How to make Para-cord jesses. [Archive]

IAmTheWeasel

06-10-2006, 02:56 AM

(part 1)
Here is an easy and cheap way to make very strong, long lasting jesses for perch use only(These are NOT flight jesses in any way)

The first picture shows the para cord cut to a lenght of 24 inches.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v699/Iamtheweasel/Jesses/CopyofIMG_3578.jpg

Then, you will remove the filler material as shown here.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v699/Iamtheweasel/Jesses/CopyofIMG_3579.jpg

Insert a straightened wire coat hanger into one end of the cord until it reaches 11 inches. Then punch it through by twisting the hanger wire.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v699/Iamtheweasel/Jesses/CopyofIMG_3580.jpg

Bend the end of the hanger as shown here so that the other loose end of the paracord can be crimped into it.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v699/Iamtheweasel/Jesses/CopyofIMG_3582.jpg

IAmTheWeasel

06-10-2006, 02:58 AM

Part 2.......

OK, now you will need to attach the para cord to the hanger end by using pliers to crip the bent end around the para cord as shown here.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v699/Iamtheweasel/Jesses/CopyofIMG_3583.jpg

Now, the tought part begins....You will need to pull the crimped end of the wire back throught the para cord, but the trick is not to snag the tiny fibers of the cord while doing so. I find that twisting the cord as you pull it gently through helps.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v699/Iamtheweasel/Jesses/CopyofIMG_3584.jpg

Once the cord is pulled through, it should look something like this. This is the time where you can size the loop at the end of the jess.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v699/Iamtheweasel/Jesses/CopyofIMG_3585.jpg

IAmTheWeasel

06-10-2006, 03:02 AM

Part 3
Now, make a simple knot at the end and pull tight with pliers. You can adjust the length of the jess by placeing the knot where you want it.( I typically use in between 8-9 inches for most Female Red Tails.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v699/Iamtheweasel/Jesses/CopyofIMG_3586.jpg

Once the knot has burned down a bit, blow it out and let it cool until there is a dull shell on the hot plastic. At this point, you can use a tool to smooth out the plastic knot area to make it neat.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v699/Iamtheweasel/Jesses/CopyofIMG_3588.jpg

After the knot is tight, cut off the excess and leave about 1/2 of an inch. Then light that 1/2 inch on fire with a lighter. (careful!!!! Hot plastic hurts!!!!!!)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v699/Iamtheweasel/Jesses/CopyofIMG_3590.jpg

TA-DAAA!!!! You have now made one Jess......rinse and repeat......
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v699/Iamtheweasel/Jesses/CopyofIMG_3591.jpg

GregMik

06-10-2006, 03:17 AM

Nice one Noel!!

Greg

Miguel

06-10-2006, 05:34 AM

Good explanation there! If you burn the tip of the parachut cordand put the wire inside that end and slide it trough the cord to makethe loop it will be easier... Anyway, there are several ways to skin arabbit, here's just one more!!

Sean

06-10-2006, 08:24 AM

are they just for tethering, or do u fly with those

LongVVing

06-10-2006, 09:13 AM

are they just for tethering, or do u fly with those

No he only uses them for tethering and not as a field jess.
Nice one!
Mark.

FredrickFogg

06-10-2006, 10:08 AM

Hey Noel, you have picture 2 and 3 backwards! LOL

But still a good thread!

Fred

FlameHairedFalconer

06-10-2006, 10:44 AM

Nice one Noel!!

FHF

IAmTheWeasel

06-10-2006, 12:49 PM

OOps, When I copied my original post from my forum, somehow it mixed itself up......

Paul42

06-10-2006, 08:35 PM

excellent thread.:supz:

Manok

07-10-2006, 01:48 AM

GregMik

07-10-2006, 02:02 AM

" De ja vous ",
I was just about to search the forums for parachute cord leashes. good explanation, but the photos really make it easier to understand. now all I need is the turks knot post with photos.

Look here....

http://www.falconryforum.co.uk/showpost.php?p=245216&postcount=10

Greg

Kevin Massey

07-10-2006, 08:17 AM

Hey Noel, you have picture 2 and 3 backwards! LOL

But still a good thread!

Fred

Fixed it :supz:

Kevin Massey

07-10-2006, 08:18 AM

Good thread noel:supz:

ParaButeo78

07-10-2006, 12:24 PM

I'm going to try and make some of these and have been looking for paracord on the net.
Which size cord would the best suited for jesses and leashes? I have found 5 mm,7mm and 9mm.

