As we mentioned before, different people have different needs and requirements when it comes to preparedness. One person’s “survival cord” may be one length for them, but could be completely wrong for someone else!
That is why there are no hard and fast rules when it comes to how many feet of 550 paracord you should own. It really depends on your personal needs and what kind of gear you will be making use of the cord for.
As with any piece of equipment, more isn’t always better. Having too much can actually be a burden because you have to keep an eye out or lose part of it due to being consumed.
So, how much paracord you need really just depends on yourself and your budget.
Why You Need Different Types of Cord
As we mentioned, most people are using too many different types of cord when it comes to making wrist bracelets. Some people may use heavy-duty nylon or leather cords, but they’re not necessarily needed unless your plan is to make lots of identical bracelets.
If that’s the case then having more than one type of strong cord isn’t a bad idea. But if you want to be able to create unique jewelry with different materials and styles, then you will need to know how to choose and mix up your supply of cords.
That’s why this article will talk about why you should have at least five different colors of 550 Paracord in your collection. We will also discuss some reasons you might want to add additional lengths of thinner rope as well.
Which Type Is Right For You?
When deciding how many feet of 550 Paracord you should have, your first consideration will be what use you plan to put it toward. If you just want to make sure you never run out of hands, then one length is enough!
If you are planning to do some sewing with the cord or wanted to add additional loops or knots, then more than one length is needed.
For example, someone who wants to make their own jewelry can start off buying one 22-inch (55cm) piece and then add onto that as they gain experience in creating bracelets.
There are also people who enjoy making lots of small repairs using paracord so having several lengths is helpful. This could include fixing shoes, repairing hiking gear, or even replacing a car belt!
Lastly, those who love exploring new uses for rope often have extra boughs due to all the different products made from it. These individuals can save a few dollars by investing in their favorite product and then gathering an adequate amount of paracord to meet its demand.
How Much Should I Buy?
As we mentioned before, buying too much of anything can be expensive! Buying too much paracord could very well put a damper on your self-sufficiency skills.
Luckily, it’s easy to determine how much spooled-up paracord you should have depending on what uses you plan on putting it towards.
To make sure you aren’t wasting money by purchasing too much, here are some questions and answers about paracord usage that may help.
The average person usually buys way more than they need – especially in the beginning when they don’t know better. This is why there are always reviews and tips online on how to use less than one-quarter of the spools you get from stores.
It is really important to learn how to conserve leftover paracord because this cord will likely not be used immediately after purchase. Many people keep it stored away in a drawer or bag hoping to find a use for it at a later date.
I’ve even seen people who buy an extra roll and then donate it to charity so it doesn’t go to waste. If these things work for them, great! But you shouldn’t feel obligated to do the same if they don’t.
Paracord bracelet instructions
Making a paracord bracelet is a great way to show off your skill and style. It’s a surprisingly easy project that can be completed in no time, and the end result is something you can wear proudly. Here are some tips and paracord bracelet instructions to help you create your own paracord bracelet.
1. Gather Your Supplies
Before you start, make sure you have all the supplies you need. You will need paracord, a buckle, scissors, and tape. The paracord should be 10-20 feet in length; the longer the cord, the bigger the bracelet will be.
2. Measure the Paracord
Once you have your supplies, measure the paracord against your wrist. You want the bracelet to fit comfortably, so measure twice and cut once. When you have the correct length, cut the cord and set aside the excess.
3. Tie the Knots
Now that you have the correct length of paracord, it’s time to start tying the knots. Start by creating a loop with the paracord and then tie a knot around the loop. Make sure the knot is tight and secure, as it will be the base of your bracelet.
4. Add the Buckle
Once you have the base of the bracelet in place, it’s time to add the buckle. Slide the buckle onto the paracord and then tie a knot to secure it. Make sure the knot is strong and secure.
5. Weave the Paracord
Now that you have the buckle in place, it’s time to start weaving the paracord. This will create the pattern of the bracelet. Start by taking one side of the cord and weaving it over and under the other side. Repeat this pattern until you reach the end.
6. Secure the Weave
Once you have woven the paracord, it’s time to secure it. To do this, take one end of the paracord and tie it to the other end. Make sure the knot is tight and secure.
7. Trim the Excess
When you have secured the weave, trim the excess paracord. Make sure to leave enough paracord to tie the buckle in place.
8. Tie the Buckle
Now that you have trimmed the excess, take the buckle and tie it to the paracord. Make sure the knot is secure and tight.
9. Add a Charms (optional)
At this point, you can add charms to your bracelet. This is optional but can give it a unique look.
10. Add Tape
To finish the bracelet, add tape to the ends of the paracord. This will prevent the paracord from fraying and keep the bracelet looking nice.
