Paracord Too Stiff

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MatthewSB

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Feb 1, 2013
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I have paracord from several sources. I went to make a few lanyards, and a few brands are very very stiff and it's like trying to make a lanyard out of pipecleaners.

Any way to loosen this stuff up, or is it just crappy cord?
 
I have heard a few recommend soaking in warm water before tying bracelets or lanyards in order to get a much tighter weave/knot. Maybe the soak in water would help with the stiffness.
 
MatthewSB said:
Any way to loosen this stuff up, or is it just crappy cord?
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In my experience the stiff ones have been real paracord and the limp ones were fake. Might want to check that. Also, when they get dirty the tend to get a bit stiff. Beyond that I haven't had any problems making things out of it so I'm interested in other peoples opinions.
 
I prefer the stiffer type of cord, like Atwood. Interestingly, I've got two spools of military-issued 550 (not just mil-spec, although of course it is) and it's much softer and more flexible. I have never found any method of loosening the cord, other than wearing or using it for a long time. Even then, it remains stiffer than any other brands. Rothco is quite floppy; give them a try if you just can't get used to what you already have.
 
Shotgun said:
In my experience the stiff ones have been real paracord and the limp ones were fake. Might want to check that. Also, when they get dirty the tend to get a bit stiff. Beyond that I haven't had any problems making things out of it so I'm interested in other peoples opinions.
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Sounds about right to me. I have genuine mil spec paracord and it's not easily flattened.
 
RevDevil said:
Sounds about right to me. I have genuine mil spec paracord and it's not easily flattened.
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Mine is, but it depends on your definition of "flattened". It won't stay flattened, but it's much softer than the stiff stuff. Two spools straight from a rigger, too.
 
You can remove the inner strands to make it thinner and more flexible. Would still be plenty strong for lanyards.
 
medusaoblongata said:
You can remove the inner strands to make it thinner and more flexible. Would still be plenty strong for lanyards.
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I usually remove 4 of the 7 strands, but even then it sucks to have a lanyard sticking out of my pocket at a 30 degree angle.

I'm going to leave a bunch of this stuff in my pocket for a trip through the washer and dryer to see if it softens up...
 
I agree with all. I prefer the stiffer paracord. The wimpy stuff is the cheap/knockoff stuff. Even the stiff stuff will loosen up w/wear or usage.
 
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