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Paracord, short for parachute cord, is available in different types based on its tensile strength, size, features, and applications. Two of the most popular are 550 paracord and 1100 paracord.paracord manufacturer
So, what makes these two cords special? What are their key differences? In this article, we’ll answer these questions.
Paracord Tensile Strength: What Is It?
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The tensile strength is also called breaking strength. It’s often expressed in pounds or kilograms.
It’s measured based on a material’s ability to withstand the minimum amount of pulling force without breaking. This helps manufacturers and users determine the suitability of paracord ropes for specific tasks, especially heavy duty applications.
You can think of it this way: Imagine you and your friend are pulling the cord on each end. As you pull harder, the cord stretches a little and eventually reaches its breaking point. The amount of pulling force needed to cause the cord to snap is called the tensile strength.
There are several factors that affect the strength of paracord, including:
1. Outer Sheath
Nylon is the material of choice for making the outer sheath of paracord. It’s known for its durability, flexibility, and strength.
However, prolonged exposure to ultraviolet radiation, moisture, and abrasion could degrade the outer sheath over time. Some brands or manufacturers use a special coating to protect the inner strands from the damaging effects of harsh environmental conditions.
The weaving pattern of the outer sheath doesn’t only give it a distinct appearance; it also ensures the strands are held securely. When you rub genuine, high-quality cord between your fingers, the surface should feel smooth and slightly bumpy for comfortable handling.
2. Cores
The core of the paracord is responsible for its strength. If you remove the outer sheath, you’ll find several strands that are twisted together to create a strong cord.
The number of strands can vary for every paracord type. It can range anywhere from 1 to 11 strands. For instance, 550 paracord can have as many as 9 strands.
3. Diameter
There are slight variations in the diameter of each paracord type. In general, it ranges from 1.18 to 4.76 millimeters. The rule of thumb is that the thicker the cord, the more weight or pulling force it can bear.
4. Material Quality
The strength of 550 paracord and 1100 paracord can be significantly influenced by the quality of the materials used in their construction.
Aside from nylon, manufacturers may also use polyester to make paracord. The fibers of nylon or polyester are tightly woven, allowing the cord to have remarkable load-bearing capacity.
What Is 550 Paracord Braided Rope?
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You might also know 550 paracord by its other name: Type III paracord. It’s the most popular and widely used paracord type today. Campers, hikers, preppers, and survivalists use it for a variety of tasks and situations.
Although it shares the same size and breaking strength as mil spec paracord, they’re not entirely the same thing. One reason is that the commercial 550 paracord isn’t manufactured according to strict military specifications.
Characteristics of 550 Paracord
Here are just a few key characteristics of 550 cords:
- The number attached to its name refers to its breaking strength, which is 550 pounds (around 249 kilograms). But please keep in mind that this number could be lower—around 120 to 170 pounds—if we’re talking about safe working load strength.
- The cord’s diameter, or thickness, is around 4 millimeters.
- Most sources say it has seven core nylon strands. However, if you take a closer look, its strand count can actually be higher. Each of these strands is usually composed of three thinner strands that are twisted together in groups to form the seven strands.
- It has a minimum “stretch” of up to 30 percent. This property prevents the cord from snapping when it’s subjected to sudden loads.
Applications of 550 Paracord
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Below are some examples of how you can use 550 paracord in different situations:
Camping and Outdoor Recreations
- Creating your own clothesline, setting up your tent or improvised shelter, securing your gear, making fishing lines, and marking a trail
Emergency and Survival Situations
- Fashioning splints for injured limbs, acting as a tourniquet for uncontrolled bleeding, making improvised tools and shelters, and creating traps for catching food
Crafting and DIY Projects
- Making lanyards, keychains, pet collars and leashes, and other accessories (e.g., necklaces and bracelets)
What Is 1100 Paracord?
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If it’s your first time hearing about 1100 paracord, it’s okay. This extra-heavy-duty cord isn’t as popular or widely available as the 550 paracord.
It’s usually considered a more specialized type of paracord that’s used in many industrial applications and other situations where superior strength is necessary.
Characteristics of 1100 Paracord
Here are just a few key characteristics of 1100 cords:
- It’s generally made of nylon.
- It’s rated to hold 1,100 pounds. However, like other paracord types, it has a lower safe working load of 360 pounds.
