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Paracord self defense Key fob. (Black-Jack)

Paracord self defense Key fob. (Black-Jack)
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I have looked around the internet trying to find out if someone else makes these like I do.  All I can ever find is a monkey fist attached to a cobra weave, or the same with just an extra length of cord.  I hope that this helps someone, and that it is as enjoyable to make as it is for me.  

Supplies needed:

1. 1 3/4 inch steel ball ( I used an old mouse ball with the rubber cut off of it.) you can use a larger one, but you'll have to augment the length of cord needed.
2. About 20 feet of 550 paracord cut into 2 10-foot lengths (better to have too much as not enough.)
3. 1 D-ring, or similar item of your choice.
4. 1 shackle and a key-ring.

Tools: 
1. A pair of forceps, or a scribe ( looks kind of like a small icepick.)

Start with a monkey fist knot,   
but make sure you do four raps for each side, and instead of only having a short length of cord on one end you want an even couple of feet on both ends when its done.
You will need this to make the handle. Once you have your monkey fist made you'll need to thread the other length under the two middle strands between the ends where the cord comes out of the monkey fist, and pull it through where it is even in length on both sides.
Then you use the cord lengths to make a "Round-Crown Sinnet," which is just a crown (box knot) with a twist.... 


Practice the round-crown sinnet to see how to make it with the monkey fist. The picture should help as well I hope.
Just make sure that you are tying it very tightly, or it will be floppy. (which is embarrassing... ha ha)
Keep tying, making sure that it is as tight as possible, until your desired length is reached. I usually make them about 20 knots which makes for a pretty good fob/ ass beater for my key chain.  when you get to where you want it insert the D-ring and tie two more regular crown knots to lock it in. 
Trim the excess off and burn/ smear the plastic before it cools to make sure it won't slip out.

Remember: This is a dangerous weapon, and should only be employed in dire circumstances where there is no other option. 
I take no responsibility for any injury that you cause to yourself or others.  Having said that........

Thanks for trying out my instructable.  Let me know how it works out for you, and if you like it.  
14 comments
Jul 8, 2011. 10:14 PMskabonner says:
I read in a book that sailors used to make these, but instead of a monkeys fist they used a star knot, and 3/4" rope. Your's is a bit sleeker, and probably more effective, because of the steel ball. As soon as I get some more paracord, I'm gonna make one to keep in my car.
Jan 22, 2012. 3:54 PMsifurusty says:
thanks for a great instructable! However, I'm sort of confused as to how to start the crown sinnet (yep, I'm feeling kind of stupid, haha!). The video appears to show tying the knots with two *free* ends of the two cords, but the cords are taken up on one end with the monkey fist.....how do I start the crown sinnet?
Dec 14, 2011. 3:32 AMrrenner says:
ampstar nice job.i have also been making mine like yours as well as with 4 strand braid. started with 3/4" ball bearing up to 1 1/4" a real gourd smasher.
Oct 27, 2011. 5:41 PM3daypriest says:
I'm not into making my own. Various reasons. But a large steel ball, over 1" in diameter, on a rope that just fits over the hand sounds great. I8nite says a staffordshire terrier is a deterrent. I agree. My Golden Retriever alerted me to the possible presence of a wild pig on a late night camping trip. The growling and barking could have saved my life. The monkey fist is useless on wild pigs but sometimes the problems are more human than animal. Or human animals. I want to buy at least 2, maybe 3, of these. I would want two to be compact and the third to be a bit longer to give the swing more impact. And I want a larger steel ball inside than what I have found thus far on the net. I guess I could make my own, but would prefer someone with experience make it. Are you interested? If so, how much?

Peace out unless someone attacks you,

3daypriest
Sep 28, 2011. 12:39 PMsmalcolm says:
Just so you know, what you've made is illegal in most states (these fall under the heading of a concealed weapon). So I suggest you check your local laws before carrying this around.
Otherwise, nice idea.

Source: Myself, I collect and research weapons and I work with law enforcement.
Jul 4, 2011. 8:10 PMjnichols4 says:
how did you do the swirl thing at each level? ive been trying to figure it out all day with no success.
Aug 12, 2011. 7:29 AMmattsix says:
I understand the "round crown sinnet," but am not sure about the twist you do afterwards. Do you just take each of the four strands and thread them over/under clockwise and then make another round crown sinnet?

Finished product looks great, will make a few of these once I get the twist figured out. Thanks!
Jun 25, 2011. 3:00 AMshadow wave rider says:
you should have written this as a step by step instructables. would have been heaps better. good instuructables though
Jun 18, 2011. 12:03 AMl8nite says:
Nice ! I made about a 5" monkey fist on the end of a 1/2" rope that I use as a lead for walking my dog, of course a 95lb american staffordhire terrier is probably more of a deterent than the monket fist but it does make a nice end on the rope

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Author:ampstar