What does a paracord bracelet have to do with survival and prepping? The truth is that most people wear them for their appearance. For others, like LEOs, military personnel and their families, it can be a lifeline. Most people who wear these bracelets may never be using them in survival circumstances. But you should be prepared to.
Although these survival bracelets are becoming widely popular these days, these multifunctional accessories have actually entered the military—carrying this very durable and useful cord lets soldiers use it conveniently when they need it.
What is a Paracord Bracelet?
The Paracord bracelet is a bracelet woven from paracord. Paracord bracelets are also called survival bracelets, 550 cord bracelets or parachute cord bracelets, and are an essential survival tool. These bracelets are mostly worn by campers, climbers, hikers and others who enjoys the adventure in the great outdoors. These bracelets become very useful in survival or emergency situations. The cord itself consists of 7 inner strands, each of which has its own 3, so there is an good length of cord in the bracelet.
Why is it Called “550”?
This is because the parachute cord is durable and versatile. Parachute cord, paracord, para-cord, or 550 cord, are all used to describe the lightweight nylon ropes originally used as parachute cords in the United States. The outer shell is made of nylon, and the inner core is made of seven double-layer nylon threads.
As far as the durability of the cable is concerned, not all paracords are created equal. Don’t expect some products to be the military grade or tensile strength you need for survival. Therefore, it is necessary to know where the cord for your belongings is made. Unless you just want to claim that you are fashionable.
Here are the Uses You Can Do with a Paracord Bracelet:
- Bundle equipment.
- Make a shelter for tying.
- Use the inner core to make lines or seams.
- Use inner threads to sew fabric.
- Make splints for severed limbs.
- Make a clothesline.
- Draw a line of fire around the perimeter to alert.
- Used as a tourniquet.
How to Make a Paracord Bracelet?
- You will need a small shackle and paracord with at least 10 feet long. We will use a 12-foot cord to make a 6″ (6″) bracelet.
- Find the center of the rope and fold it in half evenly. First screw the tip back through the bracket. Pass the ends of the string through the loop you just created to create a “girth hitch.”
- Measure the desired bracelet length in inches. Then, fold the rope at that mark, separate each long line, and then fold it again next to the appropriate short line.
- The first two structures become the bottom of the bracelet. First, extend the longest rope to the right and wrap it behind all other ropes, leaving a small loop at the beginning. Take the end of the same string and wrap it in a loop.
- Pull the cord to adjust relative to the rest of it.
- Repeat the process with the left tip.
- Fasten two long cords. Slide the knot towards the shackle.
- Now that you have a sturdy base, you can start to tie it up repeatedly by taking the long right cord in front of the middle cords and wrapping it around the back, leaving a small loop. Go through the back ring.
- Tighten the cord and slide the knot upward to tighten it. Continue to push each knot to make sure the bracelet is worn well.
- Repeat on the left, crossing the front ring from back to top.
- Now go back to the string on the right, this time wrap it around the middle cords and wind it forward, leaving a small loop. Pass this string through the loop from front to back. Pull the string as hard as possible.
- Repeat on the left side, remembering to pass the central cords from front to back and through the loop. Pull it out and slide it up.
- Continue to repeat step 8 to 12.
- Tie a knot until it is less than an inch from the center cords. You will now complete the final knot to complete the bracelet. To do this, first take the correct string and fold it in front of you. The string itself forms a slip knot.
- Repeat step 14 on the left.
- Now there is a knot on each side. Pass the two cords in the middle through the knot on the right.
- Pull out the string at the end tight. Now pass these middle loops through the left loop and tighten the end string again.
- Move all knots up and sync down. Unhook the shackle from the anchor. Cut off the excess string at the end and burn it to prevent fraying.
- Pass the remaining loops through the shackle. You now have a complete paracord survival bracelet.
- The best knotting feature of this paracord bracelet is the quick release method. To untie the knots, remove them from the shackle and continue to untie the knots as much as possible.
- When the two middle cords reappear near the shackle, you can grab the end and slide the remaining knots onto the middle cords. After releasing the shackle, you will have a size of paracord to help you deal with any survival challenges.
After following those directions, you can tie the paracord around your wrist or use a buckle or carabiner. With so many uses, a paracord bracelet is worth considering as an everyday item.