parachute cord

Hi every1<br><br>could sum1 pls tell me how parachute cord is rated? i.e. wat is the thickness and breaking strain (in mm and kg) of 550# parachute cord, and what others do you get. thanks a lot!<br>

well im not very sure, but i thought #550 paracord ( the real one ) could carrier 550 lbs

True paracord is 5mm thick ( 1/8") and has a static strength of 550 lbs or 225 Kl .True paracord will have 7 inner strands. It is the prefered cordage ( where available) for lashing and fabricating fishing line or nets from the inner strands. Any decent cordage is usefull. Natural fibers are more susceptable to environmental wear ( sunlight, abrasion, chemicals etc.) but are also usefull as tinder. Paracord will simply melt- at very hot temperatures. Using anything but dedicated line for technical climbing isn't safe. Paracord is dangerous to use for any neck carried gear.

Sorry Chris but your metric conversion is a bit off. I belive parachord is 5mm not 0.5mm (thickness of a toothpick). Also 1/8" is about 3.2 mm thick. 5mm cord would equal 1/5". <br><br>At my local outdoors shop I can get cord that is 2.5 / 3 / 3.5 / 4 mm thick (up to 440#) but I have yet to find true 550# cord locally. The 2.5 mm stuff is like very strong/ thick boot lace.

5mm, 250kg in metric. <br>Since here in Aus a WOFTAM is a Waste Of ___ Time And Money, can I take a guess at what WOFT is for?

Thanks for the correction. Hasty measurements using a convenient Suunto compass while cooking breakfast is inadviseable. At least I wasn't taking a bearing to the bathroom ;O)

Yes Bones, i'm afraid that's AUS 1-0 SA (i am south african : ). I simply couldn't think of another name at the time. i've just cum back from a sports tour to Oz (Perth, Brisbane, Gold Coast and Sydney), and plan to go again with family. are their any specialist survival shops their? thanx bones.

A few survival sites (usually courses) and quite a few mil surplus stores (a few with custom webbing and packs). What are your specific interests? I can send you links in gear, courses, knives, surplus, etc.<br>Have a good day!

Hi to all!<br>University's exams keeps me out from an active role in the forum, but I'm following your discussions!<br><br>Chris, I'm sorry, but I too must correct you: 550lbs are 225 kg, not 1100.. It would be a faboulous chord if keeps 1100kg, it isn't?<br>But are you sure you wasn't taking a bearing to the bathroom ?! ;-)<br><br>Mac

I am leaving my humiliating blunder up as is. As I pleaded, I was in a hurry, doing multi tasks and without sleep. I'd plead haromonic convergence of the planets or Government radio waves were this another site. This is a perfect example of how we can screw up big time in a real situation. What if I was plotting my egress on a topo, or measuring medications?