Parachute cord (also paracord or 550 cord) is a lightweight rope originally used in the suspension lines of US parachutes during World War II. Gaining wide spread popularity as a survival tool the paracord was often the first part of a parachute to be cut apart and retained for survival practices.
So how is paracord made? It's a complex interwoven braided sheath that has a high number of strands for its size and smooth texture. Due to this paracord, is used for a number of purposes including fashion, survival kits and of course parachutes. This has led to manufacturing in both civilian and military purposes.
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.
Taking into consideration the mainstream use of paracord it has not lost its military identity. Nearly all US units are issued with the cord where there is a requirement for lightweight cordage. Examples of this use would be making shelters, binding materials, securing camouflage nets or using the inner strands for sewing fabrics and fishing line. It is popular to melt the ends of paracord with a hot knife or flame to join the ends of paracord together.
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. - 30318
So how is paracord made? It's a complex interwoven braided sheath that has a high number of strands for its size and smooth texture. Due to this paracord, is used for a number of purposes including fashion, survival kits and of course parachutes. This has led to manufacturing in both civilian and military purposes.
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.
Taking into consideration the mainstream use of paracord it has not lost its military identity. Nearly all US units are issued with the cord where there is a requirement for lightweight cordage. Examples of this use would be making shelters, binding materials, securing camouflage nets or using the inner strands for sewing fabrics and fishing line. It is popular to melt the ends of paracord with a hot knife or flame to join the ends of paracord together.
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. - 30318
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