How can I tell the difference between mil-spec and commercial quality 550 cord? What are the differences? Do I need the mil-spec stuff? Also, where can I find a source for the real stuff, as well as a site which lists the many uses for it. I have heard of the myriad of tasks it can accomplish, but would like some specifics. Thanks for the help! <img src="/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

County Comm has several colors. They carry Mil spec cord for $6 / 100'.

You'll find more than you ever wanted to know about paracord by using the SEARCH feature (menu bar at top of forum page); type in "paracord" w/o quotes; for max results, be sure to change Date Range to All Posts. To get you started, here's near identical thread from couple of months ago.

You might find these pages useful if you intend to do any lanyard braiding (great use; easy way to carry small lengths) w/paracord.

The real stuff has 7 inner strands within the main cord. They increase the strength, but more importantly, you can pull the strands out and use them separately, e.g., a single strand can replace a broken shoelace in a pinch.

Many people remove the inner strands for tying lanyards. (If you do this, you may want to soak the outer cord in hot water to shrink it afterwards.)

All things being equal, it's worth having those inner strands, although paracord is plenty strong without them. (Caveat: do not support your body weight with paracord, no matter what's inside it.)

You know, it sound very funny for someone to say not to support your body weight with paracord, when that is what it is used for!!! <img src="/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />
But I know that it is use in parallel to do that...And while 550lbs SOUNDS like a lot, you lose a LOT of strength with ANY knot you tie, AND, just the slightest bounce, can double your body weight!!! <img src="/images/graemlins/shocked.gif" alt="" />
Just for your info, you can get paracord with a LOT more strands from a 'jump' rigging supply house, I have some ot the 11 strand stuff and about 50' of the 13(or was that 15) strand stuff, and it is a LOT stronger!!!
Weave a belt out of that stuff and you would have enough string to make a large net, or make a lot of almost ANYTHING...

Yeah, I agree with you that it sounds funny to say that for paracord... <img src="/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

You just have to worry about someone trying to repel with it. Other than jumping, it'd be the fastest way down. <img src="/images/graemlins/shocked.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/images/graemlins/smirk.gif" alt="" />

When I was younger I made a zip-cord trolly from a big tree in my parents house to a smaller tree. We started at 20ft and went down to 2ft above the ground using 2 pulleys and a black concrete mixer (that looked like a boat to us![and we used it for that too!]).

Anyway, we used 130lb 'white' nylon cord from wal-mart. Looking back the rope was only rated at ~150lbs and two of us weighned in at probably 200lbs (total), add 15lbs for the tub and a couple for the pulleys and secure ropes we were WELL over our limit. We went down togther many times and the neighbors all had a go etc.. etc.. It finally broke one day from about 10ft we went tumbling through the branches and landed in the tub on the ground. The worst injury was a bruise form the pulleys hitting us on the way down.

While the paracord is only rated at 550lb if I was stuck on a rock ledge and had to lower some gear or myself down and it was my only option I think I would do it. Double it up if possible but if it was a matter of starving to death or using my paracord I don't think i'd hesitate. 140lbs of me x2 is only slightly more than 1/2 the paracords rating so I think there is plenty if safety margin for an emergency.

www.cheaperthandirt.com carries large spools at excellent prices.

Okay, how many of you out there have heard of
"MIL-C-5040H Type III construction" paracord?

According to One Stop Knife Shop , this cord is "official issue" and consequently they charge $11.00 for 100 ft. It is seven strand, and I bought this over the "commercial" grade seven strand cord which was much less expensive.

But then I see the cord at Countycomm advertised as "The Real Deal" and the seven strand at cheaperthandirt.com, both at a good price compared to the "MIL-C-5040H Type III construction" and I'm confused! <img src="/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" />

Is seven strand "the real deal" no matter what?

Can the term "mil spec" be trusted? Or has it become a term like "natural". Like BBQ flavored sunflower seeds that have "natural" flavor.

Or maybe "MIL-C-5040H Type III construction" is a marketing strategy?

Your opinions would be much appreciated.

BTW, One Stop Knife Shop does sell red paracord, but they charge more for it than black

I can't tell you what is "real", "milspec" or "official", but here is what I've done with the cord I got from cheaperthandirt. At a friend's house, we had a 35' radio tower that had to be raised. With the base anchored, we ran a double length of para cord from the tower, up to an eye hook at the peak of his roof, and down to the bumper of a Jeep. We had no problem rasing the tower.

I have purchased black and orange paracord from Countycomm, and it is identical to the "real deal" stuff I got from my local Army/Navy surplus store. It was cheaper too.

Regards, Vince

I have OD green and orange 550 parachute cord from County Comm. I have played with it quit a bit. I have used it to tie all the knots I know. I have used it for lashing and putting up a tube tent. I have taken the strands apart and tried tying knots with just the sleeve and the just the inner cords.

I’m sorry but I’m not impressed! If you take the inner cords out; the outer sleeve does not make a great tying cord. If you need a particular length of inner cord or the finer inner cord then you have to cut the sleeve at the length you wanted, now you may not have the full strength cord/sleeve at the length you need. It is all too much bother to me.

The best cord I have found is white 1/8” braided nylon cord from the Boy Scout store. It is of a higher quality than I have found at any hardware store. It ties easily and holds all the knots I know. It is a pleasure to use! I do not know what outdoor use you could put it to that the 550 parachute cord would work better. As a replacement for the inner cord I like fluorescent yellow, braided nylon, plumb line. It works great for tying knots. It is easy to see while you are working with it. I have made neck cords for compasses and whistles out of it. If you drop anything with the cord it is very easy to find. Wonderful stuff! For the 550 fine inner cord I use waxed dental floss. I think it works better for sewing things than the 550 fine inner cord.

Another issue I have is that cord needs to be wrapped around something. I hate it when I try to use cord and it gets tangled up. This is not something I want to deal with when I am stressed out.