Carabiners & Quickdraws

Climbing carabiners (connectors) are certified to the CE EN 12275 standard. They differ by shape and locking system:

• With locking gate: for critical points (belay, anchor, descender), the lock prevents accidental opening.
• Without lock (snap gate): for runners, where speed matters.
• Type K: specific for via ferrata sets.

Shapes (pear/HMS, D, oval) suit different uses. Strength is marked in kN on the body of the carabiner. Always check the EN 12275 marking.

Climbing equipment has a lifespan stated by the maker in the instruction booklet, which must be respected. In general:

• Textile gear (harness, rope, slings, ferrata set): limited lifespan, roughly a few years, shortened by heavy use, UV, damp and abrasion.
• Metal gear (carabiners, belay devices, crampons): longer lifespan, but replace it when worn, deformed, cracked or after heavy loading.

Any item that has taken a major fall or shows damage must be retired. When in doubt, do not use it. Safety depends on periodic checking of every component.