Tips for Buying Lanyards

Posted on September 5, 2011 by

There is a lanyards for just about any need you can think of. At first, they were used mainly to safely secure moored ships, and to help prevent weapons from falling from horses, or losing them in battle. Now, there are many different types and styles of lanyards, for holding or securing a number of different items.

Here are some tips for buying lanyards, and finding one that suits your needs the best. The best place to start is to decide on a style that fits you. There are round as well as flat weave lanyards, which are common, simple and cheap. If you need a lanyard for light uses, like keeping a name badge around your neck, check into these simple models first. If you are constantly using your key card or other item you may want a lanyard that can detach the card, badge or other time without having to take the lanyard itself off your neck. Then you should thing about how long and wide your lanyard should be, most standards sizes are about 36″ long and in widths from 3/8″-5/8.” The materials they are made from can also be important. If you are wearing a lanyard around your neck, then you want it to be made from nylon, cotton, or some other breathable material. If you need more strength, leather, or other woven fibers are the best choice. If you are concerned about the environment, there are Eco-friendly materials, like bamboo, or even recycled plastics available.

The next tip is deciding whether you want a break away lanyard or not. This is a personal choice, as well as a safety one. In some situations a break away lanyard is preferred, because if they are pulled too much, like snagged on a tree, or caught in a piece of machinery, the lanyard breaks apart so the person wearing doesn’t get hurt. Non break away lanyards are good for securing wallets to belts, keeping hold of tools or weapons, just to name a few.

What attachments for the lanyard is another consideration. There are attachments to clip name tags too, or split ring designs for keys. There are also swivel hooks, bulldog and mountain climbing clips. A few of the major brand names like OptiWeave and OptiBraid has the own options for attachments.

Price can also be a factor when buying lanyards. While you may want to buy the cheapest one, this is not always a good idea. Spending a little extra now can save you money in the long run, because they won’t have to be replaced as often. The materials are better, as well as the attachment hardware. One other note, there are some lanyards that are retractable, and while these have their advantages, the retract mechanisms have a tendency to break down after a short period of time or with multiple use.

These are just a few of the tips to buying lanyards. There are a number of retailers that carry them, both locally as well as online. For the best price and selection, going online is a good option. If you find that you still can’t find the right lanyard for your needs, there are kits and instruction manuals that can teach you how to make your own lanyards.

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Different Lanyard Styles

Posted on September 2, 2011 by

There are many different styles of custom lanyards, and they can be as different or unique as the person using them. They can be beaded or adorned with other decorations, which can add a touch of style to your wardrobe. Many people use neck lanyards for keeping their glasses from falling, and having a beaded style can add a little flair. There are a number of flat styles, for keeping whistles and other items close at hand. There are round lanyards, square styles and many others to choose from.

There are lanyards styles that are used to hold name tags or other forms of identification. These can be brightly colored, so that they attach the eyes of customers. There are styles of lanyards that have the company name or logo on them. Many of these promotional styles are used to advertise products or services. They are cheap, are available in a wide assortment of styles and colors, and can have plain writing on them, or even be decorated right from the manufacturer.

There are also other different styles of lanyards as well. There are chain lanyards, that come in an assortment of shapes and sizes. There are even some lanyard styles with a retractable line, coiled into a spool like a measuring tape. These can be used to hold keys, or pass cards, or other items that you use a lot but still want to keep secure. They allow the lanyard to extend to a certain point, then retract automatically into the case when finished. Different styles of chain lanyards can keep wallets secure in your pocket, and these can often prevent thieves from pick pocketing.

Materials that the lanyard is made from can be as varied as the styles as well. What the lanyard is made from really depends on what it is used for. As just mentioned, there are metal chain styles, metal line, but there are also a number of other materials. Those that work as teachers, in offices, etc, often use nylon, polyester or cotton, because they are cheaper, wear well, and can be put in the wash when dirty. They are much lighter in weight, and can be used for all kinds of applications.

Beaded styles of lanyards are quite popular, for a number of reasons. The beads and other decorations can reflect the style and personality of the person wearing it. There are a number of retailers for these styles, but they can be found at school fund raisers, or craft shows. Each person is different, and some people only find one that really fits their personality here.

There are a number of low cost lanyards styles available. For those that are looking for a cheap way to advertise their business, there are a number of whole sale companies on the internet that offer a wide range of lanyard styles. Depending on the width of the lanyard, they can have a full company logo, or just the printed name of the company on them. These are usually sold in bulk, and buying them this way means that the price for individual pieces can be as low as a few cents, depending on the amount ordered. While pens and pencils that have a company logo get used up and discarded, a lanyard can be used for a long time.

