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. The general purpose of bungee cord is to absorb shock from impacts. Bungee cord has several practical uses and is used frequently 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.

Bungee cord is what provides a person’s body with impact resistance when bungee jumping. When the cord is extended to its full length, it stretches to absorb the shock of the impact. The hooking mechanisms at the end of a bungee cord used in bungee jumping are a carabiner style hook and closure. Bungee cord is also used in dog sledding to absorb shock for the sled dogs should the sled suddenly stop from becoming stuck or tipped.

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

The same convenience of bungee cord 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 bungee cord in the trunk. This is a convenient way 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, a bungee cord can be used by hooking the ends of the cord 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 bungee cord to sustain a load of significant size or weight for transport or storage, check the entire length of the cord for splitting and both ends for damage.