550 Paracord

[lazerboy2000]

Can paracord really hold up to 550lbs? It's incredibly thin and lightweight and cheap and it seems to me that it could only hold 100lbs or so.

Also, is this paracord from CTD actually good stuff or a cheap knockoff?
http://www.cheaperthandirt.com/MLT5071-1493-584.html

 

[Cougar Allen]

Yes, it's tested. The core is 7 strands that are not weakened by braiding or twisting; they lie straight so they get a straight pull for maximum strength.

The Cheaper Than Dirt catalog says mil-spec, so yes, that's the real thing.

 

[Bogie]

Yes proper 550 or Mil Spec Cord will hold 550 Lbs there are also 450 cord I order from www.supplycaptain.com Lots of color choices

 

[denverco]

There is also 650 cord.

 

[Don_Luis]

...Can paracord really hold up to 550lbs...

Actually breaking strength is one thing and how much it can hold is another, generally a safe working load is considered to be about 1/5 of the breaking strength, for risky things like climbing 1/15 or more may be better.

Also cord and rope are easily damaged, paracord does not hold too well to abuse and abrasion, just putting tension on a cord will reduce its breaking strength.

Here's the Wikipedia article on paracord.

Luis

 

[GarageBoy]

It can hold up to 550lbs, but that doesn't mean you can use it for climbing, etc

 

[mhawg]

It is rated at 550 lbs. by a drop from some measured distance. IIRC