Lanyards had military origins dating back to the late 17th and early 18th centuries. They evolved from a utilitarian military tool to a decorative, medal-like emblem in the early part of the 20th century. Today, the blank lanyards is once again taking upon a purposeful use, especially when it comes to increasing security in places such as schools, government installations and hospitals. The Security ID lanyard is becoming a popular item also used at many public gatherings such as concerts and company or industry sponsored conventions. Neck lanyards are used at such venues so security personnel can make sure the wearer has permission to be in certain areas, such as backstage at a concert, on-track at a race or behind the booth at an industry or company convention. Additionally, individuals attending such events, especially media personnel, have taken to wearing ID lanyards that help qualify access to otherwise prohibited areas.
Lanyard Styles Do Vary
The style a lanyard can take in will vary depending upon several factors such as the type desired, the item and the environment where it is worn. Believe it that waterproof lanyards have been used at water sport events, so these are obviously constructed from materials appropriate for such use. Some are quite simple constructed from a braided fabric that bears but a clip on the end users fasten some type of flat item like an IF badge. However, if the lanyard is to be used for an extended period of time, much stronger clips are needed or a break-away mechanism that allows for the item hanging to easily be attached or removed. A break-away mechanism also serves to increase safety when an item such as a cell phone should be removed for use as opposed to any attempt to stretch the lanyard with the item attached in order to make use of it.
What Can a Lanyard Carry?
Neck lanyards can easily carry a variety of items such as the user’s ID badge, cell phone, building or vehicle keys, MP3 player, digital camera and a pen pr marker. Busy professionals such as hospital personnel benefit from using a lanyard not only to carry their ID, but access keys and a pen. This allows for completely freeing up the user’s hands for all work activity while also providing a location for that always-needed writing implement or door key. A popular use of the lanyard in the world of sports has been the hanging of a whistle around the neck of a game official so it can easily be used when needed. Furthermore, lanyards are great purposeful tools for venues where there is no place to store car keys, locker keys or other items such as at the beach or poolside. Athletes and work-out enthusiasts use lanyards since often the clothing worn has no pockets or placing keys, cell phone and ID inside a pocket during a practice or exercise session creates an uncomfortable sensation.
Neck Lanyards Can Be Customized
People seeking neck lanyards can find many companies specializing in creating a personalized, custom look. You can literally develop a lanyard that is uniquely styled for your business, a specific event or even a charitable cause.
The amazing options for production techniques allows users a virtual unending variety creating a personalized lanyard.
Businesses that are participating in large events are more likely looking to distribute some type of advertisement about what the company has to offer to visitors attending that may become clients. Companies come up with all sorts of promotional items and a chance to get recognized by users and visitors. These are typically selected by how much the company believes the person receiving it use it or retain it helping increase was called the TOMA Top of Mind Awareness. Useful items such as pens, cups and clothing like ball caps and T-shirts are popular choices. Yet, many of these promotional items at considerable cost. Therefore, many businesses are turning to use and customize lanyards as an alternate choice in selecting effective promotional items to distribute to prospective customers. Lanyards have become popular items that many people wear for purposes other than carrying identification. Many are used to carry access cards and car keys, making use of cost items are useful to the people receiving them. Furthermore, lanyards similar if not lower production costs and typical promotional items such as water bottles mouse pads and traditional key chains.
Make Your Employees Advertise You
Businesses requiring employees to carry company identification can literally kill two birds with one lanyard. Customized lanyards including company colors, logo and a message can act as walking billboards on board by employees or identification and security purposes. Employee gains that benefit from securely carry their identification impossible access key around their neck at all times, usually not removing a lanyard on a meal break or stopping off at the convenience store on the way home from work to pick up a gallon of milk. So, as long as the employee wears the company lanyard, business has literally unpaid, mobile advertising.
