Parachute Cord - More than just a cord for parachutes.

Paracord is simply Parachute Cord which attaches the parachutist to the canopy. Commercially marketed today, paracord has hundreds of uses often not initially thought of. Manufacturing of Paracord first started in World War 2 and the design has remained unchanged today. The outer sheath is a filament nylon covering with seven high strength inner nylon cords. The combined breaking strength of a single piece of paracord is 550 pounds. The breaking strength of the cord can be increased during manufacturing but is not usually less than this unless otherwise specified.

So… It’s more than just parachute cord (paracord) - Yes, although initially it was designed for this purpose it’s high strength has proved perfect for any situation requiring light cordage. It would be difficult to imagine a survival kit that does not include a length of paracord. Uses for paracord are endless and are often limited by a persons imagination. Below are a few ideas:

Use 550 Paracord (Parachute Cord) for:

Ridgeline for Tarps/Bashers Restraints

Shoe & Bootlaces Tourniquet

Repairing Equipment Bottle Holder

Securing Equipment Zipper Pulls

Securing Equipment Guylines

Hanging Food from Bears Washing Lines

Making a Fire Bow Handle Wrapping

String for a Bow Trail Marking

Shelter Making Surfing Snowboarding leashes

Hammock Making Kite Surfing Wind Surfing

Fish Nets Boating

Snares/Traps Whip Making

Weapon Straps Binding

Use the Inner cores for:

Fishing Line Dental Floss

Sewing fabric together Small twine for whipping ends of larger cord

Emergency Stitches

Anything else requiring a lightweight super tough cord …

AND MORE - Parachute cord received international publicity in February 1997 when it was used by Discovery astronauts to repair the Hubble Telescope. In places where the insulation had been worn away, Teflon patches were applied and secured with parachute cord. Many army units have fashioned parachute cord into bracelets denoting their unit and geographical area of deployment. This reflects both the comfortable texture of the nylon rope and its place as a military icon.

Share This