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Parachute cord, or simply paracord, is mainly known for its strength and versatility. Since the early 1930s, people have used this versatile nylon rope for a wide range of applications, from outdoor survival to crafting projects.paracord manufacturer
So, why is paracord so strong? Exactly how strong is it? In this post, we’ll answer these questions in more detail.
Composition of Paracord
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Paracord got its name because the U.S. military originally used it as parachute lines during World War 2. Soldiers cut off these cords and used them for all types of tasks in the field. Since then, it has become popular among the general public.
As a lightweight kernmantle rope, paracord consists of two major parts:
Core: The core, also called the “kern,” consists of nylon strands that are tightly interwoven to increase the strength and load-bearing capacity of the paracord. The core of the paracord can have 1 to 11 strands (or yarns), each made up of 2 to 3 thinner strands.
Outer Sheath: The exterior covering of the paracord ropes is called a “mantle.” As the name suggests, it keeps the core strands secure and protected. It’s tightly woven using a braided or cabled pattern, which gives it a unique look. Depending on the type and brand quality, it effectively shields the core strands from moisture, tearing, and UV rays.
Factors That Affect Paracord Strength
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The strength of a parachute cord is influenced by a wide range of factors. Whether you’re buying this to use personally or to sell, it’s a good idea to consider these factors. Let’s briefly go over some of them:
Diameter
Paracord comes in a variety of diameters. On average, it can range from 2 to 5 millimeters (mm). The 550 paracord, the most common paracord type, is 4 to 5 mm thick.
In general, thicker cords tend to have greater tensile strength. Therefore, they’re more suitable for heavy duty applications compared to thinner variants.
However, keep in mind that a thicker cord could limit its flexibility. This could make it more challenging to work with.
Environmental Conditions
Prolonged exposure to certain environmental conditions can significantly affect the longevity and performance of paracord. Some of the environmental factors that could impact its strength include:
- Ultraviolet (UV) radiation exposure (i.e., being left out under the sun)
- Exposure to excessive moisture, such as from rain and water submersion
- Extreme temperature changes
- Harsh chemical agents (e.g., cleaning products and solvents)
- Natural degradation due to age or storage
Knots Number and Technique
Knots can reduce the strength of parachute cords by 25% to 60%. Certain types of knots, such as the figure-eight knot and overhand knot, can significantly reduce the amount of load paracord can handle.
Paracord that’s knotted fails because of bending and pressure. These two factors, plus poor tying technique and sharp angles, can cause stress and weakening at those points.
Strand Count
Generally, paracord cores with more strands are stronger. For instance, Type IV paracord with an 11-strand core is 200 pounds stronger than 550 paracord with a 7-strand core.
The presence of multiple strands allows the distribution of tension or weight (as equally as possible) among individual strands to ease stress and prevent breakage. It also creates a safety margin, so if one strand breaks, the others can handle the load.
Manufacturing Process
The production process is another consideration when it comes to paracord strength. That’s why it’s important to choose brands or manufacturers that follow industry standards and have rigorous test methods to ensure the paracord stock you’re buying is strong and reliable.
These are just a few factors that could significantly influence the strength of paracord. It’s important to consider these to ensure your paracord orders fit your intended use and requirements.
How Strong Is Paracord Really?
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Manufacturers often express the breaking strength of paracord in pounds (lb.) or kilograms (kg). There are different categories of paracord based on strength, but the main ones are:
95 Paracord
The 95 paracord is also known as Type I paracord. It has a single inner strand and a thinner diameter. With a minimum breaking strength of 95 lb. (approximately 43 kg), it’s a more appropriate option for smaller applications, such as creating accessories and jewelry.
425 Paracord
The 425 paracord (Type II paracord) is 2 to 2.4 mm in diameter, making it slightly thicker than 95 paracord. This kind of paracord can carry up to 400 lb. to 425 lb. (approximately 181 kg to 193 kg) of static weight or tension before failing.
550 Paracord
550 paracord, also referred to as Type III paracord, is the most common type of paracord. It has a breaking strength of 550 lb. (approximately 249 kg), with a safe working load of approximately 110 lb.
