Paracord, short for parachute cord, is a versatile and durable type of rope originally used in the suspension lines of parachutes. Over time, its exceptional strength, flexibility, and multiple uses have made it a popular choice for outdoor enthusiasts, survivalists, and crafters. Paracord is categorized into different types based on its strength and construction, each suited for specific applications. Understanding the differences between these types can help you choose the right paracord for your needs. In this article, we will explore the four main types of paracord, their characteristics, and their best uses.
By Type
Paracord comes in various types, each with specific characteristics and suited for different applications. Here are the four main types of paracord, their specifications, and their common uses:
Type I Paracord
Type I paracord is the lightest and least strong among the standard paracord types, but it still offers a decent level of durability and versatility.
- Strength: Type I paracord has a minimum breaking strength of around 95 pounds.
- Construction: It typically features a single inner strand surrounded by a woven outer sheath.
- Diameter: The diameter of Type I paracord is approximately 1.6 mm.
- Uses: Due to its lower strength, Type I paracord is best suited for lightweight tasks such as securing gear, making zipper pulls, crafting small projects, and minor repairs. It’s a great option for EDC (Everyday Carry) uses where minimal strength is required.
Type II Paracord
Type II paracord is a mid-range option that provides greater strength and versatility compared to Type I.
- Strength: Type II paracord has a minimum breaking strength of around 400 pounds.
- Construction: It typically features 4 to 7 inner strands, each consisting of multiple fibers, surrounded by a woven outer sheath.
- Diameter: The diameter of Type II paracord is approximately 3 mm.
- Uses: Type II paracord is suitable for a wide range of applications, including outdoor activities, securing tents, making bracelets, and general utility tasks. Its increased strength makes it more reliable for handling heavier loads and more demanding conditions.
Type III Paracord
Type III paracord, commonly known as 550 paracord, is the most widely used and recognized type due to its balance of strength, durability, and flexibility.
- Strength: Type III paracord has a minimum breaking strength of 550 pounds.
- Construction: It typically features 7 to 9 inner strands, each made of 2-ply fibers, enclosed in a woven outer sheath.
- Diameter: The diameter of Type III paracord is approximately 4 mm.
- Uses: This type of paracord is extremely versatile and is used for a vast array of tasks such as making survival bracelets, lanyards, shoelaces, securing gear, and building shelters. Its reliability and strength make it a staple in both civilian and military applications.
Type IV Paracord
Type IV paracord is the strongest and most robust of the standard paracord types, designed for heavy-duty applications.
- Strength: Type IV paracord has a minimum breaking strength of 750 pounds.
- Construction: It typically features 11 inner strands, each consisting of multiple fibers, surrounded by a woven outer sheath.
- Diameter: The diameter of Type IV paracord is approximately 5 mm.
- Uses: Due to its high strength, Type IV paracord is ideal for demanding tasks such as heavy lifting, rescue operations, and any situation where maximum durability and reliability are required. It’s often used in situations where failure is not an option.
Commercial versus Military Quality
When it comes to paracord, there are significant differences between commercial and military-grade options. Understanding these differences is crucial for selecting the right type of paracord for your needs, whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast, survivalist, or craftsperson. Here’s a detailed comparison of commercial versus military quality paracord.
Commercial Quality Paracord
Commercial paracord is widely available and used for various civilian applications. It is generally more affordable and accessible than military-grade paracord but comes with certain trade-offs in terms of quality and performance.
- Manufacturing Standards: Commercial paracord is produced according to standard industrial practices but does not adhere to the stringent specifications required for military-grade paracord. This can result in variations in quality and consistency.
- Strength and Durability: While commercial paracord is strong and versatile, it may not always meet the highest standards of tensile strength and durability. It’s sufficient for most everyday uses, such as crafting, camping, and general utility tasks.
- Material Composition: The materials used in commercial paracord can vary, sometimes incorporating lower-quality nylon or mixed synthetic fibers. This can affect the paracord’s overall strength and longevity.
- Cost: One of the primary advantages of commercial paracord is its cost-effectiveness. It is typically less expensive than military-grade paracord, making it a popular choice for non-critical applications.
Military Quality Paracord
Military-grade paracord, often referred to as Mil-Spec paracord, is designed to meet rigorous military specifications (MIL-C-5040H). This ensures the highest level of quality, strength, and reliability, making it suitable for demanding and critical applications.
