How is shock cord rated?

**turk** · 11-26-2008, 19:18

Greetings.
I am looking for a small diameter shock cord, say perhaps 1/8" dia. to oh maybe a max of 3/16". But I am looking for a higher than normal resistance to stretch.

How are shock cords rated? Is there some way to decipher 'stretchability'?

I have noticed that shock cords of same diameters purchased at different vendors can have huge differences in their resistance to stretch.

secondly anyone know where I can purchase some strong resistance cord online fairly cheaply? I am looking for prolly 20+ ft.

**angrysparrow** · 11-26-2008, 19:37

Originally Posted by turk

How are shock cords rated? Is there some way to decipher 'stretchability'?

I think it's rated in terms of it's percentage of stretch. Some is 100% stretch (meaning that for any given length, the maximum stretch is twice that length) and I think I've seen 125% and 150% as well.

I've bought shock cord off of ebay a few times and have been happy with the results.

**NCPatrick** · 11-26-2008, 19:46

I've been pretty happy with the elastic cord from the fabric store, but then I'm not too picky (about that).

I'd be interested to know if there IS some standard to judge them by.

**pure_mahem** · 11-26-2008, 19:56

I bought some OD Green 1/8" shock cord from a guy off of ebay his description described it as Military stuff. I was very happy with it I used it to replace the stuff on top of my tackle box that had way too much give to it. He sold it in 50' loops for about $10 plus $4 S&H I believe. It was well worth it I've used it in countless other projects. I even use it to hang my UQ with and it works very well for that I haven't had it sag yet since I've set it. I was thinking of replacing my laces in my favorite shoes with the stuff so I can just slip them on and they will be snug but I'm torn between doing that and using 550 cord as it would have added benefits in an emertgency during a hiking situation.

**Ramblinrev** · 11-26-2008, 20:06

http://www.supplycaptain.com/

I think this is the website for the ebay seller. The prices on the website are slightly cheaper than on ebay. I have purchased from him and am very pleased with the product and the service. My one complaint would be the fact that his colors are limited to stealthy type colors. (Gee, I wonder why that would be...

) I wanted something bright for visibility, but the quality is second to none from my experience.

**Youngblood** · 11-26-2008, 20:09

Originally Posted by turk

Greetings.
I am looking for a small diameter shock cord, say perhaps 1/8" dia. to oh maybe a max of 3/16". But I am looking for a higher than normal resistance to stretch.

How are shock cords rated? Is there some way to decipher 'stretchability'?

I have noticed that shock cords of same diameters purchased at different vendors can have huge differences in their resistance to stretch.

secondly anyone know where I can purchase some strong resistance cord online fairly cheaply? I am looking for prolly 20+ ft.

I've seen the same variance in resistance to stretch. This site http://www.hnwelastic.com/products.htm#cords refers to the resistance to stretch as modulus and talks about the factors influencing that.

**TiredFeet** · 11-26-2008, 20:17

Check out the shock cord listed at APS. They don't list any tensile strengths, but do give some information on how to use the stuff and information on UV protection.