For a standard ID badge, we recommend a swivel J-hook. For keys or heavier items, a split ring can provide a secure hold. For phones, a dedicated phone lanyard or tech loop works best, especially with a detachable connector. If there’s any risk of snagging or entanglement, consider a safety breakaway lanyard.

TL;DR:

• Match the fitting to the item’s connection point and weight: swivel hooks favor quick access, while split rings or lobster claws suit keys.
• For phones, choose a tech loop or dedicated phone lanyard, confirm case compatibility, and use a detachable or reinforced connector for heavier devices.
• If a lanyard could catch on equipment or doors, check site rules and risk assessments, then choose an appropriate breakaway fitting.
• Before bulk ordering, test the lanyard and attachment together for fit, and ask about wear and delivery lead times.
• Keep heavy items off lightweight retractable reels, and replace cords that are frayed or stretched.

Table of Contents

• Common lanyard attachment types and how they work
• How to choose the right attachment for your use
• Safety notes and workplace guidance for lanyards and attachments
• Matching attachments to badges, keys and phones
• Our take on matching attachments to events and staff needs
• Branded lanyards and holders that match these needs
• FAQ
• Sources

Common lanyard attachment types and how they work

Every lanyard attachment does one job: connecting the cord to whatever you’re carrying. The right choice depends on your item, how often you use it and how much security you need.

Here’s what you’ll find on most lanyards:

• Swivel J-hook: connects to a badge holder and allows quick attachment and detachment.
• Lobster claw (lobster clasp): a spring loaded closure that can connect to cards and thicker rings.
• Bulldog (alligator) clip: clamps straight onto clothing or fabric, handy for visitor passes or when a holder isn’t available.
• Split ring: a key ring style fitting for keys or punched badges, though it can be slower to load and unload.
• Badge reel (retractable): a spring loaded cord that extends for scanning and retracts back to the body.
• Tech loop or phone loop: a loop or tether for phone cases and thin devices. Check compatibility with the phone case, and consider a detachable or reinforced connector for heavier phones.

Choosing between these often comes down to the badge holder’s connection point, since a slot, a punched hole and a piece of clothing all call for different fittings. A safety breakaway connector is a separate feature built into the lanyard, designed to release under force rather than keep the item attached.

How to choose the right attachment for your use

Picking an attachment is easier when you work through it in order rather than guessing.

1. Check the connection point on the item itself, whether that’s a slot, a punched hole, a piece of clothing or a phone tether.
2. Think about weight and frequency of use. A single card is different from a bunch of keys, and both are different from a phone in a case.
3. Decide whether security or convenience matters more. A split ring or lobster claw favours security, while a swivel hook favours speed.
4. Confirm whether breakaway compatibility is required at your workplace before you order.
5. Ask your supplier about sample compatibility, expected wear and lead times before committing to a bulk order.

Pro Tip: Request a physical sample of the lanyard and attachment together before placing a bulk order. This can help you check whether the fitting suits your badge holder or keys.

If you’re specifying lanyards for a mix of staff and visitors, our guide to name badge types can help you match the holder style to the attachment before you order.

Safety notes and workplace guidance for lanyards and attachments

A breakaway connector is designed to separate under force. If a lanyard could catch on equipment or a door, check workplace safety guidance and choose equipment appropriate to the risk. Workplace requirements for breakaways or neck worn lanyards can vary, so check the relevant site rules and risk assessment. NSW centre and key security policies show how organisations set their own conditions for lanyard and key use, often ruling out unsafe attachment practices on site.

AS 1891.5:2020 specifies requirements for materials, design, manufacture, testing and labelling of lanyard assemblies.

A safety lanyard used as a boat engine kill switch relies on a quick release fitting, and Transport WA notes that regular checks and correct length matter for it to work properly.

For everyday lanyards, check tags and stitching, avoid loading heavy items onto lightweight retractable reels, and replace any cord that’s frayed or stretched.

Matching attachments to badges, keys and phones

Once you know your item, the right attachment usually follows.

• Badges and access cards: a swivel J-hook, badge reel, lobster claw or split ring may suit, depending on the holder’s connection point and your needs.
• Keys: consider a split ring or lobster claw, and check that the fitting is suitable for the load.
• Phones: consider a phone lanyard or tech loop, and check compatibility with the phone case.
• Multiple items: choose fittings suited to the items and their weight, and consider a separate badge reel for scanning.

If keys are part of the mix, our range of personalised keyrings gives you a split ring option that’s built for that exact job.

Our take on matching attachments to events and staff needs

From our experience supplying branded merchandise, the right attachment often comes down to testing a sample first. For conferences, staff IDs or hospitality events, choose attachments to suit the holder, workplace requirements and scanning needs. Before you order, check your badge holder’s slot size and request a sample to confirm fit.

Branded lanyards and holders that match these needs

Our Taurus Lanyard Full Colour with Breakaway may suit workplaces looking for a lanyard with a breakaway fitting. For staff events, the Aquarius Ribbed Lanyard is another option to consider. The PVC Pocket Holder 105x74mm, 3 Slots is an option for keeping passes together. Ask about artwork design and delivery options when ordering branded lanyards. Browse our full range to get started.

If your event also runs on digital check-in, Tapn.vip’s NFC cards and tags are worth a look alongside your physical lanyards for networking and lead capture.

FAQ

What are the different types of harness lanyards?

Harness lanyards used in fall protection are a distinct category from ID or event lanyards, built with shock absorbing webbing and rated connectors rather than badge clips. For workplace ID and event use, common attachment options include swivel J-hooks, lobster claws, bulldog clips, split rings and badge reels.

What can I use a lanyard for?

A lanyard can carry an ID badge, keys, a phone, or a small access card, with the attachment chosen to match the item. Swivel hooks and badge reels can suit cards, while split rings and lobster claws can suit keys, depending on the connection point and load.

What do you call the clip on a lanyard?

The fitting at the end of a lanyard is called the attachment, and the common types include the swivel J-hook, lobster claw, bulldog clip, split ring and badge reel. Which one you need depends on whether you’re connecting to a slot, a hole, clothing or a key ring.

What is a retractable lanyard called?

A retractable lanyard attachment is usually called a badge reel, a spring loaded cord that extends to a scanner and retracts back to the body. A badge reel may be useful where scanning is frequent, such as in healthcare or secure facility access.

Sources

• Nsw
• How to Choose the Right Attachment for Your Lanyard
• AS 1891.5:2020 | Standards Australia Store
• Safety lanyards | Transport WA

Recommended

• Corfu Retractable Name Badge Holder
• Square Bamboo Charging Cable Key Ring
• Round Bamboo Charging Cable Key Ring