- Manufacturing Standards: Military-grade paracord is manufactured according to strict military specifications. These standards ensure uniformity, consistency, and reliability in every batch produced.
- Strength and Durability: Mil-Spec paracord is tested for maximum tensile strength, ensuring it meets or exceeds the required 550 pounds (for Type III) or 750 pounds (for Type IV) breaking strength. This makes it highly reliable for heavy-duty tasks and survival situations.
- Material Composition: Military-grade paracord is made from high-quality nylon fibers, ensuring superior strength and durability. The inner strands and outer sheath are constructed to precise standards, providing excellent resistance to abrasion, UV damage, and moisture.
- Cost: Due to its high-quality materials and stringent manufacturing standards, military-grade paracord is more expensive than commercial paracord. However, the investment is justified by its superior performance and reliability in critical situations.
Practical Applications
Understanding when to use commercial versus military-grade paracord can help you choose the right type for your needs.
- Commercial Paracord Uses: Commercial paracord is ideal for everyday tasks and recreational activities. It’s perfect for crafting projects, securing light loads, setting up temporary shelters, and other non-critical uses where extreme strength and durability are not essential.
- Military-Grade Paracord Uses: Military-grade paracord is essential for situations where reliability and performance are critical. This includes military and tactical applications, emergency preparedness, survival kits, climbing, and heavy-duty outdoor activities. Its superior strength and durability make it a trusted choice in scenarios where failure is not an option.
Identifying Mil-Spec Paracord
To ensure you’re purchasing genuine military-grade paracord, look for the following characteristics:
- Certification: Genuine Mil-Spec paracord will often come with certification or labeling indicating compliance with MIL-C-5040H specifications.
- Strand Count: Verify the number of inner strands. For Type III Mil-Spec paracord, there should be 7 to 9 inner strands, each made of 2-ply fibers.
- Manufacturer Information: Reputable manufacturers will provide detailed information about the paracord’s specifications and compliance with military standards.
By Material It Is Made Of
The material composition of paracord plays a crucial role in its strength, flexibility, and durability. Understanding the different materials used in the construction of paracord can help you select the best type for your specific needs. Here’s an in-depth look at the various materials used to make paracord and how they impact its performance.
Nylon
Nylon is the most common material used in the production of high-quality paracord, particularly military-grade options. Nylon offers several benefits that make it ideal for paracord construction.
- Strength and Durability: Nylon fibers provide excellent tensile strength, making the rope capable of handling significant loads and stress. This strength is critical for applications that require reliable and robust cordage.
- Elasticity: Nylon is known for its slight elasticity, which allows the paracord to absorb shock loads. This feature is particularly useful in dynamic activities such as climbing, parachuting, and towing, where sudden forces need to be absorbed.
- Resistance to Environmental Factors: Nylon paracord is highly resistant to UV rays, mildew, rot, and abrasion. This makes it suitable for prolonged outdoor use in various weather conditions without significant degradation.
- Smooth Texture: The smooth texture of nylon fibers makes paracord easy to handle, knot, and weave, which is beneficial for crafting and utility applications.
Polyester
Polyester is another material sometimes used in the construction of paracord. While less common than nylon, it offers unique advantages.
- UV Resistance: Polyester has superior resistance to UV radiation compared to nylon, making it an excellent choice for applications with extensive sun exposure. It retains its strength and color better over time when exposed to sunlight.
- Low Stretch: Polyester fibers have lower elasticity compared to nylon, which means they stretch less under load. This property is advantageous for applications requiring minimal stretch, such as in static lines or where maintaining tension is critical.
- Moisture Resistance: Polyester is highly resistant to moisture and does not absorb water as readily as nylon. This makes polyester paracord ideal for marine and aquatic environments where constant exposure to water is a factor.
- Abrasion Resistance: Similar to nylon, polyester also offers good resistance to abrasion, ensuring durability in rough conditions.
Polypropylene
Polypropylene is another material occasionally used in making lower-grade paracord. It is generally considered a budget option and has different characteristics compared to nylon and polyester.
- Lightweight and Floatation: Polypropylene is lighter than both nylon and polyester and has the unique property of floating on water. This makes it suitable for certain water-related applications where buoyancy is beneficial.
- Chemical Resistance: Polypropylene has good resistance to various chemicals, which can be useful in industrial environments where exposure to chemicals is common.
- Lower Strength: Polypropylene paracord does not match the tensile strength of nylon or polyester and is more prone to degradation from UV exposure. This limits its use in high-stress or prolonged outdoor applications.
