How to Attach and Adjust a ChuBuddy Tether Lanyard Safely
By The Autism Community Store | Published: 2026-10-16
Category: How-to Guides
Step-by-step instructions for attaching a ChuBuddy tether and lanyard to chew tools, adjusting the strap for comfort, and checking safety before each use.
Quick answer
Thread the chew tool through the 3-inch plastic strap, clip the key ring to a collar or shirt loop, then adjust the 9-inch lanyard so the chewable rests at chest height. Pull-test the connection and check the strap for cracks before every use.
What you need before you start
Gather the ChuBuddy Tether, the chew tool you plan to use, and a mirror. A mirror helps you check that the lanyard hangs at a safe length and that the strap is fully seated on the chew tool. If you are using a Knobby Tube, note that it has a hollow center, so the strap needs to pass through the tube rather than wrap around it. Chewy tubes are sold separately from the tether, so confirm you have both pieces before starting.
How to attach the strap to a chew tool
The 3-inch plastic strap is designed to hold a wide assortment of chewables. For a solid chew tool like the Mega Chewlery Necklace, thread the strap through the opening or around the cord and pull it snug. For a hollow tool like the Knobby Tube, feed the strap through the center and loop it back through itself. The goal is a connection that will not slide off during chewing but is not so tight that it pinches the tool.
How to clip and position the lanyard
Clip the key ring to a collar, shirt loop, or zipper pull. The lanyard is 9 inches long, which is intended to keep the chewable within easy reach without dangling. Position the clip so the chew tool rests at chest level when the wearer is sitting or standing. If the lanyard hangs lower than that, shorten it by looping it through the key ring a second time. Always use the lanyard under adult supervision, especially for children who might pull or twist it.
How to adjust for comfort and safety
Ask the wearer to turn their head side to side and raise their arms. The lanyard should not pull against the neck or catch on furniture. If the strap feels too tight on the chew tool, loosen it one notch; if it slides, tighten it. For the Mega Chewlery Necklace, which is 6-1/4 inches in diameter and stretches, you may need to adjust the strap differently than for a rigid tube. Check that the strap is not twisted, because a twist can create a pressure point.
Daily checks and when to replace parts
Before each use, pull the strap and lanyard firmly to check for cracks, stretching, or a loose key ring. Chew tools and tethers wear over time, especially with heavy chewing. If the plastic strap shows white stress marks or the lanyard fraying, replace the tether. The ChuBuddy Tether is an inexpensive part, so keeping a spare on hand avoids a mid-day breakdown. Remember that the tether is not a toy and should not be used as a restraint.
Step-by-step: attach, adjust, and check
- Thread the strap through the chew tool: For a solid tool like the Mega Chewlery Necklace, pass the 3-inch plastic strap through the opening or around the cord. For a hollow tool like the Knobby Tube, feed the strap through the center and loop it back through itself. Checkpoint: the strap should not slide freely when you tug gently on the chew tool.
- Clip the key ring to clothing: Attach the key ring to a collar, shirt loop, or zipper pull. The 9-inch lanyard should let the chewable rest at chest height when the wearer is seated or standing. Common mistake: clipping to a loose pocket or bag strap, which lets the chew tool swing and become a tripping hazard.
- Adjust the lanyard length: If the chew tool hangs below chest level, loop the lanyard through the key ring a second time to shorten it. If it pulls tight when the wearer turns their head, add slack. Checkpoint: the wearer should be able to turn their head fully without the lanyard tugging.
- Test the strap tension: For stretchy chew jewelry like the Mega Chewlery Necklace, a slightly looser strap prevents the material from being compressed. For rigid tubes, a snug fit keeps the tool from slipping out. Common mistake: over-tightening the strap on a stretchy necklace, which can deform the chewable.
- Do a pull-test and safety check: Before each use, pull the strap and lanyard firmly to check for cracks, fraying, or a loose key ring. Look for white stress marks on the plastic strap. Replace the tether if any part shows wear; a spare tether prevents a mid-day breakdown.
Product facts that affect setup
- ChuBuddy Tether - Lanyard & Strap: ChuBuddy tethers and strap make it easy to keep chewables within easy reach and also help to prevent kids from losing them. The straps are made to hold a wide assortment of chewables. The lanyard is 9 inches long with the strap attaching to the key ring. These tethers are ideal to hold chewy tubes allowing it to be clipped on clothing for easy use. Chewy tubes sold separately. The 3-inch plastic strap can also be purchased separately. The 9-inch lanyard and 3-inch strap determine how the chew tool sits; knowing they are sold separately helps you plan whether you need extra straps.
- Mega Chewlery Necklace: People loved the Chewlery and requested a bigger bite. So now, there is the MegaChewlery Necklaces with double the strength and thickness. 6-1/4 inch (16cm) diameter. Chewable jewelry that stretches. Chewlery is a great way to keep kids from chewing on their clothes, while letting them work through their chewing tendencies. The Mega Chewlery Necklace is thicker and stretchier than standard chew jewelry, so the tether strap may need a looser fit to avoid compressing the material.
- Knobby Tube - Green: Chewy Tubes are an innovative oral motor device designed to provide a resilient, chewable surface for practicing biting and chewing skills. Small and large jaws alike enjoy the tactile input offered by biting on Chewy Tubes for fun and therapeutic purposes. Chewy tubes help improve jaw stability and provides valuable sensory input to the jaw. They are an effective tool for those with Sensory Processing disorder. The Knobby Tube is a hollow chew tool, so the tether strap must pass through the center rather than wrap around it to stay secure.
