Good cord smaller than 550?

[Lynn LeFey]

I've made a few things from 550, and it's a great cord, but I was thinking I really don't need something with that strength for most tasks. Anyone care to give me a primer on what's readily available for lighter duty?

I found the Wiki article which labels 550 as 'Type III'.

Do folks use the Types I, IA, II, and IIA much?

Thoughts? Opinions?

[JAfromMn]

I bought some braided 110 construction line at Ace hardware that is Very strong and still thin.

Countrycomm has some thinner cord I think it's called tether line-I think- that should work for you also.

[jekostas]

You can find Type 1 on eBay pretty easily.  It's 2MM 100-pound cord and quite a bit smaller than the 3MM Type 3 550.

http://www.ebay.com/sch/Sporting-Goods-/382/i.html?item=200597115057&pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&var=&hash=item2eb48510b1&_ssn=5staredc

[nuphoria]

I highly recommend http://www.supplycaptain.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=category.display&category_ID=21

Only basic colours in that size, but great service and the cord is good - I've bought quite a bit from them.

[Syph007]

I highly recommend http://www.supplycaptain.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=category.display&category_ID=21

Only basic colours in that size, but great service and the cord is good - I've bought quite a bit from them.

Thats exactly the site I was about to recommend.  I've bought alot of Type I and type III cord from those guys.

My EDC SAK lanyard is make from OD green type I that I got there.

[Heinz Doofenshmirtz]

I'm not familiar with they "type" terminology, but you could try 450, which is lighter weight, and available in more colors.  Another option is 3 mm utility cord, which is about 300 lb. test, and is available at places like REI for about $5 for a 50' hank.

[Gryffin]

Anyone care to give me a primer on what's readily available for lighter duty?

Another option, especially if you'd like to check it out in person, is to find a sporting goods store that stocks climbing gear. I know both Eastern Mountain Sports and REI near me stock 550-style cord (outer sheath, loose or briading core) in smaller sizes, for "dummy" cords, tent/fly tie-downs, etc. They come in a variety of colors, most of them very bright; some even have reflective strands built in.

(The reflective stuff saved my One-Hand Trekker one night in the woods; even in the brush, my flashlight lit up the lanyard like Christmas lights from over 20 yards away!)