And that’s it! Now you have your own unique paracord bracelet. Wear it with pride!
The Basics of Survival Bracelets
While there are some who may feel that they already have enough paracord to survive, it is important to know what kind of bracelets make sense. There are several types of bracelets made out of different materials that serve different purposes.
Some people choose leather or heavy-duty nylon bracelets due to their durability and strength. However, these styles can be very expensive if not bought directly from the source.
More common are rubber band-style bracelets which can easily break down when needed. These are less expensive but may not last as long as more durable ones.
Finally, we have plastic or woven string bracelets which are usually thinner than the other two categories. These typically cost the least, however, they will not keep your wrist warm as thicker versions would.
No matter what type of bracelet you pick, just remember that each person has their own personal preference in colors and textures they like.
A Few Ideas About Cordage
Parachute cord is one of the most popular types of survival cord because it is easy to make into almost any kind of strap or c-cord. It is also very affordable!
Many people use it as an inexpensive way to create durable jewelry that can be re-designed and re-configured many times over.
However, there are some things you should know about parachute cords before you start making your own designs.
It is important to understand how thick a given length of parachute cord will be depending on what it will hold. More heavy-duty items like leather bracelets require thicker cords than more flexible pieces such as necklaces.
Thicker cords cost more per unit, but they last longer since they are not thinned out as much when used. Therefore, we must determine how much thickness we want our cords to have before buying either slightly thinner or thicker ones.
How Much Cord Should You Buy?
As with most things, there is no wrong way to purchase enough cord to make your own jewelry or survive an emergency. But it is important to know how many feet you should get!
Most people buy too little paracord which results in them not being able to properly use their jewelry made from this rope. Some may even find themselves having to send their piece back as they could not find the right size hole to thread through.
Other Uses For Paracord
While not necessarily a survivor item, many people use small pieces of paracord to help them stay organized or as decorations. These are typically referred to as organizational bracelets or decoration bracelets.
Most people have at least one piece of 550-dynamite rope in their lives. This is usually because they used it for fishing or hunting, or it was given to them as part of their military training. Many people keep this old rope just because it is there!
It is very easy to make your own survival bracelet using only light layers of leather or plastic laminate and some paracord. Take a look at our article here for more tips on making your first jewelry box.
Organization necklaces are great ways to start if you are looking to organize all of your belongings. Most people begin by adding a few strings of beads before moving on to other shapes and colors.
Many people also add picture medals or charms that relate to an important event in their life such as getting married, having a child, or celebrating a graduation. Some even add pictures or words that remind them of someone they love dearly who has left them too soon.
Never throw out or remove any cords from the length of the paracord you have unless you plan to remake the necklace. If you decide to break off a section, save the remaining cord for later so it will remain longer than it would be without that segment.
Paracord bracelets are a must-have addition to any outdoor enthusiast’s kit. Not only is paracord bracelets stylish and fashionable, but they also serve a variety of practical uses. From being used in a variety of survival situations to helping you with simple tasks, paracord bracelets are an invaluable tool for the outdoorsman.
The core of a paracord bracelet is made up of a strong, lightweight nylon cord. This cord is incredibly strong, making it great for a variety of different uses. When you buy a paracord bracelet, you should immediately cut off the loose ends. This will make the bracelet more secure and prevent the cord from unraveling.
Paracord survival bracelets are the perfect way to be prepared for any situation in the wild. For example, you can use a paracord to make shelter, create a snare for food, or even as a way to tie down large items. You can also use paracord to create a bow or arrows, rig a fishing line, or even rig a makeshift stretcher.
Survival bracelets
Having enough paracord to make a good-quality survival bracelet is kind of like having enough money to buy decent-quality jewelry. You would not want to spend too much on expensive rings or necklaces, but you should be able to afford a nice pair of earrings!
Just because we are talking about survival does not mean that price is no object. I will admit, buying extra spools of 550 Paracord at its original retail price can get pretty expensive.
However, there are many ways to save money by investing in pre-made survival paracord bracelets or making your own. This article will talk more about how to use and what types of paracord survival bracelets you can create yourself!
What is The Best Quality Paracord?
There are two main qualities of paracord which determine whether it is durable and strong enough to fulfill its purpose. These qualities include thickness and material type. We will discuss both of these traits in greater detail below.
Thickness
The second important factor in determining the durability of a paracord is thickness. Just as with other jewelry, thicker pieces of the cord are going to last longer than thinner ones.
A one-inch (2 cm) thick piece of 550 paracords will not last very long unless stored properly. Thin cords will break down faster due to constant bending and stretching. But unfortunately, this is the case even when storing them for emergency situations.