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The Different Types Of Lanyards

Posted on August 30, 2011 by

There are many different types of blank lanyards. They can be made from a variety of different materials, and the attachment hardware, or clips, can be a variety of different products. Lanyards are pretty much anything that can attach and secure something to something else. They have been used throughout history, in many different ways. The first lanyards were made from natural fiber materials, from woven vines, to hemp, and just about anything that could be made into the lanyard. At first they were used to secure ships and boats to docks, these were large ropes with one end attached to the vessel and the other with a simple loop to hook on dock posts. They were coiled around the post to keep the ship from drifting away.

Other types of lanyards were used to keep weapons and other equipment secure for military, especially for cavalry. When riding a horse, it was important to keep weapons from getting bumped around and losing them of the field. Some were also used, worn on the shoulder, to keep whistles and other signaling devices close at hand, without having to hold them all the time. They were also made from different materials, and adorned with decorations that related to the soldiers rank or branch of service.

From here, there have been many different types of lanyards. Some types of lanyards are secured to the tool or weapon to make holding it easier. A lanyard can be attached to the handle of a hatchet, for an example, and wrapped around the wrist to keep from losing control of the hatchet. Some types of lanyards are worn around the neck, for signaling whistles, to keep compasses and fire starting devices close at hand, as well as to keep hands free.

Some types of lanyards are simple, with a hook or clasp at one end and a full loop, others have a clip at both ends. They can be a simple piece of leather, or a woven or braided material. Braided or woven lanyards are far stronger than single strand lanyards. There are even some types of lanyards that instead of a cord or loop, they have a chain, and these can keep keys and wallets from being lost or stolen.

Just as there are many different types of lanyards, there are many different retailers offering them. In addition to both local as well as online retailers, you can also make them yourself, from craft kits or from the basic materials. There are a number of free websites that can teach a person how to make a variety of different types of lanyards. Some of these are free sites, others you have to pay for an Ebook or a course. You can also see many different types of lanyards at fairs and craft shows, because many make different types to sell. These are usually decorated with beads or other things, and prices can range from a few dollars and up, depending on the intricate designs, and the time it takes to put them together.

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The Many Advantages of Using Lanyards

Posted on August 27, 2011 by

There are a number of different advantages to using lanyards. A lanyard is anything used to secure something to something else, but they are also much more than that. They used to be ropes or other lines to secure ships to the dock, keep cavalry soldiers from losing their weapons or equipment while riding, and for keeping things like axes and hatchets from flying out of the hand of the person using it.

This is just the start of the many advantages and uses that Lanyards have. There are a number of uses for lanyards for camping, as an example. A lanyard can secure equipment or tools that you frequently use to the outside of a back pack, so they are handy but out of the way. You can use neck lanyards to hold a compass, so you always know where you are. A neck lanyard can hold a fire starter, close to your body so it is always dry, and ready to use. They can be used to keep a lantern high on a post, or to keep axes and other equipment close at hand at a campsite but out of the way.

A printed lanyards also has other advantages. In law enforcement, a lanyard is often used to keep an officer’s badge out and handy, around their neck. This is important, especially if they are presented with a situation that requires them to identify themselves, and still keep their hands free for holding a gun, flashlight, or a combination of the two. A badge lanyard can hold the badge in place, in a location that is easily seen without interfering with the officer.

Lanyards are also valuable tools at sporting events, concerts and conventions. Having one around the neck can be used to display identification, whether it is security badge, or even to keep track of people who have tickets. If you use a lanyard to hold your ticket around your neck, you don’t have to keep taking it out of your pocket, or risking it being stolen be some one else. Lanyards are also widely used at meetings and conventions, in order to identify employees, speakers, and other people. This way, a person doesn’t have to constantly be saying their name, or the company they work for.

Lanyards have many advantages around the home or office. They can be used to keep a person’s glasses from falling off, or to keep scissors or other tools close at hand, without having to hold them all the time. At the office, they can keep pens or pencils from disappearing, or be used to hold onto paper clips and such. This way, commonly used items, those that are constantly being misplaced, can be at hand, and easy to use.

Just about anything can be classified as a lanyard. A bungee cord, a chain that connects your keys or wallet to your belt, the loop on a camera or cell phone can be classified as a lanyard.

You can buy a number of different styles of lanyards. Some companies use lanyards to advertise their products and services with the company name or logo permanently printed on the material. These advertising gimmicks can be purchased in bulk, from a number of different resources. They can also be advantageous for schools and other organizations for inexpensive fund raising projects.

