[Skunkabilly]

Where do I get this fabled 550 cord stuff online to throw in my survival kit? What's it supposed to be used for other than being tacticool string?

[Joe Demko]

What's it supposed to be used for other than being tacticool string?

It's what you use to make taktikewl cord-wrapped handles on your gear. I also used it to wrap the float tube on a Bushmaster carbine. Looks nifty and provides some insulation.
Brigade Quartermaster and similar companies usually have it.

[OEF_VET]

550 cord, parachute cord, or Type 3 Nylon is akin to duct tape. It'll fix nearly everything, and nobody should be without a supply of it on hand.

Try www.uscav.com or www.rangerjoes.com. You can get it in either 100' or 300' lengths.

frank

[Johnny Guest]

www.cheaperthandirt.com on-line, or phone 800-421-8047 for the current catalogue.

The August issue, pn pg. 62, shows para cord in 1,000 ft. spools, black or green, for $42.97, same in 100 ft. lengths for $4.97, or package of two, 40-ft. hanks, OD only, for $2.97.

Skunk, these are all normal nylon - - No carbon fiber listed.

Boot laces, gear tie-downs, tent-and-poncho guy lines, knife lanyards.


:p
Johnny

[Skunkabilly]

For some reason I have been having a heck of a time posting a reply on this thread.

Where do I get the plastic thingy that goes over the end of my bootlaces..er..my 'length of paracord'?

[nondescript]

Aglet is the term for the "thingy on the end of a lace"
Skunk, you can do a google search for crimp beads and cord ends, or look around for a well-stocked hobby/craft store.
You should be able to find an appropriately sized crimp tube for para cord, and even in tactical black.
Not much chance of carbon fiber crimping tubes though, sorry.
:D :D :D

[Gewehr98]

Powerful-good for lanyards on custom 'nifes, too. :D

http://mauser98.com/eaglebloodstream.jpg

[Johnny Guest]

- - You don't NEED crimp tubes. Cut end cleanly. Hold in flame until molten. Put molten end on board or grasp with pliers and stretch out and hold until cooled. The end hardens and may be cut as desired. Or just let the molten glob harden. NEARLY as good as CF. :rolleyes:


Another hint - - the four core cords may be pulled out of the cut ends of the tube and used for light tie line, emergency fishing line, sewing thread (get a couple of LARGE EYED needles) and many other uses.

Johnny

[Glockster35]

I knew I had to marry the wife the first time I went to her house.

Her fouton couch was being held together with 550 cord, and when I asked her who did it, she said "I did". It was a terrific job and the knots were perfect.

[XLMiguel]

FWIW< CTD also has some other nyon cordage in various weights (tactical black, of course) that I have found very durable and useful around teh house and boat. Some of it is tarred, so it really holds a know well and doesn't seem to rot in the sun.

[Skunkabilly]

Aglet...that's the word I was looking for :o (I didnt' do too hot on my SAT verbal)

Can I get 550 cord in a black and gray weave?

[Glockster35]

Ironic, but I had a guy I work with tonight ask if I knew where he could get different colored 550 cord.

Anyone have a source where I can locate several colors of cord.

I know of red, black, od green, and white...but are there others?

[ajacobs]

Behold, para cord mecca, even in hot pink

http://www.vtarmynavy.com/

[OEF_VET]

If you braid the stuff together, it makes for a great keychain too.

[willyjixx]

any little military base has it! jsut raid the PX BX or whatever

[Skunkabilly]

Last question...what's the difference between 550 cord and 'paracord'...same thing? Or is 550 cord paracord with a 550lb breaking point? :confused:

(not as tactical as I look)

[ajacobs]

550 cord is how your mentioned, and generally has 7 internal strands. SOme peopel will refer to it as paracord anyway though and it is. I guess paracord is a less specific term wheras 550 cord is more specific. Kind of a triangle is a polygon but not all polygons are a triangle kind of logic. To further complicate it though some people will call 550 strikly paracord so you can't be sure if it is the 550 lb test variety.

[Skunkabilly]

Well I'm only 120lbs (fully loaded with P7M8, spare mags, Leatherman, Surefire, keys, cell phone and wallet) so I guess if I ever had to dangle from the stuff I'd still be relatively safe with the 400 lbs stuff I'm ordering :)

[OEF_VET]

Skunk,

Don't ever rely on 550 cord, parachute cord, Type III Nylon, or whatever you wish to call the stuff to suspend you. It may have a rated tensile strength of 550 lbs., or 400 lbs., but it isn't designed to be a rappelling rope. It is good for tying things up, wrapping things, or suspending light items, but not for suspending people.

Frank

[Reverend +P+]

Gewehr98:

How do you construct that uniform braiding?

[Sportcat]

I bought a bunch off of ebay several months ago for my BOB.