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