Paracord Strength, Sizes, And Types

Do you need clarification on the numbers and figures associated with Paracord? For example, when someone talks about Type 3, #750, Mil-Spec, Para-Max, breaking strength, maximum tensile strength, 550 pounds, Mil-C-5040, and other specifications. What do they mean, and are they useful? This article will review the terms, types, and numbers associated with paracords. Read on to understand paracords before choosing the best Paracord in bulk for sale;

Background Of Paracords

During World War II, the U.S. military ordered paracords to use as suspension lines for parachutes and other useful applications. Their design makes them strong, lightweight, and moderately flexible. Because people’s lives were at stake, the military’s paracords had to pass rigorous testing before serving their purpose.

Types Paracords

Although many people use commercial 550 paracords, there are several alternatives on the market. Below is a list of the different types of Paracords commissioned by the U.S. military and the main specifications they have.

• Paracord I

It has a minimum breaking strength of 95 pounds, a minimum elongation of 30%, and a minimum length of 950 feet per pound of cable.

• Paracord IA*

Paracord IA * has a breaking strength of 100 pounds at the lower end, a length of 1050 feet per pound of cord at the lower end, and a minimum elongation of 30%.

• Paracord II

Paracord II has a breaking strength of 400 pounds at the low end of the scale, a length of 265 feet per pound of cord at the low end, and a minimum elongation of 30%.

• Paracord IIA*

The minimum length of Paracord IIA* is 495 feet per pound of cord, breaking strength is 225 pounds, and elongation is 30%.

• Paracord III

Paracord III has a minimum length of 225 feet per pound of cord, a breaking strength of 550 pounds, and an elongation of 30%.

• Paracord IV

Each pound of paracord IV has a minimum length of 165 feet, a breaking strength of 750 pounds, and an elongation of 30%.

The various types of paracords are size indications of strength rather than classifications. A “#” before a number usually refers to the weight specifications of the cords. Currently, Military-Spec (type III ) paracords weighing 550 pounds are rare. On the other hand, Mil-Spec at 750 pounds is a common choice among consumers. That being said, other paracords and most of the III paracords on the market today are “commercial grade.” Ideally, their strength grade is still tested, but not as extensively as military paracords.

Moreover, there are several varieties of Paracord on the market. Some are in the mil-spec spectrum. Others are above or below the 750-pound weight standard. These cords are also available in various colors, such as solid, camo, reflective, multi-colored, luminous, etc.

Paracord Terminologies

People involved with cords, especially Paracord, may use terms that are new to everyone else. Here is a guide for a better understanding;

• Elongation Or Stretch

The extent to which you can pull on a cord and return it to its original length. The stretchability of the Paracord must be at least 30%.

• Tensile Or Breaking Strength

Tensile strength is the load a rope can withstand before it breaks. Often a “#” is added to the specification to indicate pounds. You should remember that falling objects or people put much more stress on a rope that is already stationary. If a 200-pound person falls, a 550-pound paracord can break quickly.

• Mantle Sheathing

Outer twisted sheathing of cables with core sheathing. 550 Paracord sheathing often consists of 32 strands.

• Core Or Kern

The core is the inner strand of the core jacket cable. The core of paracords consists of one to eleven strands. Typically, each strand has two to three smaller strands, each containing numerous individual nylon fibers.

• Garn or Yarn

Yarns are usually the central core strands of paracords.

• Paracord

Nylon kernmantle ropes were formerly used by the army for parachutes. Today they’re also used for survival crafting and other recreational activities.

• Nylon

The Paracord is made of nylon, giving it a high strength-to-weight ratio. Nylon is an elastic material resistant to rot, mold, and UV radiation.

• Polyester

Polyester is similar to nylon, except it dries faster, isn’t as strong, and is less stretchy. The polyester material is ideal for making inexpensive imitation paracord.

• MIL-SPEC

Mil-Spec ropes are ropes that meet military standard 5040. While most paracord manufacturers claim to offer Mil-Spec paracords, they don’t sell actual military-approved paracords

• Kernmantle

It is a cord with inner threads wrapped by a loop sheath.

• MIL-C-5040

MIL-C-5040 is a paper that sets the specifications for Army Paracord.

Choosing the right cable may not be easy, but with the above information, you can make a good decision. If you want a multipurpose cord with you or want to wear it as a bracelet, use regular cord #550. If you expect to use your Paracord regularly for survival purposes and want stronger quality, choose Mil-Spec #750.