550 cord??

[B.C]

When you guys talk about 550 cord what exactly are you talking about.
What does the 550 mean? Is that a thickness in mm?

Thanks

B.C

 

[FoxholeAtheist]

I think that 550 pounds is the tensile strength of the rope. It's the line used on parachutes, so it's also referred to as "paracord".

This place sells it, but I heard it's not TRUE 550 cord.. http://www.ubraidit.com/popup-supplies.php# And in 30 colors!

 

[mr_dove]

yes, the 550 refers to the amount of weight that the cord is supposed to hold. I get the impression that some of it is not true para-cord though. I guess it must be close though.

My local shops sell it for .08 per foot.

 

[TOMBSTONE]

Real 550 Parachute cord has 7 white inner strands surrounded by the nylon sheath.I've only seen it in OD Green,Black,and Desert Tan.It is available at Brigade Quarter Masters in 50 foot hanks,100 foot hanks,and 100 yard spools.

http://www.actiongear.com/cgi-bin/t...m&query.ctx=550&backto=/agcatalog/results.tam

 

[bruce]

The whole concept of "paracord" stems from the rolls of parachute "riser" or shroud line that sits in the shop where military parachute riggers repair chutes. It is OD green, has a woven nylon outer sheath with seven white nylon inner strands and a tensile strength of 550 lbs. It is found in the supply room of almost every military unit in DOD because it has a million uses. As it's popularity increased, many rope manufacturing firms began to make "pseudo-paracord". Some of this stuff is very close to the MILSPEC stuff, some is not, but it still sells. The real stuff is the best, it has a MILSPEC number and a National Stock Number on the spool. The fake stuff does not. The fake stuff still works pretty well. Just because someone tries to tell you it is "real" paracord, it may not be without the MILSPEC or NSN mentioned. I'm not saying to only buy the real thing, just be forwarned that all "paracord" is not military grade.

Bruce

 

[K Williams]

550 pound test parachute suspension line...

 

[stjohn45]

You can get mil-spec 550 cord in 100ft shanks at www.countycomm.com.

They have it in black, white, od, desert and international orange. They also

have 200ft shanks in od green only.



Steve
KF4FIO

 

[Cypher2001]

Any good references for braiding these cords? Some of the things I've seen made with it are pretty cool. It doesnt seem difficult, but I'm sure I need some instructions.