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How to make a Paracord Rescue Belt

by stuwegie on April 1, 2010 Table of Contents How to make a Paracord Rescue Belt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Intro: How to make a Paracord Rescue Belt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Step 1: Materials . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Step 2: Threading Your Buckle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Step 3: Your First Loop . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Step 4: More Loops . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Step 5: Complete your first row . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Step 6: Repeat Repeat Repeat................. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Step 7: Finishing your belt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Step 8: How to use your belt in an emergency . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Step 9: Bracelet and knot diagram, . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Related Instructables . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Comments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 2 2 3 4 4 5 5 6 8 9 9 9

http://www.instructables.com/id/How-to-make-a-Paracord-Rescue-Belt/

Author:stuwegie
Im a firefighter living and working in Edinburgh.

Intro: How to make a Paracord Rescue Belt

This is my first Instructable and i would appreciate your votes in the Paracord Contest! I will be showing you how to create a Paracord Rescue Belt. While bracelets can be useful they simply do not contain enough cord for a real emergency. 8-12 feet can certainly be handy in some situations but think of what you can do with 50 feet! The belt essentially has two main functions. 1. The buckle is a high decibel whistle for attracting attention 2. The Belt section itself is a single length of 550 Paracord which can be unravelled literally in seconds for a whole manner of rescue techniques. In my opinion speed is what makes the difference in a survival situation. You can unravel the entire belt with one pull, there is no need to undo a whole series of knots or weaves. Depending on the method you use to weave and the size of your waist, the belt can supply you with a length upwards of 70 feet of cord, This particular belt used 50 feet for my 32" waist however i will explain how to increase or decrease the amount of cord you can carry while maintaining the same length of belt. Although the side release buckle means that the belt is not adjustable, there is about 15% elasticity in the belt so you need not worry if you put on a little holiday weght, your belt should be able to acommodate you. The elasticity also means it will remain tight but flexible if you are wearing it during outdoor pursuits. Its worth noting that this same technique can also be used to make a bracelet which i have pictured at the end of the instructable.

Step 1: Materials
For best results use genuine 550 Paracord. I purchase mine from supplycaptain. As with anything in life you get what you pay for, if you are intending on using this as a rescue belt you want to have the best cord available and with suplycaptain they guarantee the quality and authenticity of their cord. Many online retailers sell similar looking but poor quality cord with no guarantees on the breaking strains. 1. 550 Paracord You can use any colour you like. You will need approximately 50 feet of cord for the belt shown. 2. Fastener Im using an emergency whistle side release buckle which can be picked up online or in any good outdoors store. 3. Scissors To cut the cord 4. Lighter To seal the ends of the cord so they dont fray. 5. Forceps (optional) Depending on your dexterity you may benefit from using forceps or needle nose pliers to help pull through the cord, i managed the whole belt without.

http://www.instructables.com/id/How-to-make-a-Paracord-Rescue-Belt/

Image Notes 1. 550 Paracord 2. Scissors 3. Forceps 4. Lighter 5. Emergency Whistle Buckle

Step 2: Threading Your Buckle

FIrst of all make sure youve sealed the end of your cord with the lighter so it doesnt fray. You do not have to cut the length of cord to size beforehand as the weaving method used means the cord doesnt need to be cut from the reel until the desired length of belt is reached, this saves wasting cord.

Take your buckle and from left to right make 4 loops through the belt loop.. Ensure that the loops are loose enough to pass some cord through the centre. Leave a tail of cord on the end a few inches long and secure this to the buckle to prevent the cord working loose during the next steps. ( i passed it through the small hole on the orange section of the buckle to hold it in place) Ive highlighted the 'working end' of the cord in the picture, This is the piece you will be using for all further knots.

Image Notes 1. WORKING END Leading to your spool or length of cord 2. 4 Loose loops.

http://www.instructables.com/id/How-to-make-a-Paracord-Rescue-Belt/

Step 3: Your First Loop

Take the working end and make a loop in your hand. Now thread this through the centre of the 4 loops you made on the buckle. Leave a couple of inches sticking out the end on the right. Once you have fed this through then tighten up the 4 loops round the buckle. For consistency you should tighten them from RIGHT to LEFT.

