PROTO® is proud to announce the launch of its new tethered tools system. The system, which works with the SkyHook™ (patent pending), will help technicians and contractors working in the oil, gas, energy and construction industries comply with fall protection regulation, fulfill safety requirements, and work productively while at height.

The new PROTO Tethered Tools system includes 11 types of lanyards, depending on need and use case. The system also includes eight sizes of tool collars and seven different looped heat shrinks for retrofitting existing tools. PROTO’s tether ready tools include 130 different sockets, 80 wrenches, 32 screwdrivers and hex keys, 22 striking and struck tools, and 27 pliers and specialty tools. All of these accessories work within the PROTO SkyHook system, or with traditional elastic lanyards.

“For oil and gas, and many of the industries where we work today, tool tethering will be the next wave of regulation around working at height. We see our new tethered tools system as a way users can work at height safely, productively and efficiently,” said Alan English, senior brand manager. “We’re committed to providing quality tools that offer the safest solutions, and our SkyHook technology promises to deliver on that mission.”

The market’s current offerings of tethered tools can create considerable safety hazards for contractors. Most tethers are either long, and can cause serious injury when working around moving parts, or short, which require clip attachments and can be unsecure and dangerous during transfer when working at height.

PROTO’s newest tethered tools solution utilizes active attachments that are always engaged, even during transfer from hand to hand, person to person, or hand to holster. The operation is essentially hands free, and only requires a short lanyard to go from a user’s hand to wrist. If the tool is dropped, it only falls a short distance, decreasing hazard risk.

The system is fast to use and easy to adapt, and the docks can easily be added onto standard tool belts, tool bags or work platforms. If a tool does get entrapped in structures or machinery, it’s designed to breakaway (with significant force) for tools up to six pounds.

For customers who would prefer to retrofit their existing tool crib to the SkyHook solution, several attachment mechanisms are available depending on tool type, mobility required and weight. For rotating tools such as screwdrivers, punches and hex keys, the tool collars mount on the shaft, allowing full use of the grip end. The collars have 360-degree mobility, preventing tether entanglement, and fit on a wide range of tools. The flexible collars allow quick installation and includes a tumbled tether loop. The eight different collars also don't require additional tools for installation.

The looped heat shrink comes in seven different sizes for variable sized tools. It’s a versatile attachment for varying different tool types, and works well for large tools without a neck. The kits are weight rated for different sized tools.

The line is available through all existing Proto Industrial distributors, and is covered by the same limited lifetime warranty against manufacturer’s defects as all Proto hand tools.

About Proto Industrial Tools (www.protoindustrial.com)

Proto® Industrial Tools has been making durable, high-quality hand tools for more than 100 years, having grown from a small machine shop to a worldwide supplier. Our tools are developed according to strict ergonomic standards, with features that lets users work faster and easier, including enhanced shock absorption and reduced slip. We are exhaustive in our efforts to make the world’s safest tools and provide tool safety education. Markets including auto, steel, and airplane manufacturing plants, chemical plants, refineries, general manufacturing, transportation, and fleet maintenance for trucking, transit, and aircraft. For more information call 800-800-TOOL, or visit www.protoindustrial.com.