Seven Super-Clever Uses for Paracord
No gear is as versatile as p-cord—not even duct tape
P-cord consists of a braided nylon sheath inside of which reside seven to nine strands of separate cord. It has a breaking strength of 550 pounds—and 10 times as many uses.
[1.] Survival Bola
Cut three 3-foot lengths of parachute cord and secure the ends with a single overhand knot. To each cord, tie in a fabric pouch of stones. For birds, use six to eight strands.
[2.] Shooting Rail
Tie p-cord to a rail on your stand, then toss it over a limb above you. Next, tie a sliding loop with a tautline hitch. Adjust the height of the knot and thread your barrel and forend through the loop.
[3.] Game Strap
Double 10 feet of p-cord. Double it again and tie an overhand knot in the middle. Cut each remaining loop. Tie a tautline hitch in the end of all eight strands. Each loop will hold a goose or duck.
[4.] Trotline
Remove the inner cords from p-cord. Next, suspend the sheath over a creek or stream by tying each end to a tree or sapling. Tie a fishing hook to the end of the inner cords and make droplines.
[5.] Cheese Cutter
When it’s time for lunch but you left your knife back at camp, here’s how p-cord can help. Remove a 12-inch section of inner cord and use it to slice cheese and salami.
[6.] Field Wrench
Can’t get a rusty bolt loose? Wrap parachute cord tightly around the nut counterclockwise, leaving a long tag end. Grasp the cord firmly, pull, and watch the bolt come loose.
[7.] Cord Cutter
Tie the strand of p-cord that will be cut to two stout points, leaving some slack. Take another strand and use it to saw the suspended cord. After a while, the friction will burn through the p-cord.
RELATED: Sportsman’s Notebook: How to Make a Paracord Rifle Sling
