Locking Type Manual or Automatic

 

The advantage of manual locking is that it is cheap and lightweight, but the disadvantage is that you have to remember to lock it manually, and it may be unlocked by friction in places you can’t see.

 

The advantages of automatic locking will automatically lock after closing, will use automatic locking situation, mostly in the case of not needing to use a lot of rope system, such as sports climbing, many people will use the buckle on the retainer.

 

For example, Petzl’s locking carabiners have a red part that is exposed when they are not locked, and the following two photos show the difference between before and after locking.

 

Gate Type – Non Locking Carabiner

 

The main application of non-locking carabiner is to do Quick Draw, mainly in addition to the general differences, there are also differences in gate design, divided into the following three types.

Bar: This is the original form of non-locking carabiner, but when hit, because of its own weight, there will be gate shaking problems, so now more often changed to steel wire type, but if it is used in the case of no impact with the wall, this type of carabiner is no problem.

Wire: This is a form to solve the shaking problem of the bar gate. Although the shaking problem is solved, there is a groove at the exit for strength design to hold the wire position, but such a gap often has the problem of hooking the ear piece, and sometimes encounter hooking when taking out or hanging in.

Matchstick: This is a metaphor for the recent emergence of a thin rod-shaped gate that solves all the current problems and achieves ultra-light weight. 

Special Function Carabiner

 

With the rapid advancement of technology, many special function carabiners have been made, and the following is an introduction to one of the more common special carabiners.

Prevent Cross Loading

 

As mentioned before, when securing or dropping, the problem of lateral force on the carabiner often occurs, so many manufacturers are now making carabiners specifically for sling attachment. But the drawback is that the operation is actually not very smooth, and not convenient for other uses, more suitable for sports climbing use.