Lanyards add so much functionality to your ID card program – they keep the cards close at hand so cardholders aren’t digging in bags and pockets for their cards, they keep the cards visible so cardholders are quickly identifiable, and with custom printed lanyards you can add branding and name recognition to your program.

Common Lanyard Attachments

While it might be fun to choose the lanyard color, width, and material, the attachment you choose will have the biggest impact on how functional your lanyards will be for cardholders.

Lobster Clip – This metal attachment is easy to use, essential if you will be frequently replacing the cards on this lanyard. The lobster clip attachment will swivel around, so it’s not the best option if you need cards to stay facing out at all times.

Bulldog Clip – This clip will keep your cards level and facing forward because it does not have a swivel attachment, so if you need badges to face forward at all times for security (common with healthcare and government) this is a great option. Bulldog clips are also easy to open and close.

Swivel Hook – With a hook that opens and close with continuous pressure, the swivel hook is a great way to make sure your card stay on the lanyard even when pulled or snagged because it won’t easily open. Swivel hook attachments do swivel, so you cards may not stay facing out. Swivel hooks can easily hold more than one card, or other items like keys or USB drives.

Trigger Hook – Also sometimes called a Lobster Claw, the trigger hook attachments have a small level you press on to open and close the attachment. Similar to a swivel hook, the trigger hook can also hold multiple cards or other small items. This attachment also swivels, so you cards make not always face out.

Split Ring – Also known as a key ring, the split ring attachment is the easiest attachment type to hold multiple cards, keys, USB drives, and other items. The cards are securely attached to the split ring so they cannot easily fall off and get lost. Cards placed on a split ring may not lie flat, so they may be more useful for access control cards and swipe cards instead of photo ID cards.

Thin Plastic Hook – This attachment is similar to a lobster clip or swivel hook, in that you press on the holder to open it up and attach your card. Thin plastic hooks do not swivel, so your card will continue facing outward where they can easily be read by security or other personnel. Because of their thin size, however, cards will not be perfectly level and can tilt to the side.

Wide Plastic Hook – This attachment is similar to a lobster clip or swivel hook, in that you press on the holder to open it up and attach your card. Thin plastic hooks do not swivel, so your card will continue facing outward where they can easily be read by security or other personnel. Unlike a thin plastic hook, however, the wider size keeps your cards level so they are easier to read.

Lanyard Reel – Don’t feel forced to choose between a lanyard and a badge reel, when you can get both with this lanyard reel attachment! Lanyard reel attachments keep your cards conveniently close at hand, but the reel cord allows you to swipe or scan cards without taking off the lanyard. The reel attachment may not keep your card facing forward though.

Detachable Hook – The plastic hook on this attachment is detachable, allowing your cardholders to easily hand over their cards for scanning or swiping without taking the entire lanyard off. Similar to plastic hooks or lobster clips, you press on the clip to open it and attach your cards.

Ready to pick the lanyard that will add color and function to your ID card program? Shop all lanyards on AlphaCard.