Caribiners

Carabiners are widely used in rope-intensive activities such as climbing, caving, sailing, hot air ballooning, rope rescue, construction, industrial rope work, window cleaning, whitewater rescue, and acrobatics. They are predominantly made from both steel and aluminum. Those used in sports tend to be of a lighter weight than those used in commercial applications and rope rescue. Often referred to as carabiner-style or as mini-biners, carabiner keyrings and other light-use clips of similar style and design have also become popular. Most are stamped with a "Not For Climbing" or similar warning due to a common lack of load-testing and safety standards in manufacturing. While from an etymological perspective any metal attaching link with a spring gate is technically a carabiner, the strict usage among the climbing community specifically refers only to those devices manufactured and tested for load-bearing in safety-critical systems like rock and mountain climbing, typically rated to 20 kN or more.

S-Biners

Made of both lightweight plastic and aluminum and available in a variety of colors, the Nite-Ize double-gated design has the functionality of caribiners, with an endless variety of uses. Ultra-handy dual spring gates will hold, secure, and connect everything from house keys and cell phone holsters to technical camping gear. Smaller-sized S-Biners (#2) are excellent for securing individual keys to rings or zippers on clothing and for connecting two zipper sliders on backpacks, duffels, and suitcases. Medium sizes (#4 - #6) connect everything from water bottles (to belt loops or backpacks), boots, skates, waders, sports gear, and garden gloves. Identify at a glance while you organize - choose different colors to differentiate sets of keys, luggage, car fobs, ski passes, and all your other organized personal items.