Just For the Cause
Use of a customized printed lanyards can, indeed, helps promote any business getting across a company message, but it can also be used by charitable groups and organizations to promote worthy causes. Charitable institutions can also require volunteers and paid workers to wear identification lanyards whenever involved with that nonprofit organization’s mission statement. This would include appearances at informational and fund-raising events. And, similar to the employee who asked him where identification lanyard every day, workers for our organizations will tend to keep the lanyard around their neck while commuting home from time spent working for a charity.
Choose From Many Kinds
A great variety of styles and designs are available when looking for promotional lanyards. The only true limitation placed upon creating a customized lanyard for promotional purposes is the imagination. Some lanyard makers have taken the "green" approach using recycled materials such as plastic soda bottles. Your company or organization can help increase public environmental awareness handing out eco-friendly lanyards made from recycled or organic material. Organic cotton is an excellent choice for a fabric material that can easily be customized to include proprietary images, logos and messages.
Check the Internet
Although the productions costs creating promotional lanyards are low, cists can be kept even lower searching the Internet for a qualified supplier. This is especially true for groups, organizations and businesses seeking large orders.
Companies that promote through attendance at huge conventions and conferences can make great use of give-away lanyards.
Have you ever wondered where the first use of a lanyard occurred? Could the word lanyard possibly be some type of ancient Greek or Latin word? Maybe the word was recently coined but why choose this configuration of letters? Well, this mystery can easily be cleared up. The term "lanyard" actually began as a nautical word defining objects used to hold other objects securely onboard a ship. The term became popularly used shortly the early 1700s. Additionally, a crossover use became commonplace within the military. A typical military lanyard would wrap around a pistol to secure it to a belt. This would keep the gun from falling out and possibly accidentally discharging. Latches and other devices such as snapped straps have since replaced a lanyard in use for gun holsters typically used by the military and law enforcement.
Shooting Straight
The lanyard was first introduced during the Napoleonic Wars that ran from 1803 to 1815 where the French Emperor, Napoleon, tried to conquer most of Europe. They were used to fire cannons – either land -based or ones used on naval ships. It was typically a long cord attached to the end of the cannon that had a handle where, when pulled, would fire the weapon. Some guns and rocket launchers still today employ firing lanyards. Additionally, lanyards became emblematic for many artillery groups in armies throughout the world where it was worn on the shoulder of uniformed personnel indicating their role as a "gunner." Although the military lanyard differs greatly from what is typically a badge or ID lanyard of today, there are a few facts that are historically verified including:
The shoulder worn lanyard follows the use of sword knots, helmet lines and pistol types that were commonly used to keep certain types of equipment close to the user and prevent it from become misplaced or lost
The firing lanyard was introduced in the late 17th and early 18th centuries and could be worn on the left shoulder to be easily reached since most gunners were right-handed
The shoulder-worn lanyard was used to secure hoof-picks in the 1890s and by 1903, soldiers were issued a combination jack-knife/hook pick that was attached to the lanyard
The lanyard was moved to the right shoulder by many armies due to the need for soldiers to carry ammunition bandoliers during WWI. By 1924, the switch became complete since changes were made to rifles creating guns sloped to the left
By the 1930s, the lanyard was basically reduced to the role of a braided emblem or, still attached at the shoulder, led to the breast pocket securing a number of different items soldiers kept with the most popular being a personal paybook
The lanyard as a tool was basically dispensed from military use other than emblematic with the occurrence of WWII. Today, there are several regiments throughout the world displaying lanyards
The Lanyard as a Medal of Distinction
The shoulder-worn, braided lanyard became the model for the French Fourragere, a military decoration created by Napoleon I and awarded to military units with distinguished combat records. After the Napoleonic Wars, it became a dormant decoration until being revived during WWI custom badge reels.
The U.S. Marine 5th and 6th Regiments received this honor from the French government and its members wear it on the uniform still today.
