The world of survival gear and outdoor equipment often revolves around reliable, multi-purpose tools, and among these, paracord stands out as a true champion. Known for its incredible strength and versatility, paracord, also called parachute cord, has found its way into countless applications, from building shelters and setting traps to creating fishing line and fashioning essential gear. But beyond its well-established uses, a fundamental question arises for many: can paracord be used as a pull cord? The answer, in short, is a resounding yes, but understanding the nuances, advantages, and potential limitations is key to maximizing its effectiveness in this role.
Understanding the Nature of Paracord
To truly appreciate why paracord excels as a pull cord, we must first delve into its fundamental construction and properties. Authentic military-spec paracord, specifically Type III 550 paracord, is a testament to engineering designed for demanding situations. Its name, “550,” refers to its minimum breaking strength, a substantial 550 pounds (approximately 249 kilograms). This impressive tensile strength is achieved through its unique weave.
At its core, paracord consists of a tightly woven nylon sheath, which provides abrasion resistance and the bulk of its structural integrity. Hidden within this robust sheath are multiple inner strands, often seven, each composed of several smaller yarns twisted together. These inner strands, while finer, contribute significantly to the overall strength and can even be separated for more delicate tasks, though for a pull cord application, using the entire assembled cord is generally preferred.
The nylon material itself imparts crucial characteristics. Nylon is known for its elasticity, meaning it can stretch slightly under load before breaking. This resilience can be advantageous in certain pull cord scenarios, absorbing shock and preventing sudden snaps. It also offers good resistance to mildew and rot, making it suitable for use in various environmental conditions, from damp forests to humid climates.
Paracord as a Pull Cord: The Advantages
The inherent properties of paracord make it an exceptionally well-suited material for use as a pull cord in a multitude of situations. Its high tensile strength is perhaps the most obvious benefit. Whether you need to operate a stubborn zipper, retrieve an object from a difficult-to-reach location, or even assist in pulling a light load, paracord can handle the task with confidence.
The braided sheath provides a comfortable and secure grip. Unlike smooth, thin cords, the woven texture of paracord offers excellent friction, reducing the likelihood of it slipping through your fingers, even when wet or covered in mud. This enhanced grip is crucial for effective pulling, allowing for more controlled and sustained effort.
Another significant advantage is paracord’s resistance to abrasion. Pull cords are often subjected to rubbing against rough surfaces, edges, or other materials. The durable nylon sheath of paracord is designed to withstand this kind of wear and tear, ensuring its longevity and reliability even under constant friction. This durability means you won’t have to worry about the cord fraying or breaking prematurely due to constant use.
The inherent flexibility of paracord is also a valuable asset. It can easily bend, knot, and navigate around obstacles, making it adaptable to various routing and attachment points. This flexibility allows for smoother operation of whatever mechanism it’s attached to, whether it’s a drawbridge, a tarp tie-down, or a makeshift pulley system.
Furthermore, paracord’s relatively lightweight nature is a boon for portability. Carrying a length of paracord doesn’t add significant bulk or weight to a backpack or kit, making it an ideal component for emergency preparedness or outdoor adventures where every ounce counts.
Practical Applications of Paracord as a Pull Cord
The versatility of paracord as a pull cord truly shines when we examine its practical applications across different domains. From everyday conveniences to life-or-death survival scenarios, its utility is remarkably broad.
Outdoor and Camping Uses
In the realm of camping and hiking, paracord can be indispensable. Consider the common need to tension a tarp or tent fly. Instead of fumbling with small tent stakes or trying to manipulate a stiff cord, a length of paracord attached as a pull cord to your guy lines can make adjustments significantly easier, especially in windy or cold conditions. A simple loop created with paracord on the end of a guy line allows for quick and secure tightening or loosening.
For campfire management, paracord can be used to create a simple pull mechanism for lifting a cooking pot over the flames, preventing burns and providing better control. Similarly, it can be integrated into a system for hanging food bags away from animals. A loop of paracord can act as a handle to help pull up a bag suspended from a branch.
Survival and Emergency Scenarios
In a survival situation, the ability to improvise and adapt is paramount, and paracord excels here. Imagine needing to operate a primitive shelter door or to pull a heavy branch into place. Paracord can serve as a robust and reliable pull cord for such tasks. Its strength allows for considerable force to be applied, aiding in tasks that would otherwise be extremely difficult or impossible with bare hands.
Retrieving dropped items from crevices, wells, or bodies of water is another critical application. By tying a secure knot around an object and attaching it to a length of paracord, you can use it as a lifeline to pull the item back up to safety. The paracord’s durability ensures it won’t break under the strain of a wet or heavy object.
