Paracord is a versatile and reliable tool that has become popular among outdoor enthusiasts, survivalists, and DIYers. Amazon Basics now offers its take on this essential item with its 550 Type III Paracord, boasting a 7-strand core and high strength. In this article, we will take a closer look at this product, including its features, applications, and durability.
Overview of Amazon Basics 550 Type III Paracord
The Amazon Basics 550 Type III Paracord is a must-have for anyone who enjoys outdoor activities or needs a reliable and durable rope for DIY projects. This paracord is designed to provide exceptional strength and versatility, making it a valuable addition to any gear collection.
Whether you're a seasoned outdoorsman or a DIY enthusiast, the Amazon Basics Paracord is an excellent choice for various applications.
Let's take a closer look at the key features and specifications of this product.
Key Features and Specifications
The 550 Type III Paracord is made from high-quality materials that can withstand harsh conditions. The outer shell is made from nylon, which is known for its strength and resistance to wear and tear. The 7-strand core is also made from nylon and is tightly secured with a braided outer sheath.
With a diameter of 5/32 inch (or 4mm), this paracord is thicker than most ropes, providing excellent strength and durability. It measures 100 feet in length (or 30m), giving you plenty of rope to work with for various tasks.
The Amazon Basics Paracord is available in various colors, allowing you to choose an option that suits your needs. Whether you prefer a bright and bold color or a more subdued tone, there's a color option for everyone.
Applications and Uses
The Amazon Basics Type III Paracord is highly versatile and can be used for various tasks. If you're an outdoor enthusiast, you'll appreciate the many uses of this paracord. For example, you can use it to build shelters, secure equipment, create traps, or even hang a hammock.
But the uses of this paracord don't stop there. It's also useful for DIY projects, such as making bracelets, belts, and other accessories. The high strength of this paracord makes it useful for heavy-duty tasks, such as towing vehicles or securing loads during transport.
Overall, the Amazon Basics 550 Type III Paracord is an excellent choice for anyone who needs a reliable and durable rope for various applications. With its high-quality construction and versatile uses, this paracord is a must-have for any outdoor enthusiast or DIY enthusiast.
Understanding Type III Paracord
What is Type III Paracord?
Paracord is a type of rope that was initially used by the United States military for parachute ropes. However, it has evolved to become a versatile tool for various tasks. Paracord is classified according to its tensile strength and the number of strands used in its core.
Type III Paracord is the most common type of paracord, with a minimum breaking strength of 550 pounds. It has a 7-strand core and an outer sheath made from nylon.
One of the reasons why Type III Paracord is so popular is because it is incredibly versatile. It can be used for a variety of tasks, including camping, hiking, and survival situations. Additionally, it is easy to work with and can be used to make a variety of items such as bracelets, lanyards, and keychains.
How is it Different from Other Types of Paracord?
Type III Paracord is one of several types of paracord available in the market. The primary difference between the different types lies in their tensile strength and core composition.
Type I Paracord, also known as 95 Paracord, has a minimum breaking strength of 95 pounds and a single strand core. It is the thinnest and lightest type of paracord available and is often used for crafting and DIY projects.
Type II Paracord, or 425 Paracord, has a minimum breaking strength of 425 pounds and a 4-strand core. It is slightly thicker than Type I Paracord and is often used for camping and outdoor activities.
Type III Paracord is the most versatile and widely used type, thanks to its exceptional strength and durability. It is thicker and stronger than Type I and Type II Paracord, making it suitable for a wider range of tasks.
In addition to its strength and versatility, Type III Paracord is also available in a wide range of colors and patterns. This makes it easy to find a paracord that matches your personal style or the needs of your project.
Overall, Type III Paracord is an essential tool for anyone who enjoys outdoor activities or is interested in crafting and DIY projects. Its strength, durability, and versatility make it an excellent choice for a wide range of tasks.
7-Strand Core: The Backbone of Strength
The Amazon Basics Type III Paracord is a popular and versatile tool for outdoor enthusiasts, survivalists, and DIYers alike. This high-quality paracord is known for its strength, durability, and reliability in a variety of situations. One of the key features that sets the Amazon Basics Type III Paracord apart from other types of paracord is its 7-strand core.
Composition and Construction
The 7-strand core of the Amazon Basics Type III Paracord is made from nylon, which is a synthetic material known for its strength and durability. Nylon is resistant to wear, tear, and moisture, making it an ideal material for outdoor applications. The core strands are tightly twisted together to form a robust backbone that can withstand heavy loads and stresses. This construction method ensures that the paracord will not easily snap or break even when subjected to extreme conditions.
