Lanyards are a great way to secure your keys, cell phone, id cards, badge or any other small item. The lanyard is a rope or cord worn around the neck or wrist to carry something. Recently, lanyards started to appear on consumer electronics devices as with the constant miniaturization of electronics they can now hold mp3 players, USB memory sticks and even digital cameras. Lanyards can also serve an advertising purpose when worn at trade shows or given away during promotions. In that way lanyards ease the portability of those devices and insure them against loss or damage. A lanyard can be worn around the neck, arm, waist or wrist.

The most basic lanyard is the cord one. It is sold blank, the cord is 3/16 wide with a solid core. It consists of a large loop that goes around your head and a smaller loop at the bottom to hold the hardware you want to carry.

There are even pistol lanyards designed to connect a pistol grip to a uniform. A pistol lanyards that is properly produced can be easily removed and reattached by the user, but otherwise will stay stable and connected to the pistol making it invaluable in case of emergency. This is due to the fact that the pistol lanyard prevents the weapon from being dropped.

Another use of lanyard is when it is looped around the neck to secure an item that is frequently used, like a mobile phone. The benefit of wearing a lanyard around the neck is that it is easily available for use, while keeping the hands free. This is very suitable for business environments, where employees use a lanyard to carry an id card or keys.

Lanyards come in all shapes and sizes. People can order custom made lanyards to differentiate themselves from the others. Even when personalized, lanyards are relatively cheap. They can be purchased from wide range of producers, at the local store or online. Lanyards are available everywhere these days. When purchasing, consider the following things. Check the material, it should either cord, nylon, cotton or polyester. If there is printing, like in case of advertisings, make sure it is done by hot stamping, screen printing or dye sublimation. The hardware attachment can be a ring in the form of 'O', snap hook or a bulldog clip.

Lanyards are one of those simple things that can have a great impact on our every day lives. They can server various purposes, from carrying an id card, string of keys, USB or even make advertisements. Lanyards are available in a wide range of designs, colors, shapes, sizes, texture, you can even integrate your won special photo logo in them.