Bungee cords are something nearly every maker will use at one point or another. And they are technology that you need to rely on in holding things fast and secure. So, knowing which cords are effective at that job and which aren’t is important.
Todd at Project Farm tested 14 different bungee cords by leaving them stretched in direct sunlight for 9 months, exposing them to UV degradation. The results are kind of shocking. Almost all of the cords badly degraded.
The bungee cord and rubber tarp straps tested were SmartStraps, HyperTough, Harbor Freight Haul-Master, Stalwart, Cartman, Horusdy, RhinoUSA, HDX, Sgt Knots, Nite Ize, xstrap, Husky, Amazing Straps, Keeper. Tests on the cords included tensile strength, at 6, 12, 18, and 24 inches of stretch, before and after UV exposure.
In the end, the rubber Amazing Straps ($3 at time of testing) held up the best. Todd was also impressed with the performance of the Sgt Knots bungees ($4 at time of testing) and the Home Depot HDX-branded cords.
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