RIGGING SUPPLY YOU CAN DEPEND ON

Professional Carabiners - Steel & Aluminum Climbing Hardware

Locking Carabiners

Locking carabiners feature mechanisms that prevent the gate from opening accidentally. Essential for critical connections in climbing, rescue, and rigging systems.

Locking Types:

• Screw-Gate: Manual threaded sleeve locks gate closed. Reliable and simple
• Auto-Locking (Twist-Lock): Spring-loaded sleeve automatically locks when released
• Triple-Action: Requires three movements to open (lift, twist, open). Maximum security
• Magnetic: Magnetic mechanism provides quick locking and unlocking

Use For: Belay connections, anchor points, critical safety connections, rescue operations

Non-Locking Carabiners

Non-locking carabiners have simple spring-loaded gates for quick clipping and unclipping. Used where frequent connections are needed and accidental opening is unlikely.

Gate Styles:

• Straight Gate: Traditional design, easy to clip
• Bent Gate: Curved gate for easier rope clipping (quickdraws)
• Wire Gate: Lightweight wire gate, less prone to freezing, lighter weight

Use For: Quickdraws, gear placements, non-critical connections (always use locking carabiners for belay and anchor 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)

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

Certifications & Standards

• UIAA: International climbing equipment standard
• EN 12275: European standard for mountaineering carabiners
• EN 362: European standard for connectors for fall protection
• NFPA 1983: North American standard for rescue carabiners
• ANSI Z359: American fall protection equipment standards
• CE Marking: Indicates compliance with European safety standards

Key Considerations

• Application: Climbing, rescue, industrial, or arborist use
• Material: Steel for strength and durability, aluminum for light weight
• Locking vs. Non-Locking: Locking for critical connections, non-locking for quickdraws
• Shape: D for strength, oval for pulleys, HMS for belay devices
• Gate Type: Screw-gate for reliability, auto-lock for convenience
• Strength Rating: Ensure adequate strength for your application
• Gate Opening: Larger openings for easier clipping and multiple connections
• Certifications: Match standards to your industry requirements

Inspection Guidelines

• Before Each Use: Visually inspect for cracks, deformation, or damage
• Gate Function: Ensure gate opens and closes smoothly and locks properly
• Check for Wear: Look for grooves, notches, or excessive wear on contact points
• Corrosion: Check steel carabiners for rust or corrosion
• Gate Alignment: Verify gate closes flush with nose, no gaps
• Locking Mechanism: Test that locking sleeve functions correctly
• Labels: Ensure identification and rating labels are legible

Retirement Criteria - Retire Carabiner If:

• Cracks, deformation, or structural damage visible
• Deep grooves or notches from rope wear
• Gate doesn't close or lock properly
• Carabiner has arrested a significant fall
• Excessive corrosion on steel carabiners
• Gate spring is weak or broken
• Carabiner has been dropped from significant height
• Age exceeds manufacturer recommendations (typically 10 years)
• History is unknown or undocumented
• Any doubt exists about integrity

Care & Maintenance

• Cleaning: Wash with mild soap and water. Rinse thoroughly and dry completely
• Lubrication: Apply small amount of appropriate lubricant to gate mechanism if needed
• Storage: Store in cool, dry location away from chemicals and UV exposure
• Avoid Contamination: Keep away from acids, solvents, and other chemicals
• Proper Use: Load along major axis, keep gate closed and locked for critical connections
• Documentation: Maintain usage logs for professional applications

Should I use steel or aluminum carabiners?

Choose steel for rescue, industrial rigging, and applications requiring maximum strength and durability. Steel is better for heavy loads, harsh conditions, and situations where abrasion resistance is critical. Choose aluminum for climbing, mountaineering, and weight-sensitive applications where the lighter weight is beneficial. Many professionals use steel for critical connections and aluminum for general climbing gear.

When should I use locking carabiners?

Always use locking carabiners for critical safety connections including belay devices, anchor points, personal anchor systems, rappel devices, and any connection where accidental opening could result in a fall or equipment failure. Use non-locking carabiners only for quickdraws and non-critical gear connections.

What does kN mean on carabiners?

kN stands for kilonewtons, a unit of force. 1 kN equals approximately 225 pounds-force (lbf). A carabiner rated at 24 kN has a breaking strength of about 5,400 lbf. Carabiners are rated in three directions: major axis closed gate (strongest), major axis open gate, and minor axis (weakest). Always check all three ratings.

How long do carabiners last?

Lifespan depends on usage intensity and conditions. With proper care and light use, carabiners can last many years. Heavy professional use may require replacement within 1-3 years. Maximum shelf life is typically 10 years from manufacture. Always inspect before each use and retire if damage is detected or after arresting a significant fall.

Can I use climbing carabiners for rigging or rescue?

Only if they meet the required standards for your application. Climbing carabiners (UIAA/EN 12275) may not meet NFPA 1983 requirements for rescue. Check that carabiners are certified for your specific use. When in doubt, use carabiners specifically rated and certified for rescue or industrial applications.

Professional 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, we offer professional carabiners in steel and aluminum from the world's most trusted manufacturers, all meeting or exceeding applicable safety standards.

Our carabiner collection includes locking and non-locking designs in D-shape, oval, HMS, and offset-D configurations. Whether you need lightweight aluminum carabiners for climbing and arborist work, or heavy-duty steel carabiners for rescue and industrial applications, we have the shapes, sizes, and certifications to meet your requirements. Every carabiner is crafted from high-quality materials and rigorously tested for reliability in life safety applications.

Browse our carabiner selection and contact our knowledgeable team for expert guidance. Trust US Rigging for professional-grade climbing hardware you can depend on.