Paracord Cobra Key Chain

Paracord is an extremely durable and versatile cordage that can withstand weather and other harsh conditions. Although homemade key chains can be made out of many different materials, paracord serves as a long lasting, heavy-duty cord that will ensure your keys are safe and secure.

For this project you will need a few supplies

1. A jig (you can purchase one at most craft stores for under $20. If you prefer not to purchase one, you can substitute its use with tape.)

2. 3 1/2 feet of one color and 3 1/2 of another color of 550 paracord. If you would rather do a single color then use 7 feet.

3. A lighter

4. Tape Measure

5. Key ring or lanyard clasp

6. scissors

If you are using only one color, you may skip this step.

To start, take one end of either cord and pull out about a half inch of the inner strands. Cut them with the scissors and discard. Next, take the other color of cord and place one of the ends into the cord with the inner strands removed. Now, take your lighter and melt the cords until they are fused together, (you can check to see if they are by giving the connected cords a tug).

Fold the cord in half so the strands are equal in length, (if you fused the cords then they should already be equal). Place your thumb about a half inch down from the middle of the fuse point. Take the half above your thumb and cross the loop over the middle strands. Then, pull the loop through the middle and tighten.

Set the jig to five inches then unscrew the hooks. Attach the key ring and the loop to each hook and re-screw. If you are using tape, all you have to do is measure five inches between the loop and the key ring and tape them down to a hard surface.

Beginning with the left strand, (I will refer to this one as my blue one for the sake of clarity), take the strand and lay it over the middle ones. Next, take the white strand and place it so it is overlapping the blue cord. Continuing with the white strand, pull it under the middle strands and then through the blue cord's loop. Pull to tighten.

This step is repeating the instructions from step 4 but simply just starting from the right side. From this step on, you will want to make sure that you alternate between starting from the left and right sides. Once again, we will start with the blue strand by laying it over the two middle cords. Then, take the white strand and place it over the blue before pulling it under the middle and through the loop. Pull to tighten.

Continue to alternate between the left and right sides until you reach the overhand knot at the bottom.

Once you have reached the overhand knot, snip the remaining cordage with the scissors. Now take the lighter and melt the nubs until they are a bit gooey. At this point, you will want to take the side of your lighter and press it gently against the melted cord to flatten and secure the cord.

That's it! Now you have a durable and colorful key chain!