How to Choose the Best Tool Lanyards for Working at Height

When working at height, dropped tools aren’t just costly, they’re dangerous too. One unsecured spanner falling from scaffolding can cause serious injury or worse. That’s why tool lanyards have become essential PPE on construction sites, industrial facilities, and in offshore or high-access work.

But not all tool lanyards are created equal. Factors like tool weight, frequency of use, and environment determine the right lanyard for the job.

In this guide, we break down the best tool lanyards for working at height. We’ve also included a visual tool selector diagram to help you quickly choose the correct lanyard by tool weight and usage type.

Tool Lanyard Selector Guide

Before you buy, refer to our expert tool lanyard selection guide below. It helps you choose the right lanyard based on:

• Tool weight (Under 2.5kg, 5kg, or over 5kg)
• Attachment style (wrist anchor or harness)
• Frequency of use (daily vs. occasional)
• Environment (standard vs. harsh conditions)

Top tip: The more frequently a tool is used or the harsher the environment, the more robust the lanyard you need.

Best Leading Edge Tool Lanyards by Category

1. Under 2.5kg – Light Tools

Ideal for small hand tools like screwdrivers, pliers, and tape measures.

Best Options:

• Wrist Lanyard – Perfect for tools in constant use, lightweight, and wrist-anchored.
• Mini-Spiral Lanyard – Compact, retractable design with minimal snag risk.
• Elasticated Lanyard – Stretchable, reduces slack, but not ideal for wrist use.

2. Up to 5kg – Medium Tools

Suitable for heavier tools like cordless drills, hammers, and torque wrenches.

Best Options Based on Use:

• For occasional use, select the standard Elasticated Lanyard. It’s an affordable, flexible, reliable tether, perfect for mid-weight tools.
• For daily use in standard environments, select the Heavy-Duty Elasticated Lanyard. It’s built for repetitive use, which provides a longer service life.

For daily use in harsh environments (e.g. offshore, cold weather) select from:

• Cobra Lanyard – High abrasion resistance and quick attachment points.
• Spiral Lanyard – Durable and compact, designed for confined or snag-prone areas.
• Wire Lanyard – Maximum durability and heat resistance.

3. Over 5kg – Heavy Tools

These tools require +5kg rated lanyard, designed to withstand dynamic drop forces and remain reliable in tough conditions.

Best Option:

The Pro Wire Lanyard – Specifically engineered for heavy-duty tools in harsh industrial or offshore environments. Corrosion-resistant and long-lasting.

Choosing the Right Tool Lanyard: Key Factors

1. Weight Rating – Never exceed the specified capacity. Overloading is a leading cause of lanyard failure.

2. Attachment Point – Match lanyard type to where it anchors (wrist, belt, harness).

3. Frequency of Use – Daily-use tools need stronger materials and attachment systems.

4. Work Conditions – Wet, oily, dusty, or salty environments demand more robust materials (e.g. stainless wire or rubber-coated cords).

Common mistakes to avoid when selecting a tool lanyard

Some commonly overlooked mistakes involve using the same lanyard for all tools rather than choosing the right one for each specific tool.
Opting for a wrist lanyard for tools heavier than 2.5 kg can be hazardous, as it exerts pressure on your wrist.

Disregarding environmental resistance, particularly in offshore or industrial settings, is another mistake. Always choose a lanyard that is suitable for your particular work environment.

Neglecting to perform regular inspections on your tool lanyards to look for signs of wear or corrosion is also a concern. If you notice any damage, do not use that tool lanyard.

Ready to protect your team from dropped tool risks?

Tool lanyards are not one-size-fits-all. Using the wrong lanyard can lead to tool damage, injury or worse. Leading Edge makes it simple to match the right lanyard to your tool type, usage frequency, and working environment.

Whether you’re working at height on a London skyscraper, a wind turbine off the Scottish coast, or a warehouse in Birmingham, Leading Edge’s UK-designed lanyards deliver the security you need.

Explore the full range of Leading Edge tool lanyards or contact our safety team for expert advice.