! | 3D Printed Adapter! | 2022/10

I have a Ryobi RY40405BTL Vac Attack Leaf Vacuum and Mulcher, and it has been a workhorse. But the bag is just stupid. Its awkward, and it gets heavy. After a full season, I finally modified it with the WORX Leaf Collection system, but now my cordless vacuum is tethered to a trash can by a 8 foot hose.
Well I discovered that Black and Decker has an outstanding collection bag for their BEBL7000 3 and 1 Vacuum and Blower. The disadvantage is its corded, so that defeats the purpose and takes it out of the running as a comparative or competitive product. But the collection bag that comes with it, is probably the best in the lawn segment. So my challenge was to make it work with my Ryobi Leak Vacuum.
If you have been following my channel you know that I have been experimenting with 3D printing, and this was the opportunity to use those new skills and tools to my advantage. So I did some measurements, and then jumped into Sketch-Up and started the design process.
Now, I am by no means an expert in Sketch-Up, but after fumbling around learning new techniques, I was able to get a functional model done, and printed. It took a few prototypes, to get a good fit and function.
I hooked it up, and it worked perfectly! I am so glad that I took on this challenge and it works perfectly! Cannot wait until autumn when there will be more leaves to really put it through its paces.
Thanks for watching Dad It Yourself!!!
*This post contains affiliate links and | will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links.*
Helpful/Affiliate Links:
LONGER LGT LK5 Pro 3D Printer Standard Kit (Amazon): amzn.to/3LF5sUG
OVERTURE Matte Grass Green (Ryobi Green) PLA 1.75MM Filament: amzn.to/3shsfOM
RYOBI 40V Vac Attack Cordless Battery Leaf Vacuum/Mulcher (Tool Only): homedepot.sjv....
BLACK & DECKER N713676 Bag and Hose Assembly (Amazon): amzn.to/41VeZzA
Also works with: BLACK+DECKER Leaf Blower Hose Attachment for Corded Leaf Blowers, Attachment Only, 8ft (BV-006) (Amazon): amzn.to/3ymbogC
Digital Download of Adapter File: www.etsy.com/D...
Print and Ship Adapter: www.etsy.com/D...
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[@DadItYourselfDIY]

My Etsy Shop is now OPEN! You can purchase this adapter for print and ship, or download the STL file and print on your own. www.etsy.com/shop/DadItYourselfDIY

[@arizonaaps]

I wanted to post a Thank You for these leaf vac videos and for the adapter you made. I just tried out your adapter with the B&D bag, and it makes a huge difference! I have a tolerate/hate relationship with my leaf vac. If not for your fixes, this thing would be in a landfill by now. I was a little unsure about the B&D bag vs. the garbage can solution, but I am really glad I went with the B&D bag. Having the bag on your back is not bad at all; you barely feel the weight. The only negative I would say (and this is a small nit) is that because of the location of the hose, you are forced to always use the tool righthanded. I did put a screw through your adapter to keep it in place. I may also epoxy on a small clip for the bag side of the adapter. You have turned this tool from a huge pain the neck into an actually useable product!

[@DadItYourselfDIY]

Thanks for the feedback it's appreciated!!

[@rancid216]

Mine was delivered today. Is easy to assemble. Worked fine. I didn't attach the wheels. I figured that was better so to get the nozzle right on the ground. Plus it allowed me to rake the ground with the nozzle to get leaves tangled in the grass. I already had a Ryobi mower so I didn't need to buy a battery. Normally after I mow I have two lights left on the battery. After doing my yard with the vac only had one light left on the battery. When I use it again I'll try to set the power as low as possible to see if that saves the battery.

[@DadItYourselfDIY]

They do eat up the battery. I have 6ah and it gives me pretty good run time.

[@rancid216]

@@DadItYourselfDIY Since I'm not going to be using the mower at the same time as the vac not a big deal as long as the battery gets the yard done on one charge. I was just pointing out that the vac seems to eat up more of the battery than my 16 inch mower. Once this battery needs to be replaced I'll probably get a 6ah battery. This one is only 4ah.

[@DadItYourselfDIY]

Makes perfect sense.

[@JohnnyC10071959]

Your review of the Ryobi is spot on

[@DadItYourselfDIY]

I try to be as through and honest as possible.

[@tommychau3354]

Hope you can make a new adapter with 90 degree bend so the hose does not have bend around almost 360. with smooth bore, air and the mulch leafs can flow out faster.

[@DadItYourselfDIY]

I'm investigating that. But it's not as easy as it sounds.

[@davidt3559]

Thank you for taking the time to make the adapters and film everything that you do. You are incredibly talented. It is good that we are not neighbors because I would be picking your brain on a daily basis. I think my father is going to purchase the Ryobi vacuum. If he does I will be contacting you for an adapter. Thanks again. You are amazing!!!