 

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Is That Lanyard Right for You?

Posted on August 24, 2011 by

There are so many different styles of customized lanyards that sometimes it is hard to decide which one is right for you. With all the different colors, beads, and materials that lanyards are made from, take the time to think about what style and color is right for your wardrobe, or your tastes. It may take some time to find that particular pattern you are looking for.

There are a number of different uses for lanyards so you really have to think about the one that is right for your personal needs. For an example, if you are out camping and need a lanyard to keep your hatchet secure, whether it is carrying it on your belt or when you have it in hand, you want your lanyard to be thick, made from heavy duty materials like leather, because having a thin cord for a hatchet lanyard isn’t going to last very long, and it will usually fail when you least expect it.

Some people work in different industries, and while having a tool on a lanyard can keep you from losing it, if for some reason it gets caught up or in a piece of machinery, you don’t want it pulling you in. There are lanyards that have the ability to break apart, so that if something like this does happen, the lanyard breaks away so you don’t get hurt. These are a good idea if you are hiking or camping as well, since you don’t want to get snagged on a branch while walking with a heavy back pack.

There are also lanyards that are used for keeping your glasses from falling off, or to keep them handy without putting them down. These lanyards are made from a variety of cloth materials, with loops at the ends to fasten to the ear pieces. For people who want these kinds of lanyards, there are some things you should look for. One is that the loop ends are going to securely fasten to the glasses themselves. They should have an adjustment band that tightens up the loop. Because these are worn for long periods of time, you want the materials to be light, breathable, and washable.

It is also important that the materials are right for you as well. Some people are allergic to certain fabrics, like nylon, so you need to make sure that the lanyard you choose is made from a material that won’t bother your skin, have color fast colors, so they don’t bleed out on you. The next thing you have to make sure of when it comes to the lanyard that is right for you is the hardware. You should always make sure that the clasps or clips that attach to the item you want to secure are strong enough to hold up to your regular use. Some have small clips on the ends, which is great for securing a badge or name tag, but won’t stand up very long holding keys, or keeping a wallet secure.

You can find lanyards from a variety of different retailers, from local stores to online websites. If you still can’t find one that fits you, there are also kits that come with everything you need to make your own.

 

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Making Your Own Lanyards

Posted on August 21, 2011 by

Lanyards have been used throughout history for a variety of different applications. They are used to secure a variety of tools and equipment to a person’s body, or even to secure ships to docks, or horses to a post, just to name a few. Instead of risking that hatchet flying out of your hands when you use it, a lanyard can keep it secure to your wrist. If you need to keep a compass or fire starter handy when you’re out camping, a lanyard can keep these around your neck, out of the way but easy to use with custom badge reels.

Lanyards have also been used for decoration as well as identification. The different colors or patterns on a lanyard can show what military rank or tribe they are from. Some people feel that the more intricate and elaborate a lanyard is the more they want it. They have been adorned with beads and baubles, come in a variety of different colors and sizes.

With all of this information at hand, you may want to make a lanyard yourself. There can be many reasons for this, maybe you haven’t found the right style or color in a commercially made lanyard. Maybe you are tired of materials that are not sufficient to secure a heavy item, like a hand gun or heavy knife, or you just want to make your own fashion statement. The reasons can be as varied as the person making them.

The first step is finding the right braid or weave for your lanyard. Some can be as simple as a single strand of flexible wire, the braid or weave can be as wide as you want. While most lanyards you see in retail markets are flat, you don’t have to be stuck with this, there are round and square patterns as well as many in between. If you know how to braid hair, you can make a lanyard. A standard braid is three strands, but there is no limit to how many strands can be used. They can be all the same color, or different colors. You can make lanyards that are the colors of the flag, the US flag or any flag around the world.

Making your own lanyards can also allow a person to completely customize it. They can add different colored beads to the weave, or bells or whatever can be attached to the material. Making your own lanyards also gives you the freedom to use whatever hardware you want to add as well. That clip too fragile? You can use one of those mountain climbing clips if you want instead, the possibilities are limitless.

You can find a number of lanyard kits at local craft stores in your area, or you can also go online. There are many different craft websites that can sell you the materials in bulk, and even provide instructions for making the different braids and patterns. Some of these are free, others cost.

Hand made lanyards make great gifts for friends and family, and can be given to someone any time. While they may be cheap and easy to make, for a lot of people, a hand made gift is more dear to them than the most expensive gift a person can buy. For children making them, parents and grand parents will wear them with pride. It is also something that is going to last far longer than a toy. Lanyards have many uses, so while a tie or scarf can only be used on occasion, a lanyard will be used all the time for many different things.

