DeWalt 6 ft single-leg external energy-absorbing lanyard with snap hook (D-ring end) and rebar hook (anchor end)

Why I reached for this lanyard

On steel, scaffolds, and formwork, I like simple, unmistakable connections. That’s why I’ve been running DeWalt’s 6‑ft external energy‑absorbing lanyard over the last few months on a mid‑rise build. It’s a straightforward single‑leg setup with a steel snap hook at the harness end and a rebar hook at the anchor end—no gimmicks, just hardware that does what it should. The external energy absorber is the standout detail here: it’s easy to inspect at a glance and adds confidence that arrest forces will be kept in check if things go sideways.

Build and hardware

The lanyard uses 1.2‑inch polyester webbing paired with zinc‑plated steel hooks. The webbing feels dense and tightly woven, with clean edge finishing that held up well against day‑to‑day abrasion from concrete forms and painted steel. The hardware has the reassuring heft you want on a primary fall‑arrest connector—no flex, clean castings, and a finish that shrugged off a few wet mornings without spotting or tackiness.

At the harness side, the standard snap hook connects easily to a dorsal D‑ring. The rebar hook on the anchor side is the right choice for the work I do—big throat, stable seating on angle iron, rebar, and scaffold posts. Both hooks are ANSI‑rated with 3,600‑lb gate strength, which is table stakes in commercial work but still worth calling out. Gate action remained predictable after grime and dust exposure; a quick blast with compressed air at the end of the week kept the motion crisp.

Energy absorber and fall‑arrest behavior

No, I didn’t “test” it in a fall. But the external absorber design is exactly what I prefer for routine inspections. You can see its condition without opening a sleeve or hunting for hidden stitching. The absorber housing is tidy and compact enough that it didn’t snag on purlins while I moved around, and it sits flat when stowed, rather than bulging off the harness like some bulkier packs.

In practice, the peace of mind comes from compliance: it’s built to ANSI Z359.13‑2013 and OSHA 1910.140/1926.502. Those standards govern how much force gets transmitted to the body and how the absorber behaves under load. My process is simple: before stepping off, I confirm the absorber hasn’t deployed, the label pack is legible, and the stitching isn’t abraded. With the absorber external and obvious, that check takes seconds.

One important reminder with any 6‑ft lanyard: clearance matters. This is not an SRL. If you’re working at low elevations or with the anchor at foot level, you need to review the required clearance on the product label and plan accordingly. I used this lanyard primarily with overhead or at‑shoulder anchors where the free‑fall distance is controlled.

Handling in the field

Weight matters when you’re climbing all day. At about 3.5 lb, this lanyard is on the sturdy side for a single‑leg unit. The upside is a feeling of solidity and hooks that don’t bounce open; the downside is that you do feel the weight when you rack tools on top of it. On my harness, the mass concentrated toward the anchor end actually kept the leg from tangling underfoot, which was a pleasant surprise.

• One‑handed operation: Both hooks are easy enough to operate with gloves. The rebar hook’s geometry makes it simple to reach up and clip to an overhead member without pinching your hand between the gate and steel.
• Stowing: With a single leg, I coiled the slack and parked the rebar hook on a tool loop when climbing. It didn’t interfere with my shoulders or head, and it didn’t create a pendulum hazard.
• Swing control: The webbing tracks straight without kinking, and the absorber module acts like a small counterweight, keeping the line from twisting as much as lighter lanyards sometimes do.

Inspection, labeling, and asset management

I appreciate the protected label pack more than I expected. DeWalt tucks the paperwork and inspection grid behind a clear, durable cover that stayed readable after brushing against wet form oil and concrete dust. The QR code is actually useful: I scanned it into our asset tracker on day one and used the record to log pre‑use checks weekly. The embedded RFID is a bonus if you’re running a sitewide reader system for tool crib management. Either way, the identification is robust enough that you’re not guessing at model numbers later.

Durability so far

After weeks of routine use and transport in the back of a gang box, the webbing shows minimal fuzzing. The zinc plating is holding up to damp mornings and the occasional splash without surface rust. The rebar hook has a few cosmetic scratches from steel edges, but the gates still close sharply with no stickiness. I haven’t seen any worrisome wear at stitch points or at the absorber housing. As always with polyester, avoid sharp edges and hot work; this isn’t rated for edge exposure or welding spatter.

Where it shines

• Structural and ironwork: The rebar hook makes fast work of clipping to large‑diameter steel, scaffold rails, and embedded anchors. If your anchors vary in size throughout the day, this setup saves time compared to fiddling a smaller hook into place.
• Straightforward tie‑off: For tasks where you can maintain a single attachment and move methodically (decking, decking cleanup, form setup), a single‑leg lanyard is lighter and simpler than a twin‑leg or SRL.
• Teams that care about documentation: The protected labels plus QR/RFID make inspections and asset control painless. On a site with dozens of units, this alone reduces headaches.

Limitations and trade‑offs

• Not for 100% tie‑off by itself: Single leg means you’ll need to transition carefully or use a second device when moving between anchors. If you’re constantly traversing, a twin‑leg lanyard may be a better fit.
• Clearance and swing fall: Like all 6‑ft shock‑absorbing lanyards, this requires adequate fall clearance. If you’re in tight vertical spaces or working near edges where swing is likely, an SRL with leading‑edge rating (if applicable to your task) may be safer and more practical.
• Weight and bulk: The robust steel hardware adds confidence but also adds ounces. If you’re counting every ounce on your harness, there are lighter aluminum‑hardware options out there, though they won’t be as abuse‑tolerant.
• Not a tie‑back or leading‑edge unit: There’s no tie‑back rating here, and no leading‑edge approval stated. Use appropriate anchor connectors and avoid wrapping the webbing around structure unless the manufacturer specifically allows it.

Safety and compatibility notes

As always, match this lanyard with a harness that fits properly, and use it only with anchors rated for fall arrest (typically 5,000 lb or engineered to a safety factor per OSHA). Check the label for allowed orientations and clearance requirements, and retire the lanyard immediately if the absorber shows any sign of deployment or damage. The hooks’ 3,600‑lb gates reduce the risk of rollout, but only when used with compatible anchor hardware and without sideloading the gates.

The bottom line

The DeWalt lanyard strikes a practical balance: rugged steel hardware, an easy‑to‑inspect external energy absorber, and thoughtful touches like a protected label pack and scannable tags. It’s built to the right standards, it handles predictably with gloves, and it stood up to weeks of field use without fuss. The trade‑offs are exactly what you’d expect—some extra weight and the inherent limitations of any 6‑ft single‑leg design.

Recommendation: I recommend this lanyard for general commercial and industrial work where a single‑leg connection is appropriate and anchors are within easy reach. It’s a durable, standards‑compliant option that makes inspections simple and connections confident. If your tasks demand constant 100% tie‑off, very low fall clearances, tie‑back capability, or leading‑edge protection, choose a twin‑leg lanyard or SRL designed for those scenarios. For everyone else, this is a dependable, well‑executed tool that earns a spot on the harness.