Petzl Am'D Screw-Lock Locking Carabiner

The Petzl Am'D Screw-Lock is a Petzl locking carabiner built on the same asymmetric D frame as the auto-locking Am'D, with a manual screw gate. It suits connections you set and leave, such as a pulley on a bridge or a device that stays clipped all day.

When to pick a screw gate

A screw gate is simple and reliable, but it only locks when you lock it. That makes it a good choice for connections you rarely open, and a poor one for connections you open all day. For those, the Am'D Triact-Lock locks itself.

Check your company policy and the applicable standard; many require self-locking connectors in certain positions.

The Am'D frame is the same shape climbers already know from the auto-locking version. The asymmetric D keeps the load close to the spine and leaves a wide end for hitches, rope eyes and pulleys, and the keylock nose slides through sewn eyes without snagging.

Habits and inspection

Screw the gate closed and check it with a squeeze every time. Vibration and rope movement can work a screw gate loose, so recheck during the day. Look for grit in the threads, rope wear and cracks. Life-support gear has to meet the applicable standard and the manufacturer's instructions, get inspected before every climb, and be used only by trained climbers.

Clean the threads when they get gritty. Sap and sawdust make a screw gate stiff, which makes it more likely you will leave it partly unlocked. Rinse it in warm water, dry it and retire any carabiner that has taken a hard drop or shows cracks or deep rope grooves.