Lately, paracord bracelets have become popular. Everyone from survivalists to edgy divas wants to own one. In this post, we teach you how to make a bullet casing paracord bracelet.
In twenty minutes or less, you can DIY one of these bracelets. It does not matter whether or not you opt for a simple pattern or a more complex design. Follow the instructions below to make a fishtail knot, cobra weave, or simple twist version of the bracelet.
Supplies
- copper wire: 10-12 gauge depending on the size of the bullet casings
- two bullet casings
- side cutter
- 8 feet of paracord
- glue gun
If using a 40 caliber casing, you may want to select ten gauge copper wire for the simple twist project. A lower gauge wire will fill the gaps at the ends where the bullet casing connects with the wire.
A 12 gauge wire will work best with a smaller casing. The 9mm is a bullet casing that would fit snugger with the wire.
The bullet casings you choose must have dimples in their center. The dimple in the center reveals the spending of the bullet’s primer. Without the primer, you do not have to worry that the bullet casing is dangerous.
Extra Supplies For Fishtail Knot and Cobra Weave variations
If creating the fishtail or cobra weave version, you will require the above materials as well as the following:
- super glue
- lighter
- scissors
- 1.6 ft of gutted paracord
- pliers
Step-By-Step Overview
- Measure the wire
- Connect the materials
- Wrap the cord
- Attach the last bullet casing
- Adjust your bracelet shape
Step 1: Measure the Wire
To determine the length of copper wire you need, snugly wrap the wire around your wrist. After completing this task, you will want to use your side cutters to take .5-1 inch off the previous measurement.
The amount of material removed will determine how big the gap between the two bullet casings on the bracelet’s ends will be. The more you cut off, the wider the opening will be on the finished product.
For Fishtail Knot and Cobra Weave Versions
Cut two pieces of copper wire a tiny bit longer than the length of your wrist. Next, take the gutted paracord and weave one electric wire through it.
Cut the material to the same length as the gutted paracord cord. Use the pliers to hook the wire at each end slightly.
Follow this activity by heating the ends of the wire and gutted material with a lighter to seal.
Repeat the above instruction for the second piece of wire.
Step 2: Connect Materials
Take a six-foot bundle of paracord and cut off one-two feet. You want to make sure you have more than you need. Giving yourself extra material will ensure you have enough cord to construct your bracelet.
Take one of your bullet casings to fill with hot glue. You want to put in enough hot glue so that you can place the paracord and wire into the glue without it overflowing.
Be careful with the casing when making the connection, as it will be hot to the touch. Allow the glue to harden before moving onto the next step.
For Fishtail Knot and Cobra Weave Versions
Put hot glue in one of your shell casing and jam in both paracord-covered wires. Wait for the hot glue to dry.
Take the second shell and fill it with hot glue. Stick the other end of two cords and place them into the casing.
Stop here for the cobra weave bracelet but continue this step for the fishtail knot version.
To strengthen the connection between the two cords, you can use your pliers to make a gap. Place a drop of superglue where the two wires meet at the base of the emptied shells.
Step 3: Wrap the Cord
Make sure the wire is straight before wrapping the cord around the wire. Just turn the wire to wrap the paracord around it. Make sure to pull the paracord tight as you are twisting.
When you reach the other end, make sure there is no slack and push the coils up toward the bullet casing.
As you near the end of the wire, drop some glue on its tip. Continue to wrap the cord around the glue to secure it to the wire. The hot glue will keep the paracord from fraying when cut away.
For Fishtail Knot and Cobra Weave Versions
For this version of the bracelet, take your 8 feet of paracord and fold it in half. At the center, place the bracelet over top of the paracord.
For Fishtail Knot Bracelets
Take one end of the paracord and wrap it over the first wire. Pull the paracord under the second gutted wire cord. Repeat with the opposite side. Continue doing this until the world bracelet is tightly covered.
When you reach the end, cut off the ends and seal the paracord with your lighter.
For Cobra Weave Bracelets
You want to take the right side of the paracord and pull it over top of the two gutted paracord wires.
Next, grab the left side of the paracord. Pull it straight down but over the top of the right side of the paracord. You will continue with the left side of the paracord. Move it behind the bracelet and through the newly created loop. Pull the ends tight.
Finally, you want to mirror this step to create the cobra weave. This time you start with the left side. Continue making the weave but remember to switch the side you start on. Do this until to reach the other end of the bracelet.
When at the end, cut the paracord on both sides. Use the lighter to seal each side.
Step 4: Attaching the Last Bullet Casing
Skip this step if doing the fishtail knot or cobra weave styles.
At this point, you fill the other casing with glue. Plunk in the wrapped paracord wire into the hot glue. Allow it to sit until the hot glue becomes hard.
Step 5: Adjust Shape of Bracelet
When finished crafting your bracelet, you can adjust its shape. Find the center part and start curving it gently around the wrist. The ends will need an exaggerated bend as they form around the smallest area of your wrist.
Uses for a Paracord Bullet Casing Bracelets
While a bullet casing paracord bracelet makes a powerful fashion statement, it can do more than act as a piece of jewelry. People use these bracelets in many different ways. The list below shows all the possible uses for this cute fashion accessory.
- wrap up gear
- tie back a curtain
- act as a hair tie
In a survival situation, you can unravel your bracelet. Slit the end of the paracord to get access to one continuous piece. The larger your wrist, the more cord you will have to complete tasks.
Some survival tasks you can complete with paracord include the following:
- fastening a splint
- make a fishing line out of the inner core of the paracord
- produce material for stitches
- hang up food for drying
You can make a bullet casing paracord bracelet with few materials. The bracelet can operate as a fashion piece or a survivalist tool in an emergency.