Image Notes 1. Loop

Image Notes 1. Tighten loops from right to left < - < - <

Step 4: More Loops

Gently ease apart the 4 loops you have around the buckle. Using your fingers or your forceps, pull through the running end of the cord to form a total of 4 loops. This should consist of three that you pull through and the loop left from the end of the last step. Twist the loops slightly in an ANTI-CLOCKWISE direction (so the left side of the loop is to the front) Feed the running end of the cord through all 4 loops as before leaving a few inches sticking out the end again.

http://www.instructables.com/id/How-to-make-a-Paracord-Rescue-Belt/

Image Notes 1. Cord pulled through gaps between loops. 2. Loop left from step 3

Step 5: Complete your first row

To complete the first row simply lighten the loops from RIGHT to LEFT Once you get to the left you pull on the loop sticking out of the end on the right to tighten completely. IMPORTANT NOTE Because of all the loops we are putting in the cord it naturally becomes twisted. You need to un-twist the cord as you are tightening each loop. If you dont do this the finished weave will look very messy. Also do not over tighten your loops. If you do, it will distort the final weave pattern and again your belt will look a mess. Over tightening will also make it harder to pull through the next row of loops.

Image Notes 1. Pull Loop here to tighten last

Step 6: Repeat Repeat Repeat.................

To continue your belt simply repeat steps 3,4 and 5 over and over and over until you get your desired length. This 6.5 inch length of belt used 10 feet of cord. So for an average 32inch waist you will use approximately 50 feet.

http://www.instructables.com/id/How-to-make-a-Paracord-Rescue-Belt/

Image Notes 1. Pull through your loops

Image Notes 1. Thread through your running end then tighten the loops from Right to Left Finishing off by tightening the loop sticking out the right.

Image Notes 1. total of 20 rows so far.

Step 7: Finishing your belt

Once you have reached the desired length of belt you can cut your cord from the main reel. Pull the working end all the way through so its sticking out from the right. Seperate your loops again slightly Get the other half of the buckle (make sure its orientated the correct way for fastening) Loop the working end through the buckle then back through the cord you exposed when seperating the loops. Once you have looped it through the buckle and belt 4 times you are ready to finish the belt. You have two options for finishing. 1. You can thread the end through any of the loops you like and using the lighter, melt it in place onto the belt. 2. Thread the end through any loop you like and tie an overhand knot in the end to stop it passing back through, The benefits of the second method are that you do not need scissors or any other item to release the end of the cord if you need to unravel it in a hurry, you simply untie the overhand knot.

http://www.instructables.com/id/How-to-make-a-Paracord-Rescue-Belt/

Image Notes 1. cut the cord from your reel and seal the ends with your lighter so they dont fray 2. working end threaded through completely

Image Notes 1. seperate your loops again

Image Notes 1. start looping the working end round the buckle then back through underneath the cord you exposed when you seperated the loops.

Image Notes 1. 4 Loops round the buckle. ALMOST DONE!

Image Notes 1. Thread the cord through any loop you like. Tie an overhand knot as shown (or melt in place) Your belt is now finished!

http://www.instructables.com/id/How-to-make-a-Paracord-Rescue-Belt/

Step 8: How to use your belt in an emergency

To utilise your cord in an emergency simply untie the overhand knot on the end of your cord. Undo the loops around the buckle ( keep the buckle for attracting attention) Pull the length of cord back through the first 4 loops to release your working end Pull hard on the working end and the whole belt will begin to unravel. From start to finish you can undo the entire belt in about 20 seconds (a painful thought when you realise how long it took to make) Alternatively if you have a knife or a pair of scissors simply cut where shown, remove the end with the buckle and pull on the cord you cut to unravel. Dont forget to use your emergency whistle to attract help if you need it! Paracord is fantastic stuff but its no substitute for another pair of helping hands!

