3/32 Shock Cord. Made a hasty order a coupla weeks back

**TREX1** · 03-31-2015, 17:13

and knew I needed some shock cord but wasnt sure which size.

Went for the middle. Every video I have watched since then people use 1/8.

So what do you guys use 3/32 for?

**DanglingModifier** · 03-31-2015, 17:22

My local REI only had 3/32 last year when I was in a rush for some, and I ended up in the same boat as you.

You can use it most anywhere you might have used 1/8 if you don't mind the extra (minimal overall) weight and you aren't planning on using it with hardware designed exclusively for 1/8. The 3/32 is a bear to fit through a mini cord lock for instance. It can be done, but it is ugly and compresses the heck out of it.

I've since bought 1/8, but IIRC I haven't bothered retrofitting all the places on my tarp and its suspension/guylines where I used 3/32 yet. That should give you an idea that it isn't a deal breaker using it.

**pgibson** · 03-31-2015, 17:45

3/32nd is a little smaller than 1/8th. The 3/32nd being smaller tends to not have as great of a tension value to it....so it depends on where it's going to be used if it's up to the job.

For Example: 3/32 is good for the end channels on a quilt and any other place you might want to gather, 1/8th would be better to actually hold up a quilt. 1/8th would be better for setting up self tensions (if your into that sort of thing) on a tarp....more pull. 3/32nd would be an ok replacement for elastic in something like the bottom of a jacket...back to that gathering with mild tension that you want. I use 3/32 for holding my water bottle on my pack straps. 3/32 would work for a non-structural RL to hold up your bug net or sock and a small head lamp.

**xlbuilder** · 03-31-2015, 17:57

I don't have either one in front of me but the 1/8 should weigh more than the 3/32 not less. 1/8 =4/32 which is bigger than 3/32, unless they are produced by a different manufacturer or are a different design. At that size, any weight difference is about negligible though. Diameter could be important. 3/32nd should be able to go through any hardware for 1/8th but just haven't a little less springy strength.

Not trying to be negative. Just saying...

**MAD777** · 03-31-2015, 18:15

I use 3/32 to cinch the head & foot ends of my underquilt, not for the main suspension running long ways with the hammock. It is plenty adequate for cinching the ends.

Another use for light shock cord is to attach the foot of your top quilt to the ridgeline above your feet. That keeps the top quit from going overboard in the middle of the night.

Similarly, use lightweight shock cord to tether you pillow near the head end of the ridgeline. Keeps you from sitting on your pillow every time you get into your hammock.

**TREX1** · 03-31-2015, 19:38

I am gonna bet Dangling got some 3/16.

Gonna try using this for shock cords someday, May have to double it.

**DanglingModifier** · 03-31-2015, 21:35

Originally Posted by TREX1

I am gonna bet Dangling got some 3/16.

Gonna try using this for shock cords someday, May have to double it.

No, I think I just transposed my 1/8 and 3/32 due to a math fail. In that case I started with 1/8, and my 1/8 barely fit in a mini cord lock. I then bought 3/32 for future use but didn't bother retrofitting all my old 1/8. The fatter 1/8 worked fine. I'm nearly positive I don't have 3/16. That sounds like it is approaching a bungy cord!