Climbing Carabiners and Snap Hooks

Climbing carabiners are used in everyday work situations by arborists. They vary in their uses from rigging, life support, and even just for carrying accessories. Many include a locking function to keep the gate from accidentally opening during a climb. These are referred to as auto-locking carabiners. Some even have 2 locks, or “double locking.”

Carabiners are not snap hooks--there is a difference. Carabiners open away from the loop while snap hooks open by pushing in toward the loop.

USING CARABINERS FOR LIFE SUPPORT

Any carabiner used for life support must be auto-locking, have at least three consecutive, deliberate actions to prepare the gate for opening per ANSI Z133. They must have a minimum tensile strength of 5,000 pounds (22.24kN). Ones made from aluminum would be a good choice for life support being that they are lighter in weight than their steel cousins, just like the DMM Ultra O Lock safe as an example.

USING CARABINERS FOR RIGGING

Carabiners used for light rigging do not have to be double locking, but for some applications, double locking would be the safer option. Choose steel for rigging as they won’t warp or fail as quickly as an aluminum ones may. A good example is the very popular ISC Steel Oval Screwgate Carabiner.

USING CARABINERS TO CARRY CLIMBING ACCESSORIES

Non-locking carabiners are used as accessory clips for attaching ropes, rigging gear, or saws to a climbing harness. Some are made of plastic and others are made of aluminum. A good choice for carrying accessories would be the Petzl Spirit Carabiner.