- The cord is 5.5 millimeters (1/4 inch) thick.
- Depending on the manufacturer, this can have 14 to 16 core strands.
Applications of 1100 Paracord
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Due to their breaking strength rating and durable construction, 1100 cords are suitable for demanding tasks that require moving or securing extremely heavy loads. Here are a few ways you can use this cord:
Construction Industry
- For moving, rigging, towing, and constructing structures
Military and Survival Applications
- For securing or setting up temporary shelter, sewing thread, replacing boot laces, and securing gear and equipment
Improvised Tools and Accessories
- For making survival bracelets, belts, lanyards, and knife handle wraps
Off-roading
- For stabilizing and winching vehicles
What Are The Differences Between 550 Cord and 1100 Cord?
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By now, you may already have some idea of the differences between 550 paracord and 1100 paracord. To make sure everything’s clear, we’ve outlined some of the key differences between these two reliable paracord types.
1. Minimum Breaking Strength
One of the most obvious differences between the two paracord types is their breaking strengths.
The 1100 paracord is two times stronger than the 550 paracord, whether we’re talking about their minimum breaking strength or safe working load (the maximum weight a paracord can withstand). Therefore, it’s usually the best option for most tasks that demand greater load-bearing capabilities.
2. Thickness
On average, the 550 paracord will be 4 millimeters thick. Since it has more strands and a higher breaking strength, the 1100 paracord tends to have a thicker cord than the 550 paracord. The thickness of its cord can range between 5.5 and 6 millimeters.
Please keep in mind that a thicker paracord isn’t always necessary. You should always take into consideration the requirements or types of activities most of your customers usually love to do.
3. Weight
The weight of any paracord will depend on several factors, such as the manufacturer, the length of the cord, and the materials used. Overall, paracord types with a higher strength rating are typically heavier.
Below is the approximate weight of the 1100 paracord and the 550 paracord:
- 550 paracord: 7.1 punches per 100 feet
- 1100 paracord: 24 to 32 ounces per 100 feet
4. Availability and Use
Due to its general-purpose nature, the 550 paracord is more widely available than the 1100 paracord. As a result, you’ll have more choices in terms of colors, patterns, and other specialized features.
Meanwhile, since it has been designed to specifically focus on heavy-duty applications, it limits the broader usage of the 1100 paracord.
Paracord Manufacturer Spotlight: Baiyuheng Outdoor
Source: Baiyuheng Outdoors
There’s no “better choice” between the 550 paracord and the 1100 paracord. The right paracord will depend on the demand, intended use, and specific requirements of your customers.
Choosing the right paracord manufacturer with great customer service is also crucial. So, here’s our suggestion:
About The Company
Established in 2010, Baiyuheng Outdoor is a trusted manufacturing company based in Jiangmen, China. The company has 13 years (and counting) of experience developing and producing high-quality paracord with different strength ratings, colors, patterns, and specialized features (e.g., glow-in-the-dark cord and reflective paracord).
Best Paracord Product
Source: Baiyuheng Outdoors
If you’re looking for customizable 550 cords, Baiyuheng Outdoor has a ton of options for you. One of them is the “Bengku 550 Paracord.”
Like the name suggests, it’s a 7-strand cord that can hold 550 pounds of static weight. You can buy it as is, or you can contact the company to discuss with them your specific requirements.
Why Their Customers Love Them
Small Business-Friendly
The company has a low minimum order requirement for all their paracord products. This can be helpful for businesses that are just starting out, have no large investment capital, and don’t want to place large orders for a new product.
Customization Services
By customizing your paracord order, you can stand out from your competition and bring your product to your target market. Some of Baiyuheng Outdoor’s customization services include customized color, logo, packaging, and size.
Provide Excellent Customer Service
The company’s friendly and responsive customer service representatives are always ready to address your concerns.
In addition, they ensure that you receive your orders on schedule. This is one of the reasons the company has a high customer rating on different B2B e-commerce platforms.
Conclusion
To summarize, the biggest difference between 550 cord and 1100 paracord lies in their breaking strength and specific uses:
If you’re looking for a general-purpose utility cord, the 550 cord is the best option.
If you need a cord that can withstand heavy-duty tasks and industrial applications, the 1100 paracord is a more suitable option.
