The Best Locking Carabiners

A locking carabiner is a high-density metal loop that fastens together integral parts of critical safety systems. A carabiner can mean the difference between life and death. Locking carabiners are used in a number of extreme sports, including rock climbing, ice climbing, spelunking and sailing, as well as in professional activities like emergency search and rescue, high-rise window cleaning and construction. Typically, locking carabiners are used in conjunction with special ropes or high-grade webbing.

  1. Black Diamond Rocklock Twistlock Carabiner

    • This lightweight, high-density carabiner automatically locks for safety. This model was voted the best locking carabiner by Backpacker magazine in their 2011 Editor's Choice Awards issue. It's simple, fast and reliable, which means you can lock it and move on without worry. When locked, it can withstand 24 kilonewtons, or 5,396 pounds, of force. Highly durable and extremely safe, this is rated the best locking carabiner on the market today.

    Petzl Attache 3D HMS Screwgate Carabiner

    • This Petzl model locking carabiner has a manual locking system that shows a red band to indicate the carabiner is fully locked and safe for use. It's a slightly smaller and lighter-weight model than many others, making it maneuverable and easy to use. It's special rope-bearing surface shape enhances rope positioning and movement. The rounded 3D shape also works particularly well with Gri-Gri belay devices. The Attache can bear 22 kilonewtons, or 4,956 pounds, of force when locked.

    Omega Pacific 1/2-Inch Standard D Screw-Lok Locking Carabiner - Steel

    • This steel model locking carabiner is specially designed for heavy duty applications, like search and rescue, caving and construction. It is larger than many other carabiners on the market, and thus can manage multiple ropes and components. It is heat-treated and tested to withstand 72 kilonewtons, or over 8,000 pounds, of force when locked. Built like a tank, this is one of the strongest carabiners available.

    Black Diamond GridLock Belay Screwgate Locking Carabiner

    • This uniquely shaped locking carabiner is hot-forged so that the metal becomes malleable and can be formed into this intricate shape. The result is a grid-lock design that keeps the carabiner properly oriented to the components its attached to, which prevents accidents and cross-loading. Recreational Equipment, Inc. (REI) experts note that this lightweight design is intuitive, innovative and adds an extra safety feature to the typical carabiner design. When locked, it can resist 22 kilonewtons, or 4,956 pounds, of force.