Metolius Element Key Lock Carabiner

used in a tree rigging jobSummary: Covering a couple of related products I used in a tree cutting. The tree had a slight lean towards houses, so as added insurance I wanted to put a rope on it just to pull it back (in addition to wedging it). The tree is an Albezia, which is a light wood (like balsa), and very weak; but this one was probably 40 feet tall by 6-7" at the trunk, so still enough to cause a bit of irritation for the neighbors.3) Metolius Element Key Lock Carabiner (3 each)https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B0026LXQ8OPros: big beefy carabiner; locking gate is simple to operateCons: just a bit heavyPros/Cons also listed below for individual items.1) Rope: generic 3/8" poly rope (from the hardware store)2) PETZL Fixe Pulley (2 each)https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B0035POG52Pros: simple operation, can insert/remove rope in middleCons: bushing, not bearing3) Metolius Element Key Lock Carabiner (3 each)https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B0026LXQ8OPros: big beefy carabiner; locking gate is simple to operateCons: just a bit heavy4) Fusion Climb Aluminum Descender Plate (1 each)https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B008KEDV36Pros: great fit/finish, bright color (hard to lose)Cons: none5) Keeper (02604 6' x 1" Lift Sling, 1 Ply (1 each, pulley anchor point)https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B00I5HRFSUPros: black wear guard on endsCons: none6) GM CLIMBING 8mm (5/16) Prusik Loop Pre-Sewn 18 inches/24 inches (1 each, anchor point)https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B01M5FIZUBPros: Nice stiching; clear shrink wrap for protection of stiching; loops sizes can be adjustedCons: none

These carabiners are great. I read the reviews about the threads on the lock being too fine and I agree, when comparing to other carabiners I have used, they are definitely more finely threaded and it definitely does take more revolutions to close them. The obvious complaint is it takes way too long to lock these down when compared to others. There is a safety benefit in that it also takes more revolutions to open and may be a bit more secure from that aspect. So, to handle this when I am using these carabiners... I swipe my palm across the lock from palm heel to finger tips and in about 2 swipes it’s open or closed.

I can't speak to the quality of this carabiner as a climbing apparatus as the most strenuous demand I make of mine is carrying my keys, but I have had two of these exact carabiners for the past 5 or 6 years and it works just as well today as it did when I got it. The paint has worn down over the years but who really cares about the paint on a tool anyway? The only​ downside I've seen is the lock can get stuck if you torque it down too tight and it can be difficult to get unstuck, but that has only happened twice and was probably more user error than anything.

I made linesman’s belt with Samson Predator rope and bought this carabiner to pair with a ropeman 1 ascender. It works well with it. The only gripe I have is the small threads to lock the gate. It’s not a big deal for me but may be for someone else.

I use this mostly to hold my gloves onto my gunbelt. Works perfectly.

This biner may be on the heavy side for it's size but I had one of these on my ATC for a long time. Way before everyone started making Anti-cross loading gates into biners. While this one may not eliminate the possibility, I have never had a problem with it cross loading, as opposed to standard pear-shapes. In addition, it works well with a grigri and can be used to rig anchors or sliacklines can be used with a munter or whatever you like- as opposed to those specialty devices. Anyway, I bought another because it got stolen from my car a couple years ago and I have missed it. Too bad they are so hard to find any more.

I bought these for our home made zipline runs. They're PERFECT. Rated 23kN = plenty strong even for my 250 lb self. Easy to use key lock; my 8 year old has no problems hooking himself up. For those not familiar, the key lock is the one where you twist the knurled knob 90 degrees and open the gate. They look very much like the screw lock which requires turning the knob and unscrewing it a ways before you can open the gate. The key lock is MUCH quicker to open and just as secure. These are VERY well priced compared to the alternative products.

really like it over steel because of weight