Parachute cord (also paracord or 550 cord when referring to type-III paracord) is a lightweight nylon kernmantle rope originally used in the suspension lines of US[citation needed] parachutes during World War II.[citation needed] Once in the field, paratroopers found this cord useful for many other tasks. It is now used as a general purpose utility cord by both military personnel and civilians. This versatile cord was even used by astronauts during the 82nd Space Shuttle mission to repair the Hubble Space Telescope.
The braided sheath has a high number of interwoven strands for its size, giving it a relatively smooth texture. The all-nylon construction makes paracord fairly elastic; depending on the application this can be either an asset or a liability.
Current technical standards for the manufacture of cord for use in parachutes are published by the Parachute Industry Association. The US military MIL-C-5040H standard required the material to be nylon. Similar styles of cord are manufactured with other materials such as polyester.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parachute_cord
How To Use?
44 Ways to Use Paracord for Prepping and Survival
Secure a tent
Secure a tarp between trees
Hang tools from your belt
Hang tools from around your neck
Secure things to the outside of your backpack
Make a tourniquet
Secure a splint
Make a sling for your arm
Make an emergency belt to hold your pants up
Make emergency suspenders
Replace a broken bra strap (it happens)
Replace broken or missing shoe laces
Repair a zipper pull
Secure your boat or skiff to a tree
Make a tow line; double or triple up for extra strength
Create a makeshift lanyard
String a clothesline
Hang something up off the ground
Rig a pulley system
Make traps and snares
Replace damaged or missing draw strings in packs, bags and sweat pants
Keep rolled up items secure
Create a neckerchief slide
Tie objects together for easier transport
Make a rope
Make a hammock
Make a sack for carrying groceries or gear
Bundle stuff together
Tie tall garden vegetable plants to stakes
Make a pet leash
Make a pet collar
Secure a garbage-bag rain poncho around your body to keep you dry
Hang food in trees to keep the bears away
Tie stuff down so it will not blow away in a storm
Create a trip wire
Create makeshift hand cuffs
Tie bad guys or intruders to a tree or chair
Tie people together on a trail so that they keep together
Identify members of a group using different colored armbands or bracelets
Use as sewing thread (inner threads)
Use as fishing line (inner threads)
Emergency dental floss (inner threads)
Emergency suture material (inner threads) when there is nothing else available
Make arts and crafts to stave off boredom
