Tethering Guide
While other safety measures, such as hard hats and netting, are secondary protections on working-at-height job sites, tool tethering prevents tools from being dropped in the first place. As such, a well-designed tethered tool system is one of the best and most cost-effective and ways to improve safety in these situations. Proper tethering requires an attachment point on the tool being used, an appropriate tether, and a safe, secure anchor point. Both the type of tether and the anchor point will vary depending on the weight of the tool being used. Ideally, all tools used at height would have tether attachment points, but since that is not always possible, a number of ways have been developed to make tools ready to connect to a tether and an anchor point for a safe and effective solution. GEARWRENCH offers a broad line of tether-ready pliers, ratcheting wrenches, combination wrenches, hammers, and more, plus a wide selection of tethers and anchoring methods for every working-at-height application. Our shock-absorbing lanyards are designed to provide effective yet unobtrusive work-at-height safety for both the user and others on the job site below, while our many tool attachment products, including our 10-piece tool tethering kit, will make nearly every tool tether-ready.
Tethering Guide
Tether-Ready Ratchets
GEARWRENCH tether-ready ratchets have a patented two-step locking quick-release ratchet design that makes unintentional socket drops virtually impossible. The ratchet head design supports all existing GEARWRENCH full polish chrome sockets and needs no pin or awl when adding or removing a socket from the ratchet tang. The full polish chrome handle design features an integrated tether connection point – a tether through-hole with a wire rope ring – allowing the ratchet to be added to a tethering system without additional retrofitting.
Precision-engineered high strength pawl for increased durability
Highly visible flush mounted on/off lever on the ratchet head
90-tooth gear delivers a 4° swing arc to turn fasteners in tight confines
Bright, full polish chrome finish easily wipes clean and resists corrosion
Integrated wire rope ring allows for simple attachment to tether connection systems
Lightweight design allows ratchet to be used with most wrist tether connection methods (wrist tool lanyards, tether wristbands, etc.) to provide better access and control of ratchet when used
Patented two-step locking quick-release design makes unintentional socket drops virtually impossible
Meets or exceeds ASME specifications
90-tooth - 4 degree swing arc for tighter turns
Carabiner Lanyards
Corded loop with adjustable barrel lock allows for simple tool attachment
Lightweight design decreases snag hazards and provides ultimate efficiency for the user
Dual locking carabiners on each end of lanyard allow for simple connections of tether-ready tools to the user (88764)
Heavy-duty 100% high strength polyester stitching for added strength
High visibility GEARWRENCH orange lanyard
Swivel carabiner design (88762) allows for freer movement on carabiner end of lanyard and prevents entanglement
Knurled locking carabiner screw gate allows for better grip when locking and unlocking carabiner
Shock-absorbing lanyard design diminishes force and protects the body or other anchor points if a drop occurs
Carabiners are made from corrosion-resistant aluminum with easy-to wipe-clean black oxide finish
Extended length carabiner lanyard (88763) provides 12.5% additional access. 54" maximum stretched length vs 48" maximum stretched length on (88761)
Coiled Cable Lanyards
Stainless steel swivel connection allows for better access when lanyard is part of a tethering system
Lanyard made from polyurethane-covered aircraft cable for added strength and protection
Coiled design prevents snagging and tangling hazards possible with nylon webbing lanyards
High visibility GEARWRENCH orange lanyard
Dual locking carabiners on each end of lanyard allow for simple connections of tether-ready tools to the user
Knurled locking carabiner screw gates allow for better grip when locking and unlocking carabiners
Detachable Lanyard and Loops
Modular buckle system allows for quick loop exchanges on the lanyard
Corded loop with adjustable barrel lock allows for simple tool attachment
Lanyard nylon webbing made with heavy-duty 100% high strength polyester stitching for added strength
High visibility GEARWRENCH orange lanyard
Knurled locking carabiner screw gate allows for better grip when locking and unlocking carabiner
Detachable lanyard design allows multiple detachable loops to be used with one lanyard
Shock-absorbing lanyard design diminishes force and protects the body or other anchor points if a drop occurs
Lightweight design decreases snag hazards and provides ultimate efficiency for the user
Elastic Loop Tails
Design allows for tether point creation on almost any tool when used with GEARWRENCH Cold Shrink Tubes or Self-Sealing Tether Tape
Stainless steel swivel connection allows for better access when loops are part of a tethering system
Loop nylon webbing made with heavy-duty 100% high strength polyester stitching for added strength
High visibility GEARWRENCH Molten Orange tubular nylon webbing and black stretch cord
Design allows the loop to be used as an anchor for a harness, belt, or structure
Corded loop with adjustable barrel lock allows for simple tool attachment
Wrist Tool Lanyards
Wrist cuff webbing material made from smooth polyester for long-wearing comfort
Upon drops of connected tools, the corded material absorbs the energy force of the dropped connected tool, protecting the user’s wrist.
