The Best Carabiners

Buying Guide

Carabiners are one of the most versatile items on the market. Whenever you need to attach something to something else, a carabiner can do the job. Some people choose to use them as a keychain, while others attach them to a keyring to hook their keys to an item like a tote bag or backpack.

There are many different types of carabiners, so it’s important to know the design elements before you choose one. Most of the body of a carabiner is its spine, which serves as a support. The opening is called the gate, and it opens and closes, forming a solid seal with the nose. The nose has a small notch in it that helps to distribute the weight evenly among the entire body.

Carabiners have strength ratings, ranging from the type that can be used to attach your keyring to your bag to carabiners that can support hundreds of pounds. Some even use carabiners to attach extremely heavy items like punching bags, and carabiners are even used in rock climbing. But before you choose a carabiner for heavy-duty use, make sure you understand the strength ratings.

Climbing carabiners are strength rated by one or both climbing manufacturers. CE certification is mandatory, while UIAA certification is optional. You’ll see the certification on each carabiner. The strength ratings are as follows:

• Minor axis: This is the lowest rating because this type of carabiner can rotate during use, shifting the load. A minor axis carabiner has a fully closed symbol on it, along with vertical arrows above and below the symbol.
• Open gate: This type of carabiner runs the risk of the gate opening, potentially putting loads in danger. It is symbolized on the carabiner with the image of an open gate and horizontal arrows on both the left and right of the symbol.
• Major axis: This type of carabiner is certified as the strongest and is symbolized by a fully closed symbol and horizontal arrows on the left and right. Climbers look for this type of certification before choosing a carabiner, so this type can be trusted up to the weight capacity listed on it.

• Carabiners are typically sold in sets, which can come in handy for your entire household. You’ll each have matching carabiners as you’re out and about.
• In addition to looking at the carabiner itself for the certified strength rating, also pay attention to the weight capacity on the packaging itself. Some carabiners can only support items like keys and flashlights, while others can hold hundreds of pounds, even supporting your full body weight.
• A carabiner’s gate can vary in ease of use. Look for one with a solid, spring-loaded design if you need a carabiner you can operate with one hand.
• With some carabiners, the gate can have slightly sharp edges that scrape your skin as you use it. Although it’s a small detail, having one with smooth, rounded edges can improve the operating experience substantially.
• The length of each carabiner can vary. Check those measurements before you buy a set to make sure you’re getting one that meets your needs.
• For durability, you can’t go wrong with stainless steel, especially if your carabiner will be exposed to the elements. Stainless steel will resist corrosion and rust to hold up over many years of use.
• Although the appearance of your carabiner might not seem like a big deal at first, it can make carrying it around a little more fun. Carabiners tend to have a standard metal look, but you can find some with a sportier appearance and coating and ridging that really make them stand out.
• Carabiners come in a variety of colors, even if you’re choosing one that’s steel. This will allow you to match your carabiner to the bag you’ll be carrying it with.
• Some carabiners come with keyrings. This isn’t necessary, no doubt, since you can buy keyrings with spare change, but it can be a nice extra touch, especially if you’re gifting a carabiner set.