Convenient Ways to Keep this Useful Resource With You
Parachute cord – also called paracord or 550 cord – is a thin, strong rope that consists of an outer shell that covers 5-9 strands of smaller cord (each of which is, in turn, made up of smaller strands) and has a relatively high tinsel strength.
Paracord has myriad applications in everyday life (closing car trunks, securing loads in a truck bed), camping (tying down tarps or tent flaps, hoisting items out of reach from animals). Many “preppers” carry paracord with them to use in survival situations. Paracord has even been used by astronauts to repair the Hubble Space Telescope.
Paracord also has many useful applications in ham radio. From lifting portable/mobile antennas to guying towers to securing cables and transmission lines, the sky is the limit.
Ham radio operators who need a lot of cord can toss longer lengths or spools into their radio bag. For those who want to keep a little bit of paracord on hand (pun intended), they can do so with paracord bracelets (a.k.a. “survival straps”) or keychains. These items are growing in popularity and can purchased in stores or online. Alternatively, you can make your own by using these instructions:
Instructables – Paracord Bracelet with Slide Release Buckle
Instructables – Paracord Bracelet with Monkey Fist Closure
Instructables – Paracord Keychain
Paracord is available from many surplus stores and online retailers, such as our partner below:
