When you mention the word lanyard to many people, they give you a look that seems rather puzzled and sometimes will ask what in the world that is. Once explained, often you will get a response like, "oh, I didn't know what those were called."

Lanyards are used to hold cards and other items around one's neck for easy access and secure holding of the items attached. Like a necklace, the cord attaches in a loop that hangs around one's neck. Various attachments at the end of the lanyard will hold things such as id cards, ski passes, back stage passes, cell phones, whistles and many other things.

There are many materials that the cord can be made of. Common ones are nylon, like a shoe string. Various widths of the lanyard are available and sometimes a company or organization will have text or logo's woven or stamped onto the fabric to advertise their group or cause.

Other lanyards that are becoming more popular are beaded lanyards. Fashion often dictates that a nylon lanyard is not quite up to par. There are many places to obtain beautiful beaded lanyards in various colors and bead styles that are quite attractive.

Lanyards come in styles that are called breakaway and non breakaway. There is an important difference between the two. A breakaway lanyard has a section of the cord that is split in two. A reattachable connection is placed on both ends of the split. The connection may be a plastic hook or magentic ends. The breakaway lanyard is good for situations when the lanyard could be pulled or tugged by machine or person. The connection will break allowing the lanyard holder to not be hurt with a pulled lanyard that will draw him/her into potential danger. Nonbreakaway lanyards do not have the connection and are not recommended for some situations.

There are many ends of the lanyard. This is where the attachment is that will hold the items being carried. The following are the basic ends:

1. Stainless Steel Hook

2. Plastic Hook

3. Split Ring

4. Bull Dog Hook

Depending on the preference of the lanyard wearer, one of the ends may be more appropriate in their situation.

SafeCard ID has a number of styles of lanyards available for many uses.  There are so many options to choose from, that one will work for most any situation.