[@DadItYourselfDIY]

Awesome! Feel free to follow me on Instagram and reach out that way.

[@kwinsc9273]

Impressive..I really like the ingenuity.

[@DadItYourselfDIY]

Thanks...

[@peanutismint]

This is great Scott! I will definitely be giving your model a try. What I would love to try is printing some kind of adapter that redirected the exhaust outlet so the unit could function as a blower as well as a vacuum....?

[@DadItYourselfDIY]

I think their new model does that..

[@darrellshinn5983]

Great video and awesome instructions on how to modify the Vac Attack. I wish there was a way to increase the suction of this unit, other than that great video, thank you.

[@DadItYourselfDIY]

Thanks for the feedback!

[@rancid216]

I got my adapter and Black & Decker bag. I agree it needs a screw. Even though it fits snug it isn't that hard to pull off. So I put a screw on both small flat surfaces. Now just waiting for the leaves to start fall so I can try it out.

[@DadItYourselfDIY]

Awesome! Thank you for the feedback!

[@rancid216]

Used it for the first time today. The connector you made worked fine. Bag never came loose while using it. Small complaint about the B&D bag is I wish it closed with a zipper.

[@DadItYourselfDIY]

Yeah, the roll clasp is interesting! Thanks for the feedback!

[@RoundheadRecords]

Just watched another video of yours - you mentioned one of my main issues - the wirley or helicopter stuff - Great! I guess it comes down to can I go with this from vac directly to bin or is it better to use the bag. I do not want to mulch anything as that often causes blockages - just suck this stuff up and get it however to the bin - - love your work =!

[@DadItYourselfDIY]

Thanks.. they are small enough that i think they pass right through the mulching blade..

[@joeypucks7250]

Hi Scott, do you think your attachment would work even if I didn't want to cut the Ryobi angle shute & left it curved?

[@DadItYourselfDIY]

It will not.

[@JoeMuraglia-lm6cc]

That's what I need my bag on my ryobi is ripped ill can use what you made joe

[@DadItYourselfDIY]

Well there you go!!

[@JoeMuraglia-lm6cc]

@@DadItYourselfDIY I can't order the adapter telling me my email is wrong

[@DadItYourselfDIY]

You're going to have to resolve that with Etsy.

[@stephenkerkvliet3279]

Looks like a great design! Does the backpack bag exhaust a lot of dust? Because you have to cut the factory tube, would you consider designing / printing another adapter so you could use either the factory bag or the backpack bag?

[@DadItYourselfDIY]

The bag doesn't exhaust dust.. cutting the tube doesn't impact reusing the factory bag.

[@NicBeining]

Nice job! Does your adapter work with the version that attaches to a garbage can? Have you looked at making one for the new Ryobi mulcher/blower combo unit?

[@DadItYourselfDIY]

I also offer an adapter for the Worx Leaf Collection System. kzbin.info/www/bejne/kGGThmSHfJejqZY dadityourselfdiy.etsy.com/listing/1294643244/ryobi-vac-attack-adapter-for-worx-leaf

[@adamfischer6768]

Ugggh, to much work and cost to modify the collection bag. For $89.00 I'll just get the corded B&D leaf vac/ mulcher. Unfortunately I have several Royobi 40v tools and really like the freedom of not being attached to a cord. Hopefully Ryobi will modify their bagging system in the future.

[@DadItYourselfDIY]

The new vacuum mulcher (and blower) they just released is a much better design. homedepot.sjv.io/3P6gOA

[@usairstar]

Hi Scott, waiting for your adapter and the new bag; I see in a comment above you still need to cut the Ryobi 4” to let your adapter work; do you think the OEM Ryobi bag would still work without the angled discharge before the cut? Thanks again for your adapter, looking forward to trying it out soon.

[@DadItYourselfDIY]

I cannot see any reason why the OWM bag still would work. I've never gone back though. 😁

[@patriciamay638]

That's a sweet adapter. Drain spout extension works too

[@DadItYourselfDIY]

Thanks!

[@steffen707-]

shoot, looks like black and decker got rid of the backpack. Do you know of another good alternative?

[@DadItYourselfDIY]

Try here: www.partswarehouse.com/Dewalt-Bag-and-Hose-Flex-Assembly-DWB-N713676-p/DWB-N713676.htm

[@gzfraud]

Looks like a great leaf vac but the B&D bag requires the leaves to make a 180 turn thus making it inefficient. Have you seen anyone put the larger Ryobi bag on a small cart and make a 8' or 10' connector hose so can pull it? And don't have to carry heavy leaves in backpack and don't have to disconnect B&D bag to empty it?

