What Is Shock Cord? The Complete Guide to Bungee Cord, Uses & Sizes

Shock cord, also commonly known as bungee cord or elastic bungee cord, is one of the most versatile types of elastic cord available. From securing tents and tarpaulins to luggage, trailers, gardening and DIY projects, shock cord is designed to stretch, hold and return towards its original length.

But what exactly is shock cord, how does it work, what sizes are available and which type should you choose?

At Kalsi Cords, we manufacture and supply a wide range of shock cords and bungee elastics from our factory in Leicester, UK. In this guide, we’ll explain everything you need to know about shock cord and its many applications.

What Is Shock Cord?

Shock cord is a type of elastic cord made from an elastic core surrounded by a braided outer sheath.

The elastic core provides the stretch, while the outer braided covering protects the core and helps give the cord its strength and durability.

At Kalsi Cords, our heavy-duty bungee shock cord is manufactured using a natural extruded rubber core with a high-strength polypropylene outer covering.

This combination provides a strong, flexible and water-resistant cord that can be stretched and used to secure or hold items in place.

Is Shock Cord the Same as Bungee Cord?

Yes. The terms shock cord and bungee cord are commonly used to describe the same type of elastic cord.

You may also hear terms such as:

• Bungee elastic
• Elastic bungee cord
• Elastic shock cord
• Bungee rope
• Stretch cord
• Elastic tie-down cord

The exact terminology can vary depending on the industry and application, but the principle is the same: an elastic cord designed to stretch and provide tension.

How Does Bungee Cord Work?

A shock cord contains an elastic core which stretches when tension is applied.

The braided outer sheath surrounds the elastic core and helps protect it while allowing the cord to extend.

When the pulling force is released, the elastic core contracts, helping the cord return towards its original length.

This makes shock cord particularly useful where you need something that can hold, grip, secure or tension an object while allowing some movement.

What Is Shock Cord Used For?

One of the biggest advantages of shock cord is its versatility.

It is used across a wide range of industries and everyday applications.

1. Camping and Tents

Shock cord is commonly used with tents, camping equipment and outdoor gear.

It can be used for securing equipment, creating tension and replacing or repairing elastic components.

Its flexibility makes it particularly useful where equipment needs to be secured without using a completely rigid tie.

2. Tarpaulins and Covers

Bungee cord is frequently used to secure tarpaulins, covers and protective sheets.

The elastic properties allow the cord to maintain tension while accommodating movement and changes in the material being secured.

3. Trailers and Tie Downs

Heavy-duty shock cord can be useful for securing lightweight and flexible loads on trailers and other equipment.

For applications involving significant loads or where failure could create a safety risk, the cord should always be selected according to the manufacturer’s specifications and the intended load.

4. Boating and Outdoor Equipment

Shock cord is also used in boating, sailing and other outdoor applications.

A water-resistant outer covering can make it suitable for environments where the cord may be exposed to moisture.

5. Gardening

There are numerous uses for elastic cord around the garden, including securing covers, plants, equipment and temporary structures.

Because it is flexible and easy to tie, shock cord can be a useful alternative to rigid fastening methods.

6. Luggage and Bags

Smaller diameters of elastic cord can be incorporated into luggage, bags and other textile products where stretch and tension are required.

7. Clothing and Textiles

Shock cord isn’t limited to outdoor applications.

Elastic cords can also be used as drawcords and adjustable closures in garments, bags and other textile products.

8. Arts, Crafts and DIY

Shock cord is also popular with DIY enthusiasts, makers and crafters.

It can be used wherever a project requires a flexible, stretchy cord that can be cut to length and secured with a knot or suitable fastening method.

What Sizes of Shock Cord Are Available?

Choosing the correct diameter is important because different applications require different levels of strength, flexibility and stretch.

Kalsi Cords supplies heavy-duty shock cord in a range of diameters, including:

• 4mm
• 5mm
• 6mm
• 8mm
• 10mm
• 12mm
• 14mm

Different diameters are suitable for different applications, so it is important to consider the amount of tension required as well as the physical space available for the cord.

For example, a smaller diameter may be more suitable for a lightweight textile or DIY application, while a larger diameter may be preferable where a heavier-duty cord is required.

What Is Shock Cord Made From?

The construction of shock cord depends on the product, but a typical bungee cord consists of two main components:

Elastic Core

The centre contains elastic material, which provides the stretch and recovery characteristics.

Our heavy-duty range uses natural extruded rubber as the elastic core.

Outer Sheath

The outer covering protects the elastic core and provides additional durability.

Our heavy-duty shock cord uses high-strength polypropylene yarn for the outer braided sheath.

