Lanyard clip types explained

J hook (dog clip)

A J hook is a metal hook with a swivel and a sprung latch. It clips through the slot in a card holder or through a key ring, and the swivel lets the card turn without twisting the strap. It is the usual fitting on staff and event lanyards because it suits most card holders, and it is the fitting on our in-stock black safety release lanyards.

Trigger clip

A trigger clip has a spring gate that you press open. It is quick to clip on and off, which suits keys, bags and passes that get swapped often. Our in-stock plain lanyards in 10, 15 and 20 mm come with a trigger clip.

Safety clip

A safety clip is a plastic clip at the card end of the lanyard. If the card or holder is caught and pulled, the clip lets the holder come away from the strap. It protects the card end of the lanyard, where a breakaway protects the neck.

Safety breakaway

A breakaway is a plastic release at the back of the neck. If the strap is caught in a door or a machine, or grabbed, it pulls apart, so the lanyard cannot tighten round the neck. We recommend one on every student lanyard, in healthcare and aged care, and on any site with machinery. You can have a breakaway at the neck and a J hook at the card end on the same lanyard, which is a common staff ID setup.

For higher risk settings, multi safety lanyards have release points in more than one place, so they part whichever way they are pulled. They are worth asking about for mental health units, aged care and machinery areas. See all our breakaway safety lanyards.

Double ended

A double ended lanyard has a fitting on each end. It clips to both top corners of a card holder, so the card sits level and cannot flip round to show its blank side. Security, front of house and accreditation staff use them where ID must stay readable. You need a holder with a slot or hole at both top corners; landscape holders are the usual match.

Other fittings worth knowing

• Wrist loop. A wrist strap is a 300 mm strap looped to wrist size, for keys, cameras and small devices.
• Adjustable slider. An adjustable lanyard lets each wearer set the drop, so one lanyard suits people of different heights and the card can be kept clear of equipment.
• Wine glass holder. A PVC glass holder fitting clips to the end of a printed lanyard for tastings and festivals.
• Badge reel. A retractable badge reel extends up to 1 metre so a swipe card reaches the reader, then springs back. It can clip to a pocket or belt, or hang from a lanyard.
• Clamp style clip. For people who would rather not wear a lanyard at all, a clamp style ID clip loops through the card holder and clips to a pocket, belt loop or scrubs.

Which clip should you choose?

• Staff ID with a swipe card: breakaway at the neck, J hook at the card end, and an open face or rigid holder.
• Conference and event passes: J hook or trigger clip. Choose double ended if security staff need to read every pass.
• Schools: a breakaway on every student lanyard. See breakaway lanyards for schools and teachers.
• Hospitals and clinics: a breakaway lanyard, a badge reel, or both. See badge reels for nurses.
• Keys: a trigger clip or J hook through the key ring, or a wrist strap.

Every fitting is drawn to scale in the Lanyard Guide. Not sure? Tell us what will hang from the lanyard when you ask for a quote and we will suggest a fitting.

Common questions

What is a lanyard clip called?

The most common names are J hook (or dog clip), trigger clip and safety clip. The plastic release at the back of the neck is a breakaway or safety release.

What is the difference between a safety clip and a breakaway?

Position. A safety clip sits at the card end and lets the card holder come away. A breakaway sits at the back of the neck and lets the strap itself come apart.

Can a lanyard have more than one fitting?

Yes. A breakaway at the neck plus a J hook or trigger clip at the card end is a common combination. Double ended lanyards have a fitting at each end.