- Cost-Effective: Due to its lower cost, polypropylene paracord is often used for budget-friendly projects or temporary solutions where high strength and durability are not critical.
Composite Materials
Some paracord manufacturers use a combination of materials to enhance specific properties of the rope. These composite materials can offer a balance of strength, flexibility, and resistance to environmental factors.
- Blended Fibers: Paracord made from blended fibers can combine the benefits of different materials, such as the strength of nylon with the UV resistance of polyester.
- Special Coatings: Some paracord may have additional coatings for enhanced resistance to water, chemicals, or abrasion. These coatings can further extend the rope’s lifespan and performance in demanding conditions.
Other Types of Cord
While paracord is one of the most popular and versatile types of cord available, there are several other types of cord that serve various specialized purposes. Understanding the differences and unique characteristics of these cords can help you choose the best option for your specific needs. Here’s a detailed look at some other commonly used types of cord:
Kevlar Cord
Kevlar cord is known for its exceptional strength and resistance to heat and abrasion. Made from aramid fibers, Kevlar is five times stronger than steel by weight.
- Strength and Durability: Kevlar cord can withstand high tensile loads, making it ideal for applications requiring extreme strength. It’s often used in high-stress environments like climbing, industrial rigging, and in the military.
- Heat Resistance: Kevlar is highly resistant to heat and can tolerate temperatures up to 800°F (427°C) without degrading. This makes it suitable for applications where exposure to high temperatures is a concern.
- Abrasion Resistance: The durability of Kevlar makes it resistant to wear and tear, even in abrasive environments. This longevity makes it a cost-effective option for heavy-duty use.
Dyneema Cord
Dyneema cord, also known as UHMWPE (Ultra-High-Molecular-Weight Polyethylene), is renowned for its high strength-to-weight ratio and low stretch properties.
- High Strength: Dyneema is one of the strongest fibers available, offering exceptional tensile strength while remaining lightweight. This makes it ideal for use in marine, climbing, and aerospace applications.
- Low Stretch: Dyneema cord has minimal stretch, maintaining its shape and length under load. This stability is crucial for applications requiring precise measurements and consistency.
- Water and UV Resistance: Dyneema is highly resistant to water absorption and UV radiation, making it suitable for prolonged outdoor use and marine environments.
Polyester Cord
Polyester cord is commonly used in various applications due to its balance of strength, flexibility, and resistance to environmental factors.
- UV Resistance: Polyester cord has excellent UV resistance, maintaining its strength and color over long periods of sun exposure. This makes it ideal for outdoor and marine applications.
- Low Stretch: With lower elasticity compared to nylon, polyester cord is preferred in applications where minimal stretch is required, such as in static lines or securing loads.
- Moisture Resistance: Polyester resists moisture and does not absorb water easily, preventing rot and degradation in wet conditions.
Cotton Cord
Cotton cord is a natural fiber rope that is soft, flexible, and easy to work with, making it popular for crafting, decorative purposes, and light-duty applications.
- Softness: The softness of cotton makes it gentle on hands and suitable for projects where comfort and aesthetic appeal are important.
- Biodegradable: Being a natural fiber, cotton is biodegradable and environmentally friendly, making it a preferred choice for eco-conscious projects.
- Ease of Dyeing: Cotton cord takes dye well, allowing for a wide range of colors and customization options in crafting and decorative uses.
Manila Rope
Manila rope is a type of natural fiber rope made from the abaca plant. It is known for its strength, durability, and resistance to saltwater damage.
- Natural Strength: Manila rope is strong and durable, making it suitable for heavy-duty applications such as ship lines, fishing nets, and construction.
- Grip and Handling: The texture of Manila rope provides good grip, which is beneficial in rigging and other applications where secure handling is necessary.
- Aesthetic Appeal: Often used in decorative projects, Manila rope adds a rustic and natural look to landscaping, interior design, and craft projects.
Polypropylene Cord
Polypropylene cord is a lightweight and cost-effective rope that floats on water, making it suitable for specific applications where buoyancy is needed.
- Floatation: The buoyant nature of polypropylene makes it ideal for marine applications, such as lifelines and marker buoys.
- Chemical Resistance: Polypropylene resists many chemicals, oils, and solvents, making it useful in industrial environments where chemical exposure is a concern.
- Cost-Effective: As one of the more affordable rope options, polypropylene is often used for temporary solutions, recreational activities, and applications where cost is a primary consideration.
