FAQ

Below is a list of frequently asked questions many of our customers have asked.  If you don't see your question, please email us and we will promptly help you as well as add it to our knowledge base.

1)  What is Paracord?

Paracord, or Parachute Cord was originally made during WWII for use in...well parachutes.  The incredibly lightweight, yet strong cord was quickly recovered by paratroopers and used for a variety of uses on the battlefield and around camp.  550 Paracord is rated to support up to 550 lbs (military grade).  Each strand of paracord has a nylon sleeve containing 7-9 inner strands that can be removed and used for fine lashings, dental floss, fishing line, or tool making.  Paracord is very useful in a variety of situations.  Make sure to always carry some. 

2)  Will TSA allow my Bug Out Frag in carry on?

No.  In short, the M-550 Series Bug Out Frag, while a survival tool, does have an appearance of a grenade that can be used to intimidate or threaten flight crew or passengers and is therefore prohibited in sterile areas or in aircraft cabins.  The Bug Out Frags also contain a knife, razor, matches, a can opener and a wire saw, all of which can be used as improvised weapons or tools and therefore also prohibited.  Please use common sense when passing through security.

Please see the excerpt from the TSA's website on prohibited items.  

Weapons also include sharp objects that could be effective in intimidating or harming passengers or crew. These include knives; devices or instruments with razor blades, such as box cutters, utility knives with razor blades, and razor blades that are not components of safety razors; and metal scissors with pointed tips. Also included in this category are sharp or pointed tools and utensils such as screwdrivers, drills, and axes. Screwdrivers that are components of eyeglass repair kits, however, will be allowed in sterile areas and in the cabin. 

The prohibited items list also includes as weapons many club-like items, whether made for use as weapons or made for other purposes but capable of being used as weapons. Examples include items such as billy clubs and night sticks, as well as items of sporting equipment, such as baseball bats, hockey sticks, lacrosse sticks, and tools such as crowbars and hammers. 

Explosives. Explosives are substances that explode or cause an explosion. While many explosives may have commercial uses, they clearly could be used to damage an aircraft or against passengers and flight crew members. Examples include dynamite, plastic explosives, blasting caps, fireworks, flares, gunpowder, hand grenades, and ammunition for firearms. Realistic replicas of explosive devices are prohibited for the same reasons that realistic weapons are prohibited: They can be effective in intimidating crew and passengers. Incendiaries. 

Incendiaries are devices or materials capable of causing a fire as well as realistic replicas of these devices Examples include gasoline and other fuels, gas torches (including micro torches and torch lighters), and strike anywhere matches. Incendiaries also include aerosol cans containing flammable liquids. Although many personal care and toiletry items may come in the form of aerosol cans containing flammable contents, the prohibited items list specifically excludes these items when carried in limited quantities into a sterile area and the cabin of a passenger aircraft. Under these conditions, the materials pose little risk.

3)  How do I take my M-550 Bug Out Frag Apart?

Keep in mind, your Bug Out Frag is designed to be a one-time-deploy emergency kit that will ensure the tools needed for survival are there when you need them.  Once you take your grenade apart, it can no be re-assembled.  If you are in a situation where you need access to the kit, please click on the following link and become familiar with the take apart process. 

https://www.surfcityparacord.com/pages/m-550-series-bug-out-frag-take-apart

4)  Can I put my M-550 Grenade back together?

The Bug Out Frag is designed to be a one time only deploy-able survival kit.  The grenade design is meant to give the kit a sense of style and discourage opening the kit until an emergency calls for it, this way, the life saving tools within will be there when you need it most.

5)  How do I measure my wrist?

For correct sizing, measure your wrist with a garment measuring tape and pull snug around your wrist.  Do not add anything extra to the measurement, we will add the extra space needed to fit your wrist.  If you don't have a measuring tape, use a piece of thread, wrap it around your wrist snug and mark where the two ends come together.  Lay the thread along side a straight edge ruler to find the measurement.  Our sizing is in quarter inch increments starting at 5" and goes up to 9". 

Select the increment closest to your wrist size, rounding up if needed.  If a loose fit is desired, specify "Loose Fit" in the note when ordering.  We will add additional space to the measurement you selected in the drop down.

*Please do not send use measurements of existing paracord bracelets.  Different weaves and buckle sizes may give us the wrong size.  Only send us the actual measurement of your wrist circumference.  

6)  How do I chose a custom color?

We have over 100 different paracord colors to chose from.  With the exception of the M-550B and M-550D, you can choose from any of the colors found on our color chart.  If you don't see a pull down menu, write the color choice in the notes section during checkout.  When we review your order prior to making it, we will look for any notes and make it accordingly.

7)  What if I want a color not on your chart?

If you've seen a color elsewhere and would like to purchase a product in that color, send us an email.  Typically we can get any color from our suppliers.  We'll order it at no extra charge.  Once it arrives (typically 5-7 business days) we'll make your items and ship them out.

8)  I received my bracelet, it's too big/small?

It's very important to select the right size before ordering.  Please see our handy guide above for measuring your wrist.  If you have any questions or are uncertain, please contact us and we will help you out.

We are experts at sizing and have made thousands of orders.  Before we ship each order, we place each bracelet on our test measurement tools to insure a proper fit.  If you give us the right wrist size, we will send you a product that fits like a glove. 

If our instructions are not followed and we receive the wrong sizing information, the bracelet will have to be remade, especially if it's too small.  Depending on style and sizing, there may be a service charge up to the original cost (usually on custom orders).  So please, contact us if you are unsure.

9)  Can I get paracord wet?

Yes!  Bathe with it, take it in the shower, swim in the pool or go scuba diving.  Paracord does not shrink upon getting wet.  It's made of nylon and it won't be susceptible to mildew.  However, boiling in hot water for a few seconds, will shrink the cord up to 1/4" it's original size.

10)  How do I clean my paracord product?

After being worn extensively, your paracord bracelet will need some cleaning.  Run under warm water and scrub with a soft brush and some mild soap to clean and dirt away.

11)  Can the Paracord Firearm replicas be taken apart?

No.  The firearm replicas are intended to be a decorative piece and not meant to be taken apart.  They are made with glue and very small pieces of paracord, making them ineffective for use in a survival situation.

12)  Where can I find tutorials for Surf City Paracord's designs?

At this time we do not offer tutorials for our Trademarked designs and other original work.