The Badger (Magnetic Badge Holder)

Usage instructions

• See the detailed USAGE GUIDE for assembly, usage, and troubleshooting directions.

Contents

• What is it? (tl;dr)
• SBAR
• Features
• Availability (get it on Etsy)

What is it?

• The Badger is a badge "reel" without the reel. Instead of a retractable string, strong magnets hold the badge cluster to the main body.
• The front face has a reclosable fastener sticker (Velcro or 3M Dual lock) so you can attach a compatible button or decal to customize it with your own style.
• Includes keyring attachment to easily clip on your keys and other accessories.
• Stable but reversible! The badge cluster stays facing the same direction until you change it. No more spinning IDs!

SBAR:

Situation:

retractable badge reel

Background:

• Weak plastic body can come apart at the glued seams, and the string fails for good .
• If the body is metal, the string can break after repeated friction against the sides of the metal opening.
• The soft plastic badge loop wears out easily, and cracks or breaks.
• If released carelessly, your badges may smack you in the face as it is being retracted.
• The retraction spring can lose strength after many extensions/retractions. (In fact, even when new, most springs aren't strong enough to hold much weight.)
• The faceplate (button / decal / design feature) is usually not interchangeable, so a broken reel means that the fun design button is trash.

Assessment

• Magnets are embedded in the plastic, with no chance of coming apart.
• The strong magnets will hold a half pound with no problem.
• There is no string to break, and no spring that will weaken. The hold strength remains the same no matter how many times it's deployed.
• Badge loop is sturdy, and can easily be swapped out if it breaks.
  • (Larger badge loops are available, to acommodate a larger stack of cards.)
• A dedicated key ring attachment provides a convenient place to put your keys and other accessories.
• Faceplate is swappable, so you can express yourself with flair.

Recommendation

• It has everything you need.
  • Magnets!
  • Key ring!
  • Style!
  • Magnets!!

Features / Bugs

Functional Features

• Strong magnets: Will functionally hold 0.5 lbs without any issues. Can statically hold a full 16 oz.
• Clip point is close to the pivot point which reduces the chance of the clip flipping out of place.
• Rotation-limiter: prevents the body from swinging up and getting magnetically attached to the metal clip.
• Interchangeable decal: Reclosable fastener (Velcro or 3M Dual Lock) on the front panel makes it easy to change the decal/button to match your style.
• Key ring attachment: Easily attach keys and other objects without having to open up the badge loop.
• Reversible: Badge cluster is reversible. Just flip it and click it. It will stay facing that way until you change it.

Subtle Features

• Magnet block is kept in strict alignment by the cage, so there no chance of it spinning or twisting out of place, which would weaken the magnetic hold.
• Chamfered edges on the badge magnet allows it slide into the main body smoothly without having to align it perfectly.
• Clip can rotate 40 degrees in either direction, to enable clipping onto clothing at at angle.
• Face plate protrudes slightly to facilitate decal attachment
• Badge loop is secured in place with retention bumps.

Bug-like features

• Metal decals (most button-style flair) may attract the badge magnet block, preventing a smooth return to the slot.
• Badge magnet block must be manually returned to the body unit. Releasing the badge will not result in the badge returning to its resting spot in the clip body. Sorry, the Thor's Hammer feature is not yet available.

Availability

• Now on Etsy at smortstuff.etsy.com

Color options:

• Black
• White
• Red
• Pink
• Yellow
• Green
• Turquoise
• Cyan
• Blue
• Purple