Kevlar is among the strongest of flexible materials. It is used in making bullet proof vests. Kevlar thread is often use for fishing, tent making, flying kits and more. Because of its unique characteristics, cutting Kevlar in a desired manner be a challenge. After a cut, one needs a sturdy, pointed tip on the end of the string in order to thread it through beads. When a kevlar string is cut it can leave a frayed edge. With strings of some other materials, you may fuse the end with the flame from a match or lighter in order to mold a sharp tip. This does not work with kevlar, as a heat tip may ball up and become larger. Furthermore, Kevlar does not heat well. When heated, Kevlar does not become malleable material that cools into a hardened shape. Instead, it become carbonized and brittle. Fortunately, there is a way to prepare and cut a Kevlar string to give it sturdy and pointed tip.
Cutting & Threading Kevlar String: 0.8mm Thick, 100 lb. Test
^ The end of a Kevlar sting is usually frayed
^ Fusing with heat does not help
^ It is somewhat flammable
^ A heated end balls up and become brittle
^ Instead, prepare to cut by applying glue before and after the spot to be cut
^ Work the clue around the thread, before & after the cut spot.
^ Wait until the glue is nearly dry, then use a sharp edged knife, like a box cutter, and cut on an angle
^ The result is a sturdy and pointed edge
^ It threads more easily
^ Success
Cutting & Threading Kevlar String: 1.5mm Thick, 380 lb. Test
Same as above, only with a thicker string
^ Kevlar string is often frayed at the end
^ Burning the end does not help
^ Kevlar wads up when heated
^ Heating also makes it brittle
^ Heated Kevlar does not cut well
^ Instead, prepare for a cut by applying glue
^ Work the glue around, before and after where you will cut
^ When the glue is almost dry, use a sharp knife like a box cutter and cut on an angle
^ The end is now sturdy and pointed
^ Your cut Kevlar string now threads
CAUTION: We would not recommend making a necklace with Kevlar string. It takes a lot of force to break, so that can be both good and bad at the same time. Why? Imagine a freak accident where someone falls and their necklace gets hooked on something. If it takes a great deal of force to break the necklace, it has a potentially dangerous potential to cause choking before it breaks.
