550 paracord - how do you seal their end so that they don't increase in diameter?

calyth

calyth

#!/bin/sh of a man
Joined
Feb 23, 2002
Messages
3,574
I have this slight problem with 550 cord (or any nylon cord for that matter)
I can just thread a normal 550 cord through the sheath, and when I use a lighter to heat and seal the fray end, the diameter of the 550 is increase enough so that the cord cannot be thread through with ease.
Any ideas as to how to seal the ends without increase the diameter?
 
Hot knife will work, but what I've found is that if you use a lighter, you need to get the end of the 550 burning, then scrape it against something to get the excess off before it hardens.

Kevin
 
If you approach the flame slowly with the cut end, and pull back as you notice it melting, then approach the flame again, it will melt at a controlled rate. You can then control how big the end gets. I am getting better, almost able to keep the dia. the same.
 
Just to add on to thatmguy's excellent suggestion, make sure the tip of the cord is facing straight down towards the ground, so if any melting occurs, gravity moves it in a way that it doesn't get wider.
 
I use a wet paper towel. Get the end of the cord burning, wrap the paper towel around it and run it down to and off the burnt end. It tapers the end so can be easily threaded through something.
 
I agree with what MikeTheJag said. I get the end burning to get a good seal then run a rag or a wet paper towel down the cord quickly to wipe off any excess and I get a nice clean tapered seal. If it doesn't look good just try again. Just don't get the hot stuff on you! ;)
 
I first tightly tape the paracord (masking tape) where I want to cut it. Slice cleanly through the tape, then slowly melt the ends. The tape keeps the diameter from increasing after cutting and while melting. Then I also use a wet paper towel swipe to get a clean taper.
 
I just roll the molten end between my thumb and forefinger. Maybe not as neat as the tape method but it does the job and only is hot for a moment. I usually need to do it two or three times to get it right.
 
Just received 4-50' hanks of 550, so this is good info to know. I've been using the role it between the fingers bit myself, but it's always good to know of other solutions being used.
 
If I'm melting a longer piece, say a foot or longer, I flame it, blow it out, then spin it around in a circle. It puts a nice tapered end on that actually threads very well[hard and smooth taper.] It WILL be at diameter and then taper to a fine thread in about 1/4". Obviously watch where you're slinging molten nylon. It works so well I've never thought of trying a different way.
 
Try this (it has worked pretty well for me):

Cut the cord a couple of inches longer than you need it to be. Holding the cord horizontaly move it, with a little tension, over a flame at the point you wish to cut it. The outer sheath (mantle) melts and narrows down to about 2/3 diameter. Let it cool and cut it at that point. I've done it dozens of times and, after a little practice, never had a frayed end. One thing, don't burn the cord. Only melt it. Then the mantle will hold the core (kern) in place.
 
I just tried the tricks today, and I know now that for a fact, at least two of the tricks here works.
The wet paper towel trick works, as long as I make sure I have paper towel wrapped around the cord properly, and the melt the cord and then cut technique works fairly well too, as long as I don't melt too much of it ;)
Thanks all again for the help!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top