February 15, 2013 | 9 Comments

Why the hell do I need paracord?

So what the hell is up with paracord?  It is universally on everyone’s survival supply list … but searching for paracord on the internet and all I see is article upon article about how to make bracelets!

Going out on a limb here, but I think its safe to assume that its useful because its lightweight, compact and you can use it to tie things up, hang things, and potentially snare things.  Regardless, the key to using this tool is to develop a level of skill at tying knots.  To that end, I’ve found an excellent iPhone application called Animated Knots by Grog LLC that has a wealth of animated examples on how to tie knots for all manner of activities.

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Author:TechPrepper

A nerd on a journey to learn how to survive TEOTWAWKI and WTSHTF
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  • http://www.prepplace.blogspot.com badvoodoodaddy

    Para-cord has so many uses that a book could be written just about paracord and its many uses. I don’t have an iphone but the app looks like a great way to learn knots. Like I always say a tool with the knowledge to use it is just a large paper weight. Knowledge is king. When I go camping I use a lot of paracord. I use it for my tarp and my hammock set up. I use it for a clothes line to dry wet socks and pants on. Those ae just a few things I use it for. Great post.

    • http://twitter.com/TechPrepper TechPrepper

      @badvoodoodaddy Any suggestions on books or sites that expand on the uses for paracord?

      • Schlafftablett

        You can basically use paracord for anything you’d use string or light rope for. Paracord is a kernmantle or sheath over core design which means that it is made up of several (usually 7) strands of thin filament covered by a woven sheath. Each of the 7 filaments are made up of 2 smaller, thread sized strands that can be un-twisted and used on their own as a heavy thread. Real 550 “paracord” got the name because it has a minimum rated tensile strength of 550lbs… quite strong stuff. I’ve personally used a single filament to lift a load of 200lbs just to demonstrate its strength.

        With all that said, it can be used as dummy cord (lanyards so you don’t lose stuff), tent rigging, tie down cord, shoe strings, etc. One thing you may see people talk about is using 550 cord to climb or rappel with. Technically it can be done but it is really not a good idea unless you are experienced in such things and have NO other options. There are many reasons for this but just please take my word on it.

        The reason you see so many places with instructions on making bracelets is because many of them take 5-20′ of cord to weave thereby giving you a handy way to carry a length everywhere without really thinking about it. You should also be aware that some knots are only good for some types of rope especially in life safety situations. Some knots will have a tendency to slip when ties in synthetic ropes and some knots may weaken certain diameter ropes to the point that they lose up to 75%+ of their rated strength.

        • http://techprepper.com TechPrepper

          Wonderful feedback. Thanks!

          • Schlafftablett

            Not a problem, glad to help.

  • http://twitter.com/TechPrepper TechPrepper

    Update: you don’t need an iPhone to use Animated Knots, they have a website that has all the same content. Check out http://animatedknots.com

  • Nurse4clovis

    Is the 550 strong enough to hog tie a honey badger?

  • sean

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  • http://twitter.com/offgridtomorrow Henson George

    Paracord or any such line can be used to tie a person’s hands behind their back and tie their feet together to limit their mobility. How’s that? Or tie up a rain fly for shelter from the rain. How about creating a snare to catch some food. Sounds like a winner to me. Thanks for your site and keep the info coming. http://offgridtomorrow.weebly.com/index.html


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