Bungee cords are one of the best tools you can have for use around your home and garden. Suitable for use on a personal or commercial basis, our bungee cords are stretchy, durable, and incredibly versatile. Our customers just can’t get enough of these nifty cords – but why? Keep reading to learn everything you need to know about bungee cords, from the most basic to more detailed FAQs. 

What are bungee cords?

We’re sure you have a vague idea about bungee cords, but do you really know what bungee cords are? Bungee cords – often referred to as bungie cords or shock cords – are elastic cords that are incredibly strong and stretchy. They come in many different sizes and variations, which we explore later in this guide. 

How are bungee cords made?

Bungee cords are typically made from polypropylene and rubber, consisting of two main parts. All bungee cords are made with a strong rubber core – either single-strand or multi-strand, depending on the desired strength. This rubber core is then enveloped by a polypropylene sheath, which when combined, enables to cord to stretch and hold large weights. We go into more detail about this in our guide – what is bungee cord made from?

Different types of bungee cords

There are many different types of bungee cord products, including bungee straps and accessories. Here is a brief rundown of the main types of bungee cords and bungee accessories:

1. Bungee cords without hooks

It’s possible to buy bungee cords without any hooks or attachments on the end. This means you can buy a long bungee cord and cut it down to length using a hot knife rope cutter to get many shorter bungee cords. This also gives you the option to add your own bungee accessories to the ends of your cords using hog rings and pliers. Learn how to do this in our essential guide to hog ring pliers.

2. Bungee cords with hooks

Bungee cords with hooks are exactly what they sound like – they have a hook at each end. They are great for general use around the house and garden, frequently used to tie things down and keep them secure. 

3. Bungee straps

Bungee straps are wide and flat, giving you enhanced stability when securing loads. Aside from this variation, there are also smaller bungee straps, which we explain in this guide to the different types of bungee straps.

4. Luggage elastics

Luggage elastics are small bungee cords with hooks that are used for securing luggage to roof racks and other structures. 

5. Ball bungees

Ball bungees are loops made from bungee cord which feature a ball at one end of the loop. This makes ball bungees perfect for tying things together with a strong yet flexible solution. Read about 10 of the best uses for ball bungees, including fixing broken gates and even hanging Christmas lights.

6. Bungee accessories

Aside from the different types of bungee cords, there are a variety of bungee accessories that can be used alongside them. These include everything from shock cord steel rings to auto locking bungee hooks. Read more about the different types of bungee accessories in our blog. 

What are bungee cords used for?

There are many different uses for bungee cords – in fact, we’d be here all day were we to list every single use. So, here are four of the main uses for bungee cords in your everyday life. If you would like a more detailed run-through of the different uses, check out What are bungee cords used for? 

1. Bungee cords in the home

Bungee cords have so many creative uses around the home, including crafts such as DIY shoe storage and plate racks. In fact, bungee cords are the perfect tool for many life hacks that can save you time and money in your everyday life. From baby proofing to simply wrapping up messy extension cords, bungee cords have a place in every home.

2. Bungee cords in the garden

Every gardener needs a few bungee cords in their toolkit. Not only can they be used for shed organisation to keep your other equipment safely stored, but they also act as a tool in themselves. For example, bungee cords are the easiest way to stop garden furniture from blowing away in extreme storms and windy conditions. They are also extremely handy for quick fixes around the garden, such as holding a broken gate shut.

3. Bungee cords for fitness

Believe it or not, bungee cords are pretty big amongst fitness fanatics. Bungee fitness is easy to get started with at home and requires minimal equipment other than a bungee cord. This unique form of exercise does amazing things for your joints and is commonly used for resistance training – mainly in the form of bungee running. 

4. Bungee cords for travelling

Whether you’re heading off on a road trip or attending a camping festival, bungee cords are a must-have. The perfect travel companion, bungee cords can be used to pack your camping backpack, and even make caravan storage easier. For those wilderness lovers out there, we have a selection of bungee cord survival hacks that will save you in even the roughest conditions.

How to store and care for bungee cords

Knowing how to look after your bungee cords is important for ensuring that they last as long as possible and work to their full potential. Read our tips on caring for your bungee cords below, and check out this blog post for inspiration on how to store and organise bungee cords in your home. 

1. Clean your bungee cords

Before putting away your bungee cords, check them for any dirt or debris that may be stuck to them. Usually, dried dirt and mud can be easily brushed off. For tougher marks, simply use a wet cloth to wipe the bungee cords. Let the bungee cords dry before storing them.

