Parachute cord/550.. What to look for...

Normark

Normark

Joined
Nov 7, 1999
Messages
6,651
Hey Guys..

There have been a few people asking about different types of paracord...

The first thing to remember is that all parachute cord is not 550 or the real deal...

Here are a couple of pictures of what Not to buy when looking at 550 cord..

paracord2.jpg


This type of cord, although called paracord, or sometimes 550 is not actually 550 cord..
The fuzzy strands give it away...

If you are after real 550 cord,, this is Not the stuff to buy...

paracord1.jpg


Samples 3,4,5,6 are real 550 cords, however different grades...

Samples 7,8 are Canadian parachute cord from Cargo chutes... although it doesn't have multi strands in it,, it is Very good quality cord and has a number of uses...

When buying 550 cord from online dealers,, pick the ones that are known to sell the real stuff..
If you are unsure ask them for a picture of a cut end.
If at a gunshow, as them to see a cut end.. Walk away if they won't show you a piece...

Hope that helps

ttyle

Eric
O/ST
 
Good post, Eric, and thanks for the heads-up :thumbup:

Question: how can you tell the difference between the different grades of true 550 cord? In my mind, there'd only be 1 grade - 550 pound tensile strength cord. The standard for it is 7 inner strands within the outer sheath. In your pic, one of the true 550's only has 4 strands; is this how you determine varying grades?
 
Eric got me curions .... according to wikipedia

US Military issue paracord is specified by MIL-C-5040H in six types: I, IA, II, IIA, III, IV.[2] Types IA and IIA are composed solely of a sheath without a core. Type III, a type commonly found in use, is nominally rated with a minimum breaking strength of 550 pounds, thus the sobriquet "550 cord".
 
Eric,

Thanks for the info!

As far as I know Paracord 550Lb is made out of an outerlayer (coloured) with 7 white inner strands.
A good source for real paracord is www.supplycaptain.com

take care,
CZ

PS
Eric did you got my e-mail about the TAK and RAT5 sheath?
 
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