In reply to punj:
> the problem im now having is attaching them to my axes. having them clipped in the top (the only place they really can be that i can see) doesnt seem ideal
If you're worried about tension in the leashes affecting the swing of the axes, you could attach the lanyard to a higher point on your person. For example, a D-ring on a rucksack shoulder strap (they almost always seem to have them, though it's never been clear to me why - this could be one practical use for the things!)
Alternatively, if you don't climb with a sack or don't have D-rings, you can use a length of webbing and a krab to create a chest-height attachment point. Needlesports used to have a page on their web site explaining how to do this but they seem to have taken it down now.
Either of these solutions would avoid you having to drill the axes (bang goes the shaft's T rating?), or duct tape stuff to the bottom of the shaft that might interfere with or get ripped off by plunging (which it sounds like you will still want to do, given the grades of climbs you are doing atm).