2. Avoid creating kinks or twists

You should always coil your bungee cords rather than attempt to fold or twist them. Over time, excessive kinks and twists in the bungee cords will wear them down, meaning your bungee cords don’t last as long as they should. 

3. Store in a cool, dry place

Choose a cool, dry location for storing your bungee cords. Too much moisture can cause damage and deterioration, so avoid storing them in damp basements or outdoor areas. A garage or a dedicated storage box would be suitable options.

4. Inspect them regularly

Bungee cords are often subjected to heavy wear and tear, so it’s important to check them periodically to ensure they are still fit for purpose. Check the hooks for any deformities or sharp edges, as well as any fraying or damage to the cords themselves. If you notice any issues, replace the damaged cords promptly to prevent accidents.

What to consider when buying bungee cords

When purchasing bungee cords, there are a few things you should have in mind. This will save you from buying the wrong cord for your project or needing to buy additional cords or tools. Here are four things to consider when buying bungee cords:

1. Size

Length and diameter are the two most important considerations for choosing which bungee cords you want. With lengths ranging from 10m to 100m, and diameters from 2mm to 12mm, you need to know what size will work best for your project. Find out what size bungee cord you need in our helpful guide.

2. Use

As you can use bungee cords for so many activities and crafts, it’s important to get the right cord for the job. If you are using bungee cords for smaller DIY crafts, then a bungee tie or short cord may be more appropriate. Or, if you want to secure objects to a roof rack, then luggage elastics are the way to go.

3. Storage

Take your storage availability into consideration before you purchase bungee cords. For example, you don’t want to purchase 100m of bungee cord if you have nowhere to store it when not in use. 

4. Durability

Although all bungee cords are made to be incredibly durable, some are more long-lasting than others. For example, Superflex bungee cords are incredibly resistant to abrasion and are waterproof and UV stabilised. If you need bungee cords to withstand extreme conditions, then these might be a more suitable option than your standard Lastoflex bungee cords.

FAQs about bungee cords

Where to buy bungee cords

Bungee cords are available to buy online from our Shop. We ship to the UK and Europe, plus select global locations. For more information about delivery, take a look at our Shipping page.

How far do bungee cords stretch?

The distance a bungee cord can stretch depends on several factors, including its length, thickness, and the materials used in its construction. In general, bungee cords can stretch anywhere from 1.5 to 3 times their original length.

What is the difference between shock cords and bungee cords?

Bungee cords and shock cords are often used interchangeably, as there are no notable differences between the two. However, different manufacturers may create the cords with differences in strength, material and stretchiness. It is important to check the individual description and characteristics of any bungee cord or shock cord before using it.

What were bungee cords originally designed for?

Historically, bungee cords were used in the military, as well as various industrial sectors. Bungee cords have been around for longer than you may think – post WW1, they were commonly used to provide lightweight suspension for aircraft undercarriages. They were also often used in old-school parachutes. 

Over time, the versatility and convenience of bungee cords led to their widespread adoption in a range of applications beyond their original military and industrial uses. Today, they are commonly used for securing loads on vehicles, organising items, creating makeshift shelters, and in various recreational activities such as bungee jumping, camping, and boating.

When were bungee cords invented?

Bungee cords as we know them today were invented in the early 20th century. The exact year of their invention is unclear, as the development of elastic cords and their various applications evolved slowly over time. However, the concept of using elastic materials for various purposes predates the invention of modern bungee cords. The use of elastic materials for stretching, fastening, and absorbing shock can be traced back to ancient civilisations. For example, ancient Egyptians and Greeks used materials like animal tendons, leather straps, and natural fibres to create rudimentary elastic cords.

Modern bungee cords, incorporating rubber or synthetic elastic cores and hooks, emerged in the early 20th century. The invention of vulcanised rubber by Charles Goodyear in the mid-19th century played a crucial role in the development of elastic materials used in bungee cords.

The practical applications of bungee cords in the military, aviation, and industrial sectors gained prominence during World War I and World War II. Since then, bungee cords have become widely available and are commonly used for a range of purposes, both practical and recreational.

For anything and everything bungee cords, The Bungee Store are the leading industry expert. Our blog offers insightful advice on different uses and applications of bungee cords, as well as all the information you need to make an informed decision. For any more queries or questions, contact us today.