Users do not need to wear a key lanyard only around the neck. Lanyards also can be worn around the arm and wrist and even around the waist. Retail; store employees benefit greatly from key lanyard use since they always have register and office keys available when needed. Although lanyards were originally used primarily to hold the user’s name tag or ID card, perhaps used as an access for security in the workplace environment, they are now made for a variety of purposes. In fact, the once completely plain looking, utilitarian lanyard is now subject to fancier designs complete with photos, logos and a number of options that are aimed at fulfilling many different user needs.
Students Use Key Lanyards
Students have a well-earned history for misplacing entry keys getting themselves locked out of a dorm room. Instead of sitting on the dorm steps waiting for someone to enter or leave to get access, a key lanyard worn about the wrist, arm or neck can avoid any inherent forgetfulness resulting in blocked entry. Additionally, many modern access keys are swipe-style cards also serving as student IDs thus allowing school administrators issuance for multiple purposes. Some high-tech based ID and access systems found at institutions of higher learning depend upon these swipe cards for a variety of entry and ID checking purposes especially in these fays where increased safety and security are high consideration. These educational institutions typically customize creation of key lanyards to include school information and logo as well as the wearers personal data. Many designs commonly are created using that institution’s school colors.
Attachments Make Key Lanyards Versatile
Many neck-worn lanyards come with features that make it easily adjustable while allowing the user to not only carry ID, but attach other items such as car keys, cell phones and writing instruments. Designed synthetic material can be used displaying school mascots, company logos and other graphic images such as military themes. Attachments are typically metal rings such as those found on a standard keychain. The difference here is these usually include some type of push/pull or twist-of mechanism for easy release if the item needs to be removed for use. Many users prefer a wrist lanyard carrying an access card or keys since this type makes it quite convenient to use the carried item without having to first remove it from the strap or cord. These straps or cords can vary in length and are typically found between 12 to 48 inches, but, can be customized to length for fitting any personal need.
It’s a Strappingly Strong Item
Wrinkle proof, highly durable quality polyester is the usual choice for lanyard strap construction. These straps are available in all colors as well as graphic prints. Accessories can include colored swivel hooks that allow for the attachment and removal of items without hurting a user’s fingers. Additionally, optional hardware accessories include a number of varying styled and sized hooks that can be available in brass, gold, black and nickel colors. Safety break-away buckles can be available granting easy access or for increased safety.
The increasingly popular use of key lanyards couple with their relatively low cost compels many businesses and organizations to create customized lanyards that serve the purpose for promotional advertising.
The ability to carry your ID card or name tag along with useful and necessary items such as a cell phone, keys, pen and an access card make the use of the badge lanyard quite popular. Although there are very many generic products available on the market today, many companies and organizations are choosing to custom print lanyards adding a bit of personalization to the use and wearing of these exceptionally hot items. In fact, many crafty people have taken to creating beaded lanyard identification holders that allow people to put their own creative spin on the item. This has compelled an entire cottage industry dedicated to making custom lanyards so people, organizations and companies can have such an item that is uniquely their own.
Give That Lanyard Away
Many organizations find that because of the low cost and their incredible usefulness, lanyards make great advertising giveaways that can promote everything from sports teams to charity events. Additionally, political candidates have taken to the use of lanyards for all staff and volunteers who wear them constantly while on the campaign trail acting, in effect, as small mobile billboards. Additionally, many different types of causes put to use lanyards in their promotional efforts to fight a specific situation such as breast cancer, child poverty or even the destruction of the rainforest.
Customizing Lanyards Goes Beyond Marker Imprinted Names
Where once full color lanyards users would simply print a name with a permanent marker on a blank slip of paper and insert it into a badge holder at the end of the cord worn around the neck, today’s lanyards can be highly customized. Businesses can include a company logo with a picture ID of an employee that is mandated to be worn at all times when this person is on the job premise. Many companies opt to include their logo, motto or even a catchphrase message on customized lanyards. Furthermore, users can choose from a variety of different materials from which the lanyard is made as well a select from a wide range of colors and designs. The pricing of lanyards obviously goes up with each step of customization.
