| Also called paracords, parachute cords serve as | | | | coreless construction, which means the entire |
| the suspension lines of parachutes. They are | | | | cord is made from braided nylon for a more solid |
| usually made of nylon - the same material used in | | | | rope. The most reliable paracords have a tensile |
| ordinary ropes - but are specially constructed to | | | | strength of #550. |
| make them tougher, thicker, and less prone to | | | | Weave quality |
| tearing and rotting. | | | | Although nylon is highly durable, a poorly woven |
| Remember that your safety depends on how well | | | | rope can still easily give in to your weight. Make |
| your parachute cords can support your weight. | | | | sure your paracord is tightly braided throughout |
| How do you know which one to choose? Here | | | | with no loose strands or bumps. The braiding |
| are some tips to help you. | | | | should stay in place even under sudden pressure. |
| Weight support | | | | A single loose strand can pull on the entire cord |
| An important factor in choosing paracords is their | | | | and cause it to break. |
| weight capacity. This mostly depends on the | | | | Tensile strength |
| number of nylon strands present in the cord. | | | | Paracords that have tensile strength of around |
| Cords are classified as Type I, Type II, Type III, | | | | 550 can support heavy weights and will not break |
| and Type IV. Type I, the lightest variety, can | | | | under immense pressure. Cords with lower tensile |
| support up to 100 pounds and has five nylon | | | | strength should be used in multiple strands to |
| strands. Type IV is a heavy-duty paracord with | | | | increase their weight capacity. |