At Safety Harness Direct, we offer a large selection of carabiners and climbing clips for use with our harnesses. But with such a variety to choose from, it can be difficult to know which carabiner is the right choice for you.
In this blog, we will unpack the key differences between twist lock and screw lock carabiners so that you can make an informed purchasing decision.
Screw Lock Carabiner
Screw lock carabiners (also known as screw gate carabiners) are manually locked by screwing the gate shut. Once the locking mechanism is screwed into position, the gate will be locked into place and the carabiner is safe to use.
Pictured: Steel Screw Lock Karabiner
Pros
- Easy to lock and unlock with one hand
- Lighter than auto-locking carabiners
- Cheapest type of carabiner
- Reliable and secure even in challenging conditions
Cons
- It is possible to forget to lock the carabiner
- The screw sleeve can sometimes lock in place, making it difficult to open
- Screwing and unscrewing requires more effort than an automatic lock
- Strong vibrations and repetitive rubbing against a rough surface can occasionally cause the thread to move on its own
Twist Lock Carabiner
Twist lock carabiners (also known as automatic carabiners) look quite similar to screw lock carabiners, but the difference is that they automatically lock when the gate is closed. To open the carabiner, you have to twist the gate and pull it open; the gate will then automatically close and lock again once it is released.
Pictured: IKAR IKV17 Large Steel Twist Lock Scaffold Karabiner
Pros
- Easier to open with gloves on
- No fear of forgetting to lock the carabiner (great for beginners!)
- No time or effort required to lock, making it ideal for situations where regular repositioning is required
- Prevents accidental unlocking
Cons
- Generally more expensive than screw lock carabiners
- Tend to be heavier than screw lock carabiners
- Not as easy to use one-handed
- It can be difficult to quickly identify whether the carabiner is actually locked without pressing on the gate
So, Which Carabiner Should I Use?
At the end of the day, you can use twist lock carabiners anywhere you would use a screw lock carabiner and the choice is completely up to you. It is always best to try both styles for yourself and see which one you prefer and which one is better for the task at hand.
For more advice on which carabiner is best for you, please don’t hesitate to contact Safety Harness Direct and a member of our team will be happy to help!
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