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Lanyards for Fun and Profit

Posted on August 18, 2011 by

Lanyard have been used for thousands of years, from securing boats to a dock, to keeping weapons and equipment from falling off a soldier or backpacker, to keeping small objects like whistles, keys and wallets from being misplaced. They have also been used throughout history for identifying which tribe a person is from, or what military rank and branch, just to name a few.

While many lanyards are purchased from commercial retailers, they can be made as well. They can be made for the fun of it, just having a unique piece that will stand out and get talked about, to making them to sell. They can be sold for a profit, like setting up a booth at a fair or craft show, to using them as a fun and inexpensive fund raising project for a school or organization.

Lanyards can be made from a variety of different materials. They can be made from a single strand of flexible wire with beads and baubles on it or leather which can be braided together with different colors and decorations. There are also plastics and synthetic fibers that can be woven together to make a lanyard as well. These can have key rings, simple clips, or even more heavy duty hardware, it is really up to the person making them. They can be as simple or complicated as the person making them.

Schools and other organizations often have a hard time finding money, and have to resort to a number of different fundraising programs. While there are a number of different venues, making and selling lanyards has a number of different benefits and advantages. One is that while candy and other sweets are a good way to raise money, many people don’t eat sweets, or find that fundraising with candy is expensive. The same holds true with a lot of other fundraising items, from Christmas wrapping paper, to collectibles and knick knacks.

Using lanyards as a fund raising item also has other benefits. Most of these come in bulk, and the lanyards themselves have to be assembled. This is a great way for students to be more involved in fund raising, giving them something they can make themselves, offering them creativity, as well as self esteem and confidence. When they go out and sell, or have people come to them, they can be proud that people are buying something they have created. A lanyard is also going to last longer than candy or wrapping paper as well. Who knows, one day the child may be talking with some one they just met, and see a lanyard they made being used by this person.

Whether you are looking to make lanyards for fun or profit, there are a number of different ways to do it. There are a number of different craft kits available, with all the materials needed to make at least one lanyard. They include the materials, as well as complete instructions for making the lanyard itself and attaching the hardware. There are also many craft retailers that sell the individual components, and you can put them together the way you want to. There are also a number of resources for the actual braiding or weaving of the lanyard itself. There are books, videos, and even free how to websites available for both beginners as well as more experienced people wanting to expand their weaving knowledge.

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Lanyards Styles

Posted on August 17, 2011 by

Whatever reason you want or need a lanyard, there are plenty of options at your disposals. These can be customized to look anywhere you like, and today we want to cover some of those areas. Each one is just as important as the other, but everything will usually come down to preferences. We all need lanyards for different reasons, so take advantage of the options that suit you best.

Colors

We all have favorite colors and when it comes to lanyards there is no shortage. If you want to get a pink one for your daughter then it’s a possibility. What about blue, orange, black, green, or yellow? Yep, all of them will be available. We could provide you with a long list, but you get the idea.

If you’re using the lanyards as a promotional tool then you might want more than one color option. Companies can provide you with an option like this, but bulk purchasers should get smaller amounts in each color. This way you have a good variety, but don’t spend the money on wasted lanyards.

4 Lanyard Types

We want to take a few moments and give you the inside scoop of all four lanyard styles out there.

  • Beaded Lanyards- If you take advantage of this option then you’re giving yourself a few more decorating features. These are normally the ones that are used to put around your neck. So if you have a concert or event to manage then these are great for passes. They are also appropriate for holding ID cards especially the plastic ones.

You can also find them in metal.

  • Cord Lanyards- These are the ones children and teenagers where around school. They are a safer choice due to the way they are made. You can find them with cotton, polyester, or nylon. We would suggest this choice if you plan to use them for name badges, or if they are needed for security cards.
  • Flat Lanyards- This is another option that is made to be much safer. Flat lanyards are normally used when a business or company is looking to add their logo. However, individuals can customize them however you want, so take it advantage of it if you want to be a little different.
  • Tube Lanyards- The tube options have always been considered the economical choice when it comes to lanyards. They are also made from polyester, so when the lanyard is completed it has a comfortable feel when worn. Best of all; if you utilize these to advertise a business or event, the design will come off looking magnificent.

There are many other lanyard choices as well. Whether it’s the shoelace lanyards, whistle lanyards, or any other option available, if you take the time to look them over you will find the best one for you.

