Introduction: Survival Bracelet (Updated!)

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Survival bracelets are often seen on soldiers in war or hikers in the woods.  Real 550 paracord has 7 inner strands.  The paracord sheath is rated at about 300-pounds.  7 strands made up on two strings each for a rating of 35 pounds.  14 inner strings, each of which have a rating of about 17.5 pounds  The paracord can be used for fishing, snares, sewing, etc.  The braided outer shell is durable yet cushioned, so it is the perfect wrap for knife handles, spears, and survival gear.  So if you looking for a way to hold a little extra cord, or just a good looking bracelet, here is the answer.  Good luck, and hope you have some fun.

Step 1: Supplies

In order to make a survival bracelet you will need
-6ft of 550 Parachute Cord (or whatever you have on hand)
-Pair of scissors
-Lighter

Step 2: Measurements

The inner core of the bracelet should be the length of your wrist around twice, but add a few inches for a little leeway.  This piece of cord should be tied with an over hand knot.  The outer cord should be about 6 feet or about 2 meters. 

Step 3: The Cobra Weave

Lay the inner core of the bracelet on a flat surface or your lap.  The take your long piece and fold itin half evenly, then place that behind the inner core.  Then make an "S" with the piece to the right, top of "S" behind inner core and bottom in front.  Put right end of cord down through bottom loop of "S" then under the center and up through the top loop of the "S".  Pull tight.  Then create a backwards "S" and repeat the steps from the first "S".  Pull tight.  Repeat these processes until there is no space left.  At this point cut the excess cord and melt the ends down.

Step 4: Conclusion

Parachute cord, or para cord is versatile and user friendly.  I would like to suggest trying different colors, mixes, and uses (such as dog collars etc.)  Have fun and share the knowledge.  By the way check out The Ashley Book of Knots.  Very descriptive and useful book.

Step 5: Multi-Colored

These are the steps to making a multi-colored survival bracelet.
Step 1
Tie the two colors, that together equal about 6ft, into a square knot
Step 2
Begin the braiding process
Step 3
Undo the square knot so that there are two pieces that stick out
Step 4
Melt down both ends

Step 6: Multi-Colored Bracelet (with Clip)

Materials
-Clip
-Rope (about 6 or 7 feet in two pieces)
-Scissors or Knife
-Lighter

Step 7: Quick Release Survival Bracelet (Prototype)


I was playing around with some paracord and I thought, what if I were to make a chain sinnet around a center.  It ended up looking like an offset cobra weave.  This is probably not new, but I thought it was pretty cool.  Each time I have done this I have started it a different way and I only actually made one completely that I wear.  It seems like a better design then the usual cobra weave because of the ease of access.

Step 8: Other Variations

These are a few of the different bracelets and key chains that i have made from 550 paracord.  I have become addicted...

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