The result is a cord that combines elasticity, strength and durability.

Why Choose Polypropylene Shock Cord?

Polypropylene is widely used for outdoor and general-purpose elastic cord because it is lightweight and resistant to moisture.

Our polypropylene shock cord is designed to be:

• Strong
• Flexible
• Water resistant
• UV protected
• Durable
• Easy to knot
• Suitable for indoor and outdoor applications

Kalsi Cords supplies this range in various diameters and colours, with bespoke colours and requirements available for larger orders.

How Do You Choose the Right Shock Cord?

Before buying bungee cord, consider the following factors.

Diameter

The diameter affects the overall strength, handling and suitability of the cord.

Always select a diameter appropriate for your application rather than simply choosing the thickest cord available.

Length

Consider the relaxed length required and how much stretch the application needs.

Remember that the finished length and the working length under tension are not necessarily the same.

Environment

Will the cord be used indoors or outdoors?

If it will be exposed to moisture, sunlight or changing weather conditions, choose a cord designed for those conditions.

How It Will Be Secured

Think about how the cord will be attached.

Depending on the application, shock cord can be knotted, looped or incorporated into assemblies with suitable hooks, balls, toggles or other fastening components.

Colour

Although black and white are common choices, coloured shock cord can also be useful where appearance, identification or branding is important.

Kalsi Cords can also discuss bespoke colours and patterns for suitable larger-volume requirements.

Shock Cord vs Ordinary Elastic Cord

Although both products stretch, they are not necessarily interchangeable.

Shock cord is generally constructed as a round braided cord with an elastic core and is commonly used for heavier-duty applications such as camping, tie-downs, trailers and outdoor equipment.

Round elastic cord, meanwhile, is available in much smaller diameters and is frequently used for applications such as jewellery making, beading, garment labelling, gift tags and lighter textile projects.

Choosing between the two depends on the application, required diameter and level of tension.

Can Shock Cord Be Cut to Length?

Yes.

Shock cord can be supplied in cut lengths or on larger rolls depending on the quantity required.

When cutting braided elastic cord, the ends can fray. At Kalsi Cords, our cut lengths are heat sealed to help prevent fraying.

This provides a neater finish and makes the cord easier to handle.

Can You Buy Shock Cord in Different Colours?

Yes.

While black and white remain popular choices, shock cord is available in a variety of colours and patterns.

Kalsi Cords supplies a selection of coloured shock cords and can discuss bespoke colours and patterns for larger manufacturing requirements.

This can be particularly useful for product manufacturers looking to match their elastic cord to an existing brand or product colour.

Shock Cord Manufactured in Leicester, UK

At Kalsi Cords, we manufacture braided cords, elastics, shoelaces and other textile products in Leicester, UK.

Our shock cord range is manufactured using high-strength materials and is available in different diameters, colours and quantities.

We supply individual customers, makers and businesses, as well as supporting larger commercial and manufacturing requirements.

If you have a requirement that isn’t covered by our standard online range, speak to our team. As a UK manufacturer, we’re often able to discuss bespoke sizes, colours, lengths and requirements depending on the quantity and construction needed.

Frequently Asked Questions About Shock Cord

What is another name for shock cord?

Bungee cord, bungee elastic and elastic shock cord are all commonly used names for shock cord.

Is shock cord waterproof?

The level of water resistance depends on the construction and materials used. Kalsi Cords’ polypropylene-covered heavy-duty shock cord is designed to be water resistant and suitable for many indoor and outdoor applications.

What is the best size of shock cord?

There isn’t one universal size. The correct diameter depends on the application, required strength, available space and amount of stretch required.

Can shock cord be used outside?

Yes. Shock cord is widely used for outdoor applications including camping, tents, tarpaulins, trailers, boating and gardening. Always select a cord suitable for the specific environment and application.

Can I buy a small quantity of shock cord?

Yes. Kalsi Cords supplies shock cord in cut lengths as well as larger quantities on rolls, making it suitable for both individual projects and commercial requirements.

Find the Right Shock Cord for Your Project

Whether you need a few metres for a DIY project or larger quantities for commercial manufacturing, choosing the correct elastic cord can make a significant difference to the finished product.

Kalsi Cords supplies 4mm to 14mm shock cord, alongside a wide range of other cords, braids and elastics.

Browse our Shock Cord range or contact us if you need help choosing the right diameter, material or construction for your application.

Made in Britain Since 1995

Kalsi Cords is part of Textile Enterprises Ltd, a family-run UK manufacturing business established in 1995. We manufacture cords, braids, elastics and shoelaces from our Leicester factory, supplying customers throughout the UK and beyond.