90OtherSurvival.pdf
As a former CIA officer, I know a thing or two about getting the most use out of everyday items and using them in ways most people wouldn’t ever suspect.
It is vital to have this kind of knowledge so that if you’re ever in a tight spot, you have the tools and the skills to escape a dangerous situation.
The Spy Laces I sent you are a perfect example.
No one will ever give a second thought to the laces in your shoes. But when they are made of some of the strongest paracord material, they could get you out of a jam… even save a life.
Paracord was originally used in the suspension lines of U.S. parachutes during World War II, but once in the field, paratroopers found many other awesome uses for this rope.
And get this… Paracord was even used by astronauts during the repair of the Hubble Space Telescope.
It’s all because of the way this stuff is constructed. In each strand of cord, you’ll find seven super-strong strings all woven together in a breakthrough pattern. Some paracord — like the 550 paracord I sent you — can hold up to 550 pounds of tension!
Given my background in the government, I’ve been through some amazing training. During one particular training event, we were placed into different scenarios and had to use only the tools in our environment to escape.
In one scenario, I was gagged, bound with zip ties and stuffed into the trunk of a car. And using just my Spy Laces, it took me less than 15 seconds to get out.
If you replace your existing shoelaces with Spy Laces, you can use the paracord to form a friction saw that will set you free from the zip ties.
Simply remove the Spy Laces from one of your shoes and tie a bowline knot around that shoe. Then run the other end of the paracord through the zip tie and tie another bowline knot around your other shoe.
Then move your legs as if you are riding a bicycle. The zip tie should pop right open. It’s that easy!
Paracord is incredible stuff. There are literally dozens of other potential uses — some of them lifesaving. Which is why I’ve put together this report — a comprehensive list of practically every scenario and possible use you can get out of paracord.
Some of these are self-explanatory, while others may need a little explanation. See below for the 90 other uses for paracord.
Hunting/Fishing
1. Use the inner threads as fishing line.
2. If you have some time on your hands, use the internal strands to create a fishing net.
3. Make a trotline for fishing. Remove the inner strands, and then singe the ends of the outer nylon shell. Slide swivels to the shell and tie an overhand knot on either side of the swivel. Use the inner thread to make your drop lines, and then thread your hook. For step-by-step instructions, click here.
4. Weave the inner strands together and construct a gill net.
5. Make traps and snares by tying the inner strands to branches. For directions on how to construct a snare, click here.
6. Create a makeshift bow by attaching some paracord to a branch. You can create an arrow by shaping and sharpening a stick.
7. Construct a bola by tying a rock to the end of the paracord. Use to hunt birds or as an improvised defense weapon.
Medical Uses
1. Make an emergency tourniquet. Wrap paracord around the injured limb approximately 2–4 inches away from the wound to help slow or stop the bleeding. (Don’t apply directly to the wound.)
2. Use the paracord to weave a net between two long sticks or branches to make an improvised stretcher.
3. Make a splint by tying straight sticks around a broken limb.
4. Use the inner threads as emergency suture material.
5. Use it as a sling for an injured arm.
6. Use the inner strands for emergency dental floss.
7. Create a medical ID bracelet by attaching paracord to a medical identification tag. This should include important information such as blood type, contacts to call, name, birth date, etc., in case of an emergency.
Self Defense/Safety
1. Create a tripwire by stringing paracord around your campsite to protect against intruders.
2. An alternative method to the basic tripwire, make a tripwire alarm. If you attach some bells or cans to the paracord, it can also act as an early-warning system.
3. Create makeshift handcuffs.
4. Secure bad guys or intruders to a tree or chair.
5. Make a spear by tying a knife to a branch.
6. Use as an emergency escape rope.
7. Create a makeshift sling with which to throw rocks.
8. Make a gun sling. Loop three strands of paracord through a swivel. Braid the strands and then attach to a second swivel. (For extra strength or a wider string, you can use extra paracord to create a second braid over the first one.) Melt the ends to seal and attach to your weapon of choice.
