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See the full collection of Ape Canyon Carabiners here: Carabiners
Note: this page does not list carabiners used for the Garda Hitch Footloop. See Garda Hitch Footloop page for that info.
All about carabiners
There is a lot to know…
Triple Action
Triple action carabiners are recommended for life-safety connections such as our bridge. They are sometimes referred to as “double locking”, given that the gate closes on its own AND has two separate locking mechanisms. Screw-gate carabiners are not recommended for these applications.
Aluminum vs Steel
For most applications, JRB prefers aluminum carabiners over steel due to the weight savings. Aluminum carabiners should only be subjected to a pull along the long axis and should not be subjected to any force which presses them against the tree. Steel and Aluminum components should not contact each other. Steel carabiners are commonly used by arborists in choking canopy anchor applications given that they can withstand higher bending forces without deformation. One application for carrying a steel carabiner is as a spare, for an emergency canopy anchor, and where it can also act as an improvised throwball. Steel quick links are also handy for utility applications.
Shape
Carabiners come in different shapes, listed below along with potential applications.
- HMS / Pear – large capacity, great for bridge and Munter
- Oval – smaller, good for connection to one entity
- D-shape – strong design keeps load along spine
Side Loading
Carabiners are intended to be loaded with a tensile load along the major axis (lengthwise, along the SPINE of the carabiner). “Side-loading” is when a carabiner is improperly oriented and loaded across the minor axis (and onto the GATE of the carabiner.)
Swivel, for Main Bridge
On the main bridge, JRB uses a swivel, but it is not mandatory:
- The swivel is primarily for DSRT, where we are connected to the tree with a dual strand of rope, ensuring that a 360 degree turn can be accomplished without the two strands of rope getting twisted up.
- We can either use either a Swivel/Carabiner combination device or a Swivel designed to engage a Carabiner. The swivels and carabiners listed below are compatible unless otherwise stated.
Camp Gyro 1 – Adopted in 2024, this is JRB’s latest swivel. It has a 25kN minimum breaking strength (MBS), matching the strength of a standard carabiner, which is inserted inside the rubber sleeve (on the red side), ensuring that the carabiner will not move or rattle. The rubber collar from the stainless steel side is removed, and thread the bridge rope is threaded through it. The Working Load Limit specified by the manufacturer is the max load at which the swivel will function, and is NOT the breaking strength.
The Petzl Micro Swivel is a similar device which can be used in conjunction with most of the carabiners listed below. Squeeze the carabiner through the small eye, where the rubber collar will firmly grip on the carabiner with no rattle.
Rock Exotica Swiva Eye is a swivel/carabiner available from Amazon. Small diameter cords (<7mm) can get caught on the gate though.
Bridge Carabiners
We want a carabiner which has no edges inside the carabiner which could catch the cord and cause inappropriate loading. We also want a carabiner which is wide and accommodates our friction hitch loops and the Munter. A traditional HMS or Pear shape is best. The Notch HMS and Petzl William Ball carabiners work great on both bridges. Both are triple action and aluminum construction.
Notch HMS
Petzl William Ball
Other Choices
If you accept the responsibility to always ensure that the screw gate is locked, you won’t find a better deal than this:
Amazon products:
DMM Ceros Locksafe (not compatible with swivels)
Other Triple Action Carabiners
Below are other carabiners for general use, but not recommended for the Munter.
The Rock Exotica Rocko WireEye has a moveable wire eye for keeping the carabiner properly oriented in certain applications:
Quick Links, Delta Links…
Browse the Ape Canyon Selection here:
Ape Canyon Carabiner Collection
Lineman’s Belt Connector
The Double Action Squatch Claw works great on a Lineman’s Belt.
Mini Carabiners, for Rigging
When running / rigging our rope up into a tree, or fastening accessories to just about anything, JRB prefers to use clips and avoid tying knots. Warning: None of the products in this section are for life-safety applications.
Micro Raiders
The Micro Raiders are great for rope rigging and also available in non-locking design, but they can occasionally open on a twig and get stuck. Locking is better:
Mini Steel Quick Links
These M3.5 (1/8″) Steel Screw Link Carabiners are great for connecting a throwball to the throwline (use a Halter Hitch).
M3.5 Black Quick Links, 10 pack
M3.5 Stainless Steel Quick Links, 10 pack
Freskaro 3 “, Locking
The Freskaro 3 inch carabiners are a small double action carabiner, and excellent for rope rigging, or just about any utility application, advertised with a 12kN load rating. Available on Amazon:
3″ Metal, Black
These non locking carabiners are rated for 1100 lb. They are fine for utility applications like hanging a backpack.
2.3″ Aluminum, Black
These 2.3″ Black Aluminum non-locking carabiners are just a little larger and a more open shape, but not as strong as the Steel.
Black 2.3″ Aluminum Carabiner (6 pack)
2″ Steel, Black
These 2″ Black, Steel, non-locking Carabiners are great for all kinds of accessory applications. JRB likes to keep one on the ground end of his throwball line, and keep a finger in it while making the throw
Black 2″ Steel Carabiners (10 pack)