In some emergency medical situations, paracord could potentially be used as a makeshift tourniquet, although extreme caution and proper training are absolutely essential for such a critical application. Its strength and rigidity when looped can provide the necessary compression. However, this is a last resort and should only be attempted by those with the knowledge and understanding of its implications.
Everyday and DIY Projects
Beyond the wilderness, paracord finds its way into countless everyday and DIY projects where a reliable pull cord is needed. Think about needing to easily open a heavy-duty tool bag or a large equipment cover. Attaching a length of paracord as a pull tab can make access significantly more convenient.
For those who enjoy crafting or customizing their gear, paracord can be integrated into zipper pulls, keychains, and even clothing closures, adding both functionality and a distinct aesthetic. The ability to create a sturdy loop or handle with paracord makes it ideal for enhancing the usability of existing items.
Consider its use in a boat or vehicle for pulling tarps, securing cargo, or even as a quick fix for a broken window regulator or hood release. The strength and weather resistance of paracord make it a dependable choice for these demanding applications.
Choosing the Right Paracord for Pull Cord Applications
While most paracord is suitable for use as a pull cord, selecting the appropriate type can further enhance its effectiveness. As mentioned earlier, military-spec Type III 550 paracord is the standard and generally the best choice for most pull cord needs. Its guaranteed 550-pound breaking strength provides ample capacity for a wide range of tasks.
When considering color, while not directly impacting functionality as a pull cord, brighter colors can offer increased visibility, which can be beneficial in low-light conditions or when you need to quickly locate the pull cord. Conversely, darker colors might be preferred for aesthetic reasons or to blend in with the environment.
The length of paracord you choose will, of course, depend on the specific application. For a simple zipper pull, a few inches might suffice. For operating a tarp or retrieving an item from a distance, you’ll need a considerably longer length. It’s always wise to carry a generous amount, as its versatility means you’ll likely find other uses for it as well.
How to Effectively Use Paracord as a Pull Cord
The efficacy of paracord as a pull cord is also dependent on how it’s attached and utilized. Proper knotting techniques are crucial to ensure security and prevent slippage.
For creating a loop or handle, the bowline knot is an excellent choice. It forms a secure, non-slipping loop that is easy to untie even after being subjected to significant tension. This is ideal for creating a reliable pull tab on zippers or equipment.
When attaching paracord to an object for retrieval, a strong hitch like a prusik knot or a taut-line hitch can be advantageous. These knots can be adjusted to slide along the paracord, allowing you to tighten your grip on the object you’re trying to pull.
It’s also important to consider the point of attachment. Ensure the paracord is tied to a sturdy part of the object you are pulling. Tying it to a weak seam or flimsy material will only lead to failure.
Potential Limitations and Considerations
While paracord is an excellent choice for a pull cord, it’s important to acknowledge its limitations and potential considerations to ensure safe and effective use.
The elasticity of nylon, while often an advantage, can also be a drawback in certain highly precise mechanical applications where a rigid, non-stretching cord is required. For example, if you need to operate a very sensitive mechanism that relies on exact movement without any give, paracord might not be the ideal choice.
In extremely high-temperature environments, such as near an open flame, paracord can melt. While it’s unlikely to be used directly in flames as a pull cord, proximity to heat sources should be considered.
The inner strands, while useful for other purposes, can sometimes snag or fray if not properly secured when used as a continuous pull cord. Ensuring the sheath remains intact and the ends are properly finished (e.g., by melting the nylon slightly to prevent fraying) is important for maintaining its integrity.
Finally, while 550 paracord is incredibly strong, it is not designed for heavy lifting or supporting human weight in a load-bearing capacity unless specifically rated for such uses and constructed accordingly. Always respect the weight limits and intended purpose of the cord.
Conclusion: A Reliable Choice for Pulling Power
In conclusion, the question of whether paracord can be used as a pull cord is definitively answered with a resounding yes. Its exceptional tensile strength, abrasion resistance, comfortable grip, and inherent flexibility make it an incredibly versatile and reliable material for a vast array of pulling tasks. From the practical needs of camping and outdoor adventures to the critical demands of survival situations and everyday DIY projects, paracord offers a dependable solution. By understanding its properties, choosing the right type, and employing proper techniques, you can confidently leverage the power of paracord to enhance functionality and ensure readiness in countless scenarios. It is a testament to its design that this humble cord continues to prove its worth, becoming an indispensable tool for anyone who ventures into the outdoors or simply appreciates the value of well-made, multi-functional gear.