9. Keep your gun clean by using it as a bore snake.
10. Wrap around a weapon for a no-slip grip and shock absorber.
11. Create a bullwhip for defense.
12. Temporarily lock a door with paracord and a paperclip. Click here for the full how-to.
13. Use it as a rescue line.
14. Tie people together on a trail so that everyone stays together and so no one gets pulled away.
Clothing
1. Suspend clothes off the ground by making a clothesline.
2. Make an emergency belt to hold your pants up.
3. If a belt doesn’t work, make suspenders.
4. Replace a broken bra strap.
5. Replace broken or missing shoelaces.
6. Repair or create a zipper pull.
7. Hang tools from your belt.
8. Tie around your neck to hang tools from.
9. Create a neckerchief slide.
10. Replace damaged or missing drawstrings in packs, bags and sweat pants.
11. Use the inner strands for emergency sewing thread.
12. Secure a garbage-bag rain poncho around your body to keep you dry.
General Uses
1. Hang something up off the ground.
2. Secure things to the outside of your backpack.
3. Don’t have keys? Use it to unlock your car. Tie a slipknot in the middle of the string, work your way inside from the corner of the door, maneuver your slipknot in place over the lock and pull. For more detailed instructions, click here.
4. Secure your boat or skiff to a tree.
5. Make a towline; double or triple up for extra strength.
6. Use it to secure a tent.
7. Create a makeshift lanyard to hold items like keys, a knife, etc.
8. Rig a pulley system to raise and lower heavy items.
9. Keep rolled-up items secure.
10. Make a sack for carrying groceries or gear.
11. Secure a tarp between trees to stay covered from rain.
12. Tie objects together for easier transport.
13. String together and make a hammock.
14. Create a makeshift ladder by stringing together some sticks or boards.
15. Tie tall garden vegetable plants to stakes.
16. Have a pet? Make a collar.
17. Already have a collar? Make a leash.
18. Hang a bear bag in trees to keep food away from critters.
19. Tie loose items down so they will not blow away in a storm.
20. Identify members of a group using different-colored armbands or bracelets.
21. Use it as a workout aid for pullups or situps.
22. Tie a heavy knot in the middle and let your kids use it for skipping rope.
23. Use it to rappel down a cliff.
24. Tie hair back with a makeshift hair tie or headband.
25. Make yourself a seat by suspending a log off the ground between trees.
26. Tie onto a sled so you can drag it during the heavy snow.
27. Bundle stuff together.
28. Make a tire swing.
29. Use as a pull cord for a chain saw, boat engine, etc.
30. Tie the ends together and keep the kids entertained by playing cat’s cradle.
31. Use for barter.
32. Make a bow drill. Get three pieces of wood for the fire board, spindle and handhold, and use your bow to drill slowly over tinder until it starts to smoke. For step-by-step instructions, click here.
33. Create a makeshift tent by stringing up a tarp to a few trees.
34. Make different-colored armbands or bracelets and use to identify members of a group.
35. Quickly climb trees by using it as a climbing rope.
36. Wrap around hands to create emergency work gloves.
37. Use it as a fire starter.
38. Cut up and use as trail markers.
39. Use for cooking by hanging a kettle/pot over a fire.
40. Make a watch strap.
41. Tie knots through it and pull through a hose to clean.
42. Polish your razor by using as a strop.
43. Bundle around firewood to make carrying easier.
44. Hang a light over designated areas at night.
45. Make an improvised fuse. Paracord burns easy.
46. Wrap around a Maglite to create a handle and grip.
47. Never lose your gloves again. Tie your gloves with paracord and secure to the inside of your jacket.
48. Practice tying lifesaving knots.
49. Secure an animal to a post.
50. Keep kids entertained by using it to make arts and crafts.
I’m sure the list could go on, given a little imagination and creativity.
The fact is paracord has a multitude of uses and could save your life in an emergency.
That’s why I recommend you keep this miracle string on you at all times. Whether it be on your shoes or on your wrist as a bracelet, you’ll get the peace of mind that comes with knowing you’re carrying an item every single day that can help you survive the most dangerous situations.
And while you’re at it, feel free to check out the other items I carry with me anytime I leave the house in another special report, Everyday Carry Gear: The 11 Items I Carry With Me at All Times.
You’ll be glad you did.
Stay safe,
Jason Hanson