Corded loop is attached by a swivel connection to help avoid snag hazards and provide better access to the connected tool
An adjustable hook-and-loop strap assures a secure fit on the user's wrist
Includes corded loop with an adjustable barrel lock for simple tool attachment
Tether Wristbands
Wrist cuffs are made from elastic polyester material for comfort and ease of use
Tether wristbands provide a closer tethering connection system for the user and the Tether-Ready tool
Integrated D-ring connection point secured with heavy-duty 100% high strength polyester stitching
Integrated D-ring allows for simple exchanges of items with tether connection points
An adjustable hook-and-loop strap assures a secure fit on the user's wrist
Pull-on wristband design allows for easy put-on and take-off from the user’s wrist
Self-Sealing Tether Tape
Fiberglass reinforcement for added durability and strength
Material composition allows tape to adhere to virtually any clean tool surface
No adhesive mess left behind after removal
Tape elongation properties allow tape to conform to the shape of tool handles and be repositioned during installation
Ready for use after installation, no waiting period required
D-Ring Webs
D-ring webs create instant tether connection points with almost any tool with use of GEARWRENCH Self-Sealing Tether Tape
D-rings are made from 304 stainless steel for added strength and durability
Webbing material made from heavy-duty nylon for strength and durability
D-ring allows for simple exchanges to multiple different tether connection point items
D-ring connection point secured with heavy-duty 100% high strength polyester stitching
Tether Heat Shrink
Provides added protection in harsh work environments to tether connection points created with GEARWRENCH Self-Sealing Tether Tape
Reduces in size up to 200% when heat is applied, creating a protective seal over an existing tether connection point to extend its life
Shrink protects tether connection points by repelling dirt, water, dust, oil and other abrasives
Heat shrink provides an added layer of strength to existing tether connection points
Tether Cold Shrink
Shrink protects tether connection points by repelling dirt, water, dust, oil and other abrasives
Simple installation, without use of heat, or other tools, to create a secure tether connection point
Compatible for tool tether point creation with loops and tails, no other items needed
Ready for use after installation, no waiting period required
Cold Shrink reduces in size up to 50% after removal of internal core, creating secure, long-lasting tether connection point.
Made from EDPM rubber for superior strength
No adhesive mess left behind after removal
Tether Shackles
Full polish chrome finish prevents rust and corrosion in harsh environments
Economical one-step tether connection solution for tools with a tether through-hole
Made from premium 304 stainless steel providing superior strength
U-shaped design creates clean, secure attachment points for tethering
Tether Split Rings
Economical one-step tether connection solution for tools with a tether through-hole
Full polish chrome finish prevents rust and corrosion in harsh environments
Quick installation process to tool with use of ring pliers
Made from premium 304 stainless steel providing superior strength
10pc Tool Tethering Kit
Set allows for the creation of tether connection points on eight hand tools
Material composition of Self-Sealing Tether Tape allows it to adhere to virtually any clean tool surface
High visibility GEARWRENCH Molten Orange lanyard
Carabiner lanyard corded loop has an adjustable barrel lock allows for simple tool attachments
Tether-Ready Tools
GEARWRENCH branded hand tools designed with tether ready through holes allowing connection to virtually any tethering system.
Retrofitted Tether-Ready Tools
GEARWRENCH branded hand tools retrofitted with tethering accessories. The retrofitted hand tools contain a tether connection point ready to connect to a tethering system.
Product Warnings Tether-Ready Ratchet · Only use GEARWRENCH Tether-Ready Ratchets with sockets that include internal machined detent grooves inside the drive end of socket. Use of sockets without internal machined detent grooves inside the drive end of socket may not securely hold socket onto the ratchet drive tang and may result in a dropped socket. GEARWRENCH full polish chrome sockets in 3/8” and 1/2" drive feature internal machined detent grooves inside the drive end of socket, these are recommended for use with the GEARWRENCH Tether-Ready ratchets. The use of GEARWRENCH Tether-Ready Ratchets with GEARWRENCH chrome sockets with machined detents inside socket drive end make unintentional drops virtually impossible. · Prior to use of ratchet, examine sockets for internal machined detent grooves inside the drive end of socket. Do not use sockets not containing internal machined detent grooves inside the drive end. Extension bars, increasing adapters (ex. 3/8” Drive Female to 1/2” Drive Male), reducing adapters (ex. ex. 3/8” Drive Female to 1/4” Drive Male), or universal joints should only be used if they have an independent locking mechanism to secure sockets (ex. locking extension bar). · Only exchange sockets on the GEARWRENCH Tether-Ready Ratchets in safe, secure locations · GEARWRENCH Tether-Ready Ratchets should only be used connected to a completed tethering system, that fully connects the user to the ratchet as part of the tethering system · NEVER use a GEARWENCH Tether Ratchet at height without the use of a tethering system · Always use GEARWRENCH Tether-Ready Ratchets with the recommended length of tethering accessories · Do not use GEARWRENCH Tether-Ready Ratchets as part of a tethering system around moving or rotating equipment · Inspect GEARWRENCH Tether-Ready Ratchets for wear before each use. Do not use if evidence of wear · Prior to use review product manual listed on GEARWRENCH.com and included in package with ratchet · For further product details and specifications please visit GEARWRENCH.com Tethering Accessories · NEVER use any of GEARWRENCH tethering accessories to support any weight above the defined maximum load limit listed on the product packaging and on GEARWRENCH.com · GEARWRENCH tethering accessories are not personal protective equipment · Do not use tethering accessories as part of a tethering system around moving or rotating equipment · GEARWRENCH tethering accessories will not support human weight as part of a tether connection point · Inspect all GEARWRENCH tethering accessories prior to each use. Do no use if evidence of wear · Prior to use review product manual listed on GEARWRENCH.com and included in each items packaging · For further product details and specifications please visit GEARWRENCH.com Retrofitted Tether-Ready Tools · Never use GEARWRENCH retrofitted tether-ready tools at height without connection of the tools tether connection point to a tethering connection system · GEARWRENCH retrofitted tether-ready tools are not personal protective equipment · Do not use GEARWRENCH retrofitted tether-ready tools as part of a tethering system around moving or rotating equipment · GEARWRENCH retrofitted tether-ready tools will not support human weight as part of a tether connection point · Inspect all GEARWRENCH tether-ready tools prior to each use. Do no use if evidence of wear · For further product details and specifications please visit GEARWRENCH.com