550 paracord, type III
The standard cord for almost everything on this site. Four millimetres thick, a woven nylon sheath around seven twisted inner strands.
Construction
The sheath carries the abrasion, the core carries most of the tension. Each inner strand is itself made of three yarns, which is why a single strand can be pulled out and used as thread for small repairs.
Commercial 550 cord is nylon. It stretches slightly under load and recovers, it melts rather than frays when cut with heat, and it takes dye evenly, which is why the colour range is so wide.
Where it works
- Bracelets and watch bands, where four millimetres gives a comfortable profile
- Dog collars up to a medium size, either single or double thickness
- Key rings, zip pulls and lanyards
- Handle wraps and shelter guy lines
Where it does not
For wide collars on large dogs the cord becomes bulky before it becomes strong enough, and rope is the better base. For fine jewellery work the diameter is simply too big; 275 cord or microcord is the sensible step down.
Buying
Colour ranges, patterns and value packs are listed on the shop, in single colours, stripes, diamond and reflective versions: 550 type III cord (https://www.123paracord.co.uk/paracord/paracord-550-type-iii/).