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Since its creation, paracord has been used in a wide range of applications in different fields. Soldiers, survivalists, outdoor adventurers, and crafting enthusiasts are just some of the groups that benefit from its versatility and tensile strength.
There are many types of paracord out there. In this article, we’ll talk about the features, benefits, uses, and differences of 550 paracord and 750 cord.paracord manufacturer
Paracord Braided Rope: The Basics
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The origin of paracord goes way back to World War II. During that time, it was more commonly known as parachute cord. The U.S. military used this lightweight nylon rope for their paratroopers’ parachute suspension lines. Once they land, soldiers often cut these cords and use them for other purposes, such as securing equipment or setting up temporary shelters.
Throughout the years, mil spec paracord gave way to the development of different types of commercial paracord. Regardless of whether it’s made according to commercial quality standards or military specifications, paracord is classified according to its size and strength ratings.
These strength ratings, also called breaking strength or tensile strength, are expressed in pounds or kilograms. It’s also common for brands or manufacturers to use a pound symbol (#) in front of a number to indicate the weight rating of a cord.
The breaking strength of paracord refers to its ability to withstand a certain amount of weight or force without snapping. This could range from 95 pounds to 750 pounds (or possibly more).
Paracord is made up of two parts:
1. Outer Sheath
The first thing you’ll notice about paracord is its braided or woven cord. The purpose of this nylon outer sheath is to ensure the inner strands are securely held together and protect them from the damaging effects of abrasion, moisture, and UV rays.
2. Core Strands
The core strands are one of the main reasons paracord is so strong. Each type of paracord has different numbers of strands, usually ranging from one to more than ten.
You can take out and unravel these strands to use them for smaller tasks, such as making fishing lines or sewing damaged tarps. Fire-starting paracord has a paraffin-coated strand for lighting kindling quickly.
What Exactly Is the 550 Paracord?
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550 paracord is just another name for Type III paracord. It’s the most popular type of paracord because it makes a good general-purpose rope. People usually use it for camping (or other outdoor recreations), wilderness survival, military operations, and emergency situations, among others.
So, what are the key features of 550 paracord?
Breaking Strength Rating
The number “550” in “550 paracord” refers to the amount of static force or weight it can withstand, which is 550 pounds. However, this figure could be lower for its safe working load strength—typically around 120 to 170 pounds, depending on what you’re going to use it for.
Let’s be clear about one thing, though.
While they may look and feel identical, 550 paracord and mil-spec parachute cord are not created equal. True mil-spec parachute cords undergo pre-treatment processes and rigorous tests to meet the construction requirements of Military Specification C-5040H.
Inner Nylon Strands
550 paracord has 7 to 9 strands inside its outer sheath. Each of the strands is made up of 2 to 3 yarns that are twisted together to make the cord even stronger. Manufacturers usually use nylon to make the strands, but it’s not uncommon for them to use polyester.
Examples of Uses
Some of the common uses for 550 paracord include:
Emergency and Survival
You can use 550 cords to create snares for catching food, make improvised tools, set up temporary shelters, and make an improvised tourniquet for controlling bleeding.
Outdoor Activities
You can also use it to create a clothesline, start fires, secure gear to your backpack, set up your tent, and hang your food away from animals.
Crafting and Hobbies
550 paracord ropes are often used by crafters and hobbyists to make bracelets, keychains, necklaces, pet collars and leashes, and other accessories.
Exploring the 750 Paracord
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750 paracord, also called Type IV paracord, is a thicker and stronger cord than 550 cords. Its construction, high-tech materials, and strength make it a suitable option for many emergency situations, heavy duty applications, and tactical uses.
Breaking Strength Rating
This type of paracord can hold up to 750 pounds (approximately 340 kilograms). Its thick cord measures 5 millimeters, which is one millimeter thicker than 550 paracord. Like most paracord types, it has the capacity to stretch up to 30 percent.
Caveat: While it has a high breaking point, it’s important not to push its limits. Use it within its safe working load range, which is around 150 to 225 pounds.
Inner Nylon Strands
One of the outstanding features of 750 paracord is its 11-strand core. If you take out these inner strands, you can have hundreds of feet of usable cord. The strands are protected by a braided outer sheath with 32, 36, or 44 nylon strands.
