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Parachute cord, or simply paracord, is a lightweight nylon rope that’s known for its high tensile strength and versatility. The U.S. military originally used mil spec paracord during WWII as parachute suspension lines. Today, it has become popular among civilians due to its wide range of applications, from survival situations to crafting projects.
If you’re interested in how you can use paracord, this article is for you. We’ll go through the many ways people have used paracord for different situations and tasks.
Paracord Braided Rope Basics
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The Origin
Paracord got its name from its original use. The U.S. military manufactured the original paracord during WWII. Made from 100 percent nylon (both the outer sheath and strands), the mil-spec cords were used as parachute lines and later repurposed for different types of applications in the field.
Through the years, the U.S. military stopped using paracord as parachute suspension lines. However, they still supply paracord to soldiers who are deployed abroad.
Composition and Construction
Paracord which meets military specifications is completely made of high-quality nylon, which is valued for its abrasion resistance, durability, and strength. On the other hand, commercial paracord can be made of nylon, polyester, and other materials (e.g., Dyneema, Kevlar, Technora, and Spectra).
Standard paracord is made up of two parts: a braided outer sheath and core strands. The outer sheath of paracord helps maintain the integrity of the cord and protects the strands, which are tightly woven together to provide additional support and versatility.
The construction and materials of paracord are responsible for its remarkable strength-to-weight ratio. This makes paracord a reliable tool for various applications and situations, capable of withstanding high amounts of tension and heavy duty applications without breaking (to a certain extent).
Paracord is known for its multipurpose nature. Its inner strands can be removed and used individually for lighter tasks, such as flossing, suturing, or sewing. Some brands of paracord have a flammable strand, which you can use to start a fire.
Some people may mistake paracord for traditional ropes. While both are versatile tools, they’re not the same. For instance, they differ in their construction. Traditional ropes don’t have inner strands like paracord. They’re usually made of continuous fibers that are braided together to form a single, solid cord.
Types and Breaking Strengths
There are different types of paracord based on their minimum breaking strength and other unique features (e.g., whether they glow in the dark or reflect light). Brands and manufacturers often measure paracord strength in pounds (lbs) or kilograms (kg).
Below are the common types of paracord based on their breaking strength, number of strands, and diameter (or thickness).
- Type I: 95 lbs (breaking strength), 1 strand, 1.75 mm (diameter)
- Type II: 400 lbs (breaking strength), 4-7 strands, 3 mm (diameter)
- Type III (550 paracord): 550 lbs (breaking strength), 7 strands, 4 mm (diameter)
- Type IV: 750 lbs (breaking strength), 11 strands, 5 mm (diameter)
Paracord for Tactical and Military
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While it’s no longer used for military parachutes, military-grade paracord continues to be a regular fixture in many military units. Here are a few ways the military and tactical professionals use paracord today:
- Wrap it around the handles of weapons, such as guns and knives, to increase grip
- Tie it into emergency harnesses or slings to make secure attachment points for gear, weapons, or injured soldiers
- Secure gear and equipment
- Create basic traps or tripwires
- Use as an improvised tourniquet or sling
- Use for emergency repairs (e.g., fixing a broken strap)
- Create other accessories, such as belts, keychains, and lanyards
Military-grade paracord (MIL-C-5040 cord) is stronger than commercial paracord. This type of paracord undergoes stringent testing and quality control to meet military specifications. Authentic military-grade paracord should have a twisted-colored manufacturer’s ID marker strand, which the US military assigns to each paracord manufacturer for identification purposes.
Paracord for Everyday and DIY Projects
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You don’t need to be a soldier or an outdoor enthusiast to find paracord useful. Parachute cords are available in a wide range of vibrant colors and patterns, which makes them great options for accessories and jewelry making.
Here’s what you (or your customers) can make out of paracord:
- Bag charms
- Bracelets
- Dog collars and leashes
- Earrings
- Keychains
- Lanyards
- Necklaces
- Pendants
- Rings
- Zipper pulls
If you don’t feel creative, that’s okay. You can still use paracord for your everyday life, especially around your home. For instance, you can use it to make clotheslines, hang lightweight items (e.g., planters and wind chimes), and secure your furniture or appliances.
