I came across Ergodyne Squids by accident, but they seem like a very useful product. You see, I was surprised by how popular a certain style of tool leash was, and I wanted to see if they had something similar here. I couldn’t find it, but I came to learn about the Ergodyne Squids in my search efforts.
Ergodyne isn’t the only brand making this style of tool tether, but their affordability (3 for $8) and ease of use captured my attention.
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The Squids are fairly simple in construction. They feature a plated o-ring that is attached to a strip of webbing, and there is a loop of stretch cord with a barrel lock on the other end.
These Squids are said to have a maximum safe working capacity of 15 pounds.
The Squids Tool Tails allow for retrofitting a tether attachment to different types of tools and equipment so that they can be secured when working at heights.
In the case of a hammer, the loop is secured around the handle, with self-adhering tool attachment tape used to keep it from coming apart.
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Ergodyne sells this tape in gray and orange colors. They say you could also use cold shrink tool traps. Tape isn’t needed for hand tools that have large-enough lanyard holes for the loop to pass through.
As an aside, the type of knot is called a girth hitch knot. It is also called a lark’s head or cow’s hitch knot.
Alternatively, the Ergodyne Squids Tool Tails can also be used as anchor points on a belt, harness, or other such structure, with the o-ring accessible for clipping tools or accessories.
The standard length is 11″, and there is also an extended length version that measures 18″ long.
Pricing: $7.99 for (3) standard, $9.49 for (3) extended length
Buy Now: Standard | Extended Length via Amazon
Accessories: Self-Adhering Tape, Cold Shrink Trap
More Ergodyne Tethers via Amazon
What frustrates me is that this isn’t the first time I came across Ergodyne’s tool tether accessories. I learned and first wrote about them 4 years ago: Have You Used Ergodyne Tool Tethers or Lanyards?
In hindsight, upon seeing that I had written about the brand’s tether-retrofitting accessories before, I realize that my reaction was the same – that looks versatile and easy to use.
It seems to me that the “it’s too complicated” factor is the main reason more workers don’t tether their tools unless their organization is large enough to require it. This looks like a relatively easy and inexpensive way to start.
Lastly, with these Squids Tool Tails, you’ll also need a way to secure the o-ring to your gear, or your gear to the o-ring.
Jared
I didn’t know there was an Ergodyne version. I had only looked at Proto’s before.
It’s not something I need personally, but I appreciate that this system lets you tether tools that weren’t designed for it. Buying tools with tethering holes or attachment points built-in is expensive. “Tether ready” versions of Proto, Williams and other industrial brands are often way more money than their “regular” counterparts.
fred
You say: “I came across Ergodyne Squids by accident” – better that than coming across an un-tethered tool that is dropped causing an accident.
I would think that more manufacturers would start making tether-ready tools – with that feature designed in rather than added on. With a hammer – you would think that a loop or eyebolt added at the rear of the handle would be more ergonomic than a tether attached along the shaft. But even tether-ready hammers from Proto don’t do that:
https://www.toolup.com/Proto-J1316AVP-TT-Tether-Ready-AntiVibe-Ball-Pein-Hammer-16-oz-
Jared
Ha! That is a good point. What a weird place to put the “Tether-Ready” loop.
With the pliers and ratchets, they just put a hole through the end of the handle – perfectly reasonable (though I don’t understand why it can make the same tool 50-70% more expensive as the version sans hole).
This one seems even worse:
https://www.toolup.com/Proto-J1431G-TT-Tether-Ready-3-8-Lb-Brass-Hammer
Makes me think that perhaps for some tools, they aren’t making special “Tether-Ready” versions – instead they are just “professionally” adding the tether to off-the-shelf tools.
How else could you explain these screwdrivers for example:
https://www.toolup.com/Proto-JP0204R-TT-Tether-Ready-Quad-Lobe-Phillips-Screwdriver-2-x-4
…when probably half of all screwdrivers already include a lanyard hole.
Stuart
Very true!
There are so very many different types of hammers, which is why retrofitting tends to make sense. It gives workers the ability to choose their brand or style.
A lot of tools are now designed with lanyard or tether loops by default, but not hammers, and I don’t really see that happening except for tools specifically designed for use at heights.
TimL
I think the idea of tethering a hammer closer to the heavy end would help an injury when the item is dropped and swings to hit something or the user.
