lanyard for attaching keys, with a metal clip similar to that of a
leash The style, design or material used will vary depending on end-purpose of the lanyard. Lanyard materials include
polyester,
nylon,
satin,
silk,
polyethylene terephthalate (PET), braided leather or braided
paracord.
Common styles • Polyester imprinted lanyards • Nylon imprinted lanyards • Tube imprinted lanyards • Dye-sublimated lanyards or full-color lanyards
Accessory for electronics with a webbing lanyard that includes a safety break-away feature – a predetermined and in this case reattachable segment (in black) meant to prevent accidental strangulation when the lanyard is worn around the neck Lanyards are widely used with small electronic devices such as
cameras,
MP3 players and
USB flash drives to prevent loss or dropping. Electronics designed to take a lanyard usually have a small through-hole built into a corner or edge of the case or anchored to the frame of the device; the corresponding lanyard generally has a loop of thread on the end that is attached to that hole with a simple knot, usually a
cow hitch. Some earphones incorporate the audio signal into the lanyard, meaning it doubles up as headphone cords as well. The
Wii Remote wrist strap is a form of lanyard, keeping the device attached to a player's arm during the often vigorous movements involved in its use.
Badge or identification holder Lanyards are commonly used to display badges, tickets or ID cards for identification where security is required, such as
businesses,
corporations,
hospitals,
prisons,
conventions,
trade fairs, and
backstage passes used in the
entertainment industry. Such lanyards are often made of braided or woven fabric or split with a clip attached to the end. A plastic pouch or badge holder with at least one clear side is attached to the lanyard with the person's name badge or ID card. Occasionally, small items like business cards, pens or tools can be placed behind the badge for easy access. Lanyards can also be used as
keychains, particularly in situations where keys can easily be lost, such as gyms, public pools and communal showers. In these cases, lanyards may be customised with the related name and/or logo of the event, business, or organisation. Lanyards can feature a variety of customisation techniques including
screen-printing,
Jacquard loom weaving,
heat transfer, and
offset printing.
Safety strap Lanyards are also often attached to
dead man's switches or "kill switches" on dangerous machinery, such as large industrial cutting or slicing machines, vehicles, jet-skis or trains, and exercise treadmills, so that if the operator suddenly becomes incapacitated, their fall will pull on the lanyard attached to their wrist, which will then pull the switch to immediately stop the machine or vehicle. Some law enforcement officers and members of the military utilise specialised lanyards to keep sidearms from falling to the ground during missions. Many
ID card lanyards have a built-in feature known as a "breakaway" closure. Breakaway lanyards release when pulled or when pressure is applied. This prevents choking or hanging. Lanyards with a breakaway feature are most often used in
hospitals and
healthcare clinics,
schools,
nursing homes, child care facilities, and factories that require employees to operate machinery.
Lineman lanyards Lineman lanyards are used by
lineworker utility and other workers to prevent falls, although similar straps are also used recreationally by mountain climbers. This type of lanyard will have a section of heavy-duty nylon strapping attached to a metal ring or carabiner which tightens around an attachment point. The strap may be a fixed length or adjustable, and will attach to the wearer to support them against a fixed object or pole.
Uniform accessories Certain lanyards are still worn on uniforms as decorations similar to an
aiguillette or
fourragère. Among these are the Orange Lanyard in the
Military William Order of the
Netherlands and the
German Armed Forces Badge of Marksmanship. A white lanyard has formed part of the uniform of
Britain's Royal Artillery (RA) since the end of the 19th century. Originally a simple cord carrying a fuse key, the braided and whitened lanyard became the recognised distinction of a Gunner. The distinction was extended to women of the
Auxiliary Territorial Service attached to RA units during
World War II. Certain battalions descended from the
Durham Light Infantry wore green lanyards to denote their past links with the regiment, whose uniform had a dark green
facing colour from 1903 onwards. Royal Naval Rating wear a white lanyard when dressed in No. 1 uniform, the origin of the lanyard was to carry a pouch of gunpowder for the cannon. == See also ==