Printing a Custom Lanyard
Users also have choices when it comes to just how a lanyard is printed. This could include screen printing, heat transfer and even dye sublimation. Consumers seeking to keep costs as low as possible when examining lanyard purchasing should look for items made from polyester. Many government agencies and corporations issuing thousands of lanyards use polyester because it is an expensive choice while maintaining good quality construction. Some highbrow institutions opt to use a woven-made lanyard since it is not only sturdy, but looks a lot more aesthetically pleasing. A high-quality lanyard is also made from nylon.
Check Out Purchasing Online
Would be lanyard purchasers can surf the net finding many sources selling lanyards for as little as pennies on the dollar and an up depending upon materials used and the amount of customization involved. The same lanyard online shops also offer a variety of different accessories that can accommodate wearing everything from your cell phone to your car keys around your neck.
A popular use of the lanyard is to hold a pen that is always available when needed but frees up the wearer’s hands for every day job activity.
Do you remember the days when you used to have to click your ID badge on your shirt? And why not a bad deal for men who wore shirts with the pocket, but women had to find some place to clip the idea to make sure it was visible. Use of those sticky nametags was always problematic, especially since they were designed for only temporary situations. And, how many times a person get stuck with that pin when trying to attach a name tag to the front of the body. Fortunately, these are no longer needed since the commonplace appearance of name tags and other identification displays are now the domain of badge lanyards. They are being used everywhere by companies for employee dedication and space access as well as other establishments such as gyms and hotels where identification is part of a safe and secure operating plan.
Find Lanyards with Office Supplies
A variety of different types of ID presentations including lanyard, name tag badge holders, clips are typically sold in retail outlets specializing in school and offices supplies. Yet, this item is typically a cord or rope that can be worn about the neck, much like a necklace, and is employed to hold almost anything. However, the badge lanyard is commonly used for carrying personal identification that is needed inside a space that is needed to be shown. Additionally, lanyards are quite popular for carrying digital and electronic devices as well as access cards and traditional keys. The badge lanyard seen hanging around an individual’s neck will typically have that person’s identification hanging on it.
Fashionable Lanyards Are, Well, In Fashion
Since the creation of the first lanyard, great efforts have been employed to make these devices appear more aesthetically pleasing. Some lanyard manufacturers focus on creating a product that is fashionably trendy appealing to an individual design choice. This includes a lot of different manufacturing techniques such as screen printing, dye sublimation and even lanyards that are woven, or made from fabrics that are braided or beads strung on strings. A screen-printed badge lanyard is made from cloth or another fabric such as nylon as silk that can be custom printed. Silk screen printing is a typical choice for making the designs and logos are the badge lanyard. People seeking greater color coverage of custom produced lanyard should select by sublimation. Users seeking a great deal of personalization can choose woven-through custom lanyards that are produced on a loom. Braided lanyards can also be made from a variety of different fabrics.
Going the Beaded Way
One of the trends that is popular today in custom making badge lanyards is the use of beads and strings. In fact, these beads and strings typically take up the entire lanyard length. However, a beaded version cost much more than a regular nylon cord will. However use of beads makes it quite possible to change the look quite a bit as well as making a fashion statement to use of a custom-made lanyard. But the question remains how an individual can choose just what is an appropriate badge lanyard? The answer lies in determining its use. Badge lanyards can be used by a variety of different people conducting different activities such as a student going to school or a worker in a restaurant.
Each particular use will more than likely dictate an appropriate design.
Compared to uses of lanyards in the past, today’s options are much more suitable for everyone. You probably see them all over the place at concerts, work, schools, or people who attach them to keychains or anything else they want to secure better. We have a list of scenarios on how you can use lanyards to your advantage:
#1 Marketing Purposes
There are several companies that utilize lanyards for promotional purposes. You can find business logos for hospitals, sports teams, schools, coffee shops, or even mom and pop stores around your local area. It’s believed that lanyards in plain site can help start a conversation with others.
You will also find them used frequently with fundraising events and by non-profit organizations. What it comes down to is these help with branding and building a presence locally as well as around the country or world.
