Mil-Spec paracord, also known as Mil-C-5040H specifications is the most common type of parachute cord in the U.S military. Mil C-5040H has very specific guidelines for manufacturing and design that result in consistent strength, durability, and quality. Mil C-5040H can be used as a general-purpose utility cord, basecamp or hiking rope replacement or companion to 550 paracord when more strength is needed to haul heavy loads such as gear or logs up mountainsides; Mil C-5040H can even be used by an arborist to lift branches out of the way during a tree-planting project.
Referencing Mil C-5040H section 4 this specification sets forth very strict requirements that are set by the U.S Military for paracord manufacturing. Mil Spec paracord is not Mil C-5040H but Mil C-5040H is Mil Spec paracord. In this article, I will discuss the Mil-Spec requirements for 550 and 750 lb Mil C-5040H Parachute Cord in order to give you a good understanding of why Mil C-5040H has become very popular among survivalists, preppers, and outdoor enthusiasts alike.
Although the Mil-Spec designation applies to 550lb & 750lb cords only, military-grade cords are available up to 8 strands (diameter) in 1000 lb test used for aircraft suspension lines as mentioned here. This article will focus on the most common 2 sizes: 550 and 750 lbs, which almost entirely dominate the paracord market.
The Mil-Spec standards were developed by the military, hence Mil-Spec (which stands for Military Specification). Mil C-5040H is a set of requirements that have to be met in order for paracord to become Mil-Spec. Mil C-5040H applies Mil-Spec numbers or markers to the cords indicating they meet Mil C-5040H standards.
Any cord can use these designations, whether or not it’s Mil Spec. Some manufacturers create their own brands with their own custom specifications and add a number of bands on top of the marker as well. Therefore, there are many different “versions” of Milspec out there such as 7/32 Milspec 550 Paracord which would be very different from Mil C-5040 Milspec 550 Paracord. The Mil Spec numbers are unique, just like the Mil C-5040 Mil Spec itself is a specific standard.
The Tough Grid Brand MilSpec paracord meets all of MilC-5040H including tensile strength and melt point. This makes it an excellent choice for projects where you need maximum durability and reliability from your cordage.
If you are looking to purchase Mil-Spec or non-military grade paracord, Tough Grid is a fantastic American supplier that we highly recommend.
Mil-Spec should not be confused with Mil-Spec Mil C-5040 Milspec 550 Paracord also known as Mil (Military) Spec Mil-C-5040 or Mil C 5040 , is a standard used to evaluate the performance of parachute cord. Often when people refer to Mil-Spec they are referring specifically to when it comes to paracord and other forms of cordage.
The Milcord Brand MilSpec paracord meets all of MilC-5040H including tensile strength and melt point. This makes it an excellent choice for projects where you need maximum durability and reliability from your cordage.
That said, there’s something everyone needs to know: Not every piece of “550” paracord is made to Military standards. That being said, non mil-spec cord can be used for a variety of applications, and Mil-Spec is not always as necessary for everyday projects. Mil-Spec cord is more expensive due to the cost of raw materials and manufacturing processes. ” Mil Spec” paracord will be made from 100% nylon material consisting of 7 twisted strands. Mil Spec paracord has a minimum tensile strength of 550 lbs (259kg) – 750 lbs (340kg). It also has a minimum breaking strength of 250lbs (113kgs), and a maximum working load limit that’s less than 923 pounds. Mil-Spec paracord can be used in areas such as hunting, camping, hiking, fishing, climbing, military use, Law Enforcement/Security Personnel or other professionals who deal with heavy-duty situations requiring lightweight cord that can take an absolute beating and remain in tact and functional. Mil-Spec paracord can be used for virtually anything and holds up well! Mil Spec paracord is rated at 5 out of a possible 5 by Mil Spec; Mil-A-5040H. Mil Spec means that it has been tested to meet the highest industry standards. Mil Spec simply states that Mil Spec cordage will perform excellently under heavy-duty, demanding situations in the most difficult environments imaginable.
Typically Mil-Spec paracord will be made from 100% nylon material consisting of 7 strands. The minimum tensile strength of mil spec 550 cord is 259kg (548lbs). The minimum breaking strength of Mil Spec 750 cord is 340kg (750lbs.) In other words, Mil Spec 750 Paracord is very, very strong.