Its popularity is due to the fact that it offers a good balance between strength and functionality. You can use it in various applications, such as tying down tents, making shelters, creating an emergency tourniquet or splint, and more.
750 Paracord
Also known as Type IV paracord, 750 paracord has a higher minimum breaking strength than 550 paracord. It’s rated to carry up to 750 lb. of static weight, which makes it one of the strongest paracord types on the market.
Commercial Paracord vs. Mil-Spec Paracord
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You may have heard others suggest buying mil-spec cord instead of its commercial counterpart. You might wonder why you should.
There’s a common notion that mil-spec cords are stronger than commercial paracord. There are two reasons for this: the kind of inner strands manufacturers use and quality control measures.
Before they can be called “mil-spec,” paracord products need to adhere to strict military specifications to ensure their quality and strength. If they meet these standards, you can be assured of high quality, consistent performance, and superior strength. In general, mil-spec cords provide 550 lb. of breaking strength.
Tip: Look for an ID marker strand. This strand serves as identification for a government-certified manufacturer.
On the other hand, commercial cords don’t need to meet the same strict military requirements as mil-spec cords. They’re also available in different breaking-strength ratings.
In conclusion, commercial paracord isn’t as strong as mil-spec cord. That’s why it’s a more suitable option for basic and daily applications. However, there are paracord products on the market that offer similar strength to mil-spec cords.
Does a Paracord Manufacturer Affect Paracord Strength?
The short answer is yes. Let’s find out how manufacturers can affect the strength and quality of paracord.
Manufacturing Standards
There are no specific industry standards for manufacturing commercial paracord. However, most reputable paracord brands or manufacturers will voluntarily meet relevant manufacturing standards for strength and quality. For instance, some commercial paracord manufacturers may try to meet the Parachute Industry Association (PIA) standards for performance, strength, and quality.
Materials
Most paracord products are almost always made from nylon or polyester. Some are made of newer and more advanced materials, such as Kevlar. When combined with the proper manufacturing process, the materials used ensure a more durable and reliable cord.
Construction
The construction of the core and outer sheath also influences the tensile strength of the paracord. How many inner strands were used? Were they tightly and intricately woven?
Load Testing
Some manufacturers often perform load testing for their paracord products. Load testing is necessary for determining the maximum amount of tension or weight a paracord type can safely withstand before failing. In addition, this process helps manufacturers find any weaknesses they need to improve in their production process.
Which Paracord Manufacturer With Great Customer Service Is the Best?
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There are many out there. You could ask for recommendations from trusted sources, like friends or other sellers of outdoor and survival gear. You could scour the internet and B2B e-commerce websites.
Regardless of where you find your paracord manufacturer, it’s important to do your research before making up your mind. While you have a lot of options out there, there’s also a chance you’ll encounter dubious manufacturers or suppliers.
To help you out, we’d like to suggest this trusted manufacturer of outdoor and survival gear.
About Baiyuheng Outdoors
Source: Baiyuheng Outdoors
Baiyuheng Outdoors is based in Jiangmen, Guangdong Province, Southern China. The company has been producing high-quality paracord since its establishment in 2010. They offer a wide range of customizable paracord products, including reflective paracord, 550 paracord, glow-in-the-dark paracord, and many more.
One of Baiyuheng Outdoor’s best-selling products is the “Bengku 550 Paracord.” Like the name suggests, it’s rated to carry up to 550 lb. of force or static weight. Inside the 4mm-cord are 7 core strands, each made up of 3 yarns. Customers can use it for non-critical applications, such as camping, hiking, and crafting projects.
Why Baiyuheng Outdoors:
- Offers extra services (e.g., customization and free product samples and photos)
- Door-to-door delivery
- Fast shipping
- Low minimum order requirement (100 feet each color)
- Helpful and knowledgeable staff
- Reasonable prices
Conclusion
In conclusion, there are several factors that contribute to the strength of paracord. Cord diameter, number of strands, materials used, construction techniques, and environmental conditions are just a few examples. To ensure you get the best paracord products, look for reputable brands or manufacturers that have your business’ best interests in mind—for instance, Baiyuheng Outdoors.
