We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Culinary

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What is Bungee Cord?

By J. Beam
Updated: Feb 07, 2024
Views: 13,777
Share

Bungee cord, sometimes called shock cord, is elastic cord that is typically covered with a sturdy nylon coating and has a hooking mechanism at both ends. Its general purpose is to absorb shock from impacts. The cord has several practical uses and is frequently used in cargo shipping and hauling, and even extreme sports. Bungee cord is available in various lengths and diameters and with specialized hooking mechanisms for different tasks.

When bungee jumping, this stretchy cord is connected to the jumper, preventing him or her from hitting the ground and absorbing the impact of the fall. When the cord is extended to its full length, it stretches to absorb the shock of the impact. The hooking mechanisms used in bungee jumping are a carabiner style hook and closure. Bungee cord is also used in dog sledding to absorb shock for the dogs should the sled suddenly becoming stuck or tipped and stop.

More common uses of bungee cord are found in the cargo industry. Many large loads are tied down with this cord, which not only absorbs shock from impact during shipping, but also provides a quicker and easier way to load and unload cargo. The cord expands and contracts and hooks to a stationary spot, so there is no need for tying and untying knots.

The same convenience can be used for hauling furniture or other large loads in a pick-up truck. Most truck beds have eyelets built in to accept rope for tying down loads, and they just as easily accept the hooks at the end of bungee cords. Many cars have cargo netting made from the elastic cord in the trunk. This is a convenient way for shoppers to pack groceries and other items after shopping and bring them home intact.

Bungee cord can also be used for storing items in a shed, garage, attic, or basement. Rather than tying up a box or other large item with rope, the ends of the cord can be hooked to each other. When the box or item needs to come out of storage, there is no frayed decaying rope and no knots to untie. Before using this cord to hold a load of significant size or weight for transport or storage, the entire length of the cord should be checked for splitting, and both ends for damage.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
Share
https://www.wise-geek.com/what-is-bungee-cord.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.