Does It Even Matter?
When selecting the right type of cord for your needs, you might wonder: does it even matter which type of cord you choose? The answer is a resounding yes. The type of cord you select can significantly impact the effectiveness, safety, and durability of your project or activity. Here’s why the choice of cord matters and how it can affect various applications:
Safety and Reliability
One of the primary reasons the choice of cord matters is safety. Different cords have varying tensile strengths, abrasion resistance, and durability, which are crucial for ensuring safety in high-risk applications.
- Tensile Strength: Using a cord with insufficient tensile strength for tasks like climbing, towing, or lifting can lead to failures and accidents. For example, choosing Kevlar or Dyneema cords for their high strength ensures that the cord can handle significant loads without breaking.
- Abrasion Resistance: In environments where the cord is subjected to friction and wear, selecting a material with high abrasion resistance, such as polyester or Kevlar, can prevent premature failure and enhance safety.
- Environmental Conditions: The environmental conditions in which the cord will be used also matter. For instance, using polyester or Dyneema in marine settings ensures resistance to UV rays and moisture, maintaining safety and reliability.
Performance and Efficiency
The performance of your cord can greatly influence the efficiency and success of your project.
- Stretch and Flexibility: The elasticity of the cord affects how it behaves under load. For applications requiring minimal stretch, such as securing loads or creating static lines, polyester or Dyneema cords are ideal. Conversely, nylon’s slight elasticity is beneficial for dynamic loads and shock absorption.
- Handling and Knotting: The ease of handling and ability to hold knots securely can impact the performance of the cord. Materials like nylon and polyester offer smooth textures and flexibility, making them easier to knot and manipulate, which is essential for tasks requiring precision and reliability.
Durability and Longevity
Choosing the right cord can ensure durability and long-term use, saving you time and money on replacements.
- UV Resistance: For outdoor applications, UV resistance is critical. Polyester and Dyneema cords resist UV degradation, maintaining their strength and color over time, which is vital for long-lasting performance.
- Moisture and Chemical Resistance: In environments exposed to moisture or chemicals, selecting cords like polyester or polypropylene ensures that the cord will not degrade quickly, providing reliable and long-term use.
Specific Application Needs
Different projects and activities have unique requirements that specific types of cords can meet more effectively.
- Crafting and Decorative Uses: For crafting and decorative purposes, the aesthetic and handling properties of the cord matter. Cotton and Manila ropes are preferred for their natural look and feel, which enhance the visual appeal of projects.
- Industrial and Heavy-Duty Applications: In industrial settings, where the cord must withstand heavy loads and harsh conditions, Kevlar and Dyneema cords provide the necessary strength and durability to perform reliably.
Cost-Effectiveness
While initial costs may vary, the right choice of cord can lead to cost savings in the long run.
- Long-Term Investment: Investing in higher-quality cords like military-grade paracord, Kevlar, or Dyneema may have a higher upfront cost but ensures longer lifespan and fewer replacements, making them cost-effective over time.
- Avoiding Failures: Using the appropriate cord for the job reduces the risk of failure, which can lead to costly repairs, replacements, or even accidents. Ensuring you have the right cord from the start can prevent such issues.
FAQ
Q1: What’s the difference between Type III and Type IV paracord?
A: Type III (550 paracord) has a breaking strength of 550 pounds with 7-9 inner strands, while Type IV has a breaking strength of 750 pounds with 11 inner strands.
Q2: Is Type I paracord good for survival?
A: Type I paracord, with a breaking strength of 95 pounds, is best for lightweight tasks and not recommended for critical survival uses.
Q3: Can Type II paracord handle outdoor activities?
A: Yes, Type II paracord, with a 400-pound breaking strength, is suitable for many outdoor tasks like securing tents and making bracelets.
Q4: How do I identify military-grade paracord?
A: Military-grade paracord will be labeled as MIL-C-5040H compliant, with consistent inner strands (7-9 for Type III, 11 for Type IV) and made of high-quality nylon.
Q5: What are common uses for Type III paracord?
A: Type III paracord is versatile for survival bracelets, lanyards, shoelaces, securing gear, and building shelters.
Conclusion
Understanding the four main types of paracord—Type I, Type II, Type III, and Type IV—helps you choose the right one for your needs. Each type offers varying levels of strength and durability, making them suitable for different tasks. Whether for outdoor activities, survival situations, or crafting, selecting the appropriate paracord ensures reliability and versatility.
