Choosing the Right Carabiner Shape

Article and graphics by Petzl.

Petzl designs carabiners in several shapes and with an assortment of locking systems. With so many different carabiner shapes available, this allows the user to choose the most appropriate and efficient features for a specific or a wide variety of uses. Choosing the wrong carabiner often translates to reduced efficiency and/or comfort. In extreme cases, it can reduce the level of safety as well.

A good choice of carabiner shape can increase ergonomics and security for certain uses.

The shape of the carabiner frame has an influence on:

• major axis strength

• load distribution

• gate opening size, and capacity

• strength in certain positions

• ease of handling
 

Another less obvious effect is the balance of the carabiner itself: for example, pear-shaped carabiners rotate more readily, which can result in poor positioning. D-shaped carabiners tend to stay in place better. Understanding how different carabiner shapes affect balance and movement can help in choosing the right one for the activity

 

DISCLAIMER: The information outlined above is non-exhaustive, and customers should refer directly to the Petzl website for proper Petzl equipment uses, misuses, updates, and changes to tech notices that will be modified from year to year.