what is 550 cord?

550 cord or ParaCord as it is sometimes referred to is a nylon type string about .22 caliber size. It comes in either OD (olive drab) green or black. Mostly you find it in OD. You can buy it in most surplus stores or catalogs and almost always on a military installation PX.

I usually carry some when I go into the field b/c you can always use rope for something (ie: shelter building, first aid, etc.). It's not meant to be used for rappelling but it can be used to "bungi" cord your gear in case an ALICE clip breaks off.

The only reason I don't like it is b/c once you cut off an end, you have to burn it to reseal it. I suppose superglue could work too to reseal it. I also find that it unravels easily if you don't know how to tie a secure knot with it.
 
550 cord was used for parachutes when I was in the service. I do not know if that is still the case. It has a breaking tensile strength of 550 lbs. It is an extremely strong and light nylon based cord and works great for just about any situation. I have used it extensively for wilderness backpack trips and would always want some in my survival gear.

Fox
 
As everyone mentioned, it's a nylong rope/string, but it has a nylon outer shell or sheath, and 7 strands of smaller nylon string inside. The nice thing is that you can have the heavy duty rope by using the entire piece, or for smaller work, you can pull out the inner strings and use them individually.

cj
 
As Fox mentioned, it is the material used for the shroud lines for military parachutes. We used to use the sheath with the 7 strands removed, as a covering for the ball chains we use for our ID tags (dog tags). It keeps the chains from catching hairs on your neck and keeps them silent! It has many other uses but when you buy some make sure it is the real stuff. There are a lot of imitations out there that look like the real thing on the roll but when cut, have only one, or at least fewer than seven, strands inside. The real stuff is so much better than the copies, and not much more expensive, that it is a shame to buy the wrong stuff. It is usually OD but some other colors have been manufactured also.

Bruce Woodbury
 
Try BRIGADE QUARTERMASTERS. They sell 550 'paracord' in 100 yard spools. Always feel better having some around.....

Their website is www.actiongear.com good people to deal with. Great catalog and website.

I just checked thier website, the 100 yard spool is $19.95. I found it on the 'rappeling gear and ropes' page.

------------------
Stay Sharp!
Will Fennell
Camillus Cutlery




[This message has been edited by Will Fennell (edited 03-24-2000).]
 
Speaking of 550 cord; can anyone tell me a good EASY method of tying a lanyard onto the handle of a knife. I have a BM mini-AFCK and wanted some 550 cord on it in case I needed it. I've seen the way Chris Reeve ties them on the back of his Sebenzas but not being too adept at knot tying, was unable to reproduce it. Thanks.
 
Hi all,
if it has 550 pounds breaking strength, why can´t I use it for (emergency rappelin)?
Robert
 
Ok, since this thread cam back up to the top, I have a related question: does anyone have the link that was posted a while back on weaving 550 into a belt. I spent quite a while using the 'search,' but no luck.

--thanks,
JB

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e_utopia@hotmail.com
 
cesar,

The knot used on the Sebenza is a hangman's knot. Not too difficult to tie really. You can find a pic that shows the steps involved here:

http://www.lehighgroup.com/KNOTS.HTM

I believe that stjames says that he uses a scaffold knot when he attaches lanyards to knives (also on the page)

I prefer the scaffold knot myself.. easier to tie, and not as much rope is required.

...tm
 
Hi all,

I survived San Antonio... whew.

I wanted to add a few things about 550 cord.

-The cord has 550 pounds of tinsel strength (I use the 550 for snares, etc.)

-7 strands of inner cord/each with 35 1bs of tinsel strength (inner cord for fishing line, etc.)

-3 strands of line make up each of the 7 strands and each has 7 pounds of tinsel strenght (inner/inner cord for dental floss, etc.)

Mannnnnnnny mannnnnny other uses for each size/part of the cord... only limited by your imagination.

A FEW OTHER POINTS

1. I usually burn the ends so it doesn't fray.
2. I wouldn't use it to reppel.
3. The line can be used in any aspect of survival: Shelter building, fire, clothing, signaling, water and food procurement, travel (primitive), and health related issues.

Good to be back. Great posts....

------------------
Greg Davenport
http://www.ssurvival.com
Are You Ready For The Challenge?
Are You Ready To Learn The Art Of Wilderness Survival?

 
German Sgt.

550 cord, brand new, with no knots, will support 550 pounds. Any knot you add will substantially reduce that strength, with a simple overhand knot reducing it by over 60%. Most knots aren't quite as bad, but all reduce the weight substantially. Also, any kind of wear or dirt will reduce the strength, and kinks, such as in a figure eight for rapelling, will reduce the strength. Generally speaking, it is good to have a rope rated for ten times that which you want to hold in a static condition. This will allow for knots in a well maintained rope, and keep an allowable safety margin. If you were in a life or death emergency, 550 cord could definately be used to lower/raise oneself, but I wouldn't depend on it unless it would cost me my life not too, and even then, I'd want it doubled or trebled, at the minimum.


Stryver
 
Thanks Stryver for the qualified answer,
I´ve learned that i should broaden my knowledge on knots (and cords).
Robert
P.S.: I think knot tying could be an interesting hobby, watchin telly and tying knots
 
Thanks for the info on the knot tying and lanyard making. Besides having some cord available when needed, what are the other uses of having a lanyard on the end of a knife handle. Afterall, it doesn't look like many people put a lot of 550 cord on the ends of their knives. Chris Reeve states that they are used in helping the operator extract the knife from the pocket. I guess that won't work on a BM AFCK since the blade is tip down. Any thoughts guys?
 
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