Image Notes 1. 1. Untie your overhand knot here 2. 2. Undo the loops round the buckle

Image Notes 1. 3. Once youve undone the loops on the buckle, feed the working end back through here from right to left. Your belt can now be undone completely by pulling on this cord

Image Notes 1. Alternatively, cut the cord here, remove the buckle and loops and tug on this piece of cord to undo your belt

http://www.instructables.com/id/How-to-make-a-Paracord-Rescue-Belt/

Step 9: Bracelet and knot diagram,

As i mentioned at the start of the instructable you can utilise more or less cord to make the belt. If you would like a longer length of cord and more width in your belt simply use 5 or 6 loops in each row instead of the 4 i used. In theory you can use as many loops as you like as long as your buckle is wide enough. Similarly, if you would like a thinner belt with less cord use 3 loops as demonstrated in the bracelet i made. I made my belt after finding this diagram on the internet. I would recommend anyone interested in paracord crafts buy some of the many books on decorative and functional knots available. Also if your interested in more of my paracord crafts check out my website. Its still under construction but it shows a lot of the custom items ive made for people in the past. www.paracordbracelets.webs.com

Image Notes 1. Paracord bracelet made using 3 rows

Related Instructables

How to make a survival paracord belt using only two cords! by building king

Paracord belt personal suvival with mini kit by Altoids buckle paintballworld survival kit by NaTeB1

Parachute Cord Belt by greatpanda

How to make a rugged and handy Paracord Belt. by Jake22

Slatts Paracord Rescue Bracelet (no buckle) by JonTheAnt

Comments
50 comments Add Comment view all 63 comments

prj says:
can we do with different threads ?

Feb 25, 2011. 11:24 PM REPLY

hozoe says:
Made one! Thanks!

Feb 18, 2011. 9:34 AM REPLY

http://www.instructables.com/id/How-to-make-a-Paracord-Rescue-Belt/

RichardHellyer says:

Aug 26, 2010. 6:45 PM REPLY This looks interesting, but does anyone have a tip on where to get 750 or 1000 lbs test paracord, I havent been able to locate any, and would like to make a belt out of that stuff. Also on a sideline, If i were to make lets sat 120 feet out of this but with 2 loops, would it diminish the hold strength or increase it?

starthorn says:

Feb 16, 2011. 9:02 AM REPLY Parachute cord generally isn't available at a higher test strength than 550 pounds. It's designed to a military specification, and that's part of the requirement (although, there are numerous cheaper knock-off products that aren't as strong as 550 parachute cord). If you want something stronger than parachute cord, you will probably need to look into higher end specialty rope and cordage, such as used by mountain/rock climbers. However, the cost per foot for that rope will be significantly higher, and there's a good chance it'll be thicker. Parachute cord is incredibly popular because it hits a great price point and thin size for its strength.

lombax989 says:
Very excellent tutorial! I made a bracelet, and am going to make a belt as soon as I can get a good buckle.

Sep 20, 2010. 12:53 PM REPLY

TBPINC says:

Feb 9, 2011. 8:49 PM REPLY Heres a link to that whistle rescue buckle. http://testedbestproducts.com/TOOL_BAGS/_ITW_WHISTLELOC_RESCUE_WHISTLE_BUCKLE.html

cannonballer says:

Dec 22, 2010. 4:41 PM REPLY This is pretty awesome. I came up with the concept on my own after thinking about getting trapped on a ski chairlift and needing a way to get down. I searched around wondering if someone already had the idea...and you have....and that's great. One thing: It seems like it would VERY hard to climb down paracord. In my concept the belt buckle would be a belay figure 8. Any thoughts on how to incorporate that into your design?

MistahFixIt says:
I'm not the one who designed this, but I have a suggestion:

Jan 12, 2011. 3:06 PM REPLY

If you're going to use a Figure-8 Belay, you could wear it like a D-Ring Belt. Braid the belt as normal, attaching it to the Larger of the two rings on your Belay. When you get to the end of the braid, tie off or melt (again, your choice) the end of the rope, same as you would with the buckle shown in his instructions.

http://www.instructables.com/id/How-to-make-a-Paracord-Rescue-Belt/

You fasten the D-Link style belt by first passing the belt end through the larger ring, pulling the belt until its taut, and then pulling the end of your belt through the smaller ring. (It'll probably be a tight fit!) I haven't actually tried this myself, but it ought to work. Cheers, and let us know if it works out or not. ;3

VoiceofTJ says:
Adapted this to a hatband, three loops wide, with a stainless steel shackle for a clasp. Thanks!

Dec 31, 2010. 9:06 PM REPLY

doubleshockz says:
it would be awsome to make one of these with a loop to put your knife and sheath

Dec 18, 2010. 9:01 PM REPLY

medicbowling says:
Can you do this with multiple colors?

