Parachute cord also known as paracord or 550 cord is a lightweight nylon rope first popularised during World War 2 as the material of choice for suspension lines of US parachutes. Soldiers finding themselves with limited resources soon realised the benefits of dissecting paracord and the infinite uses of the inner strands and outer sheath.
The braided sheath has a high number of interwoven strands for its size, giving it a relatively smooth texture. The all nylon construction makes paracord fairly elastic and is now used in a number of applications including bracelet making, survival accessories, hiking products and of course parachutes. Due to this demand manufacturing of paracord is aimed at both military and civilian purposes.
Many outdoor communities hold paracord as an iconic product considering it only limited by ones imagination. This versatile cord was even used by astronauts during STS-82, the second Space Shuttle mission to repair the Hubble Space Telescope.
Taking into consideration the mainstream use of paracord it has not lost its military identity. Nearly all US units are issued with the cord where there is a requirement for lightweight cordage. Examples of this use would be making shelters, binding materials, securing camouflage nets or using the inner strands for sewing fabrics and fishing line. It is popular to melt the ends of paracord with a hot knife or flame to join the ends of paracord together.
Six styles of paracord are commonly supplied all conforming to the Military standard of MIL-C-5040H. These are listed as Type 1, Type 1A, Type 2, Type 2A Type 3 and Type 4. The most widely used paracord in circulation today is Type 3 paracord due to its versatility. Type 3 paracord will have a minimum breaking strength of 550 pounds. This breaking strength led to the abreviated name which oftern paracord is referred to. 550 Cord. Paracord / 550 cord can be manufactured to any diameter as there are no specific requirements within MIL-C-5040H. - 33381
The braided sheath has a high number of interwoven strands for its size, giving it a relatively smooth texture. The all nylon construction makes paracord fairly elastic and is now used in a number of applications including bracelet making, survival accessories, hiking products and of course parachutes. Due to this demand manufacturing of paracord is aimed at both military and civilian purposes.
Many outdoor communities hold paracord as an iconic product considering it only limited by ones imagination. This versatile cord was even used by astronauts during STS-82, the second Space Shuttle mission to repair the Hubble Space Telescope.
Taking into consideration the mainstream use of paracord it has not lost its military identity. Nearly all US units are issued with the cord where there is a requirement for lightweight cordage. Examples of this use would be making shelters, binding materials, securing camouflage nets or using the inner strands for sewing fabrics and fishing line. It is popular to melt the ends of paracord with a hot knife or flame to join the ends of paracord together.
Six styles of paracord are commonly supplied all conforming to the Military standard of MIL-C-5040H. These are listed as Type 1, Type 1A, Type 2, Type 2A Type 3 and Type 4. The most widely used paracord in circulation today is Type 3 paracord due to its versatility. Type 3 paracord will have a minimum breaking strength of 550 pounds. This breaking strength led to the abreviated name which oftern paracord is referred to. 550 Cord. Paracord / 550 cord can be manufactured to any diameter as there are no specific requirements within MIL-C-5040H. - 33381
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