How to Cut Paracord

Hikers, mountain climbers and other survivalists usually consider paracord--nylon cord with a woven sheath around a multi-strand core, originally used on parachutes--one of the most important tools they pack along when out in the wilderness. Due to its extreme strength and versatility, nylon paracord serves innumerable purposes for tying and rigging necessities. Cutting paracord is a slightly more involved process than that for cutting standard rope or cord, but the extra steps are necessary to prevent fraying.

Things You'll Need

  • Paracord
  • Sharp scissors
  • Matches
  • Candle
  • Pliers
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Instructions

    • 1

      Cut the paracord with the scissors, making the length of paracord 1 to 2 inches longer than you desire because you will lose some length in the sealing process. Make sure the outer sheath of the paracord is the same length as inner strands.

    • 2

      Light the candle with the matches.

    • 3

      Place a cut end of the paracord into the flame for as long as necessary to make the outer sheath begin to melt. Remove the paracord from the flame when this occurs.

    • 4

      Use the pliers to pinch the molten end of the paracord to ensure the end of the paracord is thin and does not bubble up. Loosen the pliers, rotate the paracord 180 degrees and pinch it again with the pliers. You must work quickly while the paracord is still hot and melted.

    • 5

      Repeat if you are not satisfied with the sealed end of the paracord after melting it once.

    • 6

      Trim away any excess melted areas on the end of the paracord with the scissors to make the end narrow and neat. A tapered end is optimal, but as long as the end is the same diameter as the rest of the paracord, the sealing is satisfactory.