The great thing about working with Paracord is that you don't need many materials to make all kinds of easy creations. Think of the army making bracelets to identify each other: all you need is rope, a knife and fire. 

The Paracord world has grown a lot since then and so has the number of available tools. Below are the 5 tools that I consider indispensable.

1. Paracord needle

A Paracord needle is a partially hollow needle with a threaded opening at the top. This thread allows you to screw the Paracord into the needle. This makes it easy to pull the cord through the set-up or to insert it under another cord to finish off a project.

There are different types of Paracord needles. You have needles with blunt, sharp and flat points, all with their own advantages. 

There is one needle that I can no longer live without and that is the blunt Paracord needle Pro for Type III. This needle has a blunt tip, which I like because I used to damage the cord by accident when using a sharp needle. In addition, this needle is also practical to use, as the cord is fixed after only two turns.

Don't want to buy a special needle or is working with a Paracord needle just not your thing? Alternatively, you can use a Marlin Spike or a crochet hook.

2. Blowtorch

When cutting rope, it is best to torch the ends to prevent them from fraying. You can do this with an ordinary lighter, but its flame is flickering and often difficult to control.

A blowtorch is therefore an ideal alternative. This torch has a stable flame and allows you to aim very precisely.

The webshop offers two refillable torches: the Petromax Mini Blowtorch and the Petromax Professional Blowtorch.

I like working with the mini blowtorch. The first few times, I had a lot of trouble pressing the safety button on the side while torching.

After a few projects, I got the hang of it and found that it really is an ideal tool. This burner is comfortable to hold and you can work with it precisely. Refilling is quick and you can adjust the size of the flame.

3. Measuring Tape

Obvious, but a must-have: a tape measure. You will need it when cutting your ropes, setting up your projects and when double checking the measurements. A flexible tape measure is the most pleasant to work with.

I don't have a favourite, but luckily the local craft shop has enough to pick a favourite yourself.

4. Scissors

After measuring how much rope you need for your project, you need scissors to cut the rope. You can also choose to use a knife, but with scissors it is easier to cut the rope close to a knot.

I think the best scissors in the webshop are the Fiskars Cuts & More Multitool.

These scissors can be used for different purposes, but I would recommend using them only for cutting Paracord and not also Biothane or leather. Cutting other materials can make them blunt faster. You can however sharpen the scissors yourself with the multifunctional safety cap that comes with the scissors.

5. Paracord Jig

Well, granted, you can make all sorts of Paracord projects without a jig. But it certainly is a convenient tool, as you can easily tension your knotwork between two points. And of course, there are various jig models on the market. 

My favourite right now is the SpeedyJig. Why? It is small, quite light and there is plenty of room for your hands to tie the knots. You can also knot a decent length on it despite its small size, so it can be used even for small collars. I must admit that I regularly have a new favourite, because all jigs have pros and cons.

Want to know more about the differences between Paracord jigs? Here you can find a review of 3 different Paracord jigs.

Conclusion

A Paracord needle, a blowtorch, a tape measure, a good pair of scissors and a jig: in my opinion these 5 tools form a great standard equipment for working with Paracord.

Which tools are real must-haves for you? Share it with us via #paracordeublog