Nov 13, 2010. 3:45 PM REPLY

CementTruck says:

Nov 4, 2010. 5:18 AM REPLY I've been wanting to do this for years. I just never found a good way to weave the cord. This looks like the right kind of weave/knotwork to me. Thanks for the instructable.

frazeeg says:

Oct 13, 2010. 11:15 AM REPLY I just finished my first one. I used 5 loops instead of the 4 in the Instructable because I had a 1" buckle and also wanted more cordage on the belt. For those of you wondering some specifics, here's the statistics: Waist Size: 32" Actual Belt Length: 37" Total Construction Time: ~4 hours Paracord Used: ~70 feet, woodland camo

Hezaa says:

Oct 4, 2010. 1:35 PM REPLY Wonderful tut, easy to follow and learn from. I made one out of a pink cord for my 6-year-old cousin; she wears it as a normal belt.

globetrotter.uk says:
Great Item and easy to follow, I made mine after a quick read.

Sep 27, 2010. 12:18 PM REPLY

jkotrub says:
Great instructable!!! I am adding this to the collection of survival gear I walk around with every day!

Sep 22, 2010. 9:07 PM REPLY

glamar says:
Look up Samson's Amsteel blue, itis much stronger.

Sep 20, 2010. 6:14 PM REPLY

http://www.instructables.com/id/How-to-make-a-Paracord-Rescue-Belt/

kctess5 says:
As it turns out this belt works great as a pick up line, not just survival. Think about it, "Hey, you want to blow my whistle?"

Sep 12, 2010. 9:34 PM REPLY

fidgety2 says:

Aug 31, 2010. 6:57 AM REPLY i really like this paracord belt instructable as opposed to jake22's http://www.instructables.com/id/How-to-make-a-rugged-and-handy-Paracord-Belt/ for two main reasons (no offense jake22) the actual knot work is more suited for beginners and in my personal opinion the pictures are more detailed this belt is very nice and would be a excellent addition to any survivalist's arsenal. finally, as a footnote i definently DO NOT UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES reccomend 550 cord for any form of belay rappel or climbing use due to personal experiance (46 stiches on my leg) so unless you have absolutely no other choice what so ever do not climb with 550 cord thanks, fidgety2

love2fsh says:
Love the idea of a belt, so you motivated me to try my own...thanks

Aug 12, 2010. 1:49 PM REPLY

mysss says:

Jul 11, 2010. 9:49 PM REPLY I'd like to point out that for actual rescue applications there is stronger cord available (much better than 550 cord, which isn't meant to support human weight-at least not on its own). 550 lbs is the cord's breaking strength, and climbing rope has breaking strengths in the couple thousands of pounds range. And sorry, no, I don't have a link to that type of cord.

TANZMEISTER says:

Jul 17, 2010. 10:35 AM REPLY lame! Snark with no back up... 550 is the cords RATED breaking strength, actual strength is much higher then that. Plus, it's for an emergency and looks good. Better to have a mere 550lbs rated cord then none. I've seen people rescued from cravasses with less.

mysss says:

Jul 17, 2010. 10:20 PM REPLY ^but it doesn't have to be, especially for commercial and not military contracts. I know it's better than nothing, but I'd recommend anyone who actually plans on rescuing someone with their belt to use something like http://www.mountaingear.com/pages/product/product.asp/imanf/BlueWater/idesc/5+mm+Titan+Spectra+Cord/Store/MG/item/614811/N/1055%204294967118 . I'm not saying don't make a 550 cord belt or don't use your 550 cord to save someone if it's what you have, but if you're serious, get something meant for the purpose.

TANZMEISTER says:

Jul 17, 2010. 11:07 PM REPLY ya see, that's the backup we were looking for. However, it should be noted that any knots whatsoever in Spectra or even the semi permanent bends used in the belt will severely drop its tensile breaking strength (though it sure sounds neat as it fails). The is a reason it is only used on boats (well, to be fair, should only) in places where it will not be knotted, only spliced (ie halyards, or sheets on small craft). Also, for a rescue line, Spectra is extremely slippery, sliding through leather gloves in most conditions. And for vanity, that isn't nearly as sexy as the pure black.

mysss says:

