John Howard Company carries a wide range of heavy duty military spec polyester thread for use in military uniforms, backpacks, hiking gear, tents and outdoor gear.
Call John Howard Company to speak to a LIVE CONSULTANT who can help you select the perfect thread for your needs!
Phone: 888-564-6469
Types:
I — Twisted soft multiple cord
II — Twisted bonded multiple cord
III — Bonded monocord
IV — Soft air entangled
V — Bonded air entangeled
Classes:
Class 1 — Normal elongation
Class 3 — Heat stable — low shrinkage
TABLE I. Type I Class 1 Thread Requirements
Tex size |
Breaking Strength LBS. |
Elongation % Max |
16 |
1.4 |
26 |
24 |
2.0 |
26 |
30 |
3.0 |
26 |
45 |
4.3 |
26 |
70 |
8.0 |
26 |
90 |
10.6 |
26 |
135 |
16.0 |
26 |
210 |
24 |
26 |
270 |
32 |
26 |
350 |
40 |
26 |
400 |
48 |
26 |
450 |
54 |
26 |
500 |
60 |
26 |
700 |
70 |
26 |
TABLE II. Type I class 3 thread requirements
Tex size |
Breaking Strength LBS. |
Elongation % MIN |
Elongation % MAX |
16 |
1.25 |
15 |
35 |
24 |
1.90 |
15 |
35 |
30 |
3.80 |
15 |
35 |
45 |
6.80 |
15 |
35 |
70 |
7.60 |
15 |
35 |
90 |
16.00 |
15 |
35 |
210 |
19.00 |
15 |
35 |
270 |
27.25 |
15 |
35 |
350 |
34.00 |
15 |
35 |
400 |
41.00 |
15 |
35 |
450 |
47.70 |
15 |
35 |
TABLE III. Type II class 1 thread requirements
Tex size |
Breaking Strength LBS. |
Elongation % Max |
16 |
1.5 |
26 |
24 |
2.3 |
26 |
30 |
3.0 |
26 |
45 |
4.5 |
26 |
70 |
8.0 |
26 |
90 |
10.6 |
26 |
135 |
16.0 |
26 |
210 |
25 |
26 |
270 |
34 |
26 |
350 |
42 |
26 |
400 |
48 |
26 |
450 |
54 |
26 |
500 |
60 |
26 |
700 |
70 |
26 |
TABLE IV. Type III class 1 thread requirements
Tex size |
Breaking Strength LBS. |
Elongation % Max |
16 |
1.4 |
26 |
24 |
2.6 |
26 |
30 |
3.0 |
26 |
45 |
5.3 |
26 |
70 |
8.0 |
26 |
90 |
10.6 |
26 |
135 |
16 |
26 |
210 |
24 |
26 |
270 |
32 |
26 |
350 |
40 |
26 |
400 |
48 |
26 |
450 |
54 |
26 |
500 |
60 |
26 |
700 |
70 |
26 |
TABLE V Type IV, soft air entangled thread requirements
Tex size |
Breaking Strength LBS. |
Elongation % Max |
16 |
1.0 |
26 |
21 |
1.4 |
26 |
24 |
1.6 |
26 |
27 |
1.8 |
26 |
30 |
2.0 |
26 |
40 |
2.8 |
26 |
50 |
3.6 |
26 |
60 |
4.3 |
26 |
80 |
5.4 |
26 |
90 |
5.9 |
26 |
105 |
6.9 |
26 |
TABLE V Type VI, bonded entangled thread requirements
Tex size |
Breaking Strength LBS. |
Elongation % Max |
16 |
1.0 |
26 |
21 |
1.4 |
26 |
24 |
1.6 |
26 |
27 |
1.8 |
26 |
30 |
2.0 |
26 |
40 |
2.8 |
26 |
50 |
3.6 |
26 |
60 |
4.3 |
26 |
80 |
5.4 |
26 |
90 |
5.9 |
26 |
105 |
6.9 |
26 |
About Military Specification Polyester Thread
Military specification (MIL-SPEC) polyester thread is engineered to meet rigorous standards for strength, durability, and performance, making it suitable for various applications within the military and beyond. Here are some common uses:
- Uniforms and Gear: Military uniforms and equipment require strong stitching to withstand rigorous use in harsh environments. Polyester thread, especially if it meets MIL-SPEC standards, provides the necessary strength and resistance to abrasion and fading.
- Tactical Gear: Items like backpacks, vests, and pouches used by military personnel and law enforcement need sturdy stitching to endure heavy loads and rough handling. Polyester thread ensures that these items remain intact during missions and operations.
- Outdoor Gear: Polyester thread is commonly used in the construction of outdoor gear such as tents, backpacks, and hiking gear. Its resistance to moisture and UV rays makes it ideal for applications where exposure to the elements is a concern.
- Parachutes and Safety Equipment: Parachutes require incredibly strong stitching to ensure the safety of the user. Polyester thread provides the necessary strength and reliability for stitching parachute canopies and harnesses.
- Vehicle Upholstery: In military vehicles, where durability is paramount, polyester thread is used for stitching upholstery, seat covers, and other interior components. It can withstand the wear and tear of frequent use and exposure to various conditions.
- Aerospace Applications: In addition to military use, polyester thread meeting MIL-SPEC standards may find applications in aerospace, such as in the construction of aircraft interiors, seating, and safety equipment where durability and reliability are crucial.
- Industrial Applications: MIL-SPEC polyester thread may also be used in industrial settings for stitching heavy-duty fabrics, canvas, and other materials where strength and durability are required, such as in manufacturing processes or for securing loads.
Overall, the primary advantage of MIL-SPEC polyester thread lies in its exceptional strength, resistance to abrasion, and ability to withstand harsh environmental conditions, making it suitable for a wide range of military and industrial applications.
