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.

That's a pretty nice idea. I'm not sure one of those recoiling steel keychain deals would be as strong (though they seem to do just fine with pounds of keys). The weak point is definitely the snap swivel as you point out, and I have seen some more industrial sized ones.

The only thing I'd suggest is a more robust connection at the wire/keychain point. I'd say wrap 2 wires to the left and 2 to the right, alternating each and using more of the steel wire to wrap (very tightly), so you end up with less chance of the wires breaking loose with repeated pulling. It's unlikely, but I've seen people fish wire in walls and have similar rigs come undone. Granted, there was probably more pressure but if this catches on something it might do the same.

By the way, someone needs to clue LM into building a nice small pocket for those plastic bit holders on the outside of the main compartment instead of trying to fit it on the inside. <img src="/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

Cool idea with the coiled cord... I'll have to try this.

Here's a heavier (size 6) swivel hook. You're right, I should try some stainless wire. I use copper wire to secure the cord because it is flexible and will bite into the rubber sheath pretty easily. This short section of coil cable (as shown)stretches to 4 feet.

Yeah, that's a nice idea... good for other items like a waterbottle and flashlight too. I think you could put the wire in a vice and use pliers to really wrap that tightly. Putting some epoxy on it would make that pretty indestructible (the wire or clasp will fail before the connection).

I too have made these systems for a variety of tools. I use a small zip tie to secure the loop in the telephone wire. I still cover it with some shrink tubing, it is bulkier then the wire wrap, but very quick.

One safety issue: I have notice a number of follow up posting suggesting various ways to create a more “secure” loop. If you wearing these securing devices around moving water, rocks, trees or machinery where the possibility exists for becoming entangled, I would urge you not to use a more secure method and in fact would urge the incorporation of some type of weak link into the system. The use of the 50lb. swivel as the weak link would actually be a good thing to incorporate or perhaps even a lighter weight swivel.

Pete

Great idea for those old phone cables lying around the house. I closed-down a retail store once & all three of the stores phones found their way into my garage. LOL
I wonder if the "curly cable" could be threaded through some gutted paracord?

I'll assume you mean me. <img src="/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> Anyway, I hadn't thought of that - good point. I guess I was thinking out in the boonies, but a built-in breakaway is probably the wiser choice.

Just who are you calling old and...hey, what was I saying? <img src="/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

-- Craig

I just use paracord for tool-keepers...easier and lighter -- plus there's all thet useful paracord if you need it.

TRO

You don't want to use paracord for two big reasons. First, 4 feet or lanyard hanging off you is not only a hassle, it's a hazard. Second, if you get hung-up on some moving object or in a fall, the 550 pound paracord will not release. A snap swivel on the lanyard should have about a 50 pound hold so you don't end up dangling some place you don't want to be.