Examples of Uses
Some of the common uses for 750 paracord include:
Emergency and Survival
Just like other types of paracord, 750 paracord can be a great addition to emergency and survival kits. You can use it to build temporary shelters, create survival snares to trap animals, and secure items. For medical emergencies, you can use it to construct improvised tourniquets and splints.
Outdoor Activities
The incredible strength of 750 cords shines more in cases where you need heavy-duty cables and ropes, such as rigging in sailing or towing vehicles. It can also be used for lighter and less critical tasks, such as creating clotheslines, hanging dry bags, and setting up tarps.
Crafting and Hobbies
Thinner cords, such as 95 paracord and 550 paracord, would be more suitable options for crafting and DIY projects. However, it doesn’t mean you can’t use 750 paracord for this purpose. It can be used to create accessories, such as belts, bracelets, dog collars, and lanyards.
550 Paracord vs. 750 Paracord
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550 paracord and 750 paracord look and feel similar, especially to the untrained eye. In a way, they’re the same because they’re both designed to be strong and versatile in order to fulfill a variety of purposes.
However, as you may already know, they’re not created equal. Here’s a breakdown of their main differences:
Cord Thickness
It’s important to consider the diameter (thickness) of paracord because it plays a key role in its flexibility and strength.
Thinner parachute cords, such as 550 cord, are lighter and easier to tie in intricate knots. Therefore, they’re more suitable for everyday use and crafting.
Thicker parachute cords, such as 750 cord, are stronger and more durable. Therefore, they’re more suitable for heavy-duty applications.
550 paracord is one millimeter thinner than 750 paracord. Its outer diameter measures 4 millimeters (0.16 inches), while it’s 5 millimeters (0.2 inches) for 750 paracord.
Durability and Strength
550 cords are strong, but not at the same level as 750 cords. The higher breaking strength rating of 750 paracord means it’s more capable of handling more tension and weight. This makes it a logical option for tasks that involve lifting or pulling heavy loads, building large structures, and creating anchor lines.
Uses
Which is better, 550 paracord or 750 paracord?
The answer is that it depends on what you need it for. If you’re looking for a lightweight and all-purpose cord, choose 550 paracord. But if you need higher load-bearing capabilities, 750 paracord is certainly a better choice.
What Is the Best Paracord Manufacturer?
Source: Baiyuheng Outdoor
The strength and quality of any paracord lie in the quality of its materials and manufacturing process. It won’t be able to hold 550 or 750 pounds of weight if the manufacturer decides to cut corners. Therefore, it’s important to choose the right paracord manufacturer to protect your investment and your customers from unsafe and defective products.
You certainly have many choices out there, one of which is Baiyuheng Outdoor.
About The Company
Baiyuheng Outdoor specializes in manufacturing a variety of high-quality paracord products, including 550 cords, 850 cords, and reflective paracord. The company has been in the manufacturing industry for more than a decade and serves customers all over the world, including the USA.
Aside from paracord, the company also sells other outdoor and survival gear, such as:
- Covers and shelters
- Ferro rods
- Outdoor cooking equipment
- Packs and bags
- Ropes
- Survival cards
Services and Benefits
Baiyuheng Outdoor’s customers keep coming back to them for many great reasons, including:
Great Customer Service: Their friendly and knowledgeable staff is available to respond to your concerns 24/7.
Freebies: To make sure the product meets your requirements, they can send you free samples upon request. They even offer free photos of your orders.
Fast Delivery: Baiyuheng Outdoor can also deliver your paracord order directly to your office, store, or any location of your choice.
Customization: If necessary, they can customize the logo, label, packaging, and other features of the paracord (e.g., size and colors).
Conclusion
In summary, both 550 paracord and 750 paracord have their own sets of pros and cons that are worth exploring. Choosing the “best” will depend on your specific requirements, your customers’ needs, and other factors. 550 cords are extremely versatile, while 750 cords are valued for their high breaking strength.
We highly encourage you to do more research to make an informed decision. Also, work with reputable brands and manufacturers, such as Baiyuheng Outdoor, to ensure you get high-quality and safe paracord products.
