Carabiners Shouldn't Be Missing from Your Gear
Carabiners are not only used in the military or for climbing; they can also be useful in camping and outdoor activities. The hooks have an opening that can be pressed open and seamlessly closes when released. In this way, they create a connection between two objects. For this, a carabiner is needed whose material can withstand resistance or pressure. Two ends of the material are inserted into the carabiner, which are securely connected after closing.
Carabiners Come in Various Designs
The important features of a carabiner hook are its shape, the type and strength of the closure, its size, and the resistance and type of material. At ASMC, carabiners are offered in a large selection so they can be tailored to the specific intended use. Carabiner hooks can be purchased individually or in pairs at ASMC. For simple applications, there are plastic hooks. These should be used with caution and should never be used in safety-critical areas. For joining stronger materials, there are carabiners made of steel, which can withstand greater pressure and weight. All carabiners are very well made and have a secure closure.
Expert Tip: How Long Does a Carabiner Last?
One can expect a service life of several years, but as almost always, it depends on the specific application as well as, of course, the frequency of use. Another important parameter is the so-called breaking load, i.e., the force with which the material can be stressed until it breaks. Most carabiners are made of aluminum or stainless steel.
Questions: Carabiners
What Types of Carabiners Are There?
In addition to the carbines known as rifles with shortened barrels, the general term usually refers to the carabiner hook, which is also called a "snapper" because of its function. There are many different shapes and materials for many different purposes. In addition to the common climbing carabiners, which can be additionally secured with additional closure rings, there are also so-called "normal", "hardware store", or "material carabiners", which lack these rings. For material, it is more important that it can be quickly and easily unhooked, which is why the securing rings are often omitted here.
Image ©: Markus Bärlocher
However, climbing is 90% about the safety aspect that the hook can never accidentally open and the rope comes loose. Therefore, the safety rings that can be closed by rotating are essential there. These hooks must (or even must) be used for climbing, which is why they are also called climbing carabiners.
Image ©: Gohnarch
In addition, there are
safety or
tri-lock carabiners, which are additionally secured against accidental opening by additional safety clips. The so-called "
S-biners" are named because of their shape and are essentially
wire gate carabiners with a double opening and have countless possible uses due to their construction. But also in
diving or
kayaking, sometimes special carabiners are used that have been marginally specialized for their applications.
What is a Jewelry Carabiner?
This is not a hook adorned with diamonds or gold leaf, but hooks that are only intended to connect and hold lighter objects. They also have only a snap closure, so they are not suitable for climbing.
Image ©: Polyparadigm
What are "Quickdraws" or Express Sets?
Quickdraws, sometimes affectionately abbreviated as "exes", are short connecting pieces used for safety in climbing. They are mainly used to connect hooks in the rock face with the rope and to keep the rope away from the rock, which could otherwise quickly lead to rope injuries due to sharp edges.
Image ©: Kolja21