Jul 19, 2010. 12:12 PM REPLY How is the decrease in breaking strength of Spectra any more significant than that of paracord? The only difference might come from the use of different knots, and I don't think that that's a significant one, since there isn't a whole lot of research into the precise relative strengths of knots anyway. To me, using rope made for CLIMBING in a rescue situation beats using cord (originally, on a parachute) made to work with MANY other lengths of like cord to hold up a person and his gear. As for the slippery qualities, I wouldn't know about that. Maybe that's significant, but in my mind, how slippery can it be if it holds knots? I'm not comfortable using single overhand knots in paracord , since its sheath is a lot slipperier than the--I think, polyester--rope I'm used to. Does spectra really not come in black? :p I'm talking about serious lifesaving applications for this, not the average person who might, maybe, one day find themself in a situation where their rope belt could save a life or two. (I personally wouldn't go to the trouble of making a spectra belt, since I don't even foresee any circumstance I could get into that would require one. I'm also afraid of heights.) Vanity shouldn't be a consideration for someone who's serious about saving lives. Isn't that pretty sexy on its own? ;) My original source was this instructable . Finally, how "lame" is it to fully acknowledge my lack of support for my original claim, which wasn't even "snarky" except the last sentence? I'm fully aware that my following comment was the "backup" that any thinking person would prefer to have for my claims, and you don't need to tell me that. (Please don't interpret that as contrasting you with "thinking people." Obviously we both are since we're taking the time to conduct an [I hope, civil] debate about this.)

TANZMEISTER says:

Jul 20, 2010. 3:12 PM REPLY it is conceivable that we are at an impass. I think it should be noted that having a 5mm Spectra line will of course be much stronger then a 1/8 in paracord. I can also surmise a 50ft belt made out of 5mm Spectra being a bit unwieldy (stiff (one piece of Spectra is stiff, woven would be scary), too big for belt loops, etc). And yes, I do want you to make one. And while it would be better to have 50 feet of the Spectra in an emergency then the paracord. A spool of paracord can be purchased for the price of a couple of feet of Spectra. For most situations, like hiking, walking the dog, jumping out of airplanes, paracord seems to work well. As for slippery, Spectra having a low melting point 230ish can reach critical temperatures under stress causing it to slide through knots in critical situations.

http://www.instructables.com/id/How-to-make-a-Paracord-Rescue-Belt/

mysss says:
This is really cool and ingenious, and near as I can tell without trying it, (YET :D) well explained. Thanks!

Jul 11, 2010. 9:56 PM REPLY

hardlec says:

Apr 2, 2010. 7:03 AM REPLY Do you think you could make a set of suspenders with this technique? Like many who wear suspenders chronically, I have plenty of hardware from old sets.

lucki9 says:

Jun 13, 2010. 1:19 AM REPLY As a volunteer fire fighter this belt would be very helpful in many situations. Although paracord wouldn't be the choice for me (don't need flaming melting belt in the middle of a fire) im sure i can get some fire resistant cord to make a belt with suspenders (for wild land fire season). Thanks a bunch for showing us this instructable. I'm going to pass the word to fellow firefighters, you may have just saved someone's life in the future with this. Apr 2, 2010. 8:25 AM REPLY

stuwegie says:
Would i be right in thinking you mean braces for holding up trousers? This technique certainly could be used to make those if you find a way to attach the cord to the fasteners. You could still use side release buckles aswell by sewing one end on to the waistband to release them.

pacowarabi says:

Apr 8, 2010. 3:09 PM REPLY Actually, I think he means "suspenders" for holding up "pants." That's the American translation of "braces" and "trousers." I'm an English teacher and have to explain to my students the difference between English and American. Great belt, though. In addition to being utilitarian, it looks really nice!

hardlec says:
I am indeed thinking of a device to suspend my trousers to a proper level. I have been thinking of using S-carabiners to attach the suspenders to belt loops. Adjustment seems to be an issue.

