I initially borrowed the idea for these coil lanyards via the Ranger Digest
web page which has a lot of other good ideas too.
IMHO, if you are caught in any stressful situation (or, like me, you're just old and forgetful), and you are utilizing your survival related tools, you don't want to loose, or accidentally leave them somewhere. The multi-tool is only one of many important tools in any survival kit; I decided to customize the coil lanyard for the Leathermans I'm including in the BOBs I’m making. These lanyards could also be used for other tools that have attachment points.
First the materials: you will need at least 4 feet (fully stretched) of typical telephone coil cord material per lanyard (I prefer this length because it is about as far as one can reach from a typical attachment point on the belt, plus coiled tight it is not in the way) heat shrink tubing (one inch per end) bare copper wire (I used .5 mm but larger will also work) and a stainless steel ball bearing snap swivel (I used size 2). All these materials, with the exception of the bearing snap swivels, are available at Radio Shack; the bearing swivels are available at most fishing equipment stores.
I prepare by cutting the typical phone plugs from the ends of the cord and stripping the sheath back about 1.5". Next slide a 1” section of heat shrink tube on the cord; (this has to be done prior to binding the wires or it won’t fit over the swivel). I then put the small loose individual wires from the end of the cord through the loop on the bearing swivel and fold them back on themselves. Next I take a section of copper wire and bind the bundle of wires tight; take the copper wire ends and twist them tight. Cut off the excess loose individual wires .25” behind the copper wraps and tuck the twisted copper wire back within the bundle. Slide the heat shrink tubing up over the copper coil wraps and up to the first swivel point to the middle of the swivel body. Carefully hold the heat shrink tube over a torch or flame (not too close to scorch) until the tube shrinks tight over the entire bundle, the swivel and the cord.
The other end of the coil cord is made into a simple loop for attachment of a small carabiner for attachment to a belt loop, pack, vest, or any other attachment point on your person. I do not strip the sheath from the cord from this end but the rest of the process is the same; you will need a larger section of heat-shrink tube; Radio Shacks sells these in a package with multiple sizes.
The Leatherman Charge has a lanyard loop that is very convenient and can be easily disconnected if need be. The multi-tool can be mounted in its case with the lanyard loop down (otherwise it’s too tight within the case) the added bits and a sharpening stone by eze-lap also fits in the case.
This lanyard coil cord is very tough and will not break under typical-use conditions.... The weak point (unless it's attached to a belt loop) is the snap swivel and those are typically 50 pounds or better. To make this totally waterproof, add epoxy to the interior of the shrink wrap tubing.