Carabiner

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A Carabiner is a metal loop, which can be opened on one side. The other side is often called spine. Carabiners are often used for rock climbing, sailing and canoeing. They also are often used for construction of high buildings or window cleaning. The word comes from the German word "Karabinerhaken", which means "hook for a carbine".

[change] Use in climbing

In rock climbing a special kind of carabiner is used. This carabiner is called HMS. HMS is German and is short for "Halbmastwurfsicherung", a knot which is called Munter Hitch in English. HMS carabiners a very strong. They can hold loads greater 20 kN. All HMS carabiners have a screw lock, or other locking device. Other securing devices like a Grigri or an ATC must be used in combination with a HMS carabiner.