Use the Correct Carabiner –PRINT THIS PAGE ONLY- Do Not Order

USE THE CORRECT CARABINER FOR THE RIGHT APPLICATION

Carabiners come in many styles, shapes and sizes; it can be confusing which carabiner will best fit your needs.

Look for some of the following features:

• Locking or Non-locking: Screwgate, Autolock, Non-locking
• Material & Strength: Aluminum, Carbon Steel, Stainless Steel
• Shape: Oval, “D” or offset “D”, Pear, Twisted
• Gate Type: Pin & Hook versus Key Lock (the 2 most common)
• Gate Opening: Is the gate opening large enough to fit around the object to connect?
• Reservoir Space: Is the loading space within the nose large enough to secure gear easily?

Remember the spine or long axis of a carabiner is the strongest part.

Riggers should look for carabiners that equal the strength of the rope or other components they are using (i.e. 30 kN and 11 mm or 40 kN and 12.5 mm)

“D” or Offset “D” – Used for rigging and primary connections. In general, the gate has a large opening, and there is plenty of loading space.

Pear Shaped or HMS – Usually a larger reservoir space and gate opening than a “D” -shape, but is often weaker because the object is positioned further away from the spine or main axis. The HMS is specifically designed for Munter Hitch use.

Oval – While not as strong as the “D” -shape, the oval will properly load when multiple items are connected at one time. The item being loaded will move to the superior position in the reservoir of the carabiner. For example, when a rappel device and QAS are clipped into using the same carabiner to the harness. As each device is loaded, it will push the other item to the side so that loaded gear can rotate to the center of the long axis.

Twisted – We carry two twisted carabiners that are manufactured by Stubai: The aluminum 3D-HMS carabiner has a pear shape and can be used to change the orientation of a connection by 45*. The steel Twistlink, 605155, carabiner can be used to change the orientation of a connection by 90*. These carabiners are very handy for pulley orientation at the top of tripods or at end stations.

FURTHER INFORMATION ON CARABINERS

Petzl has produced an excellent brochure on the proper use of a carabiner. An excerpt: “The carabiner is an essential link for vertical activities. Unfortunately, its strength is reduced when used incorrectly. With a frame shaped by bending or forging, a carabiner is very strong provided it is loaded in the correct direction and the gate is closed. “

Click here to go to brochure.