>>608520(cont)
Paracord’s rated yield strength is 550lbs, meaning it can take a still load of 550lbs before the paracord starts to permanently stretch and warp. When the yield strength is divided by the safety factor, it is determined that the user being supported by the paracord must weigh no more than about 36 pounds. If the user’s weight exceeds 36 pounds, the paracord could wear, warp, or break once the user started to move around while being supported by the paracord.
As if that weren’t enough, paracord’s width is also an issue. At 4mm thick, paracord is not thick enough for the human hand to grasp and hold weight and is thin enough to cut you with little effort. Once the slightest amount of force is applied and the paracord starts to slide through the user’s fist, slicing their hand as it does so. This means without knots or loops tied into the paracord, it cannot be climbed. This also means if paracord is being used in a life-safety rigging and the anchor latch securing the paracord to the user’s body fails or slips, the user cannot grab the paracord with their hand to save their own life.
It gets worse. Paracord is hydrophilic, meaning that it loses its strength when it comes into contact with water. If paracord gets wet, kiss that 550lb rating good-bye. Prolonged exposure to light weakens paracord as well. All in all, it’s not magic rope. It’s a decent bang-for-the-buck, but it’s certainly not meant for life-safety rigs. Doubling or tripling up on cord may not be safe either due to knots bringing the strength of any rope or cord down by up to 50%. As always, make sure you’re choosing the right rope for the job.
Sources:
http://edcforums.com/threads/using-paracord-as-emergency-escape-rope.49646/http://forums.equipped.org/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=187059&page=5http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parachute_cordhttp://www.firehall.com/forum/showthread.php?t=18521 