Apr 9, 2010. 4:38 PM REPLY

If I am desperate enough to unravel my belt to use the cord it is made of, I think I am plenty desperate. Florida, where I live, is subject to Hurricanes and flash floods. I could see a situation where I am making my suspenders into a lifeline to cross a flooded street of against high winds. I would need to have some sort of grapple in addition. I doubt I would use it for rappelling,

Mr. Bricoleur says:

you could try using a monkeys fist knot at the end somehow

May 30, 2010. 9:29 AM REPLY

nclark557 says:

Apr 12, 2010. 8:47 AM REPLY hey all you have to do is the same thing only twice with the clips for suspenders then just attach them where the will be on your back so that they are just like a real pair of suspenders :)

e_eric says:

May 2, 2010. 5:38 AM REPLY Thanks a lot for doing this Instructable. I just registered to comment on this - I've finished my belt this morning, and I'm very happy with it. I was a bit surprised with the elasticity and I had to undo a few ranks to make it fit, but otherwise it's just perfect.

trevyboy says:
Where did you get that big spool of paracord? and how much was it?

Apr 21, 2010. 8:25 PM REPLY

pyro4226 says:
i bought a 100 foot hank for 7 if u do not want to have that much money

Apr 22, 2010. 12:19 PM REPLY

stuwegie says:
Hi there. The spool is 1000 feet and was purchased from www.swupplycaptain.com costing $47 plus shipping.

Apr 22, 2010. 1:17 AM REPLY

trevyboy says:
Dang! thats a lot of paracord!! You can make a lot of belts out of a 1000 foot spool. haha

Apr 22, 2010. 4:35 PM REPLY

http://www.instructables.com/id/How-to-make-a-Paracord-Rescue-Belt/

Lathebed says:
the buckle is 1" or larger?????

Apr 18, 2010. 1:35 PM REPLY

ERCCRE123 says:
How do you keep the braid so straight? I started to make one but it never straightened out.

Apr 8, 2010. 5:17 PM REPLY

stuwegie says:

Apr 2, 2010. 2:24 AM REPLY It certainly could hold a persons weight if required Iive tied it round my pull up bar to test this) however i think jtpoutdoor means using it to arrest a fall. An average body weight of 75kg would create loads far exceding 250kg depending on the angle and distance of the fall.

AFM528 says:
How can a fall have an angle? Was this a mistake in words, or is there really such a measurement? Just curious.

Apr 8, 2010. 6:31 AM REPLY

ERCCRE123 says:

Apr 8, 2010. 5:14 PM REPLY Let's just use an example you have probably seen. You know when you see people on rock climbing walls mush off the wall to descend? If the line snaps after they pushed off there would be an angle to the fall.

jtpoutdoor says:

Apr 4, 2010. 9:55 PM REPLY I was thinking particularly about falls but even a static pull you'd need to think about wear and tear, rub points etc. Also can you guarentee you wouldn't shock load it at any time? Imagine hauling yourself up a line up a hill- you weight the rope, then it goes slack as you move up- a slip during this period would shock load it. But as I'm guessing this cord os about 4-5mm to be honest you would struggle to hold onto it for such a use. Another point would be if you wore the belt for some time before you needed to take it to pieces to use it is that there would be rubbing and wear from it being against your body, pack etc, plus UV damage to the exposed parts so it would need careful inspection before use if you were relying on it holding your weight. Of course if you used it doubled then that would increase the strength to a point.

AlpineButterfly says:

Apr 8, 2010. 9:41 AM REPLY Love the belt... I work outdoors, and would never use it as a safety line... but can think of SOOO many places where a little extra cord would be useful. Great instructable, have just ordered cord & whistle clip! Thanks. Apr 1, 2010. 10:25 PM REPLY Nice instructable, and a really nice looking belt- wish I could source the whistle buckle here in NZ. One caution- 550lb/249kg nominal breaking strain cord is NOWHERE near strong enough to use as a lifeline so don't even try! Great for odd jobs tho and a good idea to use a daisy chain style of knot.

jtpoutdoor says:

stuwegie says:

Apr 2, 2010. 2:31 AM REPLY I purchase the buckles on Ebay at the moment. I do plan on buying more in bulk and selling them on my site though. The buckles cost me about 1 each and id be happy to send you some if you cover postage if you cant get hold of them yourself.

jtpoutdoor says:

Apr 4, 2010. 9:56 PM REPLY I had a bit of a look around- MEC do them for $0.30 Canadian- don't know what the postage is but looks a bit cheaper for you than your current source!

jtpoutdoor says:

Apr 2, 2010. 4:52 AM REPLY Cheers- I might take you up on that at some stage but waaay too busy right now to be making belts but tahnks for the offer

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http://www.instructables.com/id/How-to-make-a-Paracord-Rescue-Belt/