Edit:Excellent post BTW!

PaulWar3

07-10-2006, 02:45 PM

Nice thread,:supz: everything clear and easy to follow.
Is there a thread on how to make the bullet jesses?
Thanks
Paul

Afshimo

07-10-2006, 02:49 PM

what are the jesses like for being picked? When slipped onto the swivel etc? How big does the swivel have to be?

Cool pics, Will have a go lol.

Thx

Han

IAmTheWeasel

07-10-2006, 04:12 PM

The size measures out to be 5mm in diameter, but the size on the box says 1/8". Physically, it is 1/4" in diameter, so I am not sure where they come up with this measurment from. Here is a picture of the rope and boz it comes in from Bass Pro Shops.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v699/Iamtheweasel/Jesses/IMG_3592.jpg

Here is a link to a site that sells it.
http://www.vtarmynavy.com/parachute_cord.htm

Fenlands Rescue

04-02-2007, 10:46 PM

Great thread.
Anyone found this cord in the UK?

TimDog80

04-02-2007, 11:03 PM

Great thread.
Anyone found this cord in the UK?

coincidence!!!!! i read this thread then bought some cord ill sent you a link now....... here it is.....http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/100-Parachute-Cord-550-Cord-Many-Uses-BLACK-in-color_W0QQitemZ200076012658QQihZ010QQcategoryZ3612 0QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

TimDog80

04-02-2007, 11:06 PM

great thread as well i might add:supz:
i knocked up some myself last night but i made on little alteration in pulling the cord back through itself........ i struggled pulling the crimped coat hanger back through so i left i straight and taped the cord to the coat hanger then pulled it through alot easier ..... hope it helps!!!!!

GregMik

04-02-2007, 11:19 PM

I will tell Noel you all like his thread. His puter died and he can't get online for personal uses at work anymore.

Greg

ericedw

05-02-2007, 12:26 AM

Nice instructions. I do it slightly different. Here's a link to a tutorial I created a few years ago.
http://www.merlinfalconry.com/parajess.htm

Eric Edwards

Fenlands Rescue

05-02-2007, 09:08 AM

Thanks Tim.

I have an order on its way.

Misty

05-02-2007, 09:59 AM

super thread, more like this would be a great idea for the forum. perhaps we could have a new section entitled, do-it-yourself, just for falconry related items. Then everything would be in one place and we could all access it easily. how about it mods?

GregMik

05-02-2007, 10:00 AM

What would you like to see? Most has been done....

Greg

Misty

05-02-2007, 10:26 AM

Not having been a member long I wouldn't know what has and what hasn't been covered. Is there any way of bringing all past threads together under one umbrella, and if there was something not covered, perhaps members could request it.
thanks:supz:

GregMik

05-02-2007, 10:43 AM

Sorry,

Just saw that this was in the wrong section....Moved. If you look in this section you should be able to find most anything.

Greg

Misty

05-02-2007, 11:10 AM

thanks:supz:

Grovsey

05-02-2007, 05:28 PM

HawkMom

06-02-2007, 12:39 AM

I use a 'doll needle or an 'ulpolstry' needle instead of the coat hanger. These needles are between 6 inches and 18 inches long. I also use a piece of strong string (such as dacron fishing line for deep sea fishing) to loop the para cord length. Again the problem as you described is threading the loop. The weave of the paracord is crucial. Too tight a weave, and it is impossible to thread. Too loose a weave, and the bird picks it apart. I also seal the burned/melted knot (I use a double half hitch) with clear 'nobite' (nasty flavored) nail polish. It helps reduce the picking. I sure wish I could figure out a way to pull the cord through without making my hands raw. Anyone out there have a good idea?

HawkMom

06-02-2007, 12:46 AM

Where is the URL of the place that has the 9mm cord? Sounds like it would be great eagle jesses too. My friend makes braided eagle jesses, but he injued his hand and cannot do so now. So, I'm looking to make eagle jesses out of a thicker para cord.

Leo 1

06-02-2007, 12:51 AM

great idea misty :)

i think it wood be a good idea to m8 as i like to make my oun stuff haw a baut puting a poll up for it to see if it will be a good i dea

GregMik

06-02-2007, 12:52 AM

HawkMom

06-02-2007, 12:58 AM

Eric, your way of 'pushing' rather than 'pulling' the cord is a much better idea. I will try that with my next batch of para cord jesses I make.

