SMC XL Steel Screw Lock Carabiner

The SMC XL steel screw lock carabiner is a large steel connector with a screw lock gate. The XL size gives room for wide slings, thick rope, and several pieces of hardware, and steel takes the wear of rigging work.

When you need a big one

Rigging points get crowded. A block, a sling, and a rope eye in one standard carabiner can bunch up and load awkwardly. An XL steel carabiner gives those pieces room to sit properly, and steel will not groove under rope the way aluminum does.

Climbers and groundies also use a big steel carabiner for heavy gear lines and lowering setups. As with any screw lock, close the sleeve every time and check it by hand. Keep in mind the extra weight if you plan to carry it on the saddle all day.

Inspection and retirement

Before each climb, open the gate and let it snap shut. It should close fully and lock on its own without sticking. Look for cracks, sharp edges, grooves worn by rope, and deformation at the nose or hinge. Sap and grit are the usual cause of a lazy gate, so rinse and dry the carabiner and keep the gate mechanism clean.

Retire any carabiner that has been dropped from height onto a hard surface, shock loaded, or shows wear you cannot explain. Read the markings on the spine and confirm they meet what your system needs. Life-support gear must meet the applicable standard (ANSI Z133 and the manufacturer's instructions), be inspected before every climb, and be used only by trained climbers. See more screw gate carabiners.