Typically worn on a belt or pants pocket, a badge reel is a small device made for holding small objects (i.e. id cards, pens, keys etc). It consists of a case, metal spring, retractable cord, object attaching mechanism and clothing attachment hardware.

Badge reel cases are made from either durable abs plastic, metal or a combination of both. The badge reel case houses a wound spring which controls the release and uptake of a cord typically made of nylon. At the end of the cord is a small piece of specialized hardware for attaching a small object. The most popular of these attaching mechanisms is a vinyl strap with a metal snap for attaching id cards and id holders.

Most badge reels in use today are being used by schools, businesses, and government agencies for holding and displaying identification cards. Other object attachment hardware options include metal split rings and snaphooks for attaching keys, cell phones, pens as well as small tools. Having the badge reel within arms reach is central to its usefulness. Most badge reels are manufactured with a metal pressure clip on the back for sliding onto the top of a belt. Others have a close ended pin or alligator clip for attaching to other articles of clothing, such as, a jacket or pants pocket.

The utility of the badge reel comes from the ability to extend the cord from the reel case by about 30