Carabiner locking systems
The various systems meet different needs for each application, for a precise balance between ergonomics and safety.
SCREW-LOCK (SL)
Classic manual system, versatile and universal
Ergonomics
Advantages:
• The sleeve locks manually, only when desired by the user
• Can be operated with one hand
Disadvantages:
• The time it takes to lock the sleeve
Safety
Advantages:
• Reliability in dirty or harsh environments
• Red visual indicator, when unlocked, to facilitate monitoring
• The user actively operates the sleeve when locking, so they are immediately alerted in case of bad locking
Risks:
• Vibrations can unlock the sleeve
• Rubbing can unlock the sleeve
• Risk of forgetting to lock the sleeve
TWIST-LOCK (RL)
Auto-locking and double action opening system
Ergonomics
Advantages:
• Speed and ease of opening
• Rapid auto-locking
Disadvantages:
• Sleeve must be unlocked each time the carabiner is opened
• Two hands needed to insert a device into the carabiner
Safety
Advantages:
• Rapid auto-locking
Risks:
• Chance of improper locking when the carabiner closes (e.g. sling caught between the nose and the gate). The user must verify that the carabiner is properly closed and locked, even when using an auto-locking system
• Sensitivity to rubbing by rope or equipment: the sleeve can accidentally unlock and the gate come open in the same motion
WIRE-LOCK (WL)
Auto-locking and double action opening system
System designed specifically for the end of a lanyard
Ergonomics
Advantages:
• Speed and ease of opening almost as easy as a non-locking carabiner
• Rapid auto-locking: system suited to very frequent connection and disconnection
Safety
Advantages:
• Rapid auto-locking
Risks:
• Less locking security than with other systems, yet offers more security than a non-locking carabiner
• Very sensitive to external pressure: the sleeve unlocks and the gate opens in the same motion
TRIACT-LOCK (TL)
Auto-locking and triple action opening system
Ergonomics
Advantages:
• Rapid auto-locking.
Disadvantages:
• Sleeve must be unlocked each time the carabiner is opened
• Tricky sleeve operation, requires practice
• Two hands needed to insert a device into the carabiner
Safety
Advantages:
• Security of triple action locking (excluding rubbing and external pressure)
• Rapid auto-locking
Risks:
• Chance of improper locking when the carabiner closes (e.g. sling caught between the nose and the gate). The user must verify that the carabiner is properly closed and locked, even when using an auto-locking system
• Sensitivity to mud or other foreign objects that can impede auto-locking
BALL-LOCK (BL)
Auto-locking and triple action opening system
Ergonomics
Advantages:
• Rapid auto-locking
• Visual locking indicator
Disadvantages:
• Sleeve must be unlocked each time the carabiner is opened
• Tricky sleeve operation, especially with gloves, requires practice. System is less "ambidextrous" than the others
• Two hands needed to insert a device into the carabiner
Safety
Advantages:
• Security of triple action locking (excluding rubbing and external pressure)
• Rapid auto-locking
Risks:
• Chance of improper locking when the carabiner closes (e.g. sling caught between the nose and the gate). The user must verify that the carabiner is properly closed and locked, even when using an auto-locking system
PIN-LOCK (PL)
Auto-locking and triple action opening system with tool
Ergonomics
Advantages:
• Long duration installation without manipulation
• Helps limit incorrect operation during use
• Helps prevent the user from becoming disconnected during use
Disadvantages:
• Complicated to disconnect in the field, for example in case of emergency
Safety
Advantages:
• Triple action locking gives great security, with a tool required for the first action
Risks:
• Chance of improper locking when the carabiner closes (e.g. sling caught between the nose and the gate). The user must verify that the carabiner is properly closed and locked, even when using an auto-locking system
EASHOOK / MGO system
Auto-locking and double action opening system
Ergonomics
Advantages:
• Speed and ease of opening
• Rapid auto-locking
• Good separation of the two actions required to open the gate
Disadvantages:
• Limited compatibility with anchors and equipment
• Carabiner rotation in equipment is impossible
Safety
Advantages:
• Good separation of the two actions required to open the gate
• Directional carabiner that helps promote major axis loading
• Rapid auto-locking
Risks:
• External pressure from the structure or equipment can unlock and open the gate
• The large size can increase the risk of cantilever loading depending on the supporting media
Semi permanent connectors (RING OPEN, quick links...)
Manual closing system with a tool needed for locking
Ergonomics
Advantages:
• Long duration installation without manipulation
• Helps limit incorrect operation during use
• Helps prevent the user from becoming disconnected during use
Disadvantages:
• Complicated to disconnect in the field, for example in case of emergency
• Tool required for assembly and disassembly
Safety
Advantages:
• Very secure locking if the initial tightening is done correctly
Risks:
• The initial locking must done correctly and carefully checked before use
• The large size can increase the risk of cantilever loading depending on the supporting media
