How to Use Carabiners
Carabiners are simple, ingenious inventions that, when used properly, can help secure a human being, dangling from a fully exposed rock face or a job site on a building. Palm-sized or smaller, carabiners are nothing but oblong loops where part of a long side opens inward as a gate, to allow the entry of climbing gear. Here’s how to make sure your trust in the handy carabiner is justified.
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Instructions
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Wear a climbing harness and be certain that its front loop is inside the carabiner that will connect it to the rope. Most climbers rely on partners to double-check their assembly.
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Insert the rope's pulley into the same carabiner.
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After both components are inside the carabiner, the gate is allowed to close outward so that it is in line with the remainder of the loop.
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Nonlocking carabiners require no further action. The gate moves only in an inward direction.
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In locking carabiners, the gate also moves in an inward direction only. As an additional safety measure, however, a metal sleeve is screwed over the gate opening. This is a simple action, requiring a few quick twists with one’s fingers.
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Tips & Warnings
In recreational climbing, the rope will lead from your harness, through an attachment point on the rock face, and back down to a person “on belay,” the climbing partner who is prepared to stop the flow of the rope should you let go of the rock.
If working at a height or performing a lead climb, you may establish your own attachment points for the rope, using bolts you place to limit the amount of slack.
Imitation carabiners are sold as novelty items, especially for use as keyrings. These are not designed as weight-bearing safety equipment, and most are printed with warnings that say so.
