Paracord also called 550 cord is a nylon kermantle rope originally used as suspension lines of US parachutes. Once in the field, US Soldiers found this cord useful for many other tasks. It is now used as a general purpose utility cord by both military personnel and civilians who recognise the unique construction of the paracord.
The outer sheath construction is tightly interwoven allowing it to appear smooth in texture and comfortable to wear against the body. This unique attribute has been influential in the widespread acceptance of paracord for mainstream use, where it has been fashioned for accessory making in bracelets, bottle holders and knife sleeves. This has led to the manufacturing of paracord as a general purpose utility cord for both military and civilian 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.
Despite the historic association of paracord with Airborne units, virtually all US units have access to the cord. It is used in almost any situation where a light cord is needed. Typical uses include attaching equipment to harnesses, as lanyard cords to avoid losing small or important items, tying rucksacks to vehicle racks, securing camouflage nets to trees or vehicles, and so forth. When threaded with beads, paracord may be used as a pace counter to estimate ground covered by foot. Melt the ends of paracord with a heated knife or naked flame and they can be joined together.
Six styles of paracord are commonly supplied all conforming to the Military standard of MIL-C-5040H. These are listed as Type 1, Type 1A, Type 2, Type 2A Type 3 and Type 4. The most widely used paracord in circulation today is Type 3 paracord due to its versatility. Type 3 paracord will have a minimum breaking strength of 550 pounds. This breaking strength led to the abreviated name which oftern paracord is referred to. 550 Cord. Paracord / 550 cord can be manufactured to any diameter as there are no specific requirements within MIL-C-5040H. - 32375
The outer sheath construction is tightly interwoven allowing it to appear smooth in texture and comfortable to wear against the body. This unique attribute has been influential in the widespread acceptance of paracord for mainstream use, where it has been fashioned for accessory making in bracelets, bottle holders and knife sleeves. This has led to the manufacturing of paracord as a general purpose utility cord for both military and civilian 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.
Despite the historic association of paracord with Airborne units, virtually all US units have access to the cord. It is used in almost any situation where a light cord is needed. Typical uses include attaching equipment to harnesses, as lanyard cords to avoid losing small or important items, tying rucksacks to vehicle racks, securing camouflage nets to trees or vehicles, and so forth. When threaded with beads, paracord may be used as a pace counter to estimate ground covered by foot. Melt the ends of paracord with a heated knife or naked flame and they can be joined together.
Six styles of paracord are commonly supplied all conforming to the Military standard of MIL-C-5040H. These are listed as Type 1, Type 1A, Type 2, Type 2A Type 3 and Type 4. The most widely used paracord in circulation today is Type 3 paracord due to its versatility. Type 3 paracord will have a minimum breaking strength of 550 pounds. This breaking strength led to the abreviated name which oftern paracord is referred to. 550 Cord. Paracord / 550 cord can be manufactured to any diameter as there are no specific requirements within MIL-C-5040H. - 32375
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