Paracord At A Glance
January 19, 2010 by Jeremy Silver
Filed under Military
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.
Want to find out more about Paracord Survival Bracelets, then visit Jeremy Silver's site on how to choose the best Paracord Survival Bracelets for your needs.
Tags: Army, Camping, Craft, Extreme, fashion, Hiking, Military, Outdoors, recreation and leisure, recreational activities, Sport, Sports, Survival, Walking
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What Is A Paracord Survival Bracelet
January 14, 2010 by Jeremy Silver
Filed under Military
Paracord Survival Bracelets Defined
A Paracord Survival Bracelet in it's simplest form it's a single piece of 550 Type III paracord knotted into a bracelet. Many unique designs and interpretation are made today and similar to any product today the quality of the product will vary. US military specification paracord is widely considered the best quality paracord on the market. This reputation has been achieved largely due to the fact that American manufacturers conform to design specifications defined by the US military (MIL-C-5040). As you can see if you have a paracord survival bracelet on your wrist and you find yourself in a situation that requires some light cordage simply unbraid the bracelet and you have one continuous foot piece of cord (upto 24 feet).
So what are the many uses of paracord? The answer is pretty much anything and everything mainly limited by a persons imagination to use the product. Broken shoe laces up a mountain? The outer sheath makes excellent boot laces and will most likely outlast the originals that came with the boots. Need some quick thread? The inner cores are great for impromptu fishing line or first aid. Need some lashing for a tarp shelter? Again take out the the inner strands and you have all the cord that you need! Need to fix the Space Shuttle on it's second mission (No not a joke, paracord was actually used to repair the Space Shuttle in 1997). It sounds a bit ridiculous but paracord is so useful for replacing everything that it is even now used in space. Back on earth a broken gear strap on your kayak, making a field repair to your backpack or making an impromptu rope for a bear bag... the list goes on.
Paracord is without question one of the most versatile pieces of equipment you can take to the field. It's light, it's convenient and it's super tough. The sheath is braided from thirty two (32) strands and the inner strands are made up of seven (7) two-ply yarns. Paracord survival bracelets are in use by the US / UK security forces in Iraq and Afghanistan as well as by police units / law enforcement personnel across the USA.
Although the paracord bracelets share a common weave it is possible to create many different designs. Two colour, three and even four colours can be woven into a paracord bracelet with the choices of a buckle or knot(s) to secure around the wrist.
If your spending time outdoors or making up a survival / first aid kit for a trip a Paracord Survival Bracelet is a useful method of carrying paracord with you.
Looking to find the best deal on Paracord Survival Bracelets, then visit www.paracordbracelet.co.uk to find the best advice onParacord Survival Bracelets for you.
Tags: Army, Camping, Craft, Extreme, fashion, Hiking, Military, Outdoors, recreation and leisure, recreational activities, Sport, Sports, Survival, Walking