NLG Tape Measure Tethering Kit - Tether and Lightweight Coil Lanyard

 Specifications

Compatibility

Who is this for

Construction site operatives, surveyors, and height workers who need a complete tape measure tethering solution without sourcing a tether and lanyard separately and without the risk of selecting a lanyard that is too heavy, too short, or incorrectly rated for tape measure use. The kit is the appropriate choice for first-time deployment of tape measure tethering on a site, and for procurement teams who need to issue complete matched kits to operatives rather than managing individual component orders.

Typical applications

• Equipping an operative with a complete tape measure tethering system at site induction, with the tether fitted to the tape and the lanyard connected to a harness or belt anchor before ascending.

• Deploying tape measure tethering across a site crew by ordering one kit per operative, ensuring all systems use the same matched components with the same load rating.

• Using the kit on sites where operatives carry 5m to 8m tape measures throughout a shift, with the Lightweight Coil Lanyard providing reach for full tape extension without excess lanyard length that could snag on scaffold elements.

• Pairing the kit with the NLG Tape Measure Holster (NLG101749): the Holster provides belt storage with a rotating retention bar, and this kit provides the tether on the tape measure and the lanyard from the tether D-ring to the Holster D-ring or a separate anchor.

How to use

Step 1: Fit the Tape Measure Tether. Open the tether fully and release the velcro adjustment system. Place the tape measure inside with the belt clip to the rear. Tighten the side velcro and close upper and lower flaps.

Step 2: Test the tether point by applying a firm pull to the D-ring whilst holding the tape measure. Confirm the tether is seated securely and the tape blade extends normally.

Step 3: Connect one end of the Lightweight Coil Lanyard to the D-ring on the Tape Measure Tether.

Step 4: Connect the other end of the Lightweight Coil Lanyard to a rated anchor point on the harness, belt, or NLG Tape Measure Holster D-ring.

Step 5: Check both connections before ascending. The lanyard should be compact and close to the body when not under tension.

Common mistakes

• Fitting the tape measure with the belt clip facing forward in the tether. The belt clip must face the rear to allow the tether to close correctly and the original clip to remain accessible.

• Not tightening the velcro side adjustment fully for smaller tapes. A loose tether on a 5m tape allows the D-ring to shift position during use, misaligning the lanyard.

• Anchoring the lanyard to an unrated or improvised anchor point. Both the tether and the lanyard are independently rated to 1kg. The anchor point must also carry a rated load.

• Returning the components to service after a drop without quarantine and inspection. Either component may sustain internal damage from a drop event that is not visible externally.

Safety

The NLG Tape Measure Tether component (NLG101414) is certified to ANSI/ISEA 121-2023, CE, UKCA, and NS 9611:2022+AC. The NLG Lightweight Coil Tool Lanyard component (NLG101493) is rated to 1kg. System maximum load is 1kg. A rated anchor point is required to complete the tethering system. Neither component is a fall arrest device. After any drop involving either component, quarantine both and inspect before returning to service.

Maintenance

Inspect both components before each use. Check the tether velcro adjustment, flap closures, D-ring, and belt clip. Check the lanyard coil for kinking or loss of elasticity and the carabiners for distortion at the gate. Clean both components with a damp cloth. Remove site debris from the velcro surfaces. Scan the NLG ID tag on the tether to access inspection checklists and log records. Retire either component from service if it shows signs of degradation and replace before returning the system to use.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What exactly is included in this kit?
A: The kit contains two components: one NLG Tape Measure Tether (NLG101414) and one NLG Lightweight Coil Tool Lanyard (NLG101493). The Tape Measure Tether wraps around the tape measure casing, retains full blade function, and provides a welded D-ring attachment point. The Lightweight Coil Lanyard connects that D-ring to a rated anchor point. Both components are rated to 1kg and together form a complete tape measure tethering system.

Q: What is the system's overall max load?
A: Both the Tape Measure Tether and the Lightweight Coil Lanyard are rated to 1kg independently. The system maximum is 1kg. A standard tape measure weighs 250 to 400g, providing a working safety margin of 2.5 to 4 times the actual tool weight. Tape measures exceeding 1kg in total weight must not be used with this kit.

Q: Why is the Lightweight Coil Lanyard the right choice for a tape measure, rather than a heavier or longer lanyard?
A: A lanyard that is too short applies counter-tension to the tape blade during measurement. A lanyard that is too heavy or stiff adds drag to the tape body during retraction, reducing the quality of measurement and increasing the chance the operative removes the tether rather than work around it. The Lightweight Coil Lanyard extends from 48 to 180cm — long enough for full blade extension without restriction — and its lightweight construction adds negligible drag. It is sized and specified specifically for tape measure use.

Q: Do I need to buy anything else to use this kit?
A: A rated anchor point is required to connect the lanyard carabiner. Common options include the NLG Belt Loop Anchor (NLG101366), the NLG Wrist Band Anchor (NLG101365), or the D-ring on the NLG Tape Measure Holster (NLG101749) if that product is also in use. The tether and lanyard are the two active tethering components. The anchor point connects the lanyard to the operative's person or structure.

Q: What tape measure sizes fit the tether in this kit?
A: The velcro side adjustment system on the Tape Measure Tether accommodates tape measures from 5m to 8m. This covers the majority of standard construction tape measures in current site use. Tapes smaller than 5m may not seat securely. Tapes larger than 8m or exceeding 1kg total weight are not suitable for this kit.

Q: Can the components be used separately after the kit is first deployed?
A: Yes. Both are standard NLG products that can be used individually or reconfigured. The Tape Measure Tether can be reattached to a different tape measure of the correct size. The Lightweight Coil Lanyard can be used with any other tool or tether rated to 1kg. Inspect both components separately before any redeployment.

Q: How is this different from buying the Tape Measure Tether separately?
A: The solo Tape Measure Tether (NLG101414) provides the rated D-ring on the tape measure but requires a separately sourced lanyard to complete the tethering system. This kit adds the correct companion lanyard — the Lightweight Coil, which is specifically suited to tape measure reach and weight — eliminating the risk of pairing the tether with a lanyard that is too short, too heavy, or incorrectly rated.

Q: What should I do if either component is dropped at height?
A: Quarantine both components immediately. Inspect the tether velcro, flaps, D-ring, and belt clip. Inspect the lanyard coil for kinking and the carabiners for distortion. Scan the NLG ID tag to log the drop event and access the inspection checklist. Do not return either component to service until a competent person has completed and recorded the inspection. Replace any component that shows degradation.