How Military Spec Paracord is Made to meet Stringent U.S Guidelines

The words 550 cord usually brings theimage of a parachute with strong lines attached to an object floating to earth, usually a person or a pallet with supplies. That’s a fairly close description. Its two basic styles are military grade and commercial grade, which are further broken down into 4 main classes according to break strength.:
– Type I has 100 pounds break strength.
– Type II provides break strength of 400 pounds.
– Type III, known as 550 paracord, has 550 pounds of break strength.
– Type IV has break strength of 750 pounds.
It is very important to keep in mind that break strengths differ by manufacturer and function, meanings research and believed have to be put into the formula of whether or not the cord will get the job done securely and successfully.
Industrial and military paracord 550 have various requirements, even though the finished product often looks the very same. Qualified defense service providers have to follow military requirements of weaves, inner strands, and colors.
Military spec 550 paracord has the following attributes:.
– made from 100 percent top-grade nylon, producing optimal strength and weather condition resistance.
– quick drying.
– mold, rot, mildew, and UV resistant.
– a minimum of 7 inner strands, each showcasing the suitable color-coding requirement and specific weave mandated in the contract.
– a woven external sleeve casing that adds additional strength.
Industrial grade cordage is made stateside and overseas, generally to less strict directives.
Steps from Start to Finish.
Military spec 550 paracord, made from the very best 100 percent nylon, starts with the color-coded inner strands. The color combination is specific for each maker as a way of quality assurance.
The Department of Defense (DoD) has specific cabling and weave requirements for service providers. Each strand includes 3 braided, or cabled, strings that contribute to the strength and reliability of the cord. The cord should consist of at least 7 strands with a thick, tight weave and twist, which are then covered in a woven nylon sleeve. The finished product has a diameter of 5/32 of an inch. The cord will be smooth and devoid of knots and bulges. The classification label will check out MIL-C-5040.
Stay clear of the wannabe competition by inspecting for the specific notice “Made in USA” (not put together!) and a certificate of authenticity. You want real quality, not commercial grade, to restrain and secure emergency shelters. The cord can be disassembled to act as a tourniquet, fishing line, or strong thread for sewing.
Unethical companies cheat, but you can mention to. Less than 7 strands, no colored strands, unbraided strands, or strands with only one or two strings suggest it’s not the genuine thing. A product with cotton or polyester is an industrial grade or knockoff item. If the general diameter reviews 1/8 inch thick, it is not military 550 cordage.