Paracord for Outdoor and Survival
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Preppers and survivalists recognize the reliability and usefulness of parachute cords, such as reflective paracord. If there’s one survival tool they need in their kit, it’s a fire starter. And that’s something a fire-starter paracord can do, thanks to its inner strand that’s infused with paraffin wax or magnesium that ignites with a spark to start a fire.
Here are other ways preppers and survivalists can use paracord:
- Construction of an improvised shelter
- Make fishing lines, emergency snare wires, or sewing threads using the inner strands
- Wrap it around the handle of survival tools, such as axes, fixed-blade knives, and folding shovels
- Replace broken shoe laces or straps
- Stabilize an injured limb by creating a makeshift splint or stretcher
- Control bleeding by using it as a tourniquet
- Create markers and trail lines
Paracord for Medical Emergencies
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Paracord can be a lifesaver in emergencies in various ways. Here are some examples:
Tourniquet: In a second, you can make a tourniquet to control bleeding until professional medical help is available.
Emergency Splint: To stabilize a broken bone temporarily, you can use paracord to create a splint. Get a strip of rigid material (e.g., a board, stick, or rolled blanket), and then wrap a parachute cord around the material to support and immobilize the broken bone.
Wound Stitching: If a wound needs to be closed by suturing before medical help arrives, you can use the strands of paracord to sew it up. Please keep in mind that paracord strands aren’t sterile or dissolvable. Therefore, only use them if you can remove them later.
Emergency Sling: You can also fashion paracord into a sling to support and immobilize an injured part of your body (e.g., a dislocated shoulder).
Paracord for Sports and Recreational Activities
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The durability, strength, and water-resistant properties of paracord make it a useful tool in many fitness, sports, and recreational activities. Here are some examples of how you can use paracord for these activities:
Fitness and Sports
- Improve and practice your footwork by using paracord to create an agility ladder.
- Wrap paracord around the handles of any sports equipment, such as dumbbells and bats, to prevent slipping.
- You can secure paracord between posts to create an adjustable obstacle course.
- Paracord is stretchable (by up to 30%), so it’s a suitable option for creating resistance bands of different strengths. You can use it for a wide range of exercises, such as bicep curls and lateral raises.
- You can also use it as a jump rope to strengthen your heart.
- For bodyweight exercises, you can use paracord to make a suspension training system.
Boating and Water Sports
- Secure your boat, kayak, or paddleboard by creating knotted or woven paracord tie-downs.
- In case you don’t have the proper tie-downs or ropes when your boat breaks down, you can use paracord as an emergency tow line.
- Use paracord as grab handles or safety lines on your boat or dock.
- Create a wrist strap or keychain to prevent small items, such as cameras, compasses, and keys, from getting lost when participating in water activities.
Where Can You Buy Paracord?
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If you plan to sell paracord, it’s important to find a reliable source that can offer a good balance between quality and price. There aren’t a lot of them out there. We’d like to give you a good starting point, so here’s our suggestion:
About Baiyuheng Outdoors
When it comes to business experience, Baiyuheng Outdoors has plenty of it. The company is a professional manufacturer of all kinds of outdoor and survival equipment, including ferro rods, paracord, ropes, and survival cards. They provide ODM/OEM services to their customers from all over the world.
Best Paracord Product
Source: Baiyuheng Outdoors
Baiyuheng Outdoors has many paracord products for you to choose from. One of them is the Bengku 550 Paracord. It’s a nylon parachute cord that has 7 inner strands, which have 3 yarns each. It has a minimum break strength of 550 pounds, making it a suitable option for most basic tasks and crafting projects.
Why You Should Consider Them
Overall, the company has positive reviews. Some of the reasons why they’re a great paracord manufacturer to consider include:
- Great customer service
- Free product photos and samples
- Door-to-door delivery
- Low minimum order quantity
- Customization option
- Good selection of products
Conclusion
Paracord is mainly known for its strength and versatility. The possibility of its applications is well known, specifically in the outdoor and survival communities.
There’s no doubt that it’s a valuable tool for consumers. However, it’s especially beneficial to business owners who are looking for profitable products.
In order to ensure your business’ success, it’s important to find a reliable source of quality paracord. Baiyuheng Outdoors is a great example. But if you prefer to do your own research, you can check out online B2B marketplaces, company websites, or ask for referrals from trusted sources.
