Safety

Carabiners, small metal ovals with opening gates, are used extensively in rock climbing and mountaineering as a connection between the rope/climber and the protection attached to the rock wall/ice sheet. Engineering advances in the last twenty years have enabled carabiners to become far lighter, an advantage when weight is an issue and each additional ounce is counted.  With this new technology, however, comes the question, how safe are these carabiners for climbing?

A recent study published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine establishes what rock climbing enthusiasts have long known: injuries - especially to fingers, elbows and shoulders - are common, especially among frequent, advanced climbers.