Paracord is light and strong rope. People and hikers commonly use it. You easily understand its strength from the name itself.
Commercial paracord shows the strength on the label. It belongs among survival ropes because of its high strength for the small diameter, which suited it for emergency gear or a quick bracelet.
Paracord Types and Strengths
Common type is the Type III. It has a minimum strength of 550 pounds. So you call it 550 cord.
The number 550 means minimum strength in 550 pounds, or around 250 kilos. One strand from 550 paracord will hold weight of people. It is made up of 32 braided nylon threads with a 7-thread nylon core and diameter of 4 mm.
All six types must have at least 30% stretch. Note that although it is strong, you do not use it for climbing. Climbing rope is tenfold stronger than 550 cord and has steady strength of 4700 to 6700 pounds.
In a dangerous moment you can use its threads to make traps or fishing line. 425 and 550 paracord work well for camping and survival.
You find many other sizes. 1100 paracord is meant for heavy jobs at camp or in the field. It is bigger in diameter and twice strong as 550 paracord.
The 1100 means minimum strength in 1100 pounds. That is not military grade. Type IV paracord is certified with 32 thread from nylon outside and 1200 pounds strength.
Type IA has 100 pounds strength and 30% stretch, with stronger inside than Type I. Type IV 750 cord reaches 1026 pounds strength. The sizes range from 95 to 750. Nano cord has 35 pounds strength, while small paracord breaks in 36 pounds even though it is the smallest.
Micro cord is another option. 275 is much thinner and you call it accessory cord with 275 pounds test and 4 inner threads.
If survival is a priority and you want a strong product, choose Mil-Spec #750. Military grade cord passes strict strength tests. For many uses paracord is even too strong.
It is just rope. Strength often fails before the rope itself, so strength is not always the most important. Cheap cords might inflate quickly.
Even when you tie tarp for shelter, wind applies force. Because of that some brands show work load. General rule says that work load should not pass 10% of the test strength.
You use paracord for dog leashes, belts, bracelets, shoe laces, necklaces and hunting. It works for dog tie outs, but it can shrink when the temperature rises.
