The right lanyard attachment depends on what the wearer actually does with their ID. If a card mainly needs to stay visible, a straightforward holder and clip may be enough. If it is regularly presented to an access reader, a compatible retractable reel may be more convenient. Start with the way the card is used, then choose the setup around it.
This is an important distinction when ordering custom lanyards. The printed strap might be the most visible part, but the holder, clip and other attachments determine how the wearer interacts with their card throughout the day.
Rather than choosing accessories individually, it helps to think about four actions: does the wearer mainly display, present, handle or carry with their lanyard?
Which lanyard attachment do I need for my ID card?
The right lanyard attachment depends on how the ID card is used. A visible staff ID may only need a compatible card holder and trigger clip, while an access card presented regularly to a reader may suit a retractable badge reel. Also consider additional items being carried and your organisation's own requirements.
There is no single attachment combination that suits every role. Two people in the same organisation can use their ID very differently, which is why starting with the wearer is often more useful than starting with a list of accessories.
If your ID mainly needs to stay visible
For many wearers, the main purpose of a lanyard is simply to keep identification visible and easy to carry.
In this situation, a custom printed lanyard with a metal trigger clip and compatible ID card holder may provide a straightforward setup. The holder keeps the card attached to the lanyard while allowing the relevant information to remain visible.
Before ordering, check the size and orientation of the card as well as the fitting on the holder. A portrait card and a landscape card may require different holder orientations, and the attachment point needs to work with the chosen clip.
This type of setup can suit staff, visitors, students, delegates or volunteers where the card primarily needs to be displayed rather than regularly moved or presented.
If you regularly present an access card to a reader
An access card lanyard has a slightly different job. The card may still need to remain visible, but the wearer also needs to move it towards a reader throughout the day.
Repeatedly removing the lanyard or unclipping the card can be inconvenient. A retractable badge reel can provide another option when it is used with a compatible card holder and attachment.
The wearer can extend the card towards the reader while it remains attached to the setup, then allow the reel to retract afterwards.
Compatibility is important here. The card, holder, reel and lanyard attachment need to work together, so it is worth checking the complete arrangement rather than assuming that any reel can be added to any holder.
You can view available lanyard and ID accessories when considering how the complete setup will work.
If the card needs to be handled regularly
Some ID cards are displayed most of the time but still need to be handled regularly. The wearer might need to show the card more closely, use information on both sides or interact with it as part of their role.
In these situations, think about how easy the chosen holder and attachment make that everyday movement. A setup designed purely to keep a card facing forwards may not be the most convenient option if the wearer frequently needs to interact with it.
It is useful to consider these requirements before choosing the holder rather than treating it as an afterthought once the lanyard design has been agreed.
If your lanyard needs to carry more than one item
Not every lanyard is used for a single ID card. Depending on the role, a wearer may also have an additional credential, pass, key or another item they need during the day.
Before adding several items to one lanyard, consider whether they genuinely need to be carried together. More items can change the weight and feel of the finished setup and may affect which fittings are appropriate.
It can also be useful to separate requirements by role. Someone who only displays staff identification does not necessarily need the same lanyard setup as a colleague carrying an access credential and keys.
Specifying around the role can help avoid adding attachments that the wearer does not actually need.
Where does a safety breakaway fit into the decision?
A safety breakaway is different from choosing an attachment based purely on convenience. It is a fitting designed to separate when sufficient force is applied to the lanyard.
We Print Lanyards can supply custom lanyards with a safety breakaway and metal trigger clip as standard. Whether a safety breakaway is required should be determined by your organisation's own policies, procedures and risk assessment for the environment where the lanyard will be worn.
A breakaway should not be treated as a guarantee of safety or as making a lanyard universally suitable. Requirements can differ between organisations, environments and roles.
How to choose a complete lanyard and ID setup
Instead of asking which lanyard attachment is best overall, work backwards from how the identification will be used.
- Display: Does the ID mainly need to remain visible while being worn?
- Present: Does the wearer regularly need to move an access card towards a reader?
- Handle: Will the card need to be moved, turned or handled during the day?
- Carry: Does the lanyard need to hold additional credentials, keys or other items?
- Compatibility: Do the card, holder, clip and any additional attachment work together?
- Requirements: Does your organisation have specific policies or risk assessment requirements that affect the specification?
Answering those questions gives you a much clearer starting point for choosing the strap, card holder and attachments as one complete setup.
Choose the lanyard around the wearer
A useful lanyard setup is not necessarily the one with the most attachments. It is the one specified around what the wearer actually needs to do with their identification.
For some roles, that may be a straightforward lanyard, trigger clip and card holder. For others, regular access card use or additional items may mean considering a different combination.
We Print Lanyards manufactures custom printed lanyards in the UK at our Long Eaton, Nottingham factory using CMYK dye sublimation printing. We can supply lanyards with a metal trigger clip and safety breakaway as standard, alongside compatible ID cards, holders and accessories for different requirements.
We also offer rPET lanyards and biodegradable PVC ID card options, and We Print Lanyards is a Made in Britain member.
If you are ready to put your specification together, Design your lanyard online.