10 Clever and Useful Paracord Projects

One of paracords most popular uses is making bracelets that are durable and stylish. Adventurers and survivalists also like to attach tools to the bracelets for easy accessibility. Several types of braid can be used to weave these bracelets, including dragon's tongue, fishtail and sharkbone, giving the finish a different texture or pattern.

Watch videos with paracord bracelet instructions at Survival Mastery.

This paracord carrier is a neat, streamlined alternative to a bulky laptop bag. Also if you're one of those people who likes to show off their decals, then this is smart option. Depending on the size of your laptop, you'll need about 44 feet of paracord or more if your laptop is bigger than 10 inches.

Sooner or later, we all definitely wear out a phone charger, laptop charger or headphones. Since they're used every day, wear and tear is expected. With this cool paracord wrapper, they'll gain extra life. You'll use about nine times the length of the charger cord to make the wrapper, employing a cobra weave. For extra security, consider some heat shrink tubing. The end results are a fancy wire that's harder to twist or break.

Snapguide has details on how to make this protective phone charger paracord wrap.

Old chairs — or new chairs — can also be refashioned with paracord. It gives them a sort of wicker look when finished, and color coordination adds a lot to the style. Since 550 cord is so strong, it's perfect for this makeover because it'll hold well as a seat. You'll need about 275 feet of cord depending on the chair dimensions, and some supplies for finishing the chair if it's worn — like sand paper and wood finish.

You can find the complete instructions for this refashion on Instructables.com.

While not a deadly weapon in most people's hands, a sling shot can still do a bit of damage. When used cautiously it can be a lot of fun! Games such as hitting soda cans, spinning targets or even stuffed animals can a nice way to train your aim. Here's a how-to from Survivalist Boards that shows you how to fashion a rock sling out of paracord. The weaving is a bit complicated, and may take a few tries unless you're an experienced cord weaver. It's a looping technique better explained by the images.

Go to Survivalist Boards to learn how to make a Rock Sling.

This project is great for the outdoorsy people. When handling a knife — rope cutting, wood cutting, — it can be really hard on the hands without the proper grip-type; especially if it's a flat knife without a handle. Well, a wrapped paracord handle helps a lot with that. WikiHow explains there are several ways to wrap a knife with paracord. You can create a handle with a braided weave, fastening it with tape in the beginning and eventually securing it with a lighter. But there are other ways as well.

Get the instructions for making this braided knife handle at ItsTactical.

Do you have a pooch who regularly chews through his or her leather collar? Or may the plastic is a bit too restricting. Making a paracord collar is similar to a bracelet, although you'll want to measure the recipient's neck carefully to be sure that the fabric is snug without being too tight. 

Read more about making a dog collar and paracord braiding at Survival Mastery.

Who knew there were so many different ways to turn paracord into a belt? GuidePatterns has 22 different suggestions, including belts that use standard buckles, plastic backpack latches and metal loops usually found on mountain climbing gear. Not every one is worthy of the fashion runways, but some can be quite useful for projects beyond holding your pants up.

Check out the paracord belt projects list over at GuidePatterns.

Weaving a hammock out of paracord isn't the easiest project you'll ever do, but it's very impressive when you finish. Plus the whole family can make use out of the backyard bed for years to come. You'll need to know fisherman's knots plus a timber's hitch, waggoner's hitch, and a few other things. Could be a good project to work on with your kids because they may want their own by the time you're done.

Head over to Ray Mears Bushcraft to learn how to make your own hammock

Photographers can be very particular about they carry their cameras. It can hang close around the neck, under the arm, next to the thigh or somewhere else. A handmade paracord camera strap can be any desired length and is guaranteed to be strong. The right color choice can also make the camera strap can also make the camera distinctive and stylish.

Learn how to make a paracord camera strap at WhatIDo.com.