[@DadItYourselfDIY]

Your description is the Worx Leaf Collection system. Check out my other videos.

[@jonathanadams6467]

Hi! This is awesome and looks to be exactly what I want to do. My only concern is my Ryobi vacuum has a different looking end than yours for where the adapter would attach. So your 3D model wouldn’t fit on mine just from what I can see on this video. Did you cut the curve on the actual tool it’s self? Or do I have a different model? I hope that makes sense what I’m describing? Thx!

[@DadItYourselfDIY]

Watch the original Worx video. Send me a picture on Instagram @dadityourselfdiy

[@jonathanadams6467]

@@DadItYourselfDIY Ah! I found and watched your original video. I have the same model, just need to cut that port so the curve is eliminated. I can do that no problem. I'll be buying your adapter shortly! Thanks for the help!

[@DadItYourselfDIY]

You're welcome!

[@rmmccarthy1240]

You could also barter your file to viewers in exchange for their KZbin subscriptions.

[@DadItYourselfDIY]

Not an even trade.

[@RoundheadRecords]

May I please ask you a question - you know a great deal. My issue is a huge amount of helicopter leaves, other leaves and small debri, sticks or even small plebes that wash down from a badly landscaped yard next door and behind. I need to skip mulching, I need to have a large mouth hose - long as possible and connect it to 55 gal plastic bins I can move to the street or the city bins like in your video. The trees on the other property provide shade but fall is hard as heck as they do not sweep up. Can you advise on what is needed just to vac each day - no mulching - just pull it all into a bin? I would really like two things. 1st a longer hose to be able to have some distance from the bin, and the ability to seal well the 55 gal or larger bin so the dust is lower. I am willing to pay for help if need be. I am a vet who is moving slower, having a harder time but I need to vac each day to keep the area from looking so bad.

[@DadItYourselfDIY]

I think Worx or Black and Decker make a vacuum only unit that goes tova bag. Let me see if I can findva link.

[@joeromang703]

I've got to get a 3d printer and learn sketch-up. Your ingenuity is impressive👍👍. It would be nice if these multimillion dollar companies actually employed engineers and ergonomists to develop products that actually work in the real world so the average person/dad 😂 can afford them and get their work done more easily. Great job!!

[@DadItYourselfDIY]

I could not agree more.

[@elemento1991]

Nah they don’t because working guys could never design this kind of stuff. I mean how could they ever possibly do it without a masters degree! lol

[@DadItYourselfDIY]

I actually have a Masters Degree. 🤣

[@elemento1991]

@@DadItYourselfDIY I didn’t mean that like there’s something wrong with that lol. I’m actually going to start some classes to further my education this spring semester but in some of the workplaces I’ve been employed it feels like we get looked down upon as tradesmen by some departments. I’ve also worked with great engineers who collaborate with you to design something buildable and logical from the physical side of things and take your ideas into account.

[@DadItYourselfDIY]

@elemento1991 My degree has no bearing on any of this it's all blue collar entrepreneurship.

[@williamisalopez]

Can you make something to convert the leaf vacuum to a blower?

[@DadItYourselfDIY]

They sell another model that does both!

[@emmanuelcampuzano6349]

This is what I've been looking for, one big suggestion. Any way to modify the adapter to fit the OEM bag attachment on the Ryobi unit instead of attaching to the bottom area?

[@DadItYourselfDIY]

I may look into modeling that, but the pipe will have to be completely removed.

[@josesalgado7695]

Can you also send me the link for black &decker bag thanks again God bless

[@DadItYourselfDIY]

amzn.to/41VeZzA

[@louisdon2762]

Just ordered your very smart adapter. Can't find the correct bag and hose on Amazon so I'm ordering the entire unit used for $40.00. If you have another place to buy the bag and hose please email me a link. I think your adapter in ingenious and I've been wanting the Ryobi vac for a while despite some middle of the road reviews. The cord free operation just won't stop enticing me to buy the darn thing. Any other tips/advice would be gladly welcomed.

[@DadItYourselfDIY]

Yup. Seems to be out of stock everywhere. I guess my video has been popular enough that everyone has bought up the stock.

[@brianreichart9054]

Very nice! I would be a buyer of the adapter. Any chance one could be made without cutting the original port on the tool?

[@DadItYourselfDIY]

Potentially it could, but would create unnecessary drag. The existing port reduces and directs forward.

[@traintsar5762]

Which PLA did you use for Ryobi green? I am gathering more Ryobi tools and need to print...a lot of things :) Great adaptor

[@DadItYourselfDIY]

amzn.to/3S9NE6q

[@christopherbullock2644]

I got this today & looking forward to giving it a workout! Do you ha e any ideas or products that would hang or mount this beast to the wall?

