The Do-All Cord
November 16, 2006|
Submitted by Dan Jelito
550 cord is the "end all, be all" essential piece of kit to keep handy. Good for everything from tying down loose or noisy gear, stringing up your poncho for shelter, using as a laundry line or as replacement bootlaces, using the inner strands for sewing or fishing line. The outer casing is good for silencing your dog tag chain -- the list of uses just goes on and on. And it doesn't take up that much space.
Submitted by Rob Hetrick
That blessedly thin yet surprising strong and lightweight piece of specially woven string is worth it's weight in gold to a Grunt. Need to tie your gear down? 550 Cord. Need dummy cord your gear on? 550 Cord. Sleeping mat strings broken? 550 Cord. Nothing to secure your shelter half with? 550 Cord (might be dating myself on that last one). M2 .50 Cal need a hasty sling? 550 Cord! There is literally nothing you cannot tie in place...FOREVER...with 550 cord.
.50 cal M2 sling huh?
Posted by: Aaron Lutz | November 17, 2006 at 09:13 AM
You know someone's a pogue when they talk about "TA-550 Cord".
Posted by: Sam | November 17, 2006 at 01:53 PM
Having never used 550 cord, or been in combat, or done any "covert" stuff, but being a veteran and a writer, I'd sure like someone to e-mail me a VERY full / long list of "What to do with 550 cord." jweatherly2@yahoo.com
Posted by: JD | November 17, 2006 at 02:39 PM
Being a loadmaster, we used this stuff like it was water. Especially when it came to rigging the plane for airdrops. We actually carried spools of the stuff on our plane.
Posted by: Noxid21 | November 18, 2006 at 05:11 AM
550 cord, 550 lbs tensile strength, has if its the real cord, 7 inner strands. These are great when used with a improvised needle, or a sail needle. Sewing provides a almost unbreakable bond (each strand is 35 lbs tensile strength. Often its the only available binding in a survival situation. Improvise clothing, make repairs to equipment, etc. I use it with a "truckers hitch" to tie up all the gear in the back of the truck or on the trailer. Its still available in several colors and buying by the roll gets you the best price for the most line.
Posted by: Chuck Johnson | November 21, 2006 at 09:50 AM
A word of caution here if you intend to use the outter sheif to silence your dog chain. Do not attach the ends together or tie them together. If it gets caught on something, you will choke to death. Leave ends open on chain length.
Posted by: Emmett | November 21, 2006 at 12:18 PM
Not only is it great for everything under the "military needs" sun but its useful to hold a cracked bumper up to! When I first met my husband in Italy, he was driving a beat up VW Golf with the bumber held on with only 550 cord. To think I had seen this vehicle around base and laughed to no end about it!!!
Posted by: Megan | December 05, 2006 at 09:01 AM
The number one thing I use it for (almost every time I go somewhere) is as a clothes line. Everywhere I go, I get wet (even in the dry places)and have to string up a clothes line. Everyone knows which tent is mine because I have my stuff strung up. I string it up inside the tent when it rains.
Posted by: Charlie | December 08, 2006 at 05:14 AM
We used it to build "walls" inside the hangers where we slept. Yeah I am a chick and all modesty was lost in basic but we still liked a little bit of privacy every now and then. Also with the use of a poncho liner, blocks 99% of light for shift workers!
Posted by: Christy | December 12, 2006 at 12:34 PM
Does anyone know where to get this stuff? As a VET I no longer have an inside track on supply and the only link is one for Military.com shich is for donations for our fellow warriors. Please Email me if you have knowledge of a source. cowboy4god@earthlink.net
Thanks again,
Dana
Posted by: Dana Christensen | January 19, 2007 at 11:10 PM
You can get this stuff practically anywhere, although you've got to watch that you're not being sold the inferior 3 or 5 inner strand knock-offs.
BTW: It is also being used to make absolutely indestructible bull whips!
Posted by: Bull | June 14, 2007 at 07:02 AM
I have never served in the military but i know the versatility of this wonderful stuff ..in the past i have used this stuff to make a clothes line,tie down luggage,lash tools together,boot lace,belt,draw string,dog leash among other uses
Posted by: Jason B | August 01, 2007 at 08:40 PM
I like to use the center strands to cut cheese
Posted by: timmy | August 07, 2007 at 04:56 PM
I like to use the stuff to make a combat sling with it. When I can, I'll send a pic
Posted by: Pedersen | August 29, 2007 at 06:20 PM
It's the shit. I used to make my guillie suit.
Posted by: Mike | March 27, 2008 at 02:30 PM