Can paracord be used as a pull cord?
Yes, paracord can absolutely be used as a pull cord for a wide variety of applications. Its inherent strength, durability, and flexibility make it an excellent choice for tasks requiring a reliable cord to exert pulling force. From opening zippers on gear to securing tarps and even in more demanding situations like emergency shelters or basic rescue scenarios, paracord’s tensile strength is more than adequate for most common pulling needs.
The specific type and diameter of paracord will influence its suitability for different pulling tasks. While standard 550 paracord is generally robust, specialized or thicker varieties might be preferred for heavier loads or more critical applications where maximum strength is paramount. However, for the vast majority of everyday uses, paracord serves as a highly effective and accessible pull cord.
What makes paracord suitable for pulling?
Paracord’s suitability for pulling stems from its construction, typically featuring a braided nylon sheath encasing multiple inner strands. This layered design distributes the load effectively, preventing premature breakage and providing significant tensile strength. Nylon itself is known for its elasticity and resistance to abrasion, further enhancing its ability to withstand the stresses of pulling without fraying or weakening.
The interwoven nature of the paracord’s sheath also contributes to its grip, making it easier to handle and manipulate for pulling actions. Whether you’re pulling a stubborn zipper, a guy line, or even a light load, the texture and construction of paracord provide a secure and comfortable grip, ensuring efficient force transfer.
Are there different types of paracord that are better for pulling?
While all paracord possesses inherent pulling capabilities, certain types are indeed optimized for specific demands. For general utility and common pulling tasks, standard 550 paracord, which has a minimum breaking strength of 550 pounds, is highly effective. Its balance of strength, flexibility, and availability makes it a go-to choice for most users.
For more demanding pulling applications where extreme strength is critical, such as in survival situations or for heavier loads, consider using paracord with a higher tensile strength rating. These might include 750lb paracord or even specialized utility cords that are specifically engineered for increased load-bearing capacity, though they might be slightly thicker and less flexible.
What are the limitations of using paracord as a pull cord?
While incredibly versatile, paracord does have limitations when used as a pull cord. It is not designed for heavy industrial lifting or applications that require certified load-bearing capacity, such as rigging or supporting human weight in critical situations like rappelling. Exceeding its stated tensile strength can lead to catastrophic failure.
Furthermore, prolonged exposure to UV rays, chemicals, and extreme temperatures can degrade the nylon fibers over time, reducing its strength and making it less reliable for pulling. Regular inspection for wear and tear, such as fraying, nicks, or discoloration, is crucial to ensure its continued effectiveness and safety as a pull cord.
How does paracord compare to other common pull cords?
Paracord generally offers a superior combination of strength, durability, and flexibility compared to many other common pull cords like simple twine or basic rope. While twine might suffice for very light tasks, it lacks the tensile strength and abrasion resistance of paracord, making it prone to snapping. Basic ropes can vary widely in quality, but often lack the intricate woven structure that gives paracord its resilience.
Compared to specialized utility ropes, paracord offers a more versatile and accessible solution for everyday pulling needs. While a specialized climbing rope or static rope would be engineered for specific, high-stakes applications and possess certifications for such uses, paracord provides excellent performance for a broad range of common tasks where extreme safety margins are not the primary concern.
Can paracord be used for pulling in wet conditions?
Yes, paracord can be used for pulling in wet conditions, and it generally performs well. Nylon, the primary material in paracord, absorbs very little water and dries relatively quickly. This means it won’t become significantly heavier or lose much of its strength when wet, unlike natural fiber ropes which can swell and weaken.
However, it’s important to note that while paracord maintains much of its strength when wet, prolonged submersion or exposure to dirty water can introduce contaminants that might degrade the fibers over time. After use in wet conditions, it’s advisable to rinse the paracord with clean water and allow it to air dry completely to maintain its integrity and performance.
How can I ensure paracord is a reliable pull cord?
To ensure paracord is a reliable pull cord, regular inspection is paramount. Before each use, examine the entire length of the cord for any signs of damage, such as fraying, cuts, nicks, discoloration, or stiffness. Pay close attention to the ends of the cord, as these are often the first areas to show wear.
Proper storage and maintenance also play a crucial role. Store paracord away from direct sunlight, extreme heat, and corrosive chemicals. When not in use, coil it loosely to prevent kinks and stress points. If the paracord becomes soiled, clean it with mild soap and water and allow it to air dry thoroughly before storing it again to preserve its strength and longevity for future pulling tasks.