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Monday, November 8, 2010

Five Benefits of Parachute Cord

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parachute-cord-paracord


Parachute cord, also called Paracord is a highly versatile multi-filament nylon cord whose use seems nearly unlimited and is a must have for any survival and emergency preparedness kit because of its many uses and benefits.
It is made with a flexible outer braided nylon wrapper which holds seven strong nylon cords inside. The combined breaking strength with all seven cords is 550 pounds. For this reason, some call it “550 cord”.
The cord was first introduced and applied in parachute construction during WWII and was quickly recognized for its use in other tasks. Today it is used by both military and civilians for countless general purpose tasks.
There are many copies in the civilian market today but true military grade cord will be designated MIL-C-5040 Type III and truly rated for 550 pounds.
It comes in a variety of colors and can be cut to any length (when cut, the ends should be burned or singed to prevent fraying). The inner strands can be easily pulled out for many additional uses.


parachute-cord-paracord-7-inner-strands

The 5 Benefits of Parachute Cord

Strength (In just a 1/8 inch diameter cord, an incredible breaking strength)
Durability (It can be used over and over again while remaining flexible and durable)
Light Weight (The specifications require that 225 feet of cord only weigh 1 pound or less)
Water and Mildew Resistant (Outside elements are not a problem and it will dry very quickly)
Inner Strands (The unique ability to remove the inner strands make this cord extremely versatile)

Uses for Parachute Cord

The list is really endless and up to your imagination, but a few ideas include the following.
  • Braiding
  • Tent and Pole support
  • Clothes Line
  • Tarp Tie Down
  • Equipment Guy-lines
  • Pack Strap, Fasten and Secure gear to backpack
  • Shoe Lace, Boot Lace
  • Garden Lines
  • Shelter Making
  • Fire Bow
  • Lanyard
  • Knife Handle Wrap
  • Lifeline, since it will support the weight of a human
  • Inner strands for sewing, fishing line, traps and snares, dental floss, emergency stitches (boil first)


True Mil spec, 550 Type III cord can be found here:
1000 feet
100 or 50 feet


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1 comment:

  1. There are instructions on how to make belts and watch bands on Tip-nut or The Instructables. Then you can unfavel and use them.

    ReplyDelete