Petzl Swivel Open

The Petzl Swivel Open is a bearing swivel with one side that opens, so you can put it on a saddle bridge or closed loop without taking anything apart. It stops your climbing system from twisting while you work and spin in the tree.

What the openable side solves

Most swivels have two closed eyes, so you need connectors on both sides. The Swivel Open lets you open one side and put it straight onto a rope bridge or another closed loop. That removes a carabiner from the stack, shortens the system, and keeps the swivel's orientation consistent.

Climbers often use it on the bridge with the climbing device below it, so the device can rotate as you move around the tree without twisting the rope. See other options in our swivels.

In single-rope setups, the swivel also keeps the device oriented to the rope as you work out a limb and come back, so the line does not twist up between the anchor and your saddle. Less twist means a smoother descent and fewer kinks at the end of the day.

Inspection and use

Before each climb, check that the swivel turns freely, the openable side closes and locks fully, and there are no cracks, sharp edges, or worn spots. Retire it after a shock load or any sign of damage.

Make sure the opening side is closed and secured every time you load it. Use it only in the configurations Petzl approves, and follow the maker's instructions and ANSI Z133 practice for life-support gear.