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A Brief History of Lanyards

Posted on August 15, 2011 by

The lanyard has a long history, both in military as well as civilian applications. From the first time a caveman put a tied a vine to a club and his wrist to keep from losing it when swung are the first uses of lanyards. While they have been used throughout history, written history of them goes back to the early 1600′s, when they were used mostly by the navy to describe the ropes and lines used to secure ships and boats to the docks or to rocks onshore to keep them from drifting away.

By the 1800′s they were being mentioned by other branches of military, for securing small weapons to a soldier’s body during combat. Lanyards have also been used to identify the person’s rank, with the lanyard being worn over the shoulder, and different colors signifying their position. Many different military regiments would wear these cords on their left shoulder, so they could easily grab signaling devices to make is easier to communicate through the ranks as they moved.

The lanyard was also made from natural fibers, whether it was hemp, or other materials like wool or cotton. These could be dyed and woven together to represent rank, the tribe the belonged to, or even as just a decorative piece. As the technology got better, many lanyards started to be made from synthetic and man made materials. They were stronger, and smaller, and didn’t scratch the skin when worn around the neck. They also became a more decorative symbol, using beads, and depending on the style and thickness of the cord, can be printed with the name or logo of a company, promoting their product or service in a cheap and easy to see manner.

Today lanyards are used for just about anything, and most of these applications are non military. They can be used to keep keys secured; they can be used to make sure a pair of glasses doesn’t fall off a person’s head. They are used to keep cell phones, digital cameras, and other electronic devices secured to the wrist, or are used to keep essential camping items secured to a back pack. They are used a lot in law enforcement, keeping a person’s badge in plain view while keeping their hands free. They are also seen at sporting events and concerts, so security guards and other personnel can easily be identified.

They can also be used for wearing team logos, to hold ID badges, as well as many other uses. They can be attached to a wallet, so that when you are jogging or running you won’t have to worry about losing it or your keys. There are an abundance of different uses, and have come a long way from being a way to secure a ship or keep a cavalry soldier from losing his weapon.

Along with being versatile, full color lanyards can bought cheaply. They can be purchased through local retailers, or online. They can be bought as a single, decorative and functional piece, or in bulk for companies who want cheap and effective advertising. You can even make your own, and decorate them however you want, keeping them for your own use, as a hobby income, or to give away to friends and family.

 

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What Are Lanyards?

Posted on August 12, 2011 by

Lanyards are pieces of materials that can be attached to an object to keep it secure. Usually you will find lanyards used for keeping a pair of glasses from falling off of your head, or attached to an axe or hatchet and wrapped around the wrist so the when a person swings that hatchet, it doesn’t accidentally come out of your hand and go flying.

Lanyards have been used extensively in the military. Hundreds of years ago, they were used to keep swords, pistols and other weapons from falling off calvary troops, or those in the Navy. They could be easily detached and reattached at one or both ends. This made it easier to use the weapon, but also made sure it didn’t fall off a person’s body when they were riding or walking around.

There are many different kinds of lanyards these days, and they can be used to solve all sorts of problems. They can be used for glasses, but they also help coaches on the playing field keep track of whistles, stop watches and other items. Those people that camp and hike a lot may keep a compass or fire starter on a lanyard, looped around their neck, to make sure they not only don’t lose these valuable pieces of equipment, but also to keep them handy when they want to find out where they are or need to light a fire.

Lanyards can be made from a variety of different materials. In history they were made from a natural fiber like hemp. Hemp was actually used in a variety of useful items, lanyards, ropes, and even clothes. As more synthetic fibers were created, lanyards were made from these materials instead. They are cheaper to make, which keeps overall costs down. Man-made materials can also be stronger in some cases, but if a person is buying lanyards, they have to make sure that the lanyard they want to use is large and strong enough to secure they item. For an example, a lanyard that is used for keeping a whistle on the wrist isn’t going to hold up to heavier items like a hatchet or axe. The weight of this equipment is going to strain and stretch the lanyard, causing it to fail in the end.

These days, there are a number of companies that produce lanyards for everyday use. If you are a company trying to promote a product or service, a lanyard can have your company logo printed on it. This is a cheap and effective way to advertise, because for just pennies you can give them away to customers. Since customers tend to use lanyards every day, your logo will be displayed prominently around their neck or wrist, or even on a back pack.

There are a number of uses for lanyards. Surprisingly, lanyards are used all the time to moor boats and canoes, for securing commonly used items to back packs and even for securing luggage, skis, and bicycles to the tops of vehicles, just to name a few. Even a bungee cord can be considered a lanyard, because it is used for securing down items you don’t want to lose.

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