Detonating cord, also called detonation cord, detacord, det. cord, detcord, primer cord, primacord or cordtex or sun cord is a thin, flexible tube with an explosive core. It is a high-speed fuse which explodes, rather than burns, and is suitable for detonating high explosives, usually pentaerythritol tetranitrate (PETN, Pentrite). The velocity of detonation is sufficient to use it for synchronising multiple charges to detonate almost simultaneously even if the charges are placed at different distances from the point of initiation. It is used to reliably and inexpensively chain together multiple explosive charges. Typical uses include mining, drilling, and demolitions.

Low-yield detonating cord can be used as a precision cutting charge to remove cables, pipes, wiring, fibre optics, and other utility bundles by placing one or more complete wraps around the target. Higher-yield detonating cord can be used to cut down small trees, although the process is very uneconomical compared to using bulk explosive, or even a chainsaw. Creating a slipknot from detonating cord yields a field improvised device that can be quickly employed to cut a locked doorknob off a door. Anything much more substantial than these uses requires the use of additional explosives.

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