RIGGING SUPPLY YOU CAN DEPEND ON

Professional Carabiners - Tree Climbing Steel & Aluminum

Locking Carabiners

Locking carabiners are essential for critical connections in tree climbing systems where accidental gate opening could result in a fall.

Locking Types:

• Screw-Gate: Manual threaded sleeve. Reliable and simple. Popular with arborists
• Auto-Locking (Twist-Lock): Spring-loaded sleeve automatically locks. Quick and convenient
• Triple-Action: Requires three movements to open. Maximum security for critical connections
• Magnetic: Magnetic mechanism for quick locking. Easy one-handed operation

Arborist Applications: Climbing system attachment to harness, friction hitch connections, lanyard attachments, rigging connections, rescue operations

ANSI Z133 Requirement: Arborists must use locking carabiners for all critical climbing system connections including saddle attachment points and friction hitch connections.

Non-Locking Carabiners

Non-locking carabiners with spring-loaded gates are used for non-critical connections where quick clipping is beneficial.

Gate Styles:

• Straight Gate: Traditional design, easy to clip
• Bent Gate: Curved gate for easier rope clipping
• Wire Gate: Lightweight wire gate, won't freeze shut, lighter weight

Arborist Applications: Tool tethering, gear organization, non-critical rigging connections (never use for climbing system connections)

Strength Ratings

Carabiners are rated for strength in three directions:

• Major Axis (Closed Gate): Strongest direction, gate closed and locked. Typical ratings: 20-40 kN (4,500-9,000 lbf)
• Major Axis (Open Gate): Strength when gate is open. Typically 30-50% of closed gate strength
• Minor Axis (Cross-Loading): Weakest direction, loaded across the spine. Typically 7-12 kN (1,575-2,700 lbf)

Critical for Arborists: Always load carabiners along the major axis with the gate closed and locked. Cross-loading on branches or loading with gate open dramatically reduces strength and can lead to failure.

Arborist Standards & Certifications

• ANSI Z133: Safety requirements for arboricultural operations
• EN 362: European standard for connectors for fall protection
• UIAA: International climbing equipment standard
• CE Marking: Indicates compliance with European safety standards
• Manufacturer Specifications: Always follow manufacturer guidelines for arborist use

Key Considerations for Arborists

• Application: Climbing connections vs. rigging vs. tool tethering
• Material: Steel for rigging and heavy-duty, aluminum for climbing systems
• Locking Required: Always use locking carabiners for climbing system connections
• Shape: D for general use, HMS for friction hitches, oval for pulleys
• Gate Type: Screw-gate for reliability, auto-lock for convenience
• Strength Rating: Ensure adequate for your application (minimum 22 kN recommended for climbing)
• Gate Opening: Larger openings easier for gloved hands
• Weight: Consider total system weight for all-day climbing

Daily Inspection for Arborists

• Before Each Climb: Visually inspect all carabiners for damage
• Gate Function: Ensure gates open/close smoothly and lock properly
• Wear Patterns: Check for grooves from rope friction, especially on rigging carabiners
• Corrosion: Check steel carabiners for rust (common in wet conditions)
• Gate Alignment: Verify gate closes flush with no gaps
• Locking Mechanism: Test that locking sleeve functions correctly
• Bark Damage: Look for damage from contact with rough bark

Retirement Criteria - Retire Carabiner If:

• Cracks, deformation, or structural damage visible
• Deep grooves or notches from rope wear (common on rigging carabiners)
• Gate doesn't close or lock properly
• Carabiner has held a fall or shock load
• Excessive corrosion on steel carabiners
• Gate spring is weak or broken
• Carabiner dropped from tree (inspect thoroughly, retire if doubt exists)
• Age exceeds 10 years from manufacture
• History is unknown
• Any doubt about integrity

Your life depends on your carabiners. When in doubt, retire it.

Care & Maintenance

• Cleaning: Wash with mild soap and water after dirty jobs. Rinse thoroughly and dry
• Lubrication: Apply small amount of appropriate lubricant to gate mechanism periodically
• Storage: Store in cool, dry location. Keep steel carabiners dry to prevent rust
• Avoid Contamination: Keep away from chain saw fuel, bar oil, and chemicals
• Proper Use: Load along major axis, keep gate closed and locked for climbing connections
• Documentation: Maintain records of purchase date and usage for professional operations

Should arborists use steel or aluminum carabiners?

Use both for different applications. Steel carabiners are best for rigging operations, lowering devices, and heavy-duty connections where maximum strength and abrasion resistance are needed. Aluminum carabiners are ideal for climbing system connections, lanyards, and general climbing use where lighter weight is beneficial. Many arborists use steel for rigging and aluminum for climbing to optimize their system.

What carabiners are required by ANSI Z133?

ANSI Z133 requires locking carabiners (or equivalent connectors) for all critical climbing system connections including attachment to the saddle/harness and friction hitch connections. The carabiners must meet applicable strength standards and be used according to manufacturer specifications. Non-locking carabiners may only be used for non-critical connections like tool tethering.

How often should I replace my climbing carabiners?

Replace carabiners based on condition, not just age. Inspect before each use and retire if damage is detected. With proper care and moderate use, carabiners can last several years. Heavy professional use may require replacement within 1-2 years due to wear. Maximum shelf life is typically 10 years from manufacture. Rigging carabiners wear faster than climbing carabiners due to rope friction.

Can I use rock climbing carabiners for tree climbing?

Yes, if they meet strength requirements and are appropriate for the application. Many arborists use climbing-rated carabiners (UIAA/EN certified) for their climbing systems. Ensure carabiners are locking type for critical connections and have adequate strength ratings (minimum 22 kN recommended). Always use locking carabiners for saddle attachments and friction hitch connections.

What causes grooves in rigging carabiners?

Grooves are caused by rope friction during lowering and rigging operations. The rope running under load wears a groove in the carabiner. This is normal wear for rigging carabiners but reduces strength. Inspect grooves regularly and retire carabiners with deep grooves or sharp edges. Steel carabiners resist grooving better than aluminum, which is why steel is preferred for rigging.

Professional Tree Climbing Carabiners from US Rigging

US Rigging is a manufacturer and master distributor of climbing ropes, fall protection equipment, and industrial rigging equipment located in Santa Ana, California. With over 40 years of experience serving arborists and tree care professionals, we offer professional carabiners in steel and aluminum specifically selected for the demands of tree climbing and rigging operations.

Our tree climbing carabiner collection includes locking and non-locking designs in various shapes and gate styles, all meeting or exceeding ANSI Z133 and applicable safety standards. Whether you need lightweight aluminum carabiners for your climbing system, heavy-duty steel carabiners for rigging operations, or specialized shapes for friction hitches and pulleys, we have the professional-grade hardware arborists depend on for safe, efficient tree work.

Browse our tree climbing carabiner selection and contact our knowledgeable team for expert guidance. Trust US Rigging for professional arborist hardware you can depend on, climb after climb.