The paracord derives its name from the phrase “parachute cord.” The Naimakka Paracord Bracelelt was invented by Wallace Carothers and gained prominence during the Second World War. In fact, it was a major factor in the creation of the paratroopers as it made airborne warfare possible.
Even then, the paracord was known for its many valuable uses. Paratroopers used to cut the cords off their chutes so they can use them later on. Listed below are just some of the many fascinating ways to use this vital and surprising survival gear.
Paracord Hacks for Everyday Tasks
Tying
The paracord is basically a military grade rope so it’s ideal for tying things together. Use it to secure your stuff on top of your car or at the back of your pickup truck. It is also useful as an alternative to belts, suspenders, zipper pulls, bra straps, lanyards, and shoelaces.
You can also use it to tie tools to your belt or secure items to your backpack. It can also be woven until it’s strong enough to secure a small boat or be used for towing or fashioned into handles or even an actual belt. Basically, it can be used for anything that needs to be tied up.
Hanging
This survival gear can also be used for hanging. Simply tie the ends securely to something sturdy and you can dry your wet clothes. It can also be used for hanging picture frames, and carrying heavy load with the help of a pulley.
Sewing
The inner threads of a paracord are thin enough to be used for repairing clothes or sewing stuff together.
Dental Floss
You can make dental floss out of a paracord. Aside from getting the gunk out from between your teeth, this improvised dental floss can be used to remove a ring that’s stuck on a finger. Simply poke the floss under the ring using something thin and sturdy like a nail file. Afterwards, wrap the floss tightly around the part of the finger above the ring. This will eliminate the bulge that’s preventing the ring from sliding off. Then gently unwrap the floss starting from the end of the floss under the ring.
Paracord for First Aid
Splints
Breaking a bone is a pain the arse. The only way you can lessen the pain and aid the healing process is to put it in a splint. If you broke a finger, wrap it with the finger next to it using a paracord. For a broken leg, tie it up with a couple of branches to support the injury.
Sling
Make an improvised sling using a paracord to keep a broken arm from moving. Use some kind of padding between the paracrod and the arm to provide a little comfort.
Sutures
When you suffer from a wound and you’re losing blood fast, the first thing to do is to stop the bleeding by applying pressure on the wound. This will give you some time but your best bet to not bleed to death is to suture or stitch up the wound. If you don’t have a thread, you can use one of the inner strands of a paracord. It is thin enough to pass through the eye of a needle but string enough to keep the wound closed.
Tourniquet
Aside from applying pressure and suturing an open wound, you can use a tourniquet to stop bleeding. Tie the cord above the wound and tighten it using a small stick. Make sure not to use this first aid hack for a long time. A tourniquet is only a short-term solution for a bleeding wound.
Stretcher
Some accidents require the victim to be carried to safety. You can only go so far carrying the person on your back or by fireman’s carry. You will need a stretcher to haul your friend if the trek is too far. Make a stretcher out of branches and your paracord.
Simply create a rectangular shape big enough to carry your injured companion by tying the ends of two long branches and two shorter ones together. Once the corners are secure, weave a net between the two long branches.
Paracord for Wilderness Survival
Shelter
When you’re lost in the wilderness, you need to find shelter immediately. A cave or any natural shelter will do but you can also make one using what you have or whatever you can find. If you have a tent, make it sturdier by securing it with paracord. You can also build a makeshift tent out of your thermal blanket, poncho or blanket. Another way is to gather logs and branches and tie them up together until you have a shelter.
Traps/Snares
You also need food to survive long enough to be rescued or find your way home. Set up traps or snares using your paracord.
Fishing line
If you come across a body of water, make yourself a fishing line from your paracord. Simply gut it and use the inner strands as your fishing line. You also need to improvise a hook and rod if you don’t have them.
Fish nets
Another way to catch fish is to fashion a net out of paracord.
Bear hang
There may be bears hanging out near you. Keep them from going near you by hanging your food using a paracord in the tree far enough from your camp.
Paracord for Self Defense
Snare
Similar to catching animals for food, a paracord can also be used to trap or snare intruders.
Pit Trap
Dig a hole big enough to capture animals or human threats. Weave a net using paracord and secure it over the hole. Cover the net with leaves and wait until something or someone falls into it.
Handcuffs
Once the intruders are caught, you can tie their hands and legs together.
Rock Sling
You can also use this fascinating survival gear to make weapons to protect yourself and your companions. Build a rock sling by weaving the middle portion to create the cup where you’ll be putting rocks.
Grip for bladed and melee weapons
Get a better grip of your knife, machete, hatchet, hammer or bat by wrapping the handle with paracord. Leave a loop at the end so you can put it around your wrist and avoid losing your weapon. You can also use it to replace a broken handle.
Prepper mace
Speaking of melee weapons, build your own mace using the cord and a large rock. Simply tie it around a huge enough rock then braid the rest of the rope to make the handle.
This list is just a little sampling of the many unbelievable uses of a paracord. If you want to share your own experiences with this essential survival gear, feel free to do so in the comments sections. Fellow readers, especially those new to prepping, will surely be grateful for the added information.
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