Understanding the Different Types of Tool Lanyards

Working at height comes with lots of different hazards, which means you’ll need to be thorough with your safety. Not only do you need to prevent accidents at the workplace, but you also need to ensure you comply with government regulations about height and work safety.

But while most people think about personal fall-prevention equipment when talking about height safety, using tool lanyards to prevent tools and equipment from falling is just as important. It helps prevent injuries from falling objects and avoids falls resulting from somebody trying to save a falling tool.

However, there are different types of tool lanyards, each tailored to specific tools and work environments. Understanding them is key to ensuring you choose the right one.

Coiled Tool Lanyards

Coiled tool tethers come with a spiral design meant to stretch whenever needed and retract to a compact size when not in use. They are a popular choice when working with lightweight tools such as screwdrivers, pliers, and small wrenches.

Due to their coiled nature, these types of tethers are quite popular when working in areas with limited space or when using many small tools. They keep out of your way when you don’t need them, so you won’t have to deal with tangling. Coiled tool lanyards are mostly attached to the belt or a wristband.

Webbing Tool Lanyards

If you use a hammer or drill with a coiled lanyard, the lanyard will stretch and beat the purpose. When working with such tools, you need a webbing tool lanyard. These are tethers made from durable webbing material such as fibre and are meant to withstand heavy daily usage.

However, since the material is sturdy, these tethers come with two main features. First, they are adjustable to ensure that you can move from one point to another when using them. Second, they come with a shock absorption feature that helps minimize the force impacted on a tool when it’s dropped.

Retractable Tool Lanyards

Entanglement is a huge fall hazard when working at heights, and you need to reduce it as much as possible. If the job you are doing involves moving around, you can use a retractable tool lanyard to secure your tools. These lanyards come with a system that allows the lanyard to stretch as needed by the user. And if you no longer need the extra length provided by the lanyard, it retracts automatically and remains compact.

But while it can adjust its length, a retractable lanyard still remains stiff at all points. The mechanism only allows you to stretch the tool when you move in normal motion. If it detects that the tool has fallen due to the speed, it won’t stretch any further.

Stretch Tool Lanyards

Stretch lanyards are the most popular and most versatile. These tethers offer a unique combination of flexibility and versatility, so they can be used in many different work environments. Typically, they are made of elastic materials such as bungee cords, which makes them get referred to as bungee lanyards. This material allows the lanyard to extend when needed and reduce in size to minimize tripping hazards.

The elastic nature of stretch lanyards makes them popular as they reduce clatter in a workstation. Workers can also move freely with their tools.

Tie-Off Tool Lanyards

Tool lanyards often need an anchor connector that allows you to connect the lanyard to the tool. To eliminate the need for an extra piece of equipment, tie-off lanyards come with reinforced webbing that allows you to wrap the lanyard around the tool. This means that you can use the lanyard with a wide variety of tools, regardless of the shape and weight. They therefore offer convenience and efficiency while allowing you to prevent your work tools from falling.