#2 Security Reasons
Lanyards are very popular when it comes to security. You will see them all over hospitals in order to hold ID badges or security cards to certain rooms. Their main goal isn’t to promote anything, but protect individuals from losing something valuable. Otherwise each person that lost their ID card or security card to access rooms would need to go through a lengthy process to get them back.
#3 Keeping Electronic Devices Handy
This is one of the most common choices for using a lanyard. If you own an MP3 player, USB flash drive, or maybe a digital camera, lanyards will be able to keep them close. There are even individuals that attach their cell phone to a lanyard “just-in-case.”
#4 Using them for Awards
Often time’s we see lanyards given away as rewards. They are used to say “thank you” for someone’s hard work and dedication. Children could receive them at school for participating in Field Day events. Parents could get them for accomplishing something at work. Whatever the case may be they are definitely used to encourage people.
#5 VIP
We could almost place this in the security benefit, but we decided this was a lot different. If you go to a concert, a certain section of a club, or various other places that would be considered “VIP,” lanyards are used for passes. Amusement parks are another great example, because some individuals purchase passes so they don’t have to wait in lines for extended periods of time.
Each one of these areas will produce tons of visual lanyards for everyone to see. Then again; you might see someone using it at a local grocery store so they don’t forget to get their club discounts. The point is that there are several different uses for lanyards.
Best of all, you can customize them with colors and designs to provide unique appeal.
If you are looking for a fun and easy do-it-yourself project, one that is suited for people who really enjoy craft making, consider creating a lanyard keychain. You can choose from making either a badge or a beaded lanyard that can be used personally or given as a gift. It is quite easy to make a few of these on your own or make many as part of the group project.
You Need To Have a Boondoggle
The main part that you’re going to need in your lanyard-making project is called a boondoggle. This is a flat, sturdy and flexible section of extruded plastic lace typically made from PVC. The choice of PVC makes the material much stronger than common items found in craft making, so it becomes the preferred choice. Unfortunately, many craft stores do not carry boondoggle strands due the fact that the original connotation associated with the word is negative. The term boondoggle originated as a description for some type of activity that was a waste of time, effort and money. Alternatively, many crafts stores choose to rename these as a craft strip, craft lace or even plastic lacing.
You Really Can’t Stretch This Out
Keep in mind that these boondoggles do have a certain degree of elasticity but if you pull on them or try to stretch them out they will break. Therefore, be forewarned that you will need to create your lanyard length to a point of convenience since the ability to stretch it out does not exist. So, when planning to make a lanyard you are going to need to create two strands. If you plan making a keychain lanyard, plan on using four feet for each strand. Also, acquire from your favorite craft store some type of hook, preferably a swivel or a lanyard hook. Other supplies needed include a paperclip, safety pin and scissors.
Choose a Design
Select either a diamond shaped or a spiral braid. These are basically the same except for the initial placement of the strand. The diamond is usually the one typically chosen by people who make customized lanyards for a living since his flat compared to creating a spiral type. You’re going to need four boondoggles strands, and if this is a keychain, each strand needs to have three to four yards of material. Additionally, you’re going to need two different colors in order to complete the diamond stitch. Also remember to make sure you have a pushpin or safety pin because this will be a necessary item during the creating process. IF you do not know how to make a spiral or diamond braid, head to YouTube and discover the many do-it-yourself instructions for making these different shaped braids
Creating Your Own or Purchasing One Already Made
Given mind that it’s going to take a lot of time and effort to make either a keychain or friendship lanyard and you may wish to opt out and just purchased one. But, it can be a great do-it-yourself activity for the whole family and a much better method for getting together then sitting in front of the tube.
Surf the Internet where you’re sure to find not only the opportunity to buy lanyards, but possibly find a source to purchase supplies to make your own.
