How to Fix a Badge Reel
If you wear an ID card every day at work, school, or even at events, there are chances that you know what a badge reel is and you have used it. This small item saves you the trouble of looking around your pockets or bag every time you need to scan your ID. Doctors, nurses, teachers, office workers, and event staff all use them.
But like anything else you use daily, badge reels can break. The cord may stop pulling back, the spring can slacken, or the clip can break off. The good news is that you can fix most of these problems at home with just a little patience. And if not, you can easily change it to another one that suits your style.
This guide will show you how customized badge reels work, how you can open and repair them, how you can attach them to a lanyard, and where you can buy new ones.
How Do Badge Reels Work?
Though a custom badge reel may look small, it does a very smart job. Inside the round or square case, there’s always a thin cord wrapped around a little wheel, usually called a spool.
A spring normally sits next to it. When you pull the cord out to swipe your ID, the spring will stretch. As soon as you let it go, the spring will pull the cord back in and pull it neatly onto the spool again. That’s what makes it retractable.
There are different kinds of badge reels to match different needs:
1. Standard retractable
This is the most common, and they are usually round in shape, with a clip on the back that you will attach to your pockets or shirts.
2. Heavy-duty reels
They are stronger and tougher, and it is made for people who carry more than just an ID card, like keys or access cards.
3. Carabiner reels
Carabiners have a hook that makes them easy to attach to your belt loops, backpacks, or bags. They are very handy if you want to clip and unclip them quickly.
4. Swivel clip reels
They can turn around while you clip them to your clothes, which makes them more comfortable and less likely to twist.
What makes badge reels so useful is how simple they are. You can pull your card out very fast, scan or swipe it, and the card goes right back without you having to bother with it. It keeps your ID close at hand, it saves time, and helps you stay well put together.
How to Open a Badge Reel
Opening a badge reel is not hard at all, but you need to be gentle and patient about it. The reel is small and the inside parts are delicate. If you rush it, you might break the casing or lose the spring.
What you need
- A flathead screwdriver or a small tool you can use to pull open the case.
- A clean table or surface, so that if any small parts of it fall out, you can find them easily.
Steps
- Hold the badge reel in your hand and look around the edge closely. Most reels always have a tiny gap or seem that the two halves will meet.
- Place the screwdriver into the gap. Do not push it too hard.
- Turn the screwdriver gently and slowly. The cover should begin to lift.
- Once it opens, you will see the main parts inside: the spring, the spool (the little wheel that holds the cord), and the cord itself.
Safety tips
Be extra careful. The spring is tightly wound, and when the reel opens, it might jump out quickly. Open the reel slowly so the reel stays in place.
With the reel open, you can check which of the parts needs fixing. Sometimes it is just the cord that got displaced, other times the spring may need to be reset.
How to Fix a Retractable Badge Reel
Badge reels are built to last, but with daily use, they can run into problems. The good news is that most issues are always easy to spot, and you can fix some at home. Here are the most common ones:
1. Cord not retracting
This usually happens when the spring inside has moved out of place. To fix it, open the reel and neatly onto the spool. Then reattach the spring to its hook or anchor point. Once it is secure, the cord should pull back in again.
2. Broken spring
If the spring has snapped, it is much harder to repair. Springs are very small and always tricky to replace. In this case, buying a new reel is most of the time the smartest choice.
3. Frayed cord
After long use, the cord can become worn out or start to break down. If it is only a little damaged, cut off the weak part and tie the end back onto the spool. If the cord is badly worn all over, replacing it is better.
4. Loose clip
Sometimes the clip on the back will become shaky or too weak to hold. You can try to tighten it if the screws are visible. If it still feels loose, the best thing is to replace the clip or get a new one.
When to repair or replace
If you are using a simple plastic reel, it may not be worth the time to fix it, since new ones are not expensive. But if you have a custom or heavy-duty reel, if you repair it quickly, it can give it more life and save you money.
How to Use a Badge Reel
A badge reel is very simple to use, but a few good habits can make it last longer. Here are some tips:
1. Where to clip it
You can attach your badge reels to your shirt pockets, belt loops, or even a lanyard around your neck. Choose a spot that feels very comfortable for you and makes it easy to get to your ID.
2. How far to pull
Most reels allow the cord to draw out about 24 to 36 inches. Try not to pull it farther than that, because pulling it too much can weaken the spring inside.
3. Be gentle
Pull the cord easily instead of snatching it. Also, when you let go, guide the cord back in with your hand instead of letting it snap back quickly. This protects both the cord and the spring.
4. Keep it clean
Wipe off dust or dirt from time to time, and keep the reel away from water or spills. Moisture can rust the spring or damage the cord.
When you take care of your badge reel in these small ways, it can last for many months or even years without needing repairs.
How to Attach a Badge Reel to a Lanyard
Instead of clipping it to a pocket or belt, some people find it more comfortable to wear their ID around their neck. A badge reel can be attached to a lanyard in just a few quick steps.
Steps
- Look at your badge reel. Most reels have either a metal clip, a small hook, or a key ring at the top.
- Take the loop at the bottom of your lanyard and slide the clip or the ring of the badge reel through it.
- Once it is attached, check that the reel is hanging straight and it is not twisted. This will help the cord pull out and retract easily.
Tips for choosing a lanyard
- Go for one that is strong enough to hold the reel but light enough to stay comfortable around your neck.
- A flat lanyard works best most of the time because it lies neatly and does not tangle.
- If you want elegance and usefulness together, you can choose a custom lanyard reel that matches your outfit or carries your company logo. See custom lanyard badge reels here. Wearing your badge this way keeps it noticeable, easy to scan, and always within your reach without adding heaviness to your clothes.
Where Can I Buy Badge Reels?
If your badge reel is too damaged to be fixed, the best choice is to get a new one. Buying a customized badge reel that is strong and made exceptionally well will save you time and stress in the long run.
At FastPrintStar, you can find a wide range of badge reels to match your needs:
1. Custom ID badge reels
Custom ID badge reels are simple, practical, and perfect for everyday use.
2. Custom lanyard badge reels
Custom lanyard badge reels are a good choice if you prefer wearing your ID around your neck.
3. Custom acrylic badge reels
Custom acrylic badge reels are stylish and clear reels that can show off unique designs.
4. Custom carabiner badge reels
Custom carabiner badge reels are easy to clip on bags, belts, or loops for quick and easy access. You can even add your own logo, brand name, or design, which makes them great for offices, schools, or events where you want everyone to look professional and well coordinated.
Conclusion
Custom badge reels may be small, but they are powerful helpers in your daily life. They keep your ID close, make it simple to scan or swipe, and add both order and style to your work outfit.
When a reel breaks, sometimes all you need is a quick fix. Like rewinding the cord or adjusting a clip. But if the spring is broken or the cord is too worn out, the best choice is often to replace it.
To save yourself from repairing every time, go for a reel that is made for a lasting purpose. A good quality reel from Fastprintstar will not only work easily but also look great, especially if you choose a custom design. That way, you will spend less time worrying about your badge and more time enjoying the convenience it brings every day.
