How to Use Carabiners

By Marie Mulrooney

Carabiners are metal clips with spring-loaded gates that shut automatically. It's important not to confuse carabiners intended for climbing, athletic or military use with those that are used as keychains or in lightweight toys. These items are not designed to withstand the strong forces encountered in climbing, athletic and military applications.Toy carabiners will either not have a weight limit listed, or will have a very low weight limit, such as 50 or 75 pounds.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You'll Need:

Carabiner
Carabiner

Step 1

Press the gate of the carabiner inward to open it.

Step 2

Put the nose of the carabiner through a loop of cord or rope, then let the gate spring shut. Climbers may find themselves putting the nose of the carabiner through the hanger on a bolt; the principle is the same.

Step 3

Clip other strands of cordage or rope into the carabiner.

Step 4

Screw the locking sleeve on the carabiner, if it has one, counterclockwise to lock it. Don't force the sleeve to shut, as this could jam the carabiner locked. Simply screw it shut until you feel resistance.

Step 5

Press gently on the gate of the carabiner to make sure it's locked close.

About The Author

Marie Mulrooney has written professionally since 2001. Her diverse background includes numerous outdoor pursuits, personal training and linguistics. She studied mathematics at the University of Alaska Anchorage and contributes regularly to such websites as eHow, Garden Guides, LiveSTRONG and Trails.com. Print publication credits include national magazines, poetry awards and long-lived columns about local outdoor adventures.

Editor's Pick

3 Main Types of Altitude Sickness

Some of the world's most noted tourist attractions, such as the Inca ruins of Machu Picchu, require visitors to ascend to high altitudes. Mountaineers, skiers and trekkers venture into ever higher locations in search of fresh adventure or untrampled destinations. The com...
More Mountain Climbing...
Popular Article

How to Repair Trekking Poles

Trekking poles can do wonders for relieving the stress of hiking on the back, knees and feet, particularly if you are carrying a backpack. Poles are suggested to be able to reduce up to 25 pounds of carried weight pressing down on your joints by transferring the load to ...
More Walking & Nature Walks...
Featured Video

Choosing Ski Types & Sizes

Learn how to find the right style and size of ski in this free beginner skiing lesson on video, with tips on how ski size affects speed and control.
More Alpine Skiing...