Most people needing ID cards in the workplace no longer have to fumble looking through a wallet or purse to find an access card because it’s hanging around the neck attached to a lanyard. A lanyard is a rope or cord-like item worn about the neck – or the wrist – that is used to carry something. Referenced here is an ID card, but such a card might hold an ID acting as an access key card or, perhaps a flash drive. Many busy working professionals dependent upon the use of a writing implement, hang a pen on a lanyard resting around the neck. This allows the user to conduct hands-free activity without the need for clutching a pen, or looking for one when needed.
Custom Lanyards Conveniently Created
Many companies have a need for some type of custom-made lanyard whether conducting a one-time meeting or conference or as a promotional item. Fortunately, there are tons of sources available on the Internet providing designing and manufacturing services for custom lanyards needs. Unfortunately, there are so many choices it might be a little overwhelming coming up with a decision selecting a worthy provider. Here are a few tips that will help with your search:
Company History
Investigate how long a company has been conducting business. It is extremely easy to start a business. However, only businesses that focus upon delivering great customer service will be around for a while. It remains a gamble dealing with a company that has not been in business long enough to develop an award-winning reputation. After all, you more than likely want to deal with a lanyard design and manufacturing company that has their act together rather than be the guinea pig for one trying to figure out the process.
Give the Business a Call
Go ahead and call a prospective lanyard design and manufacturing company. What do you hear when the call goes through? Do you hear a recording followed by being put on hold listening to some cheesy "elevator" music? It’s a telling sign if your call is not answered by a human being who greets you with a friendly welcome and sounds excited to help you.
Check the Company’s Reputation
Company websites should provide customer testimonials that are verifiable. Additionally, contact the local Better Business Bureau where the prospective business is located to see its consumer rating. If the company possesses an rating, it is a good sign this business cares a great deal about its customers. This type of lanyard design and manufacturing company will typically provide expert service. Quickly resolve problems making the buying experience exceptionally smooth and satisfying.
Ask to Speak with an Artist
Check to see if you can receive a free consultation with a graphic artist if you need to develop ideas for your custom lanyard. So, do not settle for any cookie-cutter choose what’s available program. It is important to select a business that will listen to what you have to say and then respond with solutions to meet your needs.
Make sure you get a quote for your custom-created lanyards from several sources before making a buying decision.
Most people see or even use lanyards on a regular basis. However, many don’t think much about them or even know their name. These items are used on a regular basis in so many years and you may be surprised to find out that they have an interesting history as well. If you want to learn a bit more about lanyards, here is an interesting look at them yesterday and today.
The word lanyard actually goes back a long ways. The original word was actually “lainyard” and this work was taken from the word “laniere” in French, which means a thong or a strap. You may be surprised to find out that lanyards were actually first used on board ships. Sailors used them to help tighten up riggings and they also used them to help safely carry things around on the ship, such as whistles, knives, and even pistols.
While lanyards have an interesting history, they are still very common today. Today you’ll find that lanyards are often used to help hold certain types of ID. Often they carry various types of identification, such as an ID card for a business. Of course, they have other uses today as well. Some of these uses include securing items to your hand or wrist, using them for keychains, and more.
You’ll find that lanyards come in several different types. There are beaded lanyards, ribbon or flat lanyards, tube lanyards, and cord lanyards. Various materials are used to create them as well, such as metal beads, cotton, polyester, and more. Many different styles are available too. Neck lanyards are probably the most commonly seen options out there. However, other styles include those you can attach to a purse or belt or those that go around your wrist.
Today, making lanyards has actually become a fun craft for many people. This first became a fun hobby for children in France back in the 1950s. Now this hobby is also popular within the United States, where it is often called gimp knotting or boondoggle. Often kids make them as a part of their scout association or at a summer camp.
Of course, lanyards go far beyond being just a hobby today. Many companies are now using them for promotion of their business. Business often give away lanyards that have their business information on them. They provide a great way to remind people about their business and are a low cost option to use for branding and marketing.
Through the years, lanyards have definitely come a long way. From being used on ships to being used in the corporate world, lanyards have definitely played an important part in history and they still are an important part of our world today for many people.