War brings out the best and worst in people. Most of us know all about the horrible things we do to each other in war. We have seen them in the news and read about them in books.
Ironically, however, wars have also produced some of the best equipment, technology, and materials we see and use in our daily lives today.
For those who do not know, paracords were originally used during World War II as suspension lines for parachutes – parachute cords. At that time paratroopers learned to use it for other purposes as well, and so now it is known as a survival tool.
Paracord, or parachute cord, is a nylon cord with a legendary strength-to-weight ratio, and its versatility helped it catch the attention of other military units, and eventually civilians. Its name derives from its original purpose in parachutes, which was to suspend lines.
Suppose there is no braided sheath with varying interweaving strands within the sheath. In that case, it does not qualify as paracord, even if it is marketed as paracord (as unscrupulous sellers, especially on eBay, often do). For survival applications, it’s crucial to distinguish braided cordage from legitimate paracord, which is why I raise this issue. Typical nylon or polyester rope lacks the versatility that paracord does, and if your life is at stake, this distinction will make a huge difference.
Uses for paracord
It’s a very useful must-bring item when traveling or going on some adventure. And since everything and anything can happen once we go out of our houses, it would be wise to ALWAYS have a paracord with you. Here are some of the uses for a paracord:
- Build a shelter
- Fish or hunt for food
- Rig a pulley system
- Make a sling for your arm
- Replace broken or missing shoelaces
- Tie things together for easier transport
- Create a hammock
- Start a fire
- Make a tourniquet or hold a splint
- Emergency suture material or dental floss using the inner threads
This tutorial below will teach you how to make a cool bracelet with a paracord that you can easily access during emergencies.
You’ll need the following materials to make a paracord bracelet.
- 550 Paracord (13 ft)
- 1/2 inside release buckle
- Scissors
- Small pliers
- Lighter
How to make a paracord bracelet
1. Fold the cord in half, take the cord around your hand, and insert the loose ends through the loop. This step serves to determine the exact size of your bracelet, so make sure to measure it on your wrist.
Now turn it around, holding the cord so that the size of your bracelet won’t change. Starting with the left string, pull it under the core and above the right string.
Then hold the right string and insert it through the hole that was made by the left string. Pull tight.
This time start with the right string: pull it under the core and over the left string.
Then take the left string and insert it through the hole made by the right string – just like what you did in the first part.
2. Repeat step 1, until you reach the end of your bracelet.
3. Grab the right string with some small, thin pliers and pull it under at least two of the zigzag lines. Cut the excess string.
4. Do the same with the left string, this time on the inner side of the bracelet.
Below are the most lovely paracord bracelet design ideas that you can make for yourself or your friends.
Click on any image to start the lightbox display. Use your Esc key to close the lightbox.
Thanks to Rebecca for Hair for this clever project!
If you liked this project, you might also like to view 12 Bracelet Ideas and Paracord hanging pallet chair…
