Paracord stuff

[Rick]

The advantage of the Prusik is when tightened it won't slip but it's easy to loosen. That's lets you slide it up and down the shaft of the walking stick to fit any individual.

[your_comforting_company]

For what my opinion counts, I think they look fantastic!

[Grizz123]

wheres a good place to find paracord?

[Rick]

Are you looking for Commercial Type III or Mil-spec?

[Grizz123]

Are you looking for Commercial Type III or Mil-spec?

I didn't know there was a difference?

[Rick]

Here's a post I did a long time ago but the information is still accurate as are the prices. Pretty close on prices anyway.

MIL-C-5040, from a wholesale perspective, is about twice the price of 550 Commercial. That's why you often see such a wide variation in price. You can expect to pay in the $45+ range for Commercial 550 for a 1000 foot spool and in the 75+ range for MIL-C-5040 for a 1000 foot spool (retail). The cost, of course, depends on manufacturer and the retailer's markup but that will put you in the ballpark. It even gets more confusing because the minimum breaking strength for 550 Commercial varies by manufacturer. Some are as low as 250 pounds while others will certify their commercial cord at 550 pounds, the same as MIL-C-5040 Type III.

If you want some cordage for field use (that's what this forum is about, right?) then 550 Commercial Type III should be sufficient. Not certain why anyone would want to pay the additional money for genuine MIL-C-5040 just to replace a boot lace or to be able to carry some thread or fishing line. Is MIL-C-5040 better that 550 Commercial? Probably, depending on manufacturer. It won't shrink nearly as much because it goes through a shrink process for coloring (except the natural or white color). The 550 Commercial will shrink more because it's a solution dyed material. Regardless of what you hear, paracord shrinks although the amount of shrinkage in MIL-C-5040 is negligible. But the 550 Commercial is still tough as nails, lightweight, and less expensive. Folks seem to have it in their heads that if it isn't MIL-C-5040 then it must not be quality material and that's just not true. Granted, I wouldn't want my parachute canopy strung with 550 Commercial Type III but 550 Commercial Type III for use outdoors is just fine and should excel for general cordage use. Not convinced? Buy some of each and field test it. I'll bet quality 550 Commercial meets all your needs and then some.

I would shy away from paracord with less than seven inner strands and certainly bypass any that has internal fibers rather than strand. The whole purpose of taking the stuff with you is to have as much cordage as possible and why carry paracord with five inner strands when you can carry seven for the same price? For a ten foot piece of paracord that's 60 feet vs. 80 feet (inner strands + outer sheath).

Just look for cord that has seven inner strands and you will "probably" have the 550 Commercial Type III. Look at the add closely, if it says "meets MIL-C-5040 requirements", "Just like MIL-C-5040", etc. then you probably have 550 Commercial.

An add that says Type III paracord really doesn't tell you anything. Neither does 550 pound rated or 550 Type III. Either type could qualify. If you have any questions, ask your retailer for specifics. They should be able to furnish it including whether or not the cord is certified as MIL-C-5040 and/or the minimum breakage rating. If they can't, find another retailer. Just be wary if they tell you it's 550 Commercial and it has a minimum breakage rating of 550 pounds. That may not be the case unless it is certified at that weight. They may be sincere in their belief but they may also be very wrong. You might also want to ask where the paracord is manufactured and if the manufacturer is a current U.S. military provider. A U.S. based manufacturer that supplies the military must meet stringent specifications and that quality usually overlaps to their commercial products. It's expensive to retool just to make different qualities.

Paracord, even MIL-C-5040 was not designed, and it should not be used, for climbing or rappelling. While its uses are many and varied, it does not contain the same properties and safety characteristics as climbing rope. Paracord is not fine-tuned for the optimum combination of weight, number of falls, impact force, elongation, handling and durability that is found in commercial climbing ropes. Ropes designed primarily for sport climbing must provide a soft catch and be durable, while not having too much elongation. Paracord does not provide any of these features. That is not what it is designed for. Don't put your life at risk by misusing paracord to climb or rappel with.

Wikipedia has a nice article on MIL-C-5040. Just Google paracord wikipedia and it should come up.

I hope that helps.

[scout185]

I use fusionknots.com for different designs and unique weaves they sell books and have a YouTube channel tiat (tying it all together)

[harleyrider1]

I got most of my paracord from Camping Survival (dot) com. They have good prices and quick service.

[Kudos]

I love using Paracord to make things. Bracelets, Straps, Toggle Hangers, Underwear (Joke)
The only downside I have found is that after I have taken my Paracord Bracelet apart it takes me hours to re-weave it back into a Bracelet after I have finished in the Forest.
Finally I gave up and now keep an extra 50 feet of Paracord in my backpack.
I am currently weaving a Paracord Hammock and pray I never have to take it apart when I desperately need that odd six feet of Paracord....... I'll be there for a month re-weaving the Hammock!

[Rick]

How many hundred feet did you calculate it would take to weave a hammock?

[Batch]

In a survival situation would you unravel your hammock to get cordage to hang your survival hammock?

[harleyrider1]

Good question Batch.

[your_comforting_company]

I'm always looking for patterns that unravel easily so that the cordage is immediately usable. If it took 4 hours to weave it, how long do you suppose it would take to unweave it if you were cold, wet, and really needed the cordage?

[Rick]

Actually not that long if you use the correct weave. A matter or seconds. Here's an instructable that shows how to weave a quick release belt.

http://www.instructables.com/id/How-...Belt/?ALLSTEPS

[Xzhcr501]

Hobby Lobby sells a variety of 550 cord and supplies