[@DadItYourselfDIY]

Keep me posted. I hitch the handle over a horizontal 2x4 in the shed.

[@christopherbullock2644]

@@DadItYourselfDIY Hi-a quick update and questions. Is there a product that reduces the severity of the angle of the flex hose to the adapter that is created when you put the B&D bag on your back? It clogs very easily especially if the leaves are even a bit damp. Also, is there a way to create a discharge chute for the Ryobi Leaf Vac? Rather than collecting them in a bag directly, I found that removing the bag, vac, grind and discharge the damp leaves then go back and either vac them or pick them up is effective. Thanks!

[@DadItYourselfDIY]

@christopherbullock2644 I would assume operating the vac without a hose would accomplish what you are saying. I have not received any comments, but I understand what you are saying. I do not have a solution for you right now, though.

[@christopherbullock2644]

@@DadItYourselfDIY Thanks for the quick reply. I may try something & if it "works", I'll let you know.

[@DadItYourselfDIY]

@christopherbullock2644 I'd love to know what solutions you come up with.

[@jonathansherman1525]

It looks like you would be better just to buy the black and decker unit it seems like too much to go through for the bag Ryobi should redesign their bag and make it like that I wouldn’t bother to buy it the way it is it’s just as easy to rake up the leaves with a blower and then throw them into a bucket

[@DadItYourselfDIY]

They did. There is a more ergonomic unit being released. But for those of us who have this unit, this is an option.

[@RoundheadRecords]

I will be a client. A new question after a couple of videos - is why it is necessary to mulch which can cause issues - and space or a number of 55 gal containers is no problem. The front end of the hose to sealed off container - no blockage - better? I just have as one problem, the top of a drive where millions of the wirley things fall and settle. Then areas where leaves fall where I am no longer able to rake and collect them. If we can connect to communicate directly I would like to see options to get me started -

[@DadItYourselfDIY]

I mulch the leaves to save space. I only have one 95vgallon green can each week.

[@steves048]

Hi, Think you could send me the link to purchase the B&D replacement bag with hose. I just ordered your adapter. The Ryobi bag is a royal pain. I had to use small bungee because it keeps popping off as well as being cumbersome. Love your idea. Thanks!

[@DadItYourselfDIY]

Link in the video description. But here it is.. www.ereplacementparts.com/bag-flex-hose-assy-p-2822802.html

[@steves048]

@@DadItYourselfDIY I found it after i scrolled. Thanks. Already ordered and shipped today!

[@billwilkman8109]

I've tried with no luck to find the black and decker bag. Can you provide a link?

[@DadItYourselfDIY]

Link was in the video description. BLACK & DECKER N713676 Bag and Hose Assembly (eReplacementParts.com): www.ereplacementparts.com/product_info.php?products_id=2822802

[@lequetewyatt8925]

I like it how much

[@DadItYourselfDIY]

The adapter is $20 on my Etsy store. The bag is another $40 on Amazon. Links in the video description.

[@JD-ek2dm]

How long is the battery on this vacuum ?

[@DadItYourselfDIY]

I use a 6ah and get 20+ minutes. Hard to quantify because there is a kot of start and stop.

[@samlocoaa1726]

Do you think this will work to pick up grass clippings?

[@DadItYourselfDIY]

Absolutely!

[@samlocoaa1726]

That is literally what i use mine for works like a charm

[@DadItYourselfDIY]

After the city cut my trees down its just clippings and old leaves under the hedges now.

[@hawkeyeaerialcameras5209]

It still just doesn't look a very powerful machine even for a 40v Vac (not your adaptor .. that's great), as nozzle has to be so close to leaves, so a very narrow field of suck! Although eventual system maybe convenient, but I have a simpler system of using a $50 18v (in UK) Ryobi blower to blow leaves out into the open, then either blow (or rake) into a neat pile, then simply pick up with two boards into a bulk bag.

[@DadItYourselfDIY]

Absolutely, there can be more efficent ways. Overseas they offer a mulcher you can dump the leaves into as well, which I think is a great option. I use this almost exclusively for landscape beds and hard to reach places.

[@Ccorapiinc]

Do i have to cut the RYOBI to get ur adaptor to fit?

[@DadItYourselfDIY]

Yes

[@Ccorapiinc]

@@DadItYourselfDIY how far ?

[@DadItYourselfDIY]

About 4" from the top.

[@vincentlawrence677]

Gonna share the file?

[@DadItYourselfDIY]

Soon!

[@lynguyen-bui6261]

Could you sell it please :-)

[@DadItYourselfDIY]

I'll be pinning a posted comment with the sales link when available.