I've found boating/yachting site in New England which sells all kinds of neat ropes. I will look for them again.

Miguel

06-02-2007, 01:18 AM

Here you go, this seems a good supplier:

http://www.ubraidit.com/paracord.htm

Now I'll only have to find one in Europe...

GregMik

06-02-2007, 01:21 AM

i think it wood be a good idea to m8 as i like to make my oun stuff haw a baut puting a poll up for it to see if it will be a good i dea

Tig it is a good Idea. Most has been done on here. You just have to dig for it.

Greg

Blaine

09-02-2007, 01:40 PM

Done a few of these since seeing this post.

Ive found that if you heat the end of the cord that you are going to pass through and roll it between your fingers, it turns into a hard bullet type shape - you want about 3/4 of an inch. You can then feed it through without having to use another tool. them just snip the end off. I can knock a good set of these out in less than 5 mins now!

Also had another idea. For those of you that use permanent flying jesses. What do you think about using parracord to make them? If you make a small hole about 3mm from the top of a length of cord you can pull it through on itself. I know its not traditional but they'll take a mass of weight. I did a chinup using 2 of these wrapped around a 1 inch pipe and i weigh 12 stone!

Blainey.

Bones

09-02-2007, 03:29 PM

yet another good thread

PAUL

Misty

09-02-2007, 04:13 PM

one of the best yet, and no ********:supz:

Bones

09-02-2007, 04:40 PM

one of the best yet, and no ********:supz:

And a photo dialogue to go with it what more can you say i found it really interesting and wil atempt to make some even though i think i will still stick to the good old fashioned leather variety

PAUL

IAmTheWeasel

09-02-2007, 07:48 PM

Do keep in mind that a better method can be done with the use of a long sewing needle. I just used the coat hanger as I had plenty around. These jesses can be picked at by certain birds, mostly falcons, and it makes them fray alot. Most hawks are fine with then that I have seen.

Fenlands Rescue

10-02-2007, 08:08 PM

yet another good thread

PAUL

Its great to see a thread where even if people don't totally agree they are not trying to shoot it down with all guns blazing.
By the way I'm going to try them as soon as my cord arrives.
At that price I will change them ever week or two with new ones or sooner if need be.

Leo 1

10-02-2007, 08:10 PM

Tig it is a good Idea. Most has been done on here. You just have to dig for it.

Greg

looked all over m8 but carnt fiend out

HawkMom

11-02-2007, 01:02 AM

If you make the 'loop' small, say 1/4 inch. You can use these jesses in the field. I've used para cord jesses since 1985. They are great.

HawkMom

11-02-2007, 01:04 AM

Birds that pick at the jesses (mainly falcons) can be deterred by painting the jesses/knot with 'nobite' nail polish. Tastes terrible and works pretty well.

Kitana

11-02-2007, 01:31 AM

Can Nylon cord be used in the same way? I found braided Nylon cord at a local hardware store, 350lbs test, with the white inner visible in teh parachute cord.

Tacatanach

11-02-2007, 02:18 AM

For those of you that use permanent flying jesses. What do you think about using parracord to make them? If you make a small hole about 3mm from the top of a length of cord you can pull it through on itself.

I love these jesses for perching a bird, never had one break (even after a having a prairie falcon bite 3/4 of the way through one while on a block one day).

I would be worried about flying them while hunting for that reason. The weave gets loose over time with birds picking at it or just normal wear and tear. The area I fly in lots of brambles and thorny bushes so I would worry about them getting caught on something and the bird not being able to pull loose. I have an old jess on my key chain and I get that snagged on stuff occasionally so its not hard to imagine a bird getting them caught on something.

TimDog80

11-02-2007, 02:25 AM

I love these jesses for perching a bird, never had one break (even after a having a prairie falcon bite 3/4 of the way through one while on a block one day).

I would be worried about flying them while hunting for that reason. The weave gets loose over time with birds picking at it or just normal wear and tear. The area I fly in lots of brambles and thorny bushes so I would worry about them getting caught on something and the bird not being able to pull loose. I have an old jess on my key chain and I get that snagged on stuff occasionally so its not hard to imagine a bird getting them caught on something.

spot on!!!
i dont like the idea of a little spar or smething getting one scagged on a bramble or barb wire or something similar:-x