Rigging Carabiners

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Heavy Duty Carabiners

Tree rigging involves large forces that test the strength of your tree rigging equipment, which is why we provide the best assortment of super-strong tree rigging gear and provide the information you need to safely get the job done. Whether you need a speedline setup, or a rugged set of tree removal equipment, you'll find everything you need right here.

Check out some of our videos on the Treestuff YouTube for great info on tree rigging topics - like How to Lower Limbs with a Port-a-Wrap, How to Use a GRCS, Basics of Rigging Thimbles, and Arborist Rigging Blocks Compared. Maybe you're already a tree rigging nerd and you want to learn about advanced ways that you can implement your tree rigging equipment - then you'll want to check out our Micro Rigging Lab Series where experts show off specialist techniques.

What Makes a Heavy Duty Carabiner Clip Special?

While many carabiners you see sold in stores are accessories, heavy duty carabiners are constructed as tools. These are designed for their strength in rigging applications, and they come with a few ratings attached to them. One rating is a measurement of how much weight the clip can hold vertically on its spine. Carabiners are designed with the spine in mind, and this is where the load should be distributed. However, there are instances in which a carabiner shifts and the weight may be distributed over the gate. Therefore, there is a second rating for the gate specifically, typically about 1/3 that of the spine.

If there are no ratings on the carabiners you're looking at, don't purchase them. When climbing, carabiners are meant for life-loads. When they don't have a rating, they're not tested, meaning that they may not keep you safe while you're suspended.

Looking at Carabiner Designs

Generally speaking, there are four different carabiner designs that are used in climbing products. These four designs are listed below:

  • Pear-Shaped: Carabiners that rotate more readily. Must be used with experience, as they may result in poor positioning.
  • Wide-Opening: Carabiners with a wider opening, allowing attachment to anchors and cables.
  • Oval-Shaped: Carabiners with a symmetric shape for even load distribution.
  • D-Shaped: Carabiners that position loads closer to the spine side of the frame.

Common Materials Used

Carabiners are made from steel, aluminum, or plastic. Plastic examples are less commonly seen in tree climbing applications. For the most part, you'll find steel and aluminum. Steel is heavier than aluminum, but it's the strongest material available and is used for load-bearing applications. It does need maintenance though, as it may rust in some cases. Aluminum is lightweight, and strong as well. A few of each should be in the backpacks of all arborists.

Does My Carabiner Need a Lock?

Locks are an integral part of the carabiner. Locks make sure that nothing slips loose, in the event of ropes being moved or load distributions changing. Most locks are in the form of a barrel, allowing the gate to be sealed shut. Some come in the form of a keylock nose, a small hook on the carabiner's gate itself.

Climbing Carabiners That You Can Trust

When you browse the selection of carabiners and snaps, you're looking at the brands that we trust. At Treestuff, we aim to provide the highest quality gear that we can to our customers. That's especially true when it comes to carabiners. These aren't just accessories for your camping hammock or your backpack, after all.

As always, safety and quality are the utmost concern. If you're not sure what you need or have any questions, please ask a Treestuff specialist by using our online chat. You can also reach us at info@treestuff.com and by calling 877-408-7337.

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