Wayne R.
I was up on a pole and dropped a nut driver straight down into a palmetto. Never saw it again.
I was at the bottom of a pole and a pork chop grip whizzed past my ear.
Yes, lanyards would’ve helped avoid both, but I can’t see any of us using them that way.
Andy H
I use BearTools lanyards/tethers when I’m working underneath my boat lift. I’ve dropped two too many tools into the water!
https://amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B07XCLGJFN
Also, I use self-fusing silicone tape (which that Ergodyne tape surely is) when I tie a lanyard to a tool that doesn’t have a handle large enough to be held securely by the bungie/barrel portion of the lanyard… exactly like the hammer example above.
Larry Badiner
Is there a belt clip like this? Try as I might, I can’t find a reasonably priced belt clip for my Bosch Drill/Drivers.
Stuart
Kind of? Some brands have retractable lanyards/leashes, but they’re generally rated for smaller/lighter loads.
I think part of the problem (at least) is that heavier loads require stronger springs for retraction, but then you can’t use them with lighter tools or they’ll whip around too fast.
The next best thing might be for a non-retractable tether and cordless drill/driver pouch.
Larry Badiner
I sort of hijacked the thread. I’m looking for a belt clip rather than a leash. Maybe I need a drill/driver pouch, but a belt clip is always there and ready to go. I’ve searched Amazon for a generic belt clip but never found one.
Josh H
You could try this
Dickies 5-Pocket Drill Holster with Safety Tether, Universal-Fit Steel Tool Belt Clip https://www.amazon.com/dp/B075794V1L/
I use these with the tether listed in the OP. I really like them. Amazon Says i have been using them since 2019!
Spider Tool Holster Set – Improve The Way You Carry Your Power Drill, Driver, Multitool, Pneumatic, Multi-Tool and More on Your Belt! https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07KP54WJ9/
Stuart
I saw the same pouch combo this morning when trying to explore different drill and driver tethers. It looks like a potential compromise, but I could see how it attaches to a drill. They might leave it up to users to select the appropriate connection.
Blocky
The 18v (or 12v with larger square battery mounted), you can use these squids to loop around the lower handle and still use the factory belt hooks.
I’ve also tried a few holsters — my favorite for the 12v Bosch is the old 12v makita holster. They’re about $6 on eBay. The similar Bosch branded holster is too shallow and flimsy.
Matt J.
If you’re talking about the 12v Bosch, I 3D printed these (if you don’t have one, your local library may like mine did): https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:4654739
They’re not perfect (you need one for every battery and they don’t work with the larger batteries), but they work most of the time and it cost me like $3 to make 6 of them.
Larry Badiner
Thanks. I’ve never done 3-d printing so this might be an opportunity!
JC
Spider Tool Holster products (https://spidertoolholster.com/) are my preferred tool safety & retention system. The system’s components are self-explanatory.
When working at heights, I simply add either my own handmade 550 paracord tethers, or choose one of my GearKeeper retractors (https://gearkeeper.com/), depending on the weight of my tool and my need.
Based on my experiences, these products have been saviors in keeping me and my arthritic hips & knees from having to climb up & down a ladder to retrieve a fallen hand tool, or saving one of my Milwaukee M12/M18 tools from slamming onto a concrete surface.
Koko The Talking Ape
Why would these things be better than a piece of nylon cord (that costs 5 cents)? If you need a loop at the end, just tie a bowline.
Also, a girth hitch knot is not the best for taking loads in that sideways direction. There are a number of knots that are designed for that kind of load, like the timber hitch. Tie an overhand knot in the free end to keep it from slipping out. Or just loop the cord around the tool twice and tie it any which way. Wrapping it around twice makes even loose loops much less likely to slip off the tool.
Josh H
I would have to look to make sure but im pretty sure i have some of these. I tried a couple brands after dropping my festool drill off of some scaffolding and breaking a 25 dollar countersink bit and sending the festool off for 285 in repairs!
Now anytime im on a ladder or scaffold i always tether my stuff. Takes a few extra minutes and can get in the way on occasion but nothing like 300 plus bucks and being out a tool for 2 weeks.
Joatman
I can’t tell you how long I’ve been waiting to buy a product with the word “squid” in its name. Whodathunkit.