Military Spec Nylon Thread
John Howard Company is a leading supplier of Military Spec Nylon Thread used in equipment and products for soldier. Our military nylon thread is Berry Compliant – meaning it has been tested and proven to meet the high quality strength, durability and color characteristics of the US Military. All our nylon thread products have been tested for durability, ultraviolet capabilities, strength, abrasion and color.
Our military-spec nylon thread is engineered for strength, durability, and compliance with MIL-T-44100 and A-A-59826 specifications.
Types of Mil-Spec Nylon Thread:
Type I – Twisted, unbounded, multiple cord, soft finish
Type II – Twisted, bonded, multiple cord
Type III – Bonded, monocord
Type IV – Hand-sewing twist, waxed finish
Type V – Buttonhole twist, hand-sewing, waxed finish
Type VI – Tailoring, twisted multiple cord, soft finish
Type VII – Quilting thread, coreless cocoon bobbins and top thread, twisted multiple cord, soft finish

Military Nylon Thread Classes:
Class A – Normal purpose
Class B – Non-wicking (Type I or II)
TABLE I. Physical characteristics – Type I.
Tex |
Government Letter size or Number size |
Plies |
Breaking strength, lbs. (min.) |
Elongation, % (max.) |
16 |
00 |
2 |
1.8 |
30 |
21 |
A |
3 |
2.8 |
30 |
30 |
AA |
2 or 3 |
4.0 |
30 |
45 |
B |
2 or 3 |
6.0 |
30 |
70 |
E |
3 |
9.0 |
30 |
90 |
F |
3 or 4 |
11.8 |
30 |
135 |
FF |
3 |
17.5 |
35 |
210 |
3 |
3 |
27.0 |
35 |
270 |
4 |
3 |
36.0 |
35 |
350 |
5 |
3 |
45.0 |
35 |
400 |
6 |
3 |
54.0 |
35 |
600 |
8 |
3 |
72.0 |
35 |

TABLE II. Physical characteristics – Type II.
TABLE I-1. Physical characteristics – Type II. Tex |
Government Letter size or Number size |
Plies |
Breaking strength, lbs. (min.) |
Elongation, % (max.) |
16 |
00 |
2 |
1.8 |
30 |
21 |
A |
3 |
2.8 |
30 |
30 |
AA |
2 or 3 |
4.0 |
30 |
45 |
B |
2 or 3 |
6.0 |
30 |
70 |
E |
3 |
9.0 |
30 |
90 |
F |
3 or 4 |
11.8 |
30 |
135 |
FF |
3 |
17.5 |
35 |
210 |
3 |
3 |
27.0 |
35 |
270 |
4 |
3 |
36.0 |
35 |
350 |
5 |
3 |
45.0 |
35 |
400 |
6 |
3 |
54.0 |
35 |
600 |
8 |
3 |
72.0 |
35 |

TABLE III. Physical characteristics – Type III.
Tex (Sizes) |
Government Letter size or Number size |
Plies |
Breaking strength, lbs. (min.) |
Elongation, % (max.) |
16 |
00 |
1 |
1.8 |
35 |
27 |
A |
1 |
2.8 |
35 |
35 |
AA |
1 |
4.0 |
35 |
45 |
B |
1 |
6.0 |
35 |
70 |
E |
1 |
9.0 |
35 |
90 or 105 |
F |
1 |
11.8 |
35 |
135 |
FF |
1 |
17.5 |
35 |
150 |
3 |
1 |
24.0 |
35 |
270 |
4 |
1 |
36.0 |
35 |
350 |
5 |
1 |
45.0 |
35 |
400 |
6 |
1 |
54.0 |
35 |
600 |
8 |
1 |
72.0 |
35 |

TABLE IV. Physical characteristics – Type IV.
Tex (Sizes) |
Government Letter size |
Plies |
Breaking strength, lbs. (min.) |
Elongation, % (max.) |
35 |
A |
2 |
3.5 |
35 |
45 |
C |
2 |
5.7 |
35 |
TABLE V. Physical characteristics – Type V.
Tex (Sizes) |
Government Number size |
Plies |
Breaking strength, lbs. (min.) |
Elongation, % (max.) |
180 |
6 |
3 |
20.0 |
35 |
150 |
8 |
3 |
16.0 |
35 |
135 |
10 |
3 |
14.0 |
35 |
TABLE VI. Physical characteristics – Type VI.
Tex (Sizes) |
Government Letter size |
Plies |
Breaking strength, lbs. (min.) |
Elongation, % (max.) |
24 |
0 |
2 or 3 |
2.8 |
35 |
30 |
B |
2 or 3 |
4.0 |
35 |
90 |
F |
3 or 4 |
10.0 |
35 |
TABLE VII. Physical characteristics – Type VII.
Tex (Sizes) |
Government Letter size |
Plies |
Breaking strength, lbs. (min.) |
Elongation, % (max.) |
21 |
00 |
2 |
1.8 |
35 |
24 |
A |
2 or 3 |
2.5 |
35 |
30 |
AA |
3 |
4.0 |
35 |
50 |
B |
2 |
6.0 |
35 |

TABLE VII. Physical characteristics – Type VII.
Tex (Sizes) |
Government Letter size |
Plies |
Breaking strength, lbs. (min.) |
Elongation, % (max.) |
21 |
00 |
2 |
1.8 |
35 |
24 |
A |
2 or 3 |
2.5 |
35 |
30 |
AA |
3 |
4.0 |
35 |
50 |
B |
2 |
6.0 |
35 |
John Howard Company are leading suppliers of USA Military specification Nylon Thread for military backpacks, tactical gear, outdoor equipment and apparel.
Nylon Military specification thread is used in:
- Molle Systems
- Tents
- Hydration Packs
- Gun Slings
- Upholstery
- Waist support system
- Plate Carriers
- Medical Gear
- Pouches
- Tactical Vests
- K-9 vests
- Gas Masks
- Bandelier Slings
- Duffle Bags
- Clothing
- Helmets
- Ammo Pouches, Tactical Belts
- Loadout Bags
- Protective Gear

Three top considerations for “military spec” threads
In military applications, thread materials and specifications must meet stringent standards to ensure durability, performance, and compatibility with military equipment. The top three considerations for “military spec” threads are typically:
- Material Composition:
- Military spec threads are usually made from high-strength, durable materials that can withstand extreme environmental conditions. Common materials include:
- Kevlar (for strength and heat resistance)
- Nomex (for fire resistance)
- Nylon (for durability and abrasion resistance)
- Polyester (for UV resistance and strength)
- Stainless Steel or Copper Wire Core (for electrical conductivity in specialized applications like wiring harnesses)
- Military spec threads are usually made from high-strength, durable materials that can withstand extreme environmental conditions. Common materials include:
- Tensile Strength and Durability:
- Military spec threads are often required to meet specific tensile strength requirements to endure high tension, friction, and wear. This is crucial in high-stress environments where the thread will be exposed to vibration, weight, or friction, such as in parachutes, tactical gear, or protective clothing.
- Heat and Chemical Resistance:
- Military environments can expose threads to extreme heat, chemicals, and other harsh conditions. As a result, many military threads are treated or coated with special substances to improve resistance to fire, UV radiation, chemicals, or moisture. This ensures the thread performs well in environments like deserts, jungles, or chemical warfare conditions.
Each of these aspects is often specified under rigorous testing and certification, such as MIL-Spec standards (e.g., MIL-T-83193 or MIL-C-43256 for certain thread applications).