Author Topic: Paracord  (Read 1636 times)

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Offline DC

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Paracord
« on: October 22, 2018, 11:57:57 am »
What is paracord? I know it's cord like they have on parachutes but what does it look like? None of the string in our stores is labeled "paracord". Is it a bunch of nylon fibres in a braided sheath? Maybe someone could post a picture?

Offline aaron

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Re: Paracord
« Reply #1 on: October 22, 2018, 12:00:11 pm »
yes, a bunch of nylon strings inside a braided sheath
Ilwaco, Washington, USA
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Offline PEARL DRUMS

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Re: Paracord
« Reply #2 on: October 22, 2018, 12:12:34 pm »
It also known as 550 paracord. But not all are created equally. Only 550 cord will hold at least 550#'s.
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Offline DC

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Re: Paracord
« Reply #3 on: October 22, 2018, 01:12:32 pm »
I found some on Walmart Ca's website. It's safe working load is 100#. It's breaking strength is 550#. Someone is covering their butt with both hands. I guess that's normal though. Bowstrings are supposed to be 6 times draw weight.

Offline osage outlaw

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Re: Paracord
« Reply #4 on: October 22, 2018, 04:59:57 pm »
It stretches a lot.  I don't think it would work as a bow string if that's what you are thinking.  It is great for other uses.  Walmart sells it. 
I started out with nothin' and I still got most of it left

Offline DC

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Re: Paracord
« Reply #5 on: October 22, 2018, 06:43:03 pm »
I thought it might work for a stringer but 33% stretch is quite a bit.

Offline Hawkdancer

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Re: Paracord
« Reply #6 on: October 22, 2018, 09:29:25 pm »
Mil spec parachute cord has a breaking(tensile)strength of 550#, if I remember correctly, but there are 26 canopy lines on a regular parachute, average jumper with equipment weighs 200-250 lbs, so there is quite a shock with the chute opens.  A military cyoa!  We called it 550# cord.
Hawkdancer
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Offline Mesophilic

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Re: Paracord
« Reply #7 on: October 22, 2018, 11:19:56 pm »
I thought it might work for a stringer but 33% stretch is quite a bit.

It works fine as a stringer, it won't work its way to max stretch in the time it takes to string a bow.  I've found over time it will get a little skinnier and longer but i just tie a knot or two if it starts to bother me.
Trying is the first step to failure
-Homer Simpson-