Paracord 550: Household and Survival Uses

Paracord is an excellent resource in preparing for personal survival. In this post I will discuss what paracord is, where it came from, and how multiple ways it can help you help yourself.

Paracord was originally used as parachute cord for the airborne soldiers during World War II. Once on the ground soldiers found paracord being useful for a lot of different tasks.  The most popular 550 paracord consists of 7 individual strings covered with an outer nylon sheath and has a minimum breaking weight of 550 pounds.

Because of its strength, versatility, ability, and availability, paracord is often used in everyday civilian applications but more importantly for those as survival gear surprising emergency situations that can often present themselves.

Creativity

This is where you’re creativity can save your life. However, the creativity isn’t the paracord itself, but how you store/pack the cord. What good is the cord if you don’t have it when you need it?

By using different knots and techniques, people are creating some outstanding products, and even better ideas on how to keep paracord close by. Here are some ways to keep some paracord handy when you need it… as well as presenting your fashion sense. Remember you are only limited to your own imagination:

• Belts/suspenders
• Bracelets/watchband
• Lanyards
• shoelaces
• keychain
• Can/bottle koozie
• Zipper pulls
• Animal collar/leash, halters, bridals, harnesses
• Grab handles on bags, packs, jeeps/vehicles
• Potholder
• Headband, hat,
• Utility pouch, bag, purse, weapon sheaths
• Guitar, gun, bag strap
• Sandals and other footwear
• Hammock
• Grip on handle bars, knives, walking sticks, sporting equipment.

Not only are they excellent individual items, but you can unravel the cord and use it in case of an emergency.

Note: Before we introduce different uses of paracord to you, be aware of your responsibility to conduct personal research on paracord to know it’s limitations and ability before actually using it. As always, safety comes first.

Uses of paracord – Your imagination is your limitation:

• Tie Downs for moving, hauling, camping, etc.
• Tow Rope (you can actually weave your own rope out of paracord for extra strength)
• Lash items together to make a raft, stretcher, etc.
• Tourniquet
• Fire bow drill string
• Pulley system
• snowshoes
• webbing for chair, fishing (inner strands)
• Pulling firewood back to camp
• Set traps for food
• Stitches, sewing/repairing clothes, gear, first aid (inner strands)
• Cover rifle barrels for heat shielding
• Dummy chords to attach items to a belt, bag, or self
• Securing nets, tarps
• Weapons such as slings, bullwhips or lasso
• Restraints
• and MORE!

Both of these lists are just a brief introduction into the paracord world. Not only is paracord popular in today’s fashion, but it could literally be that element of your survival. Don’t miss out on this easy, affordable way to prepare you for the unexpected.