My standard procedure is to wrap the cord with electrical tape and then slice through the tape with a razor blade. Stretch the cord out before wrapping with the tape. The tape will eventually come off, but it usually lasts a couple years for me. You could dip the end in epoxy for to increase longevity.

Recently I have experimented with waterproof pipe sealing tape. This stuff bonds to itself and should last better than the electical tape, but I don't have long term data yet. Again, wrap with the cord stretched and cut through the tape with a razor blade.

I have also used heat shrink. Seems to work OK, but you must stretch the cord first and hold the stretch while the heat shrink cools. If you don't the tubing will just slip off, but even so there is nothing but friction holding it in place. The heat shrink with goo in it will work better, but tends to be a little lumpy.

: Ok, I feel kinda dumb asking this question, but I havent been able to fiugure
: it out yet on my own. What is the correct way to cut shock cord and keep
: the ends from fraying or becoming a messy ball of melted nylon. I have
: tried using a hot knife to cut it. The sheath seals well but the whtie
: rubber part of the cord still slides around and eventually sticks out past
: the end. I usually cut it off with diagonal cutters and burn the ends.
: Works OK, but leaves a messy end.
: Any suggestions?

: John Leonard