History of Paracord
What is Paracord?
Paracord (parachute cord) is a lightweight nylon rope originally used in the suspension lines of US
parachutes during World War II. Once in the field, paratroopers found this cord useful for many
other tasks.
This versatile cord is now used as a general purpose utility cord by both military personnel and
civilians.
The braided sheath comes in a variety of colors and its
7 inner strands provide a multitude of uses. Typical uses include attaching equipment to harnesses, as strapping to avoid losing small or important items, tying items to vehicle racks, securing nets to trees or
vehicles, tourniquets, etc.
The inner strands of the core can also be removed when finer string is needed. Uses
include sewing thread to repair gear, fishing line, tripwire, nets, traps, and other emergency
and/or survival situations.
The nylon sheath is often used alone (the strands in the core removed) when a thinner or less
elastic cord is needed, such as when used as a boot lace. The ends of the cord can easily
be melted to prevent fraying.
Paracord Bracelets
In addition to purely utility uses, paracord can be used to fashion knotted or braided bracelets,
lanyards, keychains, belts, and other decorative items. Paracord survival bracelets are worn around the world. They are a great way to carry around a fair amount of paracord with you in case of any emergency situation (roughly 8 - 11 feet, depending on size & style). Although the paracord bracelet is made to hold securely on your wrist while you are wearing it, it can be unraveled and the paracord can help you in a number of the afore-mentioned scenarios.
Even if not used for emergency/survival purposes, paracord bracelets are not simply a fashion
statement.
Within bush craft and survival communities paracord has reached an almost iconic status where it is considered that its uses are only limited by a person's imagination to use it. Take the second Space Shuttle mission in February 1997 for example... A bright and resourceful astronaut decided the best way to repair the Hubble Space Telescope was with the outer sheath of a length of paracord.
Although used for a number of mainstream purposes, paracord has not lost its identity as a functional military cord. Frequently soldiers favour paracord for a number of lightweight uses include repairing and securing equipment, shelter making, binding and even first aid. The inner strands (of which there are seven) can be gutted and used to make sewing fabrics and fishing line. Furthermore, it is possible to join or finish the ends of a single piece of paracord by melting it with a naked flame or heated knife.
Six types of paracord are commonly supplied. These are Type 1, Type 1A, Type 2, Type 2A , Type 3 and Type 4. Type 3 which has a minimum breaking strength of 550 pounds (hence the name 550 cord) is the most widely used today. Similar to any manufactured product, there can be variations in the quality of paracord supplied from different factories. However, All US Military issue paracord is certified to conform to the standards of MIL-C-5040H. There are no requirements specified in regards to the diameter of pacacord.
My bracelets are crafted using Type3, non-gutted.
So, what can you do with "perry cord"? LOTS!!!:
...And much much more....feel free to write in with your uses!
Paracord (parachute cord) is a lightweight nylon rope originally used in the suspension lines of US
parachutes during World War II. Once in the field, paratroopers found this cord useful for many
other tasks.
This versatile cord is now used as a general purpose utility cord by both military personnel and
civilians.
The braided sheath comes in a variety of colors and its
7 inner strands provide a multitude of uses. Typical uses include attaching equipment to harnesses, as strapping to avoid losing small or important items, tying items to vehicle racks, securing nets to trees or
vehicles, tourniquets, etc.
The inner strands of the core can also be removed when finer string is needed. Uses
include sewing thread to repair gear, fishing line, tripwire, nets, traps, and other emergency
and/or survival situations.
The nylon sheath is often used alone (the strands in the core removed) when a thinner or less
elastic cord is needed, such as when used as a boot lace. The ends of the cord can easily
be melted to prevent fraying.
Paracord Bracelets
In addition to purely utility uses, paracord can be used to fashion knotted or braided bracelets,
lanyards, keychains, belts, and other decorative items. Paracord survival bracelets are worn around the world. They are a great way to carry around a fair amount of paracord with you in case of any emergency situation (roughly 8 - 11 feet, depending on size & style). Although the paracord bracelet is made to hold securely on your wrist while you are wearing it, it can be unraveled and the paracord can help you in a number of the afore-mentioned scenarios.
Even if not used for emergency/survival purposes, paracord bracelets are not simply a fashion
statement.
Within bush craft and survival communities paracord has reached an almost iconic status where it is considered that its uses are only limited by a person's imagination to use it. Take the second Space Shuttle mission in February 1997 for example... A bright and resourceful astronaut decided the best way to repair the Hubble Space Telescope was with the outer sheath of a length of paracord.
Although used for a number of mainstream purposes, paracord has not lost its identity as a functional military cord. Frequently soldiers favour paracord for a number of lightweight uses include repairing and securing equipment, shelter making, binding and even first aid. The inner strands (of which there are seven) can be gutted and used to make sewing fabrics and fishing line. Furthermore, it is possible to join or finish the ends of a single piece of paracord by melting it with a naked flame or heated knife.
Six types of paracord are commonly supplied. These are Type 1, Type 1A, Type 2, Type 2A , Type 3 and Type 4. Type 3 which has a minimum breaking strength of 550 pounds (hence the name 550 cord) is the most widely used today. Similar to any manufactured product, there can be variations in the quality of paracord supplied from different factories. However, All US Military issue paracord is certified to conform to the standards of MIL-C-5040H. There are no requirements specified in regards to the diameter of pacacord.
My bracelets are crafted using Type3, non-gutted.
So, what can you do with "perry cord"? LOTS!!!:
- Shelter ridge line
- Tent guy out string
- Boot laces
- Belt
- Arm sling
- Fishing line
- Dental floss
- Snares and traps
- Rock sling/staff sling
- Gear repair
- Decoration
- Luggage tags
- Luggage handle
- Security (door lock, tattle tail with bell)
- Gun sling
- Lashing cargo
- Log pull
- Pole lashing
- Knife lanyard
- Necklace
- Sandals, with a piece of tire
- Dog collar
- Dog leash
- Sewing repairs
- Hang food from a tree in bear country
- Bow drill string
- Fishing nets (with enough cord)
- Tourniquet
- Wash cloth (woven together like a crocheted pot holder)
...And much much more....feel free to write in with your uses!