The outer sheath of the paracord is braided over the 7-strand core and serves to protect the core from abrasion and damage. The sheath is also made from nylon, which provides additional strength and durability to the paracord. The braided design of the sheath ensures that the paracord remains flexible and easy to handle, even when coiled or knotted.
Benefits of a 7-Strand Core
The 7-strand core of the Amazon Basics Type III Paracord provides several benefits. Firstly, it offers excellent strength, allowing the paracord to withstand heavy loads and stresses. This makes it ideal for use in a variety of outdoor applications, such as camping, hiking, and hunting. The paracord can also be used for emergency situations, such as building shelters or making tourniquets.
Secondly, the 7-strand core provides additional inner threads that can be used for various tasks, such as fishing lines or sewing threads. These threads can be extracted from the core and used individually, allowing the paracord to serve multiple functions in a survival situation.
Lastly, the 7-strand core provides added redundancy, ensuring that the paracord remains functional even if some of the strands are damaged or broken. This makes it a reliable tool in emergency situations where failure is not an option.
High Strength and Durability
When it comes to outdoor activities, having a reliable and sturdy rope is essential. The Amazon Basics Type III Paracord is a top-of-the-line option that provides high strength and durability, making it a popular choice among outdoor enthusiasts, survivalists, and military personnel.
Tensile Strength and Load Capacity
The Amazon Basics Type III Paracord has a minimum breaking strength of 550 pounds, making it one of the strongest ropes in its category. This impressive strength allows the cord to be used for heavy-duty tasks, such as towing or securing loads.
Moreover, the load capacity of the paracord depends on various factors, such as the number of knots used and the type of load applied. However, when used correctly, the Amazon Basics Type III Paracord can handle significant weights and stresses, making it a reliable choice for any outdoor activity.
Resistance to Abrasion, UV, and Mildew
The nylon used in the construction of the paracord is highly resistant to abrasion, making it ideal for use in rugged environments. Whether you're hiking through rough terrain or setting up a campsite, the Amazon Basics Type III Paracord can withstand the toughest conditions.
Additionally, the paracord is resistant to UV radiation, which can cause damage and degradation in other ropes. This means that the Amazon Basics Type III Paracord will retain its strength and durability even after prolonged exposure to sunlight.
The paracord is also resistant to mildew, ensuring that it remains functional even in damp environments. This is particularly important for outdoor enthusiasts who may encounter wet or humid conditions during their adventures.
In conclusion, the Amazon Basics Type III Paracord is a reliable and durable rope that can withstand the toughest conditions. Its high strength, load capacity, and resistance to abrasion, UV, and mildew make it a top choice for any outdoor activity.
Measuring and Cutting the Paracord
Converting Between Inches and Millimeters
The Amazon Basics Type III Paracord is available in both imperial and metric measurements. For those using inches, the cord measures 5/32 inch in diameter and 100 feet in length.
For those using millimeters, the cord measures 4mm in diameter and 30m in length.
Tips for Accurate Measurements and Clean Cuts
Measuring and cutting the paracord can be challenging, but it is crucial to ensure that the cord is the correct length for the task at hand. When measuring, ensure that the cord is pulled tight and straight, as any kinks or twists can lead to inaccuracies in the measurement.
It is also important to note that when measuring paracord, it is best to measure it while it is under tension. This is because paracord can stretch up to 30% of its original length when it is under load. Therefore, if you measure it when it is slack, it may end up being too short for your needs.
When cutting, use a sharp knife or scissors to ensure a clean cut. Be sure to cauterize the ends of the cord to prevent fraying.
One way to cauterize the ends of the cord is to use a lighter. Simply hold the end of the cord near the flame until it begins to melt and fuse together. However, be careful not to hold it too close to the flame, as this can cause the cord to burn and weaken.
Another way to cauterize the ends of the cord is to use a heat gun. This method is especially useful if you need to cauterize a large number of cords at once. Simply hold the end of the cord near the heat gun until it begins to melt and fuse together.
Finally, if you don't have access to a lighter or heat gun, you can use a small amount of clear nail polish to seal the ends of the cord. Simply apply a small amount to the end of the cord and allow it to dry completely before using.
Conclusion
The Amazon Basics 550 Type III Paracord is an exceptional product that boasts high strength, durability, and versatility. Its 7-strand core and robust construction make it ideal for use in various applications, such as outdoor activities, DIY projects, and heavy-duty tasks. Those looking for a reliable and affordable paracord should consider the Amazon Basics 550 Type III Paracord as an excellent option.