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A retractable security tether is a steel wire coiled like an old telephone cord. It stretches to reach and pulls back when you let go. TetherTies Coils sit at 6 inches when retracted and extend up to 39 inches, enough to slide a presenter’s adapter across a conference table or let a visitor hold a demo device at arm’s length.
How a coiled security tether works
One loop goes around the adapter, device or tool you want to keep in place. The other goes around the cable, mount or fixture that anchors it. While someone uses the item, the coil stretches. When they set it down, the coil draws back, so nothing drags across the table or dangles from a desk.
The wire is heavy-duty stainless steel with a break strength of 270 lb, as rated by the wire manufacturer. Our heavy-duty fixed tethers carry the same rating. A correct crimp decides how much of that strength you get, so read the crimping guide before your first install.
Where a coil beats a fixed tether
A fixed tether is 12 inches long and installs at about 11 inches. That works when the item sits close to its anchor. A coil is the better choice when the item has to move.
Wireless presentation dongles such as ClickShare are a common case. They live on a conference table that people rearrange, and the dongle needs slack to reach a laptop. Service counters and showroom floors are another: a customer lifts a handheld device or a tool, uses it and puts it back, so the tether has to give and then retract.
Healthcare facilities use coils to keep devices attached to walls and beds. Our hospital and medical equipment guide covers that in detail.
Three buyers who reviewed the coils on our site describe uses beyond the conference room. One anchored thermometer scanners to a stand at an employee break-area kiosk. One secured headphones at a pop-up event and wrote that the cable is “a little short but does expand.” A 2025 buyer said employees kept leaving an expensive item at client accounts, and attaching it to their bags with TetherTies “completely removed this issue.” Coils suit short-term installs like these because they come off the anchor as easily as they go on.
Coil or fixed tether
| Fixed tether | Coil | |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 12 inches, about 11 inches installed | 6 inches retracted, up to 39 inches extended |
| Break strength | 110 lb standard, 270 lb heavy duty | 270 lb |
| Colors | Black, white and silver (heavy duty in black and silver) | Black, white and silver |
| Best for | Adapters that stay close to their anchor | Items that move or need reach |
If the item stays within a foot of its anchor, a fixed tether looks cleaner and costs less. If someone has to lift, turn or pass the item, a coil keeps the setup tidy. The standard vs heavy-duty guide compares the strength ratings.
Installing a coil
The steps match the fixed tethers. Slide one loop over the item and crimp its sleeve. Slip the other loop over the anchor cable or fixture and crimp that sleeve tight. The step-by-step crimping guide has the video and the details.
How much protection a coil gives
Every tether is a deterrent. Anyone with cutters and time can cut the wire, coil included. Buyers describe tethers as stopping the casual walk-off, the moment someone pockets an adapter because it is convenient. For most offices, showrooms and clinics, that covers the problem. We call these cable tethers because they have no keys or codes to lose.
Questions people ask
How far does a retractable security tether extend?
TetherTies Coils extend up to 39 inches and coil back down to 6 inches when released.
How strong is it?
The heavy-duty wire has a 270 lb break strength, as rated by the wire manufacturer. Strength in use depends on a correct crimp at both ends.
What can I attach it to?
Adapters, dongles, cables, handheld devices and tools, anchored to a cable, desk, wall or fixture. The buying guide lists every model and its use.
Where can I buy one?
Order TetherTies Coils on this site or on Amazon. We also sell packages without crimping tools for teams that already own them, and custom orders are available.