Alternative to Biners

Was at Lowe's yesterday just walking around, and I found a cheaper alternative to climbing rated carabiners. (Don't know if this has been posted yet.) Anyway, back in the hardware section, by the ropes and chains, there are Quick Link chain links. These are designed to link chain together. The listed Maximum Breaking Strengths vary depending on the size, but they are all fully locking, steel links. (The highest breaking strength I found was 3600lbs. I know they don't compare to the 31Kn MBS's of climbing carabiners, but for hammock suspensions, 3600 lbs will support most people that I know :D. The cost varies by size, but the largest one I found was only $3. They are marginally heavier than carabiners, but for 1/3 the cost, can't really go wrong.

I have used those in the past, with success. (I'm in the 155lb-ish class.)

As you noted, they are heavier than carabiners. Also, if you don't close the gate (screw-on, not hinged like a carabiner) they can bend open.

If my goggling is correct a Kn is 220 lb, so 31 Kn=6820 lb. If cost is an issue those things will work. You have to make sure that you screw the thing closed really well though. I'm no expert, but I think the biners are rated for a dynamic load vs the static load on these links. Don't know that it makes a difference for our application since there are much weaker links in the system that will fail first. Personally I like using a soft shackle, much lighter and I can make them my self.

Don't get them wet, they rust up pretty good making the screw on hard to turn on and off.

Soft shackles made from 1/8" amsteel have a break strength of over 2000 lbs. I use them made from 7/64 amsteel. In fact most whoopies are made from 7/64 amsteel. That is rated at around 1600 lbs. Soft shackles are easy and fun to make in about 15 minutes, will not rust and weigh almost nothing. Cost per shackle is around $0.25 plus your labor.

Well suited climbing biners are about $6 at rei??

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Originally Posted by nj4x4fever

Don't get them wet, they rust up pretty good making the screw on hard to turn on and off.

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True true.....keep em sprayed down with something in case you get caught in the rain...

It's always good to have alternatives.
Like when you're all packed up to go tomorrow and realize you never ordered a new biner to replace the one that got bent somehow. Well you don't have time to order one so you swing by Lowe's/Ace/HD/HF on the way out of town and all is well.
Whew! That was close. Almost had to put the Mrs. on the ground.

I know that carabiners aren't that expensive, but here in Hawaii, there are no REI's or Dicks SG, or (fill in the National Sporting Goods chain). The only way to get climbing stuff is to order from online and pay premium for shipping. Just making an observation about an alternative.

That shipping thing would suck!!! Ever look into something like Amazon Prime? It looks like you'd get free shipping but it wouldn't be 2 day like the rest of us. If you or someone in your house is a student you might be able to do the student account which is half price.

At least you have a West Marine there on the island. They will do a price match with Redden Marine's online amsteel price.

Yeah, I've got Prime and it does save on shipping cost, just not shipping time.

I know numerous climbers who use quick links for disposable biners. I've been using them for my home hammock for the past year+ without a problem (I'm around 225 lbs).

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Originally Posted by Timberrr

It's always good to have alternatives.
...Whew! That was close. Almost had to put the Mrs. on the ground.

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Yeah, right..the MRS is going to ground...like that'll happen before pigs fly!!:laugh::laugh:

I have used stainless steel shackles. I can't remember the weight rating, but I have two that I use with my Turtledog stand. No worry about them bending and not being able to close them, as the pin needs to be in place to use. And the stainless is less likely to corrode in wet weather.....RR