Ranger beads are a set of 14 beads used to calculate the distance traveled between 2 points. They can greatly improve your travel accuracy when used in conjunction with a map. This useful navigation tool that can be used to create a map of coordinates when no map is available.
Using Ranger Beads
Ranger beads consist of 2 sections commonly used as such, 9 beads for meters and 5 beads for kilometers. Each time you travel 100 meters a bead is moved. Once you reach 1 kilometer you pull down a bead on the kilometer side and reset the meter beads. Ranger beads can also be used to calculate distances traveled in a vehicle using a time and speed formula.
Below I’ve outline step-by-step instruction on how you can make your very own set of side-by-side ranger beads.
What you’ll need
CAUTION: Melting and then touching any nylon, like paracord, can burn the skin. Use caution and safe handling when melting paracord.
Instructions
- Measure out 60″ of paracord, when finished I had about 5″ of extra. You can always remove extra cord at the end, but you’ll never be able to add any on.
- Remove the inner strands from the paracord.
- Cut diagonally across one end to make a point.
- Lightly melt the paracord ends to keep them from fraying.
- String all 13 beads on the strand.
- Now double back on the strand and restring them so the cord runs through each bead twice.
- Cut the point off and lightly melt.
- Even up the ends.
- Starting with the loop end, tie an overhand knot about 1.5 inches from the end.
- Slide 4 beads to the knot.
- From these beads tie another overhand knot about 1.5 inches away.
- After that knot make a loop by doubling over and tying an overhand knot.
- Add another knot
- Slide remaining 9 beads to that knot.
- Tie another overhand 1.5 inches from the beads.
- Trim ends and lightly melt
- You’re ready to start using you newly crafted ranger beads.
- Enjoy