parachute cord bracelet or lanyardGot some extra parachute cord (aka 550 cord or paracord)? Here’s a project that is both functional, attractive, and handy. Making a paracord lanyard or bracelet is a convenient way to carry a length of 10 feet or so of parachute cord for emergency or survival use.

Following a few simple knot tying methods, you can easily create a bracelet or lanyard out of 550 cord for camping, survival preparedness and as an attractive key fob.

Why Paracord? Used in parachutes for the military, this tough string has a tensile breaking strength of 550 lbs! Furthermore, it is composed of 5 or 7 inner strands that are very strong on their own and well suited to making a make-shift fishing line in an emergency or survival situation. It is also made of nylon so it is lightweight and resists mold and mildew.

Where to get parachute cord? Online or military surplus outlets. Note that there is alot of knock-off paracord available, that may serve fine for a bracelet, but might not have stength needed for camping or survival use. So be sure to check for a military rating if you intend to have it on hand for emergencies.

There are several styles of braid that you can use, but I used the method described here: http://www.theprepared.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=80&Itemid=49