Who Is This For
The Small D Ring Tool Tether is used by workers who need to create a certified tether point on light hand tools that have no captive hole or shaped section for a ring attachment. Electricians with pliers and snips, construction operatives with chisels and knives, and maintenance engineers with small hand tool sets all need a method of attaching a lanyard to tools that were not originally manufactured with a tether point. The Small D Ring, wrapped in position with Tether Tape, creates that point quickly and without permanent modification to the tool. For tools over 1kg, the NLG Large D Ring Tool Tether is the correct choice.
Typical Applications
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Creating a tether point on electricians' pliers and snips for use on MEWP platforms and scaffold boards.
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Tethering chisels and cold chisels used in elevated brickwork, concrete, or masonry work.
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Retrofitting a tether point on knives and cutting tools used at height in cable installation, roofing, and cladding work.
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Preparing a full set of light hand tools at ground level before ascending, so all tools arrive at height ready for immediate lanyard connection.
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Meeting the employer's duty under the Work at Height Regulations 2005 to prevent tools falling from height, for hand tools up to 1kg.
How to Use
Step 1: Confirm the tool weighs 1kg or less. For heavier tools, use the NLG Large D Ring Tool Tether (NLG101362) instead.
Step 2: Cut a length of NLG Tether Tape long enough to wrap around the tool at least six to eight times. Remove the plastic backing strip from the cut length.
Step 3: Check the tool surface is clean. Position the Small D Ring against the tool body with the NLG label facing up and the webbing catch exposed.
Step 4: Wrap the Tether Tape firmly around the D Ring catch and the tool body, stretching the tape throughout application. When the tape is stretched correctly, the edges distort and become wavy. Insufficient stretch reduces bond strength.
Step 5: Test the tether point before use by pulling firmly down on the D Ring catch. The D Ring should not move or slip.
Step 6: Connect an approved tool lanyard to the D Ring and attach to an anchor point before putting the tool into use at height.
Common Mistakes
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Using the Small D Ring on a tool over 1kg. Check the tool weight before applying. For tools between 1kg and 3kg, use the NLG Large D Ring Tool Tether (NLG101362).
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Wrapping Tether Tape without sufficient stretch. The tape must be stretched firmly throughout wrapping to activate the self-amalgamating bond. Tape wrapped loosely will not achieve full bond strength.
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Covering the NLG label during wrapping. The label must remain visible and accessible for inspection. Leave it exposed when applying the Tether Tape.
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Using the D Ring without Tether Tape. The D Ring alone has no means of attachment to the tool. Tether Tape is required to hold the D Ring in position.
Safety
The Small D Ring Tool Tether is rated to 1kg maximum load. Do not use on tools exceeding this weight. This product must be used with NLG Tether Tape, the D Ring alone is not a complete tether attachment. The completed tether point must be connected to a rated lanyard and an approved anchor point before the tool is used at height. After any drop event, quarantine the D Ring and inspect it before returning to service. If the Tether Tape has been displaced or damaged, remove and replace it with a fresh length. Employers have a duty under the Work at Height Regulations 2005 to take suitable steps to prevent tools falling from height.
Maintenance
Inspect the welded D Ring for distortion, cracks, sharp edges, and corrosion before each use. Inspect the webbing for cuts, abrasion, fraying, and soiling. Check the contrast stitching for wear or cuts. Inspect the NLG ID label for legibility. Inspect the Tether Tape wrapping for any loosening or slippage on the tool body, if the tape has shifted, remove it and replace with a fresh length. The D Ring itself is reusable: when removing a tether point from a tool, cut the tape cleanly away and retain the D Ring for use on another tool with fresh Tether Tape. Record formal inspections by serial number using the NLG Inspection Checklist.
