What Factors Influence Lanyard Cost? Eddie Burlem, November 29, 2021February 16, 2024 Fall protection for tools is a crucial component of any job site safety program. When working at height, any tool, regardless of weight, can become a safety hazard. Even an object weighing less than a pound when dropped from 90 feet can be lethal to those below. A tool lanyard can prevent this scenario. But how much does a lanyard cost? The short answer is that it depends on the tool. Not all lanyards are created equal. Let’s dive further into the factors that determine lanyard cost. Weight Rating The number one factor in determining lanyard cost is the weight rating. Since tools and other equipment have differing weights, a different lanyard is required for tethering. Tool lanyards come in a wide range of weight ratings, from 2 pounds up to 35 pounds. As an example, a tether specifically designed for a hard hat has a 4-pound weight rating. These come in at a much lower price than a lanyard developed for a 35-pound weight rating which could be used with a cordless drill. Weight rating is essential when it comes to tethering. Using a lanyard designed for a hard hat on a heavier tool could lead to serious injury. Connection Point Types of connection points can affect lanyard cost, even if it’s only a minor change. Certain connection points can provide additional drop protection as well. For example, a self-locking carabiner can prevent accidental opening and automatically closes. Conversely, non-locking carabiners can often disconnect with a simple twist. This could result in more dropped tools if mishandled. Self-locking carabiners can raise the price of lanyards in some cases. An example of a more straightforward connection point would be the double trigger. Although not as flashy as a self-locking carabiner, it still gets the tool tethering job done at an often lower cost. Type of Lanyard Aside from weight ratings and connection points, lanyards also come in various different types and styles. Some of which may be more durable or convenient than others. The type of lanyard you choose can affect lanyard cost in some cases. Here are a few different types that can be a step up from the basic tool lanyard: Bungee tethers – Built to be used with a variety of different tools, including spud wrenches, adjustable wrenches, and more. These lanyards tend to be more durable and long-lasting than your basic tool lanyard. Coil tethers – Coil tethers come in a variety of different styles to suit any tool. Regardless of the style, the main advantage of coil tethers is the fact that they’re designed to stay out of the way while you’re working and are easy to store due to their compact size. The coil tether is also easy to keep clean and looking fresh. Retractable tool tether – A step up from the coil tether, the retractable tether is also designed to stay out of the way while you’re working. Using a strong retracting line, the design minimizes tangling and worksite tripping hazards while reducing weight on workers’ belts and harnesses. All three of these styles of lanyards provide some additional benefits beyond the basic tool lanyard while potentially raising the lanyard cost. However, some of these added benefits are worth the cost, considering the hazards and general annoyances they can prevent. Conclusion While tool lanyard cost is relatively straightforward, these factors tend to influence the price. Some lanyards are rated for a higher weight. Others have some convenience built into them, such as the retractable lanyard. The main point to focus on here is that tool tethering is necessary for job site safety. Whether you choose a basic lanyard or one with some added features for convenience, you can rest assured that your tools will be safe and free from drop hazards. Looking for More Safety Information? We put together The Complete Guide to Building a Work at Heights Safety program. Download it for free here. Safety